Conference system, participation method, and program

Abstract

To make a conference terminal participate in a conference.SOLUTION: In a conference system 300, an information processing system 1 performs communication with a terminal device 4 and a conference terminal 2 via a network. The terminal device comprises a second participation request transmission unit which transmits to the information processing system a participation request for making the conference terminal participate in a conference, in response to an operation by a participant. The information processing system transmits to the conference terminal the participation request to the conference terminal received from the terminal device.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 9

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a conference system, a participation method, and a program. [Background technology]

[0002] Online conferences are known in which multiple terminal devices are connected to an information processing system via a network, and users of the terminal devices log in to participate in the same conference. Conference terminals such as electronic whiteboards can also participate in online conferences, and when a user enters a password into a conference terminal to log in, handwritten data and screen data displayed on the conference terminal can be shared with each terminal device participating in the conference.

[0003] There is known a technology that allows a user to log in to a conference from an electronic whiteboard (see, for example, Patent Document 1). Patent Document 1 discloses a technology that allows a user to participate in a conference by holding an IC card over an electronic whiteboard. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] However, conventional technology requires users to prepare an IC card and hold the IC card over the conference terminal in order to allow the conference terminal to participate in the conference. Because the user must at least move close to the conference terminal, take out the IC card, and hold it over the conference terminal, it is time-consuming to allow the conference terminal to participate in the conference.

[0005] In view of the above-mentioned problems, the present invention provides a technique for allowing a conference terminal to participate in a conference. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] In view of the above problems, the present invention provides a conference system in which an information processing system communicates with a terminal device used by a participant in a conference and a conference terminal participating in the conference via a network, wherein the terminal device has a second participation request sending unit that sends a participation request to the information processing system to have the conference terminal participate in the conference in response to an operation by the participant, and the information processing system has a first participation request sending unit that sends the participation request for the conference terminal received from the terminal device to the conference terminal. [Effects of the Invention]

[0007] The present invention allows conference terminals to participate in a conference. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0008] [Figure 1] 10A and 10B are diagrams illustrating an example of a conference list screen and a conference details screen displayed on a terminal device and an electronic whiteboard. [Figure 2] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of a password input screen. [Figure 3] FIG. 10 is a sequence diagram illustrating an example of a flow of a login method using a password. [Figure 4] FIG. 1 illustrates an example of the configuration of a conference system. [Figure 5] FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of a hardware configuration of an electronic whiteboard. [Figure 6] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of a hardware configuration of a conference server and a terminal device. [Figure 7] 1 is an example of a functional block diagram illustrating functions of a conference server, a terminal device, and an electronic whiteboard in a conference system, divided into blocks. [Figure 8] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of conference information and participation status. [Figure 9] 10 is a sequence diagram illustrating an example of a process flow in which a user of a terminal device and an electronic whiteboard participate in and leave a conference. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating transitions of conference participation availability states. [Figure 11]FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating a participation code displayed on the electronic whiteboard. [Figure 12] 10 is an example of a sequence diagram illustrating a process in which a user operates a terminal device and the terminal device transmits a participation request to a conference server. [Figure 13] 10 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a screen control process of a terminal device performed by a conference server according to a guest user and a conference participation status. [Figure 14] 14 is a diagram showing an example of a conference details screen displayed in step S104 of FIG. 13. [Figure 15] 14 is a diagram illustrating an example of a conference details screen that is displayed because the conference participation status is offline or currently participating in a conference in step S105 of FIG. 13. [Figure 16] 14 is a diagram illustrating an example of a conference details screen displayed by a terminal device operated by a guest user in step S105 of FIG. 13. [Figure 17] 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of a participant list screen displayed by a user on a terminal device. [Figure 18] 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of a participant list screen after a user presses a participation button. [Figure 19] 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of a participant list screen displayed on a terminal device by a guest user. [Figure 20] 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of a participant list screen displayed by a user on a terminal device. [Figure 21] 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of a participation code input screen displayed on a terminal device. [Figure 22] 13 is a diagram showing an example of a participation request failure screen displayed by the terminal device in step S36 of FIG. 12. [Figure 23] 10 is a sequence diagram illustrating an example of a process in which a user operates a terminal device to cancel a request to participate in an interactive whiteboard. [Figure 24] 13 is a diagram showing an example of a conference participation screen displayed by an electronic whiteboard that has received a participation request in step S37 of FIG. 12, etc.; [Figure 25] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of an exit request screen (part 1) displayed on the terminal device. [Figure 26] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of an exit request screen (part 2) displayed on a terminal device operated by a guest user. [Figure 27] 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of a participant list screen (when a user leaves) displayed on a terminal device by one of the users. [Figure 28] 13 is an example of a diagram showing the participant list screen (when exiting) after the user presses the exit button. FIG. [Figure 29] 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of a participant list screen (when a guest user leaves) displayed on a terminal device. FIG. [Figure 30] 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of a conference exit screen displayed by the electronic whiteboard upon receiving the exit request in step S24 of FIG. 9. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0009] A conference system and a participation method performed in the conference system will be described below as an example of an embodiment of the present invention.

[0010] <Additional information on participating in meetings> Prior to holding a conference, participants set conference information in the conference server, such as the conference name, conference time, participants, participating devices (such as an electronic whiteboard), and password.

[0011] Fig. 1(a) is an example of a conference list screen 290 displayed by a terminal device or an electronic whiteboard. A conference create button 291 is displayed on the conference list screen 290. When a participant presses the conference create button 291, a conference details screen 292 as shown in Fig. 1(b) is displayed. Fig. 1(b) is an example of the conference details screen 292 displayed by a terminal device or an electronic whiteboard. Participants can set conference information from the conference details screen 292.

[0012] Furthermore, for example, when a participant presses the join button 293 on the meeting details screen 292 shown in Fig. 1(b) displayed by the electronic whiteboard, a password entry screen 294 like that shown in Fig. 2 is displayed. By entering the correct password, the participant can allow the electronic whiteboard to join the meeting.

[0013] Even if the electronic whiteboard is not registered as a participating device in the conference information, it can participate in the conference if the combination of the conference code and password entered by the user into the electronic whiteboard 2 is correct.

[0014] FIG. 3 is a sequence diagram illustrating the flow of a login method using a password.

[0015] S1: A terminal device or an electronic whiteboard requests a conference list from the conference server 1. It is assumed that the user of the terminal device has already logged in. The conference server 1 searches for conference information in which the user of the terminal device is a participant or the electronic whiteboard is included in the participating devices, and returns the list to the terminal device or the electronic whiteboard.

[0016] S2: A participant selects a conference from the conference list screen 290.

[0017] S3: The terminal device or the electronic whiteboard requests the conference information of the selected conference from the conference server 1.

[0018] S4: When the electronic whiteboard requests the conference information, since the electronic whiteboard has not logged in to the conference server 1, the conference server 1 requests the password from the electronic whiteboard.

[0019] S5: The interactive whiteboard displays the password entry screen 294, and the participant enters the password.

[0020] S6: The electronic whiteboard sends the password and authentication request to the conference server 1. The conference code may also be sent to the conference server 1, but the conference code is known to the conference server. The conference server 1 sends the conference information to the electronic whiteboard 2 only if the password is correct.

[0021] S7: The electronic whiteboard can join the meeting by connecting to the URL of the meeting space included in the sent meeting information.

[0022] In this way, conventionally, the electronic whiteboard 2 requires the user to enter a password to log in to a meeting. While there is a method in which users can log in to a meeting using an IC card instead of entering a password, this increases costs because an IC card must be prepared. In addition, users must carry an IC card with them.

[0023] <Outline of the login method of this embodiment> In this embodiment, the electronic whiteboard automatically participates in the conference in response to a participation request from a terminal device, even if the participant does not enter a password into the electronic whiteboard. An outline of the method for participating in a conference in this embodiment will be described with reference to FIG.

[0024] 4 shows an example of the configuration of the conference system 300. Details of the system configuration will be described later. (1) When the system is started, the electronic whiteboard 2 notifies the conference server 1 of its conference participation status (described later). (2) The conference application running on the terminal device 4 transmits a participation request to the conference participant device (electronic whiteboard) via the conference server 1 in response to an operation by a participant. (3) When the electronic whiteboard 2 receives a participation request from a participant of the conference, the participant skips the password entry and participates in the conference.

[0025] In this way, the electronic whiteboard of this embodiment allows participants to log in (participate) in a conference in response to a participation request from a conference participant (conference app on a terminal device), thereby eliminating the need for participants to enter a password into the electronic whiteboard.

[0026] <Terminology> A meeting is a procedure in which parties give their opinions and discuss an agenda. A meeting can be held in person or online. A meeting can also be called a meeting, a conference, a consultation, a talk, a business meeting, an interview, an interview, etc.

[0027] A conference terminal is an electronic device that is mainly used in a conference. In this embodiment, an electronic whiteboard will be described as an example of a conference terminal. The conference terminal may be a projector or a conference microphone speaker. An electronic whiteboard is a device that displays handwritten characters and figures on a display or the like in real time using a touch panel. The electronic whiteboard may have a function for connecting to a network, a function for writing out characters, and the like.

[0028] Presence is information indicating the existence of the electronic whiteboard 2. In this embodiment, presence is a conference participation status indicating whether or not a person is available to participate in a conference. The conference participation status can be offline, online, or participating in a conference.

[0029] A user is someone who uses a terminal device or an electronic whiteboard. A user includes participants who take part in a meeting. A participant is a user who takes part in or has taken part in a meeting.

[0030] Participating in a conference means joining the group of participants in the conference. In an online conference, it means that a terminal device is connected to the conference space and is able to share audio and images. Leaving is the opposite of participating, and means ceasing to be a participant in the conference. In an online conference, it means that a terminal device is disconnected from the conference space and is unable to share audio and images.

[0031] A participation request is a request from a conference participant to allow a participating device registered in the conference information to participate in the conference, whereas a withdrawal request is a request to allow a participating device participating in the conference to withdraw from the conference.

[0032] <System configuration> The system configuration of the conference system 300 will be described with reference to Figure 4. In the conference system 300, Wi-Fi routers 3 and 10 in a conference room 17 and a home 18, and an electronic whiteboard 2 are communicatively connected via a conference server 1 and a network N. Terminal devices 4, 11, and 14 can be communicatively connected to the Wi-Fi routers 3 and 10. The network N is, for example, the Internet, but may also be an on-premise network such as an in-house network.

[0033] The conference server 1 is an information processing system having one or more information processing devices. The conference server 1 manages conference information, etc., and manages the start and end of the conference, participant login, etc. The services provided by the conference app executed on the conference server 1 are called conference services.

[0034] An electronic whiteboard 2 and a Wi-Fi router 3 are installed in a conference room 17, and user A enters the conference room 17 carrying a terminal device 4. The electronic whiteboard 2 and the Wi-Fi router 3 are connected to a network N. The terminal device 4 communicates with the Wi-Fi router 3 via wireless LAN. The terminal device 4 and the electronic whiteboard 2 are also connected via Bluetooth (registered trademark, omitted below) or wireless LAN.

[0035] User C brings a terminal device 14 and enters the conference room 17. The terminal device 14 communicates with the Wi-Fi router 3 via wireless LAN. The terminal device 14 and the interactive whiteboard 2 are also connected via Bluetooth or wireless LAN.

[0036] The electronic whiteboard 2 and the terminal devices 4 and 14 in the conference room 17 each run a conference app. The conference app may be a native app or a web app.

[0037] Meanwhile, user B participates in the conference from home 18. A Wi-Fi router 10 is installed in home 18. User B uses terminal device 11. The Wi-Fi router 10 in user B's home 18 is connected to network N so as to be able to communicate with the network N.

[0038] The terminal device 11 of user B communicates with the Wi-Fi router 10 via wireless LAN. The terminal device of user B runs a conference application.

[0039] The terminal devices 4, 11, and 14 are examples of devices operated by conference participants. The terminal devices 4, 11, and 14 may be information processing devices that have communication functions and run a conference app, such as PCs (Personal Computers), tablet devices, smartphones, and PDAs (Personal Digital Assistants).

[0040] In the configuration shown in Figure 4, handwritten data written on the electronic whiteboard 2 and any of the terminal devices 4, 11, and 14 is sent to the conference server 1, and the conference server 1 distributes the handwritten data to the participating electronic whiteboards 2 and terminal devices 4, 11, and 14 (not including the sender), thereby sharing the handwritten data. For screen data such as video, the electronic whiteboard 2 and any of the terminal devices 4, 11, and 14 distribute the screen data to the conference server 1, which then distributes the screen data to the participating electronic whiteboard 2 and terminal devices 4, 11, and 14 (not including the sender), thereby sharing the screen. Because the screen data is video, the most recent screen is always shared with other terminals.

[0041] Also, there is a case where guest user G participates in the conference. Guest user G participates in the conference from guest user G's workplace 19. A Wi-Fi router 12 is installed at guest user G's workplace 19. Guest user G uses terminal device 15. The Wi-Fi router 12 at guest user G's workplace is connected to network N so as to be able to communicate with it. Guest user G's terminal device 15 communicates with the Wi-Fi router 12 via wireless LAN. Guest user G's terminal device 15 is running a conference app.

[0042] <Hardware configuration example> <<Electronic Whiteboard>> Fig. 5 is a hardware configuration diagram of the electronic whiteboard 2. As shown in Fig. 5, the electronic whiteboard 2 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 401, a ROM (Read Only Memory) 402, a RAM (Random Access Memory) 403, an SSD (Solid State Drive) 404, a network I / F 405, and an external device connection I / F (Interface) 406.

[0043] Of these, the CPU 401 controls the overall operation of the electronic whiteboard 2. The ROM 402 stores programs used to start up the OS, such as an IPL (Initial Program Loader). The RAM 403 is used as a work area for the CPU 401. The SSD 404 stores various data, such as programs for the electronic whiteboard 2. The network I / F 405 controls communication with a communication network. The external device connection I / F 406 is an interface for connecting various external devices. In this case, the external devices are, for example, a USB (Universal Serial Bus) memory 430 and external devices (a microphone 440, a speaker 450, and a camera 460).

[0044] The electronic whiteboard 2 also includes a capture device 411, a GPU 412, a display controller 413, a contact sensor 414, a sensor controller 415, an electronic pen controller 416, a short-range communication circuit 419, an antenna 419a of the short-range communication circuit 419, a power switch 422, and selection switches 423.

[0045] Of these, the capture device 411 displays display information on the display of the external PC 470 as still images or moving images. The GPU (Graphics Processing Unit) 412 is a semiconductor chip that specializes in graphics. The display controller 413 controls and manages screen display to output images output from the GPU 412 to the display 480, etc. The contact sensor 414 detects contact of the electronic pen 490, the user's hand H, etc. on the display 480. The sensor controller 415 controls the processing of the contact sensor 414. The contact sensor 414 inputs and detects coordinates using an infrared blocking method. This coordinate input and coordinate detection method involves two light receiving and emitting devices installed at both ends of the upper side of the display 480 emitting multiple infrared rays parallel to the display 480, which are reflected by reflecting members installed around the display 480 and return along the same optical path as the light emitted by the light receiving element. The light receiving and emitting device serving as the contact sensor 414 outputs the position (position on the light receiving element) where the infrared light is blocked by an object to the sensor controller 415, and the sensor controller 415 identifies the coordinate position, which is the contact position of the object, from these two pieces of position information. The electronic pen controller 416 determines whether the pen tip or the pen tail has touched the display 480 by communicating with the electronic pen 490 via Bluetooth. The short-range communication circuit 419 is a communication circuit such as NFC (Near Field Communication) or Bluetooth (registered trademark). The power switch 422 is a switch for switching the power of the electronic whiteboard 2 on and off. The selection switches 423 are a group of switches for adjusting, for example, the brightness and color of the display 480.

[0046] Furthermore, the electronic whiteboard 2 includes a bus line 410. The bus line 410 is an address bus, a data bus, or the like for electrically connecting the components such as the CPU 401 shown in FIG.

[0047] The contact sensor 414 is not limited to an infrared blocking type, and may be a capacitive touch panel that identifies the contact position by detecting changes in capacitance. The contact sensor 414 may be a resistive film type touch panel that identifies the contact position by voltage changes across two opposing resistive films. The contact sensor 414 may be an electromagnetic induction type touch panel that identifies the contact position by detecting electromagnetic induction caused by an object touching the display unit. In addition, the contact sensor 414 may use various detection means. Furthermore, the electronic pen controller 416 may determine whether or not the part of the electronic pen 490 that the user grips or other parts of the electronic pen are touched, in addition to the pen tip and pen butt.

[0048] <<Conference Server and Terminal Devices>> Fig. 6 is a diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of the conference server 1 and the terminal devices 4, 11, and 14. As shown in Fig. 6, the conference server 1 and the terminal devices 4, 11, and 14 are constructed by a computer 500, and include a CPU 501, a ROM 502, a RAM 503, a HD (Hard Disk) 504, an HDD (Hard Disk Drive) controller 505, a display 506, an external device connection I / F (Interface) 508, a network I / F 509, a bus line 510, a keyboard 511, a pointing device 512, an optical drive 514, and a media I / F 516.

[0049] Of these, the CPU 501 controls the overall operation of the conference server 1 and the terminal devices 4, 11, and 14. The ROM 502 stores programs, such as an IPL, used to drive the CPU 501. The RAM 503 is used as a work area for the CPU 501. The HD 504 stores various data, such as programs. The HDD controller 505 controls the reading and writing of various data from and to the HD 504 under the control of the CPU 501. The display 506 displays various information, such as a cursor, menus, windows, characters, or images. The external device connection I / F 508 is an interface for connecting various external devices. In this case, external devices include, for example, a USB (Universal Serial Bus) memory or a printer. The network I / F 509 is an interface for data communication using a network. The bus line 510 is an address bus, a data bus, or the like, for electrically connecting the components, such as the CPU 501, shown in FIG. 6.

[0050] The keyboard 511 is a type of input means having multiple keys used to input characters, numbers, various instructions, etc. The pointing device 512 is a type of input means for selecting and executing various instructions, selecting a processing target, moving a cursor, etc. The optical drive 514 controls reading and writing of various data from an optical storage medium 513, which is an example of a removable storage medium. The optical storage medium 513 may be a CD, a DVD, Blu-ray (registered trademark), etc. The media I / F 516 controls reading and writing (storing) of data from a storage medium 515, such as a flash memory.

[0051] <About the function> Next, the functional configuration of each function of the conference system 300 will be described with reference to Fig. 7. Fig. 7 is an example of a functional block diagram that explains the functions of the conference server 1, the terminal devices 4, 11, and 14, and the electronic whiteboard 2 in the conference system 300 by dividing them into blocks.

[0052] <<Conference Server>> The conference server 1 includes a conference control unit 20, a content distribution unit 21, a synchronization control unit 22, a communication control unit 23, a conference information storage unit 24, a conference participation status receiving unit 25, a first join request sending unit 26, a first leave request sending unit 27, a participation registration unit 28, a screen control unit 29, a user authentication unit 30, and a user information storage unit 31. Each of these units included in the conference server 1 is a function or a means for performing the function, which is realized when any of the components shown in FIG. 6 operates in response to an instruction from the CPU 501 in accordance with a program loaded from the HD 504 to the RAM 503.

[0053] The conference control unit 20 manages conference participants and devices connected to the conference (terminal devices 4, 11, 14, and the electronic whiteboard 2) in association with conference identification information (conference ID). The conference control unit 20 executes a remote conference with each device for each conference ID.

[0054] The content distribution unit 21 distributes audio data and image data to and from each device participating in the conference. The image data may be, for example, images of participants taken by terminal devices or document data.

[0055] The synchronization control unit 22 is a means for synchronizing handwritten data and screen data between the electronic whiteboard 2 and the terminal devices 4, 11, and 14. Specifically, the synchronization control unit 22 acquires handwritten data handwritten on the electronic whiteboard 2 and any of the terminal devices 4, 11, and 14, and distributes the handwritten data to participating electronic whiteboards 2 and terminal devices 4, 11, and 14 (not including the sender). Similarly, the synchronization control unit 22 acquires screen data from the electronic whiteboard 2 and any of the terminal devices 4, 11, and 14, and distributes the screen data to participating electronic whiteboards 2 and terminal devices 4, 11, and 14 (not including the sender).

[0056] The communication control unit 23 transmits and receives data to and from the terminal devices 4, 11, 14 and the electronic whiteboard 2 using, for example, WebSocket (a two-way communication channel established on a TCP connection).

[0057] The conference information storage unit 24 stores conference information and participation status as shown in Fig. 8. The conference information storage unit 24 may also store electronic whiteboard display data, terminal device display data, and audio data received from devices connected to the conference.

[0058] The conference participation status receiving unit 25 receives, via the communication control unit 23, the conference participation status and a participation code, which will be described later, that are repeatedly transmitted by the electronic whiteboard 2.

[0059] The first participation request sending unit 26 is a means for sending a participation request for the electronic whiteboard 2 received from the terminal device 4, 11, or 14 to the electronic whiteboard 2 based on the conference participation status received by the conference participation status receiving unit 25. Specifically, the first participation request sending unit 26 sends the participation request sent from the terminal device 4, 11, or 14 to the electronic whiteboard 2 based on the conference participation status and the participation code received by the conference participation status receiving unit 25. The first participation request sending unit 26 determines whether the participation code sent from the terminal device 4, 11, or 14 matches the participation code received by the conference participation status receiving unit 25.

[0060] The first exit request sending unit 27 is a means for sending an exit request received from the terminal device 4, 11, or 14 to the electronic whiteboard 2. Specifically, the first exit request sending unit 27 transfers the exit request sent from the terminal device 4, 11, or 14 to the electronic whiteboard 2.

[0061] The participation registration unit 28 is a means for registering that the electronic whiteboard 2 has participated in a conference when the conference participation status receiving unit 25 receives a conference participation status indicating that the electronic whiteboard 2 is currently participating in the conference from the electronic whiteboard 2. Specifically, when the participation registration unit 28 receives a conference participation status indicating that the electronic whiteboard 2 is currently participating in the conference from the electronic whiteboard 2 that is the destination of a participation request, the participation registration unit 28 registers in the participation status that the electronic whiteboard 2 has participated in the conference. Furthermore, when the participation registration unit 28 receives a conference participation status indicating that the electronic whiteboard 2 is currently online from the electronic whiteboard 2 that is the destination of a withdrawal request, the participation registration unit 28 deletes from the participation status the fact that the electronic whiteboard 2 has participated in the conference.

[0062] The screen control unit 29 controls the screen displayed by the terminal device 4, 11, 14. When the terminal device 4, 11, 14 executes a web application or displays a web page, the screen control unit 29 displays buttons in a manner that the user cannot press. In the case of a native application, the screen control unit 29 also instructs the terminal device 4, 11, 14 on the button mode.

[0063] The user authentication unit 30 is a means for authenticating participants in a conference. Specifically, the user authentication unit 30 authenticates participants in a conference by comparing the user name and password received via the communication control unit 23 with the user name and password stored in the user information storage unit 31. The user information storage unit 31 stores the user name and password of the user participating in the conference.

[0064] <<Meeting information, participation status>> 8(a) shows a conference information table stored in the conference information storage unit 24. Such conference information is set in advance by, for example, the organizer. The conference name is the name of the conference that the organizer has set. The organizer is the person who registers the conference information. In this embodiment, the organizer is also treated as one of the participants. The start date and time is the date and time when the meeting is scheduled to start. The end date and time is the date and time when the meeting is scheduled to end. Participants are users other than the organizer who participate in the conference. Conference information is sent to participants via email, etc. Participating devices are devices such as electronic whiteboards, projectors, and VR heads that are planned to be used in the conference. Participating devices are registered in advance on the conference server 1, and can be set as participating devices simply by the organizer selecting them. Participating devices are assigned identification information and linked to attributes such as which conference room they are in. The conference code is identification information that uniquely identifies a conference. The conference code is assigned by the conference server 1. A password is information required to participate in a conference, and is usually kept secret from anyone other than the conference participants. By entering the correct password, the user who entered it is authorized to participate. The act of being authorized to participate in a conference is also called logging in to the conference.

[0065] 8(b) shows a participation status table stored in the conference information storage unit 24. The participation status table shows the participants and participating devices currently participating in the conference. The meeting name is the same as the meeting name in the meeting information. In the participating items, the participating participants and the electronic whiteboard 2 are registered. The conference code is the same as the conference code in the conference information.

[0066] <<Terminal Device>> Returning to Fig. 7, the terminal devices 4, 11, and 14 each include a conference connection unit 40, a second join request transmission unit 41, a wireless LAN communication control unit 42, an operation reception unit 43, a Bluetooth communication control unit 44, a display control unit 45, a data storage unit 46, and a second leave request transmission unit 47. Each of these units included in the terminal devices 4, 11, and 14 is a function or a means for performing the function, which is realized when any of the components shown in Fig. 6 operates in response to an instruction from the CPU 501 in accordance with a program (conference application) loaded from the HD 504 to the RAM 503.

[0067] The conference connection unit 40 connects to the conference service of the conference server 1 and transmits a user name and password, which are authentication data. The conference connection unit 40 also manages the URL of the conference space and the conference code received from the conference service, and connects to the URL of the conference space to perform processing to participate in the conference.

[0068] The second participation request sending unit 41 is a means for sending a participation request to the conference server 1 in response to an operation by a participant, the participation request causing the electronic whiteboard 2 to participate in the conference. Specifically, the second participation request sending unit 41 sends the participation request to the conference server 1 in response to an operation by the participant via the wireless LAN communication control unit 42.

[0069] The wireless LAN communication control unit 42 executes communication with the conference server 1 via the Wi-Fi routers 3 and 10. The Bluetooth communication control unit 44 executes communication with the interactive whiteboard 2 in accordance with the Bluetooth standard.

[0070] The operation reception unit 43 is a means for receiving a participation request sent to a screen listing participants participating in a conference. Specifically, the operation reception unit 43 receives various operations on the terminal devices 4, 11, and 14. The display control unit 45 controls the display of handwritten data and screen data on a display (LCD).

[0071] The data storage unit 46 stores the address (URL) of the conference service provided by the conference server 1, the URL of the conference space received from the conference service, the conference code, the user name and password of the user who uses the terminal device 4, 11, 14, etc.

[0072] The second exit request sending unit 47 sends an exit request to the conference server 1 in response to a user operation.

[0073] <<Electronic Whiteboard>> The electronic whiteboard 2 has a contact position detection unit 70, a display control unit 71, a LAN communication control unit 72, a Bluetooth communication control unit 73, an operation reception unit 74, a drawing data generation unit 75, a conference connection unit 76, a data storage unit 77, a conference participation status transmission unit 78, a conference participation status management unit 79, and a participation code generation unit 80. Each of these units of the electronic whiteboard 2 is a function or a means for performing the function that is realized when any of the components shown in Fig. 5 operates in response to an instruction from the CPU 401 in accordance with the program (conference application) loaded from the SSD 404 to the RAM 403.

[0074] The contact position detection unit 70 detects coordinate data (of the portion where light is blocked) detected by the contact sensor 414 when a finger, electronic pen 490, or the like comes into contact with the display 480. The drawing data generation unit 75 generates drawing data from the coordinate sequence input from the contact position detection unit 70 when the user writes by hand, and generates shapes such as circles and rectangles.

[0075] The display control unit 71 is a means for displaying electronic whiteboard display data such as handwritten data on the display 480. Specifically, the display control unit 71 performs control for displaying the handwritten data and screen data of the electronic whiteboard 2 on the display 480.

[0076] The LAN communication control unit 72 connects to a network such as a Wi-Fi router 3 or Ethernet (registered trademark) and communicates with the conference server 1.

[0077] The Bluetooth communication control unit 73 executes communication conforming to the Bluetooth standard with the terminal devices 4, 11, and 14. The operation reception unit 74 receives various operations on the interactive whiteboard 2.

[0078] The conference connection unit 76 performs control for connecting to the conference service executed by the conference server 1 using the conference information and the URL of the conference space transmitted from the conference server 1 .

[0079] The data storage unit 77 stores the address (URL) of the conference service provided by the conference server 1, the conference code, the conference participation status, handwritten data and screen data displayed on the display 480, and the like.

[0080] The conference participation status sending unit 78 is a means for sending a conference participation status indicating the status of the electronic whiteboard 2 to the conference server 1. Specifically, the conference participation status sending unit 78 periodically sends a conference participation status to the conference server 1 to notify the user of his or her presence. In addition, the conference participation status sending unit 78 sends the conference participation status to the conference server 1 in response to a join request or a leave request sent from the conference server 1.

[0081] The conference participation status management unit 79 manages the presence (conference participation status) of the electronic whiteboard 2. The presence in this embodiment is a conference participation status that indicates whether the electronic whiteboard 2 is in a status where it is possible to participate in a conference.

[0082] The participation code generating unit 80 periodically generates a participation code for authenticating the interactive whiteboard 2. The display control unit 45 displays the current participation code.

[0083] <Overall flow of participants and the electronic whiteboard joining the meeting> Next, the overall flow of the electronic whiteboard 2 participating in and leaving a conference without using a password will be described with reference to Fig. 9. Fig. 9 is a sequence diagram illustrating the processing flow of the users of the terminal devices 4, 11, and 14 and the electronic whiteboard 2 participating in and leaving a conference.

[0084] S11: As an example, user A inputs conference information (conference name, conference time, participants, participating devices, password, etc.) into the terminal device 4.

[0085] S12: The operation reception unit 43 of the terminal device 4 receives input of the conference information, and the wireless LAN communication control unit 42 transmits the conference information to the conference server 1.

[0086] S13: The communication control unit 23 of the conference server 1 receives the conference information. The conference control unit 20 stores the conference information in the conference information storage unit 24.

[0087] S14: User D, who is participating in the conference, turns on the power of the electronic whiteboard 2 to start it up.

[0088] S15: When the system starts up, the conference participation status sending unit 78 of the electronic whiteboard 2 notifies the conference server 1 of the conference participation status (change from offline to online) via the LAN communication control unit 72. The conference participation status will be described with reference to FIG. 10. The conference participation status sending unit 78 may repeatedly send the conference participation status to the conference server 1.

[0089] S16: User A, who is participating in the conference, specifies the electronic whiteboard 2 entered in the conference information and inputs an operation to the terminal device 4 to send a participation request to the conference server 1 in order to include the electronic whiteboard 2 in the conference. An example of a screen displayed by the terminal device 4 is shown in FIG.

[0090] S17: The operation accepting unit 43 of the terminal device 4 accepts the input, and the second participation request sending unit 41 sends the identification information of the interactive whiteboard 2 and the participation request to the conference server 1 via the wireless LAN communication control unit .

[0091] S18: The communication control unit 23 of the conference server 1 receives the participation request, and the first participation request sending unit 26 sends the participation request to the electronic whiteboard 2 identified by the identification information via the communication control unit 23. As will be described later, the first participation request sending unit 26 determines whether to send the participation request based on the conference participation status, and also determines whether to send the participation request by authenticating the participation code. The first participation request sending unit 26 sends the participation request in response to the conference participation status from the electronic whiteboard 2, and therefore can traverse firewalls.

[0092] S19: When the wireless LAN communication control unit 42 of the interactive whiteboard 2 receives a participation request from a conference participant, the display control unit 71 skips password entry. The conference participation status management unit 79 transitions the conference participation status to participating in the conference.

[0093] S20: The conference participation status sending unit 78 of the electronic whiteboard 2 sends the conference participation status and a temporary participation code to the conference server 1 as a response to the participation request via the wireless LAN communication control unit 42. The display control unit 71 of the electronic whiteboard 2 displays the participation code as a number on the display.

[0094] S20-2: When the conference server 1 receives a conference participation status indicating that the user is currently participating in the conference as a response to the participation request, the participation registration unit 28 registers the electronic whiteboard 2 as a participation status. This allows the synchronization control unit 22 to synchronize the handwritten data and the screen data between the electronic whiteboard 2 and the terminal devices 4, 11, and 14.

[0095] S21: When the conference ends, user A specifies the electronic whiteboard 2 entered in the conference information and inputs an operation to send an exit request to the conference server 1 to the terminal device 4 in order to cause the electronic whiteboard 2 to exit the conference. An example of a screen displayed by the terminal device 4 is shown in FIG. 25.

[0096] S22: The operation accepting unit 43 of the terminal device 4 accepts the input, and the second exit request sending unit 47 sends the identification information of the interactive whiteboard 2 and the exit request to the conference server 1 via the wireless LAN communication control unit 42.

[0097] S23: The communication control unit 23 of the conference server 1 receives the exit request, and the first exit request sending unit 27 sends the exit request to the electronic whiteboard 2 identified by the identification information via the communication control unit 23. The first exit request sending unit 27 sends the exit request using a session during the conference, so that it can go beyond a firewall. Note that even if an exit request is not received from the terminal device 4, the first exit request sending unit 27 may send the exit request to the electronic whiteboard 2 when a certain amount of time has passed since the end of the conference.

[0098] S24: When the wireless LAN communication control unit 42 of the electronic whiteboard 2 receives a request to leave the conference from a participant, the conference participation status management unit 79 changes the conference participation status from the conference to a status indicating that the participant has left (i.e., online). If the user presses the cancel button within a certain period of time, the conference participation status remains in the "participating in conference" state, and the electronic whiteboard 2 does not leave.

[0099] S25: The conference participation status sending unit 78 of the electronic whiteboard 2 sends the conference participation status to the conference server 1 via the LAN communication control unit 72.

[0100] S25-2: In the conference server 1, when the online conference participation status is received, the participation registration unit 28 deletes the electronic whiteboard 2 from the participation status.

[0101] In this way, by using a participation request from a meeting participant, the electronic whiteboard 2 can participate in the meeting without a password being entered into the electronic whiteboard 2. Because the meeting participant has already participated in the meeting (has already logged in), and the electronic whiteboard 2 has also been registered in the meeting, the electronic whiteboard 2 to which the participation request is sent can be considered to have authenticated the participant's eligibility to participate in the meeting without a password.

[0102] In addition, the conference server 1 transmits the exit request received from the terminal device 4 to the electronic whiteboard 2, and the participation registration unit 28 can delete the information indicating that the electronic whiteboard 2 has participated in the conference from the participation status when the conference participation status receiving unit 25 receives an online conference participation status from the electronic whiteboard 2.

[0103] <Meeting participation status> 10 is a diagram for explaining the transition of the conference participation status. The electronic whiteboard 2 notifies the conference server 1 of the conference participation status as shown in FIG. "Presence status (availability to participate in a meeting) such as offline / online / participating in a meeting" That is, the conference participation status has three states: offline 101, online 102, and participating in conference 103. Immediately after starting the system, it is offline 101. The transition from offline 101 to online 102 occurs when the conference app is launched on the electronic whiteboard 2 and connected to the conference server 1. The state changes from online 102 to participating in a conference 103 when the electronic whiteboard 2 receives a participation request from the conference server 1. The state transitions from "Participating in a conference 103" to "Online 102" when the electronic whiteboard 2 receives an exit request from the conference server 1. The transition from online 102 to offline 101 occurs when the power of the electronic whiteboard 2 is turned off, the meeting app is closed, or the network is down. The transition from "Participating in a meeting 103" to "Offline 101" occurs when the power of the electronic whiteboard 2 is turned off, the meeting app is closed, or the network is down.

[0104] The conference participation status of the electronic whiteboard 2 is managed by a conference participation status management unit 79 of the electronic whiteboard 2. When there is a change in the conference participation status, the conference participation status management unit 79 notifies the conference server 1. To enable the conference server 1 to detect offline states due to network outages, the conference participation status receiving unit 25 periodically notifies the server of a live status confirmation of whether the participant is online or currently participating in a conference.

[0105] <Participation code> 11 is a diagram illustrating a participation code 111 displayed by the interactive whiteboard 2. The participation code generation unit 80 generates a participation code 111 that is valid only for a certain period of time, and the display control unit 71 displays it on the display 480 of the interactive whiteboard 2. The participation code 111 is notified to the conference server 1. Users A and C who send participation requests look at the interactive whiteboard 2 and enter the participation code. If the participation code from the interactive whiteboard 2 matches the participation code 111 from the terminal device 4 or 14, the conference server 1 sends the participation request to the interactive whiteboard 2.

[0106] The participation code 111 is transmitted to the conference server 1 together with the transmission of the conference participation status. In addition, the participation code 111 is transmitted when the participation code 111 is switched. Furthermore, the participation code 111 may be transmitted repeatedly separately from the conference participation status.

[0107] As shown in Figure 11, a countdown bar 113 is displayed around the participation code 111, and the time 112 during which the participation code 111 is valid is displayed while counting down. The participation code generation unit 80 updates the participation code 111 when the countdown time is up. Therefore, the participation code changes at regular intervals. Because the participation code changes, it becomes easier to ensure security when participating in a conference without a password.

[0108] <Participation request from terminal device> Next, the flow of sending a join request from the terminal devices 4 and 14 will be described with reference to Fig. 12. Fig. 12 is a sequence diagram illustrating the process in which users A and C operate the terminal devices 4 and 14, and the terminal devices 4 and 14 send a join request to the conference server 1. For simplicity, the following describes the case in which user A operates the terminal device 4.

[0109] S31: User A inputs an operation to participate in the conference into the terminal device 4. In this embodiment, User A participates in the conference and also participates in the interactive whiteboard 2.

[0110] S32: The operation accepting unit 43 of the terminal device 4 accepts the operation. If a participating device is set in the conference information, the second participation request sending unit 41 sends a participation request specifying the identification information of the electronic whiteboard 2 together with user A's participation request to the conference server 1 via the wireless LAN communication control unit 42. That is, the participation of user A and the participation of the electronic whiteboard 2 are sent to the conference server 1 with a single operation.

[0111] S33: When the communication control unit 23 of the conference server 1 receives a participation request specifying the electronic whiteboard 2, the first participation request sending unit 26 refers to the conference participation status last received from the electronic whiteboard 2. If the conference participation status is online, the communication control unit 23 requests a participation code from the terminal device 4.

[0112] S34: The wireless LAN communication control unit 42 of the terminal device 4 receives the request for the participation code, and the display control unit 45 displays the participation code input screen 190. An example of the participation code input screen 190 is shown in Fig. 21. User A looks at the participation code being displayed on the interactive whiteboard 2 and inputs it into the participation code input screen 190.

[0113] S35: The operation acceptance unit 43 of the terminal device 4 accepts input of a participation code. The second participation request transmission unit 41 transmits the participation code (an example of first identification information) to the conference server 1 via the wireless LAN communication control unit 42. The communication control unit 23 of the conference server 1 receives the participation code, and the first participation request transmission unit 26 determines whether the transmitted participation code matches the participation code (an example of second identification information) attached to the last conference participation status. If they match and the conference participation status is online, the first participation request transmission unit 26 transmits a participation request to the electronic whiteboard 2 via the communication control unit 23.

[0114] S36: If the conference participation status is not online but offline or participating in a conference in step S33, or if the participation codes do not match, the communication control unit 23 transmits a failure of the participation request to the terminal device 4. Furthermore, the first participation request sending unit 26 does not send the participation request to the electronic whiteboard 2. In this way, the conference server 1 cannot issue a participation request to an electronic whiteboard 2 that is offline or participating in a conference.

[0115] As will be described later, if the conference participation status is offline or currently participating in a conference, the terminal device 4 cannot send a participation request. Therefore, the terminal device 4 is determined to be offline or currently participating in a conference in step S36 only if the conference participation status is other than online when the participation code is matched. In this way, even if the conference participation status changes to a status other than online, the conference server 1 can send a participation request failure to the terminal device 4.

[0116] Furthermore, if the available state for participation in a meeting is currently participating in a meeting, a mechanism may be provided in which the conference server 1 forcibly switches the available state for participation in a meeting to online. For example, if the electronic whiteboard 2 is being used for a meeting beyond the scheduled time of the previous meeting, when the start time of the next meeting arrives, the conference server 1 sends a join request along with a command to the electronic whiteboard 2 to switch the available state for participation in a meeting to online. The electronic whiteboard 2 can send the available state for participation in a meeting as online to the conference server 1, allowing the user to participate in the next meeting.

[0117] S37: If it is determined in step S35 that the participation codes match, and if the conference participation status is online, the first participation request sending unit 26 sends a participation request to the electronic whiteboard 2 via the communication control unit 23.

[0118] S38: The LAN communication control unit 72 of the interactive whiteboard 2 receives the participation request, and the display control unit 71 displays a screen for accepting cancellation of participation. This screen will be described in FIG. 24. This is because user D may not intend to participate in the conference because he or she has only started up the interactive whiteboard 2. If user D does not want to participate, user D inputs cancellation into the interactive whiteboard 2.

[0119] S39: If a certain period of time has passed without user D canceling, the conference participation status management unit 79 transitions the conference participation status to participating in a conference. If the participation process has already been completed (the conference participation status has already transitioned to participating in a conference) at the time the interactive whiteboard 2 accepts the participation cancellation, the cancellation is ignored. After this, the conference participation status of participating in a conference is sent to the conference server 1, as described in step S25 of FIG. 9.

[0120] <<For guest users>> A supplementary explanation will be given for the case where a participant is a guest user G. It is preferable that a user who is not an official participant of the conference, such as a guest user G, cannot issue a participation request. This is because there is a risk that a malicious person could view the handwritten data or screen data on the electronic whiteboard 2 as a guest user G.

[0121] FIG. 13 is a flowchart showing how the conference server 1 controls the screen of the terminal device depending on the guest user G and the conference participation status.

[0122] The conference server 1 receives the conference participation status from the electronic whiteboard 2 as described above (S101).

[0123] Next, the screen control unit 29 determines whether the user of the terminal device is a guest user G (S102). A guest user G is a user who is not registered in the user information storage unit 31. A guest user G is, for example, an employee of a business partner or an employee of a branch office. Because the guest user G logs in to the conference server 1 using a guest ID and password, the user authentication unit 30 has already determined whether the user is a guest user G.

[0124] If the participant is not guest user G, the screen control unit 29 determines whether the participation status is offline or currently participating in a conference (S103).

[0125] If the participation status is offline or currently participating in a meeting (Yes in S103), the process proceeds to step S105.

[0126] If the participation status is not offline or not participating in a conference (No in S103), the screen control unit 29 notifies the terminal device 4 that it will perform control so that the join button can be pressed (S104). That is, the screen control unit 29 generates screen information based on the participation status and transmits it to the terminal device 4 via the communication control unit 23. The display control unit 45 of the terminal device 4 displays a conference details screen, etc., based on the screen information.

[0127] If the guest user is a logged-in guest user G (Yes in S102), or if the participation status is offline or currently participating in a conference (Yes in S103), the screen control unit 29 notifies the terminal device that control will be performed to prevent the join button from being pressed (S105). That is, the screen control unit 29 generates screen information based on the guest user G and transmits it to the terminal device 15 via the communication control unit 23. The display control unit 45 of the terminal device 15 displays a conference details screen, etc., based on the screen information.

[0128] Therefore, it is possible to prevent users who are not official participants in the conference, such as guest user G, from making a participation request.

[0129] In the flowchart of FIG. 13, the process of controlling whether or not the button can be pressed depending on whether the user is a guest user is also the same for the screen on which the user sends an exit request.

[0130] <Joining a meeting from the meeting details screen> The conference details screen 120 displayed by the terminal device will be described with reference to Fig. 14 and Fig. 15. Fig. 14 shows the conference details screen 120 displayed in step S104 of Fig. 13. The conference details screen 120 is a screen that displays conference information. On the conference details screen 120, check boxes 122 displayed together with participating devices 121 are displayed so that the user can enter information.

[0131] When user A checks the checkbox 122 and presses the join button 123, the second join request sending unit 41 sends a join request from the electronic whiteboard 2 to the conference server 1, along with a notice that user A will join the conference. Immediately after user A presses the join button 123, the terminal device 4 displays a join code input screen 190 shown in FIG. 21, the details of which will be described later with reference to FIG.

[0132] FIG. 15 shows a conference details screen 130 that is displayed because the conference participation status is offline or participating in a conference in step S105 of FIG. 13. In this conference details screen 130, a check box 132 displayed together with a participating device 131 is displayed so that the user cannot make an input. "Input not possible" means that the user cannot display a check mark in the check box 132. Since a check mark cannot be displayed, the terminal device 4 cannot accept input. To indicate that input is not possible, the participating device 131 and the check box 132 are half-bright. In addition, conference participation statuses 133 and 134 are displayed. The conference participation statuses 133 and 134 indicate the reason for not being able to make an input (offline, in a conference). The user knows the reason why they cannot select the electronic whiteboard 2, allowing them to take appropriate action.

[0133] The screen control unit 29 of the conference server 1 transmits the conference participation status of the electronic whiteboard 2 to the terminal device 4, so the display control unit 45 can restrict the acceptance of participation requests when the conference participation status is participating in a conference or offline.

[0134] 16 shows a conference details screen 140 displayed by the terminal device 15 operated by guest user G in step S105 of FIG. 13. As in FIG. 15, the participating devices 141 and check boxes 142 are half-bright, but the conference participation statuses 143 and 144 are online. Therefore, it is possible to infer that the participant is guest user G and therefore cannot enter anything in the check boxes 142, and further, the reason (guest user G) for not being able to enter anything can also be inferred. Alternatively, the conference details screen 140 displayed by the terminal device 15 may display the reason that the participant is a guest user and therefore cannot enter anything in the check boxes 142.

[0135] The screen control unit 29 of the conference server 1 transmits to the terminal device 15, based on the authentication result by the user authentication unit 30, information that the participant is guest user G. When the display control unit 45 of the terminal device 15 receives information that the participant is guest user G, it can restrict the acceptance of transmission of participation requests.

[0136] <Interactive board 2 participation request when a participant is already participating> 14 to 16 have explained examples of screens in which user A or guest user G displays the conference details screen and allows the user to participate together with the electronic whiteboard 2. FIGS. 17 to 20 will explain a request to participate in the electronic whiteboard 2 from the participant list screen, which is displayed when a participant has already participated in the conference.

[0137] 17 shows a participant list screen 150 displayed by any of users A to C on the terminal device 4, 11, or 14. For simplicity's sake, it is assumed that user A displays the participant list screen 150 on the terminal device 4. In addition, in FIG. 17, it is assumed that the interactive whiteboard 2 is online.

[0138] The participant list screen 150 displays a conference code 151 and a password 152 that are set in the conference information. Also displayed are user names 153 of users currently participating in the conference, and user names 154 that have not yet participated in the conference but are set in the conference information as participants. Similarly, participating devices 155 that have not yet participated in the conference but are set in the conference information as participating devices are displayed. Participation buttons 156 and 157 are displayed on the participating devices 155. Because user A is not guest user G and the electronic whiteboard 2 is online, the participation buttons 156 and 157 are displayed in a manner that allows them to be pressed (not half-bright).

[0139] When user A presses the join button 156 or 157, the operation accepting unit 43 accepts the transmission of the join request, and the second join request sending unit 41 sends the join request to the conference server 1.

[0140] 18 shows the participant list screen 160 after user A presses the participation button 156. Immediately after user A presses the participation button 156, the terminal device 4 displays a participation code input screen 190 shown in FIG.

[0141] 21 shows a participation code input screen 190 displayed by the terminal device 4. The participation code input screen 190 has a message 191 saying "Please enter the participation code of the participating device," a participation code input field 192, a cancel button 193, and an OK button 194. User A looks at the participation code displayed on the interactive whiteboard 2, enters it in the participation code input field 192, and presses the OK button 194. This causes the transmission code to be sent to the conference server 1, and the participant list screen 160 of FIG. 18 is displayed.

[0142] Returning to Figure 18, the explanation will be made. When the participation code is sent to the conference server 1, a cancel button 158 is displayed on the participant list screen 160. The cancel button 158 is displayed from the time the participation code is sent to the conference server 1 until the electronic whiteboard 2 sends a participation status of participating in the conference to the conference server 1 and the conference server 1 notifies the terminal device 4 that the participation request was successful, or until the terminal device 4 is notified that the participation request was unsuccessful. Therefore, user A can cancel the participation request that was sent by mistake.

[0143] 19 shows a participant list screen 170 displayed by guest user G on the terminal device 15. The content of the participant list screen 170 is the same as that shown in FIG. 17. However, on the participant list screen 170 displayed by guest user G, the join buttons 156 and 157 are displayed in a manner that makes them inoperable (for example, half-bright). In this way, even when guest user G is participating in a meeting, he or she cannot press the join button on the electronic whiteboard 2, thereby further strengthening security.

[0144] The screen control unit 29 of the conference server 1 transmits to the terminal device 15, based on the authentication result by the user authentication unit 30, information that the participant is guest user G. When the display control unit 45 of the terminal device 15 receives information that the participant is guest user G, it can restrict the acceptance of transmission of participation requests.

[0145] FIG. 20 shows a participant list screen 180 displayed by user A on the terminal device 4. In FIG. 20, it is assumed that the conference participation status of the electronic whiteboard 2 is offline or participating in a conference. The contents of the participant list screen 180 are the same as those in FIG. 17. However, because the conference participation status of the electronic whiteboard 2 is offline or participating in a conference, the join buttons 181, 182 are displayed in a manner that makes them unable to be pressed (for example, half-bright). Furthermore, the join buttons 181, 182 display the conference participation status (offline, participating in a conference). In this way, even when user A is participating in a conference, the reason why user A cannot press the join button on the electronic whiteboard 2 is known, and appropriate action can be taken.

[0146] The screen control unit 29 of the conference server 1 transmits the conference participation status of the electronic whiteboard 2 to the terminal device 4, so the display control unit 45 can restrict the acceptance of participation requests when the conference participation status is participating in a conference or offline.

[0147] <Join request failed> 22 shows a join request failure screen 200 displayed by the terminal device 4 in step S36 of FIG. 12. The join request failure screen 200 displays a message 201 saying, "Your request failed because interactive whiteboard A is already participating in the meeting." The content of the message 201 changes depending on the reason why the join request failed. For example, if interactive whiteboard 2 is offline, the message 201 becomes, "Your request failed because interactive whiteboard A is offline."

[0148] <User A cancels join request> After user A sends a participation request from the terminal device 4 to the electronic whiteboard 2, the user A can cancel the participation request. This allows the participation of the electronic whiteboard 2 to be canceled if user A sends a participation request by mistake. Cancellation is possible until the electronic whiteboard 2 joins the conference. Cancellation is possible, for example, until the electronic whiteboard 2 sends a participation status of participating in the conference to the conference server 1, or until the conference server 1 notifies the terminal device 4 that the participation request has failed.

[0149] FIG. 23 is a sequence diagram illustrating a process in which user A operates the terminal device 4 to cancel a request to participate in the interactive whiteboard 2. In FIG.

[0150] S51: User A inputs an operation to have the interactive whiteboard 2 participate in the conference into the terminal device 4, as explained in Fig. 12. The process up to sending the participation request has already been explained, so it will be explained briefly.

[0151] S52: The operation accepting unit 43 of the terminal device 4 accepts the operation. The second participation request sending unit 41 sends a participation request to the conference server 1 via the wireless LAN communication control unit 42, specifying the identification information of the interactive whiteboard 2.

[0152] S53: When the communication control unit 23 of the conference server 1 receives a participation request specifying the electronic whiteboard 2, the first participation request sending unit 26 confirms the conference participation status and a match of the participation code and sends the participation request to the electronic whiteboard 2.

[0153] S54: After the participation request is sent, the display control unit 45 of the terminal device 4 displays a cancel button, an hourglass, or the like to indicate that participation processing is in progress (see, for example, FIG. 18).

[0154] S55: If the user A does not cancel and allows the interactive whiteboard 2 to participate, the display control unit 45 of the terminal device 4 continues to display that the participation process is in progress.

[0155] S56: The LAN communication control unit 72 of the interactive whiteboard 2 transmits a conference participation status (participating in the conference) to the conference server 1 in response to the participation request.

[0156] S57: Since the communication control unit 23 of the conference server 1 has received the conference participation status (participating in the conference), the participation registration unit 28 registers the electronic whiteboard 2 in a participation status, and the communication control unit 23 sends a participation completion notification of the electronic whiteboard 2 to the terminal device 4.

[0157] S58: When the wireless LAN communication control unit 42 of the terminal device 4 receives the participation completion, the display control unit 45 ends the display indicating that the participation process is in progress. For example, the display control unit 45 can display an exit button (see, for example, FIG. 27).

[0158] S59: On the other hand, when user A cancels participation in the interactive whiteboard 2, user A inputs an operation to cancel the participation request into the terminal device 4 (for example, presses the cancel button 158 in FIG. 18).

[0159] S60: The operation accepting unit 43 of the terminal device 4 accepts the operation. The second participation request sending unit 41 specifies the identification information of the interactive whiteboard 2 and sends a cancellation of the participation request to the conference server 1 via the wireless LAN communication control unit 42. That is, when the cancel button 158 is pressed after sending the participation request, the second participation request sending unit 41 sends a cancellation request of the participation request to the conference server 1 in response to the operation of user A.

[0160] When the communication control unit 23 of the conference server 1 receives the cancellation of the participation request specifying the electronic whiteboard 2, the first participation request sending unit 26 determines whether the electronic whiteboard 2 is already registered in the participation status. If the electronic whiteboard 2 is registered in the participation status, the first participation request sending unit 26 discards the cancellation of the participation request.

[0161] S61: If the electronic whiteboard 2 is not registered in the participation status, the first participation request sending unit 26 sends a participation request cancellation request to the electronic whiteboard 2 via the communication control unit 23. In this way, the first participation request sending unit 26 sends the participation request cancellation to the electronic whiteboard 2 until the conference participation status receiving unit 25 receives a conference participation status indicating that the electronic whiteboard 2 is currently participating in a conference from the electronic whiteboard 2.

[0162] If, due to a miscommunication, the terminal device 4 transmits the cancellation of the participation request, and then the conference server 1 receives a conference participation status indicating that the terminal device 4 is currently participating in the conference and is available to participate, the first participation request transmission unit 26 discards the cancellation of the participation request.

[0163] S62: Since the communication control unit 23 of the conference server 1 has canceled the participation request, the communication control unit 23 transmits a participation cancellation completion notice for the interactive whiteboard 2 to the terminal device 4.

[0164] S63: When the wireless LAN communication control unit 42 of the terminal device 4 receives the participation request cancellation completion, the display control unit 45 ends the display indicating that participation processing is in progress. For example, the display control unit 45 can display the participation button again (see, for example, FIG. 17).

[0165] In this way, if user A sends a participation request by mistake, he or she can cancel participation on the electronic whiteboard 2.

[0166] 24 shows a conference participation screen 210 displayed by the interactive whiteboard 2 that has received a participation request in step S37 or the like in FIG. 12. The conference participation screen 210 is a screen that notifies users near the interactive whiteboard 2, such as user D, that the interactive whiteboard 2 will be participating in a conference. The conference participation screen 210 displays a message 211 saying "Participating in 'Meeting'" and a cancel button 212. This "Meeting" is the name of the conference that user A will be participating in. The conference name is sent by the conference server 1 to the interactive whiteboard 2 together with the participation request.

[0167] In this way, when the electronic whiteboard 2 receives a participation request, it displays a message that the user will participate in the conference, and can accept cancellation of participation in the conference for a certain period of time. If user D does not cancel and a certain period of time passes, the user will be participating in the conference (S39 in FIG. 12), and if the user cancels, the conference participation screen 210 will return to the home screen (initial screen) or the like.

[0168] If, due to a misunderstanding or the like, a participation request is sent to an electronic whiteboard 2 whose participation status is currently participating in a meeting, the participation status sending unit 78 of the electronic whiteboard 2 will reject the participation request sent later.

[0169] <Exit request> 25 to 30, the withdrawal request will be described. For example, when a conference ends, user A withdraws from the conference, and at that time the participating electronic whiteboard 2 is withdrawn from the conference. That is, in this embodiment, the withdrawal of user A and the withdrawal of the electronic whiteboard 2 can be performed with a single operation.

[0170] 25 shows an exit request screen (part 1) 220 displayed by the terminal device 4. The exit request screen (part 1) 220 has a message 221 asking "Do you want to exit the conference?", check boxes 223 associated with participating devices 222, a message 224 asking "Please select the device to exit," a cancel button 225, and an OK button 226. The only participating devices 222 displayed are the electronic whiteboards 2 participating in the conference in which user A is participating. This eliminates the need for user A to make unnecessary exit requests.

[0171] When the OK button 226 is pressed, the second exit request transmitter 47 can transmit an exit request to the conference server 1 together with a notice that user A will be leaving the conference.

[0172] 26, guest user G cannot send a participation request and therefore cannot remove a participating device. FIG. 26 shows an exit request screen (part 2) 230 displayed on the terminal device 15 operated by guest user G. The exit request screen (part 2) 230 has a message 231 asking "Do you want to leave the conference?", check boxes 233 associated with participating devices 232, a message 234 asking "Please select the device to remove," a cancel button 235, and an OK button 236. However, the participating devices 232 and check boxes 233 are displayed in half brightness, and guest user G cannot check them.

[0173] If the participant is a guest user G based on the authentication result by the user authentication unit 30, the screen control unit 29 of the conference server 1 transmits screen information corresponding to the exit request screen (part 2) 230 to the terminal device 15. The display control unit 45 of the terminal device 15 can restrict acceptance of transmission of participation requests based on the screen information.

[0174] <<Cancel Exit Request>> Next, cancellation of an exit request will be described. Even after the terminal device 4 has sent an exit request to the conference server 1, user A can cancel the exit request.

[0175] 27 to 29, a withdrawal request from the participant list screen, which is displayed when a participant has already participated, will be described.

[0176] 27 shows a participant list screen (when leaving) 240 displayed by any of users A to C on the terminal device 4, 11, 14. For simplicity, it is assumed that user A displays the participant list screen (when leaving) 240 on the terminal device 4.

[0177] The participant list screen (when leaving) 240 displays a conference code 241 and a password 242 that are set in the conference information. Also displayed are user names 243 of users currently participating in the conference, participating devices 244, an exit button 247, user names 245 of users who have not yet joined the conference but are set in the conference information as participants, participating devices 246, and a join button 248. The exit button 247 is a button for exiting the electronic whiteboard 2. The join button 248 is a button for joining the electronic whiteboard 2. Because user A is not a guest user G, the exit button 247 and the join button 248 are displayed in a manner that allows them to be pressed.

[0178] When the exit button 247 is pressed, the operation accepting unit 43 accepts the transmission of the exit request, and the second exit request sending unit 47 sends the exit request to the conference server 1.

[0179] 28 shows the participant list screen (when leaving) 250 after user A presses the leave button 247. A cancel button 251 is displayed during the following period. After user A presses the exit button 247, an exit request is sent to the conference server 1. The conference server 1 sends the exit request to the electronic whiteboard 2. The electronic whiteboard 2 sends an online participation status to the conference server 1. The conference server 1 notifies the terminal device 4 that the exit has been completed.

[0180] During this time, the participant list screen (when leaving) displays a cancel button 251. While the cancel button 251 is displayed, User A can cancel the request to leave.

[0181] 29 shows the participant list screen (at the time of leaving) 260 displayed by the guest user G on the terminal device 15. The content of the participant list screen (at the time of leaving) 260 is the same as that shown in FIG. 27. However, on the participant list screen (at the time of leaving) 260 displayed by the guest user G, the leave button 261 and the join button 262 are displayed in a manner that makes them inoperable (for example, half-bright). In this way, the guest user G cannot press the leave button 261 on the electronic whiteboard 2, which prevents the guest user G, who is unfamiliar with the operation, from accidentally leaving the electronic whiteboard 2.

[0182] Based on the authentication result by the user authentication unit 30, the conference server 1 transmits to the terminal device 15 information that the participant is guest user G. When the display control unit 45 of the terminal device 15 receives information that the participant is guest user G, the display control unit 45 can restrict the acceptance of transmission of a participation request.

[0183] FIG. 30 shows a conference exit screen 270 displayed by the interactive whiteboard 2 that received the exit request in step S24 of FIG. 9. The conference exit screen 270 is a screen that notifies users near the interactive whiteboard 2, such as user D, that the interactive whiteboard 2 is leaving the conference. The conference exit screen 270 displays a message 271 saying "Exiting from 'Meeting'" and a cancel button 272. This "Meeting" is the name of the conference in which user A is participating. The conference name is sent by the conference server 1 to the interactive whiteboard 2 along with the exit request. The user can press the cancel button 272 within a certain period of time. User D can cancel the exit request if, for example, the conference is still in progress. After a certain period of time has passed, the conference exit screen 270 disappears and is replaced with the home screen (initial screen, power off), etc.

[0184] <Major Effects> The electronic whiteboard of this embodiment allows participants (terminal devices) to log in to (participate in) a conference in response to a participation request from the participants, thereby eliminating the need for participants to enter a password into the electronic whiteboard.

[0185] <Other application examples> The best mode for carrying out the present invention has been described above using examples, but the present invention is not limited to these examples in any way, and various modifications and substitutions can be made within the scope that does not deviate from the gist of the present invention.

[0186] For example, handwritten data or screen data of the electronic whiteboard 2 may be displayed in a virtual conference space. The virtual conference space is a virtual space that can be viewed with VR goggles or the like. In this case, too, the image data of the electronic whiteboard 2 and the image data of the virtual conference space are synchronized.

[0187] In this embodiment, the display method for preventing the user from inputting participating devices is half-bright, but the check boxes or buttons themselves may be hidden. To prevent the user from inputting participating devices, the color of the check boxes may be changed, or a message such as "Input not permitted" may be displayed.

[0188] In addition, in this embodiment, user A inputs a participation code from the terminal device 4, but input of the participation code may be omitted. This is because user A is presumed to have the authority to use the electronic whiteboard 2 since he or she has logged in and is participating in the conference.

[0189] The electronic whiteboard may also be called an electronic whiteboard, an electronic information board, or the like. The present embodiment is not limited to electronic whiteboards and can be suitably applied to any information processing device having a touch panel. Examples of information processing devices equipped with a touch panel include PCs, tablet terminals, and smartphones that have touch panels. These are generally general-purpose information processing devices, but when an application that functions as a display device is executed, the user can operate them as a display device.

[0190] Furthermore, the method of participating in a conference according to this embodiment can be applied to devices other than an electronic whiteboard, such as a projector used in a conference. The projector projects a conference code.

[0191] In addition, the configuration examples shown in Fig. 7 and the like are divided according to main functions to facilitate understanding of the processing by the conference system 300. The present invention is not limited by the manner in which the processing units are divided or the names of the processing units. The processing by the conference system 300 can be divided into even more processing units depending on the processing content. Furthermore, it can also be divided so that one processing unit includes even more processing.

[0192] Furthermore, each function of the above-described embodiments can be realized by one or more processing circuits. Here, the term "processing circuit" in this specification includes a processor programmed to perform each function by software, such as a processor implemented by an electronic circuit, as well as devices such as an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit), a DSP (Digital Signal Processor), an FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array), and conventional circuit modules designed to perform each of the above-described functions.

[0193] Embodiments of the present invention provide significant improvements in computer power and functionality. These improvements allow users to utilize computers that provide more efficient and robust interaction with tables, which are ways of storing and presenting information in information processing devices. Furthermore, embodiments of the present invention provide a better user experience through the use of more efficient, powerful, and robust user interfaces. Such user interfaces provide better interaction between humans and machines.

[0194] <Additional Notes> [Appendix 1] A conference system in which an information processing system communicates with terminal devices used by participants in a conference and conference terminals participating in the conference via a network, The terminal device a second participation request sending unit that sends a participation request to the information processing system to allow the conference terminal to participate in the conference in response to an operation by a participant; The information processing system includes: a first participation request sending unit that sends a participation request to the conference terminal received from the terminal device; A conference system having: [Appendix 2] 2. The conference system according to claim 1, further comprising a participation registration unit that, when a response to the participation request is received from the conference terminal, registers that the conference terminal has participated in the conference. [Appendix 3] The conference terminal a conference participation status transmission unit that transmits a conference participation status regarding whether the conference terminal can participate in the conference to the information processing system; The information processing system includes: a conference participation status receiving unit that receives the conference participation status, The conference system described in Appendix 1 or 2, wherein the first participation request sending unit sends a participation request to the conference terminal received from the terminal device based on the conference participation status received by the conference participation status receiving unit. A conference system. [Appendix 4] 4. The conference system according to claim 3, wherein the first participation request sending unit sends the participation request to the conference terminal when the conference participation status is online. [Appendix 5] the first participation request sending unit does not send the participation request to the conference terminal when the conference participation status of the conference terminal is participating in a conference or offline; 5. The conference system according to claim 3, wherein a failure of the participation request is transmitted to the terminal device. [Appendix 6] the conference participation status receiving unit receives, from the conference terminal, first identification information that changes every certain time period along with the conference participation status; the second participation request sending unit sends the second identification information input by the participant to the information processing system; A conference system as described in any one of Appendices 3 to 5, wherein the first participation request sending unit sends the participation request to the conference terminal if the conference participation status of the conference terminal is online and the first identification information and the second identification information match. [Appendix 7] The information processing system includes: 7. The conference system according to claim 6, wherein if the first identification information and the second identification information do not match, a failure of the participation request is sent to the terminal device. [Appendix 8] 8. The conference system according to claim 3, wherein the second participation request sending unit sends the participation request to the information processing system together with a notice that the participant will participate in the conference. [Appendix 9] The terminal device an operation receiving unit that receives the participation request to a screen listing participants participating in the conference; 8. The conference system according to claim 3, wherein the second participation request sending unit sends the participation request to the information processing system when the operation accepting unit accepts the transmission of the participation request. [Appendix 10] The information processing system includes: transmitting screen information based on the conference participation status of the conference terminal to the terminal device; The terminal device 10. The conference system according to claim 8, wherein, when the conference participation status is participating in a conference or offline, acceptance of transmission of the participation request is restricted based on the screen information. [Appendix 11] The information processing system includes: a user authentication unit that authenticates the participant; transmitting screen information to the terminal device based on the fact that the participant authenticated by the user authentication unit is a guest user; The terminal device 10. The conference system according to claim 8, wherein, when a notification is received that the participant is a guest user, acceptance of the transmission of the participation request is restricted based on the screen information. [Appendix 12] The terminal device 12. The conference system according to claim 10, wherein the reason for restricting acceptance of the participation request transmission is displayed. [Appendix 13] the second participation request sending unit, after sending the participation request, sends a request to cancel the participation request to the information processing system in response to a user operation; A conference system as described in any one of Appendices 3 to 12, wherein the first participation request sending unit sends a request to cancel the participation request to the conference terminal until the conference participation status receiving unit receives a conference participation status of participating in the conference from the conference terminal. [Appendix 14] The conference terminal The conference system according to any one of appendices 3 to 13, wherein, when the participation request is received, a message is displayed indicating that the participant will participate in the conference, and the participant can cancel participation in the conference for a certain period of time. [Appendix 15] The terminal device a second exit request sending unit that sends an exit request to the information processing system to cause the conference terminal to exit the conference in response to an operation by a participant; The information processing system includes: a first exit request sending unit that sends the exit request received from the terminal device to the conference terminal; A conference system as described in any one of Appendices 3 to 14, wherein the participation registration unit deletes the participation in the conference when the conference participation status receiving unit receives an online conference participation status from the conference terminal. [Appendix 16] 16. The conference system according to claim 15, wherein the second exit request sending unit sends the exit request to the information processing system together with a notice that the participant is leaving the conference. [Appendix 17] The terminal device an operation receiving unit that receives the transmission of the withdrawal request to a screen listing participants participating in the conference; 16. The conference system according to claim 15, wherein the second exit request sending unit sends the exit request to the information processing system when the operation accepting unit accepts the transmission of the exit request. [Appendix 18] The information processing system includes: a user authentication unit that authenticates the participant; transmitting screen information to the terminal device based on the fact that the participant authenticated by the user authentication unit is a guest user; The terminal device 18. The conference system according to claim 16, wherein, when receiving a notification that the participant is a guest user, acceptance of the sending of the exit request is restricted based on the screen information. [Appendix 19] The conference terminal The conference system according to any one of appendices 15 to 18, wherein, when the request to leave is received, a message is displayed indicating that the user will leave the conference, and the request to leave the conference is accepted for a certain period of time. [Explanation of symbols]

[0195] 1. Conference Server 2. Electronic whiteboard 4,11,14 Terminal equipment 300 Conference System [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0196] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2020-194371

Claims

1. A conference system in which an information processing system communicates with terminal devices used by participants in a conference and conference terminals participating in the conference via a network, comprising: The terminal device a second participation request sending unit configured to send to the information processing system a participation request for causing the conference terminal to participate in the conference in response to an operation of a participant; The information processing system includes: a first participation request sending unit that sends a participation request to the conference terminal received from the terminal device; A conference system having the above configuration.

2. The information processing system includes: a participation registration unit that, when a response to the participation request is received from the conference terminal, registers that the conference terminal has participated in the conference; 2. The conference system according to claim 1, comprising:

3. The conference terminal includes: a conference participation status transmission unit that transmits a conference participation status regarding whether the conference terminal can participate in the conference to the information processing system; The information processing system includes: a conference participation status receiving unit for receiving the conference participation status, The conference system according to claim 2 , wherein the first participation request sending unit sends the participation request received from the terminal device to the conference terminal based on the conference participation status received by the conference participation status receiving unit.

4. The conference system according to claim 3 , wherein the first participation request sending unit sends the participation request to the conference terminal when the conference participation status is online.

5. the first participation request sending unit does not send the participation request to the conference terminal when the conference participation status of the conference terminal is participating in a conference or is offline; 5. The conference system according to claim 3, wherein a failure of the participation request is transmitted to the terminal device.

6. the conference participation status receiving unit receives, from the conference terminal, first identification information that changes at regular intervals along with the conference participation status; the second participation request sending unit sends second identification information input by the participant to the information processing system; The conference system according to claim 3 , wherein the first participation request sending unit sends the participation request to the conference terminal when the conference participation status of the conference terminal is online and the first identification information and the second identification information match.

7. The information processing system includes: The conference system according to claim 6 , wherein if the first identification information and the second identification information do not match, a failure of the participation request is transmitted to the terminal device.

8. The conference system according to claim 3 , wherein the second participation request sending unit sends the participation request to the information processing system together with a notification that the participant will participate in the conference.

9. The terminal device an operation receiving unit that receives the participation request to a screen listing participants participating in the conference; The conference system according to claim 3 , wherein the second participation request sending unit sends the participation request to the information processing system when the operation accepting unit accepts the transmission of the participation request.

10. The information processing system includes: Transmitting screen information based on the conference participation status of the conference terminal to the terminal device; The terminal device 10. The conference system according to claim 8, wherein when the conference participation available state is "participating in a conference" or "offline," acceptance of the transmission of the participation request is restricted based on the screen information.

11. The information processing system includes: a user authentication unit for authenticating the participant; transmitting screen information to the terminal device based on the fact that the participant authenticated by the user authentication unit is a guest user; The terminal device 10. The conference system according to claim 8, wherein when a notification that the participant is a guest user is received, acceptance of the transmission of the participation request is restricted based on the screen information.

12. The terminal device The conference system according to claim 10, further comprising: a display unit that displays a reason why acceptance of the participation request transmission is restricted.

13. the second participation request sending unit, after sending the participation request, sends a request to cancel the participation request to the information processing system in response to a user operation; The conference system according to claim 3 , wherein the first participation request sending unit sends a request to cancel the participation request to the conference terminal until the conference participation status receiving unit receives a conference participation status of currently participating in the conference from the conference terminal.

14. The conference terminal includes:

4. The conference system according to claim 3, wherein, when the participation request is received, a message is displayed indicating that the user will participate in the conference, and cancellation of participation in the conference is accepted for a certain period of time.

15. The terminal device a second exit request transmission unit configured to transmit to the information processing system an exit request for causing the conference terminal to exit the conference in response to an operation of a participant; The information processing system includes: a first exit request transmission unit that transmits the exit request received from the terminal device to the conference terminal; 4. The conference system according to claim 3, wherein the participation registration unit deletes the participation in the conference when the conference participation status receiving unit receives a conference participation status of online from the conference terminal.

16. The conference system according to claim 15 , wherein the second exit request sending unit sends the exit request to the information processing system together with a notice that the participant is leaving the conference.

17. The terminal device an operation reception unit that receives the transmission of the exit request to a screen listing participants participating in the conference; The conference system according to claim 15 , wherein the second exit request transmission unit transmits the exit request to the information processing system when the operation reception unit receives the transmission of the exit request.

18. The information processing system includes: a user authentication unit for authenticating the participant; transmitting screen information to the terminal device based on the fact that the participant authenticated by the user authentication unit is a guest user; The terminal device 18. The conference system according to claim 16, wherein when a notification that the participant is a guest user is received, acceptance of transmission of the exit request is restricted based on the screen information.

19. The conference terminal includes:

16. The conference system according to claim 15, wherein, when the request to leave is received, a message is displayed indicating that the user is going to leave the conference, and the request to leave the conference is accepted for a certain period of time.

20. A participation method performed by a conference system in which a terminal device used by a participant in a conference and a conference terminal participating in the conference are communicated with an information processing system via a network, comprising: The terminal device transmitting a participation request to the information processing system to allow the conference terminal to participate in the conference in response to an operation of a participant; The information processing system includes: a process of transmitting a join request to the conference terminal received from the terminal device to the conference terminal; How to participate.

21. An information processing system that communicates with a terminal device used by a participant in a conference and a conference terminal participating in the conference via a network, a first participation request sending unit that sends a participation request to the conference terminal received from the terminal device; A program to function as a

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