WO2018173209A1 - Videoconference system and control method therefor - Google Patents

Videoconference system and control method therefor Download PDF

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Publication number
WO2018173209A1
WO2018173209A1 PCT/JP2017/011799 JP2017011799W WO2018173209A1 WO 2018173209 A1 WO2018173209 A1 WO 2018173209A1 JP 2017011799 W JP2017011799 W JP 2017011799W WO 2018173209 A1 WO2018173209 A1 WO 2018173209A1
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Prior art keywords
user
video conference
additional function
conference system
terminal
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PCT/JP2017/011799
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French (fr)
Japanese (ja)
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覚 大浦
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株式会社ベイビッグ
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Priority to PCT/JP2017/011799 priority Critical patent/WO2018173209A1/en
Priority to JP2017535858A priority patent/JP6393955B1/en
Publication of WO2018173209A1 publication Critical patent/WO2018173209A1/en

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  • the present invention relates to a video conference system and a control method thereof.
  • Patent Document 1 discloses a video conference system in which a plurality of terminals make a call at the same time.
  • additional functions may be added by charging.
  • a method of limiting all users who participate in the video conference to users who are charged can be considered.
  • the convenience of the user is significantly reduced.
  • the use of the additional function is permitted, the opportunity for the non-billing user to use the additional function is increased, which is a relative advantage for the billing user. There is a problem of reduction.
  • an object of the present invention is to provide a video conference system or a control method thereof that can appropriately limit the use of an additional function of a user who has a use restriction on the additional function while suppressing a decrease in user convenience.
  • the video conference system is a video conference system that can use an additional function with usage restrictions, and the first user without usage restrictions with respect to the additional functions and the additional functions
  • a second user with usage restrictions participates in a video conference
  • the use of the additional function is permitted when the number of participants of the second user is equal to or less than the possible number of participation, it is possible to suppress a decrease in user convenience.
  • the use of the additional function is restricted, so that the use of the additional function of the second user can be appropriately restricted.
  • the video conference system may further include a recording unit that records the content of the video conference, and the additional function may be recording of the content of the video conference by the recording unit.
  • the video conference system may further include a registration unit that registers the first user and registers the second user in association with the first user based on the registered operation by the first user. .
  • the first user is registered by the first user.
  • the management company or the like does not need to perform management or the like of the second user associated with the first user, so that management processing in the management company or the like can be reduced.
  • the restriction unit restricts the additional function when a registered first user and a user other than the second user registered in association with the first user are participating in the video conference. May be.
  • This configuration can appropriately limit the use of the recording function.
  • an upper limit of the second user that can be registered in association with the first user may be set.
  • This configuration can appropriately limit the use of the recording function of the second user.
  • the video conference system may be a telemedicine video conference system.
  • a priority is set for a user who participates in a video conference, and the video conference system is configured such that when a plurality of terminals that perform the video conference include terminals whose communication band is narrower than a reference value, the priority is set. Data transmitted from a user with a low communication frequency to a terminal with a narrow communication band may be reduced.
  • a control method is a control method for a video conference system that can use an additional function with usage restrictions, and a user who has no usage restrictions with respect to the additional functions and the additional functions.
  • a second user who is restricted in use participates in a video conference, (1) when the number of participants in the video conference of the second user is equal to or less than a predetermined number of participants, the additional function (2) When the number of participants in the video conference of the second user exceeds the possible number of participation, the use of the additional function is restricted.
  • the use of the additional function is permitted when the number of participants of the second user is equal to or less than the possible number of participation, it is possible to suppress a decrease in user convenience.
  • the use of the additional function is restricted, so that the use of the additional function of the second user can be appropriately restricted.
  • the present invention can provide a video conference system or a control method thereof that can appropriately limit the use of an additional function of a user who has a use restriction on the additional function while suppressing a decrease in convenience for the user.
  • FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of a video conference system according to an embodiment.
  • FIG. 2 is a block diagram of a terminal according to the embodiment.
  • FIG. 3 is a block diagram of the server according to the embodiment.
  • FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating an example of user information according to the embodiment.
  • FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating an example of setting information according to the embodiment.
  • FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating an example of primary user information according to the embodiment.
  • FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating an example of temporary user information according to the embodiment.
  • FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating an example of a billing plan according to the embodiment.
  • FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating a flow of setting processing according to the embodiment.
  • FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing processing of the limiting unit according to the embodiment.
  • FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing a data amount reduction process according to the communication band according to the embodiment.
  • a primary user and a temporary user are registered.
  • use of the additional function is restricted. Thereby, it is possible to appropriately limit the use of the additional function of the user who has a use restriction on the additional function while suppressing the deterioration of the convenience for the user.
  • FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a configuration of a video conference system 100 according to the present embodiment.
  • the video conference system 100 shown in FIG. 1 is a video conference system that can use additional functions with usage restrictions, and includes a server 101 and terminals 102, 103, and 104.
  • the video conference system 100 is a telemedicine video conference system
  • the use of the video conference system 100 is not limited to telemedicine, and the present invention is not limited thereto. Applicable to any video conference system.
  • the operation of the three terminals 102, 103, and 104 included in the video conference system 100 will be described, but the number of terminals included in the video conference system 100 may be arbitrary.
  • the server 101, the terminal 102, the terminal 103, and the terminal 104 are connected via the network 105.
  • the server 101 is operated, for example, by a management company that manages the video conference system 100, and manages the video conference function, the video phone function, and the like in the video conference system 100.
  • the terminal 102, the terminal 103, and the terminal 104 are, for example, a videophone dedicated machine, a PC (personal computer), a tablet terminal, or a smartphone, and function as a videophone and a video conference terminal.
  • a video phone function one-to-one call
  • a video conference function simultaneous call by a large number of people
  • a video conference recording function which is an additional function
  • the usage mode is not limited to this.
  • the basic function may be charged, and a system that generates an additional charge for using the additional function may be used.
  • the additional function may be other than the recording function.
  • the basic function may be a videophone function
  • the additional function may be a video conference function.
  • the additional function may be an increase in the upper limit of the number of people who can participate in the video conference.
  • the terminal 102 and the terminal 103 belong to a medical facility.
  • the terminal 102 is used by a doctor in a medical facility.
  • a nurse or the like carries the terminal 103, visits the patient's home, and performs a medical examination or the like.
  • telemedicine can be realized.
  • the terminal 102 and the terminal 103 perform a diagnosis or the like while using the videophone or videoconference function.
  • the doctor since the doctor can observe the patient's state while in the medical facility, he can give an appropriate instruction to the nurse.
  • the terminal 104 belongs to a patient relative or the like.
  • a doctor can quickly determine a treatment policy and the like by conducting a video conference between the terminal 102 and the terminal 103 and the terminal 104 added thereto.
  • relatives etc. can confirm whether the patient is appropriately examined or treated.
  • users are classified into primary users (first users) and temporary users (second users).
  • the primary user is a user who has no usage restrictions on the additional function, and is a user who uses the video conference function including the additional function on a resident basis.
  • the temporary user is a user who has usage restrictions on the additional function and is a user who temporarily uses the video conference function including the additional function.
  • a prime user is a staff member (doctor, nurse, or the like) belonging to a medical facility that performs billing
  • a temporary user is a user (such as a patient's relative) that does not belong to a medical facility that performs billing. .
  • a billing amount is set according to the number of registered primary users (the billing amount increases as the number of registrations increases).
  • the upper limit of the number of registered primary users is set according to the charge amount (the upper limit increases as the charge amount increases).
  • the additional function may be usable for a predetermined period, or the additional function may be used permanently. Good.
  • FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration example of the terminal 102.
  • the configurations of the terminals 103 and 104 are also the same as the terminal 102, for example.
  • the terminal 102 includes a camera 111, a display unit 112, a microphone 113, a speaker 114, an operation reception unit 115, and a control unit 116.
  • the camera 111 generates a video signal by photographing the front of the screen of the terminal 102, for example.
  • the microphone 113 generates a sound signal by acquiring sound around the terminal 102.
  • the display unit 112 displays a video transmitted from the partner terminal, a video of the terminal obtained by the camera 111, operation information, and the like during a call.
  • the speaker 114 outputs the voice transmitted from the partner terminal during a call.
  • the operation accepting unit 115 is, for example, an input interface such as a touch panel, operation buttons, a mouse, a keyboard, or voice input, and accepts an operation by a user.
  • the control unit 116 controls a telephone call (videophone and videoconference) using video and audio.
  • FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the server 101.
  • the server 101 includes a control unit 121 and a storage unit 122.
  • the control unit 121 includes a registration unit 123, a call control unit 124, a restriction unit 125, and a recording unit 126.
  • the storage unit 122 stores user registration information 131, additional function information 132, and recorded data 136.
  • the registration unit 123 registers user registration information 131 and additional function information 132.
  • the user registration information 131 is information on users who use the video conference system 100, and is information on all users who use the basic functions.
  • FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating a configuration example of the user registration information 131.
  • the user registration information 131 includes a user ID 141, a telephone address 142, and user information 143.
  • the user ID 141 is information that uniquely identifies the user.
  • the telephone address 142 is an address used for a telephone call, and a terminal that makes a telephone call is identified by the telephone address 142.
  • the user information 143 is registered user information, and includes, for example, the user's name, address, contact information, and mail address. Note that the user ID 141 and the user information 143 are not necessarily required.
  • the additional function information 132 is information relating to the additional function, and is provided for each group (for example, medical facility) that has made a charge.
  • the additional function information 132 includes setting information 133, primary user information 134, and temporary user information 135.
  • FIG. 5 is a diagram showing the configuration of the setting information 133.
  • the setting information 133 is information indicating the contents of billing registration, and includes a group ID 151, a primary user registration number 152, a temporary user participation possibility number 153, and a temporary user registration possibility number 154.
  • the group ID 151 is information for uniquely identifying a group that performs the accounting.
  • the number of primary user registrations 152 indicates the number of primary users currently registered.
  • Temporary user participation possibility number 153 indicates the upper limit of temporary users who can participate in a video conference when using the additional function. In videophones, there is generally an upper limit for participation in videoconferencing as a system. For example, when the participation upper limit is N (N is an integer of 2 or more), the temporary user participation possibility 153 is set to N ⁇ 1 or less.
  • Temporary user registration possible number 154 indicates the upper limit of temporary users that can be registered.
  • the primary user registration number 152, the temporary user participation possibility number 153, and the temporary user registration possibility number 154 are not necessarily required.
  • a fixed value is used as the temporary user participation possibility number 153 or the temporary user registration possibility number 154, it is not necessary to manage these pieces of information for each group.
  • FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating a configuration example of the primary user information 134.
  • the primary user information 134 indicates a primary user registered in the group, and indicates a telephone address 161 of each primary user.
  • primary users are classified into super users and general users who are primary users other than super users.
  • the super user has a right to register a primary user and a temporary user and a right to perform an operation of an additional function (for example, a recording start and end operation).
  • the primary user information 134 includes super user information 162 indicating whether each primary user is a super user.
  • a plurality of primary users may be set as super users.
  • the super user is not necessarily set, and all primary users may have super user authority.
  • FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating a configuration example of the temporary user information 135.
  • the temporary user information 135 indicates a temporary user registered in the group, and indicates the telephone address 171 of each temporary user.
  • a primary user and a temporary user are registered for each group.
  • a temporary user is registered in association with the primary user based on an operation by the registered primary user.
  • FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating an example of a billing plan. For example, as shown in FIG. 8, as the billing amount increases, the number of primary users that can be registered, the number of temporary users that can participate, and the number of temporary users that can be registered may increase. Here, an example is shown in which the number of primary user registrations, the number of temporary user participations, and the number of temporary user registrations all increase, but at least one of them may increase.
  • various types of information are divided into user registration information 131, setting information 133, primary user information 134, and temporary user information 135 and stored.
  • the information storage format is an example, and Can be stored in any format.
  • the user registration information 131, the setting information 133, the primary user information 134, the temporary user information 135, and the recording data 136 need not be stored in a single device, but may be distributed and stored in a plurality of devices.
  • the additional function information 132 may be centrally managed by the server 101 as shown in FIG. 3, or may be managed in the primary user's terminal.
  • one or more terminals of the super user may store and manage the additional function information 132 of the group.
  • all primary user terminals in the group may store and manage the additional function information 132 of the group.
  • the recording data 136 may be managed by the terminal of the primary user.
  • the call control unit 124 controls calls between terminals.
  • the restriction unit 125 permits or restricts (prohibits) use of the additional function in the video conference.
  • the recording unit 126 records the content of the video conference, and records the recorded video recording data 136 in the storage unit 122.
  • FIG. 9 shows the flow of this initial setting process.
  • the terminal 102 downloads video conferencing software from the server 101 in accordance with a user operation (S101).
  • the terminal 102 installs the downloaded software and registers the telephone address of the terminal 102 in the server 101 (S102).
  • the terminal 103 downloads video conference software from the server 101 in accordance with a user operation (S103).
  • the terminal 103 installs the downloaded software and registers the telephone address of the terminal 103 in the server 101 (S104).
  • the terminal 102 and the terminal 103 are registered in the user registration information 131 of the server 101.
  • the terminal 102 and the terminal 103 are in a state where the basic functions of the video conference can be used.
  • billing registration for using the additional function is performed. Specifically, the telephone address of the terminal 103 is notified to the terminal 102 (S105). This notification method may be arbitrary.
  • the terminal 102 performs billing registration according to the user's operation, and registers the primary user by designating the telephone addresses of the terminal 102 and the terminal 103 (S106). Also, a super user is set from the primary users.
  • the change conditions are set more severely than the change (registration) of the temporary user.
  • the primary user may be set only at the time of charging, or the primary user once set may not be changed.
  • the primary user may be changed by charging. Or after new registration (or after a change), it is good also as impossible to change until a predetermined period passes.
  • a temporary user For example, when a new patient is registered in a medical institution, the terminal 104 such as a relative of the patient is registered as a temporary user. In this case, the terminal 104 downloads the video conference software from the server 101 in accordance with the user operation (S107). The terminal 104 installs the downloaded software, and registers the telephone address of the terminal 104 in the server 101 (S108).
  • This notification method may be arbitrary.
  • the terminal 102 designates the telephone address of the terminal 104 and registers the terminal 104 as a temporary user according to the user's operation (S110).
  • the temporary user registration and change restrictions are looser than the primary user registration and change restrictions. For example, the super user can perform registration and change at an arbitrary timing.
  • steps S102, S104, and S108 may be performed by the management company of the server 101.
  • the method for conducting a video conference is not particularly limited, and any known method can be used under the management of the server 101.
  • the video conference is started.
  • the additional function when used, a limit is imposed on the number of temporary users participating in the video conference.
  • the restricting unit 125 (1) the number of participants in the temporary user's video conference is less than or equal to a predetermined number 153 of possible temporary user participation. In this case, the use of the additional function is permitted, and (2) when the number of temporary users participating in the video conference exceeds the number 153 of possible temporary user participations, the use of the additional function is restricted (prohibited).
  • FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing the processing of the restriction unit 125.
  • the restriction unit 125 determines whether all users participating in the video conference are a registered primary user and a temporary user registered in association with the primary user (S121). That is, the restriction unit 125 determines whether all users participating in the video conference are registered in the same group.
  • the restriction unit 125 restricts the use of the additional function ( (Prohibited) (S124).
  • the restricting unit 125 is a temporary user. It is determined whether or not the number of participants is 153 or less, which is a possible number of temporary user participation (S122).
  • the restriction unit 125 permits the use of the additional function (S123).
  • the super user can perform recording start and end operations during the video conference.
  • the user who is permitted to start and end the recording may be a user set in advance by a super user, for example.
  • the recorded data 136 can be acquired or viewed from the terminal 102, 103, or 104, for example.
  • whether or not to perform recording may be set before the start of the video conference, and recording may be automatically started when use of the additional function is permitted.
  • the restriction unit 125 restricts (prohibits) the use of the additional function (S124).
  • the use of the additional function is permitted, so that a decrease in user convenience can be suppressed.
  • the use of the additional function is restricted, so that the use of the additional function of the temporary user can be appropriately restricted.
  • the use of the recording function is permitted when the number of temporary user participants is one. Further, when the number of temporary users participating is two or more, the use of the recording function is restricted.
  • relatives on the patient's side can use this system with a simple operation of downloading software and notifying the medical institution of the telephone address, so the convenience of relatives can be improved.
  • the determination may be performed in units of primary users.
  • use of the additional function may be permitted. For example, if a conference includes a primary user whose number of possible temporary users can be set to “1” and a primary user set to “2”, the number of temporary users participating in the conference is two.
  • the use of additional functions is permitted when the number of people is below.
  • the use of the additional function may be permitted. For example, when a conference includes a primary user whose number of possible temporary users can be set to “1” and a primary user set to “2”, the number of temporary users participating in the conference is one.
  • the use of additional functions is permitted when the number of people is below.
  • the group ID 151 and the primary user registration number 152 are not necessary.
  • temporary user registration may not be performed.
  • users other than the primary user can be regarded as temporary users.
  • the temporary user registration possible number 154 and the temporary user information 135 are unnecessary.
  • use of the additional function may be permitted only for calls between primary users. In other words, even when the number of temporary users participating is equal to or less than the number of possible temporary users 153, the use of the additional function may be prohibited.
  • FIG. 11 is a flowchart of this process.
  • priorities are set for a plurality of terminals participating in the video conference (S131). For example, this priority may be set by a super user. Alternatively, the priority may be set such that the priority of the super user is the highest, the priority of the temporary user other than the super user is the next highest, and the priority of the primary user is the lowest. Moreover, a priority may be set for each user.
  • the communication band (communication speed) is sufficient (S132).
  • the communication speed of each terminal is determined.
  • the method for determining the communication speed may be arbitrary. For example, a time stamp is added to the transmission data, and the difference between the previous reception time and the current reception time and the time stamp difference between the previous and current transmission data. There is a method to check the opening.
  • the terminal with low priority reduces the data amount of transmission data to the terminal determined that the communication speed is not sufficient (the communication band is narrow) ( S133).
  • the amount of transmission data from a terminal determined to have an insufficient communication speed to a terminal with a low priority may be reduced.
  • a method for reducing the amount of transmission data there are a method for transmitting only one of video data and audio data, a method for reducing the frame rate (thinning video), and the like.
  • the determination process may be performed by any of the receiving terminal, the transmitting terminal, and the server, or may be performed in a distributed manner.
  • the transmission data amount of all terminals may be reduced.
  • the user may be notified that the communication band is insufficient. And a user may perform the setting which reduces the amount of transmission data manually in response to the said notification.
  • the terminal 102 or the like may perform part of the processing of the server 101 described above.
  • the terminal 102 may include a storage unit that holds the registered additional function information 132 and a restriction unit 125 that operates based on the additional function information 132.
  • each processing unit included in each device included in the video conference system is typically realized as an LSI which is an integrated circuit. These may be individually made into one chip, or may be made into one chip so as to include a part or all of them.
  • circuits are not limited to LSI, and may be realized by a dedicated circuit or a general-purpose processor.
  • An FPGA Field Programmable Gate Array
  • reconfigurable processor that can reconfigure the connection and setting of circuit cells inside the LSI may be used.
  • each device included in the video conference system may be realized by a processor such as a CPU executing a program.
  • the present invention may be the above program or a non-transitory computer-readable recording medium on which the above program is recorded.
  • the program can be distributed via a transmission medium such as the Internet.
  • the present invention can be realized not only as a video conference system but also as a transmitter, a receiver, or a management device included in the video conference system.
  • the present invention can be realized as a control method having steps as characteristic means included in such a video conference system, or can be realized as a program for causing a computer to execute such characteristic steps. it can.
  • division of functional blocks in the block diagram is an example, and a plurality of functional blocks can be realized as one functional block, a single functional block can be divided into a plurality of functions, or some functions can be transferred to other functional blocks. May be.
  • functions of a plurality of functional blocks having similar functions may be processed in parallel or time-division by a single hardware or software.
  • the video conference system according to one or a plurality of aspects has been described based on the embodiment, but the present invention is not limited to this embodiment. Unless it deviates from the gist of the present invention, various modifications conceived by those skilled in the art have been made in this embodiment, and forms constructed by combining components in different embodiments are also within the scope of one or more aspects. May be included.
  • the present invention can be applied to, for example, a telemedicine teleconference system.

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Abstract

A videoconference system (100) is able to utilize an additional function with utilization restriction, and is provided with a restriction unit (125) which, when first users having no utilization restriction with respect to the additional function, and second users having utilization restriction with respect to the additional function participate in a videoconference, (1) permits the use of the additional function if the number of the second users that participate in the videoconference is a predetermined allowable number of participants or less, and (2) restricts the use of the additional function if the number of the second users that participate in the videoconference exceeds the allowable number of participants.

Description

テレビ会議システム、及びその制御方法Video conference system and control method thereof
　本発明は、テレビ会議システム及びその制御方法に関する。 The present invention relates to a video conference system and a control method thereof.
　複数端末が同時に通話を行うテレビ会議システムについて、例えば、特許文献１に記載されている。 For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a video conference system in which a plurality of terminals make a call at the same time.
特開２００４－１４６９１３号公報JP 2004-146913 A
　このようなテレビ会議システムでは、基本機能に加え、追加機能を課金等で追加する場合も想定される。このような場合、例えば、テレビ会議に参加する全てを課金しているユーザに限定する方法が考えられる。しかしながら、このような限定を加えると、ユーザの利便性が著しく低下してしまうという課題がある。一方で、少なくとも１人の課金ユーザがテレビ会議に参加している場合に追加機能の使用を許可すると、非課金のユーザが追加機能を利用できる機会が増えることで、相対的に課金ユーザのメリットが低減するという課題がある。 In such a video conference system, in addition to basic functions, additional functions may be added by charging. In such a case, for example, a method of limiting all users who participate in the video conference to users who are charged can be considered. However, when such a limitation is added, there is a problem that the convenience of the user is significantly reduced. On the other hand, if at least one billing user is participating in a video conference, if the use of the additional function is permitted, the opportunity for the non-billing user to use the additional function is increased, which is a relative advantage for the billing user. There is a problem of reduction.
　そこで、本発明は、ユーザの利便性の低下を抑制しつつ、追加機能に対して利用制限があるユーザの追加機能の利用を適切に制限できるテレビ会議システム又はその制御方法を提供することを目的とする。 Accordingly, an object of the present invention is to provide a video conference system or a control method thereof that can appropriately limit the use of an additional function of a user who has a use restriction on the additional function while suppressing a decrease in user convenience. And
　本発明の一態様に係るテレビ会議システムは、利用制限がある追加機能を利用可能なテレビ会議システムであって、前記追加機能に対して利用制限がない第１ユーザと、前記追加機能に対して利用制限がある第２ユーザとがテレビ会議に参加する場合において、（１）前記第２ユーザの前記テレビ会議へ参加人数が、予め定められた参加可能数以下の場合、前記追加機能の使用を許可し、（２）前記第２ユーザの前記テレビ会議へ参加人数が、前記参加可能数を超えている場合、前記追加機能の使用を制限する制限部を備える。 The video conference system according to an aspect of the present invention is a video conference system that can use an additional function with usage restrictions, and the first user without usage restrictions with respect to the additional functions and the additional functions In the case where a second user with usage restrictions participates in a video conference, (1) when the number of participants in the video conference of the second user is equal to or less than a predetermined number of participants, the use of the additional function is performed. And (2) a restriction unit that restricts use of the additional function when the number of participants in the video conference of the second user exceeds the possible number of participants.
　この構成によれば、第２ユーザの参加人数が参加可能数以下の場合には、追加機能の利用が許可されるので、ユーザの利便性の低下を抑制できる。一方で、第２ユーザの参加人数が参加可能数を超える場合には、追加機能の利用が制限されるので、第２ユーザの追加機能の利用を適切に制限できる。 According to this configuration, since the use of the additional function is permitted when the number of participants of the second user is equal to or less than the possible number of participation, it is possible to suppress a decrease in user convenience. On the other hand, when the number of participants of the second user exceeds the possible number of participation, the use of the additional function is restricted, so that the use of the additional function of the second user can be appropriately restricted.
　例えば、前記テレビ会議システムは、さらに、前記テレビ会議の内容を録画する録画部を備え、前記追加機能は、前記録画部による前記テレビ会議の内容の録画であってもよい。 For example, the video conference system may further include a recording unit that records the content of the video conference, and the additional function may be recording of the content of the video conference by the recording unit.
　この構成によれば、ユーザの利便性の低下を抑制しつつ、第２ユーザの録画機能の利用を適切に制限できる。 According to this configuration, it is possible to appropriately limit the use of the recording function of the second user while suppressing a decrease in user convenience.
　例えば、前記テレビ会議システムは、さらに、第１ユーザを登録し、登録された当該第１ユーザによる操作に基づき、当該第１ユーザに対応付けて第２ユーザを登録する登録部を備えてもよい。 For example, the video conference system may further include a registration unit that registers the first user and registers the second user in association with the first user based on the registered operation by the first user. .
　この構成によれば、第１ユーザにより、当該第１ユーザの登録が行われる。これにより、管理会社等は、第１ユーザに対応付ける第２ユーザの管理等を行う必要がないので、管理会社等における管理処理を低減できる。 According to this configuration, the first user is registered by the first user. As a result, the management company or the like does not need to perform management or the like of the second user associated with the first user, so that management processing in the management company or the like can be reduced.
　例えば、前記制限部は、登録された第１ユーザ、及び、当該第１ユーザに対応付けて登録された第２ユーザ以外のユーザが前記テレビ会議に参加している場合、前記追加機能を制限してもよい。 For example, the restriction unit restricts the additional function when a registered first user and a user other than the second user registered in association with the first user are participating in the video conference. May be.
　この構成によれば、録画機能の利用を適切に制限できる。 This configuration can appropriately limit the use of the recording function.
　例えば、前記第１ユーザに対応付けて登録可能な前記第２ユーザの上限が設定されていてもよい。 For example, an upper limit of the second user that can be registered in association with the first user may be set.
　この構成によれば、第２ユーザの録画機能の利用を適切に制限できる。 This configuration can appropriately limit the use of the recording function of the second user.
　例えば、前記テレビ会議システムは、遠隔医療用テレビ会議システムであってもよい。 For example, the video conference system may be a telemedicine video conference system.
　この構成によれば、遠隔医療用テレビ会議システムにおいて、ユーザの利便性の低下を抑制しつつ、第２ユーザの録画機能の利用を適切に制限できる。 According to this configuration, in the telemedicine video conference system, it is possible to appropriately limit the use of the recording function of the second user while suppressing a decrease in user convenience.
　例えば、テレビ会議に参加するユーザには、優先度が設定されており、前記テレビ会議システムは、前記テレビ会議を行う複数の端末に通信帯域が基準値より狭い端末が含まれる場合、前記優先度が低いユーザから前記通信帯域が狭い端末へ送信されるデータを削減してもよい。 For example, a priority is set for a user who participates in a video conference, and the video conference system is configured such that when a plurality of terminals that perform the video conference include terminals whose communication band is narrower than a reference value, the priority is set. Data transmitted from a user with a low communication frequency to a terminal with a narrow communication band may be reduced.
　この構成によれば、優先度の低い端末へのデータ量又は当該端末からのデータ量を削減できる。 According to this configuration, it is possible to reduce the amount of data to or from the terminal with low priority.
　また、本発明の一態様に係る制御方法は、利用制限がある追加機能を利用可能なテレビ会議システムの制御方法であって、前記追加機能に対して利用制限がないユーザと、前記追加機能に対して利用制限がある第２ユーザとがテレビ会議に参加する場合において、（１）前記第２ユーザの前記テレビ会議へ参加人数が、予め定められた参加可能数以下の場合、前記追加機能の使用を許可し、（２）前記第２ユーザの前記テレビ会議へ参加人数が、前記参加可能数を超えている場合、前記追加機能の使用を制限する。 In addition, a control method according to an aspect of the present invention is a control method for a video conference system that can use an additional function with usage restrictions, and a user who has no usage restrictions with respect to the additional functions and the additional functions. When a second user who is restricted in use participates in a video conference, (1) when the number of participants in the video conference of the second user is equal to or less than a predetermined number of participants, the additional function (2) When the number of participants in the video conference of the second user exceeds the possible number of participation, the use of the additional function is restricted.
　これによれば、第２ユーザの参加人数が参加可能数以下の場合には、追加機能の利用が許可されるので、ユーザの利便性の低下を抑制できる。一方で、第２ユーザの参加人数が参加可能数を超える場合には、追加機能の利用が制限されるので、第２ユーザの追加機能の利用を適切に制限できる。 According to this, since the use of the additional function is permitted when the number of participants of the second user is equal to or less than the possible number of participation, it is possible to suppress a decrease in user convenience. On the other hand, when the number of participants of the second user exceeds the possible number of participation, the use of the additional function is restricted, so that the use of the additional function of the second user can be appropriately restricted.
　なお、これらの包括的または具体的な態様は、システム、方法、集積回路、コンピュータプログラムまたはコンピュータ読み取り可能なＣＤ－ＲＯＭなどの記録媒体で実現されてもよく、システム、方法、集積回路、コンピュータプログラム及び記録媒体の任意な組み合わせで実現されてもよい。 Note that these comprehensive or specific modes may be realized by a system, a method, an integrated circuit, a computer program, or a recording medium such as a computer-readable CD-ROM, and the system, method, integrated circuit, and computer program. Also, any combination of recording media may be realized.
　本発明は、ユーザの利便性の低下を抑制しつつ、追加機能に対して利用制限があるユーザの追加機能の利用を適切に制限できるテレビ会議システム又はその制御方法を提供できる。 The present invention can provide a video conference system or a control method thereof that can appropriately limit the use of an additional function of a user who has a use restriction on the additional function while suppressing a decrease in convenience for the user.
図１は、実施の形態に係るテレビ会議システムの構成を示す図である。FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of a video conference system according to an embodiment. 図２は、実施の形態に係る端末のブロック図である。FIG. 2 is a block diagram of a terminal according to the embodiment. 図３は、実施の形態に係るサーバのブロック図である。FIG. 3 is a block diagram of the server according to the embodiment. 図４は、実施の形態に係るユーザ情報の一例を示す図である。FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating an example of user information according to the embodiment. 図５は、実施の形態に係る設定情報の一例を示す図である。FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating an example of setting information according to the embodiment. 図６は、実施の形態に係るプライマリユーザ情報の一例を示す図である。FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating an example of primary user information according to the embodiment. 図７は、実施の形態に係るテンポラリユーザ情報の一例を示す図である。FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating an example of temporary user information according to the embodiment. 図８は、実施の形態に係る課金プランの一例を示す図である。FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating an example of a billing plan according to the embodiment. 図９は、実施の形態に係る設定処理の流れを示す図である。FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating a flow of setting processing according to the embodiment. 図１０は、実施の形態に係る制限部の処理を示すフローチャートである。FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing processing of the limiting unit according to the embodiment. 図１１は、実施の形態に係る通信帯域に応じたデータ量削減処理を示すフローチャートである。FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing a data amount reduction process according to the communication band according to the embodiment.
　以下、実施の形態について、図面を参照しながら具体的に説明する。 Hereinafter, embodiments will be specifically described with reference to the drawings.
　なお、以下で説明する実施の形態は、いずれも本発明の一具体例を示すものである。以下の実施の形態で示される数値、形状、材料、構成要素、構成要素の配置位置及び接続形態、ステップ、ステップの順序などは、一例であり、本発明を限定する主旨ではない。また、以下の実施の形態における構成要素のうち、最上位概念を示す独立請求項に記載されていない構成要素については、任意の構成要素として説明される。 Note that each of the embodiments described below shows a specific example of the present invention. The numerical values, shapes, materials, constituent elements, arrangement positions and connecting forms of the constituent elements, steps, order of steps, and the like shown in the following embodiments are merely examples, and are not intended to limit the present invention. In addition, among the constituent elements in the following embodiments, constituent elements that are not described in the independent claims indicating the highest concept are described as optional constituent elements.
　本実施の形態に係るテレビ会議システムでは、プライマリユーザと、テンポラリユーザとが登録される。テレビ会議において、テンポラリユーザの参加者が予め定められた参加可能数を超える場合には、追加機能の使用が制限される。これにより、ユーザの利便性の低下を抑制しつつ、追加機能に対して利用制限があるユーザの追加機能の利用を適切に制限できる。 In the video conference system according to the present embodiment, a primary user and a temporary user are registered. In the video conference, when the number of temporary user participants exceeds a predetermined number of participants, use of the additional function is restricted. Thereby, it is possible to appropriately limit the use of the additional function of the user who has a use restriction on the additional function while suppressing the deterioration of the convenience for the user.
　まず、本実施の形態に係るテレビ会議システム１００の構成を説明する。図１は、本実施の形態に係るテレビ会議システム１００の構成を示す図である。 First, the configuration of the video conference system 100 according to the present embodiment will be described. FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a configuration of a video conference system 100 according to the present embodiment.
　図１に示すテレビ会議システム１００は、利用制限がある追加機能を利用可能なテレビ会議システムであって、サーバ１０１と、端末１０２、１０３及び１０４とを含む。なお、以下では、テレビ会議システム１００が遠隔医療用テレビ会議システムである場合を例に説明を行うが、このテレビ会議システム１００の用途は、遠隔医療用に限定されるものではなく、本発明は、任意のテレビ会議システムに適用できる。また、以下では、簡単化のため、テレビ会議システム１００に含まれる３つの端末１０２、１０３及び１０４の動作等を説明するが、テレビ会議システム１００に含まれる端末の数は任意でよい。 The video conference system 100 shown in FIG. 1 is a video conference system that can use additional functions with usage restrictions, and includes a server 101 and terminals 102, 103, and 104. In the following, the case where the video conference system 100 is a telemedicine video conference system will be described as an example. However, the use of the video conference system 100 is not limited to telemedicine, and the present invention is not limited thereto. Applicable to any video conference system. In the following, for the sake of simplicity, the operation of the three terminals 102, 103, and 104 included in the video conference system 100 will be described, but the number of terminals included in the video conference system 100 may be arbitrary.
　サーバ１０１、端末１０２、端末１０３及び端末１０４は、ネットワーク１０５を介して接続されている。 The server 101, the terminal 102, the terminal 103, and the terminal 104 are connected via the network 105.
　サーバ１０１は、例えば、テレビ会議システム１００を管理する管理会社により運営されており、テレビ会議システム１００における、テレビ会議機能及びテレビ電話機能等を管理する。 The server 101 is operated, for example, by a management company that manages the video conference system 100, and manages the video conference function, the video phone function, and the like in the video conference system 100.
　端末１０２、端末１０３及び端末１０４は、例えば、テレビ電話専用機、ＰＣ（パーソナルコンピュータ）、タブレット端末、又はスマートフォン等であり、テレビ電話及びテレビ会議端末として機能する。 The terminal 102, the terminal 103, and the terminal 104 are, for example, a videophone dedicated machine, a PC (personal computer), a tablet terminal, or a smartphone, and function as a videophone and a video conference terminal.
　また、このテレビ会議システム１００では、例えば、基本機能であるテレビ電話機能（一対一での通話）及びテレビ会議機能（多人数での同時通話）は、無料で使用可能である。また、課金を行うことで追加機能であるテレビ会議の録画機能が使用可能となる。なお、利用形態は、これに限らない。例えば、基本機能も有料であり、追加機能を使用するために追加料金が発生するシステムであってもよい。 Further, in this video conference system 100, for example, a video phone function (one-to-one call) and a video conference function (simultaneous call by a large number of people), which are basic functions, can be used free of charge. Further, by charging, a video conference recording function, which is an additional function, can be used. Note that the usage mode is not limited to this. For example, the basic function may be charged, and a system that generates an additional charge for using the additional function may be used.
　また、以下では、追加機能として録画機能が用いられる例を説明するが、追加機能は録画機能以外であってもよい。例えば、基本機能がテレビ電話機能であり、追加機能がテレビ会議機能であってもよい。また、追加機能は、テレビ会議に参加可能な人数の上限が増加する等であってもよい。 In the following, an example in which a recording function is used as an additional function will be described. However, the additional function may be other than the recording function. For example, the basic function may be a videophone function, and the additional function may be a video conference function. The additional function may be an increase in the upper limit of the number of people who can participate in the video conference.
　図１の例では、端末１０２及び端末１０３は、医療施設に属する。端末１０２は、医療施設内の医師により使用される。看護師等が端末１０３を携帯し、患者宅を訪れ、診察等を行う。これにより、遠隔医療を実現できる。つまり、端末１０２と端末１０３とでテレビ電話又はテレビ会議機能を使用しながら、診察等を行う。これにより、医師は、医療施設内にいながら、患者の状態を観察できるので、看護師に適切な指示を行うことができる。 In the example of FIG. 1, the terminal 102 and the terminal 103 belong to a medical facility. The terminal 102 is used by a doctor in a medical facility. A nurse or the like carries the terminal 103, visits the patient's home, and performs a medical examination or the like. Thereby, telemedicine can be realized. In other words, the terminal 102 and the terminal 103 perform a diagnosis or the like while using the videophone or videoconference function. Thereby, since the doctor can observe the patient's state while in the medical facility, he can give an appropriate instruction to the nurse.
　また、端末１０４は、患者の親族等に属する。例えば、患者の状態に応じて、遠隔地に住む息子等に、治療内容の承諾を得ながら治療を進める必要がある場合がある。このような場合には、端末１０２及び端末１０３に、端末１０４を加えた三者でのテレビ会議を行うことで、医師は治療方針等を迅速に決定できる。また、親族等は、患者に適切な診察又は治療が行われているかを確認することができる。 In addition, the terminal 104 belongs to a patient relative or the like. For example, depending on the patient's condition, it may be necessary to proceed with treatment while obtaining consent for treatment contents from a son or the like living in a remote place. In such a case, a doctor can quickly determine a treatment policy and the like by conducting a video conference between the terminal 102 and the terminal 103 and the terminal 104 added thereto. Moreover, relatives etc. can confirm whether the patient is appropriately examined or treated.
　さらに、このような遠隔医療を行う場合には、遠隔医療の内容を記録しておくことで、治療内容及び親族との会話を残すことができる。 Furthermore, when performing such telemedicine, it is possible to leave the content of treatment and conversation with relatives by recording the content of telemedicine.
　また、ユーザは、プライマリユーザ（第１ユーザ）と、テンポラリユーザ（第２ユーザ）とに分類される。プライマリユーザは、追加機能に対して利用制限がないユーザであり、常駐的に追加機能を含むテレビ会議機能を使用するユーザである。テンポラリユーザは、追加機能に対して利用制限があるユーザであり、一時的に追加機能を含むテレビ会議機能を使用するユーザである。例えば、プライパリユーザは、課金を行っている医療施設に属する職員（医師、看護師等）であり、テンポラリユーザは、課金を行っている医療施設に属さないユーザ（患者の親族等）である。 In addition, users are classified into primary users (first users) and temporary users (second users). The primary user is a user who has no usage restrictions on the additional function, and is a user who uses the video conference function including the additional function on a resident basis. The temporary user is a user who has usage restrictions on the additional function and is a user who temporarily uses the video conference function including the additional function. For example, a prime user is a staff member (doctor, nurse, or the like) belonging to a medical facility that performs billing, and a temporary user is a user (such as a patient's relative) that does not belong to a medical facility that performs billing. .
　例えば、プライマリユーザの登録数に応じて課金額が設定される（登録数が増えるほど課金額が増加する）。または、課金額に応じて、プライマリユーザの登録数の上限が設定される（課金額が増えるほど上限が上がる）。 For example, a billing amount is set according to the number of registered primary users (the billing amount increases as the number of registrations increases). Alternatively, the upper limit of the number of registered primary users is set according to the charge amount (the upper limit increases as the charge amount increases).
　また、課金の形態は特に限定されないが、例えば、一定料金を支払うことで、予め定められた期間、追加機能が使用可能となってもよいし、永続的に追加機能が使用可能となってもよい。 Although the form of billing is not particularly limited, for example, by paying a fixed fee, the additional function may be usable for a predetermined period, or the additional function may be used permanently. Good.
　以下、各装置の構成を説明する。図２は、端末１０２の構成例を示すブロック図である。なお、端末１０３及び１０４の構成も、例えば端末１０２と同様である。 The configuration of each device will be described below. FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration example of the terminal 102. The configurations of the terminals 103 and 104 are also the same as the terminal 102, for example.
　端末１０２は、カメラ１１１と、表示部１１２と、マイク１１３と、スピーカ１１４と、操作受付部１１５と、制御部１１６とを備える。 The terminal 102 includes a camera 111, a display unit 112, a microphone 113, a speaker 114, an operation reception unit 115, and a control unit 116.
　カメラ１１１は、例えば、端末１０２の画面前方を撮影することで映像信号を生成する。マイク１１３は、端末１０２の周辺の音声を取得することで音声信号を生成する。 The camera 111 generates a video signal by photographing the front of the screen of the terminal 102, for example. The microphone 113 generates a sound signal by acquiring sound around the terminal 102.
　表示部１１２は、通話時に、相手端末から送信された映像、カメラ１１１で得られた自端末の映像、及び操作情報等を表示する。スピーカ１１４は、通話時に、相手端末から送信された音声を出力する。 The display unit 112 displays a video transmitted from the partner terminal, a video of the terminal obtained by the camera 111, operation information, and the like during a call. The speaker 114 outputs the voice transmitted from the partner terminal during a call.
　操作受付部１１５は、例えば、タッチパネル、操作ボタン、マウス、キーボード、又は音声入力等の入力インタフェースであり、ユーザによる操作を受け付ける。制御部１１６は、映像及び音声を用いた通話（テレビ電話及びテレビ会議）を制御する。 The operation accepting unit 115 is, for example, an input interface such as a touch panel, operation buttons, a mouse, a keyboard, or voice input, and accepts an operation by a user. The control unit 116 controls a telephone call (videophone and videoconference) using video and audio.
　図３は、サーバ１０１の構成を示すブロック図である。このサーバ１０１は、制御部１２１と、記憶部１２２とを備える。 FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the server 101. The server 101 includes a control unit 121 and a storage unit 122.
　制御部１２１は、登録部１２３と、通話制御部１２４と、制限部１２５と、録画部１２６とを備える。記憶部１２２は、ユーザ登録情報１３１と、追加機能情報１３２と、録画データ１３６とを記憶する。 The control unit 121 includes a registration unit 123, a call control unit 124, a restriction unit 125, and a recording unit 126. The storage unit 122 stores user registration information 131, additional function information 132, and recorded data 136.
　登録部１２３は、ユーザ登録情報１３１及び追加機能情報１３２を登録する。ユーザ登録情報１３１は、テレビ会議システム１００を使用するユーザの情報であり、基本機能を使用する全てのユーザの情報である。 The registration unit 123 registers user registration information 131 and additional function information 132. The user registration information 131 is information on users who use the video conference system 100, and is information on all users who use the basic functions.
　図４は、ユーザ登録情報１３１の構成例を示す図である。図４に示すようにユーザ登録情報１３１は、ユーザＩＤ１４１と、電話アドレス１４２と、ユーザ情報１４３とを含む。ユーザＩＤ１４１は、ユーザを一意に特定する情報である。電話アドレス１４２は、通話に用いられるアドレスであり、電話アドレス１４２により通話する端末が識別される。ユーザ情報１４３は、登録されたユーザの情報であり、例えば、ユーザの氏名、住所、連絡先、及びメールアドレス等を含む。なお、ユーザＩＤ１４１及びユーザ情報１４３は、必ずしも必要ではない。 FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating a configuration example of the user registration information 131. As shown in FIG. 4, the user registration information 131 includes a user ID 141, a telephone address 142, and user information 143. The user ID 141 is information that uniquely identifies the user. The telephone address 142 is an address used for a telephone call, and a terminal that makes a telephone call is identified by the telephone address 142. The user information 143 is registered user information, and includes, for example, the user's name, address, contact information, and mail address. Note that the user ID 141 and the user information 143 are not necessarily required.
　追加機能情報１３２は、追加機能に関する情報であり、課金を行ったグループ（例えば医療施設）毎に設けられる。追加機能情報１３２は、設定情報１３３と、プライマリユーザ情報１３４と、テンポラリユーザ情報１３５とを含む。 The additional function information 132 is information relating to the additional function, and is provided for each group (for example, medical facility) that has made a charge. The additional function information 132 includes setting information 133, primary user information 134, and temporary user information 135.
　図５は、設定情報１３３の構成を示す図である。設定情報１３３は、課金登録の内容を示す情報であり、グループＩＤ１５１と、プライマリユーザ登録数１５２と、テンポラリユーザ参加可能数１５３と、テンポラリユーザ登録可能数１５４とを含む。 FIG. 5 is a diagram showing the configuration of the setting information 133. The setting information 133 is information indicating the contents of billing registration, and includes a group ID 151, a primary user registration number 152, a temporary user participation possibility number 153, and a temporary user registration possibility number 154.
　グループＩＤ１５１は、当該課金を行っているグループを一意に識別する情報である。プライマリユーザ登録数１５２は、現在登録されているプライマリユーザの数を示す。 The group ID 151 is information for uniquely identifying a group that performs the accounting. The number of primary user registrations 152 indicates the number of primary users currently registered.
　テンポラリユーザ参加可能数１５３は、追加機能を使用する際にテレビ会議に参加できるテンポラリユーザの上限を示す。なお、テレビ電話では、一般にシステムとしてのテレビ会議の参加上限が存在する。例えば、この参加上限がＮ（Ｎは２以上の整数）人の場合、テンポラリユーザ参加可能数１５３は、Ｎ－１人以下に設定される。 Temporary user participation possibility number 153 indicates the upper limit of temporary users who can participate in a video conference when using the additional function. In videophones, there is generally an upper limit for participation in videoconferencing as a system. For example, when the participation upper limit is N (N is an integer of 2 or more), the temporary user participation possibility 153 is set to N−1 or less.
　テンポラリユーザ登録可能数１５４は、登録可能なテンポラリユーザの上限を示す。 Temporary user registration possible number 154 indicates the upper limit of temporary users that can be registered.
　なお、プライマリユーザ登録数１５２、テンポラリユーザ参加可能数１５３、及びテンポラリユーザ登録可能数１５４は、必ずしも必要ではない。例えば、テンポラリユーザ参加可能数１５３、又はテンポラリユーザ登録可能数１５４として固定値が用いられる場合には、グループごとにこれらの情報を管理する必要はない。 The primary user registration number 152, the temporary user participation possibility number 153, and the temporary user registration possibility number 154 are not necessarily required. For example, when a fixed value is used as the temporary user participation possibility number 153 or the temporary user registration possibility number 154, it is not necessary to manage these pieces of information for each group.
　図６は、プライマリユーザ情報１３４の構成例を示す図である。プライマリユーザ情報１３４は、当該グループに登録されているプライマリユーザを示し、各プライマリユーザの電話アドレス１６１を示す。 FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating a configuration example of the primary user information 134. The primary user information 134 indicates a primary user registered in the group, and indicates a telephone address 161 of each primary user.
　また、プライマリユーザは、スーパユーザと、スーパユーザ以外のプライマリユーザである一般ユーザとに分類される。例えば、スーパユーザは、プライマリユーザ及びテンポラリユーザを登録する権利と、追加機能の操作（例えば、録画の開始及び終了の操作）を行う権利を有する。また、プライマリユーザ情報１３４は、各プライマリユーザがスーパユーザであるかを示すスーパユーザ情報１６２を含む。 Also, primary users are classified into super users and general users who are primary users other than super users. For example, the super user has a right to register a primary user and a temporary user and a right to perform an operation of an additional function (for example, a recording start and end operation). The primary user information 134 includes super user information 162 indicating whether each primary user is a super user.
　なお、複数のプライマリユーザがスーパユーザに設定されてもよい。またスーパユーザは必ずしも設定される必要はなく、全てのプライマリユーザがスーパユーザの権限を有してもよい。 Note that a plurality of primary users may be set as super users. Also, the super user is not necessarily set, and all primary users may have super user authority.
　図７は、テンポラリユーザ情報１３５の構成例を示す図である。テンポラリユーザ情報１３５は、当該グループに登録されているテンポラリユーザを示し、各テンポラリユーザの電話アドレス１７１を示す。 FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating a configuration example of the temporary user information 135. The temporary user information 135 indicates a temporary user registered in the group, and indicates the telephone address 171 of each temporary user.
　このように、グループ毎に、プライマリユーザ及びテンポラリユーザが登録される。つまり、登録されたプライマリユーザによる操作に基づき、当該プライマリユーザに対応付けてテンポラリユーザが登録される。 In this way, a primary user and a temporary user are registered for each group. In other words, a temporary user is registered in association with the primary user based on an operation by the registered primary user.
　また、課金プランとして複数のプランが存在してもよい。図８は、課金プランの一例を示す図である。例えば、図８に示すように、課金額が増えると、プライマリユーザの登録可能数、テンポラリユーザ参加可能数及びテンポラリユーザ登録可能数が増加してもよい。なお、ここでは、プライマリユーザの登録可能数、テンポラリユーザ参加可能数及びテンポラリユーザ登録可能数の全てが増加する例を示しているが、これらのうち少なくとも一つが増加してもよい。 Also, multiple plans may exist as billing plans. FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating an example of a billing plan. For example, as shown in FIG. 8, as the billing amount increases, the number of primary users that can be registered, the number of temporary users that can participate, and the number of temporary users that can be registered may increase. Here, an example is shown in which the number of primary user registrations, the number of temporary user participations, and the number of temporary user registrations all increase, but at least one of them may increase.
　なお、ここでは、各種情報が、ユーザ登録情報１３１、設定情報１３３、プライマリユーザ情報１３４、及びテンポラリユーザ情報１３５に分割されて格納される例を示すが、情報の格納形式は一例であり、同様の情報を格納できるのでは、任意の形式でよい。 In this example, various types of information are divided into user registration information 131, setting information 133, primary user information 134, and temporary user information 135 and stored. However, the information storage format is an example, and Can be stored in any format.
　また、ユーザ登録情報１３１、設定情報１３３、プライマリユーザ情報１３４、テンポラリユーザ情報１３５及び録画データ１３６は、単一の装置に格納されている必要はなく、複数の装置に分散されて格納されてもよい。例えば、追加機能情報１３２は、図３に示すようにサーバ１０１で集中管理されてもよいし、プライマリユーザの端末内で管理されてもよい。 Further, the user registration information 131, the setting information 133, the primary user information 134, the temporary user information 135, and the recording data 136 need not be stored in a single device, but may be distributed and stored in a plurality of devices. Good. For example, the additional function information 132 may be centrally managed by the server 101 as shown in FIG. 3, or may be managed in the primary user's terminal.
　具体的には、グループ毎にスーパユーザの１又は複数の端末が、当該グループの追加機能情報１３２を格納及び管理してもよい。または、グループ内の全てのプライマリユーザの端末が、当該グループの追加機能情報１３２を格納及び管理してもよい。また、録画データ１３６は、プライマリユーザの端末で管理されてもよい。 Specifically, for each group, one or more terminals of the super user may store and manage the additional function information 132 of the group. Alternatively, all primary user terminals in the group may store and manage the additional function information 132 of the group. Moreover, the recording data 136 may be managed by the terminal of the primary user.
　通話制御部１２４は、端末間の通話を制御する。制限部１２５は、テレビ会議における追加機能の使用を許可又は制限（禁止）する。録画部１２６は、テレビ会議の内容を録画し、録画データ１３６として記憶部１２２に記録する。 The call control unit 124 controls calls between terminals. The restriction unit 125 permits or restricts (prohibits) use of the additional function in the video conference. The recording unit 126 records the content of the video conference, and records the recorded video recording data 136 in the storage unit 122.
　次に、テレビ電話機能の初期設定処理について説明する。図９は、この初期設定処理の流れを示す図である。まず、端末１０２は、ユーザの操作に従い、サーバ１０１から、テレビ会議用のソフトウェアをダウンロードする（Ｓ１０１）。端末１０２は、ダウンロードしたソフトウェアをインストールし、当該端末１０２の電話アドレスをサーバ１０１に登録する（Ｓ１０２）。同様に、端末１０３は、ユーザの操作に従い、サーバ１０１から、テレビ会議用のソフトウェアをダウンロードする（Ｓ１０３）。端末１０３は、ダウンロードしたソフトウェアをインストールし、当該端末１０３の電話アドレスをサーバ１０１に登録する（Ｓ１０４）。 Next, the initial setting process of the videophone function will be described. FIG. 9 shows the flow of this initial setting process. First, the terminal 102 downloads video conferencing software from the server 101 in accordance with a user operation (S101). The terminal 102 installs the downloaded software and registers the telephone address of the terminal 102 in the server 101 (S102). Similarly, the terminal 103 downloads video conference software from the server 101 in accordance with a user operation (S103). The terminal 103 installs the downloaded software and registers the telephone address of the terminal 103 in the server 101 (S104).
　上記処理により、サーバ１０１のユーザ登録情報１３１に、端末１０２及び端末１０３が登録される。これにより、端末１０２及び端末１０３は、テレビ会議の基本機能を使用可能な状態となる。 Through the above process, the terminal 102 and the terminal 103 are registered in the user registration information 131 of the server 101. As a result, the terminal 102 and the terminal 103 are in a state where the basic functions of the video conference can be used.
　次に、追加機能を使用するための課金登録が行われる。具体的には、端末１０３の電話アドレスが端末１０２に通知される（Ｓ１０５）。なお、この通知の方法は任意でよい。 Next, billing registration for using the additional function is performed. Specifically, the telephone address of the terminal 103 is notified to the terminal 102 (S105). This notification method may be arbitrary.
　端末１０２は、ユーザの操作に従い、課金登録を行い、端末１０２及び端末１０３の電話アドレスを指定してプライマリユーザの登録を行う（Ｓ１０６）。また、プライマリユーザの中からスーパユーザが設定される。 The terminal 102 performs billing registration according to the user's operation, and registers the primary user by designating the telephone addresses of the terminal 102 and the terminal 103 (S106). Also, a super user is set from the primary users.
　また、プライマリユーザは課金対象であるため、テンポラリユーザの変更（登録）よりも変更の条件は厳しく設定される。例えば、プライマリユーザは、課金時にのみ設定可能であってもよいし、一度設定したプライマリユーザは変更不可であってもよい。また、課金を行うことでプライマリユーザを変更可能としてもよい。または、新規登録後（又は変更後）に、予め定められた期間が経過するまで変更不可としてもよい。 Also, since the primary user is charged, the change conditions are set more severely than the change (registration) of the temporary user. For example, the primary user may be set only at the time of charging, or the primary user once set may not be changed. In addition, the primary user may be changed by charging. Or after new registration (or after a change), it is good also as impossible to change until a predetermined period passes.
　次に、テンポラリユーザが登録される。例えば、新たな患者が医療機関に登録された際に、当該患者の親族等の端末１０４がテンポラリユーザとして登録される。この場合、端末１０４は、ユーザの操作に従い、サーバ１０１から、テレビ会議用のソフトウェアをダウンロードする（Ｓ１０７）。端末１０４は、ダウンロードしたソフトウェアをインストールし、当該端末１０４の電話アドレスをサーバ１０１に登録する（Ｓ１０８）。 Next, a temporary user is registered. For example, when a new patient is registered in a medical institution, the terminal 104 such as a relative of the patient is registered as a temporary user. In this case, the terminal 104 downloads the video conference software from the server 101 in accordance with the user operation (S107). The terminal 104 installs the downloaded software, and registers the telephone address of the terminal 104 in the server 101 (S108).
　次に、端末１０４の電話アドレスが端末１０２に通知される（Ｓ１０９）。なお、この通知の方法は任意でよい。 Next, the telephone address of the terminal 104 is notified to the terminal 102 (S109). This notification method may be arbitrary.
　端末１０２は、ユーザの操作に従い、端末１０４の電話アドレスを指定して端末１０４をテンポラリユーザに登録する（Ｓ１１０）。なお、テンポラリユーザの登録及び変更の制限は、プライマリユーザの登録及び変更の制限よりゆるく、例えば、スーパユーザは、任意のタイミングで登録及び変更を行うことができる。 The terminal 102 designates the telephone address of the terminal 104 and registers the terminal 104 as a temporary user according to the user's operation (S110). The temporary user registration and change restrictions are looser than the primary user registration and change restrictions. For example, the super user can perform registration and change at an arbitrary timing.
　以上により、端末１０２、端末１０３及び端末１０４での基本機能及び追加機能を用いたテレビ会議を行うための初期設定が完了する。 Thus, the initial setting for performing the video conference using the basic function and the additional function in the terminal 102, the terminal 103, and the terminal 104 is completed.
　なお、ステップＳ１０２、Ｓ１０４及びＳ１０８の処理は、サーバ１０１の管理会社により行われてもよい。 Note that the processing of steps S102, S104, and S108 may be performed by the management company of the server 101.
　次に、テレビ会議を行う際の動作を説明する。なお、テレビ会議を行う手法は特に限定されず、サーバ１０１の管理のもと任意の公知の手法を用いることができる。 Next, the operation when a video conference is performed will be described. Note that the method for conducting a video conference is not particularly limited, and any known method can be used under the management of the server 101.
　また、例えば、端末１０２、端末１０３及び端末１０４のいずれかの端末から他の２つの端末への呼び出し操作が行われ、当該他の２つの端末が応答した際に、テレビ会議が開始される。 Also, for example, when a call operation is performed from any one of the terminal 102, the terminal 103, and the terminal 104 to the other two terminals, and the other two terminals respond, the video conference is started.
　本実施の形態では、追加機能を使用する際に、テレビ会議に参加しているテンポラリユーザの数に制限が設けられている。具体的には、制限部１２５は、プライマリユーザとテンポラリユーザとがテレビ会議に参加する場合において、（１）テンポラリユーザのテレビ会議へ参加人数が、予め定められたテンポラリユーザ参加可能数１５３以下の場合、追加機能の使用を許可し、（２）テンポラリユーザのテレビ会議へ参加人数が、テンポラリユーザ参加可能数１５３を超えている場合、追加機能の使用を制限（禁止）する。 In the present embodiment, when the additional function is used, a limit is imposed on the number of temporary users participating in the video conference. Specifically, when the primary user and the temporary user participate in the video conference, the restricting unit 125 (1) the number of participants in the temporary user's video conference is less than or equal to a predetermined number 153 of possible temporary user participation. In this case, the use of the additional function is permitted, and (2) when the number of temporary users participating in the video conference exceeds the number 153 of possible temporary user participations, the use of the additional function is restricted (prohibited).
　図１０は、この制限部１２５の処理を示すフローチャートである。まず、制限部１２５は、テレビ会議に参加している全てのユーザが、登録されたプライマリユーザ、及び、当該プライマリユーザに対応付けて登録されたテンポラリユーザかを判定する（Ｓ１２１）。つまり、制限部１２５は、テレビ会議に参加している全てのユーザが、同一グループに登録されているかを判定する。 FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing the processing of the restriction unit 125. First, the restriction unit 125 determines whether all users participating in the video conference are a registered primary user and a temporary user registered in association with the primary user (S121). That is, the restriction unit 125 determines whether all users participating in the video conference are registered in the same group.
　登録されたプライマリユーザ、及び、当該プライマリユーザに対応付けて登録されたテンポラリユーザ以外のユーザがテレビ会議に参加している場合（Ｓ１２１でＮｏ）、制限部１２５は、追加機能の使用を制限（禁止）する（Ｓ１２４）。 When the registered primary user and a user other than the temporary user registered in association with the primary user are participating in the video conference (No in S121), the restriction unit 125 restricts the use of the additional function ( (Prohibited) (S124).
　一方、テレビ会議に参加している全てのユーザが、登録されたプライマリユーザ、及び、当該プライマリユーザに対応付けて登録されたテンポラリユーザである場合（Ｓ１２１でＹｅｓ）、制限部１２５は、テンポラリユーザの参加人数がテンポラリユーザ参加可能数１５３以下かを判定する（Ｓ１２２）。 On the other hand, when all the users participating in the video conference are registered primary users and temporary users registered in association with the primary users (Yes in S121), the restricting unit 125 is a temporary user. It is determined whether or not the number of participants is 153 or less, which is a possible number of temporary user participation (S122).
　テンポラリユーザの参加人数がテンポラリユーザ参加可能数１５３以下である場合（Ｓ１２２でＹｅｓ）、制限部１２５は、追加機能の使用を許可する（Ｓ１２３）。この場合、例えば、スーパユーザは、テレビ会議中に、録画の開始及び終了の操作を行うことが可能となる。なお、録画の開始及び終了の操作を許可されるユーザは、例えば、スーパユーザにより予め設定されたユーザであってもよい。 When the number of temporary users who can participate is 153 or less (No in S122), the restriction unit 125 permits the use of the additional function (S123). In this case, for example, the super user can perform recording start and end operations during the video conference. The user who is permitted to start and end the recording may be a user set in advance by a super user, for example.
　また、録画の操作が行われた場合、録画部１２６により、録画が行われ、得られた録画データ１３６が記憶部１２２に格納される。また、この録画データ１３６は、例えば、端末１０２、１０３又は１０４から取得又は閲覧可能な状態となる。 When a recording operation is performed, recording is performed by the recording unit 126, and the obtained recording data 136 is stored in the storage unit 122. The recorded data 136 can be acquired or viewed from the terminal 102, 103, or 104, for example.
　なお、録画を行うか否かの設定がテレビ会議の開始前に行われ、追加機能の使用が許可された場合に自動的に録画が開始されてもよい。 Note that whether or not to perform recording may be set before the start of the video conference, and recording may be automatically started when use of the additional function is permitted.
　一方、テンポラリユーザの参加人数がテンポラリユーザ参加可能数１５３を超える場合（Ｓ１２２でＮｏ）、制限部１２５は、追加機能の使用を制限（禁止）する（Ｓ１２４）。 On the other hand, when the number of temporary users participating exceeds the number of possible temporary users 153 (No in S122), the restriction unit 125 restricts (prohibits) the use of the additional function (S124).
　以上により、テンポラリユーザの参加人数がテンポラリユーザ参加可能数１５３以下の場合には、追加機能の利用が許可されるので、ユーザの利便性の低下を抑制できる。一方で、テンポラリユーザの参加人数がテンポラリユーザ参加可能数１５３を超える場合には、追加機能の利用が制限されるので、テンポラリユーザの追加機能の利用を適切に制限できる。 As described above, when the number of temporary users participating is 153 or less, the use of the additional function is permitted, so that a decrease in user convenience can be suppressed. On the other hand, when the number of temporary users participating exceeds the temporary user participation possible number 153, the use of the additional function is restricted, so that the use of the additional function of the temporary user can be appropriately restricted.
　例えば、テンポラリユーザ参加可能数１５３が「１」の場合には、テンポラリユーザの参加人数が１人の場合には、録画機能の使用が許可される。また、テンポラリユーザの参加人数が２人以上の場合には、録画機能の使用が制限される。 For example, when the number of possible temporary user participations 153 is “1”, the use of the recording function is permitted when the number of temporary user participants is one. Further, when the number of temporary users participating is two or more, the use of the recording function is restricted.
　また、上述した遠隔医療での利用の場合等には、患者が追加されるたびに課金額等の変更が発生すると、非常に使いづらいシステムとなる。一方で、本実施の形態のように、テンポラリユーザの参加人数がテンポラリユーザ参加可能数１５３以下の場合には追加機能の使用を認めることで、ユーザの利便性を向上できる。 Also, in the case of use in the above-mentioned telemedicine, etc., if the billing amount changes every time a patient is added, the system becomes very difficult to use. On the other hand, as in the present embodiment, when the number of temporary users participating is 153 or less, the user convenience can be improved by allowing the use of the additional function.
　また、このような患者の追加等を管理会社で管理する場合、管理会社での処理が増大するという課題がある。一方で、本システムでは、プライマリユーザにより、このテンポラリユーザの登録及び変更が行われるため、管理会社の処理を大幅に低減できる。 In addition, when such a patient addition is managed by a management company, there is a problem that processing at the management company increases. On the other hand, in this system, since the temporary user is registered and changed by the primary user, the processing of the management company can be greatly reduced.
　また、患者側の親族等は、ソフトウェアをダウンロードし、電話アドレスを医療機関に通知するという簡単な操作で本システムを使用できるので、親族等の利便性も向上できる。 Also, relatives on the patient's side can use this system with a simple operation of downloading software and notifying the medical institution of the telephone address, so the convenience of relatives can be improved.
　なお、上記説明では、グループ単位で判定を行う例を述べたが、プライマリユーザ単位で判定を行ってもよい。具体的には、通話又は会議に参加している少なくとも一人のプライマリユーザに設定されている条件が満たされる場合、追加機能の使用が許可されてもよい。例えば、会議に、テンポラリユーザ参加可能数が「１」に設定されているプライマリユーザと、「２」に設定されているプライマリユーザとが含まれる場合には、当該会議に参加するテンポラリユーザが２人以下の場合には、追加機能の使用が許可される。 In the above description, the example in which the determination is performed in units of groups has been described. However, the determination may be performed in units of primary users. Specifically, when a condition set for at least one primary user participating in a call or conference is satisfied, use of the additional function may be permitted. For example, if a conference includes a primary user whose number of possible temporary users can be set to “1” and a primary user set to “2”, the number of temporary users participating in the conference is two. The use of additional functions is permitted when the number of people is below.
　または、通話又は会議に参加している全てのプライマリユーザに設定されている条件が満たされる場合、追加機能の使用が許可されてもよい。例えば、会議に、テンポラリユーザ参加可能数が「１」に設定されているプライマリユーザと、「２」に設定されているプライマリユーザとが含まれる場合には、当該会議に参加するテンポラリユーザが１人以下の場合には、追加機能の使用が許可される。 Alternatively, when the conditions set for all primary users participating in a call or conference are satisfied, the use of the additional function may be permitted. For example, when a conference includes a primary user whose number of possible temporary users can be set to “1” and a primary user set to “2”, the number of temporary users participating in the conference is one. The use of additional functions is permitted when the number of people is below.
　これらの場合には、グループＩＤ１５１及びプライマリユーザ登録数１５２は不要である。 In these cases, the group ID 151 and the primary user registration number 152 are not necessary.
　また、テンポラリユーザの登録が行われなくてもよい。この場合、プライマリユーザ以外のユーザをテンポラリユーザとみなすことができる。また、この場合、テンポラリユーザ登録可能数１５４及びテンポラリユーザ情報１３５は不要である。 Also, temporary user registration may not be performed. In this case, users other than the primary user can be regarded as temporary users. In this case, the temporary user registration possible number 154 and the temporary user information 135 are unnecessary.
　また、一対一の通話の場合には、プライマリユーザ間の通話のみ追加機能の利用が許可されてもよい。つまり、テンポラリユーザの参加数が、テンポラリユーザ参加可能数１５３以下である場合でも、追加機能の使用が禁止されてもよい。 In addition, in the case of a one-to-one call, use of the additional function may be permitted only for calls between primary users. In other words, even when the number of temporary users participating is equal to or less than the number of possible temporary users 153, the use of the additional function may be prohibited.
　また、上記処理に加え、通信帯域が十分に確保できない場合に、送信データのデータ量を削減する処理を行ってもよい。図１１は、この処理のフローチャートである。 Further, in addition to the above processing, when a sufficient communication band cannot be secured, processing for reducing the amount of transmission data may be performed. FIG. 11 is a flowchart of this process.
　まず、テレビ会議に参加する複数の端末に優先度が設定される（Ｓ１３１）。例えば、この優先度は、スーパユーザにより設定されてもよい。または、スーパユーザの優先度が最も高く、次にスーパユーザ以外のテンポラリユーザの優先度が高く、プライマリユーザの優先度が最も低くなるように優先度が設定されてもよい。また、ユーザ毎に優先度が設定されてもよい。 First, priorities are set for a plurality of terminals participating in the video conference (S131). For example, this priority may be set by a super user. Alternatively, the priority may be set such that the priority of the super user is the highest, the priority of the temporary user other than the super user is the next highest, and the priority of the primary user is the lowest. Moreover, a priority may be set for each user.
　次に、所定の間隔で、通信帯域（通信速度）が十分であるかが判定される（Ｓ１３２）。例えば、各端末の通信速度が判定される。なお、通信速度を判定する方法は任意でよいが、例えば、送信データにタイムスタンプが付与され、前回の受信時刻と今回の受信時刻との差と前回と今回との送信データのタイムスタンプの差との開きを確認する方法等がある。 Next, at a predetermined interval, it is determined whether the communication band (communication speed) is sufficient (S132). For example, the communication speed of each terminal is determined. The method for determining the communication speed may be arbitrary. For example, a time stamp is added to the transmission data, and the difference between the previous reception time and the current reception time and the time stamp difference between the previous and current transmission data. There is a method to check the opening.
　通信帯域（通信速度）が十分でない場合（Ｓ１３２でＮｏ）、優先度が低い端末は、通信速度が十分でない（通信帯域が狭い）と判定された端末への送信データのデータ量を削減する（Ｓ１３３）。なお、上記に加え、又は、上記の代わりに、通信速度が十分でないと判定された端末から、優先度が低い端末への送信データ量を削減してもよい。送信データ量を削減する方法としては、映像データ及び音声データの一方のみを送信する方法、又はフレームレートを下げる（映像を間引く）方法等がある。 When the communication band (communication speed) is not sufficient (No in S132), the terminal with low priority reduces the data amount of transmission data to the terminal determined that the communication speed is not sufficient (the communication band is narrow) ( S133). In addition to the above, or instead of the above, the amount of transmission data from a terminal determined to have an insufficient communication speed to a terminal with a low priority may be reduced. As a method for reducing the amount of transmission data, there are a method for transmitting only one of video data and audio data, a method for reducing the frame rate (thinning video), and the like.
　また、上記判定の処理は、受信側端末、送信側端末及びサーバのいずれで行われてもよいし、分散して処理されてもよい。また、通信帯域が十分でない端末へのデータ量のみを削減するのではなく、全端末の送信データ量を削減してもよい。 In addition, the determination process may be performed by any of the receiving terminal, the transmitting terminal, and the server, or may be performed in a distributed manner. In addition, instead of reducing only the data amount to terminals with insufficient communication bandwidth, the transmission data amount of all terminals may be reduced.
　また、送信データ量の削減を自動的に行うのではなく、通信帯域が不足していることがユーザに通知されてもよい。そして、ユーザは当該通知を受けて、手動で送信データ量を削減する設定を行ってもよい。 Further, instead of automatically reducing the amount of transmission data, the user may be notified that the communication band is insufficient. And a user may perform the setting which reduces the amount of transmission data manually in response to the said notification.
　以上、本発明の実施の形態に係るテレビ会議システムについて説明したが、本発明は、この実施の形態に限定されるものではない。 Although the video conference system according to the embodiment of the present invention has been described above, the present invention is not limited to this embodiment.
　例えば、上述したサーバ１０１の処理の一部を、端末１０２等が行ってもよい。例えば、端末１０２は、登録した追加機能情報１３２を保持する記憶部と、当該追加機能情報１３２に基づき動作する制限部１２５を備えてもよい。 For example, the terminal 102 or the like may perform part of the processing of the server 101 described above. For example, the terminal 102 may include a storage unit that holds the registered additional function information 132 and a restriction unit 125 that operates based on the additional function information 132.
　また、上記実施の形態に係るテレビ会議システムに含まれる各装置に含まれる各処理部は典型的には集積回路であるＬＳＩとして実現される。これらは個別に１チップ化されてもよいし、一部又は全てを含むように１チップ化されてもよい。 Further, each processing unit included in each device included in the video conference system according to the above embodiment is typically realized as an LSI which is an integrated circuit. These may be individually made into one chip, or may be made into one chip so as to include a part or all of them.
　また、集積回路化はＬＳＩに限るものではなく、専用回路又は汎用プロセッサで実現してもよい。ＬＳＩ製造後にプログラムすることが可能なＦＰＧＡ（Ｆｉｅｌｄ　Ｐｒｏｇｒａｍｍａｂｌｅ　Ｇａｔｅ　Ａｒｒａｙ）、又はＬＳＩ内部の回路セルの接続や設定を再構成可能なリコンフィギュラブル・プロセッサを利用してもよい。 Further, the integration of circuits is not limited to LSI, and may be realized by a dedicated circuit or a general-purpose processor. An FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array) that can be programmed after manufacturing the LSI or a reconfigurable processor that can reconfigure the connection and setting of circuit cells inside the LSI may be used.
　また、上記実施の形態に係るテレビ会議システムに含まれる各装置の機能の一部又は全てを、ＣＰＵ等のプロセッサがプログラムを実行することにより実現してもよい。 Further, some or all of the functions of each device included in the video conference system according to the above embodiment may be realized by a processor such as a CPU executing a program.
　さらに、本発明は上記プログラムであってもよいし、上記プログラムが記録された非一時的なコンピュータ読み取り可能な記録媒体であってもよい。また、上記プログラムは、インターネット等の伝送媒体を介して流通させることができるのは言うまでもない。 Furthermore, the present invention may be the above program or a non-transitory computer-readable recording medium on which the above program is recorded. Needless to say, the program can be distributed via a transmission medium such as the Internet.
　また、本発明はテレビ会議システムとして実現できるだけでなく、テレビ会議システムに含まれる発信器、受信器、又は管理装置として実現してもよい。また、本発明は、このようなテレビ会議システムに含まれる特徴的な手段をステップとする制御方法として実現したり、そのような特徴的なステップをコンピュータに実行させるプログラムとして実現したりすることもできる。 Further, the present invention can be realized not only as a video conference system but also as a transmitter, a receiver, or a management device included in the video conference system. In addition, the present invention can be realized as a control method having steps as characteristic means included in such a video conference system, or can be realized as a program for causing a computer to execute such characteristic steps. it can.
　また、上記で用いた数字は、全て本発明を具体的に説明するために例示するものであり、本発明は例示された数字に制限されない。 Further, all the numbers used above are illustrated for specifically explaining the present invention, and the present invention is not limited to the illustrated numbers.
　また、ブロック図における機能ブロックの分割は一例であり、複数の機能ブロックを一つの機能ブロックとして実現したり、一つの機能ブロックを複数に分割したり、一部の機能を他の機能ブロックに移してもよい。また、類似する機能を有する複数の機能ブロックの機能を単一のハードウェア又はソフトウェアが並列又は時分割に処理してもよい。 In addition, division of functional blocks in the block diagram is an example, and a plurality of functional blocks can be realized as one functional block, a single functional block can be divided into a plurality of functions, or some functions can be transferred to other functional blocks. May be. In addition, functions of a plurality of functional blocks having similar functions may be processed in parallel or time-division by a single hardware or software.
　また、上記フローチャートで示すステップが実行される順序は、本発明を具体的に説明するために例示するためのものであり、上記以外の順序であってもよい。また、上記ステップの一部が、他のステップと同時（並列）に実行されてもよい。 Further, the order in which the steps shown in the flowchart are executed is for illustration in order to specifically describe the present invention, and may be in an order other than the above. Also, some of the above steps may be executed simultaneously (in parallel) with other steps.
　以上、一つまたは複数の態様に係るテレビ会議システムについて、実施の形態に基づいて説明したが、本発明は、この実施の形態に限定されるものではない。本発明の趣旨を逸脱しない限り、当業者が思いつく各種変形を本実施の形態に施したものや、異なる実施の形態における構成要素を組み合わせて構築される形態も、一つまたは複数の態様の範囲内に含まれてもよい。 As described above, the video conference system according to one or a plurality of aspects has been described based on the embodiment, but the present invention is not limited to this embodiment. Unless it deviates from the gist of the present invention, various modifications conceived by those skilled in the art have been made in this embodiment, and forms constructed by combining components in different embodiments are also within the scope of one or more aspects. May be included.
　本発明は、例えば、遠隔医療用テレビ会議システムに適用できる。 The present invention can be applied to, for example, a telemedicine teleconference system.
　１００　テレビ会議システム
　１０１　サーバ
　１０２、１０３、１０４　端末
　１１１　カメラ
　１１２　表示部
　１１３　マイク
　１１４　スピーカ
　１１５　操作受付部
　１１６、１２１　制御部
　１２２　記憶部
　１２３　登録部
　１２４　通話制御部
　１２５　制限部
　１２６　録画部
　１３１　ユーザ登録情報
　１３２　追加機能情報
　１３３　設定情報
　１３４　プライマリユーザ情報
　１３５　テンポラリユーザ情報
　１３６　録画データ
　１４１　ユーザＩＤ
　１４２、１６１、１７１　電話アドレス
　１４３　ユーザ情報
　１５１　グループＩＤ
　１５２　プライマリユーザ登録数
　１５３　テンポラリユーザ参加可能数
　１５４　テンポラリユーザ登録可能数
　１６２　スーパユーザ情報 DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 100 Video conference system 101 Server 102, 103, 104 Terminal 111 Camera 112 Display part 113 Microphone 114 Speaker 115 Operation reception part 116, 121 Control part 122 Storage part 123 Registration part 124 Call control part 125 Restriction part 126 Recording part 131 User registration information 132 Additional function information 133 Setting information 134 Primary user information 135 Temporary user information 136 Recording data 141 User ID
142, 161, 171 Telephone address 143 User information 151 Group ID
152 Primary user registration number 153 Temporary user participation possibility 154 Temporary user registration possibility number 162 Super user information

Claims (8)

  1. 　利用制限がある追加機能を利用可能なテレビ会議システムであって、
    　前記追加機能に対して利用制限がない第１ユーザと、前記追加機能に対して利用制限がある第２ユーザとがテレビ会議に参加する場合において、（１）前記第２ユーザの前記テレビ会議へ参加人数が、予め定められた参加可能数以下の場合、前記追加機能の使用を許可し、（２）前記第２ユーザの前記テレビ会議へ参加人数が、前記参加可能数を超えている場合、前記追加機能の使用を制限する制限部を備える
    　テレビ会議システム。     It is a video conference system that can use additional functions with usage restrictions,
    When a first user who has no usage restrictions on the additional function and a second user who has usage restrictions on the additional function participate in the video conference, (1) To the video conference of the second user When the number of participants is less than or equal to a predetermined number of participants, the use of the additional function is permitted. (2) When the number of participants in the video conference of the second user exceeds the number of participants allowed, A video conference system comprising a restriction unit for restricting use of the additional function.
  2. 　前記テレビ会議システムは、さらに、
    　前記テレビ会議の内容を録画する録画部を備え、
    　前記追加機能は、前記録画部による前記テレビ会議の内容の録画である
    　請求項１記載のテレビ会議システム。     The video conference system further includes:
    A recording unit for recording the content of the video conference;
    The video conference system according to claim 1, wherein the additional function is recording of the content of the video conference by the recording unit.
  3. 　前記テレビ会議システムは、さらに、
    　第１ユーザを登録し、登録された当該第１ユーザによる操作に基づき、当該第１ユーザに対応付けて第２ユーザを登録する登録部を備える
    　請求項１又は２記載のテレビ会議システム。     The video conference system further includes:
    The video conference system according to claim 1, further comprising a registration unit that registers the first user and registers the second user in association with the first user based on the registered operation by the first user.
  4. 　前記制限部は、登録された第１ユーザ、及び、当該第１ユーザに対応付けて登録された第２ユーザ以外のユーザが前記テレビ会議に参加している場合、前記追加機能を制限する
    　請求項３記載のテレビ会議システム。     The restriction unit restricts the additional function when a user other than the registered first user and the second user registered in association with the first user is participating in the video conference. 3. The video conference system according to 3.
  5. 　前記第１ユーザに対応付けて登録可能な前記第２ユーザの上限が設定されている
    　請求項３又は４記載のテレビ会議システム。     The video conference system according to claim 3, wherein an upper limit of the second user that can be registered in association with the first user is set.
  6. 　前記テレビ会議システムは、遠隔医療用テレビ会議システムである
    　請求項１～５のいずれか１項に記載のテレビ会議システム。     The video conference system according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the video conference system is a telemedicine video conference system.
  7. 　テレビ会議に参加するユーザには、優先度が設定されており、
    　前記テレビ会議システムは、
    　前記テレビ会議を行う複数の端末に通信帯域が基準値より狭い端末が含まれる場合、前記優先度が低いユーザから前記通信帯域が狭い端末へ送信されるデータを削減する
    　請求項１～６のいずれか１項に記載のテレビ会議システム。     Priorities are set for users who participate in video conferences,
    The video conference system includes:
    The data transmitted from a user with a low priority to a terminal with a narrow communication bandwidth is reduced when a plurality of terminals performing the video conference include a terminal with a communication bandwidth narrower than a reference value. The video conference system according to claim 1.
  8. 　利用制限がある追加機能を利用可能なテレビ会議システムの制御方法であって、
    　前記追加機能に対して利用制限がないユーザと、前記追加機能に対して利用制限がある第２ユーザとがテレビ会議に参加する場合において、（１）前記第２ユーザの前記テレビ会議へ参加人数が、予め定められた参加可能数以下の場合、前記追加機能の使用を許可し、（２）前記第２ユーザの前記テレビ会議へ参加人数が、前記参加可能数を超えている場合、前記追加機能の使用を制限する
    　制御方法。     A method of controlling a video conference system that can use additional functions with usage restrictions,
    When a user who has no usage restrictions on the additional function and a second user who has usage restrictions on the additional function participate in the video conference, (1) the number of participants in the video conference of the second user However, if the number of participants is less than or equal to a predetermined number, the use of the additional function is permitted. (2) When the number of participants in the video conference of the second user exceeds the number of participants A control method that restricts the use of a function.
PCT/JP2017/011799 2017-03-23 2017-03-23 Videoconference system and control method therefor WO2018173209A1 (en)

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Citations (4)

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Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
JPH09116885A (en) * 1995-10-17 1997-05-02 Canon Inc Communication load management equipment for video conference system, its method and terminal equipment for video conference system
JP2004248145A (en) * 2003-02-17 2004-09-02 Megachips System Solutions Inc Multi-point communication system
JP2013141201A (en) * 2011-12-09 2013-07-18 Canon Marketing Japan Inc Web conference system, information processing device, control method, and program
JP2013196217A (en) * 2012-03-16 2013-09-30 Ricoh Co Ltd Communication control system, control device and program

Patent Citations (4)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
JPH09116885A (en) * 1995-10-17 1997-05-02 Canon Inc Communication load management equipment for video conference system, its method and terminal equipment for video conference system
JP2004248145A (en) * 2003-02-17 2004-09-02 Megachips System Solutions Inc Multi-point communication system
JP2013141201A (en) * 2011-12-09 2013-07-18 Canon Marketing Japan Inc Web conference system, information processing device, control method, and program
JP2013196217A (en) * 2012-03-16 2013-09-30 Ricoh Co Ltd Communication control system, control device and program

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