INFORMATION PROCESSING APPARATUS, INFORMATION PROCESSING SYSTEM, AND INFORMATION PROCESSING METHOD

An information processing apparatus for connection to a call control device and a relay device via a communication network is provided. The information processing apparatus includes a log-in requesting unit that sends a log-in request to the relay device; a service setting requesting unit that sends a request for setting service of communication to the relay device if a report indicating that a login is allowed is received, the report being transmitted by the relay device in response to the log-in request; and a service start requesting unit that sends a request for starting the service, via the call control device, between the information processing apparatus and an information processing device that serves as a communication partner. The request includes service identification information for identifying the service and log-in information for using the service transmitted by the relay device in response to the request for setting service.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to an information processing system.

2. Description of the Related Art

Video conference systems for holding a teleconference with a remote location via a communication network such as the Internet are in common use. According to this video conference system, in a conference room where one of parties such as attendees of the teleconference is present, an information processing device such as a terminal is used to shoot images and collect voice sound of the party of the conference in the conference room. Data on the images and the voice sound are converted into digital data and transmitted to an information processing device such as a terminal of another party. The transmitted images in the conference room are displayed on a display screen and the voice sound is output from a loudspeaker in a conference room of the other party.

As to video conference systems, there is a technique of selecting a relay device to be used for holding a conference depending on a network environment, an IP address of the relay device, and a delay between the relay device and a terminal (see Patent Document 1, for example).

In video conference systems of related art, there is a dependent relation between a call control device used to start a conference and a relay device to communicate pictures and voice sound during the conference. Accordingly, if the relay device is to be replaced or added, the call control device is to be newly added.

RELATED ART DOCUMENTS

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

It is a general object of at least one embodiment of the present invention to facilitate replacement of a relay device or addition of the relay device in a communication system, the communication system including a call control device that performs a process of call control between information processing devices and the relay device that relays information between the information processing devices.

In an embodiment, an information processing apparatus for connection to a call control device and a relay device via a communication network is provided. The information processing apparatus includes a log-in requesting unit that sends a log-in request to the relay device; a service setting requesting unit that sends a request for setting service of communication to the relay device if a report indicating that a login is allowed is received, the report being transmitted by the relay device in response to the log-in request; and a service start requesting unit that sends a request for starting the service, via the call control device, between the information processing apparatus and an information processing device that serves as a communication partner, the request for starting the service including service identification information for identifying the service and log-in information for using the service, the service identification information and the log-in information being transmitted by the relay device in response to the request for setting service sent by the service setting requesting unit.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

In the following, embodiments of the present invention will be described based on examples below with reference to the drawings. The examples described below are used only for illustrative purposes and embodiments to which the present invention is applied are not limited to the following examples. In all the drawings for describing the examples, the same reference numerals are used for units having the same function to avoid a repetition of the same description.

First Embodiment

<<Overall Configuration of Embodiment>>

FIG. 1is a schematic diagram of a transmission system1according to the first embodiment of the present invention.FIG. 2is a conceptual diagram illustrating transmission and reception of image data, voice data, and various types of management information in the transmission system1.FIGS. 3A to 3Care conceptual diagrams illustrating picture quality of image data.

Further, the transmission system1includes a data providing system that transmits content data from one transmission terminal to another transmission terminal in a unidirectional manner via a transmission management system and a communication system that transfers information, feelings, and the like among a plurality of transmission terminals interactively via a transmission management system. This communication system is for interactively transferring information, feelings, and the like among a plurality of communication terminals (corresponding to “transmission terminals”) via a communication management system (corresponding to “transmission management system”). Examples of the communication system include a video conference system and a video phone system.

In the present embodiment, the transmission system, the transmission management system, and the transmission terminal are described based on the assumption that the video conference system is an example of the communication system, a video conference management system is an example of the communication management system, and a video conference terminal is an example of the communication terminal. In other words, the transmission terminal and the transmission management system according to the present invention may be applied not only to the video conference system but also to the communication system or to the transmission system.

First, the transmission system1shown inFIG. 1is configured with a plurality of transmission terminals (10aa,10ab,. . . ), display screens (120aa,120ab,. . . ) for corresponding transmission terminals (10aa,10ab,. . . ), a plurality of relay devices (30a,30b,30c,30d), a transmission management system50, a program providing system90, and a maintenance system100.

In the following, the “transmission terminal” may also be simply described as a “terminal” and the “transmission management system” may also be simply described as a “management system.” Further, a given terminal among the terminals (10aa,10ab,. . . ) may also be simply described as a “terminal10,” a given display screen among the display screens (120aa,120ab,. . . ) may also be described as a “display screen120,” and a given relay device among the relay devices (30a,30b,30c,30d) may also be described as a “relay device30.” Further, a terminal that sends a request for starting a video conference as a requestor may also be described as a “requestor terminal” and a terminal (communication partner) to which the request is sent as a destination (relay destination) may also be described as a “destination terminal.”

The plurality of terminals10perform transmission by sending and receiving image data and voice data as an example of content data.

Further, as shown inFIG. 2, in the transmission system1, a management information session sei for transmitting and receiving various types of management information is established between the requestor terminal and the destination terminal via the transmission management system50. Further, four sessions for transmitting and receiving four types of data including high resolution image data, intermediate resolution image data, low resolution image data, and voice data are established between the requestor terminal and the destination terminal via the relay device30. In this case, these four sessions are collectively shown as an image and voice data session sed.

In the following, resolution of an image of image data handled in the present embodiment is described. As shown inFIG. 3A, a low resolution image has 160 pixels in a horizontal direction and 120 pixels in a vertical direction as a base image. As shown inFIG. 3B, an intermediate resolution image has 320 pixels in the horizontal direction and 240 pixels in the vertical direction. As shown inFIG. 3C, a high resolution image has 640 pixels in the horizontal direction and 480 pixels in the vertical direction. If image data is transmitted via a narrowband path, image data with low picture quality is relayed, the image data with low picture quality containing only low resolution image data as the base image. If the band is relatively wide, image data with intermediate picture quality is relayed, the image data with intermediate picture quality containing the low resolution image data as the base image and intermediate resolution image data. Further, if the band is very wide, image data with high picture quality is relayed, the image data with high picture quality containing the low resolution image data as the base image, the intermediate resolution image data, and high resolution image data.

The relay device30as shown inFIG. 1relays content data among a plurality of terminals10. The management system50manages log-in authentication from the terminal10, a call status of the terminal10, a destination list, a communication status of the relay device30, and the like in an integrated manner. In addition, an image of image data may be a movie or a still image or may be both the movie and the still image.

A plurality of routers (70a,70b,70c,70d,70ab,70cd) select an optimum path for image data and voice data. In the following, a given router among the routers (70a,70b,70c,70d,70ab,70cd) is described as a “router70.”

The program providing system90includes a Hard Disk (HD)204described below in which a terminal program for implementing various functions for the terminal10(or causing the terminal10to function as various units) is stored. The program providing system90can transmit the terminal program to the terminal10. Further, in the HD204of the program providing system90, a relay device program for implementing various functions for the relay device30(or causing the relay device30to function as various units) is also stored. The program providing system90can transmit the relay device program to the relay device30. Further, in the HD204of the program providing system90, a transmission management program for implementing various functions for the management system50(or causing the management system50to function as various units) is also stored. The program providing system90can transmit the transmission management program to the management system50.

The maintenance system100includes a computer for supporting, managing, or maintaining at least one of the terminal10, the relay device30, the management system50, and the program providing system90. For example, if the maintenance system100is disposed within the country and the terminal10, the relay device30, the management system50, or the program providing system90is disposed outside the country, the maintenance system100remotely performs maintenance such as support, management, or the like on at least one of the terminal10, the relay device30, the management system50, and the program providing system90via a communication network2. Further, the maintenance system100performs maintenance such as management of a model number, a serial number, a customer's address, maintenance and inspection, or failure history on at least one of the terminal10, the relay device30, the management system50, and the program providing system90without the communication network2.

The terminals (10aa,10ab,10ac,. . . ), the relay device30a,and the router70aare communicatively connected via a LAN2a.The terminals (10ba,10bb,10bc,. . . ), the relay device30b,and the router70bare communicatively connected via a LAN2b.The LAN2aand the LAN2bare communicatively connected via a dedicated line2abin which the router70abis included and the LAN2aand the LAN2bare constructed within a predetermined region A. For example, the region A is Japan and the LAN2ais constructed within an office in Tokyo, while the LAN2bis constructed within an office in Osaka.

Terminals (10ca,10cb,10cc,. . . ), the relay device30c,and the router70care communicatively connected via a LAN2c.Terminals (10da,10db,10dc,. . . ), the relay device30d,and the router70dare communicatively connected via a LAN2d.The LAN2cand the LAN2dare communicatively connected via a dedicated line2cdin which the router70cdis included and the LAN2cand the LAN2dare constructed within a predetermined region B. For example, the region B is the United States of America and the LAN2cis constructed within an office in New York, while the LAN2dis constructed within an office in Washington D.C. The region A and the region B are communicatively connected via the Internet2ifrom the routers (70ab,70cd).

Further, the management system50and the program providing system90are communicatively connected to the terminal10and the relay device30via the Internet2i.The management system50and the program providing system90may be disposed in the region A or the region B or may be disposed in another region.

In the present embodiment, the LAN2a,the LAN2b,the dedicated line2ab,the Internet2i,the dedicated line2cd,the LAN2c,and the LAN2dconstruct the communication network2. The communication network2may include a part where wireless communication such as Wireless Fidelity (WiFi) or Bluetooth (registered trademark) is performed in addition to wired communication.

InFIG. 1, a set of four numbers shown beneath each terminal10, each relay device30, the management system50, each router70, and the program providing system90indicates an IP address in general IPv4 in a simplified manner. For example, the IP address of the terminal10aais “1.2.1.3.” While IPv6 may be used instead of IPv4, IPv4 is used in order to simplify descriptions.

Each terminal10may be used not only for a call between offices or a call between different rooms in the same office but also for a call in the same room or a call between an outdoor place and an indoor place or between outdoor places. If each terminal10is used outdoors, wireless communication is performed in a mobile phone communication network or the like.

<<Hardware Configuration of Embodiment>>

In the following, a hardware configuration of the present embodiment is described.

FIG. 4is a configuration diagram of hardware of the terminal10according to the present embodiment. As shown inFIG. 4, the terminal10according to the present embodiment includes a Central Processing Unit (CPU)101that controls the whole operation of the terminal10, a Read Only Memory (ROM)102that stores a program such as an Initial Program Loader (IPL) used to drive the CPU101, a Random Access Memory (RAM)103used as a work area for the CPU101, a flash memory104that stores various types of data such as a terminal program, image data, and voice data, a Solid State Drive (SSD)105that controls reading or writing of various types of data from or into the flash memory104in accordance with control of the CPU101, a media drive107that controls reading or writing (storing) of data from a recording medium106such as a flash memory, an operation button108to be operated to select a destination of the terminal10, for example, a power switch109to switch the terminal10ON/OFF, and a network interface (I/F)111that uses the communication network2to transmit data.

Further, the terminal10includes a built-in camera112that captures an image of an object in accordance with control of the CPU101to obtain image data, an imaging device I/F113that controls driving of the built-in camera112, a built-in microphone114that inputs voice sound, a built-in loudspeaker115that outputs voice sound, a voice inputting and outputting I/F116that processes input and output of a voice signal between the microphone114and the loudspeaker115in accordance with control of the CPU101, a display screen I/F117that transfers image data to the external display screen120in accordance with control of the CPU101, an external device connection I/F118that connects various external devices, and a bus line110such as an address bus or a data bus that electronically connects the above constituent elements as shown inFIG. 5.

The display screen120is a display unit configured with liquid crystal or organic EL that displays an image of an object or icons for operation. Further, the display screen120is connected to the display screen I/F117via a cable120c.This cable120cmay be a cable for analog RGB (VGA) signals, a cable for component videos, or a cable for High-Definition Multimedia Interface (HDMI) (registered trademark) or Digital Video Interactive (DVI) signals.

The camera112includes a solid-state image sensing device that converts light into an electric charge to obtain an electronized image (picture) of an object. A Complementary Metal Oxide Semiconductor (CMOS) or a Charge Coupled Device (CCD) is used for the solid-state image sensing device.

To the external device connection I/F118, external devices such as an external camera, an external microphone, and an external loudspeaker can be connected using a Universal Serial Bus (USB) cable or the like. When the external camera is connected, the external camera is preferentially driven over the built-in camera112in accordance with control of the CPU101. In the same manner, if the external microphone is connected or the external loudspeaker is connected, the external microphone or the external loudspeaker is preferentially driven over the built-in microphone114or the built-in loudspeaker115in accordance with control of the CPU101.

In addition, the recording medium106is removable from the terminal10. Further, an Electrically Erasable and Programmable ROM (EEPROM) or the like may be used instead of the flash memory104as long as a non-volatile memory for which data reading or writing is performed in accordance with control of the CPU101is used.

Further, the terminal program may be recorded and distributed as a file having an installable format or an executable format in a computer-readable recording medium such as the recording medium106. Further, the terminal program may be stored in the ROM102instead of the flash memory104.

FIG. 5is a configuration diagram of hardware of the management system50according to the present embodiment. The management system50includes a CPU201that controls the whole operation of the management system50, a ROM202that stores a program such as an IPL used to drive the CPU201, a RAM203used as a work area for the CPU201, the HD204that stores various types of data such as a transmission management program, a Hard Disk Drive (HDD)205that controls reading or writing of various types of data from or into the HD204in accordance with control of the CPU201, a media drive207that controls reading or writing (storing) of data from or into a recording medium206such as a flash memory, a display screen208that displays various types of information such as a cursor, menus, a window, characters, or an image, a network I/F209that uses the communication network2to transmit data, a keyboard211that has a plurality of keys for inputting characters, numerical values, various types of instructions, a mouse212that selects or executes various instructions, selects an object to be executed, moves the cursor, a CD-ROM drive214that controls reading or writing of various types of data from or into a Compact Disc Read Only Memory (CD-ROM)213used as an example of a removable recording medium, and a bus line210such as an address bus or a data bus that electronically connects the above constituent elements as shown inFIG. 5.

In addition, the transmission management program may be recorded and distributed as a file having an installable format or an executable format in a computer-readable recording medium such as the recording medium206or the CD-ROM213. Further, the transmission management program may be stored in the ROM202instead of the HD204.

Since the relay device30has the same hardware configuration as in the management system50, a description thereof is omitted. However, the HD204stores the relay device program for controlling the relay device30. In this case, the relay device program may also be recorded and distributed as a file having an installable format or an executable format in a computer-readable recording medium such as the recording medium206or the CD-ROM213. Further, the relay device program may be stored in the ROM202instead of the HD204.

Since the program providing system90and the maintenance system100have the same hardware configuration as in the management system50, descriptions thereof are omitted. However, the HD204stores a program providing program for controlling the program providing system90. In this case, the program providing program may also be recorded and distributed as a file having an installable format or an executable format in a computer-readable recording medium such as the recording medium206or the CD-ROM213. Further, the program providing program may be stored in the ROM202instead of the HD204.

In addition, the program also may be stored and distributed in a computer-readable recording medium such as a Compact Disc Recordable (CD-R), a Digital Versatile Disk (DVD), a Blu-ray Disk, or the like used as other examples of the removable recording medium.

<<Functional Configuration of Embodiment>>

In the following, a functional configuration of the present embodiment is described.FIG. 6is a functional block diagram of each transmission terminal10, the relay device30, and the management system50that constitute the transmission system1according to the embodiment. InFIG. 6, the terminal10, the relay device30, and the management system50are connected to be able to perform data communication via the communication network2. Further, since the program providing system90shown inFIG. 1is not directly related to communication for a video conference, the program providing system90is omitted fromFIG. 6.

<Functional Configuration of Terminal>

The terminal10includes a transmission and reception unit11, an operation input receiving unit12, a log-in requesting unit13, an imaging unit14, a voice inputting unit15a,a voice outputting unit15b,a final selection unit16, a display control unit17, and a storing and reading processing unit19. These units are functions or units to function that are implemented when any one of the constituent elements shown inFIG. 4operates in response to an instruction from the CPU101compliant with the terminal program loaded in the RAM103from the flash memory104. Further, the terminal10includes a storage unit1000configured with the RAM103shown inFIG. 4and the flash memory104shown inFIG. 4.

(Each Functional Configuration of Terminal)

In the following, each functional configuration of the terminal10is described in detail with reference toFIGS. 4 and 6. When each functional configuration of the terminal10is described below, from constituent elements shown inFIG. 4, a relationship with main constituent elements to implement each functional configuration of the terminal10is also described.

The transmission and reception unit11of the terminal10shown inFIG. 6is implemented with an instruction from the CPU101shown inFIG. 4and the network I/F111shown inFIG. 4. The transmission and reception unit11transmits or receives various types of data (or information) to or from another terminal10, the relay device30, or the management system50via the communication network2. The transmission and reception unit11starts receiving state information indicating a state of each terminal as a destination candidate from the management system50before starting communication with a desired destination terminal. In addition, this state information indicates not only an operation state (online or offline state) of each terminal10but also a detailed state of whether a phone call is possible in the online state, whether a user is on the phone, or whether the user is absent. Further, the state information indicates not only the operation state of each terminal10but also various conditions that the cable120cis off the terminal10, an image is not output while voice is output, or voice is not output (mute). In the following, the state information indicates the operation state, for example.

The operation input receiving unit12is implemented with an instruction from the CPU101shown inFIG. 4, the operation button108, and the power switch109shown inFIG. 4. The operation input receiving unit12receives various inputs by a user. For example, if the user switches the power switch109ON, the power switch109being shown in

FIG. 4, the operation input receiving unit12shown inFIG. 6receives a power-on to switch the terminal10ON.

The log-in requesting unit13is implemented with an instruction from the CPU101shown inFIG. 4. When the power-on is received, the log-in requesting unit13automatically transmits log-in request information indicating a log-in request and an IP address of the requestor terminal at this moment from the transmission and reception unit11to the management system50via the communication network2. Further, if the user switches the power switch109from ON to OFF, after the transmission and reception unit11transmits state information about powering OFF to the management system50, the operation input receiving unit12completely powers the terminal10OFF. In accordance with this, the management system50is able to determine that the terminal10is powered OFF.

The imaging unit14is implemented with an instruction from the CPU101shown inFIG. 4, the camera112, and the imaging device I/F113shown inFIG. 4. The imaging unit14captures an image of an object and outputs image data obtained by capturing the image.

The voice inputting unit15ais implemented with an instruction from the CPU101shown inFIG. 4and the voice inputting and outputting I/F116shown inFIG. 4. After voice sound of the user is converted into a voice signal by the microphone114, the voice inputting unit15ainputs voice data on this voice signal. The voice outputting unit15bis implemented with an instruction from the CPU101shown inFIG. 4and the voice inputting and outputting I/F116shown inFIG. 4. The voice outputting unit15boutputs the voice signal of the voice data to the loudspeaker115and causes the loudspeaker115to output voice sound.

The final selection unit16performs a final selection process to finally select one relay device30from a plurality of candidates for the relay devices30if the user selects to use the corresponding relay device30.

The display control unit17is implemented with an instruction from the CPU101shown inFIG. 4and the display screen I/F117shown inFIG. 4. The display control unit17performs control to combine image data having different resolution that is received as will be mentioned below and transmit combined image data to the display screen120.

Further, the display control unit17can transmit information about a destination list received from the management system50to the display screen120and display the destination list on the display screen120.

Further, the display control unit17includes a conference setting unit172and a conference start requesting unit174. The conference setting unit172sets a conference with a destination terminal. For example, if a report to allow a log-in is received, the report being transmitted by the relay device30in reply to a log-in request, the conference setting unit172sends a request to set a conference room to the relay device30. The conference setting unit172also sets a conference with the destination terminal via the transmission management system50. The conference start requesting unit174uses a start request including log-in information such as a conference room ID to identify a conference, a conference ID used to utilize the conference, and a password transmitted by the relay device30in response to the setting of the conference room requested by the conference setting unit172and sends a request to start the conference to the destination terminal via the transmission management system50.

The storing and reading processing unit19is implemented with an instruction from the CPU101shown inFIG. 4and the SSD105shown inFIG. 4or implemented with an instruction from the CPU101. The storing and reading processing unit19performs a process to store various types of data in the storage unit1000or read various types of data stored in the storage unit1000. The storage unit1000stores a communication identification (ID) to identify the terminal10, a password for the communication ID, the conference ID to identify a conference to participate in, and a password for the conference ID. Further, upon each reception, the storage unit1000overwrites image data and voice data that are received when a phone call is performed with a destination terminal. An image from image data before it is overwritten is displayed on the display screen120and voice sound from voice data before it is overwritten is output by the loudspeaker115.

The communication ID, the conference ID, and a relay device ID described later according to the present embodiment indicate identification information such as a language, characters, signs, various marks, a mail address, or a unique ID used to uniquely identify communication destinations including the terminal10, a conference, and the relay device30. Further, the communication ID, the conference ID, and the relay device ID may include identification information in which at least two of the above language, characters, signs, and various marks are combined.

<Functional Configuration of Relay Device>

The relay device30includes a transmission and reception unit31, a state detection unit32, a terminal permission unit36, a participation permission processing unit37, and a storing and reading processing unit39. These units are functions or units to function that are implemented when any one of the constituent elements shown in FIG.5operates in response to an instruction from the CPU201compliant with the relay device program loaded in the RAM203from the HD204. Further, the relay device30includes a storage unit3000configured with one or both of the RAM203shown inFIG. 5and the HD204shown inFIG. 5.

(Table for Determining Permission of Participation)

The storage unit3000includes a DB3001for determining permission of participation configured with a table for determining permission of participation as shown inFIG. 7. In this table for determining permission of participation, each conference ID which includes identification information to identify each conference is managed in association with a password such as a Personal Identification Number (PIN). For example, in the table for determining permission of participation shown inFIG. 7, the password of the conference ID “con1” is “01aaaa.”

(Each Functional Configuration of Relay Device)

In the following, each functional configuration of the relay device30is described in detail. When each functional configuration of the relay device30is described below, from constituent elements shown inFIG. 5, a relationship with main constituent elements to implement each functional configuration of the relay device30is also described.

The transmission and reception unit31of the relay device30shown inFIG. 6is implemented with an instruction from the CPU201shown inFIG. 5and the network I/F209shown inFIG. 5. The transmission and reception unit31transmits or receives various types of data (or information) to or from the terminal10, another relay device30, or the management system50via the communication network2.

The state detection unit32is implemented with an instruction from the CPU201shown inFIG. 5. The state detection unit32detects an operation state of the relay device30having the state detection unit32. Examples of the operation state include “online,” “offline,” “on the phone,” and “temporarily suspended.”

The terminal permission unit36is implemented with an instruction from the CPU201shown inFIG. 5. The terminal permission unit36performs a permission process in response to log-in request information transmitted by a requestor terminal. When a log-in process is performed, the terminal permission unit36refers to a table for managing terminal authentication stored in a DB5002for managing terminal authentication included in the transmission management system50and performs the permission process depending on whether there is an item that matches a combination of a communication ID and a password included in a permission request. Further, to the transmission management system50, the terminal permission unit36may transfer the permission request transmitted by the requestor terminal and request the permission process. Further, the requestor terminal may obtain an access token issued by the transmission management system50and transmit a permission request including the access token. In this case, the terminal permission unit36performs the permission process depending on a verification result of the access token included in the permission request.

The participation permission processing unit37is implemented with an instruction from the CPU201shown inFIG. 5. The participation permission processing unit37creates a conference room in response to a request for creating a conference room received by the transmission and reception unit31, associates the conference ID serving as identification information to identify a conference held in the conference room with a password such as a PIN, and stores the conference ID and the password in the DB3001for determining permission of participation. Then the participation permission processing unit37searches the DB3001for determining permission of participation in the storage unit3000while using a conference ID and a password as a search key, the conference ID and the password being included in a log-in request. The participation permission processing unit37determines whether to permit participation by determining whether the same conference ID and password are managed in the DB3001for determining permission of participation.

The storing and reading processing unit39is implemented with an instruction from the CPU201shown inFIG. 5and the HDD205shown inFIG. 5. The storing and reading processing unit39performs a process to store various types of data in the storage unit3000or to read various types of data stored in the storage unit3000.

<Functional Configuration of Management System>

The management system50includes a transmission and reception unit51, a terminal authentication unit52, a state management unit53, terminal extracting unit54, a terminal state obtaining unit55, a primary selection unit56, and a storing and reading processing unit59. These units are functions or units to function that are implemented when any one of the constituent elements shown inFIG. 5operates in response to an instruction from the CPU201compliant with the transmission management program loaded in the RAM203from the HD204. Further, the management system50includes a storage unit5000configured with the HD204shown inFIG. 5.

(Table for Managing Relay Devices)

The storage unit5000includes a DB5001for managing relay devices configured with a table for managing relay devices as shown inFIG. 8. In this table for managing relay devices, each relay device ID of each relay device30is managed in association with an operation state of the relay device30, an IP address of the relay device30, and a communication method supported by the relay device30. The communication method may be determined based on an encoding method, a transmission band, or the like. In this case, an example of Method 1 includes H.264/AVC and an example of Method 2 includes H.264/SVC. If a terminal supports Method 1, the terminal can transmit or receive pictures transmitted or received in Method 1 by the relay device30. If the terminal supports Method 2, the terminal can transmit or receive pictures transmitted or received in Method 2 by the relay device30. For example, the table for managing relay devices shown inFIG. 8indicates that the relay device30awith the relay device ID “111a” has the operation state “online,” the relay device30ahas the IP address “1.2.1.2,” and the relay device30asupports Method 1 as the communication method.

(Table for Managing Terminal Authentication)

The storage unit5000further includes a DB5002for managing terminal authentication configured with a table for managing terminal authentication as shown inFIG. 9. In this table for managing terminal authentication, each communication ID of each terminal10managed by the management system50is managed in association with a password. For example, the table for managing terminal authentication shown inFIG. 9indicates that the terminal10aahas the communication ID “01aa” and the password “aaaa.”

The storage unit5000further includes a DB5003for managing terminals configured with a table for managing terminals as shown inFIG. 10. In this table for managing terminals, each communication ID of each terminal10is managed in association with a destination name indicating the terminal10as a destination, an operation state of the terminal10, a reception date and time when log-in request information described later is received by the management system50, an IP address of the terminal10, and a communication method supported by the terminal10. In this case, “Method 3” described in the column of the communication method indicates a communication method such as Web Real-Time Communication (WebRTC) for direct communication between terminals without the relay device30. For example, the table for managing terminals shown inFIG. 10indicates that the terminal10aawith the communication ID “01aa” has the destination name “Japan, Tokyo office, terminal AA,” and the operation state “online (phone call is available)”, the reception date and time when log-in request information is received by the management system50is “thirteen forty in Nov. 10, 2009,” the terminal10aahas the IP address “1.2.1.3,” and the terminal10aasupports “Method 1” as the communication method.

(Table for Managing Destination List)

The storage unit5000further includes a DB5004for managing a destination list configured with a table for managing a destination list as shown inFIG. 11. In the table for managing a destination list, a communication ID of a requestor terminal that sends a request for starting a call in a video conference is managed in association with all of communication IDs of destination terminals registered as candidates for a destination terminal. For example, the table for managing a destination list shown inFIG. 11indicates that candidates for the destination terminal to which the requestor terminal (terminal10aa) with the communication ID “01aa” can send a request for starting a call in a video conference include the terminal10abwith the communication ID “01ab,” the terminal10bawith the communication ID “01ba,” the terminal10bbwith the communication ID “01bb,” and the like. The candidates for the destination terminal are updated by adding or deleting a communication ID in response to a request for addition or deletion from any requestor terminal to the management system50.

(Each Functional Configuration of Management System)

In the following, each functional configuration the management system50is described in detail. When each functional configuration of the management system50is described below, from constituent elements shown inFIG. 5, a relationship with main constituent elements to implement each functional configuration of management system50is also described.

The transmission and reception unit51is implemented with an instruction from the CPU201shown inFIG. 5and the network I/F209shown inFIG. 5. The transmission and reception unit51transmits or receives various types of data (or information) to or from the terminal10, relay device30, or another management system50via the communication network2.

The terminal authentication unit52is implemented with an instruction from the CPU201shown inFIG. 5. The terminal authentication unit52searches the DB5002for managing terminal authentication in the storage unit5000while using a communication ID and a password as a search key, the communication ID and the password being included in log-in request information received by the transmission and reception unit51. The terminal authentication unit52performs terminal authentication by determining whether the same communication ID and the password are managed in the DB5002for managing terminal authentication.

The state management unit53is implemented with an instruction from the CPU201shown inFIG. 5. In order to manage an operation state of a requestor terminal that sends a log-in request, the state management unit53stores and manages the communication ID of the requestor terminal in association with an operation state of the requestor terminal, a reception date and time when log-in request information is received by the management system50, an IP address of the requestor terminal, and a communication method supported by the requestor terminal in the DB5003for managing terminals (seeFIG. 10). Further, based on state information about powering OFF sent by the terminal10when the user switches the power switch109of the terminal10from ON to OFF, the state management unit53changes the operation state indicating online in the DB5003for managing terminals (seeFIG. 10) to offline.

The terminal extracting unit54is implemented with an instruction from the CPU201shown inFIG. 5. The terminal extracting unit54searches the DB5004for managing a destination list (seeFIG. 11) while using the communication ID of the requestor terminal that has sent the log-in request as a search key, and the terminal extracting unit54reads communication IDs of candidates for a destination terminal that can have a phone call with the requestor terminal, thereby extracting the communication IDs. Further, the terminal extracting unit54also searches the DB5004for managing a destination list (seeFIG. 11) while using the communication ID of the requestor terminal that has sent the log-in request as a search key and the terminal extracting unit54also extracts communication IDs of other requestor terminals that have registered the communication ID of the above requestor terminal as a candidate for the destination terminal.

The terminal state obtaining unit55is implemented with an instruction from the CPU201shown inFIG. 5. The terminal state obtaining unit55searches the DB5003for managing terminals (seeFIG. 10) while using the communication IDs of the candidates for the destination terminal extracted by the terminal extracting unit54and the terminal state obtaining unit55reads an operation state for each communication ID extracted by the terminal extracting unit54. In accordance with this, the terminal state obtaining unit55is capable of obtaining the operation states of the candidates for the destination terminal that can have a phone call with the requestor terminal that sends the log-in request. Further, the terminal state obtaining unit55also searches the DB5003for managing terminals while using the communication ID extracted by the terminal extracting unit54as a search key, and obtains the operation state of the requestor terminal that has sent the log-in request.

The primary selection unit56is implemented with an instruction from the CPU201shown inFIG. 5. The primary selection unit56performs a primary selection process before a final selection process in order to support the final selection process to finally select one relay device30from the relay devices30.

The storing and reading processing unit59is implemented with an instruction from the CPU201shown inFIG. 5and the HDD205shown inFIG. 5. The storing and reading processing unit59performs a process to store various types of data in the storage unit5000or read various types of data stored in the storage unit5000.

<<Process or Operation in Embodiment>>

In the following, a process in the transmission system1according to the present embodiment is described.FIG. 12is a sequence chart showing a process to manage state information showing a state of each relay device30transmitted to the management system50from each relay device30.

First, a process to manage state information to indicate a state of each relay device30transmitted to the management system50from each relay device30is described with reference toFIG. 12. In each relay device30, the state detection unit32shown inFIG. 6periodically detects an operation state of the relay device30as its own device (steps S1-1to S1-4). The transmission and reception unit31of each relay device30periodically transmits state information to the management system50via the communication network2so that the management system50manages an operation state of each relay device30in real time (steps S2-1to S2-4). Each piece of state information includes the relay device ID of each relay device30and the operation state detected by the state detection unit32of the relay devices30having the relay device ID. In the present embodiment, the relay devices (30a,30b,30d) operate normally and show “online,” while the relay device30coperates but has some trouble in a program to perform a relaying operation of the relay device30cand shows “offline.”

Next, in the management system50, the transmission and reception unit51receives each piece of state information transmitted from each relay device30and the state information is stored and managed for each relay device ID in the DB5001for managing relay devices (seeFIG. 8) in the storage unit5000via the storing and reading processing unit59(steps S3-1to S3-4). In accordance with this, in the table for managing relay devices as shown inFIG. 8, for each relay device ID, any one of operation states such as “online,” “offline,” and “failure” is stored and managed. In addition, if the state information is not transmitted from the relay device30, a field section of the operation state of each record in the table for managing relay devices shown inFIG. 8is left blank or indicates the operation state in a previous reception.

Next, with reference toFIG. 13, a process to transmit and receive various types of management information in a preparation stage before a phone call starts between the terminal10aaand the terminal10dbis described. In addition, inFIG. 13, all of the various types of management information are transmitted and received over the management information session sei shown inFIG. 2.

First, when the user switches the power switch109ON, the power switch109being shown inFIG. 4, the operation input receiving unit12shown inFIG. 6receives a power-on to switch the terminal10aaON (step S21). When the power-on is received, the log-in requesting unit13automatically transmits log-in request information indicating a log-in request from the transmission and reception unit11to the management system50via the communication network2(step S22). This log-in request information includes the communication ID to identify the own terminal10aaas a requestor, a password, the IP address of the terminal10aa,a communication method supported by the terminal10aa,and information indicating whether to perform communication via the relay device30. These communication ID, the password, the IP address of the terminal10aa,and the communication method supported by the terminal10aaare data read from the storage unit1000via the storing and reading processing unit19and sent to the transmission and reception unit11. The information indicating whether to perform communication via the relay device30is received by the operation input receiving unit12when the information is specified by the user. In addition, when the log-in request information is transmitted from the terminal10aato the management system50, the management system50on a reception side is capable of determining the IP address of the terminal10aaon a transmission side.

Next, the terminal authentication unit52of the management system50searches the DB5002for managing terminal authentication (seeFIG. 9) in the storage unit5000while using the communication ID and the password as a search key, the communication ID and the password being included in the log-in request information received by the transmission and reception unit51, and performs terminal authentication by determining whether the same communication ID and the password are managed in the DB5002for managing terminal authentication (step S23). If the terminal authentication unit52determines that the log-in request is sent from an authorized terminal10because the same communication ID and the password are managed, the state management unit53stores, in the DB5003for managing terminals (seeFIG. 10), the communication ID of the terminal10aain association with an operation state, a reception time and date when the log-in request information is received, the IP address of the terminal10aa,and the communication method supported by the terminal10aa(step S24). In accordance with this, in the table for managing terminals shown inFIG. 10, the communication ID “01aa” is managed in association with the operation state “online,” the reception time and date “2009.11.10.13:40,” the IP address of the terminal10aa“1.2.1.3,” and the communication method “Method 1.”

Then the transmission and reception unit51of the management system50transmits authentication result information indicative of an authentication result obtained by the terminal authentication unit52to the requestor terminal (terminal10aa) via the communication network2, the requestor terminal having sent a log-in request (step S25). In the present embodiment, the case where the terminal10aais determined by the terminal authentication unit52to be an authorized terminal is described in the following.

The terminal extracting unit54of the management system50searches the DB5004for managing a destination list (seeFIG. 11) while using the communication ID “01aa” of the requestor terminal (10aa) that sent a log-in request as a search key, and the terminal extracting unit54reads and extracts communication IDs of candidates for the destination terminal that can communicate with the requestor terminal (terminal10aa) (step S26). In this case, communication IDs (“01ab,” “01ba,” “01db”) of destination terminals (terminals10ab,10ba,10db) in association with the communication “01aa” of the requestor terminal (terminal10aa) are extracted.

Next, the terminal state obtaining unit55searches the DB5003for managing terminals (seeFIG. 10) while using the communication IDs (“01ab,” “01ba,” “01db”) of the candidates for the destination terminal extracted by the terminal extracting unit54and the terminal state obtaining unit55obtains operation states of the terminals (10ab,10ba,10db) by reading a corresponding operation state (“offline,” “online,” “online”) for each communication ID extracted by the terminal extracting unit54(step S27).

Next, the primary selection unit56determines whether the log-in request information received by the transmission and reception unit51includes information that specifies communication via the relay device30(step S28).

If the log-in request information includes information indicating performing communication via the relay device30, the primary selection unit56searches the DB5001for managing relay devices (seeFIG. 8) while using the communication method supported by the terminal10aaas a search key, the communication method being included in the log-in request information received by the transmission and reception unit51, and the primary selection unit56reads and extracts relay device IDs (111a,111b,111d) of candidates for a relay device that support the communication method supported by the terminal10aaand whose operation state is “online.”

The primary selection unit56searches the DB5001for managing relay devices (seeFIG. 8) while using communication methods (“Method 1, Method 2,” “Method 2”) as a search key, the communication methods being supported by those terminals (10ba,10db) whose operation state obtained by the terminal state obtaining unit55is “online” among the candidates (10ab,10ba,10db) for the destination terminal, and the primary selection unit56reads and extracts the relay device IDs of candidates for a relay device that support any one of the communication methods supported by the terminals (10ba,10db) and whose operation state is “online” (step S29). In this case, the terminal (10ba) supports “Method 1” and “Method 2” and the relay devices30a,30b,and30dare “online,” so that relay device IDs (“111a,” “111b,” “111d”) of relay devices that support “Method 1” or “Method 2” are extracted. Further, the terminal10dbsupports “Method 2” and the relay devices30a,30b,and30dare “online,” so that a relay device ID “111d” that supports “Method 2” is extracted (step S29).

If information indicating performing communication via the relay device30is not included in the log-in request information in step S28or the process in step S29ends, the transmission and reception unit51transmits destination state information indicating a destination state to the terminal10aa(step S30). This destination state information includes the communication IDs of candidates for the destination terminal extracted in step S26, the operation states of terminals of the candidates for the destination, and the relay device IDs of relay devices that can be used to communicate with the terminals of the candidates for the destination if the log-in request information includes information indicating performing communication via the relay device30in step S28. In accordance with this, the requestor terminal (terminal10aa) is capable of determining operation states (“offline”, “online”, “online”) of the terminals (10ab,10ba,10db) at this moment, the terminals being candidates for the destination terminal that can communicate with the requestor terminal (terminal10aa), and the relay devices that can be used for each terminal of candidates for the destination terminal if the relay device30is used to perform communication.

Further, the terminal extracting unit54of the management system50searches the DB5004for managing a destination list (seeFIG. 11) while using the communication ID “01aa” of the requestor terminal (terminal10aa) that has sent the log-in request, and the terminal extracting unit54extracts communication IDs of other requestor terminals that have registered the communication ID “01aa” of the above requestor terminal (terminal10aa) as a candidate for a destination terminal (step S31). In the table for managing a destination list shown inFIG. 11, the communication IDs of other requestor terminals to be extracted include “01ab,” “01ba,” and “01db.”

Next, the terminal state obtaining unit55of the management system50searches the DB5003for managing terminals (seeFIG. 10) while using the communication ID “01aa” of the requestor terminal (terminal10aa) that has sent the log-in request as a search key, and the terminal state obtaining unit55obtains the operation state of the requestor terminal (terminal10aa) that has sent the log-in request (step S32).

To the terminals (10ba,10db) whose operation state is “online” in the DB5003for managing terminals (seeFIG. 10) among the terminals (10ab,10ba,10db) having the communication IDs “01ab,” “01ba,” “01db” extracted in step S31, the transmission and reception unit51transmits destination state information including the communication ID “01aa” of the requestor terminal (terminal10aa), the state information “online” obtained in step S32, and the relay device ID of the relay device that is available if the relay device is to be used (steps S33-1,33-2). In addition, when the transmission and reception unit51transmits the destination state information to the terminals (10ba,10db), based on each of the communication IDs (“01ba,” “01db”), the transmission and reception unit51refers to IP addresses of the terminals managed in the table for managing terminals shown inFIG. 10. In accordance with this, it is possible to transmit, to each of other destination terminals (10db,10ba) that can communicate with the requestor terminal (terminal10aa) as a destination, the requestor terminal having sent the log-in request, the communication ID “01aa” of the requestor terminal (terminal10aa) that has sent the log-in request, the operation state “online,” and the relay device ID of the relay device that is available when communicating with the terminals of candidates for the destination if the relay device is to be used.

In another terminal10, when the user switches the power switch109ON, the power switch109being shown inFIG. 4, the operation input receiving unit12shown inFIG. 6receives a power-on in the same manner as in step S21and performs the same process as in steps S22to S33-1, S33-2. Accordingly, the description thereof is omitted.

In the following, a process to select the relay device30is described with reference toFIG. 14. Further, in the present embodiment, among the terminals10which are candidates for the destination, the requestor terminal (terminal10aa) can have a phone call with at least one of the terminals (10ba,10db) whose operation state is online based on the destination state information of the terminal received in step S30. Accordingly, the following describes a case where the user of the requestor terminal (terminal10aa) selects starting a phone call with the destination terminal (terminal10ba).

First, when the user presses the operation button108shown inFIG. 4and selects the terminal10ba,the operation input receiving unit12shown inFIG. 6receives a request for starting a phone call with the destination terminal (terminal10ba) (step S41). Upon starting a conference with the destination terminal (terminal10ba), the requestor terminal (terminal10aa) makes a final selection of one of relay devices30when the user selects starting the conference with the destination terminal (terminal10ba). As described above, the relay device IDs (“111a,” “111b,” “111d”) of relay devices that can be used when a conference is held with the destination terminal (terminal10ba) are reported to the requestor terminal (terminal10aa) in the destination state information. Accordingly, from the reported relay device IDs, a final selection of one of the relay devices to use is made (step S42). The final selection unit16shown inFIG. 6may randomly select the relay device to use from the reported relay device IDs or may select the relay device closest to the requestor terminal (terminal10aa). If the closest relay device is selected, the final selection unit16transmits some response request such as a permission request to all the relay devices reported in the destination state information from the transmission and reception unit11and selects such a relay device that first transmits a reply. After the relay device is selected by the final selection unit16, the log-in requesting unit13transmits permission request information to the relay device in order to hold a conference via the selected relay device (step S43).

Next, the terminal permission unit36of the relay device30searches the DB5002for managing terminal authentication (seeFIG. 9) in the storage unit5000while using the communication ID and the password as a search key, the communication ID and the password being included in the permission request information received by the transmission and reception unit31, and the terminal permission unit36performs terminal authentication by determining whether the same communication ID and the password are managed in the DB5002for managing terminal authentication (step S44).

If the terminal permission unit36determines that the permission request is sent from an authorized terminal10because the same communication ID and the password are managed, the terminal permission unit36transmits permission completion information indicating permission to the terminal10from the transmission and reception unit (step S45).

In step S44, for example, the terminal permission unit36may transmit the permission request information to the management system50to request for terminal authentication. In this case, the terminal authentication unit52of the management system50searches the DB5002for managing terminal authentication (seeFIG. 9) in the storage unit5000while using the communication ID and the password as a search key, the communication ID and the password being included in the permission request information, and the terminal authentication unit52performs terminal authentication by determining whether the same communication ID and the password are managed in the DB5002for managing terminal authentication. Further, when the log-in requesting unit13of the requestor terminal (terminal10aa) transmits the permission request information to the relay device in order to hold a conference via the selected relay device, the log-in requesting unit13may obtain an access token issued by the management system50and transmit a permission request including the access token. In this case, the terminal permission unit36performs the permission process depending on a verification result of the access token included in the permission request.

In the following, the process in step S29is further described in detail with reference toFIG. 6andFIG. 15. First, the terminal extracting unit54shown inFIG. 6obtains the communication ID “01aa” and the communication method of the requestor terminal (terminal10aa) included in the log-in request information transmitted from the requestor terminal (terminal10aa) (step S29-1).

Next, the terminal extracting unit54searches the DB5004for managing a destination list (seeFIG. 11) while using the communication ID of the requestor terminal that has sent the log-in request as a search key, and the terminal extracting unit54reads communication IDs of candidates for the destination terminal that can have a phone call with the requestor terminal, thereby extracting the communication IDs (step S29-2).

The following process from step S29-4to step S29-5is performed for each destination terminal included in the DB5004for managing a destination list (step S29-3).

The primary selection unit56selects relay devices30that support the communication method supported by both of the requestor terminal (terminal10aa) and the candidates for the destination terminal (step S29-4).

The primary selection unit56searches the DB5001for managing relay devices (seeFIG. 8) and reads and selects relay device IDs of candidates for a relay device that are selected in step S29-4and whose operation state is “online” (step S29-5).

With reference toFIG. 16, the following describes a process after the use of the relay device30for performing communication is selected by the requestor terminal (terminal10aa) and the relay device to use is selected.

The conference setting unit172of the requestor terminal (terminal10aa) sends a request for creating a conference room to the selected relay device (step S51).

Next, the participation permission processing unit37of the relay device30creates a conference room in response to the request for creating a conference room sent by the requestor terminal (terminal10aa), associates a conference ID to identify a conference held in the conference room with a password such as a PIN, and stores the conference ID and the password in the DB3001for determining permission of participation. The participation permission processing unit37transmits a conference room ID, the conference ID, and the password from the transmission and reception unit31to the requestor terminal (terminal10aa) (step S52). When the transmission and reception unit11of the requestor terminal (terminal10aa) receives the conference room ID, the conference ID, and the password transmitted from the relay device30, the display control unit17creates a destination list and displays the destination list on the display screen120. In this case, the display screen120of the requestor terminal (terminal10aa) displays a destination list as shown inFIG. 17, for example.FIG. 17is a diagram illustrating a destination list display. A destination list display3400shown inFIG. 17includes a destination list3100, a communication ID3200of its own terminal, and a display3300of a picture taken by its own terminal. The destination list3100displays a list of transmission terminals as candidates for a destination terminal of the requestor terminal (terminal10aa). The list of candidates for the destination terminal displays information about the communication ID, the name, the operation state, and an available communication method of the candidates for the destination terminal.

Next, the conference start requesting unit174of the requestor terminal (terminal10aa) transmits a request for starting a conference to the transmission management system50(step S53). The request for starting a conference includes the communication ID of the requestor terminal (terminal10aa), the communication ID of the destination terminal (terminal10db), the conference room ID, conference ID, and the password.

Next, the transmission and reception unit51of the transmission management system50transmits the request for starting a conference to the destination terminal (terminal10db) (step S54).

Next, the transmission and reception unit11of the destination terminal (terminal10db) receives the request for starting a conference transmitted by the transmission management system50. When the transmission and reception unit11receives the request for starting a conference, the display control unit17of the destination terminal displays an incoming call dialog and receives the request for starting a conference (step S55).

Next, the transmission and reception unit11of the destination terminal (terminal10db) transmits a confirmation of the incoming call (step S56).

Next, when the transmission and reception unit51of the transmission management system50receives the confirmation of the incoming call transmitted by the destination terminal, the transmission and reception unit51transmits the confirmation of the incoming call to the requestor terminal (step S57). In this case, the requestor terminal may report that the destination terminal is being called.

Next, if a start of the conference is allowed in response to the incoming call dialog, the conference setting unit172of the destination terminal (terminal10db) transmits information indicating that it is OK to start the conference to mean that the start of the conference is allowed from the transmission and reception unit11to the transmission management system50(step S58).

Next, when the transmission and reception unit51of the transmission management system50receives information indicating that it is OK to start the conference transmitted by the destination terminal, the transmission and reception unit51transmits the information indicating that it is OK to start the conference to the requestor terminal (step S59).

Next, the log-in requesting unit13of the destination terminal (terminal10db) transmits a log-in request for participating in the conference from the transmission and reception unit11to the relay device30(step S60).

Next, the participation permission processing unit37of the relay device30searches the DB3001for determining permission of participation in the storage unit3000while using the conference ID and the password as a search key, and the participation permission processing unit37determines whether to permit the participation by determining whether the same conference ID and the password are managed in the DB3001for determining permission of participation. In this case, the same conference ID and the password as included in the log-in request are managed in the DB3001for determining permission of participation.

Next, the participation permission processing unit37of the relay device30transmits information indicating that it is OK to log in to mean that the participation is allowed from the transmission and reception unit31to the destination terminal (step S62).

Next, a session is established between the requestor terminal (terminal10aa) and the relay device30(step S64). In accordance with this, the requestor terminal (terminal10aa) can participate in the conference.

Next, a session is established between the destination terminal (terminal10db) and the relay device30. In accordance with this, the destination terminal (terminal10db) can participate in the conference.

With reference toFIG. 18, the following describes a process after communication without the relay device30is selected.

The conference start requesting unit174of the requestor terminal (terminal10aa) transmits a request for starting a conference to the transmission management system50(step S71). The request for starting a conference includes information indicating the communication ID of the requestor terminal (terminal10aa), the communication ID of the destination terminal (terminal10db), and Method 3.

Next, the transmission and reception unit51of the transmission management system50transmits the request for starting a conference to the destination terminal (terminal10db) (step S72).

Next, the transmission and reception unit11of the destination terminal (terminal10db) receives the request for starting a conference transmitted by the transmission management system50. When the transmission and reception unit11receives the request for starting a conference, the display control unit17of the destination terminal displays an incoming call dialog and receives the request for starting a conference (step S73).

Next, the transmission and reception unit11of the destination terminal (terminal10db) transmits a confirmation of the incoming call (step S74).

Next, when the transmission and reception unit51of the transmission management system50receives the confirmation of the incoming call transmitted by the destination terminal, the transmission and reception unit51transmits the confirmation of the incoming call to the requestor terminal (step S75). In this case, the requestor terminal may report that the destination terminal is being called.

Next, if a start of the conference is allowed in response to the incoming call dialog, the conference setting unit172of the destination terminal (terminal10db) transmits information indicating that it is OK to start the conference to mean that the start of the conference is allowed from the transmission and reception unit11to the transmission management system50(step S76). The information indicating that it is OK to start the conference is provided with connection destination information.

Next, when the transmission and reception unit51of the transmission management system50receives information indicating that it is OK to start the conference transmitted by the destination terminal, the transmission and reception unit51transmits the information indicating that it is OK to start the conference to the requestor terminal (step S77).

Next, a session is established between the requestor terminal (terminal10aa) and the destination terminal (terminal10db) (step S78). In accordance with this, the requestor terminal (terminal10aa) can directly perform communication with the destination terminal (terminal10db).

<<Main Effects of Present Embodiment>>

According to the present embodiment, the terminal performs control of connection to the relay device and a process such as management of a conference room that have been performed by a call control device such as a transmission management device and information necessary to participate in the conference is shared in the call control device. In accordance with this, since information specific to the relay device such as an authentication method is processed between the relay device and the terminal without using the call control device, replacement or addition of a relay device is readily possible.

In the above embodiment, the relay device30, the transmission management system50, the program providing system90, and the maintenance system100may be constructed with a single computer and each part (function or unit) may be divided and constructed with a plurality of computers assigned arbitrarily. Further, if the program providing system90is constructed with a single computer, a program to be transmitted by the program providing system90may or may not be divided into a plurality of modules when transmitted. Further, if the program providing system90is constructed with a plurality of computers, divided modules may be transmitted from each computer.

Further, in the above embodiment, a video conference terminal is described as an example of the transmission terminal. However, the transmission terminal is not limited to this but may be a phone system such as an Internet Protocol (IP) phone or an Internet phone. Further, the transmission terminal may be a smartphone, a mobile phone, a car navigation terminal, a wearable computer, a monitoring camera, an electronic whiteboard, a video game console, or industrial equipment with a communication function. Examples of the wearable computer include a wristwatch, a head mount display, and the like. Further, examples of the industrial equipment include office equipment such as a Multifunction Peripheral/Printer/Product (MFP), medical equipment such as an endoscope, agricultural equipment such as a cultivator, and the like.

Further, any one of a recording medium such as a CD-ROM in which the terminal program, the relay device program, or the transmission management program in the above embodiment is stored, the HD204that stores these programs, and the program providing system90including the HD204is used as a Program Product when the terminal program, the relay device program, and the transmission management program are provided to users and the like domestically or internationally.

Further, while the IP address of the relay device and the IP address of the terminal are managed in the above embodiment, information is not limited to this. As long as information contains relay device specific information for specifying the relay device30on the communication network2or terminal specific information for specifying the terminal10on the communication network2, a Fully Qualified Domain Name (FQDN) of each of these pieces of information may be managed. In this case, an IP address of the FQDN is obtained through a Domain Name System (DNS) server in the art. In addition, the “relay device specific information for specifying the relay device30on the communication network2” may also be represented as “relay device connection information indicating a connection to the relay device30on the communication network2” or “relay device address information indicating an address of the relay device30on the communication network2.” In the same manner, the “terminal specific information for specifying the terminal10on the communication network2” may also be represented as “terminal connection information indicating a connection to the terminal10on the communication network2” or “terminal address information indicating an address of the terminal10on the communication network2.”

Further, in the above embodiment, a video conference system is described as an example of the transmission system1. However, the transmission system is not limited to this but may be a phone system such as an Internet Protocol (IP) phone or an Internet phone. Further, the transmission system1may be a car navigation system. In this case, one terminal10corresponds to a car navigation device installed on an automobile and the other terminal10corresponds to a management terminal or a management server at a management center that manages car navigation or another car navigation device installed on another automobile, for example. Further, the transmission system1may be a communication system of mobile phones. In this case, the terminal10corresponds to a mobile phone, for example.

Further, in the above embodiment, image data and voice data are described as an example of content data. However, content data is not limited to this but may include touch data. In this case, a sense of touch by a user on one terminal is transmitted to the other terminal. Further, content data may include smell data. In this case, smell on one terminal is transmitted to the other terminal. Further, content data may include at least one of image data, voice data, touch data, and smell data.

Further, in the above embodiment, a video conference is held via the transmission system1. However, the use of the transmission system1is not limited to this but the transmission system1may also be used for a meeting, a general conversation between family members, friends, or the like, or presentation of information in a unidirectional manner.

In the above embodiment, the transmission terminal is an example of an information processing apparatus and a video conference or a video phone is an example of service. Further, the conference setting unit is an example of a service setting requesting unit, the conference start requesting unit is an example of a service start requesting unit, and the final selection unit is an example of a selection unit. Further, the terminal permission unit is an example of a permission unit, the transmission and reception unit is an example of a transmission unit, the transmission management system is an example of a call control device, and the terminal program is an example of an information processing program.

While the present invention is described with reference to the specific examples and variations, each example or variation is only an exemplification. Those skilled in the art will understand various variations, modifications, alternatives, and replacements. While the devices according to the embodiment of the present invention are described with reference to functional block diagrams for convenience sake of description, such devices may be implemented with hardware, software, or a combination thereof. The present invention is not limited to the above embodiment, but various variations, modification, alternatives, and replacements are included without departing from the scope of the present invention.

According to an embodiment of the present invention, it is possible to facilitate replacement of a relay device or addition of the relay device in a communication system, the communication system including a call control device that performs a process of call control between information processing devices and the relay device that relays information between the information processing devices.

Further, the present invention is not limited to these embodiments, and various variations and modifications may be made without departing from the scope of the present invention.

The present application is based on and claims the benefit of priority of Japanese Priority Application No. 2015-045671 filed on Mar. 9, 2015, the entire contents of which are hereby incorporated by reference.