JP2005191642A - Virtual office space providing program, virtual office space providing device, virtual office space providing method, virtual office space providing system, and storage medium for storing virtual office space providing program - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To easily realize concealment of performing synchronous communication without requiring complicated processing when realizing synchronous communication in a virtual office space.
A server terminal 111 distributes image data representing a user's work status transmitted from a logged-in client terminal 121 to another logged-in client terminal 121, and displays the work status display of the logged-in user individually. The synchronous communication is realized by allowing the client terminals 121 to browse each other. At this time, synchronous communication participation information indicating that the user is participating in the ongoing synchronous communication is additionally displayed, and the display non-display is performed for each user, the user group to which each user belongs, and the synchronous communication participation for each user. Control is performed by referring to a user group table that defines a relationship with a user group that permits browsing of medium information.
[Selection] Figure 1

Description

  The present invention relates to a virtual office space providing program, a virtual office space providing apparatus, a virtual office space providing method, a virtual office space providing system, and a virtual office space providing program for sharing a virtual office space among a plurality of computers connected via a communication network And a storage medium for storing the virtual office space providing program.

  In recent years, with the shift to broadband networks, various office forms such as satellite offices and home offices are spreading in earnest in addition to conventional offices. When such various office environments are realized, it is desired to provide a virtual office space in which a real office is virtually reproduced on a computer as a means for communication of individual workers in the office. A virtual office space is a system in which a plurality of client terminals and server terminals are connected via a communication network. For example, image data relating to the work status of a user who is logged in to each client terminal is sent to each client terminal via the server terminal. It is a system that enables mutual distribution and browsing.

  According to such a virtual office space system, workers can mutually exchange, for example, image data related to work status via a communication network, so that presence confirmation, atmosphere sharing, and the like are possible. For this reason, with the diversification of office forms such as satellite offices and home offices, attention is focused on the realization of a virtual office space providing system.

  On the other hand, synchronous communication such as video conferencing, audio conferencing, and text chatting and asynchronous communication such as e-mail and bulletin boards have been widely used as measures for communication between two or more users on the network. Yes. In synchronous communication, two or more users share time and communicate. In asynchronous communication, two or more users communicate without sharing time. Of these measures, focusing on synchronous communication, such technical ideas are introduced in, for example, Patent Documents 1-3. That is, Patent Document 1 introduces a television (video) conference system that displays video of each conference participant and starts the conference by dragging and dropping the mouse. Patent Document 2 introduces a technique for controlling whether or not a midway participant can participate, which is an operation and processing system for midway participation in a video conference. Patent Document 3 introduces a video virtual conference system that is easy for people who are unfamiliar with video conferences and the like to participate.

JP 09-023414 A Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 08-032949 Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 08-279808

  I want to realize synchronous communication in the virtual office space as described above. In this case, there are the following problems.

  ・ I want to easily start synchronous communication from the virtual office space, leave or join in the middle, or restrict requests for joining in the middle of synchronous communication.

  -While we want to share the progress of synchronous communication among users, we want to conceal that we are performing synchronous communication for security protection.

  When solving these issues, it is important to avoid the complication of the processing for concealing the fact that synchronous communication is being performed and restricting the participation request for synchronous communication. I want to do it.

  An object of the present invention is to easily realize, without complicated processing, concealment of synchronous communication and restriction of midway participation request for synchronous communication when realizing synchronous communication in a virtual office space It is.

  The present invention solves the problem of easily starting synchronous communication from a virtual office space, solves the problem of sharing the progress of synchronous communication among users, and performs synchronous communication for security protection Solve the problem of hiding things. And concealment of performing synchronous communication is easily realized without requiring complicated processing.

  That is, the computer-readable virtual office space providing program according to claim 1 is installed in a server terminal that transmits and receives data to and from a plurality of client terminals via a communication network, and the communication network is connected to the server terminal. A function of logging in the client terminal via the log-in function, a function of storing image data representing the work status of the user transmitted from the logged-in client terminal in a storage area, and the storage area for the logged-in client terminal The image data representing the work status of the logged-in user stored in the server is distributed in a data format that can be viewed by a prescribed browser, thereby displaying the work status display based on the image data representing the work status of the logged-in user individually Browse each other on your device In response to the synchronous communication start request transmitted from the logged-in client terminal, between the requesting client terminal and the counterpart client terminal associated with the synchronous communication start request. The function of executing synchronous communication and the function of enabling viewing of the work status display is being performed on the server terminal, in the work status display of a user participating in synchronous communication, and participating in synchronous communication in progress A function of additionally displaying the information during the participation of synchronous communication indicating that it is, the relationship between each user, the user group to which each user belongs, and the user group that permits each user to view the information during the participation in synchronous communication Refer to the user group table to be defined. And to execute the a function of controlling the display on-off of the synchronous communication participants in information.

  According to a second aspect of the present invention, in the computer-readable virtual office space providing program according to the first aspect, the function for executing the synchronous communication causes the synchronous communication to be executed in units of groups according to the definition of the user group table. .

  According to a third aspect of the present invention, in the computer-readable virtual office space providing program according to the first aspect, the function of executing the synchronous communication causes the synchronous communication to be executed among the three or more logged-in client terminals. .

  The invention according to claim 4 is the virtual office space providing program according to claim 3, wherein the server terminal is caused to execute a function of causing the client terminal of a user participating in synchronous communication to leave the synchronous communication halfway, The function to control the display / non-display of the information during the synchronous communication participation is based on the state in which the client terminal is participating in the synchronous communication even when the client terminal of a certain user leaves the synchronous communication halfway. In accordance with the definition of the user group table, display / non-display of the synchronous communication participation information is controlled.

  In the virtual office space providing program according to claim 3, the invention according to claim 5 causes the server terminal to execute a function of leaving the client terminal of a user participating in synchronous communication halfway from the synchronous communication, The function of controlling the display / non-display of the information during the participation of synchronous communication has priority over the definition of the user group table for the information during the synchronous communication regarding the synchronous communication to the client terminal of the user who has left the synchronous communication halfway. Display of the synchronous communication participation information for the synchronous communication is permitted.

  According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, in the virtual office space providing program according to the third aspect, the server terminal is configured to cause the client terminal that has logged in to transmit a halfway participation request for ongoing synchronous communication to the server terminal. In response to the transmitted mid-participation request, a function of causing the client terminal of the request source accompanying the mid-participation request to participate in ongoing synchronous communication, and displaying the synchronous communication participation information The function to control the non-display is when the user who participated in the synchronous communication occurs halfway, the synchronous communication participation information related to the synchronous communication is determined according to the definition of the user group table in consideration of the user who participated in the middle. communication Controlling the display on-off medium pressure information again.

  According to a seventh aspect of the present invention, in the virtual office space providing program according to the sixth aspect, the function of re-controlling the display / non-display of the information during the participation of the synchronous communication is the client of the user who is participating in the synchronous communication or has exited halfway With respect to the synchronous communication participation information regarding the synchronous communication with respect to the terminal, the display of the synchronous communication participation information with respect to the synchronous communication is permitted in preference to the definition of the user group table.

  According to an eighth aspect of the present invention, in the virtual office space providing program according to any one of the first to seventh aspects, the function of enabling viewing of the work status display is a request source accompanying the synchronous communication start request. The synchronous communication participation information is not additionally displayed until all of the client terminals requested by the client terminal participate in synchronous communication.

  According to a fifteenth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a virtual office space providing device having a server terminal configuration for transmitting / receiving data to / from a plurality of client terminals via a communication network, wherein the client terminal is logged in via the communication network. Means for storing in the storage area image data representing the work status of the user transmitted from the logged-in client terminal; and for the logged-in client terminal, the logged-in user's work stored in the storage area The image data representing the situation is distributed in a data format that can be viewed by a prescribed browser, and thereby the work status display based on the image data representing the work situation of the logged-in user can be mutually viewed on each of the client terminals. Means and the client terminal that has logged in Means for executing synchronous communication between the client terminal of the request source accompanied by the synchronous communication start request and the client terminal of the counterpart in response to the synchronous communication start request made, The means for enabling browsing of the status display is a first sub-means for additionally displaying synchronous communication participation information indicating that the user is participating in the ongoing synchronous communication in the work status display of the user participating in the synchronous communication. And a user group table that defines a relationship between each user, a user group to which each user belongs, and the user group that allows each user to view the information during participation in synchronous communication, and information during participation in synchronous communication The second to control the display non-display of It includes a sub-unit.

  The invention according to claim 17 is a virtual office space providing method executed in a system in which a server terminal and a plurality of client terminals transmit and receive data via a communication network, wherein the server terminal includes the communication Logging the client terminal via a network; storing image data representing the work status of the user transmitted from the logged-in client terminal in a storage area; In response to the process of distributing the image data representing the work status of the logged-in user stored in the storage area in a data format that can be viewed by a prescribed browser, and in response to the synchronous communication start request transmitted from the logged-in client terminal Accompanying the request to start communication Executing the synchronous communication between the requesting client terminal and the counterpart client terminal, and the client terminal that has installed the prescribed browser receives login information from the server terminal. Transmitting the image data representing the work status of the user to the server terminal, and using the browser function of the browser to display the image data representing the work status of the logged-in user distributed from the server terminal A step of enabling browsing, a step of transmitting a synchronous communication start request to the server terminal, a step of executing synchronous communication with the client terminal of the other party accompanying the transmitted synchronous communication start request, And the server terminal When executing the process of distributing image data representing the current work status, additional information on participation in synchronous communication indicating that the user is participating in synchronous communication in progress is added to the work status display of the user participating in synchronous communication. Referring to a first sub-step, a user group table that defines a relationship between each user, a user group to which each user belongs, and the user group that allows each user to view the information during participation in synchronous communication; A second sub-process for controlling display / non-display of information during participation in synchronous communication.

  The invention according to claim 19 is a system in which a server terminal and a plurality of client terminals transmit and receive data via a communication network, and the server terminal logs in the client terminal via the communication network. Means for storing the image data representing the work status of the user transmitted from the logged-in client terminal in the storage area, and the logged-in user stored in the storage area for the logged-in client terminal Means for distributing image data representing work status in a data format that can be viewed by a prescribed browser, and a request accompanying the synchronous communication start request in response to the synchronous communication start request transmitted from the logged-in client terminal With the original client terminal Means for executing synchronous communication with the client terminal at the hand, wherein the client terminal has the prescribed browser installed therein, means for transmitting login information to the server terminal, and the server terminal Means for transmitting image data representing the work status of the user to the user, means for allowing the image data representing the work status of the logged-in user distributed from the server terminal to be browsed using the browsing function of the browser, and synchronous communication Means for transmitting a start request to the server terminal, and means for executing synchronous communication with the client terminal of the other party associated with the transmitted synchronous communication start request. Image data representing the work status of the selected user When executing the means, a first sub-means for additionally displaying synchronous communication participation information indicating that the user is participating in the ongoing synchronous communication in the work status display of the user participating in the synchronous communication, Refer to the user group table that defines the relationship between the user group to which each user belongs and the user group that allows the user to view the information during participation in synchronous communication, and display / hide the information during participation in synchronous communication. Second sub means for controlling.

  Next, the present invention solves the problem of easily starting synchronous communication from the virtual office space, solves the problem of easily participating in synchronous communication on the way from the virtual office space, and performs synchronous communication from other users. Solve the problem of restricting participation requests on the way. And the restriction | limiting of the midway participation request | requirement with respect to synchronous communication is simply implement | achieved without requiring a complicated process.

  In other words, the invention of the computer-readable virtual office space providing program according to claim 9 is installed in a server terminal that transmits and receives data to and from a plurality of client terminals via a communication network. A function of logging in the client terminal via the log-in function, a function of storing image data representing the work status of the user transmitted from the logged-in client terminal in a storage area, and the storage area for the logged-in client terminal The image data representing the work status of the logged-in user stored in the server is distributed in a data format that can be viewed by a prescribed browser, thereby displaying the work status display based on the image data representing the work status of the logged-in user individually Browse each other on your device In response to the synchronous communication start request transmitted from the logged-in client terminal, between the requesting client terminal and the counterpart client terminal associated with the synchronous communication start request. A function for executing synchronous communication; a function for causing the logged-in client terminal to send a mid-participation request for ongoing synchronous communication to the server terminal; The function of causing the requesting client terminal to participate in the ongoing synchronous communication and the function of causing the logged-in client terminal to participate in the ongoing synchronous communication on the server terminal. And each user belongs A function for referring to a user group table that defines a relationship between a user group and each user who is allowed to participate in the synchronous communication, and for controlling whether or not the client terminal can participate in the ongoing synchronous communication. Is executed.

  According to a tenth aspect of the present invention, in the computer-readable virtual office space providing program according to the ninth aspect, the function for executing the synchronous communication causes the synchronous communication to be executed in units of groups according to the definition of the user group table. .

  According to an eleventh aspect of the present invention, in the computer-readable virtual office space providing program according to the ninth aspect, the function for executing the synchronous communication causes the synchronous communication to be executed between the three or more logged-in client terminals. .

  The invention according to claim 12 is the virtual office space providing program according to claim 11, wherein the server terminal is caused to execute a function of causing the client terminal of a user participating in synchronous communication to leave the synchronous communication halfway, The function of allowing the logged-in client terminal to participate in the ongoing synchronous communication on the way is also based on the definition of the user group table for a user who has left the synchronous communication halfway to the intermediate communication request to the synchronous communication by the client terminal. Control whether you can participate in communication.

  The invention according to claim 13 is the virtual office space providing program according to claim 11, wherein the server terminal is caused to execute a function of leaving the client terminal of a user participating in synchronous communication halfway from the synchronous communication, The function of allowing the logged-in client terminal to participate in the ongoing synchronous communication has priority over the definition of the user group table for a request for mid-participation in the synchronous communication by the client terminal of the user who has left the synchronous communication halfway. To participate in the synchronous communication.

  According to a fourteenth aspect of the present invention, in the virtual office space providing program according to any one of the ninth to thirteenth aspects, the function of causing the logged-in client terminal to participate in the ongoing synchronous communication is in response to the synchronous communication start request. Until all of the client terminals requested by the client terminal of the accompanying requester participate in synchronous communication, even if there is a midway request from any of the client terminals, this client terminal Don't let me join in the middle.

  According to a sixteenth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a virtual office space providing device having a server terminal configuration for transmitting / receiving data to / from a plurality of client terminals via a communication network, wherein the client terminal is logged in via the communication network. Means for storing in the storage area image data representing the work status of the user transmitted from the logged-in client terminal; and for the logged-in client terminal, the logged-in user's work stored in the storage area The image data representing the situation is distributed in a data format that can be viewed by a prescribed browser, and thereby the work status display based on the image data representing the work situation of the logged-in user can be mutually viewed on each of the client terminals. Means and the client terminal that has logged in Means for executing synchronous communication between the client terminal of the request source and the client terminal of the other party, which are accompanied by the synchronous communication start request, and the logged-in client terminal Means for transmitting an intermediate participation request for ongoing synchronous communication to the server terminal, and in response to the intermediate participation request transmitted, the client terminal of the request source accompanying the intermediate participation request is in progress Means for participating in synchronous communication, and means for causing the logged-in client terminal to participate in the ongoing synchronous communication on the server terminal for each user, a user group to which each user belongs, and each user Synchronous communication It refers to the user group table which defines the relationship between the user group to allow viewing of the medium pressure information to control whether or not participation of the client terminal to a synchronous communication in progress.

  The invention according to claim 18 is a virtual office space providing method executed in a system in which a server terminal and a plurality of client terminals transmit and receive data via a communication network, wherein the server terminal includes the communication Logging the client terminal via a network; storing image data representing the work status of the user transmitted from the logged-in client terminal in a storage area; In response to the process of distributing the image data representing the work status of the logged-in user stored in the storage area in a data format that can be viewed by a prescribed browser, and in response to the synchronous communication start request transmitted from the logged-in client terminal Accompanying the request to start communication Executing the synchronous communication between the requesting client terminal and the counterpart client terminal, and the client terminal that has installed the prescribed browser receives login information from the server terminal. Transmitting the image data representing the work status of the user to the server terminal, and using the browser function of the browser to display the image data representing the work status of the logged-in user distributed from the server terminal A step of enabling browsing, a step of transmitting a synchronous communication start request to the server terminal, a step of executing synchronous communication with the client terminal of the other party accompanying the transmitted synchronous communication start request, And the server terminal is logged in A step of causing the client terminal to transmit an intermediate participation request for ongoing synchronous communication to the server terminal, and in response to the transmitted intermediate participation request, the requesting client terminal associated with the intermediate participation request is advanced And a step of causing the logged-in client terminal to participate in the ongoing synchronous communication on the server terminal to each user, a user group to which each user belongs, and each user. On the other hand, with reference to a user group table that defines a relationship with the user group that permits browsing of the information during participation in the synchronous communication, whether or not the client terminal can participate in the ongoing synchronous communication is controlled.

  The invention according to claim 20 is a system in which a server terminal and a plurality of client terminals transmit and receive data via a communication network, and the server terminal logs in the client terminal via the communication network. Means for storing the image data representing the work status of the user transmitted from the logged-in client terminal in the storage area, and the logged-in user stored in the storage area for the logged-in client terminal Means for distributing image data representing work status in a data format that can be viewed by a prescribed browser, and a request accompanying the synchronous communication start request in response to the synchronous communication start request transmitted from the logged-in client terminal With the original client terminal Means for executing synchronous communication with the client terminal at the hand, wherein the client terminal has the prescribed browser installed therein, means for transmitting login information to the server terminal, and the server terminal Means for transmitting image data representing the work status of the user to the user, means for allowing the image data representing the work status of the logged-in user distributed from the server terminal to be browsed using the browsing function of the browser, and synchronous communication Means for transmitting a start request to the server terminal, and means for executing synchronous communication with the client terminal of the other party associated with the transmitted synchronous communication start request. On the client terminal that has been Means for transmitting an intermediate participation request to the application to the server terminal, and means for causing the requesting client terminal accompanying the intermediate participation request to participate in ongoing synchronous communication in response to the transmitted intermediate participation request And means for allowing the logged-in client terminal to participate in the ongoing synchronous communication on the server terminal to each user, a user group to which each user belongs, and each synchronous communication participating information for each user. With reference to a user group table that defines a relationship with the user group that is permitted to browse, whether or not the client terminal can participate in the ongoing synchronous communication is controlled.

  And about the virtual office space providing program according to any one of claims 1 to 14, the virtual office space providing program which is an intangible can be made portable by storing it in a storage medium, Convenience such as distribution is achieved (claim 21).

  According to the first, fifteenth, seventeenth and nineteenth aspects of the present invention, the synchronous communication is easily started from the virtual office space, the progress of the synchronous communication is shared among the users, and the synchronous communication is performed for security protection. The user who should conceal the existence of can be concealed. In addition, the concealment of performing synchronous communication can be easily realized without requiring complicated processing.

  According to the second aspect of the present invention, a user group in which a plurality of users are grouped can be defined in advance, and synchronous communication can be started simultaneously for the user group. Therefore, synchronous communication can be started more easily. be able to.

  According to the third aspect of the present invention, synchronous communication between three or more users can be executed.

  According to the fourth aspect of the present invention, when a user who has left the synchronous communication is generated, the user who should have concealed the presence of the synchronous communication in which the user has participated is concealed, and security protection is provided. Can be achieved.

  According to the fifth aspect of the present invention, when a user who has left the synchronous communication is generated, there is no reason for the user to conceal the existence of the synchronous communication. Can be made.

  According to the sixth aspect of the present invention, when a user who participates in the synchronous communication is generated on the way, the process for concealing the user who should conceal the existence of the synchronous communication is executed again to cope with the changing situation. be able to.

  According to the seventh aspect of the present invention, when there is a user who participates in the synchronous communication halfway, when the process for the concealment of the user who should conceal the existence of the synchronous communication is performed again, the synchronous communication is canceled. If there is a user, the person has no reason to conceal the existence of the synchronous communication, so that the person can share the progress of the synchronous communication.

  According to the eighth aspect of the invention, since all the client terminals requested by the requesting client terminal accompanying the synchronous communication start request do not additionally display the synchronous communication participation information, the synchronous communication participation information is not displayed. Avoiding display inconveniences such as concealment when the progress of the synchronous communication is shown on the client terminal of another user according to the difference in the participation time of each user with respect to the synchronous communication. Can do.

  According to the invention described in claims 9, 16, 18, and 20, it is possible to easily start synchronous communication from the virtual office space, and to easily participate in synchronous communication on the way, and to participate in synchronous communication on the way from other users. Requests can be limited, and security can be maintained for the contents of meetings between users having high organizational hierarchies and meetings that discuss highly sensitive contents. Moreover, whether or not to participate in the synchronous communication can be easily realized without requiring complicated processing.

  According to the tenth aspect of the present invention, a user group in which a plurality of users are grouped can be defined in advance, and synchronous communication can be started simultaneously for the user group. Therefore, synchronous communication can be started more easily. be able to.

  According to the eleventh aspect of the present invention, synchronous communication among three or more users can be executed.

  According to the twelfth aspect of the present invention, there is a user who has left the synchronized communication, and another user joins the synchronized communication in which the user has participated. When it is in a state that should not be performed, it is possible to reject the participation of the user who has left the midway for the synchronous communication, and to ensure security.

  According to the invention of claim 13, contrary to the case of the invention of claim 12, there is a user who has withdrawn from the synchronous communication, and another user has joined the synchronous communication in which the person has participated. Even if it is in a state where participation of a user who has left midway is not permitted when referencing the user list formally, the user who left midway was participating in the synchronous communication, Participation in the synchronous communication can be permitted for the user who has exited on the way, which can contribute to operation in accordance with the actual situation.

  According to the invention described in claim 14, since all the client terminals requested by the requesting client terminal accompanying the synchronous communication start request do not additionally display synchronous communication participation information until the synchronous communication participation information is displayed. To avoid the inconvenience that other users who should not participate in the synchronous communication halfway are permitted to participate in the synchronous communication according to the difference in the participation time of each user with respect to the synchronous communication. it can.

  According to the twenty-first aspect of the present invention, the virtual office space providing program, which is an intangible object, can be made portable, and convenience such as distribution can be achieved.

  An embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS.

  FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a system configuration example of the entire virtual office space providing system.

  As an example, this system is constructed by connecting a head office 101, a satellite office 201, and a home office 301 via a local network 401 such as a LAN or WAN, and an external network 501 such as the Internet. The local network 401 and the external network 501 constitute a communication network. In FIG. 1, only one satellite office 201 and home office 301 are shown symbolically, but actually, a plurality of satellite offices 201 and home offices 301 are provided.

  The head office 101 is constructed as a server client system in which a server terminal 111 that functions as a virtual office space providing device and a plurality of client terminals 121 are connected via a local network 401. The client terminal 121 is provided for each office 122 provided for each user. In the example shown in FIG. 1, the client terminal 121 is provided for each office 122 including offices A, B, and C. Each office 122 images a user who operates the client terminal 121. A CCD camera 123 for acquiring image data representing the work status of the user is installed. The CCD camera 123 may be configured to be fixed to a display 1209 (see FIG. 2) described later of the client terminal 121 or embedded in the display 1209, or may be installed in the office 122, for example. It may be configured, or both.

  Such a client terminal 121 is connected to the server terminal 111 via a local network 401, and in addition, a communication server 151 and another device 161 are connected to the local network 401. The other devices 161 are, for example, MFPs, printers, network scanners, etc. (all not shown).

  The satellite office 201 basically has a server client system similar to the head office 101. That is, the satellite office 201 is constructed as a server client system in which a server terminal 111 that functions as a virtual office space providing device and a plurality of client terminals 121 are connected via a local network 401. The client terminal 121 is provided for each office 122 provided for each user. In the example shown in FIG. 1, the client terminal 121 is provided for each office 122 including offices A, B, and C. Each office 122 images a user who operates the client terminal 121. A CCD camera 123 for acquiring image data representing the work status of the user is installed. The CCD camera 123 may be configured to be fixed to a display 1209 (see FIG. 2) described later of the client terminal 121 or embedded in the display 1209, or may be installed in the office 122, for example. It may be configured, or both.

  Such a client terminal 121 is connected to the server terminal 111 via a local network 401, and in addition, a communication server 151 and another device 161 are connected to the local network 401. The other devices 161 are, for example, MFPs, printers, network scanners, etc. (all not shown).

  The head office 101 and the satellite office 201 can share information with each other by connecting their communication servers 151 via a private network 401 such as a dedicated line.

  The home office 301 is used by a telecommuter, for example. Such a home office 301 includes a client terminal 121 and a CCD camera 123 as a basic configuration. The client terminal 121 is provided in the office 122 of the user, which is the office 122 consisting of the office H in the example shown in FIG. 1, and the office 122 captures an image of the user operating the client terminal 121 and represents the work status of the user. A CCD camera 123 for acquiring data is installed. The CCD camera 123 may be configured to be fixed to a display 1209 (see FIG. 2) described later of the client terminal 121 or embedded in the display 1209, or may be installed in the office 122, for example. It may be configured, or both.

  Such a client terminal 121 can be connected to the communication server 151 of the head office 101 via an external network 501 with a known encryption technique, thereby enabling information sharing with each other.

  Here, in the present embodiment, the head office 101, the satellite office 201, and the home office 301 constitute an office space in the real world. However, in the head office 101, the offices A to C are spatially separated, and the space between the head office 101, the satellite office 201, and the home office 301 is further expanded. For example, the head office 101 may be in Tokyo, the satellite office 201 may be in Osaka, and the home office 301 may be in Kyushu. As another example, the head office 101, the satellite office 201, and the home office 301 may exist across borders. In such a case, the actual space among the head office 101, the satellite office 201, and the home office 301 has a very large extent. For this reason, it is difficult for workers to confirm each other's presence, and the atmosphere sharing remains unchanged. Therefore, the virtual office space providing system according to the present embodiment provides a user of each client terminal 121 with a virtual space that allows any client terminal 121 to view image data representing the work status of the user who uses each client terminal 121. In addition, it is possible to confirm the presence of each other and share the atmosphere among users who are workers.

  In the present embodiment, such a virtual office space providing system can be constructed extremely simply by installing a necessary virtual office space providing program for the server terminal 111 and the client terminal 121. . Therefore, before explaining the mechanism, the hardware configuration of the server terminal 111 and the client terminal 121 will be outlined.

  FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the hardware configuration of the server terminal 111 and the client terminal 121. As shown in FIG.

  First, the server terminal 111 will be described. The server terminal 111 includes a CPU 1101 that centrally controls each unit. The CPU 1101 stores a ROM 1102 that is a read-only memory that stores a BIOS and the like, and stores various data in a rewritable manner, and a work area of the CPU 1101. A RAM 1103 that functions as a microcomputer is connected via a bus 1104 to form a microcomputer. Further, on the bus 1104, an HDD 1105 in which various computer programs such as a virtual office space providing program are installed, a CD-ROM drive 1107 for reading data recorded on the CD-ROM 1106, and an input device 1108 such as a keyboard and a mouse. Also, a display 1109 such as a CRT or LCD and an interface 1110 that manages communication with an external device are connected. The server terminal 111 is connected to the local network 401 via the interface 1110.

  Various computer programs such as the virtual office space providing program installed in the HDD 1105 are originally recorded on the CD-ROM 1106 as an example, and the computer program is read by the CD-ROM drive 1107 by the CPU 1101 and stored in the HDD 1105. Installed. When the computer program installed in the HDD 1105 is activated, the computer program is copied from the HDD 1105 to the RAM 1103, and processing according to the computer program is executed by the CPU 1101 and the RAM 1103. In this sense, the RAM 1103, HDD 1105, or CD-ROM 1106 functions as a storage medium for storing computer programs.

  However, not only the CD-ROM 1106 but also various types of media such as various optical disks such as DVDs, various magnetic disks such as various magneto-optical disks and flexible disks, and semiconductor memories are used as storage media for storing computer programs. Can do. Further, a computer program may be downloaded from an external network 501 such as the Internet and installed in the HDD 1105. In this case, a storage device that stores a computer program accessed by the server on the transmission side is also a storage medium in the present invention. The program may operate on a predetermined OS (Operating System), in which case the OS may execute a part of various processes described later, or a word processor. It may be included as part of a group of program files that constitute predetermined application software such as software or an OS.

  Next, the client terminal 121 will be described. The client terminal 121 includes a CPU 1201 that centrally controls each unit. The CPU 1201 includes a ROM 1202 that is a read-only memory that stores a BIOS and the like, a rewritable memory that stores various data, and a work area of the CPU 1201. Are connected to each other by a bus 1204 to constitute a microcomputer. Further, the bus 1204 includes an HDD 1205 in which a computer program such as a virtual office space providing program is installed, a CD-ROM drive 1207 for reading data recorded on the CD-ROM 1206, an input device 1208 such as a keyboard and a mouse, A display 1209 such as a CRT or LCD is connected to an interface 1210 that controls communication with an external device. The client terminal 121 is connected to the local network 401 via the interface 1210.

  Various computer programs such as a virtual office space providing program installed in the HDD 1205 are originally recorded on a CD-ROM 1206 as an example, and the computer program is read by the CD-ROM drive 1207 by the CPU 1201 and stored in the HDD 1205. Installed. When the computer program installed in the HDD 1205 is activated, the computer program is copied from the HDD 1205 to the RAM 1203 and executed by the CPU 1201 and the RAM 1203. In this sense, the RAM 1203, HDD 1205, or CD-ROM 1206 functions as a storage medium that stores computer programs.

  However, not only the CD-ROM 1206 but also various types of media such as various optical disks such as DVDs, various magnetic disks such as various magneto-optical disks and flexible disks, and semiconductor memories are used as storage media for storing computer programs. Can do. Further, a computer program may be downloaded from an external network 501 such as the Internet and installed in the HDD 1205. In this case, a storage device that stores a computer program accessed by the server on the transmission side is also a storage medium in the present invention. The program may operate on a predetermined OS (Operating System), in which case the OS may execute a part of various processes described later, or a word processor. It may be included as part of a group of program files that constitute predetermined application software such as software or an OS.

  Here, in the present embodiment, many data codes of the virtual office space providing program are installed in the HDD 1105 of the server terminal 111. On the virtual office space providing system of the present embodiment, the most important program installed in the HDD 1205 of the client terminal 121 is prescribed browser software. As an example of this browser software, it is preferable to use Internet Explorer (trade name, trade name) of Micro Software. However, the browser software must be able to browse and browse various data transmitted from the server terminal 111, typically image data representing the work status of the logged-in user, which will be described later. The browser software installed in the HDD 1205 of the client terminal 121 transmits / receives necessary information to / from the server terminal 111 via the local network 401 or the external network 501, for example, using the HTTP protocol, and executes necessary operations. At this time, when the client terminal 121 has to execute an operation essential to the virtual office space providing system beyond the function of the browser software, the client terminal 121 is transmitted from the server terminal 111 via the local network 401 or the external network 501, for example. A JAVA applet (JAVA is a registered trademark) is received via the interface 1210, the received JAVA applet is temporarily stored in the RAM 1203, and processing according to the data code is executed.

  In any case, the server terminal 111 and the client terminal 121 perform data transmission / reception via the local network 401 or the external network 501 and perform necessary processing. At this time, the interface 1110 of the server terminal 111 and the interface 1210 of the client terminal 121 perform data transmission / reception using, for example, TCP / IP as a communication protocol. Of course, in communication inside the head office 101 or communication inside the satellite office 201, a cable is used if the communication protocol of the interface 1110 of the server terminal 111 and the interface 1210 of the client terminal 121 match. For example, a wireless LAN may be used as a communication network instead of the local network 401. Alternatively, communication between the server terminal 111 and the client terminal 121 may be realized on a network using broadcast waves.

  FIG. 3 is a timing chart showing data transmission / reception between the server terminal 111 and the client terminal 121.

  Here, a basic operation in the virtual office space providing system of the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. First, as a premise, in the server terminal 111, the virtual office space providing program is copied from the HDD 1105 to the RAM 1103 and is always activated, and the CPU 1101 accesses the RAM 103 and executes processing according to the virtual office space providing program.

  Under such an environment, the client terminal 121 starts the virtual office space providing program installed in the HDD 1205. As a result, the virtual office space providing program is copied to the RAM 1203 of the client terminal 121, and the CPU 1201 of the client terminal 121 executes the virtual office space providing program while accessing the RAM 1203. At this time, the CPU 1201 executes processing for starting browser software and processing for notifying the server terminal 111 of activation of the virtual office space providing program in accordance with the virtual office space providing program. Such processing is preferably executed automatically without user intervention, but does not preclude execution in response to user operation.

  When the server terminal 111 receives a virtual office space providing program activation notification from a certain client terminal 121, the server terminal 111 provides login screen information to the client terminal 121 specified by, for example, an IP address.

  Therefore, in the client terminal 121, for example, a user ID and a password are input to the provided login screen and returned to the server terminal 111 by a user operation. Here, the function, means, and process of transmitting the login information to the server terminal 111 by the client terminal 121 in which the prescribed browser is installed are executed.

  As another embodiment, only prescribed browser software is installed in the client terminal 121, and the virtual office space providing program may not be installed. In this case, when the client terminal 121 starts up the browser software and accesses, for example, an office space providing site provided by the server terminal 111 by the browser software, the office space providing site provides the client terminal 121 with a login screen. You may build a system. In the system constructed in this way, the client terminal 121 can input, for example, a user ID and a password on the provided login screen and send it back to the server terminal 111 by a user operation. Here, the function, means, and process of transmitting the login information to the server terminal 111 by the client terminal 121 in which the prescribed browser is installed are executed.

  Then, the server terminal 111 compares the returned user ID and password with, for example, a user list (not shown) stored in the HDD 1105 and performs authentication. As a result, if authentication is obtained, the client terminal 121 is logged in. Here, the function, means, and process of logging in the client terminal 121 through the local network 401 or the external network 501 that is the server terminal 111 as a communication network are executed.

  Thereafter, the server terminal 111 transmits an image data request to the client terminal 121 that has logged in. The image data in this case is image data representing the work status of the logged-in user.

  In response to an image transmission request from the server terminal 111, the client terminal 121 transmits the image being captured by the CCD camera 123 to the server terminal 111. At this time, the client terminal 121 controls the CCD camera 123 according to the running virtual office space providing program or the JAVA applet transmitted from the server terminal 111 to acquire the captured image and transmit it to the server terminal 111. Execute. Here, the function, means, and process in which the client terminal 121 transmits image data representing the work status of the user to the server terminal 111 are executed.

  In the server terminal 111 that has received the image data representing the work status of the logged-in user, the image data is stored and saved in an image memory as a storage area that is comprehensively expressed as, for example, the RAM 1103. Here, the function, means, and process are executed in which the server terminal 111 stores the image data representing the work status of the user transmitted from the logged-in client terminal 121 in the image memory (RAM 1103) as a storage area.

  Thereafter, the client terminal 121 transmits, to the server terminal 111, an image data browsing request indicating the work status of the logged-in user stored and stored in the image memory (RAM 1103). In this case, the client terminal 121 requests to browse the user who has already transmitted his / her own device, that is, not only the image data representing his / her work status but also the user who uses another client terminal 121 during login. It is about the image data showing the work status of. At this time, as a result, even if it becomes possible to view the image data representing the work status of the user who is the user's own device on the client terminal 121 which is the own device, in terms of teleology, the user is logged in The browsing request is meaningful only when the user who uses the other client terminal 121, that is, the image data representing the working status of another person can be browsed. Such a browsing request is preferably executed automatically without user intervention, but depending on the situation, it may be preferable to execute it according to a user operation.

  In response to the browsing request from the client terminal 121, the server terminal 111 transmits image data representing the work status of the logged-in user to the client terminal 121 specified by, for example, the IP address. At this time, what is important is that the server terminal 111 represents the work status of the user who has logged in in a data format that can be browsed by the prescribed browser software installed in the client terminal 121 as a system request in the virtual office space providing system. This means that image data is distributed. Here, the server terminal 111 stores the image data representing the work status of the logged-in user stored in the image memory (RAM 1103) serving as a storage area with respect to the logged-in client terminal 121 in a data format that can be viewed by a prescribed browser. Functions, means, and processes for distribution are executed.

  Therefore, the client terminal 121 browses image data representing the work status of the logged-in user distributed from the server terminal 111 using browser software, and enables browsing. Here, a function, means, and process are executed in which the client terminal 121 makes it possible to browse the work status display based on the image data representing the work status of the logged-in user distributed from the server terminal 111 using the browser browsing function. The

  Through the processing described above, the image data representing the work status of the logged-in user can be browsed on the display 1209 of each client terminal 121. In this embodiment, display contents that can be viewed on the display 1209 of each client terminal 121 in this manner are referred to as a virtual office space 1211 (see FIGS. 11 to 25). As a result, even if the real office 122 is spatially separated, if the virtual office space 1211 is browsed mutually by the individual client terminals 121, each user is not forced to move in the real space. Can be confirmed and the atmosphere can be shared.

  Next, the virtual office space providing system according to the present embodiment is accompanied by a JAVA applet as an example when the server terminal 111 transmits image data representing the work status of the logged-in user to the client terminal 121. This JAVA applet is a data code that causes the client terminal 121 to execute processing for setting a synchronous communication start request process, a display rule, a participation rule, an access rule, etc. in synchronous communication. As described above, the advantage of transmitting a computer program that causes the client terminal 121 to execute various processes, for example, as a JAVA applet from the server terminal 111 to the client terminal 121 is that a special computer program is installed in the client terminal 121 in advance. There is no need. On the other hand, for example, in a situation where it is not necessary to obtain such an advantage, a computer program corresponding to a computer program transmitted from the server terminal 111 to the client terminal 121 as a JAVA applet in this embodiment is preliminarily stored in the client terminal. You may install in 121.

  The virtual office space providing system according to the present embodiment is installed in advance on the server terminal 111 and the JAVA applet that is accompanied when the server terminal 111 transmits image data representing the work status of the logged-in user to the client terminal 121. With the virtual office space providing program, synchronous communication such as a video conference, a voice conference, and a text chat is realized on the virtual office space 1211 displayed on the display 1209 of the client terminal 121. In such synchronous communication, various characteristic processes are executed. Hereinafter, the synchronous communication executed on the virtual office space 1211 will be described mainly with reference to FIGS.

  Here, FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing the flow of synchronous communication start request processing executed at the client terminal 121 by the JAVA applet transmitted from the server terminal 111. FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing a flow of processing executed on the server terminal 111 by the virtual office space providing program installed on the server terminal 111. FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of a user group table 1111 stored in the server terminal 111. FIG. 7 is a schematic diagram illustrating another example of the user group table 1111 stored in the server terminal 111. FIG. 8 is a schematic diagram of a table including information related to a logged-in client terminal created in the server terminal 111. FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of a table indicating a relationship between each user and a user that can be browsed by each user. FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of a participating user management table for synchronous communication.

(1) Execution of Synchronous Communication on Virtual Office Space 1211 FIG. 11 is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of the virtual office space 1211 displayed on the client terminal 121 based on image data representing the work status of the logged-in user. .

  In the virtual office space 1211, a total of 12 users (eight persons A to H in FIG. 11) are displayed. In this state, when the user of the client terminal 121 wants to perform synchronous communication with the user B, for example, when the user moves the cursor on the work status display image of the user B and clicks the mouse with the mouse, The intention is transmitted to the client terminal 121 used by the user B, and synchronous communication can be started. In this case, since the synchronous communication start request for requesting the start of synchronous communication is based on a simple mouse click, the synchronous communication can be started very easily.

  As another embodiment, for example, when a mouse is operated to move the cursor on the work status display image of the user B and the mouse is operated, for example, a right click is performed, a menu 1212 “start synchronous communication” (see FIG. 12). May be displayed on the virtual office space 1211 and this menu may be selected and instructed by a mouse operation, for example, by left clicking.

  FIG. 12 shows synchronization between a plurality of (two) users selected and selected in the virtual office space 1211 displayed on the client terminal 121 based on image data representing the work status of the logged-in user. It is a schematic diagram which shows an example of the state which can instruct | indicate the start of communication.

  In the present embodiment, synchronous communication can be started simultaneously for a plurality of users. In FIG. 12, the case where synchronous communication is simultaneously started with respect to the users D and G is illustrated. In order to execute such an operation, the users D and G are selected on the virtual office space 1211 by simultaneous operation of the keyboard and mouse in the input device 1208, for example, Ctrl key + mouse click. Thereby, as shown in FIG. 12, the circumscribed rectangle of the work status display image of the users D and G becomes a thick line. Therefore, a mouse operation, for example, a right click is performed on the image of either user D or G. Then, a menu 1212 “start synchronous communication” is displayed on the virtual office space 1211, and this menu is selected and instructed by a mouse operation, for example, left click. Thereby, synchronous communication is started between the client terminals 121 used by both the users D and G.

  Note that the operation method of the mouse and keyboard included in the input device 1208 is not limited to the above example.

  FIG. 13 is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of a state in which synchronous communication participation information between users is displayed in the virtual office space 1211 displayed on the client terminal 121 based on image data representing the work status of the logged-in user. FIG.

  FIG. 13 shows a state in which synchronous communication is in progress, and a synchronous communication participating information 1213 in which a mark indicating that, “M” is enclosed in a rectangular image, is displayed on a user image participating in synchronous communication. It is displayed.

  FIG. 14 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a user list participating in the ongoing synchronous communication displayed in the virtual office space 1211 displayed on the client terminal 121 based on the image data representing the work status of the logged-in user. is there.

  FIG. 13 shows an example in which the progress of synchronous communication is displayed in a user list 1214 in a list format at a position different from the image of the user work status display. According to this, it can be seen that two meetings, that is, the meeting “Maru 1” and the meeting “Maru 2” are proceeding simultaneously, and the participants in both meetings are also displayed.

  Here, a process for realizing the operation as described above will be described with reference to the flowcharts of FIGS.

  First, the server terminal 111 stores and saves a user group table 1111 including information about users as exemplified in FIG. 6 in the HDD 1105 as an example. This user group table 1111 may be copied to the RAM 1103 when the virtual office space providing program is started. In any case, the user group table 1111 stored and saved by the server terminal 111 stores information identifying the user, for example, a user ID 1111a, a user group 1111b to which the user belongs, a user group 1111c that can be viewed by the user, and the like. Has been.

  As another example of the user group table 1111, as illustrated in FIG. 7, the user group 1111 d is used as a starting point, and a data structure in which the belonging member 1111 e and the viewable member 1111 f corresponding to the user group 1111 d are stored is stored. You may employ | adopt what has. The user group table 1111 illustrated in FIG. 6 and the user group table 1111 illustrated in FIG. 7 are equivalent. Which of the user group table 1111 illustrated in FIG. 6 and the user group table 1111 illustrated in FIG. 7 is to be adopted may be selected as an example for ease of operation and maintenance. For example, if the group is fixed to some extent and there are many opportunities for addition, deletion, participation, etc. of users belonging to the group, it is preferable to adopt the user group table 1111 illustrated in FIG. 6, and conversely, the user is fixed to some extent. If there are many opportunities for adding or deleting groups to which each user belongs, the user group table 1111 illustrated in FIG. 7 is preferably used.

  Next, when the client terminal 121 logs in, the server terminal 111 creates a table 1112 including information regarding the logged-in client terminal 121 as illustrated in FIG. 8 in a storage area such as the RAM 1103. This table 1112 stores information for identifying the user, for example, a user ID 1112b, in association with the IP address 1112a of the client terminal 121 used by the logged-in user. The IP address 1112 a is a unique code given to the client terminal 121 when connecting to the local network 401 or the external network 501, and is provided to the server terminal 111 when the client terminal 121 accesses the server terminal 111. The user ID 1112b is a unique code transmitted from the client terminal 121 at the time of login. The user ID 1112b preferably matches the user ID 1111a (FIG. 6), the belonging member 1111e, and the viewable member 1111f (FIG. 7) included in the user group table 1111 including information about the user. When both are different codes, the user ID 1111a (FIG. 6), the member 1111e or the viewable member 1111f (FIG. 7) included in the user group table 1111 and the user ID 1112b included in the table 1112 are linked. Information to be used is required.

  The server terminal 111 can identify the client terminal 121 that accesses the server terminal 111 by the IP address 1112a by creating a table 1112 including information regarding the logged-in client terminal 121 as illustrated in FIG. . Since the user ID 1112b included in the table 1112 is linked to the user ID 1111a (FIG. 6), the affiliation member 1111e, and the viewable member 1111f (FIG. 7) included in the user group table 1111 including information about the user. If the client terminal 121 is specified from the IP address 1112a, the user of the client terminal 121 is specified, and the user group 1111b and the browsable user group 1111c (FIG. 6) or the group 1111d (FIG. 7) of the user are specified. It is also easy to specify.

  Under the above promise, the client terminal 121 interprets the JAVA applet transmitted from the server terminal 111, and the CPU 1201 executes the processing shown in FIG. 4 in accordance with the JAVA applet. Assuming that a mouse is used as the input device 1208 of the client terminal 121, for example, when the cursor is moved by the mouse, it is determined that the cursor is moved in step S201 (Y in step S201). In the example shown in FIG. 11, when the user of the client terminal 121 moves the cursor on the work status display image of the user B using the mouse, it is determined that the cursor is moved (Y in step S201). .

  Then, according to the JAVA applet interpreted and executed by the client terminal 121, the CPU 1201 determines whether or not the client terminal 121 used by the user B is executing synchronous communication (step S202). The determination in step S202 can be performed by referring to information on whether each user included in the client terminal 121 is participating in synchronous communication. That is, the server terminal 111 transmits information related to the user who is executing the synchronous communication to each client terminal 121 that has logged in. Each client terminal 121 temporarily stores information about a user who is executing synchronous communication transmitted from the server in a temporary storage area such as the RAM 1203. In the determination process in step S202, information relating to the user who is executing the synchronous communication temporarily stored in the temporary storage area such as the RAM 1203 is referred to in this way.

  As a result of the determination in step S202, if it is determined that synchronous communication is not being executed (N in step S202), for example, when a user who is a Ctrl key + mouse click or the like is selected (Y in step S203), that user For example, the IP address of the client terminal 121 used by the user is temporarily stored in a registration area such as the RAM 1203 (step S204).

  A menu 1212 “Start synchronous communication” is displayed on the virtual office space 1211 by, for example, right-clicking the mouse on the work status display image of the user to whom the cursor has been moved or the selected user. It is displayed (step S205). Therefore, when the menu 1212 is clicked, it is determined that there is a request for starting synchronous communication (Y in step S207), and the client terminal 121 transmits a request for starting synchronous communication to the server terminal 111 (step S211). This synchronous communication start request is accompanied by information specifying the requesting client terminal 121 and the partner client terminal 121, for example, the IP address of the client terminal 121 used by those users. Here, a means, a function, and a process in which the client terminal 121 transmits a synchronous communication start request to the server terminal 111 are executed.

  Note that the user identification information such as the IP address temporarily stored in the registration area such as the RAM 1203 is determined to have been requested to start synchronous communication (Y in step S210), or not determined to have been requested to start synchronous communication. However (Y in step S210), if the occurrence of an event to be registered is detected (step S208), the registration is cleared (steps S210 and 209).

  In the server terminal 111, the CPU 1101 executes the processing shown in FIG. 5 according to the virtual office space providing program. That is, the reception determination of the synchronous communication start request is executed (step S101), and when the synchronous communication start request is received (Y in step S101), the partner client terminal 121 is notified (step S104). The partner client terminal 121 can be identified by, for example, an IP address included in the synchronous communication start request. Thereafter, the server terminal 111 starts synchronous communication between the client terminal 121 of the other party and the client terminal 121 of the request source until an end notification is made (Y in step S110) (step S107). Here, in the server terminal 111, in response to the synchronous communication start request transmitted from the logged-in client terminal 121, the request source client terminal 121 and the partner client terminal 121 associated with the synchronous communication start request Means, functions, and processes for executing synchronous communication between them are executed.

  In accordance with the synchronous communication start process (step S107) at the server terminal 111, synchronous communication is executed between the requesting client terminal 121 and the partner client terminal 121 accompanying the synchronous communication start request. . Here, in the client terminal 121, means, function, and process for executing synchronous communication with the client terminal 121 of the other party accompanied by the transmitted synchronous communication start request are executed.

  Here, the synchronous communication is, for example, a video conference, an audio conference, a text chat, and the like, and such a synchronous communication itself is a technique that is already known and put into practical use. Therefore, the description of the technical means in which two or more client terminals 121 execute synchronous communication via the server terminal 111 is omitted.

  In such synchronous communication, the server terminal 111 transmits information regarding the user who is executing the synchronous communication to each client terminal 121 that has logged in. In principle, the server terminal 109 is a client terminal that performs synchronous communication on the virtual office space 1211 displayed on the displays 1209 of all client terminals 121 that are logged in to the virtual office space providing system. 121 provides a display indicating that synchronous communication is in progress (step S109). This display is, for example, the synchronous communication participation information 1213 illustrated in FIG. 13 and the user list 1214 illustrated in FIG. 14 as another example. In other words, the function for enabling viewing of the work status display executed on the server terminal 111 is participating in the synchronous communication indicating that the user is participating in the ongoing synchronous communication in the work status display of the user participating in the synchronous communication. It has a function of additionally displaying information 1213, and a function of displaying a user list 1214 participating in the ongoing synchronous communication in a display area different from the work status display.

  FIG. 11 shows an example in which a synchronous communication start request in which a plurality of users are selected and specified can be transmitted from the client terminal 121 to the server terminal 111. Therefore, in this case, the server terminal 111 performs synchronous communication between all the partner client terminals 121 and the requesting client terminal 121 accompanying the synchronous communication start request in the process of step S107. To start. That is, the function for executing the synchronous communication executed by the server terminal 111 causes the synchronous communication to be executed among the three or more client terminals 121 that have logged in.

(2) User Group FIG. 15 shows the user group selected and selected in the virtual office space 1211 displayed on the client terminal 121 based on the image data representing the work status of the logged-in user. It is a schematic diagram which shows an example of the state which can instruct | indicate the start of synchronous communication.

  In the virtual office space providing system of the present embodiment, a user group in which a plurality of users are grouped can be defined in advance, and synchronous communication can be simultaneously started for the user group. FIG. 15 shows an example in which synchronous communication is simultaneously started for group 2. A menu 1212 “start synchronous communication” is displayed by a mouse operation, for example, right-clicking at the tab position indicating the group 2, and synchronous communication is started by selecting and instructing this menu 1212.

  The operation method of the mouse is not limited to this example.

  FIG. 16 shows an example of a state in which information on participation in synchronous communication between user groups is displayed in the virtual office space 1211 displayed on the client terminal 121 based on image data representing the work status of the logged-in user. It is a schematic diagram.

  FIG. 16 shows a state in which synchronous communication is in progress for the entire group 2, and a mark indicating that synchronous communication is in progress, in this case “ Synchronous communication participation information 1213 in which “M” is enclosed by a rectangular image is displayed.

  FIG. 17 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a user group list participating in ongoing synchronous communication displayed in the virtual office space displayed on the client terminal based on the image data representing the work status of the logged-in user. .

  FIG. 17 is an example in which the progress of synchronous communication is displayed in a user group list 1215 in a list format at a position different from the user image. According to this example, it can be seen that synchronous communication is in progress in group 2.

  Here, processing for realizing the operation described above will be described.

  In the server terminal 111, the user group 1111b of each user specified by the user ID 1111a can be known from the user group table 1111 including information about the user illustrated in FIG. Conversely, users belonging to the user group 1111b can be known from the user group 1111b by the user IDa. Similarly, from the user group table 1111 illustrated in FIG. 7, the group 1111d specified by the member 1111e can be known. Conversely, users belonging to the group 1111d can be known from the group 1111d by the member 1111e. Therefore, if a group is selected on the virtual office space 1211 displayed on the display 1209 of the client terminal 121, and information specifying the group is included in the synchronous communication start request, the user illustrated in FIGS. The user ID 1111a and the belonging member 1111e can be known from the user group table 1111 including the information regarding. Therefore, the IP address 1112a corresponding to the user ID 1111a and the user ID 1112b linked to the member 1111e is searched from the table 1112 illustrated in FIG. 18, and the client terminal 121 having the IP address 1112a is set as the client terminal 121 of the other party. Synchronous communication with the requesting client terminal 121 is started (step S107 in FIG. 5). That is, the function of executing synchronous communication of the server terminal 111 allows synchronous communication to be executed between the logged-in client terminals 121 used by users belonging to a user group defined in advance as a set of a plurality of users.

  In such synchronous communication, the server terminal 109, in principle, executes synchronous communication on the virtual office space 1211 displayed on the displays 1209 of all the client terminals 121 logged into the virtual office space providing system. The client terminal 121 is providing a display indicating that synchronous communication is in progress (step S109). This display is, for example, the synchronous communication participation information 1213 illustrated in FIG. 16 and the user group list 1215 illustrated in FIG. 17 as another example. In other words, the function for enabling viewing of the work status display executed on the server terminal 111 is participating in the synchronous communication indicating that the user is participating in the ongoing synchronous communication in the work status display of the user participating in the synchronous communication. It has a function of additionally displaying information 1213, and a function of displaying a user group list 1215 participating in the ongoing synchronous communication in a display area different from the work status display.

(3) Concealment that Synchronous Communication is in Progress FIG. 18 shows that a user is participating in synchronous communication between users in the virtual office space 1211 displayed on the client terminal 121 based on image data representing the work status of the logged-in user. It is a schematic diagram which shows an example of the state where the synchronous communication participation information between certain users is concealed among the information 1213. FIG. 19 shows a specific user from the user list 1214 participating in the ongoing synchronous communication displayed in the virtual office space 1211 displayed on the client terminal 121 based on the image data representing the work status of the logged-in user. It is a schematic diagram which shows an example of the state where is hidden.

  As described above, in this embodiment, when synchronous communication is in progress, a display indicating that, for example, synchronous communication participation information 1213, user list 1214, and user group list 1215 are provided to the virtual office space 1211. The The display indicating that such synchronous communication is in progress is effective information for grasping the work status of each user. On the other hand, there is a case where it is desired to conceal that such a meeting itself is held in a meeting between users having a high organizational hierarchy or a meeting in which highly sensitive content is discussed.

  Therefore, in the present embodiment, whether to additionally display synchronous communication participation information 1213 indicating that synchronous communication is in progress without complicating the processing with reference to the user group list 1111 is determined. Control. At the same time, it is also controlled whether or not to display the user list 1214 or user group list 1215 participating in the ongoing synchronous communication in a display area different from the work status display portion.

  FIG. 18 shows the former example. Here, for users B, D, and G who are actually performing synchronous communication, by concealing synchronous communication participation information 1213, users B, D, and G meet with the other client terminal 121 users. It hides what is inside.

  FIG. 19 shows the user list 1214 regarding the synchronous communication corresponding to FIG. 18 in the latter example. Again, the meeting “Maru 1” in which the users B, D, and G are actually participating is not displayed as the user list 1214.

  Here, a process for realizing the operation as described above will be described with reference to the flowcharts of FIGS.

  As shown in FIG. 5, in step S <b> 107, the server terminal 111 starts synchronous communication between the partner client terminal 121 and the request source client terminal 121 that are associated with the synchronous communication start request. In such synchronous communication, the server terminal 111 transmits information related to the user who is executing synchronous communication to each client terminal 121 that has logged in. In principle, the server terminal 109 is a client terminal that performs synchronous communication on the virtual office space 1211 displayed on the displays 1209 of all the client terminals 121 logged in to the virtual office space providing system. The display 121 indicates that synchronous communication is in progress. For example, the synchronous communication participation information 1213 illustrated in FIG. 18 is provided, and as another example, the user list 1214 illustrated in FIG. 19 is provided (step S109).

  On the other hand, after starting synchronous communication (step S107), the server terminal 111 determines whether display indicating that the client terminal 121 executing synchronous communication is in progress is prohibited. (Step S108). If the display is prohibited as a result of this determination (Y in step S108), the process of providing the client terminal 121 with a display indicating that synchronous communication is in progress (step S109) is not executed. As a result, as illustrated in FIG. 18, the synchronous communication participation information 1213 is not actually made for the users B, D, and G who are executing the synchronous communication, and the user of the other client terminal 121 is notified to the user B. , D and G are hidden during the meeting. Alternatively, as illustrated in FIG. 19, the meeting “Maru 1” in which the users B, D, and G are actually participating is not displayed as the user list 1214, and the users of the other client terminals 121 are notified to the users B, It is concealed that D and G are in a meeting.

  Here, the determination process in step S108 is performed with reference to the user group table 1111 stored and saved in the storage area of the server terminal 111, for example, the HDD 1105, and copied to the RAM 1103 when the virtual office space providing program is started. That is, the server terminal 111 stores the user group table 1111 in the HDD 1105 and the RAM 1103 which are the storage areas. Therefore, in the case of the user group table 1111 illustrated in FIG. 6, the user group 1111c can be searched from the user ID 1111a, and in the case of the user group table 1111 illustrated in FIG. 1111f can be searched. The browseable user group 1111c or the browsable member 1111f thus searched is the synchronized communication participating information 1213 in the other client terminals 121 that are executing the synchronous communication, the user specified by the corresponding user ID 1111a or the belonging member 1111e, the user It is used as data that allows display of the list 1214 or the user group list 1215. For example, in the user group table 1111 illustrated in FIGS. 6 and 7, the user A is allowed to browse the synchronous communication participation information 1213, the user list 1214, or the user group list 1215 of all users A to H. . On the other hand, the user G is only allowed to view the synchronous communication participation information 1213, the user list 1214, or the user group list 1215 for the users E, F, G, and H. The relationship between each user and the users that can be viewed by each user is summarized as a table illustrated in FIG. 9 based on the user group table 1111 illustrated in FIGS. 6 and 7.

  Then, the server terminal 111 controls display / non-display of the synchronous communication participation information 1213, the user list 1214, and the user group list 1215 according to the stored display rule. At this time, the server terminal 111 can identify the user participating in the synchronous communication and the other user providing the virtual office space 1211 by, for example, the IP address 1112a, so that the IP address 1112a is changed from the table 1112 shown in FIG. Based on this, the user ID 1112b is searched, the user ID 1111a linked to this user ID 1112b is searched from the user group table 1111 shown in FIG. 6, or the member 1111e is searched from the user group table 1111 shown in FIG. The user group 1111c or the browsable member 1111f of the user having the user ID 1111a or the member 1111e searched for can be known by referring to the user group table 1111 of 7.Therefore, a process for hiding that the synchronous communication is being executed is executed with reference to the browseable user group 1111c or the browseable member 1111f that has been searched.

  Here, the function of enabling viewing of the work status display executed on the server terminal 111 includes each user, a user group to which each user belongs, and a user group that allows each user to view information during participation in synchronous communication. By referring to the user group table 1111 that defines the relationship, means, functions, and processes for controlling display / non-display of the information during participation in synchronous communication are executed.

  In executing the process for concealing that the synchronous communication is being executed, in the present embodiment, a specific process is executed in relation to the process of exiting from the synchronous communication or the process of participating in the middle.

  In the present embodiment, it is possible to cause the server terminal 111 to execute a function of causing the client terminal 121 of the user participating in the synchronous communication to leave the synchronous communication halfway. As an example, this function is realized by a JAVA applet transmitted from the server terminal 111 to the client terminal 121. In addition, the function of controlling the display / non-display of the synchronous communication participation information 1213, the user list 1214, or the user group list 1215 is performed even when the client terminal 121 of a certain user leaves the synchronous communication halfway. Based on the state of participating in the synchronous communication, display / non-display of the synchronous communication participating information 1213, the user list 1214, or the user group list 1215 is controlled according to the definition of the user group table 1111. As a result, when a user exits midway from the synchronous communication, the user who should have concealed the presence of the synchronous communication in which the user has participated is concealed, and security protection can be achieved.

  Further, in the present embodiment, the function of controlling the display / non-display of the synchronous communication participation information is performed by the synchronous communication participation information 1213, the user list 1214 or the user list 1214 regarding the synchronous communication for the client terminal 121 of the user who has left the synchronous communication halfway. For the user group list 1215, the display of the synchronous communication participation information 1213, the user list 1214, or the user group list 1215 for the synchronous communication is permitted in preference to the definition of the user group table 1111. As a result, when a user who has left the synchronous communication occurs, there is no reason for the person to hide the presence of the synchronous communication, and thus the person can share the progress of the synchronous communication.

  Next, in the present embodiment, in response to the function of causing the server terminal 111 to send a halfway participation request to the synchronized synchronization communication to the server terminal 111 to the server terminal 111 and the transmitted halfway participation request, And a function of causing the requesting client terminal 121 involved in the midway participation request to participate in the ongoing synchronous communication. As an example, this function is realized by a JAVA applet transmitted from the server terminal 111 to the client terminal 121. In addition, the function of controlling the display / non-display of the synchronous communication participation information 1213, the user list 1214, or the user group list 1215 is performed when the user who participated in the synchronous communication halfway occurs. 1213, the user list 1214 or the user group list 1215 is controlled again according to the definition of the user group table 1111 in consideration of the user who participated in the middle according to the definition of the synchronous communication participation information 1213, the user list 1214 or the user group list 1215. To do. Thereby, when the user who participated in synchronous communication halfway arises, the process for the concealment with respect to the user who should conceal the presence of the said synchronous communication can be performed again, and the situation which changes can be coped with.

  In addition, the function of controlling the display / non-display of the synchronous communication participation information 1213, the user list 1214, or the user group list 1215 again is the synchronous communication participation related to the synchronous communication with respect to the client terminal 121 of the user who has participated in the synchronous communication or has left midway. For the intermediate information 1213, the user list 1214, or the user group list 1215, the display of the synchronous communication participation information 1213, the user list 1214, or the user group list 1215 for the synchronous communication is permitted in preference to the definition of the user group table 1111. Thereby, when a user who participated in the synchronous communication occurs halfway, when performing a process for concealing the user who should conceal the presence of the synchronous communication again, a user who has left the synchronous communication occurs, Since there is no reason for the person to hide the presence of the synchronous communication, the person can share the progress of the synchronous communication.

  Here, the server terminal 111 creates a synchronous communication participation user management table 1113 as illustrated in FIG. 10, allocates a synchronous communication ID 1113a to each synchronous communication, and participates in a user 1113b and an exit user 1113c for each synchronous communication ID 1113a. And manage. The process of exiting from the synchronous communication and participating in the middle is executed with reference to such a synchronous communication participation user management table 1113.

  Further, in the present embodiment, the synchronous communication participation information 1213, until all the client terminals 121 that request the synchronous communication by the requesting client terminal 121 accompanying the synchronous communication start request participate in the synchronous communication. The user list 1214 or the user group list 1215 is not additionally displayed. As a result, in accordance with the difference in the participation time of each user with respect to the synchronous communication, the display inconvenience that the progress status of the synchronous communication is indicated at the client terminal of another user is hidden. It can be avoided.

(4) Midway participation in ongoing synchronous communication FIG. 20 shows midway participation in ongoing synchronous communication in the virtual office space 1211 displayed on the client terminal 121 based on image data representing the work status of the logged-in user. It is a schematic diagram which shows an example of the state which can be indicated. FIG. 21 is a schematic diagram illustrating another example of a state in which it is possible to instruct halfway participation in ongoing synchronous communication in the virtual office space 1211 displayed on the client terminal 121 based on image data representing the work status of the logged-in user. FIG.

  In this virtual office space providing system, the image portion of the work status display of the user or user group who is participating in the synchronous communication, in which the synchronous communication participation information 1213 is additionally displayed, or a display different from the image portion of the work status display By performing an operation such as a mouse click on the user list 1214 or the user group list 1215 that is participating in the ongoing synchronous communication displayed in the area, other users who are not participating in the synchronous communication are made synchronous communication. Participate on the way.

  20 and 21 show an example in which another user requests midway participation in the ongoing synchronous communication in which the user G is participating. Assume that a user who is provided with the virtual office space 1211 from the server terminal 111 participates in the synchronous communication of the users B, D, and G who are already in the process of synchronous communication. In such a case, in the example illustrated in FIG. 20, the user performs a mouse operation such as right-clicking on one of the users B, D, and G, for example, an image of the work status display of the user G, Displaying the menu 1216 “participating in synchronous communication” and selecting the menu 1216 by a mouse operation such as left click, so that the user B, D, G is participating in the ongoing synchronous communication. Can do. Further, in the example shown in FIG. 21, “participation in synchronous communication” is performed by performing a mouse operation such as right clicking on the image of the user list 1214 indicating the synchronous communication in which the users B, D, and G are in progress. By displaying the menu 1216 and selecting the menu 1216 by a mouse operation such as a left click, it is possible to participate in the ongoing synchronous communication held by the users B, D, and G. The operation method of the mouse is merely an example, and is not limited to this example.

  Here, a process for realizing the operation as described above will be described with reference to the flowcharts of FIGS.

  As shown in FIG. 5, in step S <b> 107, the server terminal 111 starts synchronous communication between the partner client terminal 121 and the request source client terminal 121 that are associated with the synchronous communication start request. In such synchronous communication, the server terminal 111 transmits information related to the user who is executing synchronous communication to each client terminal 121 that has logged in. In principle, the server terminal 109 is a client terminal that performs synchronous communication on the virtual office space 1211 displayed on the displays 1209 of all the client terminals 121 logged in to the virtual office space providing system. The display 121 indicates that synchronous communication is in progress. For example, the synchronous communication participation information 1213 illustrated in FIG. 18 is provided, and as another example, the user list 1214 illustrated in FIG. 19 is provided (step S109). Although not shown, the server terminal 111 provides the user group list 1215 to the client terminal 121 when synchronous communication is executed in units of groups (see FIG. 15).

  Thereby, the user of each client terminal 121 can know whether a certain user or user group is in the process of synchronous communication on the virtual office space 1211 displayed on the display 1209. Therefore, the user who wants to participate in the ongoing synchronous communication selects and instructs the synchronous communication participation information 1213, the user list 1214, or the user group list 1215 displayed in the virtual office space 1211, thereby requesting the intermediate participation request to the server. It can be transmitted to the terminal 111. That is, as shown in the flowchart of FIG. 4, if a mouse is used as the input device 1208 of the client terminal 121, for example, when the cursor is moved by the mouse, it is determined in step S201 that the cursor is moved (step S201). Y). For example, in the example illustrated in FIG. 20, when the user of the client terminal 121 moves the cursor on the work status display image of the user G using the mouse, it is determined that the cursor is moved (Y in step S201). Then, according to the JAVA applet interpreted and executed by the client terminal 121, the CPU 1201 determines whether or not the client terminal 121 used by the user B is executing synchronous communication (step S202). As a result of the determination, if it is determined that synchronous communication is being executed (Y in step S202), for example, a right click operation of the mouse is performed on the work status display image of the previous user to which the user has moved the cursor. Then, a menu 1216 of “participating in the middle of synchronous communication” is displayed on the virtual office space 1211 (step S206). Therefore, when the menu 1216 is clicked, it is determined that there is a midway participation request (Y in step S207), and the client terminal 121 transmits the midway participation request to the server terminal 111 (step S211). This halfway participation request is accompanied by information for identifying the requesting client terminal 121 and a plurality of counterpart client terminals 121 that are in the process of synchronous communication, for example, the IP addresses of the client terminals 121 used by those users. Is called.

  Here, the function that allows the login client terminal 121 to select the synchronous communication participation information 1213, the user list 1214, and the user group list 1215 displayed by the browser, the synchronous communication participation information 1213, the user list 1214, When the user group list 1215 is selected, the server terminal 111 executes a function of transmitting a midway participation request to the server terminal 111 for the ongoing synchronous communication.

  In the server terminal 111, the CPU 1101 executes the processing shown in FIG. 5 according to the virtual office space providing program. That is, the reception determination of the mid-participation request is executed (step S101), and when the mid-participation request is received (Y in step S101), notification is made to the plurality of client terminals 121 of the other party in progress of the synchronous communication. (Step S104). The partner client terminal 121 can be identified by, for example, an IP address included in the midway participation request. Thereafter, the server terminal 111 causes the requesting client terminal 121 to participate in the synchronous communication in progress of the partner client terminal 121 (step S107) until an end notification is made (Y in step S110). Here, in the server terminal 111, in response to the transmitted mid-participation request, means, functions, and steps for causing the requesting client terminal 121 involved in the mid-participation request to participate in the ongoing synchronous communication are executed. The

(5) Restrictions on midway participation in ongoing synchronous communication As described above, in this virtual office space providing system, midway participation in ongoing synchronous communication is possible. However, when a request for participation is made in the middle of a meeting between users having a high organizational hierarchy or a meeting discussing highly sensitive content, there may be a case where the request is rejected. Therefore, in this virtual office space providing system, the login user to the synchronized communication in progress in the other user or user group based on the relationship between the login user of each client terminal 121 and the other user or user group. The request for participation can be rejected.

  Therefore, in the present embodiment, whether or not a request for participation in the middle of synchronous communication is easily controlled without referring to the user group list 1111 and without complicating the processing.

  Here, a process for realizing the operation as described above will be described with reference to the flowcharts of FIGS.

  As illustrated in FIG. 5, the server terminal 111 executes a process (step S <b> 107) for causing the client terminal 121 to participate in the ongoing synchronous communication in response to the mid-participation request received from the client terminal 121 in step S <b> 101. Prior to this, it is confirmed whether the midway participation is accepted without being rejected (step S105).

  Here, the participation determination process in step S105 is performed with reference to the user group list 1111 stored and saved in the storage area of the server terminal 111, for example, the HDD 1105, and copied to the RAM 1103 when the virtual office space providing program is started. . That is, the server terminal 111 stores the user group list 1111 in the HDD 1105 and the RAM 1103 that are storage areas thereof. Here, the user specified by the user ID 1111a in the user group list 1111 illustrated in FIG. 6 can participate in the synchronous communication in which the user specified by the corresponding viewable user group ID 1111c is participating, 7 is executed such that the user specified by the belonging member 1111e in the user group list 1111 illustrated in FIG. 7 can participate in the synchronous communication in which the user specified by the corresponding viewable member 1111f is participating.

  Since the server terminal 111 can identify the user who is participating in the synchronous communication and the other user who provides the virtual office space 1211 by, for example, the IP address 1112a, the user is determined based on the IP address 1112a from the table 1112 shown in FIG. The ID 1112b is searched, the user ID 1111a linked to the user ID 1112b is searched from the user group table 1111 shown in FIG. 6, or the member 1111e linked to the user ID 1112b is searched from the user group table 1111 shown in FIG. Search for. Then, by referring to the user group table 1111, it is possible to know the user group ID 1111 b that can be browsed by the user having the searched user ID 1111 a, or to know the browsable member 1111 f of the user corresponding to the searched belonging member 1111 e. Can do.

  Therefore, the server terminal 111 shifts to synchronous communication in which another user participates for a certain user based on the browseable user group ID 1111b (FIG. 6) or the browsable member 1111f (FIG. 7) of the searched user. Execute a process such as prohibiting participation. That is, if participation is rejected (Y in step S105), processing for rejecting the user's participation is executed (step S106). In this way, the server terminal 111 has a function of causing the logged-in client terminal 121 to participate in the ongoing synchronous communication on the way according to the user group table 1111 stored in the storage area such as the HDD 1105 or the RAM 1103. 121, whether to participate is controlled.

  Here, in the present embodiment, the server terminal 111 is caused to execute a function of leaving the client terminal 121 of the user participating in the synchronous communication halfway from the synchronous communication. As an example, this function is realized by a JAVA applet transmitted from the server terminal 111 to the client terminal 121. The function of causing the logged-in client terminal 121 to participate in the ongoing synchronous communication halfway is also in accordance with the definition of the user group table 1111 for a request for midway participation in the synchronous communication by the client terminal 121 of the user who has left the synchronous communication halfway. Control whether to participate in the synchronous communication. As a result, there is a user who has left the synchronous communication, and another user has joined the synchronous communication in which the person has participated, and the participation of the user who has left the middle should not be permitted. In such a case, it is possible to refuse the participation of the user who has left the middle of the synchronous communication in the middle, and to ensure security.

  Moreover, in this Embodiment, the server terminal 111 is made to perform the function to leave the client terminal 121 of the user who is participating in synchronous communication on the way from the said synchronous communication. As an example, this function is realized by a JAVA applet transmitted from the server terminal 111 to the client terminal 121. The function of allowing the logged-in client terminal 121 to participate in the ongoing synchronous communication is defined in the definition of the user group table 1111 with respect to the request for intermediate participation in the synchronous communication by the client terminal 121 of the user who has left the synchronous communication halfway. Prioritize participation in the synchronous communication. As a result, contrary to the previous embodiment, a user who has left the synchronous communication is generated, and another user participates in the synchronous communication in which the user has participated, thereby forming the user list table 1111 Therefore, even if it is a case where participation of a user who has withdrawn on the way is not permitted, the user who has withdrawn on the way was participating in the synchronous communication. Participation in synchronous communication can be permitted, which can contribute to operation in line with the actual situation.

  Furthermore, in the present embodiment, the synchronous communication participation is in progress until all the client terminals 121 that request the execution of the synchronous communication by the requesting client terminal 121 accompanying the synchronous communication start request participate in the synchronous communication. The information 1213, the user list 1214, or the user group list 1215 is not additionally displayed. This avoids the inconvenience that other users who should not participate in the synchronous communication on the way should be allowed to participate in the synchronous communication according to the difference in the participation time of each user with respect to the synchronous communication. can do.

It is a block diagram which shows the system configuration example of the whole virtual office space provision system. It is a block diagram which shows the hardware constitutions of a server terminal and a client terminal. It is a timing chart which shows data transmission / reception between a server terminal and a client terminal. It is a flowchart which shows the flow of the synchronous communication start request process performed by a client terminal by the JAVA applet transmitted from the server terminal. It is a flowchart which shows the flow of the process performed with a server terminal by the virtual office space provision program installed in the server terminal. It is a schematic diagram which shows an example of the user group table which a server terminal memorize | stores. It is a schematic diagram which shows another example of the user group table which a server terminal memorize | stores. It is a schematic diagram of the table containing the information regarding the logged-in client terminal created in a server terminal. It is a schematic diagram which shows an example of the table which shows the relationship between each user and the user who can browse each user. It is a schematic diagram which shows an example of the participating user management table with respect to synchronous communication. It is a schematic diagram which shows an example of the virtual office space displayed on the client terminal based on the image data showing the work situation of the logged-in user. In the virtual office space displayed on the client terminal based on image data representing the work status of the logged-in user, multiple (two) users can be selected and start synchronous communication with the selected users It is a schematic diagram which shows an example of a state. It is a schematic diagram which shows an example of the state in which the synchronous communication participation information between users is displayed in the virtual office space displayed on the client terminal based on the image data showing the work situation of the logged-in user. It is a schematic diagram which shows an example of the user list participating in the synchronous communication in progress displayed on the virtual office space displayed on the client terminal based on the image data showing the work situation of the logged-in user. An example of a state in which in the virtual office space displayed on the client terminal based on the image data representing the work status of the logged-in user, the user group is selected and the start of synchronous communication can be instructed with the selected user group It is a schematic diagram which shows. It is a schematic diagram which shows an example of the state in which the synchronous communication participation information between user groups is displayed in the virtual office space displayed on the client terminal based on the image data showing the work situation of the logged-in user. It is a schematic diagram which shows an example of the user group list | wrist participating in the synchronous communication in progress displayed on the virtual office space displayed on the client terminal based on the image data showing the working condition of the logged-in user. In the virtual office space displayed on the client terminal based on the image data representing the work status of the logged-in user, the synchronous communication participation information between certain users is concealed among the synchronous communication participation information among users. It is a schematic diagram which shows an example of the state which exists. A state in which a specific user is concealed from the user list participating in the ongoing synchronous communication displayed in the virtual office space displayed on the client terminal based on the image data representing the work status of the logged-in user. It is a schematic diagram which shows an example. It is a schematic diagram which shows an example of the state which can instruct | indicate the participation in the middle with respect to the synchronous communication in progress in the virtual office space displayed on the client terminal based on the image data showing the work situation of the logged-in user. It is a schematic diagram which shows another example of the state which can instruct | indicate the midway participation with respect to the synchronous communication in progress in the virtual office space displayed on the client terminal based on the image data showing the working condition of the logged-in user.

Explanation of symbols

111 Server terminal 121 Client terminal 401, 501 Communication network (private network, external network)
1103, 1105 Storage area (RAM, HDD)
1111 User group table 1213 Information on participation in synchronous communication

Claims (21)

Installed in a server terminal that transmits and receives data to and from a plurality of client terminals via a communication network,
A function of logging in the client terminal via the communication network;
A function for storing, in a storage area, image data representing the work status of the user transmitted from the logged-in client terminal;
Image data representing the logged-in user's work status stored in the storage area is distributed to the logged-in client terminal in a data format that can be viewed by a specified browser, thereby representing the logged-in user's work status A function for enabling the work status display based on image data to be mutually viewed on each of the client terminals;
A function for executing synchronous communication between the client terminal of the request source and the client terminal of the other party in response to the synchronous communication start request transmitted from the logged-in client terminal When,
And execute
The function of enabling viewing of the work status display is provided on the server terminal.
A function that additionally displays synchronous communication participation information indicating that the user is participating in the ongoing synchronous communication in the work status display of the user participating in the synchronous communication,
Each user, a user group to which each user belongs, and a user group table that defines a relationship between each user and the user group that is permitted to view the information during participation in synchronous communication, and display of the information during participation in synchronous communication The ability to control hiding,
A computer-readable virtual office space providing program for executing the program.   The computer-readable virtual office space providing program according to claim 1, wherein the function for executing the synchronous communication executes the synchronous communication for each group according to the definition of the user group table.   The computer-readable virtual office space providing program according to claim 1, wherein the function of executing the synchronous communication is to execute synchronous communication between three or more logged-in client terminals. Causing the server terminal to execute a function of leaving the client terminal of the user participating in synchronous communication halfway from the synchronous communication;
The function to control the display / non-display of the information during the synchronous communication participation is based on the state in which the client terminal is participating in the synchronous communication even when the client terminal of a certain user leaves the synchronous communication halfway. The virtual office space providing program according to claim 3, wherein display / non-display of the information during participation in synchronous communication is controlled according to a definition of a user group table. Causing the server terminal to execute a function of leaving the client terminal of the user participating in synchronous communication halfway from the synchronous communication;
The function of controlling the display / non-display of the information during the participation of synchronous communication has priority over the definition of the user group table for the information during the synchronous communication regarding the synchronous communication to the client terminal of the user who has left the synchronous communication halfway. 4. The virtual office space providing program according to claim 3, wherein display of the information during participation in synchronous communication is permitted for the synchronous communication. In the server terminal,
A function of causing the client terminal that has logged in to send a request for participation in the middle of ongoing synchronous communication to the server terminal;
In response to the transmitted mid-participation request, a function of causing the requesting client terminal accompanying the mid-participation request to participate in ongoing synchronous communication;
And execute
The function of controlling the display and non-display of the information during the participation of the synchronous communication, when a user who participated in the synchronous communication occurs halfway, the information during the synchronous communication participation related to the synchronous communication, the user who participated in the middle 4. The virtual office space providing program according to claim 3, wherein display / non-display of the information during participation in synchronous communication is controlled again according to a definition of a user group table.   The function of re-controlling display / non-display of the information during the synchronous communication participation is the information regarding the synchronous communication participation regarding the synchronous communication with respect to the client terminal of the user participating in or leaving the synchronous communication in the user group table. The virtual office space providing program according to claim 6, wherein display of the information during participation in synchronous communication for the synchronous communication is permitted in preference to the definition.   The function of enabling viewing of the work status display is information on participation in synchronous communication until all the client terminals requested by the client terminal requested by the synchronous communication start request participate in synchronous communication. The virtual office space providing program according to claim 1, wherein no additional display is displayed. Installed in a server terminal that transmits and receives data to and from a plurality of client terminals via a communication network,
A function of logging in the client terminal via the communication network;
A function for storing, in a storage area, image data representing the work status of the user transmitted from the logged-in client terminal;
Image data representing the logged-in user's work status stored in the storage area is distributed to the logged-in client terminal in a data format that can be viewed by a specified browser, thereby representing the logged-in user's work status A function for enabling the work status display based on image data to be mutually viewed on each of the client terminals;
A function for executing synchronous communication between the client terminal of the request source and the client terminal of the other party in response to the synchronous communication start request transmitted from the logged-in client terminal When,
A function of causing the client terminal that has logged in to send a request for participation in the middle of ongoing synchronous communication to the server terminal;
In response to the transmitted mid-participation request, a function of causing the requesting client terminal accompanying the mid-participation request to participate in ongoing synchronous communication;
And execute
The function of allowing the logged-in client terminal to participate in ongoing synchronous communication is that the server terminal allows each user, a user group to which each user belongs, and each user to allow each user to participate in the synchronous communication. A computer-readable virtual office space providing program that executes a function of controlling whether or not a client terminal can participate in an ongoing synchronous communication by referring to a user group table that defines a relationship with   10. The computer-readable virtual office space providing program according to claim 9, wherein the function for executing the synchronous communication executes the synchronous communication in units of groups according to the definition of the user group table.   The computer-readable virtual office space providing program according to claim 9, wherein the function of executing the synchronous communication is to execute synchronous communication between three or more logged-in client terminals. Causing the server terminal to execute a function of leaving the client terminal of the user participating in synchronous communication halfway from the synchronous communication;
The function of causing the logged-in client terminal to participate in the ongoing synchronous communication on the way is also based on the definition of the user group table for a user who has left the synchronous communication halfway to the intermediate communication request to the synchronous communication by the client terminal. 12. The virtual office space providing program according to claim 11, which controls whether to participate in communication. Causing the server terminal to execute a function of leaving the client terminal of the user participating in synchronous communication halfway from the synchronous communication;
The function of allowing the logged-in client terminal to participate in the ongoing synchronous communication has priority over the definition of the user group table for a request for mid-participation in the synchronous communication by the client terminal of the user who has left the synchronous communication halfway. 12. The virtual office space providing program according to claim 11, which permits participation in the synchronous communication.   The function of allowing the logged-in client terminal to participate in ongoing synchronous communication until the client terminal requested by the client terminal accompanying the synchronous communication start request participates in synchronous communication. The virtual office space providing program according to any one of claims 9 to 13, wherein even if there is a midway participation request from any of the client terminals, the client terminal is not allowed to participate in the synchronous communication midway. A virtual office space providing device having a server terminal configuration for transmitting / receiving data to / from a plurality of client terminals via a communication network,
Means for logging in the client terminal via the communication network;
Means for storing, in a storage area, image data representing the work status of the user transmitted from the logged-in client terminal;
Image data representing the logged-in user's work status stored in the storage area is distributed to the logged-in client terminal in a data format that can be viewed by a specified browser, thereby representing the logged-in user's work status Means for enabling the work status display based on image data to be mutually viewed on each of the client terminals;
Means for executing synchronous communication between the requesting client terminal and the counterpart client terminal in response to the synchronous communication start request in response to the synchronous communication start request transmitted from the logged-in client terminal When,
With
Means for enabling viewing of the work status display,
A first sub means for additionally displaying synchronous communication participation information indicating that the user is participating in the ongoing synchronous communication in the work status display of the user participating in the synchronous communication;
Each user, a user group to which each user belongs, and a user group table that defines a relationship between each user and the user group that is permitted to view the information during participation in synchronous communication, and display of the information during participation in synchronous communication A second sub means for controlling non-display;
A virtual office space providing device. A virtual office space providing device having a server terminal configuration for transmitting / receiving data to / from a plurality of client terminals via a communication network,
Means for logging in the client terminal via the communication network;
Means for storing, in a storage area, image data representing the work status of the user transmitted from the logged-in client terminal;
Image data representing the logged-in user's work status stored in the storage area is distributed to the logged-in client terminal in a data format that can be viewed by a specified browser, thereby representing the logged-in user's work status Means for enabling the work status display based on image data to be mutually viewed on each of the client terminals;
Means for executing synchronous communication between the requesting client terminal and the counterpart client terminal in response to the synchronous communication start request in response to the synchronous communication start request transmitted from the logged-in client terminal When,
Means for causing the client terminal that has logged in to transmit a request for participation in the middle of ongoing synchronous communication to the server terminal;
In response to the transmitted halfway participation request, means for causing the requesting client terminal accompanying the halfway participation request to participate in ongoing synchronous communication;
With
The means for allowing the logged-in client terminal to participate in ongoing synchronous communication allows the server terminal to allow each user, a user group to which each user belongs, and each user to view the synchronous communication participating information. A virtual office space providing apparatus that refers to a user group table that defines a relationship with a user group and controls whether or not the client terminal can participate in ongoing synchronous communication. A virtual office space providing method executed in a system in which a server terminal and a plurality of client terminals transmit and receive data via a communication network,
The server terminal is
Logging the client terminal via the communication network;
Storing image data representing the work status of the user transmitted from the logged-in client terminal in a storage area;
Delivering image data representing the logged-in user's work status stored in the storage area to the logged-in client terminal in a data format readable by a specified browser;
In response to a synchronous communication start request transmitted from the logged-in client terminal, a step of executing synchronous communication between the requesting client terminal and the counterpart client terminal accompanying the synchronous communication start request When,
Run
The client terminal in which the prescribed browser is installed,
Transmitting login information to the server terminal;
Transmitting image data representing a user's work status to the server terminal;
Making it possible to browse image data representing the work status of the logged-in user distributed from the server terminal using the browser function of the browser;
Transmitting a synchronous communication start request to the server terminal;
Executing synchronous communication with the client terminal of the other party associated with the transmitted synchronous communication start request;
Run
When the server terminal executes the process of distributing image data representing the work status of the logged-in user,
A first sub-process for additionally displaying synchronous communication participation information indicating that the user is participating in the ongoing synchronous communication in the work status display of the user participating in the synchronous communication;
Each user, a user group to which each user belongs, and a user group table that defines a relationship between each user and the user group that is permitted to view the information during participation in synchronous communication, and display of the information during participation in synchronous communication A second sub-process for controlling non-display;
A virtual office space providing method for executing. A virtual office space providing method executed in a system in which a server terminal and a plurality of client terminals transmit and receive data via a communication network,
The server terminal is
Logging the client terminal via the communication network;
Storing image data representing the work status of the user transmitted from the logged-in client terminal in a storage area;
Delivering image data representing the logged-in user's work status stored in the storage area to the logged-in client terminal in a data format readable by a specified browser;
In response to a synchronous communication start request transmitted from the logged-in client terminal, a step of executing synchronous communication between the requesting client terminal and the counterpart client terminal accompanying the synchronous communication start request When,
Run
The client terminal in which the prescribed browser is installed,
Transmitting login information to the server terminal;
Transmitting image data representing a user's work status to the server terminal;
Making it possible to browse image data representing the work status of the logged-in user distributed from the server terminal using the browser function of the browser;
Transmitting a synchronous communication start request to the server terminal;
Executing synchronous communication with the client terminal of the other party associated with the transmitted synchronous communication start request;
Run
The server terminal is
A step of causing the logged-in client terminal to send a request for participation in the middle of ongoing synchronous communication to the server terminal;
In response to the transmitted halfway participation request, the requesting client terminal accompanying the halfway participation request is allowed to participate in ongoing synchronous communication;
And execute
The step of allowing the logged-in client terminal to participate in ongoing synchronous communication allows the server terminal to allow each user, a user group to which each user belongs, and each user to view the synchronous communication participating information. A virtual office space providing method for referring to a user group table that defines a relationship with a user group and controlling whether or not the client terminal can participate in ongoing synchronous communication. A system in which a server terminal and a plurality of client terminals transmit and receive data via a communication network,
The server terminal is
Means for logging in the client terminal via the communication network;
Means for storing, in a storage area, image data representing the work status of the user transmitted from the logged-in client terminal;
A means for delivering to the logged-in client terminal image data representing the logged-in user's work status stored in the storage area in a data format viewable by a prescribed browser;
Means for executing synchronous communication between the requesting client terminal and the counterpart client terminal in response to the synchronous communication start request in response to the synchronous communication start request transmitted from the logged-in client terminal When,
With
The client terminal has the specified browser installed,
Means for transmitting login information to the server terminal;
Means for transmitting image data representing a user's work status to the server terminal;
Means for allowing image data representing the work status of the logged-in user distributed from the server terminal to be browsed using the browser browsing function;
Means for transmitting a synchronous communication start request to the server terminal;
Means for executing synchronous communication with the client terminal of the other party associated with the transmitted synchronous communication start request;
With
When the server terminal executes the means for distributing the image data representing the work status of the logged-in user,
A first sub means for additionally displaying synchronous communication participation information indicating that the user is participating in the ongoing synchronous communication in the work status display of the user participating in the synchronous communication;
Each user, a user group to which each user belongs, and a user group table that defines a relationship between each user and the user group that is permitted to view the information during participation in synchronous communication, and display of the information during participation in synchronous communication A second sub means for controlling non-display;
A virtual office space providing system. A system in which a server terminal and a plurality of client terminals transmit and receive data via a communication network,
The server terminal is
Means for logging in the client terminal via the communication network;
Means for storing, in a storage area, image data representing the work status of the user transmitted from the logged-in client terminal;
A means for delivering to the logged-in client terminal image data representing the logged-in user's work status stored in the storage area in a data format viewable by a prescribed browser;
Means for executing synchronous communication between the requesting client terminal and the counterpart client terminal in response to the synchronous communication start request in response to the synchronous communication start request transmitted from the logged-in client terminal When,
With
The client terminal has the specified browser installed,
Means for transmitting login information to the server terminal;
Means for transmitting image data representing a user's work status to the server terminal;
Means for allowing image data representing the work status of the logged-in user distributed from the server terminal to be browsed using the browser browsing function;
Means for transmitting a synchronous communication start request to the server terminal;
Means for executing synchronous communication with the client terminal of the other party associated with the transmitted synchronous communication start request;
With
The server terminal is
Means for causing the client terminal that has logged in to transmit a request for participation in the middle of ongoing synchronous communication to the server terminal;
In response to the transmitted halfway participation request, means for causing the requesting client terminal accompanying the halfway participation request to participate in ongoing synchronous communication;
With
The means for allowing the logged-in client terminal to participate in ongoing synchronous communication allows the server terminal to allow each user, a user group to which each user belongs, and each user to view the synchronous communication participating information. A virtual office space providing system that refers to a user group table that defines a relationship with a user group and controls whether the client terminal can participate in ongoing synchronous communication. A storage medium for storing the virtual office space providing program according to any one of claims 1 to 14.

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