JPWO2017195587A1 - Collaborative work system, communication control method, and communication control program - Google Patents

Abstract

In a system in which a server and a plurality of terminals are connected, a relay server is appropriately set, and a joint work system, a communication control method, and a communication control program are provided that can efficiently promote joint work. The server acquires role information from each terminal, sets a terminal to be operated as a relay server that relays the editing information of the joint work data from a plurality of terminals based on the acquired role information, and sets as a relay server The received terminal is instructed to accept a connection from another terminal, and the other terminal is notified of the address information of the terminal set as the relay server and instructed to connect to the terminal. Each terminal provides the role information of its own terminal to the server, the terminal set as a relay server accepts connections from other terminals, sets the server and other terminals as transmission destinations of editing information, and others The terminal connects to the terminal set as the relay server and sets the terminal as the transmission destination of the editing information.

Description

  The present invention relates to a collaborative work system, a communication control method, and a communication control program, and in particular, collaborative work in which collaborative work is performed by reflecting editing of collaborative work data performed on one terminal via a relay server on another terminal. The present invention relates to a communication control method and a communication control program for controlling communication via a system, a relay server.

  A collaborative work system that realizes content sharing in a remote conference or the like by sharing and displaying collaborative work data stored in a server simultaneously on a plurality of terminals and enabling collaborative editing has been proposed. In this collaborative work system, there is a demand for reflecting the edit of collaborative work data as quickly as possible between terminals existing on the spot. As a method of realizing this request, for example, a method of providing a relay server at a base where a plurality of terminals are arranged can be considered.

  Although it is not an invention related to the above-mentioned collaborative work system, as a technique related to data relay, for example, in Patent Document 1 below, a data relay server having a function of relaying communication information passed between a client and a plurality of servers Is disclosed. This data relay server has storage means for storing the attribute management table, first linkage means, second linkage means, and data storage means, and associates server-specific attribute names with shared attribute names. By managing in advance using the attribute management table, it becomes possible to associate the first server unique attribute name with the second server unique attribute name via the shared attribute name registered in the attribute management table. It is described that cooperation between output data and input data can be realized on the data relay server.

  In addition, regarding a technique for changing a communication mode in a system in which a plurality of terminals are connected via a network, for example, in Patent Document 2 below, a plurality of client terminals connected to an IP network and arranged at multiple points, and the IP network A multipoint conference system is disclosed that includes a multipoint conference device that connects and controls conference communications of the plurality of client terminals that participate in the conference. In this multipoint conference system, the multipoint conference device monitors the number of the plurality of client terminals participating in the conference, and when the number is equal to or less than a predetermined number, the plurality of client terminals participating in the conference The conference communication is controlled, and when the number exceeds the predetermined number, the conference communication for distributing the audio data and the video data to the client terminals participating in the conference is controlled.

JP 2005-250781 A JP 2007-072739 A

  The relay server is preferably set so that the network configuration at a base where a plurality of terminals participating in the joint work are arranged is optimal. Therefore, conventionally, a device with a high data processing capacity (for example, a device with a high processor processing speed or a device with a high data communication speed) is placed at the base and set as a relay server, A network was constructed by connecting a plurality of terminals sequentially.

  In this way, by setting a device with high data processing capacity as a relay server, the data processing of the entire base can be speeded up. However, in joint work, the data processing of a specific terminal is more than the data processing of the entire base. In some cases, speeding up the process can facilitate collaborative work. For example, there are computer terminals such as a personal computer used by a single user and portable terminals such as smartphones and tablet terminals among a plurality of terminals in a base, and projectors and large displays used by a plurality of users. There are also large display devices. And each terminal has a different role in collaborative work, and specific terminals such as terminals used by many users and terminals installed at major locations in the base are highly important in collaborative work. It is desirable to reflect the editing performed on the other terminal as soon as possible. Therefore, even if the data processing of the entire base can be speeded up by setting the relay server, the collaborative work cannot always be efficiently performed.

  Furthermore, in a conference form in which a participant participates in a temporary location from a remote location such as by using a mobile terminal, a terminal that newly participates in the conference (terminal added to the network) or a terminal that leaves the conference (network) The terminal is excluded from time to time, and the network configuration changes. For this reason, even if the relay server is set so that the network configuration is optimized in the initial stage, the network configuration may change due to the participation / exit of the terminal, so that collaborative work may not be efficiently performed. To deal with this problem, Patent Document 2 dynamically changes the communication method according to the number of terminals, but as described above, various types of terminals having different roles in joint work are used in the joint work system. Therefore, even if the communication method is simply changed based on the number, the joint work cannot be efficiently performed.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above problems, and its main purpose is to appropriately set up a relay server in a network in which a server and a plurality of terminals are connected, thereby efficiently performing joint work. To provide a collaborative work system, a communication control method, and a communication control program that can be advanced.

  Another object of the present invention is to provide a collaborative work system and a communication control method capable of efficiently updating a relay server and efficiently performing collaborative work even when the network configuration changes due to participation / exit of a terminal. And providing a communication control program.

  In one aspect of the present invention, a plurality of terminals that browse and edit collaborative work data and a server that controls communication of the plurality of terminals are connected via a communication network, and the collaborative work performed on one terminal. A collaborative work system for performing collaborative work by reflecting data editing on other terminals, wherein the server obtains role information indicating the role of each terminal in the collaborative work from each terminal. And, based on the role information acquired from each of the terminals, a relay server setting unit that sets a terminal to be operated as a relay server that relays the editing information of the joint work data from among the plurality of terminals, The terminal set as the relay server is instructed to accept a connection from another terminal, and the address information of the terminal set as the relay server is sent to the other terminal. And a communication control instruction unit for instructing to connect to a terminal set as the relay server, and each terminal provides the server with the role information of its own terminal. A communication control unit that transmits editing information of the joint work data, and the communication control unit of the terminal set as the relay server receives a connection from the other terminal, and And the other terminal is set as the transmission destination of the editing information of the joint work data, and the communication control unit of the other terminal connects the other terminal to the terminal set as the relay server, and A terminal set as a relay server is set as a transmission destination of the editing information of the joint work data.

  In one aspect of the present invention, a plurality of terminals that browse and edit collaborative work data and a server that controls communication of the plurality of terminals are connected via a communication network, and the collaborative work performed on one terminal. A communication control method in a collaborative work system in which data editing is reflected on another terminal to perform collaborative work, wherein the server acquires role information indicating a role of each terminal in the collaborative work from each terminal Based on the role information acquisition process and the role information acquired from each of the terminals, a relay server setting that sets a terminal to operate as a relay server that relays the editing information of the joint work data from the plurality of terminals Processing and instructing the terminal set as the relay server to accept a connection from another terminal, and setting the terminal as the relay server. Communication control instruction processing for notifying the address information of the received terminal and instructing to connect to the terminal set as the relay server, and each of the terminals to the server A role information providing process for providing role information and a communication control process for transmitting editing information of the joint work data are executed. In the communication control process, the terminal set as the relay server is the other terminal. The server and the other terminal are set as transmission destinations of the editing information of the joint work data, and the other terminal is connected to the terminal set as the relay server and the relay A terminal set as a server is set as a transmission destination of the editing information of the joint work data.

  One aspect of the present invention is a communication control program that operates on a server that controls communication of a plurality of terminals that perform collaborative work by reflecting editing of collaborative work data performed on one terminal on another terminal, Based on the role information acquired from each terminal, the role information acquisition process for acquiring role information indicating the role of each terminal in the collaborative work from each terminal to the server, from among the plurality of terminals A relay server setting process for setting a terminal to be operated as a relay server that relays the editing information of the joint work data, instructing the terminal set as the relay server to accept a connection from another terminal, and Communication that notifies other terminals of the address information of the terminal set as the relay server and instructs to connect to the terminal set as the relay server Characterized in that to execute the control instruction process.

  In one aspect of the present invention, a plurality of terminals that browse and edit collaborative work data and a server that controls communication of the plurality of terminals are connected via a communication network, and the collaborative work performed on one terminal. A communication control program that operates in each terminal in a collaborative work system in which data editing is reflected on other terminals and performs collaborative work on each of the terminals according to a request from the server, A role information providing process for providing role information indicating a role of the terminal in the joint work, and a communication control process for transmitting the editing information of the joint work data are executed, and in the communication control process, the role information is added to the role information by the server. The terminal set as a relay server that relays the editing information of the joint work data based on the terminal that has accepted the connection according to the instruction of the server The terminal set as the transmission destination of the editing information of the work data and not set as the relay server is connected to the terminal set as the relay server according to the instruction of the server and the terminal set as the relay server Is set as the transmission destination of the editing information of the joint work data.

  According to the collaborative work system, the communication control method, and the communication control program of the present invention, it is possible to appropriately set a relay server in a network in which a server and a plurality of terminals are connected, and to promote collaborative work efficiently. .

  The reason is that the server of the collaborative work system acquires role information indicating the role of each terminal in the collaborative work from each terminal, and collaborates among a plurality of terminals based on the role information obtained from each terminal. Set up a terminal to act as a relay server that relays work data editing information, and instruct the terminal set as a relay server to accept connections from other terminals. This is because the address information of the set terminal is notified to instruct to connect to the relay server. Each terminal provides the server with the role information of its own terminal, and the terminal set as a relay server accepts a connection from another terminal and edits the joint work data with the server and the other terminal. By setting the information transmission destination, the editing information of the joint work data performed by the local terminal and other terminals is transmitted to the terminal that accepted the connection, and the other terminals are connected to the terminal set as the relay server. At the same time, by setting the terminal set as the relay server as the transmission destination of the edit information of the joint work data, the edit information of the joint work data performed by the own terminal is addressed to the address information notified from the server. This is because transmission control is performed.

  According to the collaborative work system, communication control method, and communication control program of the present invention, even when the network configuration changes due to participation / exit of a terminal, it is possible to appropriately update the relay server and advance collaborative work efficiently. it can.

  The reason for this is that when a new terminal participates in a collaborative work or a terminal that is collaborating leaves the network configuration is changed, the terminal that operates as a relay server is updated based on the role information. This is because control is performed.

It is a schematic diagram which shows an example of a structure of the collaborative work system which concerns on one Example of this invention. It is a schematic diagram which shows another example of a structure of the collaborative work system which concerns on one Example of this invention. It is a block diagram which shows the structure of the server which concerns on one Example of this invention. It is a block diagram which shows the structure of the server which concerns on one Example of this invention. It is a block diagram which shows the structure of the client terminal which concerns on one Example of this invention. It is a block diagram which shows the structure of the client terminal which concerns on one Example of this invention. It is a schematic diagram which shows an example of the relay server setting / update which concerns on one Example of this invention. It is a schematic diagram which shows the other example of the relay server setting / update which concerns on one Example of this invention. It is a schematic diagram which shows the other example of the relay server setting / update which concerns on one Example of this invention. It is a flowchart figure which shows the operation | movement (setting operation of a relay server) of the server which concerns on one Example of this invention. It is a flowchart figure which shows operation | movement of the client terminal which concerns on one Example of this invention. It is a flowchart figure which shows the operation | movement (update operation of a relay server) of the server which concerns on one Example of this invention. It is a flowchart figure which shows the operation | movement (network configuration change operation) of the server which concerns on one Example of this invention.

  As shown in the background art, in the collaborative work system that allows the collaborative work data stored on the server to be shared and displayed simultaneously on multiple terminals and edited together, it is as fast as possible between the terminals present on the spot A relay server is provided to reflect the editing of the joint work data. Since this relay server is preferably set so that the network configuration at the site where a plurality of terminals performing joint work are arranged is optimal, conventionally, a device with high data processing capability is arranged at the site. It was set as a relay server.

  However, in collaborative work, various terminals such as computer terminals such as personal computers, mobile terminals such as smartphones and tablet terminals, and large display devices such as projectors and large displays are used, and each terminal plays a role in collaborative work. Therefore, even if a device having a high data processing capability is set as a relay server and data processing of the entire base is accelerated, it is not always possible to efficiently advance collaborative work.

  Furthermore, in a conference form in which participants participate temporarily from a remote location, a terminal that newly participates in the conference (terminal added to the network) and a terminal that leaves the conference (terminal excluded from the network) are generated at any time. The terminals that make up the network change. Therefore, even if the relay server is set so that the network configuration is optimal in the initial stage, the network configuration is not optimal due to the participation / exit of the terminal, and there is a case where the collaborative work cannot be efficiently performed.

  In other words, the role of each terminal is different in the joint work, and the terminal that constitutes the network changes as the terminal that newly participates in the joint work or the terminal that leaves the joint work changes at any time. In the conventional method in which a high device is set as a relay server and the relay server is fixedly used, there is a problem that the collaborative work cannot be efficiently performed.

  Therefore, in one embodiment of the present invention, a plurality of terminals that browse and edit collaborative work data and a server that controls the communication of these terminals are connected by a communication network and are performed by one terminal. By reflecting the editing of joint work data on other terminals, in a joint work system that browses and edits the same data on multiple terminals, the server sets a relay server in consideration of the role of each terminal in the joint work . That is, the server acquires role information indicating the role of each terminal in the joint work from each terminal, and relays the editing information of the joint work data from the plurality of terminals based on the acquired role information. Set the terminal to operate as a server. Then, the server instructs the terminal set as the relay server to accept the connection from the other terminal, notifies the other terminal of the address information of the terminal set as the relay server, and Instruct to connect to the terminal set as. Specifically, the server causes a specific terminal that is desired to reflect editing at another terminal as soon as possible to function as a relay server, connects the other terminal to the relay server, and communicates via the relay server. . In this way, by setting a specific terminal as a relay server and controlling communication between the terminals via the relay server, a specific terminal set as a relay server can be quickly edited by another terminal. It can be reflected, and collaborative work can proceed efficiently.

  Also, in joint work, a new terminal may participate in the joint work, or a terminal participating in the joint work may leave the joint work. Therefore, when the terminal joins / leaves, the server Therefore, it is desirable to update the relay server in consideration of the role of each terminal in the joint work. By updating the relay server each time the network configuration changes, it is possible to quickly reflect the edits made on other terminals to specific terminals that play an important role in the current network configuration, and It can proceed efficiently.

  In order to describe the above-described embodiment of the present invention in more detail, a collaborative work system, a communication control method, and a communication control program according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. 1A to 8. 1A and 1B are schematic diagrams showing a configuration of a collaborative work system according to the present embodiment. FIGS. 2A and 2B are block diagrams showing a configuration of a server. FIGS. 3A and 3B are block diagrams showing a configuration of a client terminal. It is. 4A, 4B, and 4C are schematic diagrams illustrating an example of the setting / updating control of the relay server according to the present embodiment, and FIGS. 5, 7, and 8 are flowcharts illustrating the operation of the server according to the present embodiment. FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing the operation of the client terminal of this embodiment.

  The collaborative work system according to the present embodiment includes a server 10 that manages collaborative work such as a remote conference and a plurality of client terminals 20 that are used by users who perform collaborative work. One of the client terminals 20 operates as a relay server. In the example shown in FIG. 1A, the collaborative work system includes a server 10 and a plurality of client terminals 20 such as a computer terminal 20A, a large display device 20B, and a portable terminal 20C. The server 10 and the plurality of client terminals 20 are communication networks such as LAN (Local Area Network) and WAN (Wide Area Network) defined by standards such as Ethernet (registered trademark), token ring, and FDDI (Fiber-Distributed Data Interface). 50 is connected.

  1A shows the collaborative work system in which the server 10 and the plurality of client terminals 20 are connected to the same communication network 50, the plurality of client terminals 20 (computer terminals 20A) are illustrated in FIG. 1B. The large-scale display device 20B, the portable terminal 20C, etc.) are connected to the intranet 50A of the workplace (base), and the server 10 is connected to the Internet 50B. it can. Hereinafter, each device will be described in detail.

[server]
The server 10 is a computer device that controls communication between the client terminals 20, and as shown in FIG. 2A, a control unit 11, a storage unit 15, a communication I / F unit 16, and a display unit as necessary. It consists of an operation unit.

  The control unit 11 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 12 configured by a microprocessor and the like, and a memory such as a ROM (Read Only Memory) 13 and a RAM (Random Access Memory) 14. The operation of the entire server 10 is controlled by calling up a control program from the storage unit 15 and expanding and executing it in the RAM 14. As shown in FIG. 2B, the control unit 11 also functions as a role information acquisition unit 11a, a relay server setting unit 11b, a communication control instruction unit 11c, and the like.

  The role information acquisition unit 11a indicates to each client terminal 20 the role of each client terminal 20 in the joint work when the joint work starts or when the client terminal 20 participates in or leaves the joint work. Information (hereinafter referred to as role information) is instructed to be transmitted, and role information is acquired from each client terminal 20. Note that the role information is an index representing the role of each client terminal 20 in joint work. For example, the screen size information of the display unit of each client terminal 20, the number of users using each client terminal 20, the user type, and the like User information, physical position at the base of each client terminal 20 or position information indicating the position on the communication network 50, capability information indicating the processing capability of each client terminal 20, and the like.

  Based on the role information acquired from each client terminal 20, the relay server setting unit 11b sets a client terminal 20 to be operated as a relay server from among the plurality of client terminals 20. Specifically, the relay server setting unit 11b identifies the client terminal 20 that plays an important role in the collaborative work based on the role information acquired from each client terminal 20, and other clients are assigned to the identified client terminal 20. The client terminal 20 is set as a relay server so that the editing performed on the terminal 20 is reflected earliest. For example, since the client terminal 20 having the largest screen size of the display unit is used by many users and is considered to play a central role in collaborative work, the client terminal 20 may be set as a relay server. Further, since the client terminal 20 used by many users and the client terminal 20 used by a person in charge of collaborative work are considered to play a central role in the collaborative work, the client terminal 20 May be set as a relay server. Further, the client terminal 20 (the client terminal 20 arranged near the center among the plurality of client terminals 20) arranged near the center of the base where the client terminal 20 is arranged plays a central role in the collaborative work. Based on the physical position of each client terminal 20 at the base, the client terminal 20 located near the center is identified from among the plurality of client terminals 20, and the client terminal 20 is set as a relay server. May be. Further, the client terminal 20 having the largest screen size of the display unit, the client terminal 20 having the largest number of users in use, the client terminal 20 used by the person in charge, and the vicinity of the center of the base where the client terminal 20 is arranged Since the arranged client terminal 20 (the client terminal 20 arranged in the vicinity of the center among the plurality of client terminals 20) is considered to have a high probability of being assigned to the client terminal 20 having high processing performance, the client terminal 20 20 may be set as a relay server. In addition, when the network configuration is changed by the client terminal 20 participating in or leaving the joint work, the relay server setting unit 11b relays based on the role information acquired from each client terminal 20 The client terminal 20 operated as a server is updated. Note that when the type of the client terminal 20 (computer terminal, portable terminal, large display device) does not change before and after the network configuration change, or the performance difference of the client terminal 20 that operates as a relay server before and after the network configuration change is a predetermined value. If it is less than that, the client terminal 20 operated as a relay server is not updated. The relay server setting unit 11b sets or updates the relay server for each group of client terminals 20 that are close to each other in physical position or communication network 50 (for example, within a predetermined distance range).

  The communication control instruction unit 11c instructs the client terminal 20 set as a relay server to perform communication control as a relay server. Specifically, the client terminal 20 set as a relay server is instructed to accept a connection from another client terminal 20, and editing information for joint work data performed by the own terminal and the other client terminal 20 (Hereinafter referred to as editing information) is instructed to be transmitted to the server 10 and other client terminals 20 that have accepted the connection. In addition, the client terminal 20 that is not set as a relay server is instructed to control communication with the relay server. Specifically, address information (for example, IP (Internet Protocol) address) of the client terminal 20 that functions as the relay server is notified to the client terminal 20 that has not been set as the relay server, and the relay server is notified. Instruct to connect, and instruct to send the editing information of the terminal to the notified address information. Further, when the number of client terminals 20 connected to the relay server exceeds a predetermined upper limit due to new participation of the client terminal 20 in the joint work, the communication control instruction unit 11c The terminal 20 is notified of the address information of the relay server of the group different from the group of the client terminals 20 to which the relay server belongs (for example, the group of the client terminals 20 at other bases) or the address information of the server 10 Then, the editing information of the own terminal is instructed to be transmitted to a relay server of another group (another base) or directly to the server 10. At that time, the client terminal 20 connected to the relay server of another group or directly connected to the server 10 is selected according to the priority order based on the role information.

  The role information acquisition unit 11a, the relay server setting unit 11b, and the communication control instruction unit 11c may be configured as hardware, or are recorded on a computer-readable recording medium. It may be configured as an application (communication control program) that functions as the acquisition unit 11a, relay server setting unit 11b, and communication control instruction unit 11c, and the communication control program may be executed by the CPU 12 (hardware processor).

  The storage unit 15 includes a memory, an HDD (Hard Disk Drive), an SSD (Solid State Drive), and the like, role information received from each client terminal 20, and address information of each client terminal 20 connected to the communication network 50. The editing information received from the client terminal 20 functioning as a relay server is stored.

  The communication I / F unit 16 includes a NIC (Network Interface Card), a modem, and the like, establishes communication with the client terminal 20 connected to the communication network 50, and plays role information and join / leave from each client terminal 20. A request is received, or editing information is received from the client terminal 20 set as a relay server.

[Client terminal]
The client terminal 20 is a terminal for browsing and editing collaborative work data composed of one or a plurality of objects. The client terminal 20 is a computer terminal such as a personal computer, a portable terminal such as a smartphone or a tablet terminal, a large size such as a projector or a large display. Consists of display devices. As shown in FIG. 3A, the client terminal 20 includes a control unit 21, a storage unit 25, a communication I / F unit 26, a display unit 27, an operation unit 28, and the like.

  The control unit 21 includes a CPU 22 configured by a microprocessor and the like, and a memory such as a ROM 23 and a RAM 24. The CPU 22 calls a control program from the ROM 23 and the storage unit 25, expands it in the RAM 24, and executes it. The operation of the entire client terminal 20 is controlled. As shown in FIG. 3B, the control unit 21 also functions as a role information providing unit 21a, a communication control unit 21b, and the like.

  In accordance with a request from the server 10 (role information transmission instruction), the role information providing unit 21a is responsible for the role information of the own terminal (screen size information of the display unit 27, the number of users using the own terminal, the user type, etc. Information, position information indicating the physical or physical position of the terminal itself, the processing capability of the CPU 22 of the terminal itself, and the capability information indicating the data communication speed of the communication I / F unit 26) are provided to the server 10. Note that when the user is requested to log in when using the client terminal 20, user information such as the number of users and user type can be acquired from the login information. When the client terminal 20 includes an RFID (Radio Frequency Identification) reader or the like, user information such as the number of users and the user type is acquired from identification information obtained by reading the tag attached to the identification card with the RFID reader. be able to. In addition, when the client terminal 20 includes a camera or the like that captures the user, user information such as the number of users and the user type can be acquired by analyzing the image captured by the camera and extracting a person.

  The communication control unit 21b sets the transmission destination of the editing information of the joint work data, and transmits the editing information of the joint work data to the set transmission destination. Specifically, when the client terminal 20 is set as a relay server, the communication I / F unit 26 is controlled to accept connections from other client terminals 20, and to the server 10 and other The client terminal 20 is set as the editing information transmission destination. When the client terminal 20 is not set as a relay server, the communication I / F unit 26 is controlled to connect to the client terminal 20 set as the relay server using the address information received from the server 10. Then, the client terminal 20 set in the relay server is set as the transmission destination of the editing information. When the client terminal 20 set as the relay server receives the editing information from the predetermined client terminal 20, the client terminal 20 may transmit the editing information to another client terminal 20 other than the predetermined client terminal 20, The editing information may be transmitted to all other client terminals 20 including the predetermined client terminal 20 (that is, the editing information is also transmitted to the client terminal 20 that has transmitted the editing information).

  The role information providing unit 21a and the communication control unit 21b may be configured as hardware, or are recorded on a computer-readable recording medium, and when executed, the control unit 21 is changed to the role information providing unit 21a and the communication control unit. It may be configured as an application (communication control program) that functions as 21b, and the communication control program may be executed by the CPU 22 (hardware processor) of each client terminal 20 of the collaborative work system.

  The storage unit 25 includes a memory, an HDD, an SSD, and the like. Role information transmitted to the server 10, address information received from the server 10, editing information transmitted to other client terminals 20, and client terminals set as relay servers The editing information received from 20 is stored.

  The communication I / F unit 26 includes a NIC, a modem, and the like, establishes communication with other client terminals 20 and the server 10 connected to the communication network 50, and receives a role information transmission instruction from the server 10. The server 10 transmits role information and a join / leave request to the server 10, and transmits / receives editing information between the client terminal 20 set as a relay server and other client terminals 20.

  The display unit 27 is configured by an LCD (Liquid Crystal Display), an organic EL (Electro Luminescence) display, or the like, and displays joint work data and also displays joint work data based on editing information of the own terminal or another client terminal 20. Edit and display.

  The operation unit 28 includes a mouse, a keyboard, a touch sensor including grid-like electrodes arranged on the display unit 27, and the like. The operation unit 28 performs an operation for editing collaborative work data (for example, movement or enlargement / reduction of an object, handwriting input, Accept operations such as text input and image pasting.

  1A to 3B are examples of the collaborative work system of the present embodiment, and the configuration and control contents can be changed as appropriate. For example, in this embodiment, all the client terminals 20 are configured as shown in FIGS. 3A and 3B. However, if the control unit 21 can operate as the role information providing unit 21a and the communication control unit 21b, The configuration need not be the same.

  The operation of the collaborative work system having the above configuration will be outlined below with reference to FIGS. 4A, 4B, and 4C. In the following description, the control unit 11 of the server 10 determines that the large display device 20B such as a projector or a large display is the client terminal 20 having the highest role in collaborative work, and uses the computer terminal 20A such as a personal computer as collaborative work. Assume that the client terminal 20 has the next highest role. In this collaborative work system, client terminals 20 are arranged at a plurality of bases, and in FIGS. 4A, 4B, and 4C, the client terminals 20 are arranged at one base among the client terminals 20 participating in the joint work. It is assumed that the client terminal 20 is shown. 4A, 4B, and 4C, devices surrounded by a thick line represent devices that are set as relay servers.

  As shown in FIG. 4A, when the computer terminal 1 (see 20A1 in FIG. 4A) first participates in the collaborative work, since there is one client terminal 20 in the base, the control unit 11 (relay of the server 10) The server setting unit 11b) instructs the computer terminal 1 to connect directly to the server 10.

  Next, as shown in FIG. 4B, when the second computer terminal 2 (see 20A2 in FIG. 4B) participates in the collaborative work, the control unit 11 (relay server setting unit 11b) of the server 10 Based on the role information of the client terminal, the client terminal 20 having a relatively large role in the collaborative work is set as a relay server, and the other client terminals 20 are instructed to connect to the relay server. In the example of FIG. 4B, the control unit 11 (relay server setting unit 11b) of the server 10 sets the computer terminal 1 (see 20A1 in FIG. 4B) as a relay server, and the computer terminal 2 (see 20A2 in FIG. 4B). Is instructed to connect to the relay server.

  Next, as shown in FIG. 4C, when the large display device 20B participates in the collaborative work, the control unit 11 (relay server setting unit 11b) of the server 10 collaborates based on the role information of each client terminal. The large display device 20B having a relatively large role in the work is switched to the relay server, and the other client terminal 20 is instructed to connect to the relay server. In the example of FIG. 4C, the control unit 11 (relay server setting unit 11b) of the server 10 displays a large display set as a relay server for the computer terminal 1 and the computer terminal 2 (see 20A1 and 20A2 in FIG. 4C). Instruct to connect to the device 20B.

  The role of the relay server in the collaborative work system in the state of FIG. 4C will be described. The relay server has a role of gathering communication of the client terminals 20 connected under the relay server. For example, when the editing information is received from the subordinate computer terminal 1 (see 20A1 in FIG. 4C) (see T01 in the figure), the relay server transmits the editing information to the other subordinate client terminals 20. The information is transmitted to a certain computer terminal 2 (see 20A2 in FIG. 4C) (see T02 in the figure), and is transmitted to the upper server 10 (see T03 in the figure). It is transmitted to the relay server at the base (see T04 in the figure).

  Further, when the upper server 10 receives editing information from a relay server at another site (see T11 in the figure), the higher level server 10 transmits the editing information to the relay server at the site (see T12 in the figure). The server transmits the editing information to the computer terminals 1 and 2 (20A1 and 20A2 in FIG. 4C), which are all the client terminals 20 under the control (see T13 in the figure).

  As described above, the control unit 11 of the server 10 has a physical position or a position on the communication network 50 such as a group of the client terminals 20 arranged at one base, which is close (within a predetermined distance range). For each group, the client terminal 20 to be operated as a relay server is set / updated according to the role of each client terminal 20, and control is performed to perform data communication between the client terminals 20 via the relay server. As a result, the client terminal 20 set as a relay server and having the largest role in the collaborative work reflects the editing performed in the other client terminals 20 earliest, so that the collaborative work can be efficiently advanced. it can.

  Hereinafter, the operation of the collaborative work system configured as described above will be specifically described with reference to FIGS. In the figure, the client terminal 20 is simply described as a terminal as necessary.

[Server operation (relay server setting operation)]
First, the operation of the server 10 when a predetermined client terminal 20 is selected from a plurality of client terminals 20 in the base and set as a relay server will be described with reference to FIG. The CPU 12 of the server 10 executes the processing of each step shown in the flowchart of FIG. 5 by developing the communication control program stored in the ROM 13 or the storage unit 15 in the RAM 14 and executing it.

  The control unit 11 (role information acquisition unit 11a) of the server 10 requests each client terminal 20 participating in the collaborative work to transmit role information, and acquires the role information from each client terminal 20 (S101).

  Next, the control unit 11 (relay server setting unit 11b) sets a group of terminals according to the physical position of each client terminal 20 or the position on the network (S102). For example, the client terminals 20 arranged at one base are grouped together as a group of client terminals 20 that are relatively close to each other in physical position or communication network (that is, within a predetermined distance). When setting a group according to the physical position of each client terminal 20, the control part 11 (relay server setting part 11b) collects the client terminals 20 existing in the same room or within a certain distance as one group. In addition, as a method for acquiring whether or not the room is the same room, for example, entry / exit management using RFID, GPS (Global Positioning System), or the like can be used. When a group is set according to a position on the network, a client terminal 20 having a close IP address (for example, a client terminal 20 connected to the same LAN) is selected, and a position on the communication network is within a predetermined distance range. Are grouped into a group of terminals that are within. Alternatively, the communication environment (bandwidth, delay, etc.) between the client terminals 20 is measured, and those whose communication environment is a certain level or more are grouped together as a terminal whose position on the communication network is within a predetermined distance. it can.

  Next, the control unit 11 (relay server setting unit 11b) determines whether the number of client terminals 20 belonging to the group is one or plural for each group (base) (S103). When the number of terminals 20 is one, a relay server is not provided, and the control unit 11 (communication control instruction unit 11c) transmits the address information of the server 10 to the client terminal 20 to the client terminal 20. And instruct to connect directly to the server 10 (S106).

  On the other hand, when there are a plurality of client terminals 20 belonging to the group, the control unit 11 (relay server setting unit 11b) selects one of the plurality of client terminals 20 based on the role information of each client terminal 20. A stand is selected and set as a client terminal 20 that operates as a relay server (S104). For example, based on the role information of each client terminal 20, from among the client terminals 20, the client terminal 20 having a relatively large screen size, the client terminal 20 having a relatively large number of users in use, or Client terminal 20 used by an important user in collaborative work, or a client terminal 20 arranged near the center of the base (a client terminal 20 arranged near the center among the plurality of client terminals 20), or The client terminal 20 having a relatively high processing capability is selected and set as the client terminal 20 that operates as a relay server. Then, the control unit 11 (communication control instruction unit 11c) instructs the selected client terminal 20 to become a relay server (instruction to accept a connection from another client terminal 20), and other clients The relay server address information is transmitted to the terminal 20 to instruct to connect to the relay server (S105).

[Operation of client terminal]
Next, the operation of the client terminal 20 will be described with reference to FIG. The CPU 22 of each client terminal 20 executes the processing of each step shown in the flowchart of FIG. 6 by developing the communication control program stored in the ROM 23 or the storage unit 25 in the RAM 24 and executing it.

  When receiving the request for role information from the server 10 (S201), the control unit 21 (role information providing unit 21a) of each client terminal 20 uses the role information of the own terminal (screen size information of the display unit 27 and the own terminal). The user information such as the number of users and the user type, location information of the own terminal, capability information of the own terminal, etc.) are transmitted to the server 10 (S202).

  Then, the control part 21 (communication control part 21b) of each client terminal 20 performs the communication control process which transmits the edit information of joint work data to a predetermined transmission destination. In the client terminal 20 set as the relay server (Yes in S203), the control unit 21 (communication control unit 21b) receives an instruction from the server 10 to accept connections from other client terminals 20 (S204). When the connection from the other client terminal 20 is accepted (S205), the address information of the server 10 and the other client terminal 20 that has accepted the connection is set as the transmission destination of the editing information of the joint work data (S206). Further, in the client terminal 20 that is not set as the relay server (No in S203), the control unit 21 (communication control unit 21b) receives the address information of the client terminal 20 set as the relay server from the server 10 (S207). ), The relay server is connected (S208), and the received address information is set as the transmission destination of the editing information of the joint work data (S209). That is, the client terminal 20 that has received an instruction to accept a connection from another client terminal 20 functions as a relay server, and the client terminal 20 that has received the address information of the relay server is placed under the relay server. Each terminal functions as a terminal, and transmits the editing information of the joint work data to the set transmission destination.

  As described above, for each group (base), based on the role information of each client terminal 20, the largest screen size, the largest number of users in use, or an important user in collaborative work is specified. Are used in the user's site, installed near the center of the base (located near the center of the plurality of client terminals 20), or have the highest processing capability, the importance in the collaborative work By setting the client terminal 20 considered to be high as a relay server and configuring a network so that editing information can be transmitted and received via the relay server, editing can be quickly performed on the client terminal 20 having high importance in joint work. It can be reflected and collaborative work can be performed efficiently.

  Next, the operation of the server 10 when a new client terminal 20 participates in a joint work or the client terminal 20 participating in the joint work leaves the joint work during the joint work will be described with reference to FIGS. Explanation will be made with reference to FIG. The CPU 12 of the server 10 executes the process of each step shown in the flowcharts of FIGS. 7 and 8 by developing the communication control program stored in the ROM 13 or the storage unit 15 in the RAM 14 and executing it. In the following description, the control unit 11 of the server 10 determines that a large display device such as a projector or a large display is the client terminal 20 having the highest role in joint work, and uses a computer terminal such as a personal computer as a role in joint work. Is determined to be the next highest client terminal 20, and it is determined that a portable terminal such as a smartphone or a tablet terminal has a low role in collaborative work and is not suitable as a relay server.

[Server operation (relay server update operation)]
When the control unit 11 (role information acquisition unit 11a) of the server 10 receives a request for participation / exit from the client terminal 20 that newly participates in the joint work or leaves the joint work (S301), the control unit 11 (role information acquisition unit 11a) The transmission of role information is requested, and role information is acquired from each client terminal 20 (S302). Next, the control unit 11 (relay server setting unit 11b) sets a group of client terminals 20 according to the physical position of each client terminal 20 or the position on the network (S303). The group setting method is the same as in the relay server setting operation.

  Next, the control unit 11 (relay server setting unit 11b) determines, for each group, whether the number of client terminals 20 belonging to the group is one or a plurality (S304). If there are a plurality of units, it is determined whether there are computer terminals or large display devices (S305). If the number of client terminals 20 belonging to the group is one in S304, or there are a plurality of client terminals 20 belonging to the group in S304, and the computer terminal is also displayed in a large size among the plurality of client terminals 20 in S305. When there is no device, the relay server is not provided, and the control unit 11 (communication control instruction unit 11c) transmits the address information of the server 10 to all the client terminals 20 and directly transmits the server 10 to all the client terminals 20. Is instructed to connect to (S306).

  On the other hand, when there are computer terminals or large display devices in the plurality of client terminals 20 in S305, the control unit 11 (relay server setting unit 11b) has large display devices in the plurality of client terminals 20. Is determined (S307).

  When there are large display devices in the plurality of client terminals 20, the control unit 11 (relay server setting unit 11b) determines whether there is a large display device already set as a relay server (S308). If there is a large display device set as a relay server, the client terminal 20 participating in the collaborative work is instructed to connect to the relay server without changing the network configuration (S309). On the other hand, when there is no large display device set as a relay server, the control unit 11 (relay server setting unit 11b) updates the relay server to a large display device (S310), and the control unit 11 (communication control instruction unit). 11c) instructs the large display device to become a relay server (instructs to accept a connection from another client terminal 20) and connects the other client terminal 20 to the relay server. An instruction (transmission server address information) is sent (S311).

  If there is no large display device in the plurality of client terminals 20 in S307, the control unit 11 (relay server setting unit 11b) determines whether there is a terminal already set as a relay server (S312). If there is a terminal set as a relay server, the client terminal 20 participating in the collaborative work is instructed to connect to the relay server without changing the network configuration (S313). On the other hand, if there is no terminal set as a relay server, the control unit 11 (relay server setting unit 11b) operates as a relay server from among a plurality of computer terminals based on the role information of each terminal. Select a computer terminal (largest screen size, most users in use, or used by a specific user such as an important user in collaboration, or near the center of the base (multiple The client terminal 20 is installed in the vicinity of the center of the client terminal 20 or the computer terminal having the highest processing capacity is selected) to update the relay server (S314), and the control unit 11 (communication control instruction unit 11c) Instruct the selected client terminal 20 to become a relay server (instruct to accept connections from other client terminals 20) Together, it instructed to connect to the relay server to the other client terminal 20 (transmission address information of the relay server) to (S315).

  In the above flow, if there is a client terminal 20 that is already set as a relay server, the client terminal 20 is continuously used as a relay server. The role information of the client terminal 20 that is a server candidate may be compared, and the client terminal 20 having the highest role in collaborative work may be switched. Also, when there are a plurality of candidate client terminals 20 when setting a new relay server, the control unit 11 of the server 10 compares the role information of these client terminals 20 and has the highest role in collaborative work. The client terminal 20 may be selected as a relay server. Since the client terminal 20 functioning as a relay server is more burdensome than the normal client terminal 20, when there are a plurality of options, the control unit 11 of the server 10 selects the client terminal 20 having the highest performance as a relay server. Thus, the performance of the entire collaborative work system can be improved.

  Furthermore, when a new client terminal 20 participates in a collaborative work or the client terminal 20 performing the collaborative work leaves and the network configuration is changed to update the relay server, the control unit 11 of the server 10 The relay server is switched only when the type of the client terminal 20 changes between the previous relay server and the changed relay server (that is, the type of the client terminal 20 that operates as the relay server does not change before and after the network configuration change). May not be updated). Alternatively, when updating the relay server, the control unit 11 of the server 10 checks the performance difference between the previous relay server and the changed relay server, and switches the relay server only when the performance difference is equal to or greater than a predetermined value. (In other words, the update is not performed when the performance difference between the client terminals 20 operating as a relay server before and after the change of the network configuration is less than a predetermined value). By performing such control, it is possible to prevent unnecessary switching of the relay server.

  In the above flow, the control unit 11 of the server 10 sets a relay server from among a plurality of client terminals 20 in the group and connects other client terminals 20 under the relay server. Depending on the performance of 20, if the number of subordinate client terminals 20 increases, the load on the relay server may increase and the performance of the entire collaborative work system may be degraded. In order to prevent such inconvenience, an upper limit of the number of connected devices may be set according to the performance of the client terminal 20 serving as a relay server. As a result, when the number of client terminals 20 connected to the relay server exceeds the upper limit of the number of connected devices as a result of new client terminals 20 participating in collaborative work, the control unit 11 of the server 10 exceeds the upper limit. The address information of the relay server of another group or the address information of the server 10 is notified to the client terminal 20 and the client terminal 20 for exceeding the upper limit relays the editing information of the joint work data to the other group. It can be transmitted to the server or directly to the server 10.

  The operation of the server 10 in that case will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. 8 is performed after the control unit 11 of the server 10 determines the relay server in the above-described flow (after S105 in FIG. 5 and S309, S311, S313, and S315 in the flow in FIG. 7). .

  First, the control unit 11 (communication control instruction unit 11c) calculates the upper limit number of connectable client terminals 20 (connection upper limit number) based on the performance of the client terminal 20 set / updated as a relay server (S401). ), It is determined whether the current number of connected terminals exceeds the calculated upper limit number of connections (S402). The method for calculating the upper limit number of connections is not particularly limited. For example, the load on the CPU 22 when transmitting editing information to one client terminal 20 is acquired from the client terminal 20 set / updated as a relay server. The number of units with the total load of the CPU 22 having a predetermined value can be set as the upper limit number of connections.

  When determining that the current number of connected terminals exceeds the upper limit number of connections, the control unit 11 (communication control instruction unit 11c) replaces the client terminals 20 corresponding to the number exceeding the upper limit number of connections with the original client terminal 20 To the other group (main group) (subgroup consisting of client terminals 20 in the same location as the client terminal 20 of the main group, but exceeding the upper limit number of connections). The relay server setting process after S103 in FIG. 5 or the relay server update process after S304 in FIG. 7 is performed on the client terminal 20 (S403). That is, the control unit 11 (communication control instruction unit 11c) of the server 10 notifies the address information of the relay servers of other groups to the client terminal 20 that has exceeded the upper limit number of connections, and the client that has exceeded the upper limit number of connections. The communication control unit 21b of the terminal 20 can transmit the editing information of the joint work data to the relay server of another group.

  On the other hand, if the current number of connected terminals does not exceed the upper limit number of connections, the control unit 11 (communication control instruction unit 11c) confirms whether the client terminal 20 is in the subgroup (S404), and the client terminal is in the subgroup. If there is 20, the client terminal 20 is added to the original group (main group) until the upper limit number of connections is reached (S405).

  Thereafter, the control unit 11 (communication control instruction unit 11c) instructs each client terminal 20 to configure the determined network (S406). Specifically, the client terminal 20 added to the subgroup is instructed to connect to the relay server set / updated in the subgroup, and the client terminal 20 added to the main group is instructed. Instruct to connect to the relay server set in the main group. Thereby, the control part 21 (communication control part 21b) of each client terminal 20 can transmit the edit information of joint work data to the transmission destination designated by the control part 11 (communication control instruction | indication part 11c).

  In the above flow, the control unit 11 of the server 10 forms a new group (subgroup) with the client terminals 20 that exceed the upper limit number of connections, and selects a relay server from the client terminals 20 therein. However, it is also possible to simply manage the client terminals 20 exceeding the upper limit number of connections in a list and connect them directly to the server 10. That is, the control unit 11 (communication control instruction unit 11c) of the server 10 notifies the client terminal 20 that has exceeded the upper limit number of connections of the address information of the server 10, and the communication of the client terminal 20 that has exceeded the upper limit number of connections. The control unit 21b may directly send the editing information of the joint work data to the server 10.

  Further, the control unit 11 of the server 10 may set a priority order for the client terminal 20 connected to the relay server of the original group (main group) according to the role in the joint work. For example, when there is a mobile terminal among the client terminals 20 connected to the relay server of the main group, the mobile terminal may be preferentially connected to the relay server of the main group, or a large display device may be used. You may make it connect with priority to the relay server of a main group, and may give priority to both.

  Note that the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and the configuration of the server 10 and the client terminal 20 and the control of the control unit can be appropriately changed without departing from the spirit of the present invention.

  For example, in the above embodiment, the client terminal 20 is exemplified by three types: a computer terminal such as a personal computer, a portable terminal such as a smartphone or a tablet terminal, and a large display device such as a projector or a large display. Any device capable of working can be used.

  In the above embodiment, the server 10 instructs the client terminal 20 set as a relay server to accept a connection from another client terminal 20, and also sets the client set as a relay server to the other client terminal 20. The address information of the terminal 20 is notified, the connection to the client terminal 20 is instructed, and the client terminal 20 set as the relay server sends the client terminal 20 that has received the connection the transmission destination of the edit information of the joint work data However, the server 10 notifies the address information of the server 10 and all other client terminals 20 to the client terminal 20 set as the relay server, and sets as the relay server to all other client terminals 20. Pass the address information of the client terminal 20 And, each client terminal 20 can also be adapted to set the address information notified from the server 10 to the destination of the editing information collaboration data.

  The present invention relates to a collaborative work system for performing collaborative work by reflecting editing of collaborative work data performed on one terminal via a relay server on another terminal, a communication control method for controlling communication via the relay server, The present invention can be used for a communication control program and a recording medium on which the communication control program is recorded.

10 server 11 control unit 11a role information acquisition unit 11b relay server setting unit 11c communication control instruction unit 12 CPU
13 ROM
14 RAM
DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 15 Memory | storage part 16 Communication I / F part 20 Client terminal 20A, 20A1, 20A2 Client terminal (computer terminal)
20B client terminal (large display device)
20C client terminal (mobile terminal)
21 Control Unit 21a Role Information Providing Unit 21b Communication Control Unit 22 CPU
23 ROM
24 RAM
25 Storage Unit 26 Communication I / F Unit 27 Display Unit 28 Operation Unit 50, 50A, 50B Communication Network

Claims (23)

A plurality of terminals for browsing and editing collaborative work data and a server for controlling communication of the plurality of terminals are connected by a communication network, and the editing of the collaborative work data performed on one terminal is performed on another terminal. A collaborative work system that collaborates with
The server
Role information acquisition unit for acquiring role information indicating the role of each terminal in the joint work from each terminal,
Based on the role information acquired from each of the terminals, a relay server setting unit that sets a terminal to be operated as a relay server that relays the editing information of the joint work data from the plurality of terminals;
Instructing the terminal set as the relay server to accept a connection from another terminal, and notifying the other terminal of the address information of the terminal set as the relay server, as the relay server A communication control instruction unit for instructing to connect to the set terminal,
Each of the terminals
A role information provider that provides the server with the role information of the terminal;
A communication control unit for transmitting editing information of the joint work data,
The communication control unit of the terminal set as the relay server accepts a connection from the other terminal, sets the server and the other terminal as a transmission destination of editing information of the joint work data,
The communication control unit of the other terminal connects the other terminal to the terminal set as the relay server, and sets the terminal set as the relay server as the transmission destination of the editing information of the joint work data To
A collaborative work system characterized by that. The relay server setting unit updates a terminal that operates as the relay server based on the role information when a new terminal participates in the joint work or a terminal that performs the joint work leaves. ,
The collaborative work system according to claim 1. The role information is a screen size of a display unit provided in each terminal,
The relay server setting unit sets the terminal having the largest screen size in the relay server;
The collaborative work system according to claim 1 or 2. The role information is the number of users or user types using each terminal,
The relay server setting unit sets the terminal having the largest number of users or used by a specific user in the relay server,
The collaborative work system according to claim 1 or 2. The role information is a position where each of the terminals is arranged,
The relay server setting unit sets, in the relay server, a terminal arranged near the center among the plurality of terminals.
The collaborative work system according to claim 1 or 2. The role information includes the processing capability of each terminal,
The relay server setting unit sets the terminal having the highest processing capability in the relay server;
The collaborative work system according to claim 1 or 2. A group of terminals whose physical position or position on the communication network is within a predetermined distance range is set,
The relay server setting unit sets or updates the relay server for each group;
A collaborative work system according to any one of claims 1 to 6. When the number of terminals connected to the relay server exceeds a predetermined upper limit as a result of new terminals participating in the joint work, the communication control instructing unit determines that the predetermined number of terminals exceed the upper limit. To the address information of the relay server of another group, or the address information of the server,
The communication control unit of the predetermined terminal transmits editing information of the joint work data to the relay server of the other group, or directly to the server.
The collaborative work system according to claim 7. A plurality of terminals for browsing and editing collaborative work data and a server for controlling communication of the plurality of terminals are connected by a communication network, and the editing of the collaborative work data performed on one terminal is performed on another terminal. A communication control method in a collaborative work system for performing collaborative work by reflecting on
The server
Role information acquisition processing for acquiring role information indicating the role of each terminal in the joint work from each terminal;
Based on the role information acquired from each of the terminals, a relay server setting process for setting a terminal to be operated as a relay server that relays the editing information of the joint work data from the plurality of terminals;
Instructing the terminal set as the relay server to accept a connection from another terminal, and notifying the other terminal of the address information of the terminal set as the relay server, as the relay server And a communication control instruction process for instructing to connect to the set terminal,
Each of the terminals
Role information providing processing for providing the server with the role information of the terminal,
A communication control process for transmitting editing information of the joint work data; and
In the communication control process, the terminal set as the relay server accepts a connection from the other terminal, sets the server and the other terminal as a transmission destination of the editing information of the joint work data, The other terminal is connected to the terminal set as the relay server, and the terminal set as the relay server is set as the transmission destination of the editing information of the joint work data.
A communication control method characterized by the above. In the relay server setting process, when a new terminal participates in the joint work or a terminal that performs the joint work leaves, the terminal to be operated as the relay server is updated based on the role information. ,
The communication control method according to claim 9. The role information is a screen size of a display unit provided in each terminal,
In the relay server setting process, the terminal having the largest screen size is set in the relay server.
The communication control method according to claim 9 or 10, wherein: The role information is the number of users or user types using each terminal,
In the relay server setting process, the terminal having the largest number of users or used by a specific user is set in the relay server.
The communication control method according to claim 9 or 10, wherein: The role information is a position where each of the terminals is arranged,
In the relay server setting process, a terminal arranged near the center among the plurality of terminals is set in the relay server.
The communication control method according to claim 9 or 10, wherein: The role information includes the processing capability of each terminal,
In the relay server setting process, the terminal having the highest processing capability is set in the relay server.
The communication control method according to claim 9 or 10, wherein: A group of terminals whose physical position or position on the communication network is within a predetermined distance range is set,
In the relay server setting process, the relay server is set or updated for each group.
15. The communication control method according to claim 9, wherein the communication control method is any one of claims 9 to 14. In the communication control instruction process, when the number of terminals connected to the relay server exceeds a predetermined upper limit due to a new terminal participating in the joint work, a predetermined terminal corresponding to the upper limit is exceeded. To the address information of the relay server of another group, or the address information of the server,
In the communication control process, the predetermined terminal transmits the editing information of the joint work data to the relay server of the other group, or directly transmits to the server.
The communication control method according to claim 15. A communication control program that operates on a server that controls the communication of a plurality of terminals that collaborate by reflecting editing of joint work data performed on one terminal on another terminal,
To the server,
Role information acquisition processing for acquiring role information indicating the role of each terminal in the joint work from each terminal,
A relay server setting process for setting a terminal to be operated as a relay server that relays the editing information of the joint work data from among the plurality of terminals based on the role information acquired from each of the terminals;
Instructing the terminal set as the relay server to accept a connection from another terminal, and notifying the other terminal of the address information of the terminal set as the relay server, as the relay server Execution of communication control instruction processing for instructing connection to the set terminal;
A communication control program characterized by the above. In the relay server setting process, when a new terminal participates in the joint work or a terminal that performs the joint work leaves, the terminal to be operated as the relay server is updated based on the role information. ,
The communication control program according to claim 17. The role information is a screen size of a display unit provided in each terminal,
In the relay server setting process, the terminal having the largest screen size is set in the relay server.
The communication control program according to claim 17 or 18, characterized by the above. The role information is the number of users or user types using each terminal,
In the relay server setting process, the terminal having the largest number of users or used by a specific user is set in the relay server.
The communication control program according to claim 17 or 18, characterized by the above. The role information is a position where each of the terminals is arranged,
In the relay server setting process, a terminal arranged near the center among the plurality of terminals is set in the relay server.
The communication control program according to claim 17 or 18, characterized by the above. The role information includes the processing capability of each terminal,
In the relay server setting process, the terminal having the highest processing capability is set in the relay server.
The communication control program according to claim 17 or 18, characterized by the above. A plurality of terminals for browsing and editing collaborative work data and a server for controlling communication of the plurality of terminals are connected by a communication network, and the editing of the collaborative work data performed on one terminal is performed on another terminal. A communication control program that operates on each terminal in a collaborative work system that collaborates with each other,
For each terminal,
Role information provision processing for providing role information indicating the role of the terminal in the joint work to the server according to a request from the server;
A communication control process for transmitting editing information of the joint work data,
In the communication control process, the terminal set as a relay server that relays the editing information of the joint work data based on the role information by the server, the terminal accepting the connection according to the instruction of the server, The terminal set as the transmission destination of the editing information and not set as the relay server is connected to the terminal set as the relay server according to the instruction of the server, and the terminal set as the relay server is connected to the joint work Set it as the destination of data editing information,
A communication control program characterized by the above.

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