Information processing devices, storage media and computer program products

Abstract

The present invention provides an information processing apparatus and a storage medium. The information processing apparatus includes a processor, wherein the processor performs the following processing: controlling the display of multiple images obtained by reading the business cards of the participants in a conference held via a communication line, i.e., business card images, on the terminals of other participants.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to an information processing device and a storage medium for storing information processing programs. Background Technology

[0002] Patent Document 1 addresses the challenge of obtaining business card information equivalent to that exchanged in a typical business card meeting during a video conference. It discloses a server device capable of communicating with multiple video conferencing terminal devices located at various locations via a network. This server device comprises: a participant information acquisition unit that acquires business card information of participants at each location using the aforementioned video conferencing terminal devices; a location information acquisition unit that acquires information from the video conferencing terminal devices at each location relating to the location of participants in images captured by the video conferencing terminal devices at each location and displayed on video conferencing terminal devices at other locations that are the other party to the meeting; and a printing information processing unit that, for each location, associates the business card information of participants at other locations with the location of those participants, generates printing information for printing via a printing device connected to the video conferencing terminal devices at each location, and sends this information to the video conferencing terminal devices at each location.

[0003] Patent Document 2 aims to provide a digital business card exchange system that allows for the exchange of digital business cards without time or location restrictions and enables the retrieval of information from the exchanged digital business cards at any time. The system discloses such a system. This digital business card exchange system includes: a unit for registering an individual's digital business card on a website via the Internet from a user terminal; a unit for exchanging digital business cards with other user terminals along with mutual messages; and a unit for managing its exchange history data.

[0004] Patent Document 3 addresses the issue of providing a business card information delivery system that can easily manage business card information regardless of differences in the operating systems of mobile phones or personal computers. The system discloses such a system. In this system, a mobile phone with a built-in QR code reader (printed on the business card) and a server with a database are connected via a communication network to communicate with each other. The server sends the URL information of a publishing-side web page associated with the QR code. The database stores user registration data that associates the mobile phone's unique serial number with the user's PC email address, and business card identification data for identifying the business card. The system retrieves the URL information of the publishing-side web page and the PC email address from the database and sends the URL information of the publishing-side web page to the PC email address via email.

[0005] Existing technical documents

[0006] Patent documents

[0007] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2010-141770

[0008] Patent Document 2: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2002-163401

[0009] Patent Document 3: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2009-064371 Summary of the Invention

[0010] The problem that the invention aims to solve

[0011] When conducting a conference via a communication line, if participants exchange business card images one-on-one, and there are more than three participants, the business card image exchange operation needs to be performed multiple times.

[0012] This disclosure relates to an information processing apparatus and a storage medium for storing information processing programs, which can reduce the number of business card image exchange operations when multiple participants hold a meeting via a communication line, compared to the situation of exchanging business card images one-to-one.

[0013] Methods for solving problems

[0014] [1] One aspect of this disclosure provides an information processing apparatus comprising a processor, wherein the processor performs the following processing: controlling such that when multiple participants hold a meeting via a communication line, multiple images obtained by reading the business cards of the participants in the meeting, namely business card images, can be displayed on the terminals of other participants.

[0015] [2] In the information processing apparatus described in [1], the processor may perform the following processing: control such that the business card image of the first participant belonging to the participant's group is not displayed on the participant's terminal.

[0016] [3] In the information processing device described in [1], the processor can perform the following processing: control so that only the business card image of a second participant who does not belong to the participant's group is displayed on the participant's terminal.

[0017] [4] In the information processing apparatus described in [2] or [3], the processor may perform the following processing: control to display the business card image of the first participant belonging to the participant's group according to the participant's operation, and control to delete the business card image of the first participant belonging to the participant's group from the screen according to the participant's deletion operation, but not delete the business card image of the second participant who does not belong to the participant's group.

[0018] [5] In the information processing apparatus described in [1], the processor may perform the following processing: when displaying the business card image of a first participant belonging to the participant's group and the business card image of a second participant not belonging to the participant's group, control is performed to distinguish between displaying the business card image of the first participant belonging to the participant's group and the business card image of the second participant not belonging to the participant's group.

[0019] [6] In the information processing apparatus described in [1], the processor may perform the following processing: control such that when a participant’s terminal accesses a URL for displaying the business card image, the business card image already stored in the URL is displayed on the terminal, and control such that when the business card image is stored in the URL from the participant’s terminal, the business card image is displayed on the terminals of other participants.

[0020] [7] In the information processing apparatus described in [6], the processor may perform the following processing: for a group consisting of multiple participants, before the meeting begins, generate the same URL, the same participant ID, and the same password, and control so that the business card image stored by the participant with the same participant ID is not displayed on the terminal of the first participant belonging to the group of that participant.

[0021] [8] In the information processing apparatus described in [6], the processor may perform the following processing: for a group consisting of multiple participants, before the meeting begins, generate the same URL, the same participant ID, the same password, and control the display of business card images stored by participants with different participant IDs only on the terminal of a second participant who does not belong to that participant's group.

[0022] [9] In the information processing apparatus described in [1], the processor can perform the following processing: control to enable cooperation with a business card management service, obtain a participant's business card image from the business card management service, and display the business card image on the terminals of other participants.

[0023]

[10] In the information processing apparatus described in [9], the processor may perform the following processing: if a participant's business card image is stored from another participant's terminal, register the business card image in the business card management service.

[0024]

[11] Another aspect of this disclosure provides a storage medium storing an information processing program for causing the processor of a computer equipped with a processor to perform the following processing: controlling the display of multiple images obtained by reading the business cards of the participants in a conference held via a communication line, i.e., business card images, on the terminals of other participants.

[0025] Invention Effects

[0026] According to [1], when multiple participants hold a meeting via communication lines, the number of business card image exchange operations can be reduced compared to the case of one-on-one exchange of business card images.

[0027] According to [2], it is possible to not display the business card images of participants who belong to the same group.

[0028] According to [3], it is possible to display only the business card images of participants who do not belong to the same group.

[0029] According to [4], it is possible to delete the business card images of participants who belong to the same group, but not to delete the business card images of participants who do not belong to the same group.

[0030] According to [5], it is possible to visually identify the business card images of participants belonging to the same group and those not belonging to the same group.

[0031] According to [6], when the business card image is stored in a URL, it is possible to display the business card image on the terminals of other participants.

[0032] According to [7], it is possible to prevent the stored business card images of participants with the same participant ID from being displayed on the terminals of participants belonging to the same group.

[0033] According to [8], it is possible to display the business card images stored by participants with different participant IDs on the terminals of participants who do not belong to the same group.

[0034] According to [9], it is possible to use business card images managed by a business card management service.

[0035] According to

[10] , it is possible to register other participants' business card images in a business card management service.

[0036] According to

[11] , when multiple participants hold a meeting via communication lines, the number of business card image exchange operations can be reduced compared to one-on-one business card image exchange. Attached Figure Description

[0037] Figure 1 This is a conceptual module configuration diagram of a configuration example of this embodiment.

[0038] Figure 2 This is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a system configuration using this embodiment.

[0039] Figure 3 This is an explanatory diagram showing a processing example related to service reservations in this embodiment.

[0040] Figure 4 This is an explanatory diagram showing a processing example related to the service execution of this embodiment.

[0041] Figure 5 This is a flowchart illustrating a processing example according to this embodiment.

[0042] Figure 6 This is an explanatory diagram showing a display example of this embodiment.

[0043] Figure 7 This is an explanatory diagram illustrating an example of the data structure of a reservation information table.

[0044] Figure 8 This is a flowchart illustrating a processing example according to this embodiment.

[0045] Figure 9 This is an explanatory diagram showing an example of this embodiment.

[0046] Figure 10 This is an explanatory diagram showing an example of the data structure of the session token management table.

[0047] Figure 11 This is a flowchart illustrating a processing example according to this embodiment.

[0048] Figure 12 This is an explanatory diagram showing an example of this embodiment.

[0049] Figure 13 This is an explanatory diagram showing an example of this embodiment.

[0050] Figure 14 This is an explanatory diagram showing an example of this embodiment.

[0051] Figure 15 This is an explanatory diagram showing an example of this embodiment.

[0052] Figure 16 This is a flowchart illustrating a processing example of this embodiment.

[0053] Figure 17 This is an explanatory diagram showing an example of this embodiment.

[0054] Figure 18 This is a flowchart illustrating a processing example of this embodiment.

[0055] Figure 19 This is a flowchart illustrating a processing example of this embodiment.

[0056] Figure 20 This is an explanatory diagram illustrating an example of the data structure of a group management table.

[0057] Figure 21This is a flowchart illustrating a processing example of this embodiment.

[0058] Figure 22 This is an explanatory diagram illustrating an example of the data structure for a business card image display settings table.

[0059] Figure 23 This is a flowchart illustrating a processing example of this embodiment.

[0060] Figure 24 This is an explanatory diagram illustrating an example of the data structure of a business card image display settings table.

[0061] Figure 25 This is a flowchart illustrating a processing example of this embodiment.

[0062] Figure 26 This is an explanatory diagram illustrating an example of the data structure for a business card image display / hide management table.

[0063] Figure 27 This is a flowchart illustrating a processing example of this embodiment.

[0064] Figure 28 This is an illustration of the data structure example for the business card image display / hide management table.

[0065] Figure 29 This is an explanatory diagram illustrating a processing example where the business card exchange service server and the business card management service server cooperate in this embodiment. Detailed Implementation

[0066] Hereinafter, embodiments for implementing the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0067] Figure 1 This is a conceptual module configuration diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of this embodiment.

[0068] Furthermore, a module typically refers to components such as logically separable software (as interpreted, "software" includes computer programs) and hardware. Therefore, in this embodiment, a module refers not only to modules within a computer program but also to modules within a hardware configuration. Thus, this embodiment also describes computer programs (e.g., programs for causing a computer to perform its respective steps, programs for causing a computer to function as individual units, programs for causing a computer to perform its various functions), systems, and methods that function as these modules. However, for ease of explanation, the terms "storage," "stored," and equivalents are used. When the embodiment is a computer program, these terms mean causing a storage device to store data or controlling the storage device to store data. Additionally, modules can correspond one-to-one with functions, but in practice, a module can consist of one program, multiple modules can consist of one program, or conversely, multiple programs can constitute one module. Furthermore, multiple modules can be executed by one computer, or a module can be executed by multiple computers in a distributed or parallel environment. Additionally, other modules can be included within a single module. In addition, the term "connection" hereafter refers not only to physical connections but also to logical connections (e.g., data transmission and reception, instructions, reference relationships between data, login, etc.). "Predetermined" means determined before the target processing begins. This includes not only before the start of processing in this embodiment but also after the start of processing in this embodiment, as long as it is before the target processing, including determination based on the current situation / state or based on the situation / state up to this point. When multiple "predetermined values" exist, they can be different values ​​or two or more values ​​(of course, "two or more values" includes all values) that are the same. Furthermore, a statement such as "when it is A, proceed to B" means "determine whether it is A, and if it is determined to be A, proceed to B." However, this excludes cases where it is not necessary to determine whether it is A. Additionally, when listing things such as "A, B, C," unless otherwise stated, it is an example and includes cases where only one is selected (e.g., only A).

[0069] In addition, a system or device can be composed of multiple computers, hardware, devices, etc., connected through communication units such as networks ("networks" include one-to-one communication connections), or it can be implemented by a single computer, hardware, device, etc. "Device" and "system" are used synonymously. Of course, "system" does not include social "mechanisms" (i.e., social systems) that are merely human-agreed agreements.

[0070] Furthermore, when performing each process within each module, or multiple processes within a module, target information is read from the storage device for each process, and the processing result is written to the storage device after the process is performed. Therefore, descriptions regarding reading from the storage device before processing and writing to the storage device after processing are sometimes omitted.

[0071] The information processing apparatus 100 of this embodiment has the function of exchanging business card images (also known as a business card exchange service) between participants in a conference via a communication line. Figure 1 As shown in the example, the information processing device 100 includes at least a processor 105 and a memory 110, and is configured with a bus 198 for exchanging data between the processor and the memory. Furthermore, the information processing device 100 may also include an output device 185, a receiving device 190, and a communication device 195. Data exchange occurs between the processor 105, the memory 110, the output device 185, the receiving device 190, and the communication device 195 via the bus 198.

[0072] in addition, Figure 1 The block diagram shown in the example also illustrates an example of the hardware configuration of a computer implementing this embodiment. The hardware configuration of the computer executing the program of this embodiment is... Figure 1 The computer illustrated is specifically a computer that can function as a personal computer, a server, or the like. As a specific example, a processor 105 is used as the processing unit, and a memory 110 is used as the storage device.

[0073] There can be one or more processors 105. Processors 105 may include, for example, a CPU (Central Processing Unit), a microprocessor, etc. When multiple processors 105 are used, they can be either tightly coupled or loosely coupled multiprocessors. For example, multiple processor cores can be integrated within a single processor 105. Furthermore, it can be a system that connects multiple computers using communication paths and virtually operates like a single computer. As a specific example, it can also be a loosely coupled multiprocessor system configured as a cluster system or computer cluster. Processor 105 executes programs stored in program memory 140.

[0074] As a memory 110, it may include, for example, a semiconductor memory inside the processor 105 such as registers or cache memory, or a main storage device composed of RAM (Random Access Memory) or ROM (Read Only Memory), or an internal storage device such as HDD (Hard Disk Drive) or SSD (Solid State Drive) that functions as a permanent storage device, or an external storage device or auxiliary storage device such as CD, DVD, Blu-ray Disc, USB memory, or memory card. In addition, it may also include a storage device such as a server connected via a communication line.

[0075] The memory 110 includes a data memory 120 for storing data and a program memory 140 for storing programs. In addition to the illustrated information and the program of the module, the data memory 120 and the program memory 140 may also store programs such as the OS used to start the computer and parameters that change appropriately during the execution of the module.

[0076] Output device 185 may include, for example, a display device 187 and a printing device 189. The display device 187, such as a liquid crystal display, organic EL display, 3D display, or projector, displays the processing results of processor 105 and data stored in data memory 120 as text, image information, etc. The printing device 189, such as a printer or multifunction printer, prints the processing results of processor 105 and data stored in data memory 120. Additionally, output device 185 may also include a speaker, an actuator that vibrates the device, etc.

[0077] The receiving device 190 includes, for example, an instruction receiving device 192, a document reading device 194, etc. The instruction receiving device 192, such as a keyboard, mouse, microphone, camera (including a gaze detection camera, etc.), receives data based on the user's operations on it (including actions, voice, gaze, etc.).

[0078] Alternatively, a device, such as a touchscreen, can be configured to function as both a display device 187 and an instruction receiving device 192. In this case, the keyboard functionality can be implemented without physical buttons; instead, the keyboard can be drawn on the touchscreen using software (also known as a soft keyboard, on-screen keyboard, etc.) to achieve the keyboard functionality.

[0079] In addition, the main user interface uses a display device 187 and an instruction receiving device 192.

[0080] Document reading devices such as scanners and cameras 194 read or capture documents and process the resulting image data.

[0081] Communication device 195 is a communication line interface such as a network card used for connecting to other devices via a communication line. Other devices include those that use… Figure 2 Examples described later include terminal 210, online meeting service server 240, storage / DB service server 250, business card management service server 260, etc., which serve as participants.

[0082] Regarding the computer program-based portion of this embodiment, the computer program, which is software, is read into the program memory 140 of this hardware configuration, and the software and hardware resources cooperate to implement this embodiment. That is, the information processing performed by the software uses hardware resources (including at least the processor 105, memory 110, and sometimes the output device 185, receiving device 190, and communication device 195) to specifically implement this embodiment, and the overall implementation utilizes natural laws.

[0083] in addition, Figure 1 The hardware configuration shown is an example configuration, and this implementation is not limited to this one. Figure 1 The configuration shown is any configuration capable of executing the modules described in this embodiment. For example, the processor 105 can be a graphics processing unit (GPU, including GPGPU, General-Purpose Computing on Graphics Processing Unit), or it can be configured with dedicated hardware (e.g., application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs) or reconfigurable integrated circuits (FPGAs) for executing some modules). Some modules can be located in an external system and connected via communication lines. Figure 1 The systems shown can be interconnected and cooperate with each other via communication lines. In addition, in particular, besides personal computers, they can be integrated into portable information communication devices (including mobile phones, smartphones, mobile devices, wearable computers, etc.), information appliances, robots, copiers, fax machines, scanners, printers, multifunction printers (image processing devices with any two or more functions such as scanners, printers, copiers, and fax machines).

[0084] The processor 105 is connected to the memory 110, the output device 185, the receiving device 190, and the communication device 195 via the bus 198. The processor 105 executes processing according to a computer program that describes the execution sequence of each module of the program stored in the program memory 140. For example, when a user's operation is received by instructing the receiving device 192, the processor executes the processing of the module corresponding to that operation in the program memory 140, stores the processing result in the data memory 120, outputs it to the display device 187, or controls the communication device 195 to send it to other devices.

[0085] The memory 110 includes a data memory 120 and a program memory 140, and is connected to the processor 105, the output device 185, the receiving device 190, and the communication device 195 via a bus 198.

[0086] The data storage device 120 stores a user management data storage module 122 and a business card image storage module 124.

[0087] The user management data storage module 122 stores data used for managing users of the information processing device 100. Specifically, it stores data described later. Figure 7 The example shown is the reservation information form 700. Figure 10 The example shows the session token management table 1000. Figure 20 Examples include Group Management Table 2000, etc.

[0088] The business card image storage module 124 stores the business card image itself and data used to manage the business card image. Here, the business card image refers to the image obtained by reading a user's business card. The business card images stored in the business card image storage module 124 correspond to user IDs, and the business card image can be retrieved from the user ID, and conversely, the user ID can be retrieved from the business card image. In the latter case, the business card image can be retrieved and the user ID extracted by calculating the similarity between the business card image being retrieved and the business card images in the business card image storage module 124. In addition to the business card image, information such as whether to display the business card image is also stored; specifically, information described later is stored. Figure 22 The example shown is a business card image display setting table 2200. Figure 24 The example shown is a business card image display setting table 2400. Figure 26 The example shown is a business card image display / hide management table 2600. Figure 28 Examples include business card image display / hide management table 2800, etc.

[0089] The program memory 140 stores the user management module 142 and the business card image display control module 144.

[0090] User management module 142 manages users of information processing device 100. These users are also those attending the meeting. Specifically, it extracts the groups to which users belong and determines whether they belong to the same group. A group only needs to consist of one or more participants, such as a group that does not require exchanging business cards.

[0091] The business card image display control module 144 controls the display on the participant's terminal via the communication device 195 and the communication line.

[0092] The business card image display control module 144 controls the display so that when multiple participants are holding a meeting via a communication line, the business card images of the participants can be displayed on the terminals of other participants.

[0093] Here, "conference via communication lines" refers to a meeting conducted through individual terminals or terminals used by multiple participants. A camera captures the faces of each participant, and the participants' speech is converted into audio signals using a microphone. The captured images and audio signals are then distributed to each participant's terminal, where the received images are displayed and the audio signals are output through speakers. This includes online meetings, web meetings, video conferences, and video chats. The communication lines can be dedicated lines or general-purpose lines, such as intranet lines or internet lines. Furthermore, the terminals can be dedicated devices or general-purpose devices such as personal computers and portable terminals.

[0094] Furthermore, the term "meeting" in this embodiment includes not only "gatherings for the purpose of negotiation or discussion," but also gatherings for other purposes such as "appearances at events," "social gatherings (so-called online drinking parties)," etc.

[0095] "Business card image" refers to the image obtained by reading a user's business card. Specifically, it's an image obtained by electronically reading a physical business card (material is not limited, such as paper, plastic, etc.) using a scanner, camera, or other electronic means. There is one business card image for each participant. Therefore, in the case of "multiple participants' business card images," there are multiple business card images. Alternatively, it's possible to have multiple business card images for one participant. This corresponds to the situation where a participant possesses multiple business cards.

[0096] "Control enables...to display" includes forcing display on the terminal, displaying (or not displaying) according to the participant's instructions to the terminal, such as displaying the image of a second participant outside the same group as described below, i.e. not displaying the image of the first participant belonging to the same group, etc.

[0097] Additionally, it is possible to control whether a participant's business card image is displayed on the participant's (own) terminal or not.

[0098] "Other participants" can be one or more people. This means that the business card images of multiple participants can be displayed to other participants (one or more participants). That is, in a one-on-one online exchange, it is not possible to display multiple business card images to the other party at the same time (including the exchange itself), but in the information processing device 100 of this embodiment, it is possible to display multiple business card images to the other party at the same time.

[0099] The business card image display control module 144 can display the business card images of all meeting participants on the participant's terminal, but it can also perform the following display control.

[0100] The business card image display control module 144 can also be controlled to prevent the display of the business card image of the first participant in the participant's group from being displayed on the participant's terminal. In the case of participants belonging to the same group, since the name of the first participant is already known, there is no need to display the business card image, allowing for ample screen usage.

[0101] Additionally, the business card image display control module 144 can also be controlled to display only the business card images of second participants who do not belong to the participant's group on the participant's terminal.

[0102] Furthermore, the business card image display control module 144 can also be controlled to display the business card image of the first participant belonging to the participant's group based on the participant's operation. As described above, control can be implemented to prevent the display of the business card image of the first participant belonging to the participant's group (or, only display the business card image of the second participant who does not belong to the participant's group on the participant's terminal), but in cases such as newcomers, even if they are in the same group, they may not know the name of the first participant, etc. Therefore, the business card image of the first participant in the same group is displayed based on the participant's operation. The participant's operation includes selecting the "Display Business Card Image" button, etc.

[0103] Furthermore, the business card image display control module 144 can control the deletion of the business card image of the first participant belonging to the participant's group from the screen according to the participant's deletion operation, but does not delete the business card image of the second participant who does not belong to the participant's group.

[0104] Furthermore, when the business card image display control module 144 displays the business card image of the first participant belonging to participant (A)'s group and the business card image of the second participant (C) not belonging to participant (A)'s group, it controls the display to differentiate between the display of the business card image of the first participant (B) belonging to participant (A)'s group and the display of the business card image of the second participant (C) not belonging to participant (A)'s group. As described above, there may be the following situations: displaying the business card images of all participants in the meeting; or displaying the business card image of the second participant (C) not belonging to participant (A)'s group; furthermore, depending on the operation of participant (A), displaying the business card image of the first participant (B) belonging to participant (A)'s group. In such cases, participant (A) can see the business card images and determine whether they are participants from the same group.

[0105] Additionally, the business card image display control module 144 can be controlled to display the business card image already stored in the URL on the terminal when the participant's terminal accesses the URL (short for Uniform Resource Locator) used to display the business card image.

[0106] Furthermore, the business card image display control module 144 can control the display of the business card image on the terminals of other participants when the business card image is stored in the URL from the participant's terminal.

[0107] Furthermore, the business card image display control module 144 can generate the same URL, the same participant ID, and the same password for a group consisting of multiple participants before the meeting begins.

[0108] Furthermore, the person instructing to generate this URL can be anyone, such as the conference organizer. The organizer obtains the generated URL, a group of participant IDs and passwords, and sends the group to the conference participants. Participants access the URL and use their participant IDs and passwords to log in to the business card exchange service in the information processing device 100.

[0109] The business card image display control module 144 can control the display so that the business card images stored by participants with the same participant ID are not displayed on the terminals of participants belonging to the same group.

[0110] In addition, the business card image display control module 144 can generate the same URL, the same participant ID, and the same password for a group consisting of multiple participants before the meeting begins.

[0111] Furthermore, the business card image display control module 144 can be controlled to display only the business card images stored by participants with different participant IDs on the terminals of participants who do not belong to that participant's group.

[0112] Furthermore, the business card image display control module 144 can be controlled to collaborate with a business card management service, obtain the participant's business card image from the service, and display the image on other participants' terminals. In the aforementioned business card image display control module 144, participants register their business card images in the information processing device 100, but by collaborating with the business card management service to obtain the image, the user does not need to register the image with the information processing device 100.

[0113] Furthermore, when collaborating with the business card management service, the business card image display control module 144 can register the business card image in the business card management service if the image is stored from another participant's terminal. In the aforementioned business card image display control module 144, participants register other participants' business card images in the business card management service, but by collaborating with the business card management service, the user does not need to manually register other participants' business card images in the business card management service.

[0114] Regarding collaboration with business card management services, using... Figure 29 Examples will be given later.

[0115] Figure 2 This is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a system configuration using this embodiment.

[0116] Information processing device 100, terminals 210A1, 210A2, 210A3, 210B1, 210B2, 210B3, terminal 210C, online conferencing service server 240, storage / DB service server 250, and business card management service server 260 are connected via communication line 290. Communication line 290, the communication line connecting terminals 210A1, 210A2, and 210A3, and the communication line connecting terminals 210B1, 210B2, and 210B3 can be wireless, wired, or a combination thereof; for example, it can be the Internet, intranet, etc., as communication infrastructure. Furthermore, the functions of information processing device 100, online conferencing service server 240, storage / DB service server 250, and business card management service server 260 can also be implemented as cloud services.

[0117] Users 220 (users 220A1, 220B1, 220C, etc.) who can be participants in the meeting hold terminals 210 (terminals 210A1, 210B1, 210C, etc.). Terminals 210 have communication functions and include a display device, microphone, camera, and speakers (including in-ear headphones and headsets) for conducting meetings. For example, they may be personal computers (including laptops), portable information communication devices, etc.

[0118] As described above, the information processing device 100 has the function of a business card exchange service.

[0119] The online meeting service server 240 has the function of processing for enabling meetings via communication lines.

[0120] The storage / DB service server 250 is used by the information processing device 100, the online meeting service server 240, the business card management service server 260, etc., to store data and has the function of a database.

[0121] The business card management service server 260 has the function of business card management service, managing information related to the business cards of each user 220. Here, a business card includes the user 220's own business card and the business cards received by the user 220. Information related to the business card includes the information recorded on the business card (name, company name, organization, job title, address, phone number, email address, etc.), the date and time the business card was received, and the business card image. Besides being used by the user 220 who has registered the information related to the business card in the business card management service server 260, the information related to the business card can also be shared by group members (users 220) belonging to the same group.

[0122] Furthermore, the online meeting service server 240, storage / DB service server 250, business card management service server 260, and information processing device 100 can provide services independently, collaboratively, or by combining two or more servers to offer multiple functions as a single service. For example, the information processing device 100 can provide functions as a web service independent of the online meeting service server 240, collaborate with the business card management service server 260, or have its functions integrated into the online meeting service server 240 as a meeting service function, enabling business card image exchange.

[0123] Furthermore, when the information processing device 100 provides services independently, the participants in the meeting do not necessarily have to be users of the same business card management service. That is, the participants in the meeting can be users of different business card management services, or they may not even use the business card management service itself.

[0124] For example, this embodiment (information processing device 100) performs the following processing.

[0125] The information processing device 100 provides a business card exchange service URL for accessing a Web UI for exchanging business cards. When conducting a meeting through the online meeting service server 240, business cards can be exchanged during the meeting by opening the Web UI for exchanging business cards from the URL.

[0126] Furthermore, since the WebUI allows for free changes to the arrangement of the displayed business cards, even in the information processing device 100 which is separate from the meeting, the business cards can be arranged in accordance with the display order of the meeting participants.

[0127] For users of the business card management service server 260 that cooperates with the information processing device 100 for exchanging business cards, the exchanged business cards are automatically registered in the business card management service server 260. People other than users can download the business card images. Therefore, both users of the business card management service server 260 and people other than users of the business card management service server 260 can obtain business card images.

[0128] Figure 3 This is an explanatory diagram showing an overview of a processing example related to the reservation of the business card exchange service in this embodiment.

[0129] The business card exchange service server 300 is a specific implementation of the information processing device 100, and is implemented as a cloud service.

[0130] The storage / DB service server 350 stores information related to meeting reservations, business card images, etc.

[0131] In step S302, the online meeting organizer 322 uses terminal 210 to make a reservation with the business card exchange service server 300 through a web browser. The business card exchange service server 300 processes the reservation and stores the information related to the reservation in the storage / DB service server 350.

[0132] In step S304, the business card exchange service server 300 notifies the online meeting organizer 322 of the reservation information (URL, user ID, password). Specifically, the reservation information is displayed in the web browser of the online meeting organizer 322's terminal 210.

[0133] In step S306, the online meeting organizer 322 uses terminal 210 to send the reservation information to all meeting participants via email 380. Figure 3 In the example, these are online meeting participants 320A1, 320A2, and 320A3.

[0134] Furthermore, while the online meeting organizer 322 needs to be a user of the business card exchange service, the meeting participants (online meeting participants 320A1, 320A2, and 320A3) do not need to be users of the business card exchange service. This is because meeting participants can use the business card exchange service using the reservation information within email 380.

[0135] Alternatively, the same booking information can be assigned to multiple participants. In this case, as described later, participants with the same booking information can be considered to belong to the same group. Furthermore, for security reasons, booking information is preferably different for each meeting.

[0136] Figure 4 This is an explanatory diagram showing an overview of a processing example related to the service execution of this embodiment.

[0137] Figure 4 In order to conduct Figure 3 The example shown is a subsequent processing step where the meeting participants (online meeting participants 320A1, 320A2, and 320A3) receive email 380, using the business card exchange service.

[0138] In step S402, online meeting participants 320A1 and others use their respective terminals 210 and the appointment information in the email 380 to log in to the WebUI of the business card exchange service server 300.

[0139] In step S404, online meeting participants 320A1 and others use their respective terminals 210 to send their business card images 450A from the WebUI to the business card exchange service server 300.

[0140] In step S406, the business card exchange service server 300 sends the content of the WebUI (HTML, JavaScript, etc.) to the terminals 210 of the online meeting participants 320A1, etc.

[0141] In step S408, the business card exchange service server 300 sends the business card images 450B of each participant (online meeting participant 320A1, etc.) to the WebUI within each terminal 210 of the online meeting participant 320A1, etc. The business card exchange service server 300 stores the business card images 450B in the storage / DB service server 350.

[0142] In step S410, according to the instructions of the participants (online meeting participants 320A1, etc.), each terminal 210 downloads a business card image 450B from the business card exchange service server 300. The business card exchange service server 300 retrieves the business card image 450B from the storage / DB service server 350 and sends it to each terminal 210.

[0143] In addition, since the WebUI is displayed independently among users, operations such as changing the order of business card images can be performed either on each terminal 210 or on the business card exchange service server 300.

[0144] Figure 5 This is a flowchart illustrating a processing example of this implementation method (business card exchange service server 300). Figure 5 yes Figure 3 The example shown is a specific instance of the processing example.

[0145] A unique meeting ID is issued for each meeting, and the information in the storage / DB service server 350 uses the meeting ID as a key. In addition, the meeting ID is embedded in the content or URL, etc., and does not need to be specified by the user 220 (online meeting participant 320, online meeting organizer 322).

[0146] In step S502, the scheduled date and time are received from the client. Here, the "client" is the terminal 210 used by the online meeting organizer 322.

[0147] For example, the business card exchange service server 300 causes the terminal 210 to display... Figure 6 The example shown is an online business card exchange appointment screen (600).

[0148] Figure 6 This is an explanatory diagram showing an example of this embodiment.

[0149] The online business card exchange appointment screen 600 displays the appointment date and time setting area 605, the appointment button 620, and the appointment information display area 625.

[0150] The start date and time field 610 and the meeting time field 615 are displayed in the appointment date and time setting area 605.

[0151] The online meeting organizer 322's terminal 210 displays an online business card exchange reservation screen 600, prompting the user to enter the start date and time field 610 and the meeting time field 615.

[0152] The online meeting organizer 322 inputs the start date and time field 610 and the meeting time field 615.

[0153] Enter "2020 / 11 / 2013:00" in the Start Date / Time field 610, and "1:30" in the Meeting Time field 615. That is, the meeting will start at 2020 / 11 / 2013:00 and will last for 1 hour and 30 minutes.

[0154] After the start date and time (610) and meeting time (615) are entered, the online meeting organizer (322) selects the reservation button (620). Then, the business card exchange service server (300) displays the reservation information in the display area (625).

[0155] Display the URL field 630, the User ID field 635, and the Password field 640 within the reservation information display area 625.

[0156] For example, the reservation information display area 625 displays "Online business card exchange booked!", the URL field 630 displays "https: / / www.xxxx", the user ID field 635 displays "Gust0023", and the password field 640 displays "jXj34ttY".

[0157] Additionally, in the appointment date and time setting area 605, the start date and time field 610 and the meeting time field 615 are displayed to prompt for input, but you can also enter the meeting start date and time and the meeting end date and time.

[0158] By inputting the meeting time and duration, a URL for displaying the Web UI of the business card exchange service server 300 at that time is issued, along with an ID and password for participants to log in to the business card exchange service server 300. By issuing a unique URL each time to identify participants from the same meeting and limiting the duration, unauthorized access can be prevented.

[0159] In step S504, it is determined whether the start date and time and the meeting time are appropriate. If they are appropriate, the process proceeds to step S506; otherwise, it proceeds to step S518. Specifically, it is determined whether the start date and time is a rest day, or whether it is a scheduled time (e.g., late at night), or whether the meeting time is within the scheduled time range (e.g., more than 15 minutes and less than 3 hours).

[0160] Additionally, if the start and end dates of the meeting are entered, it can also be used to determine whether the order of the start and end dates is correct.

[0161] In step S506, it is determined whether the start date and time are in the future of the current time. If they are in the future of the current time, proceed to step S508; otherwise, proceed to step S520.

[0162] In step S508, the meeting ID, user ID, and user password are issued. For example, the meeting ID and user ID can be generated as sequences, and the user password can be generated randomly (including pseudo-random numbers). Alternatively, the meeting ID and user ID can also be generated randomly.

[0163] For example, the business card exchange service server 300 generates an appointment information table 700 and stores it in the storage / DB service server 350.

[0164] Figure 7 This is an explanatory diagram representing an example of the data structure of the reservation information table 700.

[0165] The reservation information form 700 has a meeting ID field 705, a start date and time field 710, a meeting time field 715, a user ID field 720, a user password field 725, and a URL field 730. In this embodiment, the meeting ID field 705 stores information used to uniquely identify the meeting (specifically, meeting ID is an abbreviation for Identification). The start date and time field 710 stores the start date and time of the meeting. The time in the start date and time field 710 is the date and time when the meeting starts. Specifically, it is... Figure 6 The example shows the value set in the start date and time field 610 of the online business card exchange appointment screen 600. The meeting time field 715 stores the meeting time of the meeting being considered. The time in the meeting time field 715 represents the period from the start to the end of the meeting. Specifically, it is in Figure 6 The example shows the value set in the meeting time field 615 of the online business card exchange reservation screen 600. In this embodiment, the user ID field 720 stores information (specifically, the user ID) used to uniquely identify users of the business card exchange service. Furthermore, the user ID here is not used to identify every participant in the meeting, but only to identify users of the business card exchange service. Therefore, the user ID can be assigned to multiple people, for example, in groups. The user password field 725 stores the password used for authentication of the user. The URL field 730 stores the URL used by the user to use the business card exchange service. Specifically, it is the URL used to display the business card image.

[0166] In step S510, content for the WebUI is created. Additionally, the meeting ID is embedded within the content.

[0167] In step S512, a URL for the WebUI is created. This URL is stored and managed in the URL field 730 of the aforementioned reservation information table 700.

[0168] In step S514, the reservation information is stored in the storage / DB service server 350.

[0169] In step S516, reservation information is returned to the client. Specifically, the reservation information is displayed in the reservation information display area 625 of the online business card exchange reservation screen 600. After receiving the reservation information, the online meeting organizer 322 notifies the meeting participants of the reservation information via email 380 or similar means.

[0170] In step S518, an error message is returned (e.g., an inappropriate error message such as the date and time of the meeting).

[0171] In step S520, a parameter error is responded to (e.g., an error message indicating that the meeting has ended).

[0172] Figure 8 This is a flowchart illustrating a processing example of this implementation method (business card exchange service server 300). Figure 8 yes Figure 4 The example shown is a specific instance of the processing example.

[0173] Additionally, the session token here is used for user identification within a session and for managing uploaded images.

[0174] In step S802, the meeting ID and login information are received from the client. Here, "client" refers to terminal 210 used by online meeting participant 320.

[0175] For example, the business card exchange service server 300 causes the terminal 210 to display... Figure 9 The example shown is the online business card exchange login screen 900.

[0176] Figure 9 This is an explanatory diagram showing an example of this embodiment.

[0177] The online business card exchange login screen displays the user ID field (905) and the password field (910).

[0178] The online meeting participant 320's terminal 210 displays an online business card exchange login screen 900, prompting them to enter their user ID in the user ID field 905 and their password in the password field 910.

[0179] Participant 320 in the online meeting inputs information into the user ID field 905 and the password field 910.

[0180] In the User ID field (905), enter, for example, "Gust0023", and in the Password field (910), enter, for example, "jXj34ttY". These entered values ​​(reservation information) are... Figure 5 The value received by the online meeting organizer 322 in step S516 of the flowchart shown in the example is notified to the online meeting participant 320 by the online meeting organizer 322.

[0181] When the URL is opened in a web browser, the online business card exchange login screen 900 is displayed. Based on the user ID and password, the user is verified as the user of the business card exchange service and then redirected to the business card exchange web UI. Displaying the online business card exchange login screen 900 prevents unauthorized access to the business card exchange service server 300.

[0182] In step S804, it is determined whether the current time falls within the range from the start date and time to the meeting time. If it does, proceed to step S806; otherwise, proceed to step S816. Specifically, this determination is made using the current time and the information in the meeting time column 715 of the reservation information table 700.

[0183] In addition, as mentioned above, when the start date and end date of the meeting are entered into the online business card exchange reservation screen 600, it can be determined whether the current time is within the range of the start date and end date.

[0184] In step S806, it is determined whether the login information and the meeting ID are consistent. If they are consistent, proceed to step S808; otherwise, proceed to step S818. Specifically, the determination can be made using the meeting ID embedded in the accessed URL, etc., and the information in the meeting ID field 705 of the reservation information table 700.

[0185] In step S808, a session token is issued. As described above, this session token is used to identify the user in the session. Here, for example, a session token management table 1000 is generated.

[0186] Figure 10 This is an explanatory diagram representing an example of the data structure of the Session Token Management Table 1000.

[0187] The session token management table 1000 has a session token field 1005, a meeting ID field 1010, and a user ID field 1015. The session token field 1005 stores the session token issued in step S808. The meeting ID field 1010 stores the meeting ID corresponding to the session token. The user ID field 1015 stores the user ID corresponding to the session token.

[0188] In step S810, information about the logged-in user's business card image is embedded in the content of the WebUI.

[0189] In step S812, login records are stored in the storage / DB service server 350.

[0190] In step S814, a session token is added to the WebUI content to respond to the client. This causes a business card image to be displayed on the participant's terminal 210.

[0191] In step S816, an invalid participation time is replied (e.g., error messages such as the meeting not having started or having ended).

[0192] In step S818, an authentication error is responded to (e.g., an incorrect password error message).

[0193] Figure 11 This is a flowchart illustrating a processing example of this implementation method (business card exchange service server 300). Figure 11 yes Figure 8 The following flowchart, shown in the example, illustrates a processing example of a business card exchange service during a meeting.

[0194] After receiving a notification of the business card image information, the web browser of terminal 210 downloads the business card image and appends it to the WebUI.

[0195] In step S1102, a session token and business card image are received from the client. Here, "client" refers to terminal 210 used by online meeting participant 320.

[0196] In step S1104, it is determined whether the current time falls within the range from the start date and time to the meeting time. If it does, proceed to step S1106; otherwise, proceed to step S1116. Specifically, this determination is made using the current time and the information in the meeting time column 715 of the reservation information table 700.

[0197] In addition, as mentioned above, when the start date and end date of the meeting are entered into the online business card exchange reservation screen 600, it can be determined whether the current time is within the range of the start date and end date.

[0198] In step S1106, it is determined whether the session token is valid. If it is valid, proceed to step S1108; otherwise, proceed to step S1118. Specifically, it is determined whether the session token received in step S1102 is consistent with the value of the session token column 1005 in the session token management table 1000 (if they are consistent, it is valid).

[0199] In step S1108, the business card image received in step S1102 is stored in the storage / DB service server 350.

[0200] In step S1110, a download URL is issued. This download URL is used to enable other participants to download the business card image received in step S1102.

[0201] In step S1112, the business card image received in step S1102 is stored in the download URL issued in step S1110.

[0202] In step S1114, the WebUI of participants with different session tokens is notified of the download URL. This allows participants to view the business card images of other participants.

[0203] In step S1116, an invalid participation time is replied (e.g., error messages such as the meeting not having started or having ended).

[0204] In step S1118, an authentication error is responded to (e.g., a password session token mismatch error message).

[0205] After user authentication, the WebUI screen displays meeting participants' business card images, allows users to change the display position of these images, zoom in on them, and download them. Furthermore, because the WebUI screen is independent for each participant, changes to the display position do not affect other participants' displays. The ability to change the display position of business card images is described later. Figure 13 As the example shows, by changing the arrangement of business card images according to the display positions of the meeting participants, the same effect as the business card arrangement in a real meeting (arranging business cards according to the seating positions of the participants) can be achieved.

[0206] Additionally, participants can display their business card images to other attendees by dragging and dropping them on the WebUI screen or selecting files. No user registration or other steps are required to share your business card image with participants.

[0207] Figure 12 This is an explanatory diagram showing an example of this embodiment. Figure 12 This is an example of a screen for exchanging business cards on the WebUI screen of terminal 210.

[0208] The online business card exchange screen 1205 (WebUI screen) is displayed on screen 1200 as a web browser screen.

[0209] Additionally, the business card image 1210 is a business card image of oneself (specifically, an online meeting participant 320 holding a terminal 210 displaying screen 1200) displayed on screen 1200, which serves as a desktop screen, or on other application screens.

[0210] The online business card exchange screen 1205 displays business card images 1220, 1225, and 1230 of other meeting participants. Online meeting participant 320 copies their own business card image 1210 to the online business card exchange screen 1205 from this state's operating terminal 210. Figure 12 In the example, the copied business card image 1210 is the business card image 1215 within the online business card exchange screen 1205. This copying operation is used to... Figure 11 The example flowchart illustrates step S1102. Then, the business card image 1215 is displayed on the terminal 210 of the other online meeting participants 320.

[0211] Conversely, online meeting participant 320 can operate terminal 210 to copy the business card images of other participants (business card image 1220, business card image 1225, business card image 1230) to screen 1200, which serves as the desktop screen, or to other application screens. Other applications may include business card management services provided by business card management service server 260.

[0212] Furthermore, the arrangement of business card images on the online business card exchange screen 1205 can be changed according to the operations of the online meeting participant 320 on the terminal 210. Additionally, the images on each business card can be enlarged or reduced based on the operations performed on the terminal 210 by the online meeting participant 320.

[0213] Figure 13 This is an explanatory diagram showing an example of this embodiment.

[0214] Figure 13 This is an example of displaying a video conferencing screen 1305 and an online business card exchange screen 1205 on screen 1300 of terminal 210.

[0215] The video conferencing screen 1305 is displayed by the online conferencing service server 240, while the online business card exchange screen 1205 is displayed by the business card exchange service server 300. That is, the video conferencing screen 1305 and the online business card exchange screen 1205 are independent of each other.

[0216] The video conference screen 1305 displays photographic images of participants A1310 and B1315.

[0217] The online business card exchange screen 1205 displays business card images 1215 and 1220. That is, online meeting participant 320 operates terminal 210 to coordinate the business card images in the online business card exchange screen 1205 with the display on the video conferencing screen 1305. Specifically, this illustrates an example where participant A1310's business card image (1215) is moved to the left, and participant B1315's business card image (1220) is moved to the right. In other words, the online business card exchange screen 1205 and the video conferencing screen 1305 can be displayed simultaneously, and the arrangement of the business card images can be changed according to the participants' display order.

[0218] Figure 14 This is an explanatory diagram showing an example of this embodiment. Figure 14 This example illustrates the process of downloading a business card image.

[0219] In the online business card exchange screen 1205, in addition to business card images 1215, 1220, 1225, and 1230, a download button 1405 is also displayed. (1) The online meeting participant 320 selects the business card image to download by clicking. (2) The download button 1405 is detected as selected by the online meeting participant 320. (3) A confirmation dialog box display area 1410 is displayed. In the confirmation dialog box display area 1410, for example, "Download business card image?" is displayed, along with a confirmation button 1415 and a cancel button 1420.

[0220] If the confirmation button 1415 is selected in the confirmation dialog display area 1410, the download of the business card image selected in (1) will begin.

[0221] Figure 15 This is an explanatory diagram showing an example of this embodiment. Figure 15 This is an example of processing to display a magnified image of a business card.

[0222] For example, if a double-click operation is detected on the business card image 1225 in the online business card exchange screen 1205 by an online meeting participant 320, the enlarged image of the business card image 1225 is displayed in the enlarged display area 1525.

[0223] Figures 16 to 28 The accompanying diagram illustrates an example of processing when the concept of groups is applied to the participants in a meeting. That is, since participants belonging to the same group are known, the business card image can be treated differently from business card images of participants belonging to different groups.

[0224] Figure 16 This is a flowchart illustrating a processing example of this implementation method (business card exchange service server 300). Figure 16 and Figure 5 The flowchart shown in the example corresponds to a processing example related to booking a business card exchange service. Figure 5 In the flowchart shown in the example, steps S1608 and S1618 are added, and the processes from S1610 to S1616 are repeated according to the number of groups. Other processes are the same as... Figure 5 The process is the same as the flowchart shown in the example. Furthermore, in this processing example, the user ID is equivalent to the group ID.

[0225] In step S1602, the scheduled date and time are received from the client. Here, the "client" is the terminal 210 used by the online meeting organizer 322.

[0226] For example, the business card exchange service server 300 causes the terminal 210 to display... Figure 17 The example shown is an online business card exchange appointment screen (1700).

[0227] Figure 17 This is an explanatory diagram showing an example of this embodiment.

[0228] The online business card exchange reservation screen 1700 displays the reservation date and time setting area 1705, the number of participating groups setting area 1717, the reservation button 1720, and the reservation information display area 1725. The online business card exchange reservation screen 1700 is equivalent to... Figure 6 The example shown is an online business card exchange reservation screen 600, which includes an additional group number setting area 1717 and a reservation information display area 1727 for group X, which displays the reservation information for the specified group number.

[0229] The appointment date and time setting area 1705 includes a start date and time field 1710 and a meeting time field 1715. The appointment date and time setting area 1705 and... Figure 6 The example shown is the same as the online business card exchange appointment screen 600, which has the same appointment date and time setting area 605.

[0230] The participant group setting area 1717 has a participant group number field 1719 for entering the number of groups attending the meeting. The online meeting organizer 322 enters values ​​for the start date and time field 1710, the meeting time field 1715, and the participant group number field 1719. Then, when the online meeting organizer 322 selects the reservation button 1720, the business card exchange service server 300 displays the reservation information in the reservation information display area 1725.

[0231] The reservation information display area 1725 shows reservation information display area 1727A for group 1, reservation information display area 1727B for group 2, etc. Figure 17In the example, since "3" was entered in the group number column 1719, group X is displayed in 3 places in the reservation information display area 1727 (group 1 is displayed in reservation information display area 1727A, group 2 in reservation information display area 1727B, and group 3 in reservation information display area 1727C).

[0232] Each group X uses the reservation information display area 1727, which includes a URL field 1730, a user ID field 1735, and a password field 1740. The content of each group X's reservation information display area 1727 is similar to... Figure 6 The content of the online business card exchange appointment screen 600 shown in the example is the same as that of the appointment information display area 625.

[0233] In step S1604, it is determined whether the start date and time and the meeting time are appropriate. If they are appropriate, proceed to step S1606; otherwise, proceed to step S1622.

[0234] In step S1606, it is determined whether the start date and time are in the future of the current time. If they are in the future of the current time, proceed to step S1608; otherwise, proceed to step S1624.

[0235] In step S1608, the process up to step S1616 is repeated according to the number of groups.

[0236] In step S1610, the meeting ID, user ID, and user password are issued.

[0237] In step S1612, content for the WebUI is created. Additionally, the meeting ID is embedded within the content.

[0238] In step S1614, a URL for the WebUI is created.

[0239] In step S1616, the reservation information is stored in the storage / DB service server 350.

[0240] In step S1618, the processing of steps S1610 to S1616 is repeated according to the number of groups, and then the next process is started.

[0241] In step S1620, reservation information is returned to the client. Specifically, the information in the reservation information display area 1725 of the online business card exchange reservation screen 1700 is displayed. After receiving the reservation information, the online meeting organizer 322 notifies the meeting participants of the reservation information via email 380, etc. However, the content of the notification to each group (the content of the URL field 1730, the user ID field 1735, and the password field 1740) is different from each other. That is, group 1 is notified of the content of the reservation information display area 1727A, group 2 is notified of the content of the reservation information display area 1727B, and group 3 is notified of the content of the reservation information display area 1727C.

[0242] In step S1622, the response parameter is incorrect.

[0243] In step S1624, the response parameter is incorrect.

[0244] Figure 18 This is a flowchart illustrating a processing example of this implementation method (business card exchange service server 300). Figure 18 correspond Figure 11 The flowchart shown in the example illustrates a case study of a business card exchange service during a meeting. Figure 11 In the example flowchart, step S1114 is replaced with the processing of step S1814, and the other processes are the same. Figure 11 The processing within the flowchart shown in the example is the same. Figure 18 In the example, the user ID is treated as being the same as the group ID.

[0245] In step S1802, a session token and a business card image are received from the client.

[0246] In step S1804, it is determined whether the current time is within the range from the start date and time to the meeting time. If it is within the range, proceed to step S1806; otherwise, proceed to step S1816.

[0247] In step S1806, it is determined whether the session token is valid. If it is valid, proceed to step S1808; otherwise, proceed to step S1818.

[0248] In step S1808, the business card image is stored in the storage / DB service server 350.

[0249] In step S1810, the download URL is issued.

[0250] In step S1812, the business card image is stored in the download URL.

[0251] In step S1814, the download URL is notified to the WebUI of participants with different session tokens and different user IDs. Conversely, the download URL is not notified to the WebUI of participants with different session tokens but the same user ID. In this example, this is done because the user ID essentially corresponds to the group ID.

[0252] In step S1816, the response time is invalid.

[0253] In step S1818, an authentication error is responded to.

[0254] In addition, Figure 16 In the example, the user ID is treated as being the same as the group ID, and the process from step S1610 to step S1616 is repeated according to the number of groups. However, the process from step S1610 to step S1616 can also be repeated according to the number of participants in the meeting being targeted. In this case, instead of Figure 18 The flowchart shown in the example is used to perform... Figure 19 The flowchart shown in the example illustrates the processing.

[0255] Figure 19 This is a flowchart illustrating a processing example of this embodiment (business card exchange service server 300). Figure 18 In the example flowchart, step S1814 is replaced with step S1914, and the other processes are the same. Figure 18 The processing within the flowchart shown in the example is the same.

[0256] In step S1902, a session token and a business card image are received from the client.

[0257] In step S1904, it is determined whether the current time is within the range from the start date and time to the meeting time. If it is within the range, proceed to step S1906; otherwise, proceed to step S1916.

[0258] In step S1906, it is determined whether the session token is valid. If it is valid, proceed to step S1908; otherwise, proceed to step S1918.

[0259] In step S1908, the business card image is stored in the storage / DB service server 350.

[0260] In step S1910, the download URL is issued.

[0261] In step S1912, the business card image is stored in the download URL.

[0262] In step S1914, the download URL is notified to the WebUI of participants with different session tokens and different groups. However, the download URL is not notified to the WebUI of participants with different session tokens but the same group.

[0263] In step S1916, the response time is invalid.

[0264] In step S1918, an authentication error is responded to.

[0265] exist Figure 19 In the example shown, to manage the mapping between group IDs and user IDs, group management table 2000 is used, for example.

[0266] Figure 20 This is an explanatory diagram illustrating an example of the data structure of the group management table 2000.

[0267] The group management table 2000 has a group ID field 2005, a user count field 2010, and a user ID field 2015. In this embodiment, the group ID field 2005 stores information used to uniquely identify the group (specifically, the group ID). The user count field 2010 stores the number of users belonging to the group. The user ID field 2015 stores the user IDs belonging to the group.

[0268] In step S1914, the user ID corresponding to the session token is extracted using the session token management table 1000, and the group ID corresponding to the extracted user ID is determined using the group management table 2000. Thus, it can be determined whether the group of the user with a different session token is the same as the user who sent the business card image.

[0269] Figure 21 This is a flowchart illustrating a processing example of this implementation method (business card exchange service server 300). Figure 21 correspond Figure 11 The flowchart shown in the example illustrates a case study of a business card exchange service during a meeting. Figure 11 The example flowchart shows step S1114 being replaced by the processing of steps S2114 to S2120, with other processing being the same. Figure 11 The processing within the flowchart shown in the example is the same. Figure 21 In the example, the user ID is treated as being the same as the group ID.

[0270] In step S2102, a session token and a business card image are received from the client.

[0271] In step S2104, it is determined whether the current time is within the range from the start date and time to the meeting time. If it is within the range, proceed to step S2106; otherwise, proceed to step S2122.

[0272] In step S2106, it is determined whether the session token is valid. If it is valid, proceed to step S2108; otherwise, proceed to step S2124.

[0273] In step S2108, the business card image is stored in the storage / DB service server 350.

[0274] In step S2110, the download URL is issued.

[0275] In step S2112, the business card image is stored in the download URL.

[0276] In step S2114, it is determined whether the operation of displaying the business card image of the participant with the same user ID has been performed on the participant who is the notification target. If it has been performed, proceed to step S2116; otherwise, proceed to step S2120.

[0277] To perform the judgment process in step S2114, for example, the setting table 2200 can be displayed using a business card image. Figure 22 This is an explanatory diagram illustrating an example of the data structure of the business card image display settings table 2200.

[0278] The business card image display settings table 2200 has a session token bar 2205 and a business card image display settings bar 2210 with the same user ID. The session token bar 2205 stores a session token. The business card image display settings bar 2210 stores a setting for whether to display a business card image with the same user ID in the session token.

[0279] In step S2116, a hint is attached to the business card image downloaded using the URL that it is an image of the same business card image as the user ID.

[0280] In step S2118, the download URL is sent to the participant's WebUI. That is, while a business card image is also sent to participants with the same user ID (participants who have previously performed the operation to display a business card image for participants with the same user ID), this image includes a notification that it is a business card image for participants with the same user ID. Conversely, for participants with different user IDs, the business card image is sent directly.

[0281] In step S2120, the download URL is notified to the WebUI of participants with different session tokens and different user IDs. Conversely, the download URL is not notified to the WebUI of participants with different session tokens but the same user ID. In this example, this is done because the user ID essentially corresponds to the group ID.

[0282] In step S2122, the response time is invalid.

[0283] In step S2124, an authentication error is responded to.

[0284] Figure 23 This is a flowchart illustrating a processing example of this implementation method (business card exchange service server 300). Figure 23 This section describes a processing example for a business card exchange service during a meeting, and a processing example for issuing user IDs based on the number of meeting participants. Figure 21 In the example flowchart, step S2114 is replaced with step S2314, step S2116 is replaced with step S2316, and step S2120 is replaced with step S2320. Other processes are the same. Figure 21 The processing within the flowchart shown in the example is the same.

[0285] In step S2302, a session token and a business card image are received from the client.

[0286] In step S2304, it is determined whether the current time is within the range from the start date and time to the meeting time. If it is within the range, proceed to step S2306; otherwise, proceed to step S2322.

[0287] In step S2306, it is determined whether the session token is valid. If it is valid, proceed to step S2308; otherwise, proceed to step S2324.

[0288] In step S2308, the business card image is stored in the storage / DB service server 350.

[0289] In step S2310, the download URL is issued.

[0290] In step S2312, the business card image is stored in the download URL.

[0291] In step S2314, it is determined whether the operation of displaying the business card image of the same group of participants has been performed on the participant who is the notification target. If it has been performed, proceed to step S2316; otherwise, proceed to step S2320.

[0292] To perform the judgment process in step S2314, for example, the business card image can be used to display the setting table 2400. Figure 24This is an explanatory diagram illustrating an example of the data structure of the business card image display settings table 2400. The business card image display settings table 2400 has a user ID field 2405 and a group business card image display settings field 2410. The user ID field 2405 stores user IDs. The group business card image display settings field 2410 stores settings for whether to display business card images of participants belonging to the same group under that user ID.

[0293] In step S2316, a hint is attached to the business card image downloaded using the URL, indicating that it is an image of the same group of business card images.

[0294] In step S2318, the download URL is sent to the participant's WebUI. That is, while a business card image is also sent to participants with the same group ID (participants who have previously performed the operation to display business card images for participants with the same group ID), this business card image includes an appended message indicating that it is a business card image for a participant in the same group. Of course, business card images are sent directly to participants in different groups.

[0295] In step S2320, the download URL is notified to the WebUI of participants with different session tokens and different group IDs. Conversely, the download URL is not notified to the WebUI of participants with different session tokens but the same group ID.

[0296] In step S2322, the response time is invalid.

[0297] In step S2324, an authentication error is responded to.

[0298] Figure 25 This is a flowchart illustrating a processing example of this implementation method (business card exchange service server 300). Figure 25 This describes a processing example when performing editing operations on a business card image (such as deleting the display of a business card image). Figure 25 In the example, the user ID is treated as being the same as the group ID.

[0299] In step S2502, a session token and operation information are received from the client.

[0300] In step S2504, it is determined whether the current time is within the range from the start date and time to the meeting time. If it is within the range, proceed to step S2506; otherwise, proceed to step S2518.

[0301] In step S2506, it is determined whether the session token is valid. If it is valid, proceed to step S2508; otherwise, proceed to step S2520.

[0302] In step S2508, it is determined whether the operation is to delete a business card image. If it is to delete a business card image, proceed to step S2510; otherwise, proceed to step S2516.

[0303] In step S2510, it is determined whether the object to be deleted is a business card image with the same user ID. If it is a business card image with the same user ID, proceed to step S2512; otherwise, proceed to step S2514.

[0304] Additionally, if the system is not set to display a business card image with the same user ID, step S2514 will always be executed.

[0305] In step S2512, information indicating that the business card image to be deleted should not be displayed is set, and the WebUI is instructed to delete it. Then, for example, the business card image show / hide management table 2600 is used to manage which business card image is displayed in the session token. Figure 26 This is an explanatory diagram illustrating an example of the data structure of the business card image display / hide management table 2600.

[0306] The business card image show / hide management table 2600 has a session token bar 2605, a business card image bar 2610, and a show / hide bar 2615. The session token bar 2605 stores a session token. The business card image bar 2610 stores a business card image. The show / hide bar 2615 stores information indicating whether the business card image is shown or hidden within the session token. A business card image that has been deleted from the display list is set to hidden.

[0307] In addition, if a business card image with the same user ID is set to be hidden in the business card image display setting table 2200, it will always proceed to step S2514 since it will not be a deletion target.

[0308] In step S2514, the reply indicates that deletion is not possible.

[0309] In step S2516, the processing corresponding to this operation is performed.

[0310] In step S2518, the response time is invalid.

[0311] In step S2520, an authentication error is responded to.

[0312] Figure 27 This is a flowchart illustrating a processing example of this implementation method (business card exchange service server 300). Figure 27 This section describes a processing example when editing a business card image (e.g., deleting the image from the display), and a processing example when issuing user IDs based on the number of meeting participants. Figure 25In the example flowchart, step S2510 is replaced with the processing of step S2710, and other processes are the same. Figure 25 The processing within the flowchart shown in the example is the same.

[0313] In step S2702, a session token and operation information are received from the client.

[0314] In step S2704, it is determined whether the current time is within the range from the start date and time to the meeting time. If it is within the range, proceed to step S2706; otherwise, proceed to step S2718.

[0315] In step S2706, it is determined whether the session token is valid. If it is valid, proceed to step S2708; otherwise, proceed to step S2720.

[0316] In step S2708, it is determined whether the operation is to delete a business card image. If it is to delete a business card image, proceed to step S2710; otherwise, proceed to step S2716.

[0317] In step S2710, it is determined whether the object to be deleted is a business card image in the same group. If it is, the process proceeds to step S2712; otherwise, it proceeds to step S2714. Then, for example, the business card image show / hide management table 2800 is used to manage which business card image is displayed for that user. Figure 28 This is an explanatory diagram illustrating an example of the data structure of the business card image display / hide management table 2800.

[0318] The business card image show / hide management table 2800 has a user ID field 2805, a business card image field 2810, and a show / hide field 2815. The user ID field 2805 stores the user ID. The business card image field 2810 stores the business card image. The show / hide field 2815 stores information indicating whether the business card image is shown or hidden for this user. A business card image that has been deleted from the display list is set to hidden.

[0319] In addition, if the business card images of participants belonging to the same group are set to be hidden in the business card image display setting table 2400, the process will always proceed to step S2714 since the participants will not be deleted.

[0320] In step S2712, information indicating that the business card image to be deleted will not be displayed is set, and the WebUI is instructed to delete it.

[0321] In step S2714, the reply indicates that deletion is not possible.

[0322] In step S2716, the processing corresponding to this operation is performed.

[0323] In step S2718, the response time is invalid.

[0324] In step S2720, an authentication error is responded to.

[0325] Figure 29 This is an explanatory diagram illustrating a processing example where the business card exchange service server 300 and the business card management service server 260 cooperate in this embodiment. The business card exchange service server 300 and the business card management service server 260 cooperate in authentication (interconnection) in a manner that enables so-called single sign-on. Business card images managed by the business card management service server 260 can be handed over to the business card exchange service server 300, and conversely, business card images obtained by the business card exchange service server 300 can be registered with the business card management service server 260.

[0326] Figure 29 The example shown illustrates the collaboration between the business card exchange service server 300 and the business card management service server 260, and the presence of users (registered users) of the business card management service among the online meeting participants 320.

[0327] In step S2902, online meeting participant 320 uses terminal 210 to log in to business card exchange service server 300 using authentication information from business card management service server 260. Specifically, in Figure 9 In the example shown, the online business card exchange login screen 900 accepts the user ID and password of the business card management service from the business card management service server 260.

[0328] In addition, the business card image of the online meeting participant 320 is registered in the business card management service server 260, so it is not necessary to upload the business card image from the WebUI of the terminal 210 to the business card exchange service server 300.

[0329] In step S2904, the business card exchange service server 300 sends the authentication information of the online meeting participant 320 to the business card management service server 260.

[0330] In step S2906, the business card management service server 260 authenticates the online meeting participant 320's authentication information. Upon successful authentication, the business card image 2950A of the online meeting participant 320 is sent to the business card exchange service server 300. Thus, through the collaboration between the business card exchange service server 300 and the business card management service server 260, the online meeting participant 320 does not need to download their own business card image 2950C from the business card management service server 260, nor do they need to upload their own business card image 2950C to the business card exchange service server 300.

[0331] In step S2908, the business card exchange service server 300 sends business card images 2950B from other online meeting participants 320 for registration with the business card management service server 260. Here, "business card images 2950B from other online meeting participants 320" refers to business card images obtained by a meeting participant from a participant other than themselves. The business card management service server 260 registers the received business card images 2950B.

[0332] Specifically, online meeting participant 320A1 is a registered user of the business card management service server 260. In this case, when the business card image of online meeting participant 320A2 is displayed in the WebUI of the business card exchange service on the terminal 210 of online meeting participant 320A1, the business card exchange service server 300 registers the business card image of online meeting participant 320A2 in the business card management service server 260. Then, online meeting participant 320A1 can retrieve the business card image of online meeting participant 320A2 from the business card management service server 260.

[0333] By collaborating between the business card exchange service server 300 and the business card management service server 260, the WebUI of the business card exchange service is launched using the ID and password of the business card management service. This replaces the uploading of business card images, allowing participants to see their own business card images from the business card management service, and automatically registering the business card images of other participants to the business card management service. For participants, there is no hassle of uploading and downloading business card images, and registration with the business card management service is also automated.

[0334] In each of the above embodiments, processor refers to a processor in a broad sense, and includes general-purpose processors (e.g., CPU: Central Processing Unit, etc.) and special-purpose processors (e.g., GPU: Graphics Processing Unit; ASIC: Application-Specific Integrated Circuit; FPGA: Field-Programmable Gate Array, Programmable Logic Device, etc.).

[0335] Furthermore, the actions of the processor in the above embodiments can be performed not only by a single processor, but also by multiple processors located in physically separate positions working together. Additionally, the order of the processor's actions is not limited to the order described in the above embodiments and can be appropriately modified.

[0336] Furthermore, the described program can be provided either by storing it in a recording medium or by a communication unit. In this case, for example, the program described above can also be understood as an invention of "a computer-readable recording medium on which a program is recorded".

[0337] "Computer-readable recording media containing programs" refers to computer-readable recording media containing programs used for program installation, execution, distribution, etc.

[0338] In addition, recording media include, for example, digital multifunction optical discs (DVDs) such as those defined by the DVD Forum, such as "DVD-R, DVD-RW, DVD-RAM, etc.", and "DVD+R, DVD+RW, etc.", as well as optical discs (CDs) such as read-only optical discs (CD-ROM), recordable CDs (CD-R), rewritable CDs (CD-RW), Blu-ray discs (Blu-ray Disc), optical disks (MO), floppy disks (FD), magnetic tapes, hard disks, read-only memory (ROM), electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM), flash memory, random access memory (RAM), and Secure Digital (SD) memory cards.

[0339] Furthermore, the entire program or a part thereof can be recorded and stored or distributed on the recording medium. Alternatively, it can be transmitted via communication, such as wired or wireless communication networks used in local area networks (LANs), metropolitan area networks (MANs), wide area networks (WANs), the Internet, intranets, extranets, and combinations thereof, or it can be transmitted via a carrier wave.

[0340] Furthermore, the program may be part of or all of other programs, or it may be recorded on a recording medium along with a separate program. Alternatively, it may be recorded in segments on multiple recording media. Additionally, it may be recorded in any manner, such as compression or encryption, as long as it can be recovered.

Claims

1. An information processing apparatus comprising: a processor, wherein, The processor performs the following processing: Control is implemented to enable the display of multiple business card images (obtained by reading the business cards of the participants) on the terminals of other participants when multiple participants are holding a conference via communication lines. Controls are implemented to prevent the display of the business card image of the first participant in the participant's group from appearing on the participant's terminal. Controls are implemented so that only the business card images of second participants who do not belong to the participant's group are displayed on the participant's terminal.

2. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein, The processor performs the following processing: Control is implemented to display the business card image of the first participant belonging to that participant's group based on the participant's actions, and Controls are implemented to remove the business card image of the first participant belonging to that participant's group from the screen based on the participant's deletion action, but do not delete the business card image of the second participant who does not belong to that participant's group.

3. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein, The processor performs the following processing: When displaying the business card images of the first participant belonging to the participant's group and the business card images of the second participant not belonging to the participant's group, control is performed to distinguish between displaying the business card images of the first participant belonging to the participant's group and the business card images of the second participant not belonging to the participant's group.

4. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein, The processor performs the following processing: Control is implemented such that, if the participant's terminal accesses a URL for displaying the business card image, the business card image already stored in that URL is displayed on the terminal, and Control is implemented such that, if the business card image is stored in the URL from the participant's terminal, the business card image is displayed on the terminals of other participants.

5. The information processing apparatus according to claim 4, wherein, The processor performs the following processing: For groups consisting of multiple participants, before the meeting begins, the same URL, the same participant ID, and the same password are generated. Controls are implemented to prevent the stored business card images of participants with the same participant ID from being displayed on the terminal of the first participant in the group belonging to that participant.

6. The information processing apparatus according to claim 4, wherein, The processor performs the following processing: For groups consisting of multiple participants, before the meeting begins, the same URL, the same participant ID, and the same password are generated. Controls are implemented to display only the business card images stored by participants with different participant IDs on the terminals of second participants who do not belong to that participant's group.

7. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein, The processor performs the following processing: Controls are implemented to enable collaboration with a business card management service, obtain participants' business card images from the service, and display those images on other participants' terminals.

8. The information processing apparatus according to claim 7, wherein, The processor performs the following processing: If a participant's business card image is stored from another participant's terminal, the business card image is registered in the business card management service.

9. A storage medium storing an information processing program for causing the processor of a computer equipped with a processor to perform the following processes: Control is implemented to enable the display of multiple business card images (obtained by reading the business cards of the participants) on the terminals of other participants when multiple participants are holding a conference via communication lines. Controls are implemented to prevent the display of the business card image of the first participant in the participant's group from appearing on the participant's terminal. Controls are implemented so that only the business card images of second participants who do not belong to the participant's group are displayed on the participant's terminal.

10. A computer program product comprising an information processing program for causing the processor of a computer equipped with a processor to perform the following processes: Control is implemented to enable the display of multiple business card images (obtained by reading the business cards of the participants) on the terminals of other participants when multiple participants are holding a conference via communication lines. Controls are implemented to prevent the display of the business card image of the first participant in the participant's group from appearing on the participant's terminal. Controls are implemented so that only the business card images of second participants who do not belong to the participant's group are displayed on the participant's terminal.

Images