JPH11331155A - Device and method for receiving information, device and method for transmitting the information and providing medium - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To deal with a changes in the number of terminals to be participated in a video conference system or the like. SOLUTION: Information concerning a communicating party is inputted beforehand in a step S1. When any communication path with the inputted communicating party is not generated, the communication path is generated while using an AMI net setup protocol(ASP) in a step S5. After the communication path is generated, the reception of data is started. Whether it is under receiving operation or not is decided in a step S7, and it is decided that it is under receiving operation, processing after a step S2 is repeated. By repeating this processing from step S2 to S6, the communication path to the newly connected terminal can be generated.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

[0001] The present invention relates to an information receiving apparatus and method, an information transmitting apparatus and method, an information transmitting and receiving apparatus and method, and a providing medium. The present invention relates to an information receiving device and method, an information transmitting device and method, an information transmitting and receiving device and method, and a providing medium that enable transmission and reception of a large amount of data without causing any occurrence and that terminals that are not set in advance are not connected.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art In recent years, not only character information but also high-definition still images, moving images, and voices having a large amount of information have been transmitted on the Internet.
By using voice and image communication in real time,
A so-called Internet video conference system has been realized.

[0003]

However, as described above, in addition to the increase in the amount of information transmitted on the Internet, the number of Internet users has increased rapidly. )
Are crowded, the time required to access the server increases, or some information is lost during communication.

[0004] Also, since the Internet does not guarantee the bandwidth, it transmits and receives data at a low bandwidth, and thus uses compressed data. Accordingly, there has been a problem that a delay occurs or only a few frames of moving images are delayed per second, so that only awkward moving images can be transmitted.

[0005] The present invention has been made in view of such a situation, and is intended to transmit and receive a smooth moving image without losing data by using AMInet.

[0006]

According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided an information receiving apparatus, wherein a communication path is formed between input means for inputting information of a plurality of communication partners and a communication partner input by the input means. Determining means for determining whether or not a communication path has been generated, generating means for generating a communication path for a communication partner for which a communication path has not been generated, and receiving data using the communication path. And a repetition means for repeatedly performing a communication path generation process by the generation means based on the judgment of the judgment means.

[0007] According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, there is provided an information receiving method, comprising the steps of: inputting information of a plurality of communication partners; and determining whether a communication path is generated between the communication partners input in the input step. A determining step of determining, a generating step of generating a communication path for a communication partner for which a communication path has not been generated in the determining step, a receiving step of receiving data using the communication path, A repetition step of repeatedly performing a communication path generation process by a generation step based on the determination of the step.

[0008] The providing medium according to claim 7 determines whether or not a communication path has been created between the input step of inputting information of a plurality of communication partners and the communication partner input in the input step. A determining step of generating a communication path for a communication partner for which a communication path has not been generated in the determining step; a receiving step of receiving data using the communication path; And a computer readable program for executing a process including a repetition step of repeatedly performing a generation process of the communication channel by the generation step based on the determination of the above.

[0009] According to an eighth aspect of the present invention, there is provided an information transmitting apparatus comprising: first generating means for generating a communication path for a predetermined communication partner; and determining whether a communication path exists between the communication partner and the first generation means. Determining means for determining, a second generating means for generating a communication path for a communication partner having no communication path when the determining means determines that the communication path does not exist; Transmitting means for transmitting data using the communication path generated by the generating means or the second generating means; and repetitive means for repeatedly performing the processing of generating the communication path by the second generating means based on the judgment of the judging means. It is characterized by having.

[0010] According to a tenth aspect of the present invention, in the information transmitting method, a first generating step of generating a communication path for a predetermined communication partner, and determining whether a communication path exists between the communication partner and the communication partner. A determining step of determining, a second generating step of generating a communication path for a communication partner having no communication path when it is determined that the communication path does not exist in the determining step; A transmission step of transmitting data using the communication path generated in the generation step or the second generation step, and a repetition step of repeatedly performing a communication path generation process in the second generation step based on the determination in the determination step. It is characterized by including.

[0011] The providing medium according to the eleventh aspect includes a first generation step of generating a communication path for a predetermined communication partner, and determining whether a communication path exists between the communication medium and the communication partner. And a second generation step of generating a communication path for a communication partner whose communication path does not exist when it is determined that the communication path does not exist in the determination step; A transmission step of transmitting data using the communication path generated in the step or the second generation step, and a repetition step of repeatedly performing a communication path generation process in the second generation step based on the determination in the determination step. A computer-readable program for executing a process is provided.

An information transmitting / receiving apparatus according to a twelfth aspect of the present invention includes a first generating means for generating a communication path with a predetermined communication partner, a transmitting / receiving means for transmitting / receiving data using the communication path, and a communication path. During the communication, a determination means for determining whether or not a communication path exists with all the set communication partners, and a communication is newly performed when the determination means determines that the communication path does not exist. And a second generating means for generating a road.

According to a fourteenth aspect of the present invention, there is provided an information transmitting / receiving method comprising: a first generating step of generating a communication path with a predetermined communication partner; a transmitting / receiving step of transmitting / receiving data using the communication path; During the communication, a determination step is performed to determine whether or not a communication path exists with all the set communication partners, and if it is determined in the determination step that the communication path does not exist, a new communication is performed. And a second generation step of generating a road.

According to a fifteenth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a providing medium including a first generation step of generating a communication path with a predetermined communication partner, a transmission / reception step of transmitting / receiving data using the communication path, and a communication path. While determining that a communication path exists between all of the set communication partners, and if it is determined in the determination step that the communication path does not exist, a new communication path is established. And a second generation step of generating a computer-readable program.

[0015] The information receiving apparatus according to claim 1, and claim 6.
In the information receiving device described in the above, and the providing medium described in the claim 7, information of a plurality of communication partners is input, and it is determined whether or not a communication path is created between the communication partner and the input communication partner. A communication channel is generated for a communication partner for which a communication channel has not been generated, data is received using the generated communication channel, and a communication partner for which a communication channel has not been generated is generated. The communication path is repeatedly generated.

An information transmitting device according to claim 8, wherein
In the information transmission method described in Item No. 0 and the providing medium described in Item 11, it is determined whether or not a communication path exists with a communication partner, and when it is determined that the communication path does not exist. A communication path is generated for a communication partner whose communication path does not exist, data is transmitted using the generated communication path, and communication is not performed while the communication path exists. Generation of a communication path with the other party is repeatedly performed.

In the information transmitting / receiving apparatus according to the twelfth aspect, the information transmitting / receiving method according to the fourteenth aspect, and the providing medium according to the fifteenth aspect, a communication path with a predetermined communication partner is generated. Is used to transmit and receive data, and while a communication path exists, it is repeatedly determined whether or not a communication path exists with all set communication partners, and the communication path exists. If not, a new communication path is created.

[0018]

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Embodiments of the present invention will be described below. In order to clarify the correspondence between each means of the invention described in the claims and the following embodiments, each means is described. When the features of the present invention are described by adding the corresponding embodiment (however, an example) in parentheses after the parentheses, the result is as follows. However, of course, this description does not mean that each means is limited to those described.

An information receiving apparatus according to a first aspect of the present invention provides communication between input means (for example, step S1 in FIG. 3) for inputting information on a plurality of communication partners and a communication partner input by the input means. Determining means (for example, step S4 in FIG. 3) for determining whether or not a communication path has been generated, and generating a communication path for a communication partner whose communication path has been determined not to be generated by the determining means. Means (for example, step S5 in FIG. 3), receiving means for receiving data using the communication path (for example, step S7 in FIG. 3), and communication channel generation processing based on the judgment by the judgment means. It is characterized by comprising a repetition means (for example, steps S2 to S7 in FIG. 3) for performing repetition.

The information transmitting apparatus according to the present invention is characterized in that a first generating means (for example, step S11 in FIG. 12) for generating a communication path for a predetermined communication partner and a communication partner. A determining means for determining whether or not a communication path exists (for example, step S14 in FIG. 12), and, when the determining means determines that the communication path does not exist, a communication partner having no such communication path Second generation means for generating a communication path for (for example, step S15 in FIG. 12)
Transmitting means (for example, step S17 in FIG. 12) for transmitting data using the communication path generated by the first generating means or the second generating means; and second generating means based on the judgment of the judging means (For example, step S1 in FIG. 12)
2 to S17).

An information transmitting / receiving apparatus according to a twelfth aspect of the present invention transmits and receives data using first communication means (for example, step S11 in FIG. 12) for generating a communication path with a predetermined communication partner. (For example, step S17 in FIG. 12), and a judging unit (for example, for judging whether or not a communication path exists between all the set communication partners while the communication path exists). Step S1 in FIG.
4) and a second generation unit (for example, step S15 in FIG. 12) that newly generates a communication channel when the communication unit does not exist by the determination unit.

FIG. 1 shows a configuration example of a video conference system to which the present invention is applied. Here, a case where three venues hold a meeting as participants will be described as an example. In the venue A, a video camera 1a, a personal computer 2a,
A monitor 3a, a speaker 4a, and a microphone 5a are provided.

An image picked up by the video camera 1a is input to a personal computer 2a, subjected to predetermined processing, and output to a monitor 3a. The voice captured by the microphone 5a is also input to the personal computer 2a. Also, the personal computer 2a converts the input image and sound into AMInet (trademark) 1
0 to other venues, or process images and sound from other venues, and monitor 3a and speaker 4a, respectively.
Output to

The venues B and C have the same configuration. The personal computers 2a to 2c installed in each venue are connected to each other by AMInet 10. The AMInet 10 is a network that starts transmission and reception of data after resource reservation, as described later. In this specification, resource reservation means generation of a communication path for transmitting and receiving data and securing of a band.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the internal configuration of the personal computer 2a. Video data captured by the video camera 1a is input to the personal computer 2a via the video capture 25. The sound captured by the microphone 5a is input to the personal computer 2a via the sound card 26.

The audio data transmitted via the AMInet 10 is input to the personal computer 2a via the network card 24, and is output to the speaker 4a via the sound card 26. Also, image data transmitted via AMInet 10 is similar to audio data,
The data is input to the personal computer 2a via the network card 24 and output to the monitor 3a via the frame buffer 22.

The CPU 21 controls the above-described units according to a program stored in the memory 23.

In order to transmit and receive data using AMInet 10, it is necessary to reserve resources. This resource reservation can be performed by either the receiver or the sender. First, a case where the receiver creates a communication path as a resource reservation with reference to the flowchart of FIG. explain.

Here, the personal computer 1a installed in the venue A is a receiver, and the personal computer 1b installed in the venue B is a sender. Step S
In 1, the user of the venue A inputs the address of the communication partner (the venue B and the venue C in this case) to the personal computer 1a. Here, assuming that the number of terminals that attend the video conference is N (hereinafter, appropriately referred to as the number of terminals N), the number of terminals N is equal to the number of input addresses + 1.
Therefore, in this case, the number of terminals N is 3. Also, for the input address, i
(Hereinafter, appropriately described as a sender i). Here, the venue B is the sender 1 and the venue C is the sender 2.

In step S2, the CPU 21 of the personal computer 1a sets the above-mentioned value of the sender i to 1, which is the initial value. Then, in step S3, it is determined whether or not the sender i is equal to or less than (N-1). Steps S3 to S6 are processing for generating a communication path so that data can be mutually communicated to each venue. Also, in order for the venue A to connect the other venue B and the venue C,
It suffices that there are two communication paths that are one less than the value 3 of the number of terminals N set in step S1. Therefore, step S3 is performed so as not to generate two or more communication paths.
In, it is determined whether or not the sender i is equal to or less than (N−1).

In step S3, the sender i receives (N-
1) If it is determined that the value is the following, the process proceeds to step S4. In step S4, it is determined whether there is a communication channel from sender i. In this case, it is determined whether or not a communication channel with the sender 1 (venue B) exists between the receiver 1 and the venue A. If it does n’t exist,
Proceed to step S5.

In step S5, a communication path with the sender i is generated using the ASP. ASP is AMInet Set up Pr
Abbreviation for otocol. In this case, when creating a communication path and securing a band, the state and information are set on the receiving side, the transmitting side, and a router passing through the path for the creation of the communication path and the securing of the band. Means that.

Here, AMInet and ASP will be described. A
MInet is a next-generation network architecture that solves the problems of existing network architectures. It features connection-oriented QoS (Quality of Service) guarantee, multicast support, separation of identifiers and addresses, non-end-to-end control, dynamic construction of optimal protocol stack by negotiation, and so on. The network based on the AMInet architecture is FTTH (Fiber To Th
e Home) With an eye on the era, it covers not only wide-area backbones but also home networks.

AMInet includes a home router installed in a home network configured in a receiver and a sender, a backbone configuring a large-scale network, and an edge router installed in the vicinity of the backbone. The ATM network serving as the backbone is composed of ATM switches (and optical fibers). Among the ATM switches, the ones with AMInet-specific enhancements such as high-speed signaling are called backbone routers.

The edge router installed around the backbone is connected to the ATM switch in the same way as the backbone router.
It is a function extension unique to net. The edge router is located at a position where the subscriber line is condensed and connected to the backbone, and performs billing for the subscriber and also shapes traffic flowing from the home network to the backbone.

A home router is placed on the sender side and the receiver side. It is assumed that the home router has an ATM as an external network interface, and has an internal network interface such as IEEE1394 or Ethernet (10Mbps / 100Mbps). Since IEEE1394 can guarantee QoS such as securing a band, it has advantages such as enabling QoS-guaranteed communication between end nodes.

Next, ATM and IP (Internet) in AMInet
Realization of real-time communication (ATM)
Control through IP for Real-Time Communication in
AMInet) will be described. This paper describes the backbone assumed by the AMInet project and the resource reservation setup protocol ASP used in the wide area network connecting homes (venues). ASP I
Focusing on the flexibility and adaptability of P and ATM, which is a line-oriented data link, and integrating them,
It aims to realize high-speed and flexible resource reservation. ASP does not use normal ATM signaling, but uses ATM VC (Virtual
Connection) is established dynamically. This article describes ASP features, current prototype implementation, and integration with QoS routing.

[0038] FTTH (Fiber to the Home) and xDSL (digital
Advances in subscriber line) technology will allow homes to use a constantly connected high-speed network that is different from dial-up. In such an environment, Inte
Applications such as grated Services (IS) or large file transfer need to be implemented efficiently. In particular, resource reservation is effective for realizing IS. By introducing resource reservation, the network can guarantee QoS. In the case of bulk data transfer applications, it is also possible to extend the TCP function and use the network itself efficiently.

Here, a resource reservation protocol in AMInet that provides a wide area high-speed network environment: AMInet Set
The up Protocol (ASP) is described. ASP effectively integrates ATM VC technology and IP to provide resource reservation functions. It also supports high-speed resource reservation and dynamic QoS changes, and considers integration with QoS routing.

Next, resource reservation will be described. On the Internet, resource reservation will be required in the future to support IS. The introduction of resource reservation introduces the concept of connection to the Internet, which is originally packet switching. As a result, the use of ATM as a data link is well-matched, and the ATM can easily guarantee QoS.

ASP is a resource reservation setup protocol that operates in an environment consisting of a wide area network, particularly a router based on the AMInet architecture. AMInet consists of a router with ATM switching function, which consists of a backbone and edge routers at the boundary. The resources to be reserved are ATM VCs, queues used for packet processing, and the like. Especially in the case of integration with ATM, normal A
Establish VC in ATM switch or router with ATM function without using TM signaling. Since the setup message is transmitted using IP, high-speed resource reservation can be realized. Therefore, usually, the ATM switch does not use a VC called SVC at all, but dynamically establishes a VC by a message using IP. Such a VC is PVC-on
Call it -demand. Normal SVC by using ASP
A VC can be dynamically established or disconnected in a different form.

Even when using ASP, the data is a normal IP
Will be transferred. There, the IP packets are mapped to specific reserved resources. As a result, ASP can easily adapt to new applications that may come out of the applications used up to now. This mapping is performed by referring to the source and destination IP addresses, the source and destination port numbers, the protocol identifier fields, and the like. Normal IP traffic, ie, best effort traffic (BE), is forwarded through a preset default BE VC. Resources reserved using ASP are not affected by BE traffic. Also,
Flows combined into one VC in consideration of resource saving and the like can coexist without being affected by BE traffic.

Next, a flexible setup mechanism will be described. In ASP, resources can be reserved in various forms in order to use resources efficiently or make reservations in response to application requirements. Internet and AT
In the M environment, there are various types of applications. Video conferencing, remote diagnosis, video on demand (V
oD), there is a broadcast type such as a multicast application using MBone, and an interactive type which transmits data bidirectionally. In either case, it is necessary to efficiently and scalably map QoS parameters to lower layer resource reservation parameters.

For example, in the case of VoD, it is not necessary to establish a VC bidirectionally between a server and a client. This is because data always flows from the server to the client. When using ASP, exchange of ASP-specific messages, exchange of control other than data transfer required by the application (such as a request from the client side to change the movie to be seen in the case of VoD), etc. Layers (for example, the transport layer) need to use other dedicated VC for the exchange, but the default BE
Just use VC. ASP messages are default
Transferred via BE VC or designated dedicated VC.

On the other hand, an interactive video conference application requires a two-way VC. ASP is one way,
It supports both directions. In addition, if interactive,
Supports an asymmetric model that allows different QoS settings for upstream and downstream traffic.

In ASP, RSVP or ST-2 + (Stream Transpor
As in the case of t Protocol-2 +), the resource reservation request can be issued from the receiving side, and can also be issued from the transmitting side.
Depending on the application or environment, there are cases where the sender has QoS information necessary for resource reservation and cases where the receiver has QoS information. In both cases, ASP
Then, it can be set so that all reservations are made in one pass. Further, if necessary, it is possible to wait for a response message indicating that the reservation has been completed.

Next, the dynamic QoS change will be described. ASP
Since the ATM VC is established by the unique setup mechanism, there is no need to prepare another VC in advance, and the QoS of the already reserved resources can be dynamically changed. Applications can also easily upgrade service levels. For example, when simply moving from BE to IS, the data flow can easily be re-mapped from the default BE VC to a new VC.

Next, integration with QoS routing will be described. In ASP, support for route selection by QoS routing is considered at the time of VC setup. Specifically, when resources are reserved, route information is provided from a module that manages a unique routing table for a flow requiring an IS, instead of using a conventional routing table at the IP level. This allows Qo
Different routes can be used for each flow according to the S request and the available resource status of the network.

Although the conventional resource reservation protocol and the routing mechanism have been considered on the premise that they are independent from each other, ASP aims at integration with QoS routing. This is performed by feeding back the resource reservation information held by the ASP to the QoS routing module. This facilitates selection of an alternative route when the reservation fails. Further, resources to be reserved can be distributed throughout the network, and the entire network can be used efficiently without concentrating resource reservations on one path.

Next, the prototype mounting will be described. ASP is implemented in user space as a UNIX daemon process (aspd). The prototype is FreeBSD 2.2.
It is running on 1 and a library (swctl lib) for controlling the ATM switch and a module (afm
ap). Currently, three types of routers are supported, and the home router is a 100Base-T Ethernet
And ATM interface. Edge routers are currently implemented as routers with multiple ATM interfaces. The backbone router consists of an ATM switch and a PC containing an IP engine to control it.

The backbone router uses the above-described switch control library to set PVC-on-demand in the equipped switch. IP that requires IS
Flows are mapped to VCs in CBR. ASP is ATM
The switch supports multicasting by creating one-to-many multicast VCs. It also supports leaf joins and resource reservations.

In consideration of the scalability of ATM resources such as identifiers such as VCI, it is inefficient to map IP flows to VCs on a per-application basis. AS
Using P makes it easy to dynamically combine flows into VCs.

Here, the resource reservation protocol ASP in AMInet has been described. ASP introduced its own setup mechanism, integrating IP flexibility with QoS guarantees from ATM VCs. As a result, dynamic QoS change, integration with QoS routing, flexible setup can be realized, and high-speed setup can be realized by implementing a prototype.

ASP is a lower layer VC having a circuit switching function,
Alternatively, abstract queue allocation (CBQ (Class Based Queuing) class, etc.) that can be provided by the packet scheduler as a resource and associate it so that data flowing in the IP network is transferred without affecting other data. . Specifically, the AS of the current prototype implementation
P abstracts the ATM VC and UPC control as resources, reserves the resources, and associates the VC with IP flows. The flow here indicates the following information. That is, address
family, protocol identifier protocol, receiver and sender IP addresses (destination and source IP addres
s), the receiver and sender port addresses (destination
And source port address).

The ASP setup, that is, the exchange of ASP protocol messages is implemented on top of IP. Therefore, when creating an ATM VC etc. on demand, the AT
There is no need to use the signaling mechanism provided by M. Since there is no such restriction, flexible and efficient resource reservation can be performed.

The ASP mainly has functions equivalent to those of RSVP and ST-2, but flexibly supports ATM VCs and has the following functions. That is, resource reservation can be initiated by both the receiving side and the transmitting side. Both hard state and soft state are possible. ATM
Flexible setup that takes into account VCs.
For example, it is possible to allocate a dedicated band (resource) for protocol control (reservation control).

FIG. 4 shows an example of the format of the ASP header. In the flags field, information indicating whether the resource reservation direction is unidirectional or bidirectional is set. In the prev-hop field, information for allowing the message to pass through the same route when the message exchanges between the receiving side and the transmitting side is set. The next VPI field contains the VPI (Virtual Pass Iden)
tifier) is set, and VCI (Virtua
l Connection Identifier) is set. In the next field, flowinfo, that is, information of the flow is set.

Thereafter, s_flowspec and r_flowspec are set. s_flowspec is required for the data sent by the sender.
This indicates QoS, and r_flowspec indicates the QoS required for the data sent by the receiving side. In the current prototype, each f
In the lowspec field, ATM CBR (Constant Bit Rate)
Only the Peak Cell Rate for setting the service is included. Details will be described later.

A router in which the ASP is mainly mounted is, for example, a backbone router as shown in FIG.
uter), an edge router as shown in FIG. 6,
And there is a home router. In addition to these, the end host also needs to exchange ASP messages.

FIG. 7 shows ba in FIG.
The ckbone router 31 is an intermediate node for configuring a large-scale network, and its entity is a software engine (IP engine) 32 that understands TCP / IP and a VC.
A switch unit (prototype is an ATM switch) (switching engine) 33 that provides a mechanism is provided. That is, ba
By connecting ckbone routers, normal IP
A network is built, but by setting a VC, cut-through is also possible.

The edge router 41 has a plurality of backbone routes.
It is installed at the entrance to and exit from the net consisting of er. back
On the other side of the bone, other networks or other routers may be connected. edge router41
Has a normal IP and one or more ATM interfaces 4
2 to 44.

As shown in FIG. 7, the servers 51 and 57 for transmitting a large amount of data to the network are provided by a plurality of backbone servers.
Although it may be directly connected to the backbone 52 composed of the outer 31, the normal end nodes 54 to 56 are ed
It is connected to the backbone 52 via the ge router 53. In some cases, a router is further provided beyond the edge router 53. The end node 54 is connected to the edge router 53 via the ATM interface 54a.
The end node 55 is connected to the edge router 53 via the ATM interface 55a. End node 5
6 is connected to the edge router 56 via the ATM interface 56a.

What is important for the ASP is the resources reserved by each router and the method for reserving them. The backbone router needs to set the VC in the switch. Also, backbo
At the entrance where data flows to ne, it is necessary to map a specific flow to a newly created VC (resource). Usually this is done with an edge router. Server directly bac
If connected to a kbone, the backbone of that node
You need to do this with the ATM interface for.

The ASP module of each node maintains a state table for managing the resource reservation status as shown in FIG. This table manages information on input VCs and information on output VCs, and associates VCs with flows (flowinfo). Further, in the case of the edge router, information on network interfaces for input and output is also required, and a field for that is provided.
In this case, the port part of the corresponding VC information is not used.

In order to perform normal communication, for example, IP communication, it is necessary to create an ATM VC in both directions. But A
By using the SP, a VC can be flexibly established.

Depending on the application, communication may be unidirectional or bidirectional. For example, VoD
In the case of an application of the (Video on Demand) format, video data flows only in one direction from a server (transmitting side) to a client (receiving side). Communication to the server may occur, such as when the receiving side makes a request for an image. For example, a resource reservation message is exchanged through a dedicated VC by making a request to the ASP. The other necessary exchanges are the default data VC (normal
IP route). Therefore, in such a case, an application requesting resources from the ASP only needs to set up a unidirectional VC by specifying unidirectional communication, and can save identifiers and bandwidth. In addition, such a reservation method is sufficient for broadcast-side multicast.

However, in the case of an interactive application such as a video conference, data flows in both directions. The need for data to flow in both directions is the same as normal communication, but when using ASP, applications can set different QoS for data flowing in each direction. The QoS setting for the data flow in each direction is performed by using two flowsps in the ASP header.
This is performed based on the values of the ec field (s_flowspec and r_flowspec). If a NULL value is included in any of the flowspec fields, no reservation is made for a VC in that direction.

FIG. 9 is a diagram for explaining a procedure for making a resource reservation from the venue A (recipient) to the venue B (sender). This example shows a procedure in which a VC is established when only the sender (venue B) knows the QoS. First, the venue A transmits an ASP message in which s_flowspec of the ASP header is set to NULL to the venue B, and requests establishment of a VC. this
Venue B, which has received the ASP message, interprets the message and returns an ASP message in which s_flowspec of the ASP header is set to a value corresponding to a predetermined bandwidth, to venue A. In the same direction as this ASP message flows,
A VC is set up in each router.

That is, in the order of the edge router 65, the backbone routers 64, 63, 62, and the edge router 61, the ASP
VCs are set up in the same direction as the message flows.

Returning to the description of the flowchart of FIG. 3, if a communication channel with the sender i (in this case, sender 1) is created in step S5 as described above, the process proceeds to step S6, where the sender The value of i is incremented by one. Then, the processing after step S3 is repeated for the incremented value of the sender i. In this case, since the sender is the sender 2 and there is no communication channel, the process proceeds to step S5, where the communication channel from the sender 2 is the ASP.
Is generated using

The sender 2 is the venue C. FIG.
, A procedure when the venue A as a receiver generates a communication path from the venue C as a sender will be described.
Note that FIG. 10 does not show VCs already generated between the venue A and the venue B. In this example, the venue A and the venue C are connected to the same edge router 61.
This VC is generated in the same manner as the generation of the VC between the venue A and the venue B described above.

That is, the venue A has the s_flows of the ASP header.
Send an ASP message with NULL set to pec to venue C,
Request establishment of VC. Venue C, which has received this ASP message, interprets the message and returns s_flowspe in the ASP header.
An ASP message in which a value corresponding to a predetermined bandwidth is set to c is returned to the venue A. Then, the VC is extended in the same direction as the direction in which the ASP message flows through only the edge router 61.

In this way, the venue A generates a communication path (securing a band) from the venue B and the venue C. Step S
In 5, when the generation of the communication path from the venue C of the venue A ends, the process proceeds to step S 6, where the value of the sender i is incremented by 1 (to be the sender 3), the process returns to step S 3, and the subsequent processes Is repeated.

In step S 3, the sender i receives (N−
1) It is determined whether or not: In this case, since the sender i is 3 and the value of (N-1) is 2, the sender i
Is not less than or equal to (N-1), and the process proceeds to step S7. In step S7, it is determined whether the data receiving operation is being performed. In AMInet, transmission / reception of data is started after a communication path is created and a band is secured.

That is, in step S7, the personal computer 2a of the venue A, which is the recipient, is in a state where a communication path exists and data reception has been started, in other words, it is in a state of attending a conference. It is determined whether or not. If it is determined that the receiving operation is being performed, step S2
And the subsequent processing is repeated.

On the other hand, if it is determined in step S7 that the receiving operation is not being performed, the processing of this flowchart ends. The case where it is determined that the reception operation is not being performed is, for example, a case where the reserved band (communication path) is released because the user has left the conference.

As described above, while the band is secured, the processing of steps S2 to S7 is repeated at all times, so that the terminal of another venue temporarily drops out of the conference and rejoins.
It is possible to accept again (join the conference).

In the above-described example, a case where a communication path is generated between three venues has been described. However, a case where a venue D further participates and a communication path is generated between four venues will be described with reference to FIG. I do. In this example, a communication path has already been created between the venues A to C. Venue D to be a new recipient
Uses an edge router 71 that is different from the edge router 61 used by the venue A and the venue C.
Is connected to the backbone router 62.

The personal computer installed in the venue D also performs the processing of the flowchart shown in FIG. 3 so that the venue D as the receiver creates a communication path from the venue B as the sender. I do. The method of generating this communication channel is the same as that described above using another venue, and a description thereof will be omitted.

Next, processing for generating a communication path from a sender to a receiver will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. Here, the sender is the venue B, and the recipients are the venue A and the venue C. Therefore, the flowchart of FIG.
4 shows a processing procedure performed by b.

In step S11, the personal computer 2b generates a communication path to all recipients, in this case, the venues A and C, using the ASP. This generation method will be described with reference to FIG.

First, an ASP message flows from the venue B to the venues A and C, and at the same time, a VC is established in each router. That is, the personal computer 2b of the venue B sends the ASP message in which the value corresponding to the predetermined bandwidth is set to s_flowspec of the ASP header to the venue A.
(The personal computer 2a) and the venue C (the personal computer 2c). Based on this ASP message, a VC is first established in the edge router 65 in the same direction as the direction in which the ASP message flows. next,
Backbone routers 64, 63, 62, edge router 6
VCs are established in the order of 1.

Further, since the transmitting side cannot send data without confirming that the reservation has been completed, an ASP message for confirmation is transmitted from the venues A and C to the venues B and B, respectively, although not shown. Sent to.

FIG. 14 is a diagram for explaining a procedure of generating a communication path when a conference is held at four venues when a venue D is further added. In this example, the venue A and the venue C use the same edge router 61, and the venue D uses the edge router 71. Even in such a case, a communication path is generated in the same manner as described with reference to FIG.

That is, at the same time as the ASP message flows to the venue A, the venue C, and the venue D, a VC is established in each router. First, the edge router 65
The VC is established in the same direction as the direction in which the ASP message flows. Next, the backbone routers 64, 63, 6
VCs are established in the order of 2. Then, from the backbone router 62 to the edge router 61 and the edge router 71.
VC is established. In this way, a communication path is created between the venues A to D.

Returning to FIG. 12, in step S11,
When the generation of communication paths for all recipients is completed,
Proceed to step S12. The processing after step S12 is
Since the processing is the same as the processing after step S2 in FIG. 3, the description thereof is omitted. However, the sender i in FIG. 3 is the receiver i in FIG. 12, and in step S17, it is determined whether or not a transmission operation is being performed.

On the sender side, in step S11,
Since the communication paths are generated for all the recipients, the processing of steps S12 to S17 is not necessary. However, by repeatedly performing the processing of steps S12 to S17, when the venue B, which is the sender, creates a communication path for all the recipients in step S11, for example, the venue B is on the receiving side. If a communication path cannot be created due to a reason such as the power of the personal computer being turned off, a new communication path can be created for the terminal. In addition, it is possible to generate a communication path for a participant's venue or the like.

Thus, transmission and reception of data are started after the communication path is created. First, regarding the transmission process of the video data, the personal computer 2a in which the flowchart of FIG. 15 and the flow of the video data of FIG.
This will be described with reference to the block diagram of FIG.

CPU 21 of personal computer 2a
In step S21, from the video camera 1a,
One frame of video data is input via the video capture 25. The video capture 25 converts analog signal video data input from the video camera 1 a into digital signal video data, and outputs the converted video data to the frame buffer 22 and the memory 23. The video data stored in the frame buffer 22 is output to the monitor 3a as needed.

In step S22, the value n assigned to the transmission start line of the video data transmitted to another venue via AMInet 10 is set to 0, which is the initial value.
Then, in step S23, the number m of lines transmitted at one time via the AMInet 10 is set. This setting
The setting is made in consideration of the image size of one venue displayed on a monitor installed in each venue described later, audio data, the secured band, and the performance of processing a computer image.

In step S 24, of the video data stored in the memory 23, the data of the lines n to m is made into one packet, which is output to the AMInet 10 via the network card 24. The data structure of this packet is as shown in FIG.

One packet is composed of a header part and a data part. The "video mark" in the header is a mark added to indicate that this packet is video data. “Packet size” indicates the data size of this packet. “Checksum” is data used to determine whether an error has occurred in data during transmission. "Sender" is data indicating the terminal that transmitted this packet.

The "width h of the image" indicates the width of the image size per venue displayed on the monitor installed in each venue. Similarly, the “image vertical width v” indicates the vertical width of the image size. “Image depth” is data indicating how many bits are required for one dot data. "
"Frame / sec" represents the number of frames transmitted in one second.

"Start line n in packet" indicates the start line of video data transmitted in this packet. The “line number n in the packet” indicates the number of transmission lines set in step S23, in other words, the end line of the video data transmitted in this packet. Subsequent data portions, “video data of line n” to “video data of line m” indicate image data displayed on a monitor installed in each venue.

A packet having such a data structure is
It is generated in step S24 and output to AMInet 10 via network card 24. Furthermore, AMInet
10 sends it to each venue. When the packet is transmitted in this way, the value of n is updated to n + m (incremented by m) in step S25.

At step S26, the CPU 21
It is determined whether all lines of the frame have been transmitted as packets. If it is determined that all the lines of one frame have not been transmitted as packets, step S24 is performed.
And the subsequent processing is repeated.

On the other hand, if it is determined in step S26 that the transmission of one frame line has been completed as a packet, the processing of this flowchart (transmission processing of one frame of video data) is terminated.

Next, the setting of the image size per venue to be displayed on the monitor of each venue will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. Here, the number of senders / receivers (the number of terminals attending the conference) is N, the total bandwidth of the communication path of each terminal is M, the total bandwidth in which each terminal can operate is M1, the screen size of the monitor is H × V, and The resolution of the video signal is h ′ × v ′.

Further, the frame rate of the video signal is F, the minimum allowable capture frame rate is f ', the number of colors of the monitor and the capture is D, the scaling of the capture is k, the bandwidth + margin for audio is Ma, and N is Let Ns be the smallest integer larger than the square root.

CPU 21 of personal computer 2a
In step S31, the smaller one of M and M1 is defined as M2. That is, because it may operable total bandwidth M ₁ is different from the total band M and each terminal of the communication channel with each terminal determines bandwidth M ₂ which can be actually used. Further, a band obtained by subtracting a band (N × Ma) required for transmitting audio data from M _{2 is} defined as M ₃ . The M ₃ are, shows a bandwidth which can be used to transmit the video data.

In step S32, the scaling k of the capture is set to 1, which is the initial value. And
In step S33, a horizontal capture size h and a vertical capture size v of the image size are set. The capture size h is a maximum value equal to or smaller than a value obtained by dividing the horizontal resolution h ′ of the video signal by the capture scaling k. Similarly, the capture size v is set to a maximum value equal to or smaller than a value obtained by dividing the vertical resolution v ′ of the video signal by the capture scaling k.

The capture sizes h and v thus set are determined in step S34 as to whether the value of (h × Ns) is H or less and the value of (v × Ns) is V or less. Is determined. (H × Ns) indicates the width of the entire image displayed on the monitor. Similarly, (v × Ns) indicates the size of the vertical width of all images displayed on the monitor.

FIG. 19 shows an example in which an image on the monitor 3a is divided according to a change in the number of senders / receivers (conference participants). FIG. 19A shows a case where the number of participants is one to four. For example, if there are three participants (venue),
Images of each participant are displayed at 1 to 3 and nothing is displayed at 4 or the like. One of the screens 1 to 3 displays the venue A where the monitor 3a is installed, in other words, the screen itself. Of course, by not displaying the image of one's own, it may be possible to perform an operation such as enlarging the screen of another participant.

FIG. 19B shows a case where there are five or more venues and nine or less venues. FIG. 19C shows a case where the number of venues is 10 or more and 16 or less. in this way,
The screen is divided into four, nine, or sixteen screens depending on the number of participating venues. In other words, 2 ＾ 2, 3 ＾ 2,4
As in # 2, the screen is divided into the same number of screens as the square of an integer, that is, vertical and horizontal. Therefore, the minimum integer Ns that is larger than the square root of the number N of senders and receivers indicates the number of horizontal or vertical screen divisions. For example, if the number of senders and receivers is 3,
The square root of 3 is about 1.7. Therefore, the smallest integer greater than 1.7 is 2. This 2 is an integer Ns. Further, this 2 is, as shown in FIG.
It can be seen that the horizontal and vertical screen division numbers are shown.

Therefore, by the processing performed in step S34, it is determined whether or not the size H of the display area of the horizontal width of the monitor is larger than the horizontal width (h × Ns) of the image to be displayed. Similarly, it is determined whether the vertical size V of the display area of the monitor is larger than the horizontal width (v × Ns) of the displayed image.

(H × Ns) is not less than H, or
If it is determined that (v × Ns) is not less than V, the process proceeds to step S37, and the value of k is incremented by one. Then, the process returns to step S33, and the subsequent processes are repeated.

On the other hand, when it is determined that (h × Ns) is not more than H and (v × Ns) is not more than V, the process proceeds to step S35. In step S35, (N
× h × v × f × D) is set to f as the maximum value at which the value becomes M ₃ or less. In step S36, it is determined whether or not the set value f is larger than the minimum capture frame rate f 'that is allowed. If it is determined that f is not larger than f ′, the process proceeds to step S37, and the subsequent processing is performed.

On the other hand, if it is determined in step S36 that the value of f is greater than the minimum capture frame rate f 'allowed, the capture sizes h and v set in step S33 are allocated to one venue. This is adopted as the image size, and the processing of this flowchart ends.

Next, the audio data transmission processing will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. 20 and the block diagram of the personal computer 2a in which the flow of the audio data is entered in FIG. FIG. 21 shows only blocks related to the audio data transmission process. CPU 21
In step S41, the sound picked up by the microphone 5a is input via the sound card 26. The sound card 26 converts the input analog audio data into digital audio data and outputs the digital audio data to the memory 23.

In step S42, it is determined whether or not the audio data stored in the memory 23 has accumulated for a specified size. The specified size is set to, for example, 1 Kbyte, and is packetized in units of this unit in step S43 and transmitted to another venue.

If it is determined in step S42 that the voice data is not stored in the memory 23 by the specified size, the process returns to step S41. That is, step S41
With the processing in step S42, the memory 23 stores audio data of a specified size. On the other hand, the memory 23
If it is determined that the audio data of the specified size has been stored in the storage area, the process proceeds to step 43. The CPU 21 converts the audio data stored in the memory 23 into a packet having a data structure as shown in FIG.
Is output to AMInet 10 via.

The audio data packet is composed of a header section and a data section. "Speech mark" in header
Is a mark added to indicate that this packet is for voice data. "Packet size"
Indicates the size of this packet and the "checksum"
Is data used to determine whether or not an error has occurred in data during transmission. "Sender" is data indicating the terminal that transmitted this packet.

The "sampling rate" is data indicating the sampling rate when the sound card 26 converts analog data into digital data. “Stereo / monaural” is data indicating whether the data of this packet is stereo or monaural. Also, the “format” indicates that the audio data of this packet
This is data indicating whether the data is formatted by PCM (Puls Code Modulation) 8 or data formatted by PCM 16.

[0114] "Audio data size" is data indicating the size of subsequent data. "
The voice packet number “n” is data indicating the order of the voice data of this packet. “Data of voice packet n” is the voice data stored in the memory 23.

Next, the operation of the personal computers installed at each venue when data is received will be described with reference to FIG.
This will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. Here, the personal computer 2a installed in the venue A will be described as an example. In step S51, the personal computer 2a receives a packet transmitted from another venue via the AMInet 10.

In step S52, the CPU 21 determines whether or not the sender who has transmitted the packet is registered in the personal computer 2a. This determination is a process performed to exclude an unrelated third party from the conference.

That is, the data of the participant who attends the conference is previously input and stored in the personal computer installed in each venue (for example, the processing of step S1 in FIG. 3), and the data is stored. It is determined whether or not the transmitted data matches the sender entered as data in the packet. If it is not a matching sender, it indicates that it is an unregistered sender, and there is no need to process the received packet. Accordingly, the processing of this flowchart is terminated without performing the processing.

On the other hand, if it is determined that the sender is a registered sender, the process proceeds to step S53. In step S53, the CPU 21 determines whether or not the received packet is image data. This determination is made from the mark written in the header of the received packet. If it is determined that the data is image data, the process proceeds to step S54.

FIG. 24 is a block diagram showing the flow of image data (packets) in the personal computer 2a. In FIG. 24, the processing of steps S51 and S52 is the flow of data from the AMInet 10 to the storage of data in the memory 23 via the network card 24. FIG. 24 shows a case where image data is transmitted from two different venues and those data are received, and
This shows a case where the image data is from a registered sender.

The data read from the memory 23 by the CPU 21 is first subjected to the processing of steps S52 and S53. If the data is image data, it is transmitted to the frame buffer 22. Further, when the image data of the stored packet is stored in the frame buffer 22, it is determined at which position on the monitor 3a the image data of the stored packet is the data to be displayed.

That is, as shown in FIG. 19, the screen on the monitor is divided according to the number of senders and receivers, and each of the divided screens is assigned to each sender. For example, the positions indicated by numbers 1, 2, 3,... Shown in FIG. 19 are assigned to the respective senders in the order registered in the personal computer, and the images of the senders are displayed at the positions. .

The display position on the monitor 3a is determined by the sender of the packet thus received. Further, in step S55, it is determined from the data (start line n) written in the header portion of the packet of the received image data that the image data is the nth to mth line image data, and based on the determination, , And an image is displayed at a predetermined position on the monitor 3a.

In step S56, the CPU 21 reads out the data of the horizontal width h and the vertical width v of the image from the data written in the header portion of the received packet, and reads the data of the image transmitted by itself. It is determined whether the data is smaller than the data of the horizontal width h and the vertical width v.

Since the size of one image displayed on the monitors installed in all venues is set to the same size, the data of the horizontal width h and the vertical width v of the images are also the same.
However, there is a venue that participated on the way, and if the packet was transmitted from that venue, the value of the number N of senders / receivers used when determining the image size is different (FIG. 18).
), The calculated horizontal width h and vertical width v are smaller than the values set by the personal computers in other venues.

As described above, the process in step S56 is a process for determining whether or not there is a newly-attended venue (participant). If it is determined in step S56 that there is no new participant, the process of this flowchart is terminated, and if it is determined that there is a new participant, the process proceeds to step S57.

In step S57, the horizontal width h and the vertical width v of the image size are recalculated. Since this calculation is performed according to the flowchart shown in FIG. 18, the description is omitted.

In step S58, the band of the transmission channel is adjusted. In this case, since the image size has been corrected to be small, it is possible to correct the band for transmitting data in accordance with the correction. Therefore, step S5
At 8, such band adjustment is performed.

In the above description, a case has been described in which a new participant participates, but conversely, a participant who has already participated may exit on the way. In such a case, step S
The process 56 is a process for determining whether or not the received h and v are larger than the transmitted ones.

As described above, when the total number of senders and receivers changes, the number of screen divisions and the bandwidth of the communication path change, so that it is possible to cope with an increase or decrease in the number of participants and to secure an appropriate state. Become.

On the other hand, if it is determined in step S53 that the received data is not image data, in other words, if it is determined that the received data is audio data, the process proceeds to step S53.
Go to 59. In step S59, the received audio data is mixed. This mixing process will be described with reference to the flowchart in FIG.

Before describing the mixing process, the flow of audio data in the personal computer 2a will be described with reference to FIG. The audio data transmitted via the AMInet 10 is input to the personal computer 2a via the network card 24. The voice data input to the network card 24 is stored in the memory 2
3 and stored. The audio data stored in the memory 23 is mixed and output to the sound card 26. The sound card 26 converts digital data into analog data and outputs the analog data to the speaker 4a. Then, the analog audio data is reproduced by the speaker 4a.

Returning to the flowchart of FIG. 25, the audio data mixing processing will be described. Step S61
In, the CPU reads the header of the received audio data, determines the sender, and obtains the sender number i assigned to the sender. The sender number i has been described with reference to FIG. 3, but is a number assigned to a sender (a terminal other than itself) by a personal computer installed in each venue.

In step S62, the audio data for which the sender number i has been obtained is stored in the buffer i (i = 1 to N:
N represents the number of senders). In this buffer, data is stored for each sender. Since the audio data has been added to the buffer i, the value of the packet number Pi of the buffer i is incremented by 1 in step S63.

In step S64, the number of packets in the buffer storing the largest number of packets among the number of packets stored in each of the buffers 1 to N is set to the maximum value Pmax, and Pmax is set to the maximum value of mixing. It is determined whether it is equal to or less than Plim. Maximum value Pm
If it is determined that ax is larger than the maximum value Plim, that is, if it is determined that the maximum value Pmax of the number of stored packets is larger than the maximum amount that can be mixed, the process proceeds to step S67, where the data stored in each buffer is stored. All the audio data that is present are taken out, subjected to mixing processing, and output to the speaker 4 a via the sound card 26.

On the other hand, if it is determined in step S64 that Plim is larger than Pmax, the process proceeds to step S65,
For all non-zero Pis, in other words, it is larger than the value (Pf + 1) obtained by adding 1 to the number of packets Pf per one frame for the number of packets Pi stored in the buffer (excluding 0). Is determined. If it is determined that the number of packets Pi is not larger than the value (Pf + 1), in other words, if data sufficient for performing the mixing process is not stored in each buffer, the process of this flowchart is terminated. If it is determined, the process proceeds to step S66.

In step S66, the smallest packet number among the number of packets stored in each buffer from buffer i (the buffer in which audio data is stored) whose Pi is not 0 is determined as Pmin, and Pm is determined as Pm.
In voice packets are extracted, and the data of the extracted packets are synthesized (mixed) and output.
When data is extracted, the number of packets stored in each buffer is subtracted by the extracted number (Pmin).

Thus, the mixing of the audio data is performed.

[0138] In the present specification, a providing medium for providing a user with a computer program for executing the above processing includes an information recording medium such as a magnetic disk and a CD-ROM, and a network such as the Internet and a digital satellite. Transmission media is also included.

[0139]

As described above, the information receiving apparatus according to claim 1, the information receiving apparatus according to claim 6, and the claim 7.
According to the provision medium described in the above, it is determined whether or not a communication path is generated between the communication partner to which the information is input, and the communication partner determined that the communication path is not generated. Since the process of generating the communication path is repeated,
A communication channel can be generated only with a communication partner to which information has been input, and a communication channel can be generated in response to a change in the number of terminals.

An information transmitting apparatus according to claim 8, wherein
According to the information transmission method described in Item No. 0 and the providing medium described in Item 11, when a communication path does not exist between the communication partner and the communication partner, the communication partner does not exist. Since the process of creating a communication path is repeated, a communication path can be created only with the communication partner to which information has been input, and it is possible to create a communication path in response to a change in the number of terminals. Becomes

According to the information transmitting / receiving apparatus of the twelfth aspect, the information transmitting / receiving method of the fourteenth aspect, and the providing medium of the fifteenth aspect, all communication destinations and communication channels set in advance are set. It is repeatedly determined whether or not a communication path exists with the communication partner of the communication destination, and when the communication path does not exist, the processing of generating the communication path is repeatedly performed, so that the communication in which the information is input is performed. Even when a communication path is generated only with the other party and the number of terminals changes, the communication path can be generated correspondingly.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a configuration of a video conference system according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing an internal configuration of the personal computer of FIG.

FIG. 3 is a flowchart illustrating an operation of the personal computer.

FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating an example of a format of an ASP header.

FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating a configuration example of a backbone router.

FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating a configuration example of an edge router.

FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating a configuration example of a network.

FIG. 8 is a diagram showing an ASP internal table.

FIG. 9 is a diagram showing a flow of an ASP message and a procedure for establishing a VC.

FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a flow of an ASP message and a procedure for establishing a VC.

FIG. 11 is a diagram showing a flow of an ASP message and a procedure for establishing a VC.

FIG. 12 is a flowchart illustrating an operation of the personal computer.

FIG. 13 is a diagram showing a flow of an ASP message and a procedure for establishing a VC.

FIG. 14 is a diagram showing a flow of an ASP message and a procedure for establishing a VC.

FIG. 15 is a flowchart illustrating a process of transmitting image data.

FIG. 16 is a diagram illustrating a flow of image data in the personal computer 2a.

FIG. 17 is a diagram illustrating a packet structure of image data.

FIG. 18 is a flowchart illustrating a method of determining an image size.

FIG. 19 is a diagram illustrating image division.

FIG. 20 is a flowchart illustrating audio data transmission processing.

FIG. 21 is a diagram illustrating a flow of audio data in the personal computer 2a.

FIG. 22 is a diagram illustrating a packet structure of audio data.

FIG. 23 is a flowchart illustrating an operation when the personal computer 2a receives data.

FIG. 24 is a diagram illustrating the flow of image data received by the personal computer 2a.

FIG. 25 is a flowchart illustrating details of the audio mixing process of FIG. 23;

FIG. 26 is a diagram illustrating the flow of audio data received by the personal computer 2a.

[Explanation of symbols]

1 video camera, 2 personal computer,
3 monitors, 4 speakers, 5 microphones, 10
AMInet, 21 CPU, 22 frame buffer,
23 memory, 24 network card, 25
Video Capture, 26 Sound Card

Claims (15)

[Claims] An input unit for inputting information on a plurality of communication partners; a determination unit for determining whether a communication path has been created between the communication partners input by the input unit; Generating means for generating a communication path for a communication partner for which a communication path has not been generated by the means; receiving means for receiving data using the communication path; An information receiving apparatus comprising: a repetition unit that repeatedly performs a communication channel generation process by the generation unit. 2. The method according to claim 1, wherein the generating means uses an ASP,
The information receiving apparatus according to claim 1, wherein a communication path is generated according to: 3. The information receiving apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the data received via the communication path is uncompressed data. 4. The information receiving apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising mixing output means for mixing and outputting audio data received by said receiving means. 5. The image processing apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising: a display control unit configured to control display so that the image data transmitted from the plurality of communication partners received by the reception unit is displayed on a screen assigned to each communication partner. The information receiving apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the size of the screen is set according to the number of the communication partners. 6. An input step of inputting information of a plurality of communication partners, a determination step of determining whether a communication path is created between the communication partners input in the input step, and the determination. A generating step of generating a communication path for a communication partner determined that a communication path has not been generated in the step; a receiving step of receiving data using the communication path; and A repetition step of repeatedly performing a generation process of the communication channel by the generation step. 7. An input step of inputting information of a plurality of communication partners, a determination step of determining whether a communication path has been created between the communication partners input in the input step, and the determination. A generating step of generating a communication path for a communication partner determined that a communication path has not been generated in the step; a receiving step of receiving data using the communication path; and A providing medium for providing a computer readable program for executing a process including a repetition step of repeatedly performing a generation process of a communication path by the generation step. 8. A first generating means for generating a communication path for a predetermined communication partner, a determining means for determining whether a communication path exists between the communication partner and the determining means, When the means determines that the communication path does not exist, a second generation means for generating a communication path for a communication partner having no communication path; and the first generation means or the second generation means. A transmission unit that transmits data using the communication path generated by the generation unit; and a repetition unit that repeatedly performs a communication path generation process by the second generation unit based on the determination by the determination unit. Information transmitting device. 9. The transmitting means calculates an image size assigned to one communication partner based on the number of the communication partners, and generates and transmits a packet of image data according to the calculated image size. 9. The method according to claim 8, wherein
An information transmitting device according to claim 1. 10. A first generation step of generating a communication path for a communication partner set in advance, a determination step of determining whether a communication path exists between the communication partner and the determination step, If it is determined in step that the communication path does not exist, a second generation step of generating a communication path for a communication partner whose communication path does not exist; and the first generation step or the second generation step. A transmission step of transmitting data using the communication path generated in the generation step; and a repetition step of repeatedly performing a communication path generation process in the second generation step based on the determination in the determination step. Information transmission method. 11. A first generation step of generating a communication path for a predetermined communication partner, a determination step of determining whether a communication path exists between the communication partner and the determination step, If it is determined in step that the communication path does not exist, a second generation step of generating a communication path for a communication partner whose communication path does not exist; and the first generation step or the second generation step. Executing a process including a transmission step of transmitting data using the communication path generated in the generation step, and a repetition step of repeatedly performing the generation processing of the communication path by the second generation step based on the determination of the determination step. A providing medium for providing a computer-readable program for causing a computer to execute the program. 12. A communication apparatus comprising: a first generation unit configured to generate a communication path with a predetermined communication partner; a transmission / reception unit configured to transmit and receive data using the communication path; A determining unit that determines whether a communication channel exists; and a second generating unit that newly generates a communication channel when the determining unit determines that the communication channel does not exist. Information transmitting and receiving device. 13. The information transmitting / receiving apparatus, wherein the first generating means or the second generating means generates a communication path in the AMInet using the ASP with the preset communication partner. . 14. A first generation step of generating a communication path with a predetermined communication partner, a transmission / reception step of transmitting / receiving data using the communication path, and setting the communication path while the communication path exists. A determining step of determining whether or not a communication path exists between all of the communication partners, and a step of newly generating a communication path when determining that the communication path does not exist in the determining step. 2. An information transmitting / receiving method, comprising: 15. A first generation step of generating a communication path with a predetermined communication partner, a transmission / reception step of transmitting / receiving data using the communication path, and setting the communication path while the communication path exists. A determining step of determining whether or not a communication path exists between all of the communication partners, and a step of newly generating a communication path when determining that the communication path does not exist in the determining step. A computer-readable storage medium for providing a computer-readable program that causes the computer to execute a process including the generating step of (2).