Meeting hosting system, intercom system

Abstract

To provide a meeting holding system capable of easily holding a meeting at a collective facility.SOLUTION: A setting unit 742 sets the content of the participation guidance to a meeting that is held using electronic means to the users in one or more facilities included in a collective facility where multiple facilities are gathered. An output unit 744 outputs the guidance via an intercom system provided in the collective facility when the content of the participation guidance to the meeting is set in the setting unit 742. The guidance includes means of participation in the meeting.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a technology for holding a meeting, and particularly relates to a meeting holding system, an intercom system, a meeting holding method, and a program for notifying the holding of a meeting.

Background Art

[0002] An intercom system includes a door phone sub-unit with a camera and an intercom main unit with a monitor TV. When a call button is pressed on the door phone sub-unit, an image captured by the door phone sub-unit is displayed on the TV monitor of the intercom main unit (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] When an intercom system is installed in a collective facility such as an apartment, the door phone sub-unit and the intercom main unit are installed in facilities in the collective facility, for example, in a residence. On the other hand, when the residents of the collective facility gather in a room such as a meeting room, a meeting such as a board meeting is held. However, if gathering in a room is suppressed as a measure to prevent infectious diseases, it becomes difficult to hold a meeting. In such a situation, if the Internet or a teleconference system is used, it becomes possible to hold a meeting without gathering in a room, but preparation of the Internet or a teleconference system is required for each residence.

[0005] The present disclosure has been made in view of such a situation, and an object thereof is to provide a technology for easily holding a meeting in a collective facility.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] To solve the above problems, a meeting hosting system in one aspect of the present disclosure includes a setting unit that sets the content of an invitation to participate in a meeting to be held using electronic means for users of one or more facilities included in a collective facility which is a collection of multiple facilities, and an output unit that outputs the invitation via an intercom system installed in the collective facility. The invitation includes means for participating in the meeting.

[0007] Another aspect of this disclosure is an intercom system. This intercom system is installed in a complex of multiple facilities and comprises a setting unit for setting the content of an invitation to participate in a meeting to be held using electronic means for users of one or more facilities included in the complex, and an output unit for outputting the invitation. The invitation includes means for participating in the meeting.

[0008] Another aspect of this disclosure is a method for holding a meeting. This method comprises the steps of setting the content of an invitation to participate in a meeting to be held using electronic means for users of one or more facilities included in a collection facility which is a collection of multiple facilities, and outputting the invitation via an intercom system installed in the collection facility. The invitation includes means for participating in the meeting.

[0009] Furthermore, any combination of the above components, as well as any conversion of the expressions of this disclosure between methods, apparatus, systems, recording media, computer programs, etc., are also valid forms of this disclosure. [Effects of the Invention]

[0010] According to this disclosure, it is possible to easily hold gatherings in public facilities. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0011] [Figure 1] This diagram shows the configuration of an intercom system according to an embodiment. [Figure 2] Figures 2(a)-(c) show the configuration of the shared entrance device, residential information panel, and collective facility gateway shown in Figure 1. [Figure 3]This figure shows the screen displayed on the terminal device shown in Figure 1. [Figure 4] Figures 4(a)-(c) show the screens displayed on the monitor in Figure 1. [Figure 5] Figure 1 is a sequence diagram showing the procedure for conducting a meeting using the intercom system. [Figure 6] Figure 1 is a sequence diagram showing another procedure for conducting a meeting using the intercom system. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0012] Before describing the details of this disclosure, an overview will be provided. The embodiment relates to an intercom system installed in a multi-unit facility such as an apartment building or condominium. A multi-unit facility contains multiple residences and other facilities, and allows people to enter and exit through at least one common entrance. When a visitor operates a common entrance device, such as a lobby intercom, installed at the common entrance, a residential information panel installed in the facility they are visiting is called. In response to the call, the resident of the facility confirms the visitor by operating the residential information panel and then responds, enabling conversation between the visitor and the resident via the common entrance device and the residential information panel. As mentioned above, there is a need to hold meetings in multi-unit facilities without residents gathering in rooms. In such cases, it is desirable that no new equipment is installed. To address this, in this embodiment, meetings are held using the residential information panel of the intercom system.

[0013] Figure 1 shows the configuration of the intercom system 1000. The collective facility 100 includes the first facility 110a to the fourth facility 110d, collectively referred to as facility 110. The number of facilities 110 in the collective facility 100 is not limited to "4". The intercom system 1000 includes a shared entrance device 200, a control device 300, a collective facility GW (Gateway) 310, a network 320, a common area trunk line 350, a dedicated trunk line 360, a management room terminal 370, the first residential information panel 400a to the fourth residential information panel 400d, collectively referred to as residential information panel 400, and the first terminal device 600a and the second terminal device 600b, collectively referred to as terminal device 600. The number of residential information panels 400 in the intercom system 1000 is not limited to "4", and the number of terminal devices 600 is not limited to "2". This section will explain, in order: (1) the basic operation of the intercom system 1000, (2) communication between the intercom system 1000 and the terminal device 600, (3) the display of information on the bulletin board in the intercom system 1000, (4) the first example of holding a meeting, and (5) the second example of holding a meeting. Figures 2(a)-(c) will also be used in this explanation.

[0014] (1) Basic operation of the Intercom System 1000 In the collective facility 100, multiple facilities 110 are gathered together. An example of the collective facility 100 is an apartment building, and an example of a facility 110 is a residence. A shared entrance device 200 is installed at the common entrance of the collective facility 100. The shared entrance device 200 is, for example, a lobby intercom installed in the lobby of an apartment building. Figures 2(a)-(c) show the configuration of the shared entrance device 200, the residential information panel 400, and the collective facility GW310. Figure 2(a) shows the configuration of the shared entrance device 200. The shared entrance device 200 includes a processing unit 210, an operation unit 230, a control unit 240, and a communication unit 250. The processing unit 210 includes an imaging unit 212, a microphone 214, a speaker 218, a monitor 220, and an IF unit 222.

[0015] The control unit 230 of the shared entrance device 200 is a user interface for receiving operations from visitors, such as a call button. When the control unit 230 receives the number of the facility 110 that the visitor is scheduled to visit from the visitor, it outputs a call request to the control unit 240. Also, when the control unit 230 is operated by a visitor, the processing unit 210 is activated.

[0016] The imaging unit 212 is for photographing visitors and is equipped with a solid-state image sensor such as a CMOS (Complementary Metal Oxide Semiconductor) image sensor or a CCD (Charge Coupled Device) image sensor. This solid-state image sensor outputs a photoelectrically converted video signal to the IF unit 222. The IF unit 222 performs various signal processing on the video signal from the imaging unit 212. Since known techniques can be used for the various signal processing, a detailed explanation is omitted here. The IF unit 222 outputs the processed video signal (hereinafter also referred to as the "video signal") to the control unit 240.

[0017] The microphone 214 and speaker 218 are user interfaces for visitors to communicate with residents. The microphone 214 collects the visitor's voice, converts it into an electrical signal, and outputs it to the IF unit 222. The speaker 218 reproduces the electrical signal from the IF unit 222 and outputs audio. The IF unit 222 receives the electrical signal from the microphone 214 and converts it into a signal in a format suitable for transmission (hereinafter referred to as "audio signal"). The IF unit 222 outputs the audio signal to the control unit 240. On the other hand, the IF unit 222 receives the audio signal from the control unit 240 and converts the audio signal into an electrical signal. The IF unit 222 outputs the electrical signal to the speaker 218.

[0018] The monitor 220 displays messages and the like. The IF unit 222 receives a message signal from the control unit 240 and outputs the message signal to the monitor 220. The message signal may be generated in the shared entrance device 200. The control unit 240 controls the operation of the shared entrance device 200. The control unit 240 is connected to the communication unit 250. The communication unit 250 is connected to the control device 300 via the shared trunk line 350 and executes communication with the home information panel 400 via the control device 300. Specifically, the communication unit 250 transmits and receives the above-mentioned call request, video signal, audio signal, and message signal to and from the home information panel 400, but the signals transmitted and received are not limited to these. Return to FIG. 1.

[0019] The control device 300 is installed in a shared space such as a machine room or a superintendent's room and relays signals between the shared entrance device 200 and the home information panel 400. The shared trunk line 350 and the occupancy trunk line 360 are transmission paths for transmitting call signals from the shared entrance device 200, response signals from the home information panel 400, and the like. The above-mentioned call request, video signal, audio signal, and message signal are transmitted on the shared trunk line 350 and the occupancy trunk line 360.

[0020] The home information panel 400 is installed in the facility 110 and is also called a household machine, a household terminal, a facility master machine, a living room master machine, or a home master machine. FIG. 2(b) shows the configuration of the home information panel 400. The home information panel 400 includes a processing unit 410, an operation unit 430, a control unit 440, and a communication unit 450. The processing unit 410 includes a microphone 414, a speaker 418, a monitor 420, and an IF unit 422.

[0021] The communication unit 450 is connected to the control device 300 via the dedicated trunk line 360, and communicates with the shared entrance device 200 via the control device 300. The control unit 440 is connected to the communication unit 450, and the control unit 440 controls the operation of the residential information panel 400. The control unit 440 is connected to the IF unit 422 and the operation unit 430, and the IF unit 422 is connected to the microphone 414, speaker 418, IF unit 422, and operation unit 430. Here, the microphone 414, speaker 418, IF unit 422, and operation unit 430 are configured in the same way as the microphone 214, speaker 218, IF unit 222, and operation unit 230. The monitor 420 displays the image captured by the imaging unit 212 of the shared entrance device 200.

[0022] The control unit 440 receives call requests, video signals, and audio signals from the shared entrance device 200 via the communication unit 450. Upon receiving a call request, the control unit 440 outputs a call tone from the speaker 418 via the IF unit 422. Subsequently, the control unit 440 displays the reproduced video signal on the monitor 420 via the IF unit 422, and outputs the reproduced audio signal from the speaker 418 via the IF unit 422. If a resident hears the call tone and responds to the call by operating the operation unit 430, the control unit 440 instructs the communication unit 450 to perform communication with the shared entrance device 200. As a result, video signals and audio signals are communicated between the communication unit 250 and the communication unit 450, enabling a call between the visitor operating the shared entrance device 200 and the resident operating the residential information panel 400. Figure 2(c) will be described later, and we will return to Figure 1.

[0023] A facility sub-unit (not shown) installed outside the entrance of the facility 110 is connected to the residential information panel 400. The facility sub-unit is also called a door intercom or room sub-unit. The facility sub-unit can be configured in the same way as the common entrance device 200. The management room terminal 370 is connected to the control device 300 and is installed in the manager's room. The management room terminal 370 is also called a shared master unit. The management room terminal 370 is used by the manager of the apartment building, for example, to check the settings of the control device 300 or to configure the control device 300.

[0024] (2) Communication with terminal device 600 in intercom system 1000 The GW310 is a communication device for connecting the control device 300 inside the GW100 with the network 320 outside the GW100. Therefore, the GW310 can be said to relay communication between the inside and outside of the GW100. A terminal device 600 is connected to the network 320, so the terminal device 600 can communicate with the GW310 via the network 320. The terminal device 600 is a communication device owned by a resident of the GW100 or the administrator of the GW100, and is, for example, a smartphone or a PC. Here, we assume that the first terminal device 600a is used in the GW10 by a resident of the GW10 by the GW10, and the second terminal device 600b is used outside the GW10 by a resident of the GW10 by the GW10. A server (not shown) may be connected to the GW320. In that case, the terminal device 600 may communicate with the GW310 via the server.

[0025] (3) Display on the bulletin board in the intercom system 1000 The collective facility GW310 relays communications both inside and outside the collective facility 100, and also provides a bulletin board service to residents of each facility 110 within the collective facility 100. Through this bulletin board service, residents of each facility 110 can check the bulletin board via the monitor 420 of the residential information panel 400. Furthermore, residents can check the bulletin board via the first terminal device 600a within the fourth facility 110d, and via the second terminal device 600b outside the collective facility 100. Hereafter, these will be collectively referred to as terminal device 600.

[0026] Figure 2(c) shows the configuration of the collective facility GW310. The collective facility GW310 includes a first communication unit 700, a second communication unit 702, a control unit 710, and a storage unit 720. The control unit 710 includes a bulletin board unit 730, an input unit 740, a setting unit 742, an output unit 744, and a meeting execution unit 750. The first communication unit 700 uses the same communication method as the common trunk line 350 and the private trunk line 360 ​​and can communicate with the control device 300. Therefore, the first communication unit 700 also communicates with each residential information board 400 via the control device 300. For example, the first communication unit 700 receives a signal (hereinafter referred to as a "posting signal") from each residential information board 400 via the control device 300 that indicates the content to be posted on the bulletin board (hereinafter referred to as "posting content"). Here, the content of the post is input to the residential information panel 400 by the operation of the control unit 430 by the resident, and the control unit 440 generates a post signal that includes the content of the post.

[0027] The second communication unit 702 is capable of communicating with the network 320 and communicates with the terminal device 600 via the network 320. For example, the second communication unit 702 receives a posting signal from the terminal device 600 via the network 320. The content of the posting included in this posting signal is input by the resident through operation of the terminal device 600.

[0028] The control unit 710 is connected to the first communication unit 700 and the second communication unit 702, and controls the operation of the collective facility GW310. The control unit 710 receives postings from the first communication unit 700 and also receives postings from the second communication unit 702. The control unit 710 stores the postings in the storage unit 720. The bulletin board unit 730 generates a bulletin board as a screen that allows users to view the postings stored in the storage unit 720. When the first communication unit 700 receives a request to transmit a bulletin board from the residential information panel 400, the bulletin board unit 730 transmits a signal including the bulletin board (hereinafter also referred to as the "bulletin board") from the first communication unit 700 to the residential information panel 400. When the second communication unit 702 receives a request to transmit a bulletin board from the terminal device 600, the bulletin board unit 730 transmits the bulletin board from the second communication unit 702 to the terminal device 600.

[0029] Figure 3 shows the screen displayed on the terminal device 600. This screen is a bulletin board screen, which displays a list of posted content. The posted content also includes surveys. The monitor 420 of the residential information panel 400 also displays a bulletin board screen similar to that in Figure 3. In this way, the collective facility GW310 has the function of distributing information received from one residential information panel 400 or one terminal device 600 to multiple residential information panels 400 or multiple terminal devices 600.

[0030] (4) First example of holding a meeting The intercom system 1000 can hold meetings using the bulletin board distribution function in the collective facility GW310. Such an intercom system 1000 is also called a meeting holding system. Here, as an example of a meeting, we assume a board meeting in the collective facility 100. For example, we assume that the resident of the first facility 110a in Figure 1 is the chairman of the board, the resident of the second facility 110b is a director, and the residents of the third facility 110c and the fourth facility 110d are participants other than the chairman and directors. The chairman of the board operates the operation unit 430 of the first residential information panel 400a to create information about the scheduled meeting of the board. The information about the scheduled meeting of the board includes the scheduled date and time of the meeting and information about the participants of the meeting. The information about participants is, for example, identification information to identify the facility 110 of the chairman, directors, and participants. An example of identification information is the room number of facility 110. The control unit 440 of the first residential information panel 400a transmits a signal containing information about the scheduled board meeting (hereinafter also referred to as "scheduled board meeting information") from the communication unit 450 to the collective facility GW310.

[0031] The first communication unit 700 of the collective facility GW310 shown in Figure 2(c) receives scheduled board meeting information from the first residential information panel 400a. The input unit 740 receives the scheduled board meeting information from the first communication unit 700, and the setting unit 742 sets the board meeting to be held on the scheduled date and time indicated in the scheduled board meeting information. The setting unit 742 causes the first communication unit 700 to transmit the scheduled board meeting information to the recipient, using the identification information indicated in the scheduled board meeting information.

[0032] The residential information panel 400 shown in Figure 2(b), and the communication unit 450 of the residential information panel 400 corresponding to the identification information, receive scheduled board meeting information from the collective facility GW310. The control unit 440 generates a screen (hereinafter referred to as the "schedule screen") to inform the content of the scheduled board meeting information received by the communication unit 450 and displays it on the monitor 420. Figures 4(a)-(c) show the screens displayed on the monitor 420. Figure 4(a) shows the schedule screen. The schedule screen shows the message "There will be a board meeting on Month Day at Time X" along with an attend button and an absent button. If a resident wishes to attend the board meeting, they operate the operation unit 430 to select the attend button, and if they wish to be absent from the board meeting, they operate the operation unit 430 to select the absent button. Figures 4(b)-(c) will be explained later. The control unit 440 in Figure 2(b) causes the communication unit 450 to transmit the attendance or absence information (hereinafter referred to as "attendance information") selected by the operation unit 430 to the assembly facility GW310.

[0033] The first communication unit 700 of the collective facility GW310 shown in Figure 2(c) receives attendance information from each residential information panel 400. When the setting unit 742 receives attendance information from the first communication unit 700, it stores the identification information indicating attendance in the attendance information, along with the aforementioned scheduled board meeting information, in the storage unit 720. The setting unit 742 monitors the scheduled date and time of the board meeting and sets the content of the invitation to participate in the board meeting, which will be held using electronic means, a certain period before the scheduled date and time, for example, 10 minutes before. A board meeting held using electronic means means a board meeting conducted by transmitting video and audio, or audio only. The invitation also includes information on the means of participating in the board meeting, for example, the address of the board meeting set in the collective facility GW310, and a link to the address that should be accessed from the residential information panel 400. This can be said to be a means of allowing participation in the board meeting from the residential information panel 400 via the trunk line. The trunk line includes the common area trunk line 350 and the private trunk line 360.

[0034] The output unit 744 causes the first communication unit 700 to transmit the guidance set in the setting unit 742 to the residential information panel 400 containing the identification information stored in the storage unit 720. In other words, the output unit 744 outputs the guidance via the intercom system 1000 installed in the collective facility 100. More specifically, the output unit 744 outputs the guidance to the residential information panel 400 included in the intercom system 1000 via the main line used for the intercom system 1000.

[0035] The communication unit 450 of the residential information panel 400 shown in Figure 2(b) receives a notification from the community center GW310. The control unit 440 generates a screen (hereinafter referred to as the "notification screen") to inform the user of the content of the notification received by the communication unit 450 and displays it on the monitor 420. Figure 4(b) shows the notification screen. The notification screen displays the message "The board meeting will begin shortly" along with a participation button. The participation button corresponds to the aforementioned means of participation, and when a resident operates the operation unit 430 and selects the participation button, the control unit 440 generates information (hereinafter referred to as "participation information") to request a connection to the board meeting address. The control unit 440 has the communication unit 450 transmit the participation information to the community center GW310.

[0036] The first communication unit 700 of the collective facility GW310 shown in Figure 2(c) receives participation information from each residential information panel 400. The meeting execution unit 750 conducts the board meeting based on the addresses indicated in the participation information received by the first communication unit 700. As a result, the board meeting is conducted through communication between the residential information panel 400 on the organizer's side of the board meeting, which is included in the intercom system 1000, and the residential information panel 400 on the participant's side of the board meeting, which is also included in the intercom system 1000. The residential information panel 400 on the organizer's side of the board meeting is the residential information panel 400 installed in the facility 110 of the chairman or board member, and the residential information panel 400 on the participant's side is the residential information panel 400 installed in the participant's facility 110.

[0037] The meeting organizing committee 750 sets different permissions for the organizer's housing information panel 400 and the participants' housing information panel 400. These permissions relate to audio and video communication, and for example, a first permission allows the housing information panel 400 to both transmit and receive, while a second permission allows the housing information panel 400 to receive but not transmit. If the first permission is granted, residents can use the housing information panel 400 to both transmit and receive at the board meeting. Conversely, if the second permission is granted, residents can use the housing information panel 400 to receive at the board meeting but cannot transmit. Therefore, the first permission is considered higher than the second permission. In this case, the first permission is set for the organizer's housing information panel 400, and the second permission is set for the participants' housing information panel 400. As a result, the chairman or board members can converse at the board meeting, but participants can only listen.

[0038] When a participant is permitted to speak at a board meeting, the operation to permit the participant to speak is performed at the operation unit 430 of the organizer's residential information panel 400. The organizer's residential information panel 400 transmits a signal (hereinafter referred to as the "speaking permission signal") to the assembly facility GW310 to indicate that the participant is permitted to speak. The speaking permission signal includes identification information of the residential information panel 400 installed at the facility 110 of the participant who has been permitted to speak. The first communication unit 700 of the assembly facility GW310 receives the speaking permission signal from the residential information panel 400. The assembly execution unit 750 transmits the speaking permission signal from the first communication unit 700 to the residential information panel 400 installed at the facility 110 of the participant who has been permitted to speak. Through this process, the assembly execution unit 750 changes the status of the residential information panel 400 installed at the facility 110 of the participant who has been permitted to speak from second authority to first authority, and the residential information panel 400 that received the speaking permission signal also becomes capable of transmitting at the board meeting. Such a change from the second authority to the first authority may be limited to a certain period. In other words, the meeting execution unit 750, as an authority setting unit, sets communication authority for at least one of the organizer's housing information panel 400 and the participant's housing information panel 400.

[0039] Furthermore, the collective facility GW310 may only register and delete participants through operations performed by the organizer on the housing information panel 400. Also, document sharing at board meetings may only be possible through the organizer's housing information panel 400.

[0040] (5) Second example of holding a meeting In the first example of holding a meeting, confirmation of the board meeting schedule, confirmation of the board meeting notification, and participation in the board meeting are all done on the residential information panel 400. On the other hand, in the second example of holding a meeting, participation in the board meeting is done on the terminal device 600. Here, we assume that a resident of facility 4 110d in Figure 1 participates in the board meeting using the terminal device 600.

[0041] The process for receiving attendance information at the GW310 assembly facility in the second example of holding a meeting is the same as in the first example of holding a meeting, so the explanation is omitted here. The setting unit 742 monitors the scheduled date and time of the board meeting and sets the content of the invitation to participate in the board meeting to be held by electronic means a certain period before the scheduled date and time, for example, 10 minutes before. The invitation includes the means of participating in the board meeting, as before. The means of participating in the board meeting includes the address on the board's network 320 for access from the resident's terminal device 600.

[0042] The output unit 744 causes the first communication unit 700 to transmit the guidance set in the setting unit 742 to the residential information panel 400 containing the identification information stored in the storage unit 720.

[0043] The communication unit 450 of the residential information panel 400 shown in Figure 2(b) receives a notification from the community center GW310. The control unit 440 generates a notification screen and displays it on the monitor 420. Figure 4(c) shows the notification screen. The notification screen displays the message "The board meeting will begin shortly" along with a two-dimensional code, such as a QR (Quick Response) code (registered trademark). The two-dimensional code corresponds to the aforementioned means of participation and indicates the address of the board meeting on the network 320. Residents obtain the address of the board meeting on the network 320 by scanning the two-dimensional code with the imaging unit of the terminal device 600. The terminal device 600 transmits participation information to the obtained address.

[0044] The second communication unit 702 of the collective facility GW310 shown in Figure 2(c) receives participation information from the terminal device 600. The meeting execution unit 750 conducts the board meeting based on the address indicated in the participation information received by the second communication unit 702. As a result, it becomes possible to attend the board meeting from the terminal device 600. In addition, the residential information panel 400 and the terminal device 600 may be used together as information terminals to attend the board meeting.

[0045] The subject of the apparatus, system, or method in this disclosure comprises a computer. The functions of the subject of the apparatus, system, or method in this disclosure are realized by the computer executing a program. The computer comprises a processor as its main hardware component, which operates according to the program. The processor is of any type as long as it can realize its functions by executing the program. The processor consists of one or more electronic circuits, including semiconductor integrated circuits (ICs) or LSIs (Large Scale Integrations). Multiple electronic circuits may be integrated on one chip or provided on multiple chips. Multiple chips may be aggregated in one device or provided on multiple devices. The program is recorded on a non-temporary recording medium such as a ROM, optical disc, or hard disk drive that is readable by the computer. The program may be pre-stored on the recording medium or supplied to the recording medium via a wide-area communication network, including the Internet.

[0046] The operation of the intercom system 1000 with the above configuration will now be explained. Figure 5 is a sequence diagram showing the procedure for conducting a meeting using the intercom system 1000. This corresponds to the procedure for conducting a meeting in the first example. The first residential information panel 400a transmits the schedule information for the board meeting to the community center GW310 (S10). The community center GW310 sets up the board meeting (S12). The community center GW310 transmits the schedule information from the second residential information panel 400b to the fourth residential information panel 400d (S14, S16, S18). The second residential information panel 400b transmits attendance information to the community center GW310 (S20), the third residential information panel 400c transmits attendance information to the community center GW310 (S22), and the fourth residential information panel 400d transmits attendance information to the community center GW310 (S24).

[0047] The community center GW310 transmits information from the first residential information panel 400a to the fourth residential information panel 400d (S26, S28, S30, S32). The first residential information panel 400a transmits participation information to the community center GW310 (S34), the second residential information panel 400b transmits participation information to the community center GW310 (S36), the third residential information panel 400c transmits participation information to the community center GW310 (S38), and the fourth residential information panel 400d transmits participation information to the community center GW310 (S40). The first residential information panel 400a and the second residential information panel 400b conduct a conversation via the community center GW310 (S42, S44), and the third residential information panel 400c and the fourth residential information panel 400d listen to the conversation (S46, S48).

[0048] Figure 6 is a sequence diagram showing another procedure for conducting a meeting using the intercom system 1000. This corresponds to the procedure in the second example of holding a meeting. The second residential information panel 400b and the third residential information panel 400c should perform the same operations as in Figure 5, so their explanation is omitted here. The first residential information panel 400a transmits the schedule information for the board meeting to the community center GW310 (S100). The community center GW310 sets up the board meeting (S102). The community center GW310 transmits the schedule information to the fourth residential information panel 400d (S104). The fourth residential information panel 400d transmits attendance information to the community center GW310 (S106).

[0049] The community center GW310 transmits information to the first residential information panel 400a and the fourth residential information panel 400d (S108, S110). The first residential information panel 400a transmits participation information to the community center GW310 (S112). The terminal device 600 scans the two-dimensional code displayed on the fourth residential information panel 400d (S114), and the terminal device 600 transmits the participation information to the community center GW310 (S116). The first residential information panel 400a conducts a conversation via the community center GW310 (S118), and the terminal device 600 listens to the conversation (S120).

[0050] According to this embodiment, the content of the invitation to participate in the board meeting held using electronic means is set, and the invitation, including the means of participating in the board meeting, is output via the intercom system 1000, making it easy to hold a board meeting in a community facility. Furthermore, since the invitation is output to the residential information panel 400 via the trunk line used by the intercom system 1000, the residential information panel 400 can participate in the board meeting. In addition, since the means of participation is a means of allowing the residential information panel 400 to participate in the board meeting via the trunk line, the board meeting can be held in the community facility 100 without requiring any new equipment. Furthermore, since the means of participation is a means of allowing the residential information panel 400 to participate in the board meeting via a route other than the trunk line, the board meeting can be held in the community facility 100 while reducing the impact on trunk line communication. In addition, since the means of participation includes the address on the board meeting network 320 for access from terminal devices 600, the board meeting can also be participated in from outside the community facility 100.

[0051] Furthermore, since meetings are conducted via communication between the organizer's residential information panel 400 and the participants' residential information panel 400, which are included in the intercom system 1000, board meetings can be easily held in the community facility. In addition, since announcements include calls from the organizer's residential information panel 400 to the participants' residential information panel 400, participation in board meetings can be encouraged by intercom calls. Moreover, since the organizer's residential information panel 400 has higher communication authority than the participants' residential information panel 400, board meetings can be conducted smoothly. Furthermore, since communication authority can be set for at least one of the organizer's residential information panel 400 and the participants' residential information panel 400, authority can be freely set.

[0052] An outline of one aspect of this disclosure is as follows: A meeting system in one aspect of this disclosure includes a setting unit (742) that sets the content of an invitation to participate in a meeting to be held by electronic means for users of one or more facilities (110) included in a collective facility (100) which is a collection of multiple facilities (110), and an output unit (744) that outputs the invitation via an intercom system (1000) installed in the collective facility (100). The invitation includes means for participating in the meeting.

[0053] The output unit (744) may output guidance to an information terminal (400) included in the intercom system (1000) and located in the facility (110) via the main line used for the intercom system (1000).

[0054] The means of participation may also be through an information terminal (400) that allows participation in the meeting via a trunk line.

[0055] The means of participation may also be to allow participants to join the meeting via an information terminal (400) through a route other than the main line.

[0056] The means of participation may include an address on the meeting network (320) for access from the user's terminal (600).

[0057] Another aspect of this disclosure is an intercom system (1000). This intercom system (1000) is installed in a collective facility (100) which comprises a plurality of facilities (110), and includes a setting unit (742) for setting the content of an announcement to users of one or more facilities (110) included in the collective facility (100) to participate in a meeting to be held by electronic means, and an output unit (744) for outputting the announcement. The announcement includes means for participating in the meeting.

[0058] The meeting may be conducted through communication between an information terminal (400) on the side of the meeting organizer, which is included in the intercom system (1000), and an information terminal (400) on the side of the meeting participant, which is also included in the intercom system (1000).

[0059] The announcement may include a call from the organizer's information terminal (400) to the participant's information terminal (400).

[0060] The organizer's information terminal (400) may have higher communication privileges than the participant's information terminal (400).

[0061] The system may further include an authorization setting unit for setting communication permissions for at least one of the organizer's information terminal (400) and the participant's information terminal (400).

[0062] If a participant's information terminal (400) is communicating for the meeting and a call is made to the participant's information terminal (400), the call may be given priority over the communication for the meeting.

[0063] If a participant's information terminal (400) is communicating for the meeting and a call is made to the participant's information terminal (400), the communication for the meeting may be given priority over the communication for the call.

[0064] Another aspect of this disclosure is a method for holding a meeting. This method comprises the steps of setting the content of an invitation to participate in a meeting to be held using electronic means for users of one or more facilities (110) included in a collective facility (100) which is a collection of multiple facilities (110), and outputting the invitation via an intercom system (1000) installed in the collective facility (100). The invitation includes means for participating in the meeting.

[0065] The present disclosure has been described above based on examples. These examples are illustrative, and it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various modifications are possible for each component or combination of processing steps, and that such modifications are also within the scope of the present disclosure.

[0066] In this embodiment, the collective facility GW310 sends out invitations to attend the board meeting a certain period of time before the scheduled date and time. However, this is not the only option; for example, the invitation could be sent as a call from the organizer's residential information panel 400 to the participant's residential information panel 400. This is equivalent to calling via intercom when the meeting time arrives. This modified example improves the flexibility of the configuration.

[0067] In this embodiment, if a call is received from the shared entrance device 200 to the participant's residential information panel 400 while communication for the board meeting is in progress, the call may be given priority over the communication for the board meeting. According to this modified example, it is possible to respond to visitors even while participating in a board meeting.

[0068] In this embodiment, if a call is made to the participant's home information panel 400 while communication for the board meeting is in progress, the communication for the board meeting may be given priority over the communication for the call. According to this modified example, participation in the board meeting can be maintained even if a call is made by a visitor.

[0069] In this embodiment, the setting unit 742 and the output unit 744 are included in the collective facility GW310. However, this is not limited to this configuration; for example, the setting unit 742 and the output unit 744 may be included in a server connected to the control device 300 or in a residential information panel 400, rather than in the collective facility GW310. This modified example improves the flexibility of the configuration.

[0070] In this embodiment, the residential information panel 400 participates in the board meeting via the trunk line. However, this is not limited to this configuration. For example, the residential information panel 400 may be directly connected to the network 320 without going through the control device 300 or the collective facility GW 310, and may participate in the board meeting via the network 320, which is a route other than the trunk line. This modified example improves the flexibility of the configuration.

[0071] In this embodiment, the terminal device 600 is connected to the collective facility GW310 via the network 320. However, this is not limited to this configuration; for example, a terminal device 600 owned by a resident may be connected to the collective facility GW310 or a server via the residential information panel 400, or a combination of the residential information panel 400 and the control device 300. Alternatively, a terminal device 600 owned by the building manager may be connected to the collective facility GW310 or a server via the management office terminal 370, or a combination of the management office terminal 370 and the control device 300. This modified configuration allows for greater flexibility in configuration.

[0072] In this embodiment, the meeting is assumed to be a board meeting. However, it is not limited to this; for example, the meeting may be something other than a board meeting. This modified example allows for an expansion of the scope of application of this embodiment. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0073] 100 Community facility, 110 Facility, 200 Shared entrance device, 210 Processing unit, 212 Imaging unit, 214 Microphone, 218 Speaker, 220 Monitor, 222 IF unit, 230 Operation unit, 240 Control unit, 250 Communication unit, 300 Control device, 310 Community facility GW, 320 Network, 350 Common area trunk line, 360 Dedicated trunk line, 370 Management room terminal, 400 Residential information panel, 410 Processing unit, 414 Microphone, 418 Speaker, 420 Monitor, 422 IF unit, 430 Operation unit, 440 Control unit, 442 Setting unit, 450 Communication unit, 600 Terminal device, 700 First communication unit, 702 Second communication unit, 710 Control unit, 720 Storage unit, 730 Display unit, 740 Input unit, 742 Setting unit, 744 Output unit, 750 Meeting execution unit, 1000 Intercom system.

Claims

1. a setting unit that sets content of invitations to users of one or more facilities included in a collective facility where multiple facilities are gathered, to participate in a meeting to be held using electronic means; an output unit that outputs the guidance via an intercom system installed in the collective facility, The information gathering system includes a means for participating in the gathering.

2. The meeting hosting system described in claim 1, wherein the output unit outputs the guidance to an information terminal included in the intercom system and installed in the facility via a main line used in the intercom system.

3. 3. A meeting holding system according to claim 2, wherein said participation means is means for allowing said information terminal to participate in said meeting via said trunk line.

4. 3. A meeting holding system according to claim 2, wherein said participation means allows said information terminal to participate in said meeting via a route other than said main line.

5. 3. The meeting organizing system according to claim 2, wherein said participation means includes a network address of said meeting for access from said user's terminal.

6. An intercom system installed in a complex facility where multiple facilities are gathered, a setting unit that sets content of an invitation to participate in a meeting to be held by electronic means to users of one or more facilities included in the collective facility; an output unit that outputs the guidance; The guidance includes an intercom system that includes a means for joining the meeting.

7. 7. The intercom system according to claim 6, wherein the meeting is conducted by communication between an information terminal included in the intercom system on the side of the organizer of the meeting and an information terminal included in the intercom system on the side of the participants of the meeting.

8. 8. The intercom system according to claim 7, wherein the information terminal of the organizer calls the information terminals of the participants.

9. 9. The intercom system according to claim 7, wherein the information terminal on the organizer side has a higher authority regarding the communication than the information terminal on the participant side.

10. The intercom system according to claim 7 , further comprising an authority setting unit that sets authority regarding the communication for at least one of the information terminal on the organizer side and the information terminal on the participant side.

11. An intercom system as described in any one of claims 7 to 10, wherein when a call is made to the information terminal of the participant while the information terminal of the participant is communicating for the meeting, the communication for the call is given priority over the communication for the meeting.

12. An intercom system as described in any one of claims 7 to 10, wherein when a call is made to the information terminal of the participant while the information terminal of the participant is communicating for the meeting, the communication for the meeting is given priority over the communication for the call.

13. A step of setting content of an invitation to participate in a meeting to be held by electronic means to users of one or more facilities included in a collective facility where multiple facilities are gathered; outputting the guidance via an intercom system installed in the collective facility; The information includes a method for holding a meeting, the method including a means for participating in the meeting.

14. A program for causing a computer to execute the meeting holding method according to claim 13.

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