Relay device and reminder notification program

Abstract

To properly manage information regarding upcoming meetings and provide detailed reminder notifications tailored to both organizers and invited participants, without burdening those involved in the meetings. [Solution] From the meeting setting notification, the meeting list formation unit 121 forms a meeting list and records it in the meeting list storage unit 105. When access occurs to the document storage location specified by the information described in the storage location information column of the meeting list, the access history formation unit 122 forms access history information and stores it in the access history storage unit 106. The notification information formation unit 123 forms either or both of the organizer notification information and the invitee notification information based on the access history information. The formed organizer notification information is provided to the organizer, and the invitede notification information is provided to the invitee, by the information provision unit 125.

Description

Technical Field

[0004] , , , ,

[0001] This invention relates to an apparatus and a program that can provide detailed reminders not only for reminders to encourage participation in a meeting and reminders to encourage responses to meeting notices when holding a meeting, but also for each of the organizers and invitees.

Background Art

[0002] Patent Document 1 described later discloses an invention related to an e-mail reminder system that can automatically send reminder mails at a preset date and time. A reminder means reconfirmation, and a reminder mail generally means a mail sent to notify that a schedule or task deadline is approaching. The invention disclosed in Patent Document 1 simply sets a meeting schedule and a reply deadline for the meeting notice when the meeting organizer sends the meeting notice by e-mail. Thereby, when the meeting approaches or the reply deadline approaches, a reminder mail is automatically sent to those who have received the meeting notice. Thereby, it is possible to reconfirm that the meeting will be held at an appropriate timing for those who have been sent the meeting notice by e-mail and are requested to participate in the meeting, and to encourage responses to participate or not participate in the meeting.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] However, as mentioned above, reminder notifications related to meetings are not limited to those that reaffirm that a meeting will be held or prompt a response regarding attendance / non-attendance, that is, those sent to those who have been invited to the meeting. Let me explain an example. In recent years, so-called web conferencing has become widespread. Web conferencing is realized by using web conferencing tools that run on communication terminals such as PCs (Personal Computers), and by sending and receiving at least audio information in real time over the internet between people in different locations. Of course, video information may also be involved.

[0005] As web conferences involve participants in different locations, it is common practice for meeting materials to be stored in a designated location on the network beforehand, allowing participants to download and review them in advance. Therefore, it is desirable to be able to send timely reminder notifications to those preparing the meeting materials, such as the meeting organizer, to encourage them to upload the materials, and to those invited to the meeting to encourage them to download the materials.

[0006] The problem of distributing meeting materials in advance is not limited to web conferences. Even in traditional meetings where attendees gather in a conference room, this problem can occur if meeting materials are stored and distributed in advance in a designated location on the network. Furthermore, to ensure meetings are conducted properly, it is desirable to be able to appropriately send various reminder notifications to meeting organizers and those invited to participate, depending on the situation.

[0007] In view of the above, the purpose of this invention is to appropriately manage information regarding meetings to be held and to provide detailed reminder notifications to both the organizers and those invited to participate, without burdening those involved in the meetings. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] To solve the above problems, the relay device of the invention described in claim 1 is A relay device that relays communication between terminal devices connected to a WAN (Wide Area Network) and terminal devices connected to a LAN (Local Area Network), and communication between terminal devices connected to the LAN, A meeting list creation means receives meeting setting information from a terminal device that can be connected to the machine, and for each set meeting, extracts the date and time of the meeting, organizer identification information, one or more invitee identification information, and location information for storing meeting materials from the setting information to form a meeting list and records it in a meeting list storage means. When access occurs to the storage location of meeting materials identified by the aforementioned storage location information, an access history creation means forms access history information that associates the access date and time, accesser identification information, the aforementioned storage location information, and information indicating the processing content, and records it in the access history storage means. A notification information forming means that, based on the access history information of the access history storage means, forms either or both of the following: organizer notification information for the organizer identified by the organizer identification information and inviter notification information for the inviter identified by the inviter identification information. A notification information providing means that provides the organizer notification information formed by the notification information forming means to the organizer identified by the organizer identification information, and provides the inviter notification information formed by the notification information forming means to the inviter identified by the inviter identification information. It is characterized by being equipped with [the following features].

[0009] According to the relay device of the invention described in claim 1, the meeting list creation means extracts the date and time of the meeting, organizer identification information, identification information for one or more invitees, and storage location information for meeting materials from the setting information of the received meeting, and a meeting list including these is formed. The formed meeting list is recorded in the meeting list storage means by the meeting list creation means. Assume that an access occurs to the storage location of meeting materials, which is identified by the storage location information in the meeting list. In this case, the access history creation means creates access history information that associates the access date and time, accessor identification information, storage location information, and information indicating the processing content, and records it in the access history storage means.

[0010] The notification information formation means forms either or both of the following based on the access history information in the access history storage means: organizer notification information for the organizer and inviter notification information for the inviter. The organizer notification information formed by the notification information formation means is provided by the notification information provision means to the organizer identified by the organizer identification information in the corresponding meeting list. The inviter notification information formed by the notification information formation means is provided by the notification information provision means to the inviter identified by the inviter identification information in the corresponding meeting list. [Effects of the Invention]

[0011] According to this invention, information regarding meetings to be held can be properly managed, and detailed reminder notifications can be provided to both the organizers and those invited to participate (inviters) without burdening those involved in the meeting. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0012] [Figure 1] This is a diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of the network system according to the embodiment. [Figure 2] This is a block diagram illustrating an example configuration of the UTM device according to the embodiment. [Figure 3] This diagram illustrates an example of a web conferencing settings screen. [Figure 4]This figure illustrates an example of data stored in the conference list storage unit of the UTM device according to the embodiment. [Figure 5] This figure illustrates an example of data stored in the access history storage unit of the UTM device according to the embodiment. [Figure 6] This figure illustrates an example of stored data in the data list storage section of the UTM device according to the embodiment. [Figure 7] This is a flowchart illustrating the information formation and storage processes performed by the UTM device of the embodiment. [Figure 8] This is a flowchart illustrating the reminder notification process performed by the UTM device of this embodiment. [Figure 9] This is a flowchart following Figure 8. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0013] The following describes one embodiment of the device and program according to this invention, with reference to the figures. In the embodiment described below, the case in which the device according to this invention is applied to a UTM (Unified Threat Management) device will be used as an example. A UTM device integrates multiple different security functions into a single piece of hardware to centrally manage security related to networks, etc. In other words, a UTM device efficiently and comprehensively protects a LAN (Local Area Network) system formed within a company from threats such as computer viruses and hacking.

[0014] Furthermore, in this specification, WAN (Wide Area Network) refers to a network that covers a wider area compared to LAN or MAN (Metropolitan Area Network), and is synonymous with the Internet. LAN, on the other hand, is a network formed within a limited area, such as within the same building, and in this embodiment, an example of a LAN formed within the office of a given company will be used.

[0015] [Configuration Example of Network System] First, a configuration example of a network system configured using the UTM device 1 to which one embodiment of the device according to this invention is applied will be described. FIG. 1 is a diagram for explaining a configuration example of the network system of the embodiment. In FIG. 1, the Internet 5 shown in the central part means a computer network that enables interconnection between various terminal devices using Internet Protocol Suite technology and is also called a WAN or the like. As shown in FIG. 1, the UTM device 1 is connected to the Internet 5. A plurality of PCs 3(1), 3(2), 3(3),... are connected to the UTM device 1 via the LAN 2 to constitute a LAN system.

[0016] As shown in FIG. 1, the UTM device 1 of this embodiment also realizes a function as a relay device that monitors the communication between the Internet (WAN) 5 and the LAN 2 and the communication between the PCs connected to the LAN 2 and performs control and management. In other words, the UTM device 1 relays the communication between the communication device connected to the Internet 5 and the PCs 3(1), 3(2), 3(3),... connected to the LAN 2, and also relays the communication between the terminal devices such as the PCs 3(1), 3(2), 3(3),... connected to the LAN 2. Note that in FIG. 1, the state in which the PCs 3(1), 3(2), 3(3) are connected is shown, but actually, a larger number of PCs are connected.

[0017] Although various Web server devices are provided on the Internet 5, in this embodiment, a case where a conference server device (hereinafter referred to as the conference server) 6, which is an important access destination, is connected is shown. The conference server 6 plays a central role in realizing a Web conference and relays data such as voice, video, and chat messages among all the users participating in the Web conference. Further, the conference server 6 performs data compression and encoding / decoding so that the network bandwidth can be used efficiently.

[0018] To enable web conferencing, the conference server 6 receives web conferencing configuration information and manages participants. Specifically, the conference server 6 has a user authentication function that identifies and authenticates participants in the conference, and a connection management function that manages the connection status when participants enter and leave the conference. Furthermore, the conference server 6 minimizes audio and video delays and synchronizes functions such as screen sharing and file sharing so that all participants can share the same conference content in real time, thereby supporting smooth communication.

[0019] Furthermore, the conference server 6 includes features to encrypt audio and video data communications to prevent eavesdropping and tampering, and to set passcodes and invitation links to restrict who can participate in the meeting. The conference server 6 may also support recording meetings for later reference, and may analyze meeting usage and participant speaking time to provide guidance for improvement. Additionally, the conference server 6 has features to adapt to different network environments and devices, automatically adjust audio and video quality, and perform load balancing during high loads to ensure stable system operation.

[0020] Each of the PCs connected to LAN2, 3(2), 3(3), ..., is, as is well known, an information processing device capable of performing information processing by executing various application software (hereinafter abbreviated as "apps"). For example, they can create documents by executing a word processing app, or create charts and graphs by executing a spreadsheet app. Furthermore, each of the PCs, 3(1), 3(2), 3(3), ..., is equipped with communication capabilities. Therefore, each of the PCs, 3(1), 3(2), 3(3), ..., can use a browser (browser software) to view web pages stored on various web server devices (not shown) on the Internet 5. Of course, each of the PCs, 3(1), 3(2), 3(3), ..., can also send and receive emails.

[0021] Furthermore, each of the PCs 3(1), 3(2), 3(3), ... can use a web conferencing tool to access the conference server 6 via the UTM device 1 and set up a web conference. Also, each of the PCs 3(1), 3(2), 3(3), ... can, for example, run a web conferencing tool via a web conference invitation email, access the conference server via the UTM device 1, and participate in a web conference. In addition, each of the PCs 3(1), 3(2), 3(3), ... can store (upload) conference materials to or retrieve (download) conference materials stored on the document sharing server device (hereinafter referred to as the document sharing server) 4 connected to LAN2.

[0022] The document sharing server 4, connected to LAN2, has a storage area for meeting materials, which consists of a device unit comprising a recording medium such as an HDD (Hard Disk Drive) or SSD (Solid State Drive) and its driver. The document sharing server 4 can record, read, modify, and delete meeting materials from the recording medium in response to requests from PCs 3(1), 3(2), 3(3), etc.

[0023] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 1, PC7(1) is connected to Internet 5. PC7(1) is shown as a representative of the many external PCs connected to Internet 5 when viewed from the LAN2 side. Therefore, external PCs such as PC7(1) connected to Internet 5 can also set up or participate in web conferences via the conference server 6. Note that some external PCs such as external PC7(1) are connected to Internet 5 independently via a router or other device. Also, some external PCs such as external PC7(1) are connected to the LAN and connected to Internet 5 via a relay device such as a router, similar to PC3(1), 3(2), 3(3), ... shown in Figure 1.

[0024] As described above, each of the PCs 3(1), 3(2), 3(3), ... connected to LAN2 always goes through UTM device 1, whether setting up a web conference or being requested to participate in a web conference via email or other means. Therefore, it is possible to know what kind of web conference will be held, when, and who will be attending, and if the conference materials are uploaded to a designated storage location, where that storage location is. In addition, in the network system of this embodiment, the document sharing server 4 is connected to LAN2. Therefore, when conference materials are uploaded to or downloaded from the document sharing server 4, these accesses also occur through UTM device 1 and can be detected by UTM device 1.

[0025] Therefore, the UTM device 1 in this embodiment manages web conference information obtained from web conference settings and invitations to participate in web conferences conducted through the device, as well as managing the status of uploading and downloading conference materials. Based on this managed information, the UTM device 1 is able to send various detailed reminder notifications (reconfirmation notifications) to the web conference organizer and invitees at the appropriate time. In this embodiment, the UTM device 1 basically notifies the intended recipients of reminder notifications via email. In addition, the UTM device 1 can, if necessary, identify the target PCs and provide reminder notifications to PCs 3(1), 3(2), 3(3), ... connected to LAN2.

[0026] As described above, the UTM device 1 of the network system in this embodiment is equipped with unprecedented web conferencing management functions, and its configuration and operation will be explained below. In Figure 1, PC3(1), PC3(2), PC3(3), ... all function similarly, so unless there is a need to distinguish them, they will be collectively referred to as PC3. Also, since PC3(1), PC3(2), PC3(3), ... can be used as commercially available products, a detailed explanation of their configuration examples will be omitted. Similarly, since the conference server 6 is already established on the Internet 5 and provides services, a detailed explanation of its configuration example will also be omitted. In addition, since the document sharing server 4 is an existing system that stores and provides conference materials, a detailed explanation of its configuration example will also be omitted.

[0027] [Configuration of UTM device 1] Figure 2 is a block diagram illustrating an example configuration of the UTM device 1 according to the embodiment. In Figure 2, the connection terminal 101T constitutes the connection terminal to the Internet (WAN) 5. The WANI / F (Interface) 101 is the part that performs communication processing via the Internet 5. The WANI / F 101 receives signals addressed to the device that are transmitted via the Internet 5, converting them into a signal format that can be processed by the device. The WANI / F 101 also converts signals transmitted from the device into a signal format for transmission, sends them to the Internet 5, and transmits them to the recipient. Therefore, when communicating with a recipient connected to the Internet 5, the communication is performed through the connection terminal 101T and the WANI / F 101.

[0028] The control unit 102, although not shown in the diagram, is a microprocessor comprising a CPU (Central Processing Unit), ROM (Read Only Memory), RAM (Random Access Memory), non-volatile memory, etc., and controls each part of the UTM device 1. The storage device 103 is a device consisting of a recording medium and its driver, such as an HDD or SSD, and performs recording, reading, modification, and deletion of various data on the recording medium. In addition to storing necessary data and programs, the storage device 103 is also used as a work area for temporarily storing intermediate data generated in various processes.

[0029] The clock circuit 104 provides the current date, day of the week, and time, and also includes a timer function that measures predetermined time intervals. The meeting list storage unit 105, the access history storage unit 106, and the document list storage unit 107 are formed on the recording medium of a storage device unit consisting of a recording medium and its driver, such as an HDD or SSD. The meeting list storage unit 105, the access history storage unit 106, and the document list storage unit 107 may each be formed on the recording medium of a different storage device unit, or they may be formed on the same storage device unit but with different storage areas. In this embodiment, as shown in Figure 2, the meeting list storage unit 105, the access history storage unit 106, and the document list storage unit 107 are each formed on the recording medium of a different storage device unit.

[0030] When a user sets up a web conference via PC3 connected to LAN2, they run the web conferencing tool on PC3 and access the conference server 6 via UTM device 1 to configure the web conference. An invitation email for the web conference configured in this way is sent from PC3 to the inviter's mail server via UTM device 1. Therefore, UTM device 1 can obtain information regarding the web conference settings, and based on this information, it creates a conference list and stores it in the conference list storage unit 105. Before explaining the details of the conference list, which is stored data in the conference list storage unit 105, we will explain the web conference setup.

[0031] This section describes the process of setting up a web conference using a web conferencing tool that is integrated into a mail client, which is an application for creating and sending / receiving emails. Figure 3 is a diagram illustrating an example of the web conferencing settings screen used on PC3, etc. On PC3, when you launch the mail client and select the web conferencing settings icon, the web conferencing settings screen shown in Figure 3 will be displayed. This web conferencing settings screen has two functions: it functions as an input screen for setting up the web conference to the conference server 6, and it also functions as a screen for creating an invitation email to those who are requested to observe the web conference (inviters).

[0032] In Figure 3, the top field, "Sender," contains the email address of the organizer of the web conference. Figure 3 also displays the name of the person associated with the entered sender email address (e.g., Yamada XX). The "Title" field contains the title (name) of the web conference, which the organizer and invitees will use to identify the conference.

[0033] The required field is for entering the email addresses of mandatory invitees who must attend. In Figure 3, the names of those associated with the entered mandatory invitee email addresses (Suzuki △△, Tanaka □□, Takahashi ××, Yamaguchi ○△) are displayed. The optional field is for entering the email addresses of observer invitees who may attend at their discretion. In Figure 3, the names of those associated with the entered optional invitee email addresses (Ito △〇, Yoshida ○□) are displayed. The email addresses of the sender, mandatory invitees, and optional invitees can be entered in the same way as when creating a regular email using the mailer.

[0034] The start time and end time of the web conference are entered in the start time and end time fields. In the example shown in Figure 3, a two-hour web conference is set up from 13:30 to 15:30 on November 27, 2024. In addition, the location display field shows "Web Conference" because the conference set up using the input screen in Figure 3 is a web conference, indicating that it is a so-called remote conference conducted via the internet using a web conferencing tool.

[0035] In the web conference settings screen shown in Figure 3, each piece of information from the sender to the location constitutes the web conference settings information to be set on the conference server 6. Furthermore, in the web conference settings screen shown in Figure 3, the area below the location input field is the input area for the email message to invitees to participate in the web conference. As indicated by the underlined text, this email message input area also includes a link to the location where the conference materials are stored. The invitation email to invitees also includes a link to join the configured web conference. This link information includes the conference ID and passcode, which are provided by the conference server 6 after receiving the web conference settings information from PC 3.

[0036] In this way, the user of PC3 can set up a web conference on the conference server 6 and send invitation emails to invitees by entering information into the web conference setting screen shown in Figure 3, which is displayed on the PC3's screen. The UTM device 1 can form a conference list based on the information entered through the web conference setting screen explained using Figure 3 and store it in the conference list storage unit 105. Figure 4 is a diagram illustrating an example of a conference list, which is stored data in the conference list storage unit 105 of the UTM device 1 in this embodiment. In the conference list shown in Figure 4, the conference ID, passcode, and setting date and time are information provided by the conference server 6 when a web conference is set up on the conference server 6 using the web conference setting screen (Figure 3) via PC3.

[0037] In the meeting list shown in Figure 4, the information from the organizer onwards is entered through the meeting settings screen (Figure 3) displayed on the PC3 screen. The organizer column shows the name, but this is associated with the entered email address, and in reality, the email address is stored along with the name. The title column displays the title entered through the web conference settings screen. The inviter (required) and inviter (optional) columns also show names, but these are associated with the entered email addresses, and in reality, the email address is stored along with the name.

[0038] The start and end dates are entered through the meeting settings screen (Figure 3) displayed on the PC3's screen. The link information stored in the document storage location field is the URL (Uniform Resource Locator) and other link information entered in the email text input area of ​​the meeting settings screen (Figure 3) displayed on the PC3's screen. Figure 4 shows the case where a meeting list for a web conference with meeting ID "123 456 789 123" and a meeting list for a web conference with meeting ID "123 456 789 456" are registered. In this way, the meeting list formed for each configured web conference is stored in the meeting list storage unit 105.

[0039] The access history storage unit 106 records access history information when an access occurs to the storage location of meeting materials for a configured web conference. Figure 5 is a diagram illustrating an example of access history information, which is stored in the access history storage unit 106 of the UTM device 1 of this embodiment. As shown in Figure 5, the access history information consists of information such as the date and time of access, the person who accessed the information, the location of the materials, and the processing details.

[0040] The access date and time is the date and time when access occurred to the storage location of the meeting materials. The accessor is the identification information of the person who accessed the storage location of the meeting materials, and in this embodiment, it is an email address. Figure 5 shows the name of the accessor associated with the email address. When accessing the storage location of meeting materials for a web conference, authentication is required, for example, by entering an email address, receiving a password for that email address, and then entering that password to enable access. In this case, the entered email address can be used as the accessor's identification information.

[0041] In the case of PC3 connected to LAN2, if authentication is performed by entering necessary information such as an employee ID or PIN code when PC3 starts up, it may be possible to access the document sharing server 4 on LAN2 without having to authenticate each time access is performed. In this case, based on the MAC address and IP address of the accessing PC3, the employee master on the employee management server (not shown in Figure 1) connected to LAN2 should be referenced and the associated email address should be obtained. In other words, the employee master should store the employee's name and email address associated with the MAC address and IP address of PC3.

[0042] The document storage location corresponds to the document storage location in the meeting list explained using Figure 4, and the information used identifies the document storage location specified as the access destination. In practice, access to the document storage location is possible by selecting the URL indicating the document storage location listed in the input area of ​​the invitation email, so the URL becomes the information indicating the document storage location. The processing details store information indicating what action was performed when the document storage location was accessed. In the example shown in Figure 5, if the document storage location was accessed and a document was downloaded, "Reference" is stored, and if a document was uploaded, "Storage" is stored, indicating the action performed. Note that if the document was accessed but no document was stored and no document was stored, no information will be entered in the other fields. In other words, neither the document was referenced nor stored, and only the fact that it was accessed is recorded.

[0043] The document list storage unit 107 stores information about the documents to be distributed when a web conference is held and it is necessary to store and distribute documents in a designated document storage unit. The registration of information in the document list storage unit 107 is performed in advance, for example, by the conference organizer through the PC 3 used by the conference organizer. Figure 6 is a diagram illustrating an example of the data stored in the document list storage unit 107 of the UTM device 1 of this embodiment.

[0044] As shown in Figure 6, the data stored in the data list storage unit 107, which is the data list, has information indicating the storage location as index information, and for each data item stored in that storage location, it has "No.", data title, intended storage person, and storage date and time. The information indicating the storage location as index information uses a ULR that identifies the storage location. "No." is the sequence number assigned to the data item. The data title is the title given to the data item to be stored. The intended storage person is the person responsible for storing (uploading) the data item to that storage location. The storage date and time is information indicating when the data item was stored (uploaded).

[0045] In the example shown in Figure 6, a list of documents to be stored in the storage locations "https: / / :AAA…" and "https: / / :BBB…" is shown. It is indicated that the document to be stored in the storage location "https: / / :AAA…" will be labeled "No. 01," with the title "New Product Overview" and the intended recipient being "Yamada XX." Similarly, it is indicated that the document to be stored in "No. 02" will be labeled "Development Schedule" and the intended recipient being "Yamada XX." Furthermore, it is indicated that the document to be stored in "No. 03" will be labeled "Design Team Allocation" and the intended recipient being "Yamaguchi XX." Finally, it is indicated that the document to be stored in "No. 04" will be labeled "Budget Document" and the intended recipient being "Suzuki △△."

[0046] Furthermore, the storage location "https: / / :BBB..." indicates that a document titled "XXX Improvement Proposal" and intended to be stored by "XXX" will be stored as "No.01". In this way, the document list storage unit 107 stores information indicating what kind of documents will be stored in each document storage location for documents used in web conferences. In addition, when a document is actually created in a document storage location, the date and time of storage of that document can be determined.

[0047] The connection terminal 108T constitutes the connection terminal to LAN2. The LANI / F (Interface) 108 is the part that processes communication through LAN2. Specifically, the LANI / F 108 receives signals addressed to the local device that are transmitted via LAN2, converting them into a format that the local device can process. The LANI / F 108 also converts signals transmitted from the local device into a format suitable for transmission, sends them to LAN2, and transmits them to the recipient. Therefore, when communicating with PC3 connected to LAN2, the communication is performed through the connection terminal 108T and the LANI / F 108.

[0048] The security function unit 110 implements a function for centralized security management. Specifically, although not shown in the diagram, the security function unit 110 is composed of, for example, a P2P countermeasure unit, an HP access control unit, a virus countermeasure unit, an email countermeasure unit, an IPS / IDS unit, and a firewall unit. In other words, the security function unit 110 implements a function to prohibit P2P connections with parties that have not implemented security measures or with malicious intent (function as a P2P countermeasure unit). Note that "P2P" stands for "Peer to Peer," and means that equal parties communicate directly with each other over the internet.

[0049] Furthermore, the security function unit 110 implements a function that prohibits access to homepages belonging to a specified category, for example, by pre-selecting the desired homepage category (function as an HP access control unit). The security function unit 110 also verifies the response of web pages (virus check) (function as a virus protection unit). More specifically, it implements a function that monitors communication when browsing web pages and verifies (checks) whether images to be viewed or files to be downloaded contain viruses. In addition, the security function unit 110 implements a function that blocks unwanted advertisements and emails with viruses attached (function as an email protection unit).

[0050] Furthermore, the security function unit 110 implements functions to prevent inappropriate intrusions and notify of inappropriate intrusions (functions as an IPS / IDS unit). Here, IPS is an abbreviation for Intrusion Prevention System, and IDS is an abbreviation for Intrusion Detection System. The security function unit 110 can defend against attacks by so-called malware such as worms and Trojan horses. In addition, the security function unit 110 implements functions to protect its own system from attacks and unauthorized access from external networks by determining whether or not to supply data to LAN2 based on the data communication status and the software being used (functions as a firewall unit).

[0051] The reminder provision processing unit 120 is the part that, when a web conference is set up, provides detailed reminder notifications to both the organizer and those invited to participate (inviters) without requiring any effort from those involved in the conference. As shown in Figure 2, the reminder provision processing unit 120 includes a conference list formation unit 121, an access history formation unit 122, a notification information formation unit 123, a storage request formation unit 124, and an information provision unit 125.

[0052] The meeting list formation unit 121 receives web conference setting information from PC3 connected to LAN2. This setting information is entered through the web conference setting screen as explained in Figure 3. From the received setting information, the meeting list formation unit 121 extracts information such as the date and time of the meeting, organizer identification information, identification information for one or more invitees, and storage location information for meeting materials for each configured web conference, and forms a meeting list as explained in Figure 4. The meeting list formation unit 121 records the formed meeting list in the meeting list storage unit 105. In this way, the meeting list formation unit 121 realizes the function of forming a meeting list and storing it in the meeting list storage unit 105 when a web conference is configured.

[0053] The access history formation unit 122 functions when access occurs to the storage location of meeting materials, which is identified by the storage location information of meeting materials in the meeting list stored in the meeting list storage unit 105. The access history formation unit 122 forms access history information as explained using Figure 5 and records it in the access history storage unit 106. That is, the access history formation unit 122 forms access history information that associates the access date and time obtained from the clock circuit 104, the accessor's email address as accessor identification information, the storage location information of meeting materials, and information indicating the processing content. The access history formation unit 122 stores the formed access history information in the access history storage unit 106. In this way, the access history formation unit 122 realizes the function of forming access history information and storing it in the access history storage unit 106 when access occurs to the storage location of meeting materials.

[0054] The notification information formation unit 123 forms either or both of the organizer notification information and the invitee notification information based on the access history information stored in the access history storage unit 106 and the meeting list in the meeting list storage unit 105. The organizer notification information is information that needs to be notified to the organizer, who is identified by the email address, which is the organizer identification information of the referenced meeting list. The invitee notification information is information that needs to be notified to the invitee, who is identified by the email address, which is the invitee identification information of the referenced meeting list. The organizer notification information and invitee notification information formed by the notification information formation unit 123 are notified to the target organizer and invitee by the information provision unit 125, which will be described later.

[0055] Specific examples of organizer notification information and invitee notification information formed by the notification information formation unit 123 will be explained. The notification information formation unit 123 monitors the access history information recorded in the access history storage unit 106 and assumes that the same accessor identified by the accessor identification information has accessed the same storage location identified by the storage location information more than a predetermined number of times within a predetermined time. In this way, if the same accessor accesses the same storage location multiple times within a predetermined time, there is a high probability that the meeting materials are not stored in that storage location. Therefore, the notification information formation unit 123 refers to the meeting list in the meeting list storage unit 105 that has the same storage location information as the access history information stored in the access history storage unit 106. If the accessor is an invitee of the meeting list that was referenced, the notification information formation unit 123 forms organizer notification information to prompt the organizer of the meeting list to understand the status of the storage of the meeting materials in the storage location of the meeting materials. The organizer's notification information would include, for example, a message such as, "It appears that the meeting materials for the new project planning meeting held on November 27, 2024, have not yet been uploaded. Please check."

[0056] Furthermore, the notification information formation unit 123 monitors the access history information recorded in the access history storage unit 106, and assumes that the information indicating the processing content indicates that the materials have been stored in the storage location specified by the storage location information. In this case, only the person who stored the materials would know that new materials have been stored. Therefore, the notification information formation unit 123 refers to the meeting list in the meeting list storage unit 105, which has the same storage location information as the access history information stored in the access history storage unit 106. The notification information formation unit 123 forms invitee notification information prompting at least the invitees of the referred meeting list to check the materials stored in the storage location of the meeting materials. This invitee notification information may include, for example, "Meeting materials for the new project planning meeting held on November 27, 2024 have been newly uploaded. Please check them."

[0057] Furthermore, the notification information formation unit 123 summarizes the access history information recorded in the access history storage unit 106, eliminating duplicate accesser identification information for users who have accessed storage locations identified by the same storage location information. The notification information formation unit 123 refers to the meeting list in the meeting list storage unit 105, which has the same storage location information as the access history information stored in the access history storage unit 106. The notification information formation unit 123 compares the summary result of the accesser identification information with the identification information of invitees in the referenced meeting list to identify invitees who have not accessed the storage location, and forms invitee notification information prompting the identified invitees to access the materials. This invitee notification information may include, for example, "You have not yet accessed the meeting materials for the new project planning meeting held on November 27, 2024. Please check the meeting materials immediately."

[0058] The storage request formation unit 124 matches the list of materials stored in the material list storage unit 107 with the meeting materials stored in the storage location identified by the storage location information of the storage list, and identifies the meeting materials that are not stored in that storage location. The storage request formation unit 124 forms a storage request urging the person who is scheduled to store the identified meeting materials that are not stored in that storage location to store them. The storage request may include content such as, "The 'Development Schedule' from the New Project Planning Meeting held on November 27, 2024 has not been uploaded. Please upload it immediately." The storage request formed by the storage request formation unit 124 is notified to the intended person by the information provision unit 125, which will be described later.

[0059] The Information Provision Unit 125 implements a function to provide the organizer notification information and invitee notification information formed by the Notification Information Formation Unit 123 to the target organizer and invitee, for example, by email. In other words, the target organizer and invitee in this case can be identified by the organizer identification information and invitee identification information of the meeting list, which have the same information as the storage location information of the access history information. Since the organizer identification information and invitee identification information use email addresses, it is possible to notify the organizer notification information and invitee notification information by email. In addition, the Information Provision Unit 125 notifies the target recipient of the storage request formed by the Storage Request Formation Unit 124, for example, by email. The target recipient can be identified by the recipients in the document storage list, but in this embodiment, the recipient is identified by their email address.

[0060] Furthermore, the information provision unit 125 can not only provide reminder notifications via email. The UTM device 1 can also, if necessary, identify a target PC3 connected to LAN2 using its IP address or MAC address and provide a reminder notification to that PC3. In this case, the PC3 connected to LAN2 that receives the reminder notification can display it on its own screen in a pop-up format, thereby providing it to the user.

[0061] [Processing performed by UTM device 1] Next, we will explain the processing performed by UTM device 1. As mentioned above, UTM device 1 performs two main processes: information formation and storage, and reminder notification. In the following sections, we will explain each of these processes with reference to flowcharts.

[0062] <Information Formation and Storage Processing> Figure 7 is a flowchart illustrating the information formation and storage processes performed in the UTM device 1 of the embodiment. The processes shown in Figure 7 are executed by the control unit 102 of the UTM device 1, and the control unit 102 achieves these processes by controlling each part of the UTM device 1. The control unit 102 of the UTM device 1 executes the processes shown in Figure 7 while the device is running. First, the control unit 102 receives information to be relayed by the device from the LAN2 side and the Internet 5 side (step S101), and determines whether or not it has received information to be relayed by the device (step S102). If the determination process in step S102 determines that no information to be relayed has been received, the process from step S101 is repeated, and the device waits for the arrival of information to be relayed by the device.

[0063] In the determination process of step S102, it is determined that information to be relayed by the local machine has arrived. In this case, the control unit 102 controls the security function unit 110 to perform a security check according to the received information (step S103) and determine whether there is a problem or not (step S104). In the determination process of step S104, if it is determined that there is a problem in the security check result, a warning process is performed, such as sending a warning message to the destination of the information (step S105), and the process from step S101 is repeated.

[0064] In the determination process of step S104, if it is determined that there are no problems with the security check result, it is determined whether the information received in step S101 is meeting setting information or not (step S106). In the determination process of step S106, if it is determined that the received information is meeting setting information, the control unit 102 provides the received information to the meeting list formation unit 121, forms a meeting list, and records it in the meeting list storage unit 105 (step S107). After this, the control unit 102 performs processing according to the information to be relayed (step S110). In this case, the control unit 102 sends the meeting setting information to the meeting server 6, or sends an email to the invitee of the web conference to the invitee's email server.

[0065] Furthermore, suppose that in the determination process of step S106, it is determined that the received information is not meeting setting information. In this case, the control unit 102 determines whether the information received in step S101 is an access to meeting materials stored in the location indicated by the link information to the meeting list material storage location stored in the meeting list storage unit 105 (step S108). Suppose that in the determination process of step S108, it is determined that it is an access to the meeting materials. In this case, the control unit 102 provides the received information to the access history formation unit 122, forms access history information, and executes the process of recording it in the access history storage unit 106 (step S109).

[0066] After this, the control unit 102 performs processing according to the information being relayed (step S110). In this case, the control unit 102 accesses the target storage location on the document sharing server 4 connected to LAN2 and performs processing such as uploading meeting materials to the storage location or downloading meeting materials stored in the storage location (step S109). Also, if the determination process in step S108 determines that it is an access to the meeting materials, the control unit 102 performs processing according to the information being relayed (step S110). In this case, the control unit 102 can perform various actions according to the received information, such as accessing a web page or sending an email. After the processing in step S110, the processing from step S101 is repeated.

[0067] Thus, the UTM device 1 of this embodiment implements a function to perform a security check upon receiving information relayed by the device and to transmit it to the intended recipient. In this process, if the information relayed by the device is meeting setting information for a web conference, it implements a function to form a meeting list and record it in the meeting list storage unit 105. Furthermore, if the information relayed by the device is access information to the storage location of meeting materials, it implements a function to form access history information and record it in the access history storage unit 106.

[0068] <Reminder notification processing> Figures 8 and 9 are flowcharts illustrating the reminder notification process performed by the relay device of the embodiment. The processes shown in Figures 8 and 9 are executed by the control unit 102 of the UTM device 1, and the control unit 102 achieves this by controlling each part of the UTM device 1. The control unit 102 of the UTM device 1 executes the processes shown in Figures 8 and 9 at predetermined intervals while the device is running.

[0069] The predetermined timing can be set to various times. For example, it is possible to execute the process every hour between the start of work (9:00 AM) and the end of work (6:00 PM). In this case, the start of work can be set as the first execution timing of the day, and the end of work can be set as the last execution timing of the day. Alternatively, the first execution timing of the day can be set one hour after the start of work, and the last execution timing can be set one hour before the end of work.

[0070] When the processes shown in the flowcharts of Figures 8 and 9 are executed, the control unit 102 first controls the notification information formation unit 123 to check the stored data (access history information (Figure 5)) in the access history storage unit 106 (step S201). Based on the results of the check in step S201, the control unit 102 determines whether or not frequent access to the storage location where the meeting materials are stored has occurred (step S202). The determination process in step S202 determines whether the same accessor has accessed the same storage location of the meeting materials a predetermined number of times or more within a predetermined time, and whether or not the accessor is an invitee to a web conference where the storage location is the storage location for the meeting materials.

[0071] In the determination process of step S202, suppose all of the above determination conditions are satisfied and it is determined that frequent access to the storage location where the meeting materials are stored is occurring. In this case, under the control of the control unit 102, the notification information formation unit 123 forms organizer notification information prompting the organizers of the meeting list whose meeting materials storage location matches to check the storage status of the meeting materials, and the information provision unit 125 performs the processing to provide this information (step S203).

[0072] In the determination process of step S202, if it is determined that there has been no frequent access to the storage location where the meeting materials are stored, or after the processing of step S203, the process proceeds to the determination process of step S204. That is, under the control of the control unit 102, the notification information formation unit 123 functions and, as a result of the confirmation process of step S201, determines whether or not new meeting materials have been stored in the storage location of the meeting materials (step S204). In the determination process of step S202, if the "access date and time" is a date and time later than the previous execution timing of the processes shown in Figures 8 and 9, and if there is access history information where the processing content is "storage", it can be determined that new meeting materials have been stored.

[0073] In the determination process of step S204, suppose it is determined that new meeting materials have been stored in the meeting materials storage location. In this case, the notification information formation unit 123 forms invitee notification information prompting at least the invitees of the meeting list whose meeting materials storage location matches to check for the new meeting materials, and the information provision unit 125 performs the process of providing this information (step S205). Here, it has been explained that invitee notification information is formed for at least the invitees, but it is not limited to this. In step S205, along with the invitee notification information, organizer notification information prompting the organizers of the meeting list whose meeting materials storage location matches to check for the new meeting materials may also be formed, and the information provision unit 125 may perform the process of providing this information to the organizers.

[0074] In the determination process of step S204, if it is determined that no new meeting materials are stored in the meeting materials storage location, or after the processing of step S205, the process proceeds to step S206. That is, the notification information formation unit 123 performs a process to ascertain the access status of the meeting materials (step S206). The process in step S206 is a process in which the notification information formation unit 123 functions under the control of the control unit 102 to identify invitees who have not accessed the meeting materials.

[0075] Specifically, the notification information formation unit 123 summarizes the access history information recorded in the access history storage unit 106, eliminating duplicates of accesser identification information for users who have accessed the same storage location identified by the same storage location information. Next, the notification information formation unit 123 refers to the meeting list in the meeting list storage unit 105, which has the same storage location information as the access history information stored in the access history storage unit 106. Then, the notification information formation unit 123 compares the summary result of the accesser identification information with the invitee identification information of the referenced meeting list to identify invitees who have not accessed the storage location.

[0076] Next, under the control of the control unit 102, the notification information formation unit 123 determines whether or not there are any people who have not viewed the meeting materials (whether or not they have been identified) based on the result of the processing in step S206 (step S207). Suppose that in the determination process in step S207, it is determined that there are people who have not viewed the meeting materials. In this case, under the control of the control unit 102, the notification information formation unit 123 functions to form invitee notification information prompting the identified person who has not viewed the meeting materials to do so, and the information provision unit 125 then provides this information to the invited person identified as the person who has not viewed the meeting materials (step S208).

[0077] If, in the determination process of step S207, it is determined that there are no people who have not referred to the meeting materials, or after the processing of step S208, the process proceeds to step S209 in Figure 9. That is, the control unit 102 controls the storage request formation unit 124 to perform a matching process between the stored data (material list) in the material list storage unit 107 and the meeting materials stored in the material storage locations (step S209). Specifically, the storage request formation unit 124 matches the material list stored in the material list storage unit 107 with the meeting materials stored in the storage locations specified by the storage location information of the storage list, and identifies the meeting materials that are not stored in those storage locations.

[0078] Based on the result of the processing in step S209, the storage request formation unit 124 determines whether or not there are meeting materials that are not stored in the storage location, that is, whether or not there are missing meeting materials that should be stored in the storage location (step S210). Suppose that the determination process in step S210 determines that there are missing meeting materials that should be stored in the storage location. In this case, the storage request formation unit 124 forms a storage request based on the material list in the material list storage unit 107 to prompt the person who is scheduled to store the unstored meeting materials to store the meeting materials, and provides it to the intended person via the information provision unit 125 (step S211). If the determination process in step S210 determines that there are no missing meeting materials that should be stored in the storage location, and after the processing in step S211, the processes shown in Figures 8 and 9 are terminated, and the unit waits for the next execution timing.

[0079] Thus, the UTM device 1 of this embodiment can form and notify the organizer of a web conference of the organizer of the web conference, prompting them to check the status of the storage of the meeting materials in a predetermined storage location (step S203). Furthermore, if new meeting materials for a web conference are uploaded, the UTM device 1 of this embodiment can prompt at least the invitees of the web conference to review the new meeting materials (step S205). Furthermore, the UTM device 1 of this embodiment can prompt invitees of a web conference using the meeting materials, who have never reviewed the meeting materials stored in a predetermined storage location, to review the meeting materials (step S208). Moreover, if the meeting materials to be stored in a storage location are known, and the meeting materials that should be stored are not stored in that location, the UTM device 1 of this embodiment can prompt the person who is scheduled to store the meeting materials to store them (step S211).

[0080] [Effects of the embodiment] According to the UTM device 1 of the above-described embodiment, information regarding meetings to be held can be appropriately managed, and detailed reminder notifications can be provided to both the organizers and those invited to participate (inviters) without burdening those involved in the meeting. In particular, meeting materials that need to be reviewed before attending the meeting can be obtained and made available at an early stage after the meeting has been scheduled. Furthermore, invitees who have not yet reviewed the available meeting materials can be encouraged to do so. This helps to ensure the smooth progress of the meeting and contributes to its effective use.

[0081] [Differentiations, etc.] In addition to the reminder notifications described above, you can also configure reminder notifications as described below.

[0082] <Notification to the organizer regarding individuals who frequently access the meeting materials storage location> The access history information stored in the access history storage unit 106 of the UTM device 1 allows for the identification of individuals who are frequently accessing the meeting materials storage location. For example, if someone is accessing the location three or four times an hour, it could indicate that some kind of problem is occurring. Therefore, if, for example, someone is accessing the meeting materials storage location three or more times an hour, the system identifies the frequent accessing individual and notifies the organizer of the web conference who designated that storage location as the meeting materials storage location. For example, a reminder notification such as, "Mr. / Ms. Suzuki △△ is frequently accessing the meeting materials. Please check if there are any problems," can be sent.

[0083] Upon receiving the reminder notification, the organizer can contact someone who frequently accesses the meeting materials (in this example, "Mr. / Ms. Suzuki △△") to check if there are any problems with the materials. For example, suppose "Mr. / Ms. Suzuki △△" believes that some materials are missing and has been frequently accessing them to obtain them. In this case, the organizer can explain that a reminder notification will be sent when new materials are uploaded, or if the materials are not planned to be provided, they will be added or distributed later.

[0084] Furthermore, individuals who frequently access the meeting materials can be identified by their email address and name in the "Accessor" column of the access history information in the access history storage unit 106. The organizer to whom the reminder notification should be sent can be identified by the meeting list in the meeting list storage unit 105, which stores the same URL recorded in the "Material Storage Location" column of the access history information in the access history storage unit 106. The process of sending the reminder notification can be carried out collaboratively by the notification information formation unit 123 and the information provision unit 125. This reminder notification can also be sent within the process described using Figures 8 and 9.

[0085] <Notification to organizers based on the storage rate of materials> In the reminder notification process shown in Figures 8 and 9, steps S209 to S211 send a reminder notification to those who have not yet stored the meeting materials in the material storage location, prompting them to do so. However, it is also possible to notify the organizer of the status of the storage of the meeting materials. As mentioned above, the material list storage unit 107 has a material list formed in it, as explained using Figure 6, which material storage location contains information on what materials are stored, and by whom. In other words, the material list in the material list storage unit 107 allows for a complete understanding of all materials stored in each material storage location where the meeting materials for each web conference are stored.

[0086] Therefore, the document list in the document list storage unit 107 is compared with the documents stored in the document storage location identified by the URL in the document storage location column of the document list to determine the document storage rate. Simply put, if a document storage location is intended to store a total of 10 meeting documents from the document list, but only 5 documents are stored, the storage rate is 50%. This storage rate is notified to the organizer of the web conference who designated that document storage location as the storage location for meeting documents. For example, a reminder notification such as "The storage rate for meeting documents is still 50%. Please hurry and store your documents" can be sent. Upon receiving this reminder notification, the organizer can check the storage status of the meeting documents in the document storage location and take action to expedite the storage of the meeting documents.

[0087] The organizer to whom the reminder notification is sent can be identified by the meeting list in the meeting list storage unit 105, which stores the same URL as the URL recorded in the document storage location field of the document list storage unit 107. Furthermore, the process of sending the reminder notification can be carried out collaboratively by the notification information formation unit 123 and the information provision unit 125. The reminder notification can also be carried out within the process described using Figures 8 and 9.

[0088] <Notification to the organizer regarding meeting scheduling errors, etc.> As mentioned above, web conferences are relatively easy to set up, which can sometimes lead to so-called double bookings, where the same person is asked to participate in different web conferences held at the same time. This situation can also occur when the organizer of one conference is asked to participate in another. Therefore, it is desirable to be able to notify the parties involved if a double booking occurs in multiple scheduled conferences.

[0089] Therefore, the reminder provision processing unit 120 of the UTM device 1 is provided with a notification information formation unit 126. The notification information formation unit 126 forms organizer notification information for the organizer identified by the organizer identification information in the setting information, based on the meeting setting information from the PC 3 connected to the LAN 2 (Figure 3) and the meeting list stored in the meeting list storage unit 105 (Figure 4). Specifically, suppose the organizer identified by the organizer identification information and the invitee identified by the invitee identification information in the setting information from the PC 3 are the organizers or invitees of another web conference whose meeting times overlap in the meeting list stored in the meeting list storage unit 105. In this case, the notification information formation unit 126 forms organizer notification information to inform the organizer that the organizer or the invitee are the organizers or invitees of another web conference whose meeting times overlap.

[0090] The organizer notification information may include, for example, information such as, "The organizer is also the organizer or invitee of another web conference that overlaps with the event time slot," or "The invitee, '○○□□', is also the organizer or invitee of another web conference that overlaps with the event time slot." In this case, the information provision unit 125 notifies the PC 3 used by the target organizer of the organizer notification information formed by the notification information formation unit 126. The notification information formation unit 126 functions when the PC 3 is used to configure the web conference to the conference server 6 via the UTM device 1. In this state, the PC 3 that is configuring the conference and the UTM device 1 are connected via LAN 2. Therefore, the UTM device 1 directly provides the organizer notification information to the PC 3 via LAN 2. The organizer notification information can be notified to the user of the PC 3 that is configuring the web conference by displaying the organizer notification information in a so-called pop-up format in a window on the PC 3's display screen.

[0091] Therefore, the so-called double-booking reminder notification is not performed in the reminder notification process described using Figures 8 and 9. In the information formation and storage process described using Figure 7, in step S106, if it is determined that the information to be relayed is conference setting information, the notification information formation unit 126 is activated to confirm the occurrence of a double-booking. If a double-booking has occurred in this confirmation, a reminder notification is issued. In this case, the conference list formation and storage are not performed, and the process from step S101 is repeated. The organizer who receives notification that a double-booking has occurred can adjust the web conference schedule and then reschedule the web conference. This makes it possible to prevent the occurrence of double-booking when setting up a web conference.

[0092] In this example, a double-booking check is performed during the web conference setup, and if a double-booking occurs, a reminder notification is sent, and the web conference setup is not completed. However, this is not the only option. The system can also be configured to complete the web conference setup, refer to the list of meetings in the meeting list storage unit 105 whose start date and time have not yet arrived, and notify the double-booked organizers or invitees if a double-booking occurs. This process can be carried out collaboratively by the notification information formation unit 123 and the information provision unit 125.

[0093] <Notification to organizers regarding missed invitees> Furthermore, the notification information formation unit 126 can notify the web conference organizer of any missing invitees. Specifically, suppose that a past meeting list with the same organizer identification information and title, as included in the settings information from PC3, exists in the meeting list storage unit 105. In this case, the inviter identification information included in the settings information from PC3 is compared with the inviter identification information in the past meeting list, and it is determined that there are missing invitees. In this case, the notification information formation unit 126 forms organizer notification information to inform the organizer that a person who was invited to the past web conference was not invited this time.

[0094] The organizer notification information may include, for example, information such as, "Mr. Yamaguchi XX, who was invited to a past web conference, has not been invited. Is that alright?" In this case, the information provision unit 125 notifies the PC 3 used by the target organizer of the organizer notification information formed by the notification information formation unit 126. As described above, the notification information formation unit 126 functions when the PC 3 is used to set up a web conference with the conference server 6 via the UTM device 1. For this reason, the UTM device 1 directly provides the organizer notification information to the PC 3 via the LAN 2. The organizer notification information can be notified to the user of the PC 3 who is setting up the web conference by displaying the organizer notification information in a pop-up window on the PC 3's display screen.

[0095] Therefore, this reminder notification is not performed using the reminder notification process described using Figures 8 and 9. In the information formation and storage process described using Figure 7, in step S106, if it is determined that the information to be relayed is conference setting information, the notification information formation unit 126 is activated, and if it is determined that there are insufficient invitees, a reminder notification is issued. In this case, unlike the double-booking case described above, past invitees who were determined to be insufficient may not be invited due to other plans, etc. Therefore, after the reminder notification, it is possible to choose whether to add invitees and continue setting up the web conference, or to continue setting up the web conference without adding invitees, and in either case, the conference list can be formed and registered. This prevents inconveniences such as accidentally forgetting to invite someone when setting up a web conference.

[0096] <Notification to individuals (inviters) who frequently access the meeting materials storage location> As described above, the access history information stored in the access history storage unit 106 of the UTM device 1 allows for the identification of individuals who frequently access the meeting materials storage location or who have the same meeting materials file open for extended periods. For example, if someone accesses the location three or four times an hour, or keeps the same meeting materials file open for several tens of minutes, it is possible that some kind of problem is occurring. In such cases, it is possible to send a notification to the person who is frequently accessing the location or who has the same meeting materials file open for extended periods, in order to resolve the issue. For example, a reminder notification such as, "You are frequently accessing the meeting materials. Do you have any questions? Please do not hesitate to contact the organizer, Mr. / Ms. Yamada XX," can be sent. In this case, the email address or phone number (extension number or mobile phone number, etc.) of the organizer, Mr. / Ms. Yamada XX, can also be obtained from the employee master data (not shown) and used for the notification.

[0097] As mentioned above, individuals who frequently access the meeting materials can be identified by their email address and name in the "Accessor" column of the access history information in the access history storage unit 106. Furthermore, individuals who have the meeting materials file open for extended periods can be identified by measuring the time they access the material storage location, open the meeting materials, and record this information in the access history information. The invitee to whom the reminder notification should be sent can be identified from the email address listed in the "Accessor" column of the access history information in the access history storage unit 106. The process of sending this reminder notification can be carried out collaboratively by the notification information formation unit 123 and the information provision unit 125. This reminder notification can also be performed within the process described using Figures 8 and 9.

[0098] <Notification to invitees based on the number of questions (or statements) made in past meetings> As mentioned above, the conference server 6 may also have functions to support recording and audio recording of meetings for later reference, and to analyze meeting usage and participant speaking time to provide guidance for improvement. For this reason, the functions of the conference server 6 allow for the acquisition of aggregated values ​​for the number of times and speaking time for each invitee in past web conferences, and this is stored as information on past speaking in a predetermined storage device of the UTM device 1. This makes it possible to check information on past speaking for each invitee identified in the meeting list after a web conference is set up, and to provide reminder notifications to invitees who have spoken infrequently and spoken for short periods of time, encouraging them to review materials in advance and speak during the meeting. Furthermore, the process of providing such reminder notifications can be carried out collaboratively by the notification information formation unit 123 and the information provision unit 125.

[0099] <Reminder notification to the supervisor of an invitee who did not review the meeting materials> As described above, the access status to the document storage location where the meeting materials are stored can be confirmed by the access history information in the access history storage unit 106. For this reason, for invitees who have not accessed the meeting materials, a reminder notification was provided to encourage them to look at the materials through steps S206 to S208 of the reminder notification process explained using the flowcharts in Figures 8 and 9. However, for invitees who still do not look at the meeting materials, a reminder notification can be sent to the invitee's supervisor, urging them to instruct the invitee to look at the meeting materials.

[0100] Specifically, the process from steps S206 to S208 in the flowcharts of Figures 8 and 9 provides a reminder notification to invite the person to review the meeting materials. This information is stored in a predetermined storage area of ​​the storage device 103. Suppose that, after a certain period of time has elapsed since the reminder notification and before the start of the web conference, the access history information for the invitee whose information is stored in the storage device 103 is not stored in the access history storage unit 106. In this case, the notification information formation unit 123 refers to the employee master based on the invitee identification information stored in the storage device 103 and identifies the department to which the invitee identified by the invitee identification information belongs, and the person in charge of that department.

[0101] Using the email address of the identified person responsible, a reminder notice will be sent prompting them to instruct the invitee to view the meeting materials. The reminder notice may include content such as, "Mr. / Ms. [Name] from the [Department Name] has not accessed the meeting materials. Please instruct them to review the meeting materials and participate in the web conference." In this case, information such as the web conference organizer, title, and date and time may also be included in the notice.

[0102] [Application to traditional meetings] It should be noted that the above-described embodiment uses a web conference as an example, but is not limited to this. Various reminder notifications can also be provided for traditional meetings where participants gather in a conference room, similar to the case of web conferences. In other words, even in the case of traditional meetings, invitation emails can be sent to each invitee by setting up the meeting through the meeting settings screen explained using Figure 3, by entering information such as the organizer, title, invitees, and location of meeting materials.

[0103] In this case, a meeting list (Figure 4) is formed from the information entered through the meeting settings screen and stored in the meeting list storage unit 105. Furthermore, if access occurs to the location where meeting materials are stored as notified via invitation email, access history information (Figure 5) is created accordingly and stored in the access history storage unit 106. A materials list (Figure 6) is also created in advance and stored in the materials list storage unit 107. This allows various reminder notifications to be formed and provided to various recipients, such as the organizer, invitees, and the invitees' superiors, similar to how a web conference is set up in the above-described embodiment.

[0104] [Applicable when a web conference or traditional meeting is scheduled from an external source] In the embodiment described above, the case where a conference is set up from a PC 3 connected to the LAN 2 to which the UTM device 1 is connected was explained as an example. However, there are also cases where a conference is set up from an external PC 7(1) connected to the Internet 5, for example. In this case, when the UTM device 1 receives an invitation email to a conference, it creates an invited conference list having the same content as the conference list described using Figure 3 and stores it in a newly established invited conference list storage unit. When access occurs to the document storage location specified by the URL described in the document storage location column of the invited conference list stored in the invited conference list storage unit, invited conference access history information is formed and stored in the invited conference access history storage unit.

[0105] This allows for the creation and notification of a reminder notice prompting the invitee to review the meeting materials, at least if the invitee has not yet accessed them. Furthermore, the UTM device 1 accesses the material storage location, identified by the URL listed in the material storage location column of the invited meeting list stored in the invited meeting list storage unit, at predetermined intervals to determine whether new materials have been stored. If this determination process determines that new materials have been stored, a reminder notice indicating that new materials have been stored can be created and sent to invitees to the meeting who have the company's email address, and these invitees can be notified.

[0106] [When the document sharing server 4 is located on the Internet 5] In the embodiment described above, the document sharing server 4 is connected to LAN2 to which the UTM device 1 is connected. As a result, access to the document sharing server 4 can be detected by the UTM device 1 which relays the access, and access history information can be formed. However, the document sharing server 4 may also be located on the Internet 5. In this case, if the document sharing server on the Internet 5 is accessed from an external PC 7(1) connected to the Internet 5, the UTM device 1 cannot form access history information.

[0107] Therefore, if a document sharing server is set up on the Internet 5, the recipient of access history information notifications is registered for each document storage location (URL) where meeting materials are stored. Then, when access to the document storage location occurs on the document sharing server, it is configured to create access history information and send it to the recipient of the access history information notifications. By setting the recipient of the access history information notifications to UTM device 1, UTM device 1 can track not only access to the document storage location from PC 3 connected to LAN 2, but also access to the document storage location from PC 7(1) connected to the Internet 5.

[0108] In this case, the UTM device 1 does not generate access history information itself, but instead uses information from the data sharing server on the Internet 5. This allows the UTM device 1 to manage both access from PC 3 connected to LAN 2 and access from PC 7(1) on the Internet 5. Therefore, the various reminder notifications mentioned above, which also take access history information into consideration, can be sent to both PC 3 connected to LAN 2 and PC 7(1) connected to the Internet 5.

[0109] Furthermore, if PC7(1) connected to the Internet 5 is used by the inviter, it may not be necessary to provide reminder notifications to such external invitees. In this case, as described in the embodiment above, if the UTM device 1 forms access history information and stores it in the access history storage unit 106, reminder notifications can be provided only to users of PC3 connected to LAN2. In this case, even if a document sharing server is set up on the Internet 5, it is not necessary to form access history information on the document sharing server.

[0110] [Reminder notification delivery channels] Reminder notifications can generally be sent via email using an email address. However, let's assume that the recipients identified by the email address (organizers and invitees) are company employees using PC3 connected to LAN2. In this case, each employee's email address should be associated with the IP address and MAC address of the PC3 they use. This allows for the identification of the recipients of various reminder notifications by email address, and the identification of the IP address and MAC address of the PC3 used by those employees. Using these identified IP addresses and MAC addresses, it is possible to send various reminder notifications to the PC3 used by the intended organizers and invitees.

[0111] [Other variations] Furthermore, if a participant is not a key participant in the meeting, they do not need to access the files, and therefore do not need to receive a reminder notification prompting them to review the materials. For example, a reminder notification may be sent to invitees listed in the "Inviter (Required)" field, but not to invitees listed in the "Inviter (Optional)" field.

[0112] Furthermore, if an invitee frequently accesses a document after it has been stored in the document storage location, even though the document has not been updated, a reminder notification may be sent prompting them to ask questions in advance.

[0113] Furthermore, when sending meeting attendance reminders, it may be possible to adjust the timing based on whether or not participants have accessed the document storage location and how frequently they access it. In other words, it may be possible to refrain from sending meeting attendance reminder notifications to invitees who have accessed the document storage location or who frequently access it.

[0114] Furthermore, the timing of reminder notifications prompting users to review the materials may be adjusted depending on the time it takes to access the storage location of the materials (e.g., whether users view the entire document or only a portion). In other words, invitees who view or download the entire document may not receive any reminder notifications, or may receive only one. Conversely, invitees who do not view or download the entire document may receive frequent reminder notifications prompting them to review the materials until they do so.

[0115] [Application to various relay devices] In the embodiments described above, the example was given of a case where an embodiment of the relay device according to this invention was provided to a UTM device 1. However, it is not limited to this. This invention can be applied to various relay devices that relay communication between terminal devices connected to a WAN and terminal devices connected to a LAN, and communication between terminal devices connected to the LAN. Therefore, this invention can be applied to router devices and gateway devices, and in the case of small-scale networks, it can also be applied to modem devices.

[0116] [others] Furthermore, the program that executes the processes described using the flowcharts in Figures 7, 8, and 9 is an example of one embodiment of the program of this invention. Therefore, the functions of each part constituting the reminder provision processing unit 120 shown in Figure 2 can also be realized as functions of the control unit 102 by a program executed by the control unit 102. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0117] 1…UTM device, 101T…Connection terminal, 101…WAN I / F, 102…Control unit, 103…Storage device, 104…Clock circuit, 105…Meeting list storage unit, 106…Access history storage unit, 107…Document list storage unit, 108…LAN I / F, 108T…Connection terminal, 110…Security function unit, 120…Reminder provision processing unit, 121…Meeting list formation unit, 122…Access history formation unit, 123…Notification information formation unit, 124…Storage request formation unit, 125…Information provision unit, 2…LAN, 3, 3(1), 3(2), 3(3)…PC, 4…Document sharing server, 5…Internet, 6…Meeting server, 7(1)…PC

Claims

1. A relay device that relays communication between terminal devices connected to a WAN (Wide Area Network) and terminal devices connected to a LAN (Local Area Network), and communication between terminal devices connected to the LAN, A meeting list creation means receives meeting setting information from a terminal device that can be connected to the machine, and for each set meeting, extracts the date and time of the meeting, organizer identification information, one or more invitee identification information, and meeting material storage location information from the setting information to form a meeting list and records it in a meeting list storage means. When access occurs to the storage location of meeting materials identified by the aforementioned storage location information, an access history creation means forms access history information that associates the access date and time, accesser identification information, the aforementioned storage location information, and information indicating the processing content, and records it in the access history storage means. A notification information forming means that, based on the access history information of the access history storage means, forms either or both of the following: organizer notification information for the organizer identified by the organizer identification information and inviter notification information for the inviter identified by the inviter identification information. A notification information providing means that provides the organizer notification information formed by the notification information forming means to the organizer identified by the organizer identification information, and provides the inviter notification information formed by the notification information forming means to the inviter identified by the inviter identification information. A relay device characterized by being equipped with the following features.

2. A relay device as described in claim 1, The notification information forming means monitors the access history information recorded in the access history storage means, and if an accesser identified by the accesser identification information accesses the same storage location information a predetermined number of times or more within a predetermined time, it forms organizer notification information prompting the organizer of the meeting list having the storage location information to store the meeting materials in the storage location. A relay device characterized by the following features.

3. A relay device according to claim 1, The notification information forming means monitors the access history information recorded in the access history storage means, and when the information indicating the processing content indicates that the materials have been stored in the storage location specified by the storage location information, it forms the invitee notification information prompting the invitee of the meeting list having the storage location information to confirm the materials stored in the storage location of the meeting materials. A relay device characterized by the following features.

4. A relay device according to claim 1, The notification information forming means forms invitee notification information prompting invitees who have not accessed the storage location to refer to the materials, based on the access history information recorded in the access history storage means and the meeting list in the meeting list storage means. A relay device characterized by the following features.

5. A relay device according to claim 1, A document list storage means that stores and maintains a document list that associates the storage location information of the meeting materials with the names of the meeting materials to be stored in the storage location specified by the storage location information and the information identifying the person who is to be stored there. A storage request forming means compares the document list of the document list storage means with the meeting materials stored in the storage location, and forms a storage request prompting the person who is scheduled to store the meeting materials that are not stored in the storage location to store the meeting materials, A storage request provision means provides the storage request created by the storage request formation means to the prospective storer based on the identification information of the prospective storer. A relay device characterized by being equipped with the following features.

6. A relay device according to claim 1, A notification information forming means that forms a notification information for the organizer identified by the organizer identification information, based on the meeting setting information from the terminal device that can be connected to the machine and the meeting list stored in the meeting list storage means, A notification information providing means provides the organizer notification information formed by the notification information forming means to the organizer identified by the organizer identification information. A relay device characterized by being equipped with the following features.

7. A program executed on a computer mounted on a relay device that relays communication between a communication device connected to a WAN (Wide Area Network) and a terminal device connected to a LAN (Local Area Network), and communication between terminal devices connected to the LAN, A meeting list creation step involves receiving meeting setting information from a terminal device that can be connected to the machine, extracting the date and time of the meeting, organizer identification information, one or more invitee identification information, and meeting material storage location information from the setting information for each set meeting, forming a meeting list, and recording it in the meeting list storage means. When access occurs to the storage location of meeting materials identified by the aforementioned storage location information, an access history creation step is performed, which involves creating access history information that associates the storage location information, the access date and time, the processing details, and the accesser identification information, and recording it in the access history storage means. A notification information formation step, based on the access history of the access history storage means, to form either or both of the following: organizer notification information for the organizer identified by the organizer identification information and inviter notification information for the inviter identified by the inviter identification information; A notification information provision step which includes providing the organizer notification information formed in the notification information formation step to the organizer identified by the organizer identification information, and providing the inviter notification information formed by the notification information formation means to the inviter identified by the inviter identification information. A reminder notification program characterized by its execution.

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