Information processing apparatus, information processing system, and information processing method

An information processing apparatus manages multiple users who operate respective communication terminals to participate in a meeting held in a virtual place. The information processing apparatus includes a memory; and a processor, and is configured to execute managing a participating user who participates in the meeting, based on a notice from a communication terminal operated by the participating user, the notice using a unique identifier for the virtual place, and the unique identifier being unique among identifiers respectively assigned to multiple virtual places; generating data for displaying a web page in a web browser of the communication terminal operated by the participating user; and transmitting the generated data to the communication terminal operated by the participating user, wherein the managing determines whether all participating users have exited the meeting based on notices from the multiple communication terminals, to end the meeting.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present disclosure relates to an information processing apparatus, an information processing system, and an information processing method.

2. Description of the Related Art

For example, there has been a meeting support system that integrates individual known systems to support meetings with a variety of functions including video and audio recording and playback functions, board writing functions, and personal memo functions; and manages various contents (data) generated by each of the known systems in association with individual meetings, so that the manages contents can be associated with each other to be referred and used (see, for example, Japanese Laid-Open Patent Application No. 2006-146514).

In a conventional meeting system, there was a problem in that the previous real meeting is confused with the next real meeting because if it is not possible to recognize the end of an real meeting held in a virtual meeting room, even when the previous real meeting has ended and the next real meeting is started, it is managed as if the previous real meeting is continuing. Note that the meeting support system of Japanese Laid-Open Patent Application No. 2006-146514 does not solve the problem.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

According to an embodiment in the present disclosure, an information processing apparatus manages a plurality of users who operate a plurality of communication terminals, respectively, to participate in a meeting held in a virtual place. The information processing apparatus includes a memory; and a processor. The processor is configured to execute managing a participating user who participates in the meeting, based on a notice from a communication terminal operated by the participating user, the notice using a unique identifier for the virtual place, and the unique identifier being unique among identifiers each of which is assigned to each virtual place; generating data for displaying a web page in a web browser of the communication terminal operated by the participating user; and transmitting the generated data to the communication terminal operated by the participating user, wherein the managing determines whether all participating users have exited the meeting based on notices from the plurality of communication terminals, to end the meeting.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS

In the following, embodiments will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. According to one embodiment in the present disclosure, it is possible to avoid confusion of meetings held in a virtual place. Note that the present embodiments describe examples of an information sharing system used for meetings that can use a common use board and personal boards. However, embodiments are not limited as such. The present embodiments are not limited to a conference, and can be applied to various information processing systems, such as seminars, lectures, and classes, as long as the event is held with participation of multiple people. Note that when participating in the event to be held, the persons may actually gather and participate in the same location, or the persons may participate in different locations. Also, the present embodiments describe examples of a remote meeting where there is a user connected remotely. However, all users may be in the same room, and users do not need to be physically separated from each other.

First Embodiment

<Overview of Information Sharing System During Meetings>

First, an overview of an information sharing system during a meeting will be described with reference toFIG. 1.FIG. 1is an overview diagram of an information sharing system during a meeting. Here, a state is illustrated where users A and B in a meeting room X of a company and a user C at his/her home Y have a remote meeting using the information sharing system. The user A brings a personal terminal2aand the user B brings a personal terminal2binto the meeting room X. Also, the meeting room X has a permanent terminal4installed, which can be commonly used by multiple users. Note that the permanent terminal4is not indispensable. The information sharing system may have a configuration without the permanent terminal4. The user C brings his/her personal terminal2cinto his/her home Y. In the following, the personal terminals2a,2b, and2cmay be denoted as “personal terminal(s)2” when referring to these generically.

The personal terminal2is a computer which a user can use individually (exclusively) and can browse the screen. The permanent terminal4is a computer which can be used by multiple users commonly to browse the screen.

The personal terminal2may be, for example, a notebook PC (Personal Computer), a desktop PC, a cellular phone, a smartphone, a tablet terminal, a wearable PC, or the like. Note that the personal terminal2and the permanent terminal4are examples of communication terminals (or information processing terminals).

The permanent terminal4may be, for example, a PJ (Projector), an IWB (Interactive White Board having electronic blackboard functions capable of mutual communication, a digital signage, a display connected with a stick PC, or the like. Note that the permanent terminal4is an example of a communication terminal (or information processing terminal) with a monitor intended to be permanently installed in a meeting room. The permanent terminal4is, for example, an information processing terminal with a large-size monitor to be permanently installed in a meeting room, and is assumed to have a use mode of displaying a screen shared by multiple users. Note that the permanent terminal4is not an indispensable element.

The personal terminals2and the permanent terminal4can communicate with a content management server6via a communication network9such as the Internet. The communication network9may be one or more LANs (Local Area Networks) inside a firewall, and in addition to the LAN, may include the Internet outside the firewall. Furthermore, it may also include a VPN (Virtual Private Network) and/or a Wide Area Ethernet (registered trademark). The communication network9may be constituted with wires or radio, or, wires or radio may be combined. Also, if connected by a cellular network such as 3G, LTE (Long Term Evolution), 4G, or the like, a LAN is not required.

The content management server6is a computer that functions as a web server (or an HTTP server) that stores and manages data of contents to be transmitted to the personal terminals2and the permanent terminal4. The contents management server6includes a memory6000, which will be described later.

Memory locations (or memory areas) are constructed in the memory6000for implementing personal boards dc1to dc3, each of which can be accessed only from a corresponding one of the personal terminals2. The personal terminals2a,2b, and2ccan only access the personal boards dc1, dc2, and dc3, respectively. In the following, the personal boards dc1, dc2and dc3may be denoted as “personal board(s) dc” when referring to these generically. The contents management server6may support cloud computing. Cloud computing is a use form in which resources on a network are used without being aware of specific hardware resources.

Also, a memory location (or memory area) is constructed in the memory6000of the contents management server6for implementing a common use board cc that can be accessed from the personal terminals2. Further, a memory location (or memory area) is constructed in the memory6000of the contents management server6for implementing a shared screen ss that can be accessed from the personal terminals2.

The personal boards dc and the common use board cc are virtual spaces generated in the memory locations (or memory areas) in the memory6000of the contents management server6. The personal boards dc and the common use board cc can be accessed by a web application for example, that have functions to browse and edit a content using a Canvas element, a JavaScript (registered trademark), and the like. The web application represents software used on a web browser application (hereafter, referred to as a “web browser”) or a mechanism of the software that operates with a program written in a scripting language (e.g., JavaScript) running on the web browser interoperating with a program running on the web server. The personal boards dc and the common use boards cc may have finite or infinite areas with a range of the memory area in the memory6000. For example, the personal boards dc and the common use board cc may be finite or infinite in both of the vertical and horizontal directions, or may be finite or infinite in either one of the vertical and horizontal directions.

Also, the shared screen ss is a virtual space generated in a memory location (or a memory area) in the memory6000of the content management server6. The shared screen ss differs from the personal boards dc and the common use board cc, and simply has a function to hold data of contents to be transmitted (distributed) to the personal terminals2and/or the permanent terminal4, and to hold the previous contents until the next contents are obtained. The shared screen ss can be accessed by a web application having a function to browse the contents.

Further, the personal board dc is a personal electronic space for each user participating in a remote meeting. The personal terminal2of each user can access only the personal board dc of the user, on which it is possible to browse and edit (input, delete, copy, etc.) contents such as texts, images, and the like. The common use board cc is an electronic space for users participating in a remote meeting. The personal terminals2of the respective users can access the common use board cc, on which it is possible to browse and edit contents such as texts, images, and the like.

Also, the shared screen ss is an electronic space for users participating in a remote meeting. All of the personal terminals2of the users can access the shared screen ss, and can browse the shared screen ss. The shared screen ss differs from the personal boards dc and the common use board cc, and simply has a function to hold data of contents to be transmitted (distributed) to the personal terminals2and/or the permanent terminal4, and to hold the previous contents until the next contents are obtained.

For example, after having transmitted data of contents from the personal terminal2ato the shared screen ss, in the case where data of contents is transmitted from the personal terminal2bto the shared screen ss, the data of contents held by the shared screen ss is the data most recently received that has been transmitted the personal terminal2b. For example, the shared screen ss displays a computer screen, such as an application screen shared by the users.

The contents management server6manages information on contents spreading over the shared screen ss, the common use board cc, and the personal boards dc in association with each other for each meeting held in a virtual meeting room (hereafter, simply referred to as a “room”). Accordingly, even when the contents management server6manages multiple rooms, data of contents is not communicated between different rooms.

Each personal terminal2can display contents of the personal boards dc, the common use board cc, and the shared screen ss in meetings attended by the user by the installed web application of the web browser. Therefore, it is possible to hold a meeting in a state close to that in a real meeting room.

Such an information sharing system enables the user to open an personal file by an application to share it on the shared screen ss; to commonly use handwriting and object arrangement on the common use board cc; to take contents shared on the shared screen ss in the personal board dc as a personal material; and to hold the handwriting and object arrangement as personal notes on the personal board dc.

Note that the information sharing system inFIG. 1is merely an example, and one or more of the shared screen ss, the common use board cc, and the personal boards dc may not be provided. For example, an information sharing system inFIG. 36is an example that is configured with the shared screen ss and the personal boards dc, without the use board cc. In the information sharing system inFIG. 36, each personal terminal2can display the contents of the personal board dc and the shared screen ss in a room in which the user has participated by the web application of the installed web browser.

<Overview of Personal Portal in Information Sharing System>

Next, an overview of a personal portal will be described with reference toFIG. 2.FIG. 2is an example diagram illustrating an overview of personal portals in an information sharing system. The contents management server6generates data items of the personal portal screens dp1, dp2, and dp3dedicated to the personal terminals2and displays the data items on the personal terminals2, respectively. In the following, the personal portal screens dp1, dp2, and dp3may be denoted as “personal portal screen(s) dp” when referring to these generically.

In the contents management server6, the shared memo cm as contents edited on the common use board cc inFIG. 1during a meeting; and the personal memos dm1, dm2and dm3as contents edited using the personal boards dc are stored to be managed. In the following, the personal memos dm1, dm2and dm3may be denoted as “personal memo(s) dm” when referring to these generically. By accessing the personal portal screen dp dedicated to each personal terminal2, the user can display a list of meetings in which the user who is operating the personal terminal2has participated.

The user can display the shared memo cm, the personal memos dm, and bibliographic information for each of the meeting, from the list of meetings displayed on the personal portal screen dp, as will be described later. Therefore, in the case of reviewing the contents of a meeting, it is possible for the user to readily display the shared memo cm, the personal memos dm, and the bibliographic information on the meeting. Also, by accessing the personal portal screen dp dedicated to each personal terminal2, the user can search for a desired meeting by keywords (string) from the list of meetings of the user who is operating the personal terminal2, as will be described later. Note that as a search object to be used by the string search, bibliographic information on a meeting, text data and handwritten characters included in the personal memo dm, evaluation of a meeting by the user, and the like are used. Note that bibliographic information on a meeting is included in meeting information.

The contents management server6is implemented by a computer500having a hardware configuration, for example, illustrated inFIG. 3. Also, in the case of the personal terminal2being a PC as an example of an information processing terminal, the PC is implemented by a computer500having a hardware configuration, for example, illustrated inFIG. 3.

FIG. 3is an example of a hardware configuration diagram of a computer500according to the present embodiment. As illustrated inFIG. 3, the computer500includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit)501, a ROM (Read-Only Memory)502, a RAM (Random Access Memory)503, an HD504, a HDD (Hard Disk Drive) controller505, a display506, an external device connection I/F (Interface)508, a network I/F509, a data bus510, a keyboard511, a pointing device512, a DVD-RW (Digital Versatile Disk Rewritable) drive514, and a media I/F516.

Among these, the CPU501controls operations of the entire computer500. The ROM502stores programs used for driving the CPU501, such as an IPL. The RAM503is used as a work area of the CPU501. The HD504stores various items of data of programs and the like. The HDD controller505controls reading or writing of various items of data with respect to the HD504according to the control of the CPU501.

The display506displays various information items such as cursors, menus, windows, characters, images, and the like. The external device connection I/F508is an interface for connecting various external devices. In this case, the external device may be, for example, a USB (Universal Serial Bus) memory or a printer. The network I/F509is an interface for performing data communication using the communication network9. The data bus510includes an address bus, a data bus, and the like for electrically connecting components including the CPU501.

The keyboard511is a type of input device having multiple keys for inputting characters, numbers, various commands, and the like. The pointing device512is a type of input device for selecting and executing various commands, selecting an object to be processed, moving a cursor, and the like. The DVD-RW drive514controls reading or writing various items of data with respect to the DVD-RW513as an example of a removable recording medium. Note that it is not limited to a DVD-RW, but may be a DVD-R, and the like. The media I/F516controls reading or writing (storage) of data with respect to a recording medium515, such as a flash memory.

The personal terminal2as an example of an information processing terminal may be implemented by, for example, a smartphone600having the hardware configuration illustrated inFIG. 4.

FIG. 4is an example of a hardware configuration diagram of a smartphone600according to the present embodiment. As illustrated inFIG. 4, the smartphone600includes a CPU601, a ROM602, a RAM603, an EEPROM604, a CMOS sensor605, an imaging element I/F606, an acceleration/direction sensor607, a media I/F609, and a GPS receiver611.

Among these, the CPU601controls operations of the entire smartphone600. The ROM602stores programs used for driving the CPU601, such as an IPL. The RAM603is used as a work area of the CPU601. The EEPROM604reads or writes various items of data of a smartphone program and the like according to the control of the CPU601.

The CMOS (Complementary Metal Oxide Semiconductor) sensor605is a type of built-in imaging device to capture an image of a subject (mainly a self-portrait) to obtain image data according to the control of the CPU601. Note that the imaging device may be an imaging device other than the CMOS sensor605, such as a CCD (Charge Coupled Device) sensor. The imaging element I/F606is a circuit to control driving the CMOS sensor605. The acceleration/direction sensor607may include a variety of sensors, such as an electromagnetic compass to detect the geomagnetism, a gyrocompass, an acceleration sensor, and the like.

The media I/F609controls reading or writing (storage) of data with respect to a recording medium608, such as a flash memory. The GPS receiver611receives GPS signals from GPS satellites.

Also, the smartphone600includes a long-distance communication circuit612, a CMOS sensor613, an imaging element I/F614, a microphone615, a speaker616, a sound input/output I/F617, a display618, an external device connection I/F619, a short-distance communication circuit620, an antenna620afor the short-distance communication circuit620, and a touch panel621.

Among these, the long-distance communication circuit612is a circuit to communicate with other devices via the communication network9. The CMOS sensor613is a type of built-in imaging device to capture an image of a subject to obtain image data according to the control of CPU601. The imaging element I/F614is a circuit to control driving the CMOS sensor613. The microphone615is a built-in circuit to convert sound into an electrical signal. The speaker616is a built-in circuit to convert an electrical signal into physical vibration to produce sound such as music and voice.

The sound input/output I/F617is a circuit to process input and output of a sound signal between the microphone615and the speaker616according to the control of the CPU601. The display618is a type of display device such as a liquid crystal or an organic EL (Electro Luminescence) to display images of subjects, various icons, and the like.

The external device connection I/F619is an interface for connecting various external devices. The short-distance communication circuit620is a communication circuit of Near Field Communication (NFC), Bluetooth (registered trademark), or the like. The touch panel621is a type of input device to operate the smartphone600when the user presses the display618.

Also, the smartphone600includes a bus line610. The bus line610includes an address bus, a data bus, and the like for electrically connecting components including the CPU601illustrated inFIG. 4.

The projector700as an example of the permanent terminal4may be implemented by, for example, a hardware configuration illustrated inFIG. 5.

FIG. 5is an example of a hardware configuration diagram of a projector700according to the present embodiment. As illustrated inFIG. 5, the projector700includes a CPU701, a ROM702, a RAM703, a media I/F707, an operation unit708, a power switch709, a bus line710, a network I/F711, an LED (Light Emitting Diode) drive circuit714, an LED light source715, a projection device716, a projection lens717, an external device connection I/F718, a fan drive circuit719, and a cooling fan720.

Among these, the CPU701controls operations of the entire projector700. The ROM702stores a program used for driving the CPU701. The RAM703is used as a work area of the CPU701. The media I/F707controls reading or writing (storage) of data with respect to a recording medium706, such as a flash memory.

The operation unit708is provided with various keys, buttons, LEDs, and the like, to be used for performing various operations by the user, other than turning on and off the power supply of the projector700. For example, the operation unit708receives command operations such as a size adjustment operation, a color tone adjustment operation, a focus adjustment operation, a keystone adjustment operation, and the like in the projected image to output received operational contents to the CPU701.

The power switch709is a switch for switching on and off of the power of the projector700. The bus line710illustrated inFIG. 5includes an address bus, a data bus, and the like for electrically connecting components including the CPU701. The network I/F711is an interface for performing data communication using the communication network9such as the Internet.

The LED drive circuit714controls turning on and off the LED light source715under control of the CPU701. Once turned on by control of the LED drive circuit714, the LED source715emits projection light through the projection device716. Based on image data given via the external device connection I/F718or the like, the projection device716projects modulated light obtained by modulating the projected light from the LED light source715by a spatial light modulation method, as an image onto the projection surface of the screen through the projection lens717. As the projection device716, a liquid crystal panel, a DMD (Digital Micromirror Device), or the like may be used.

The LED drive circuit714, the LED light source715, the projection device716, and the projection lens717described above collectively function as a projector to project an image onto a projection surface based on image data.

The external device connection I/F718is directly connected with the PC (Personal Computer), to obtain control signals and image data from the PC. Also, the external device connection I/F718is an interface for connecting various external devices (a stick PC730, etc.). The fan drive circuit719is connected with the CPU701and the cooling fan720to drive and stop the cooling fan720, based on a control signal from the CPU701. The cooling fan720rotates to vent air from the interior of the projector700so as to cool the interior of the projector700.

Also, when power is supplied, the CPU701is activated according to a control program stored in advance in the ROM702, provides a control signal to the LED drive circuit714to turn on the LED light source715, and provides a control signal to the fan drive circuit719to rotate the cooling fan720at a predetermined rated speed. Also, once the power supply from the power supply circuit is started, the projector700transitions to a state where the projection device716is ready to display an image, and the power is further supplied from the power supply circuit to various other components. Also, once the power switch709of the projector700has been turned off, a power off signal is transmitted from the power switch709to the CPU701.

Upon detecting a power off signal, the CPU701provides a control signal to the LED drive circuit714to turn off the LED light source715. Thereafter, when a predetermined period of time elapses, the CPU701provides a control signal to the fan driving circuit719to stop the cooling fan720, and terminate its own control process by itself, and finally stops the power supply by giving a command to the power supply circuit.

An IWB800as an example of the permanent terminal4may be implemented by, for example, a hardware configuration illustrated inFIG. 6.

FIG. 6is an example of a hardware configuration diagram of an IWB800according to the present embodiment. As illustrated inFIG. 6, the IWB800includes a CPU801, a ROM802, a RAM803, an SSD (Solid State Drive)804, a network I/F805, and an external device connection I/F806.

Among these, the CPU801controls operations of the entire IWB800. The ROM802stores programs used for driving the CPU801, such as an IPL. The RAM803is used as a work area of the CPU801. The SSD804stores various items of data of programs and the like for the IWB. The network I/F805controls communication with the communication network9. The external device connection I/F806is an interface for connecting various external devices. In this case, the external device is, for example, a USB memory830and external devices (a microphone840, a speaker850, and a camera860).

Also, the IWB800includes a capturing device811, a GPU812, a display controller813, a touch sensor814, a sensor controller815, an electronic pen controller816, a short-distance communication circuit819, an antenna819afor the short-distance communication circuit819, a power switch822, and selection switches823.

Among these, the capturing device811causes a display of the external PC870to display video information as a still image or moving images. The GPU (Graphics Processing Unit)812is a semiconductor chip dedicated to perform graphic operations. The display controller813controls and manages screen displaying to output an output image from the GPU812to a display880or the like.

The touch sensor814detects that the electronic pen890, a hand H of the user, or the like has come into contact with the display880. The sensor controller815controls a process executed by the touch sensor814. The touch sensor814receives coordinates as input by an infrared cut-off method, and detects the coordinates. This method of inputting coordinates and detecting coordinates is a method in which two light reception/emission devices disposed at both ends on the upper side of the display880, emit multiple infrared rays parallel to the display880, and receive the light that is reflected by a reflecting member disposed around the display880, and comes back through the same light path as the light emitted by light reception elements has gone through.

The touch sensor814outputs IDs of the infrared rays that have been emitted by the two light reception/emission devices, and cut off by an object, to the sensor controller815, and the sensor controller815identifies a coordinate position which is a contact position of the object. The electronic pen controller816communicates with the electronic pen890, to determine whether there is a touch by the pen point or a touch by the pen tail on the display880. The short-distance communication circuit819is a communication circuit of NFC, Bluetooth, or the like. The power switch822is a switch for switching between on and off of the power of the IWB800. The selection switches823are a group of switches for adjusting, for example, the brightness or darkness, tone of color, and the like of the display880.

Further, the IWB800includes a bus line810. The bus line810includes an address bus, a data bus, and the like for electrically connecting components including the CPU801illustrated inFIG. 6.

Note that the touch sensor814is not limited to such an infrared cut-off method, and various detectors may be used including a touch panel of an electrostatic capacitance type that identifies a contact position by detecting a change of the electrostatic capacitance; a touch panel of a resistance film method to identify a contact position by a voltage change of two resistor films facing each other; and a touch panel of an electromagnetic induction type to identify a contact position by detecting electromagnetic induction generated by a contact object contacting a display unit. Also, the electronic pen controller816may determine whether there is a touch by a user-held part of the electronic pen890or by any other part of the electronic pen, not only by the pen point and the pen tail of the electronic pen890.

With reference toFIG. 7, a functional configuration of terminals and servers constituting the information sharing system will be described.FIG. 7is a functional block diagram of the terminals and the server constituting an information sharing system.

<<Functional Configuration of Personal Terminal>>

First, a functional configuration of the personal terminal2awill be described. As illustrated inFIG. 7, the personal terminal2aincludes a transceiver21a, a receiver22a, an image processor23a, a display controller24a, a determiner25a, a store/read processor29a, and a communication manager30a. These units are functions or functional units implemented by one or more of the elements illustrated inFIG. 3, operating under instructions from the CPU501according to a program loaded in the RAM503from the HD504. Also, the personal terminal2aincludes a memory2000aconstituted with the RAM503and the HD504illustrated inFIG. 3.

Note that the transceiver21a, the receiver22a, the image processor23a, the display controller24a, the determiner25a, and the store/read processor29aare implemented by (a web application of) a web browser that displays a screen of a personal board, which will be described later. The communication manager30ais implemented by a dedicated communication application.

Next, each of the functional elements of the personal terminals2awill be described in detail. The transceiver21atransmits and receives various items of data (or information) to and from the other terminals, devices, or servers through the communication network9. For example, the transceiver21areceives data of contents described in HTML, CSS (Cascade Style Sheet), and JavaScript (registered trademark)′ from the contents management server6. Also, the transceiver21atransmits operational information input by the user to the contents management server6.

The receiver22areceives various inputs from the keyboard511and the pointing device512operated by the user. The image processor23aperforms a process of, for example, generating vector data (or stroke data) in response to a drawing operation performed by the user. Also, the image processor23ahas functions as an importing part, for example, to capture an image on the shared screen ss, to import the captured image.

The display controller24acauses the display506to display a personal board screen or a common use board screen, which will be described later. The determiner25amakes various determinations. The store/read processor29ais executed by instructions from the CPU501and by the HDD controller505, the media I/F516, and the DVD-RW drive514, and performs processing for storing various items of data in the memory2000a, the DVD-RW513, and the recording medium515, and for reading various items of data from the memory2000a, the DVD-RW513, and the recording medium515.

The communication manager30ais implemented mainly by instructions from the CPU501illustrated inFIG. 3, and performs inputting and outputting data with the transceiver21aor the like. The communication manager30afurther includes a transceiver31a, an importing part33a, and a determiner35a.

Among these, the transceiver31atransmits and receives various items of data (or information) to and from the contents management server6through the communication network9independently from the transceiver21a. Basically, the importing part33ahas substantially the same functions as the importing part function of the image processor23a. For example, the importing part33aimports the captured image by performing screen capturing of the shared screen ss, which will be described later. The determiner35amakes various determinations, for example, determines whether a captured image is referenced by the user. Note that the functional configurations of the personal terminals2band2care substantially the same as the functional configuration of the personal terminal2a. Therefore, the description is omitted.

<<Functional Configuration of Permanent Terminal>>

Next, a functional configuration of the permanent terminal4will be described. As illustrated inFIG. 7, the permanent terminal4includes a transceiver41, a receiver42, an image processor43, a display controller44, a determiner45, a store/read processor49, and a communication manager50. These units are functions or functional units implemented by one or more of the elements illustrated inFIG. 5, operating under instructions from the CPU701according to a program loaded in the RAM702from the recording medium706.

Note that these units may be functions or functional units implemented by one or more of the elements illustrated inFIG. 5, operating under instructions from the CPU of the stick PC730according to a program loaded in the RAM of the stick PC730. Also, the permanent terminal4includes a memory4000constituted with the RAM703illustrated inFIG. 5or the like. A shared memo DB4002is constructed in the memory4000of the permanent terminal4.

Note that the transceiver41, the receiver42, the image processor43, the display controller44, the determiner45, the store/read processor49, the communication manager50, and the memory4000in the permanent terminal4are substantially the same as the transceiver21a, the receiver22a, the image processor23a, the display controller24a, the determiner25a, the store/read processor29a, the communication manager30, and the memory2000ain the personal terminal2a, respectively. Therefore, the description is omitted. Further, although the communication manager50in the permanent terminal4includes a transceiver51, an importing part53, and a determiner55, the functions of these are substantially the same as the functions of the transceiver31a, the importing part33a, and the determiner35a, respectively. Therefore, the description is omitted.

Note that the transceiver41, the receiver42, the image processor43, the display controller44, the determiner45, and the store/read processor49are implemented by (a web application of) a web browser that displays a screen of the common use board. The communication manager50is implemented by a dedicated communication application.

<<Functional Configuration of Content Management Server>>

Next, a functional configuration of the contents management server6will be described. As illustrated inFIG. 7, the contents management server6includes a transceiver61, a schedule coordinator62, an image processor63, a generator64, a determiner65, a web page generator66, a searcher67, an authenticator68, and a store/read processor69. These units are functions or functional units implemented by one or more of the elements illustrated inFIG. 3, operating under instructions from the CPU501according to a program loaded in the RAM503from the HD504. Also, the contents management server6includes a memory6000constituted with the RAM503and the HD504illustrated inFIG. 3.

Next, each of the functional elements of the contents management server6will be described in detail. The transceiver61transmits and receives various items of data (or information) to and from the other terminals, devices, or servers through the communication network9. The schedule coordinator62obtains schedule information including bibliographic information on meetings and the like attended by the users from the schedule management server8connected with the communication network9to be capable of transmitting and receiving various items of data (or information). The schedule management server8stores schedule information (meeting (list) information) for each user (for each user ID).

The bibliographic information included in the schedule information includes information on dates and times, start and end times, meeting names, locations, planned attendees, and registrants of schedules (meetings). The contents management server6can have the bibliographic information on the obtained schedule information registered as the bibliographic information on the meetings of the shared memo management DB6005. In particular, in the case where a user generates a new meeting on the contents management server6based on a previously obtained schedule, a registrant of the schedule included in the bibliographic information on the schedule is set as the meeting organizer, and the role of the organizer is assigned to the user ID of the registrant to be registered.

The image processor63has functions as an importing part, to import the captured image by performing screen capturing of the shared screen ss, which will be described later. The generator64generates a content ID, personal memo ID, shared memo ID, and the like that are unique. The determiner65determines whether or not the content ID, the personal memo ID, the shared memo ID, and the like have been received by the transceiver61.

The web page generator66generates data of a web page to be displayed by the web browsers of the personal terminal2and the permanent terminal4. The searcher67receives a search request from a personal portal screen, which will be described later, displayed by the web browser of the personal terminal2and the permanent terminal4, to perform a search according to the search request. Also, the authenticator68authenticates the user. Note that the authenticator68may be included in a device other than the contents management server6, for example, and an authentication server connected to the communication network9may be used.

The store/read processor69is executed by instructions from the CPU501and by the HDD controller505, the media I/F516, and the DVD-RW drive514, and performs processing for storing various items of data in the memory6000, the DVD-RW513, and the recording medium515, and for reading various items of data from the memory6000, the DVD-RW513, and the recording medium515.

Also, in the memory6000of the contents management server6, the personal memo DB6001, a shared memo DB6002, an interest management DB6003, a personal memo management DB6004, a shared memo management DB6005, a meeting DB6006, a user DB6007, and an meeting association DB6008are constructed.

Note that these data items may be stored in a separate server other than the contents management server6. In this case, as the timing of data obtainment and transmission, it is possible to obtain data from the separate server each time a request is made from the personal terminal2to obtain and transmit data, or during a meeting or as long as the users refer to the personal boards dc and the common use board cc, the data is stored in the contents management server6, and after the meeting and reference (or after a certain period of time) have been completed, the data may be deleted from the contents management server6and transmitted to the separate server.

Note that each of the devices described in the present embodiment merely represents one of multiple computing environments for carrying out an embodiment disclosed in the present description. In a certain embodiment, the contents management server6may include multiple computing devices such as a server cluster. Multiple computing devices may be configured to communicate with each other via any type of communication links, including networks, shared memories, and the like, to carry out the processes disclosed in the present description. Similarly, the personal terminal2and the permanent terminal4may include multiple computing devices configured to communicate with each other.

Furthermore, the contents management server6, the personal terminal2, and the permanent terminal4may be configured to share the disclosed processing steps, such asFIGS. 23, 26, and 28, in various combinations. For example, part of the processes executed by the contents management server6may be executed by the personal terminal2and the permanent terminal4. Also, the elements of the contents management server6, the personal terminal2, and the permanent terminal4may be integrated into one device or divided into multiple devices. The present information sharing system may also be used in meeting rooms, seminar venues, business negotiation spaces, and the like where a permanent terminal4is not installed. In such cases, the permanent terminal4is not an indispensable element, and the system may be configured to include a contents management server6and multiple personal terminals2.

<Examples of Displays on Personal Board Screen>

With reference toFIGS. 8 to 11, examples of displays on a personal board screen1000until the end of a meeting will be described. The personal board screen1000is a screen for displaying information to be presented to a user or for receiving operations from the user through a GUI (Graphical User Interface), and is a display form of a web browser or application software.

As illustrated inFIGS. 8 to 11, on the personal board screen1000until the end of the meeting, a projection area to display a projection screen is displayed on the left, and a memo area is displayed on the right. In the projection area, a shared screen ss is displayed as the projection screen. In the memo area, each pair of a captured image1022of the projection screen and a text memo area1024accompanying the captured image1022is displayed on a sheet1020.

By performing a pressing operation on a capture button1016, the user can capture an image of the projection screen displayed on the projection area, to additionally display a sheet1020displaying a pair of a captured image1022and a text memo area1024in the memo area. Note that the pressing operation on the capture button1016is merely an example, and may be, for example, a press operation on a shortcut key of the keyboard or a gesture operation on the touch panel.

FIG. 8is an image diagram of an example of a display on a projection screen and a personal board screen1000before the first screen capturing is performed. For example, on the personal board screen1000inFIG. 8, a guide message “A projection screen is displayed here” is displayed in the projection area. Also, in the memo area inFIG. 8, a guide message “A captured image is displayed” is displayed as a captured image1022. By displaying such guide messages, the user can imagine a screen image after screen capturing will have been performed before the first screen capturing is performed on the personal board screen illustrated inFIG. 8. Note that the guide messages may not be displayed. Also, reception of a user input in the text memo area1024may be allowed even before the first screen capturing is performed.

The user can participate in (log into) a room and exit the room through the personal board screen1000inFIG. 8. Participation in the room and exit from the room change the display on the upper right part of the personal board screen1000, for example, as illustrated inFIGS. 9A to 9C.FIGS. 9A to 9Care image diagrams of an example illustrating changes in a personal board screen1000caused by participation into a room and exit out of the room of the user.

FIG. 9Aillustrates a display on the upper right part of the personal board screen1000immediately after a user A participated in the room. The user A presses a login button1034to perform a participation operation to participate in the room (e.g., inputting a user ID, a password, etc.).

The participation of user A causes the user name of the user A who participated in the room to be displayed in a popup window. A field1032for displaying the number of participant in the room displays the number of users participating in the room. The number of people displayed in the field1032for displaying the number of participant in the room has been increased to two by the participation of the user A.

InFIG. 9B, the participation of the user A in the room has changed the login button1034into a username display field1036. InFIG. 9B, the user A is displayed in the username display field1036. InFIG. 9B, a list of users participating in the room may be displayed by pointing to or clicking on the field1032for displaying the number of participant in the room.

FIG. 9Cillustrates a display on the upper right part of the personal board screen1000immediately after the user A has exited the room. An exit operation performed by the user A when exiting the room causes the user name of the user A who exited the room to be displayed in a popup window on the personal board screen1000. The number of people displayed in the field1032for displaying the number of participant in the room decreased to one due to the exit of the user A.

An exit operation performed when exiting the room may be an operation of, for example, clicking the username display field1036of the user, and then, selecting exit from the room. Also, an exit operation performed when exiting the room may be an operation of, for example, pressing the home button at the upper left of the personal board screen1000, to transition to the personal portal screen5000.

Note that the following situations in which the session with the contents management server6is disconnected (bidirectional communication between the personal board dc and the web browser is disconnected) are treated as exits of the users from the room; for example, transition to a different URL such as another site; closure of a tab displayed by the web browser; power off of the personal terminal2; shut down of the personal terminal2; transition to a sleep mode in the personal terminal2; and the like.

When data of contents such as stream data is transmitted to the shared screen ss, the personal board screen1000inFIG. 8turns into a personal board screen1000as illustrated inFIG. 10.FIG. 10is an image diagram of an example of the personal board screen1000on which a projection screen1040is displayed. In the projection area inFIG. 10, a screen of contents such as the stream data transmitted to the shared screen ss is displayed as the projection screen1040.

In response to receiving an operation of pressing the capture button1016from the user, the personal board screen1000inFIG. 10turns into a personal board screen1000inFIG. 11.FIG. 11is an image diagram of an example of the personal board screen1000after the first screen capturing has been performed. For example, the personal board screen1000inFIG. 11is an example of a UI that displays the shared screen ss and the personal board dc in a single screen. Note that the personal board screen1000may be a UI for switching the display between the shared screen ss and the personal board dc by switching tabs.

By performing a pressing operation on the capture button1016, the user can capture the image of the projection screen1040at that time, to display the captured image1022of the projection screen1040in a memo area. Also, the user may display a text memo area1024accompanying the captured image1022in the memo area. The captured image1022and the text memo area1024accompanying the captured image1022are displayed, for example, on a single sheet1020. This enables to display the combination of the captured image1022and the text memo area1024in an easily understandable way. Note that in the case where an operation of pressing the capture button1016is received from the user, the projection screen1040at that time may be compared with the captured image1022of the projection screen1040that has been imaged and displayed in the memo area, so as not to capture an image having the same contents.

Also, the mouse cursor is moved to be aligned with the first line of the newly displayed text memo area1024in response to an operation of pressing the capture button1016by the user. Therefore, the user can easily switch from a press operation on the capture button1016to an operation in the text memo area1024. Note that input operations by the user in the text memo area extends the text memo area1024downward finitely or infinitely.

Also, an object may also be drawn in the captured image1022by using a pen tool or the like. On the personal board screen1000, a tool palette is displayed in which a hand tool button1002, a pen tool button1004, a text tool button1006, an undo button1008, a redo button1010, an HTML save button1012, a PDF save button1014, and a capture button1016are displayed.

The hand tool button1002is a button for the user to start using a hand tool. Using the hand tool allows the user to select an object drawn in a captured image1022and to move the object by drag-and-drop. The pen tool button1004is a button for the user to start using a pen tool. Using the pen tool allows the user to select a color and/or a line thickness to draw an object in the captured image1022.

The text tool button1006is a button for the user to start using a text tool. Using the text tool allows the user to generate a text area on the captured image1022and to input text. The undo button1008is a button to undo an operation already performed. The redo button1010is a button for proceeding with the operation undid by the undo button1008.

The HTML save button1012is a button for locally saving information on the personal board screen1000in an HTML file. The PDF save button1014is a button for locally saving a captured image1022and a text memo area1024displayed in the memo area of the personal board screen1000in a PDF file. The capture button1016is a button for capturing an image of the projection screen1040displayed on the projection area, to additionally display a sheet1020displaying a combination of the captured image1022and the text memo area1024in the memo area.

Note that an object drawn in the captured image1022may be deleted by using the delete key or the backspace key. Also, the sheet1020may also be deleted by using the delete key or the backspace key.

During editing work including drawing an object in the captured image1022and inputting a text note into the text memo area1024, the projection area may be reduced to expand the memo area to make the editing work easier. The reduction of the projection area and the expansion of the memo area may be done automatically by a web application or an operation performed by the user to move the tool palette to the left.

Further, as illustrated inFIG. 13, on the personal board screen1000during a meeting, a sheet1020selected by the user in the memo area may be displayed as an enlarged sheet1122, or may be displayed in a separate window1121.FIG. 13is an image diagram of an example of the personal board screen1000for receiving editing commands of a sheet from a user during a meeting.

Also, the sheet1020in which the captured image1022or the text memo area1024is being edited may be framed by, for example, enclosing lines so as to be visually distinguishable, or the color of the sheet1020may be changed.

Note that the memo area is not limited to be on the right side of the personal board screen1000, but may displayed on the left side or may displayed on the lower side. By performing a pressing operation on the capture button1016, the user can capture an image of the projection screen1040displayed on the projection area, to additionally display a sheet1020displaying a combination of the captured image1022and the text memo area1024in the memo area.

Also, in response to receiving multiple pressing operations on the capture button1016from the user, the personal board screen1000displays multiple sheets1020in the memo area. Each time the user performs a press operation on the capture button1016, in the personal board screen1000, a sheet1020is additionally displayed with the other sheets arranged vertically in the memo area.

Next, with reference toFIG. 12, examples of displays on a personal board screen1100after a meeting will be described. The personal board screen1100is a screen for displaying information to be presented to the user or for receiving operations from the user through a GUI, and is a display form of a web browser or application software.

FIG. 12is an image diagram of an example of the personal board screen1100after a meeting has been ended. In the personal board screen1100after a meeting illustrated inFIG. 12, a memo area similar to the personal board screen1000is displayed on the right side, and an enlarged sheet area is displayed on the left side. In the enlarged sheet area, an enlarged sheet1122of a sheet1120selected by the user in the memo area is displayed. As in the midst of the meeting, on the enlarged sheet1122, it is possible for the user to perform editing such as drawing an object into the captured image1022, inputting a text note into the text memo area1024, and the like.

A list of all sheets1120is displayed vertically in the memo area of the personal board screen1100. The user can scroll up and down the memo area. The user can display a sheet1120selected in the memo area as the enlarged sheet1122in the enlarged sheet area on the left.

Note that as will be described later, the personal terminal2that displays the personal board screen1100transmits information on s sheet1120selected by the user in the memo area, and information on the sheet1120displayed for a certain period of time or longer as the enlarged sheet1122, to the contents management server6to record the reference count of the sheet1120. Also, consideration may be taken for the reference count of the first sheet1120, which tends to be displayed more often than the others due the arrangement, so as not to be overcounted.

Also, for example, at a timing when receiving a click operation on a sheet other than the currently selected sheet1120or the enlarged sheet1122, the personal terminal2may transmit to the contents management server6the contents edited on the sheet1120or the enlarged sheet1122. Furthermore, the display of the memo area inFIG. 12or the like is merely an example; instead of the sheet1120, for example, a reference number or a summarized text of the sheet1120may be displayed.

FIG. 14is a configuration diagram of an example of the personal memo management DB6004. In the memory6000of the contents management server6, the personal memo management DB6004as illustrated inFIG. 14is constructed. The personal memo management DB6004inFIG. 14manages items of personal memo ID, user ID, room ID, sheet ID, and captured image in association with each other. The item “personal memo ID” is an example of personal memo identification information that identifies the personal memo dm of a personal board dc. The item “user ID” is an example of user identification information that identifies the user. The item “meeting ID” is an example of meeting identification information that identifies a meeting that is held in the room. The item “sheet ID” is an example of sheet identification information that identifies a sheet1020or1120. The item “captured image” is an example of image file identification information that identifies an image file in which an image of the projection screen1040has been captured.

Once the user ID of the user who is operating the personal terminal2is identified by the personal memo management DB6004inFIG. 14, the meeting ID and the personal memo ID of each meeting held in the room in which the user participated can be identified. Also, the personal memo management DB6004inFIG. 14enables to identify, for example, a sheet1020that is displayed on the personal board screen1000identified from the personal memo ID, and an image file of the captured image1022that is displayed on the sheet1020.

FIG. 15is a configuration diagram of an example of the shared memo management DB6005. In the memory6000of the contents management server6, the shared memo management DB6005as illustrated inFIG. 15is constructed. The shared memo management DB6005inFIG. 15manages items of shared memo ID, meeting ID, and bibliographic information on a meeting in association with each other.

The item “shared memo ID” is an example of shared memo identification information that identifies a shared memo cm of the common use board cc. The item “meeting ID” is an example of meeting identification information that identifies a meeting that is held in the room. The item “bibliographic information on a meeting” is bibliographic information on a meeting identified by a meeting ID. Once a meeting ID is identified in the shared memo management DB6005inFIG. 15, the meeting bibliographic information can be identified.

FIG. 16is a configuration diagram of an example of the personal memo DB2001a. In the memory2000aof the personal terminal2a, the personal memo DB2001aas illustrated inFIG. 16is constructed. The personal memo DB2001aexists only while the web browser is activated because it is generated in the cache of the web browser.

Data managed in the personal memo DB2001ais the same as data of each personal terminal2managed in the personal memo DB6001in the contents management server6. The personal terminal2aobtains data for the personal terminal2aamong data of the personal terminals2managed in the contents management server6, to manage the data in the personal memo DB2001a. The personal memo DB2001aillustrated inFIG. 16manages items personal memo ID, sheet ID, content ID, data of contents, and display position in association with each other.

The item “personal memo ID” is an example of personal memo identification information that identifies the personal memo dm of a personal board dc. The item “sheet ID” is an example of sheet identification information that identifies a sheet1020or1120. The item “content ID” is an example of content identification information that identifies each content, such as a text memo and/or a drawn object input on the sheets1020and1120.

The item “data of contents” is data such as a text memo and/or a drawn object input on the sheets1020and1120. For example, the data of contents of a content ID “c101” shows an example in which the type is “text memo” input in the text memo area1024or the like, the font type is “Mincho”, the size is “20”, and the input text string is “aiuoe”.

Also, the data of contents of a content ID “c103” shows an example in which the type is vector data drawn on a captured image1022or the like, and the vector data is represented by numerical data. Note that in the case of a text input into a captured image1022or the like by using the text tool, for example, by representing the type of data of contents with “text” or the like, the text input into a captured image1022or the like can be distinguished from a text memo input into the text memo area1024or the like.

The item “display position” represents a display position of a text memo or a drawn object input on the sheets1020and1120. For example, the display position of a content input into a captured image1022or the like is represented by, for example, coordinates. Also, the position of a text memo input into a text memo area1024or the like is represented by, for example, the number of lines and the number of characters.

The personal memo DB6001has substantially the same data structure as the personal memo DB2001a. Therefore, the description is omitted. However, the personal memo DB6001includes all data of the personal memo DBs2001a,2001b, and2001c.

FIG. 17is a configuration diagram of an example of the shared memo DB2002a. In the memory2000aof the personal terminal2a, A shared memo DB2002aas illustrated inFIG. 17is constructed. The shared memo DB2002aexists only while a web browser is activated because it is generated in the cache of the web browser. Note that the shared memo DB6002has substantially the same data structure as the shared memo DB2002a. Therefore, the description is omitted.

Data managed in the shared memo DB2002ais the same as the data managed in the shared memo DB6002in the contents management server6. The personal terminal2aobtains data managed in the shared memo DB6002of the contents management server6, to manage the data in the shared memo DB2002a.

In the shared memo DB2002a, in association with a shared memo ID to identify a shared memo on the common use board cc, a tuple of a content ID, data of contents, a display position of the data of contents is managed.

The item “content ID” is an example of content identification information for identifying each content. The item “data of contents” is the data of contents such as a text input on the common use board cc, a pasted image, vector data obtained by drawing, and the like. The item “display position” represents a display position of the content on the shared board.

FIG. 18is a configuration diagram of an example of the interest management DB6003. In the memory6000of the contents management server6, the interest management DB6003as illustrated inFIG. 18is constructed. The interest management DB6003inFIG. 18manages items of personal memo ID, capturing count of streaming, reference count of capturing, write count, DL as PDF, meeting participation time, and meeting exit time in association with each other.

The item “personal memo ID” is an example of personal memo identification information that identifies the personal memo dm of a personal board dc. The item “capturing count of streaming” represents the number of times the user has captured images of the projection screen1040on the personal board screen1000of a meeting identified by the personal memo ID.

The item “reference count of capturing” represents the reference count with respect to all capturings, and the reference count and reference time with respect to each capturing on the personal board screen1100of a meeting identified by the personal memo ID after the meeting, as an example of a referenced count of a sheet1120referenced by the user.

The reference count and reference time with respect to each capturing represent the number of times and date and time, respectively, for each sheet1120referenced by the user on the personal board screen1100of a meeting identified by the personal memo ID. The reference count with respect to all capturings is the total number of times for each sheet1120referenced by the user.

The item “write count” represents a write count written on the sheet1020or1120by the user on the personal board screen1000or1100of a meeting identified by the personal memo ID. In the interest management DB6003inFIG. 18, as examples of the write count, the number of characters in all texts for each personal memo, the number of characters in texts for each capturing for each personal memo, the number of handwritten objects (lines, stamps, etc.), the number of handwritten objects for each capturing for each personal memo, and the number of handwritten characters for each capturing are illustrated.

The number of characters in all texts for each personal memo is the total number of characters in texts obtained by adding up the number of characters in each text memo area1024, such as in a sheet1020. The number of characters in texts for each capturing for each personal memo is the number of characters in texts for each text memo area1024, such as in a sheet1020.

The number of handwritten objects (lines, stamps, and the like) is the total number of objects obtained by adding up the number of handwritten objects for each captured image1022, such as in a sheet1020. The number of handwritten objects for each capture in a personal memo is the number of handwritten objects for each captured image1022, such as in a sheet1020. The number of handwritten characters for each capturing is the total number of characters obtained by adding up the number of handwritten characters for each captured image1022, such as in a sheet1020.

The item “DL as PDF” represents whether or not the captured image1022and the text memo area1024displayed in the memo area on the personal board screen1000were locally saved (downloaded) as a PDF file, by using the PDF save button1014described above.

The item “meeting participation time” represents date and time when the user participated in the room from the personal board screen1000. The meeting participation times is recorded by the contents management server6that registers, as the meeting participation time, a time when accessed from a personal terminal to connect to a meeting at S32, S48, or the like inFIG. 23, or a time when allowing the user to participate in the meeting at S34or S49, in association with the user ID or the personal memo ID. Note that the meeting participation time may be recorded together with operations executed at S34or S49.

Also, the item “meeting exit time” represents date and time when the user exited the room. The meeting exit time is recorded by the contents management server6that registers, as the meeting exit time, a time when accessed from a personal terminal to exit the meeting at S202, S216, or the like inFIG. 29, or a time when the user exited from the meeting at S204or S206; or alternatively, a time when the contents management server6detects disconnection between the personal terminal and the contents management server6, or disconnection of bidirectional communication between the web browser of the personal terminal and the personal board of the contents management server6, in association with the user ID or the personal memo ID. Note that the meeting exit time may be recorded together with operations executed at S204or S206.

Note that in the case where a participant having the same user ID participates in and exits a meeting multiple times, all of the multiple meeting participation times and meeting exit times may be recorded and displayed; the meeting participation time may be recorded only for the first time, while the meeting exit time is updated for the last time; or only one meeting participation time and one meeting exit time may be recorded and displayed.

FIG. 19is a configuration diagram of an example of the meeting association DB6008. In the memory6000of the contents management server6, the meeting association DB6008as illustrated inFIG. 19is constructed. The meeting association DB6008inFIG. 19manages items of identifier and meeting ID in association with each other.

The item “identifier” may be, for example, an ID of the permanent terminal4that identifies the permanent terminal4, which simply needs to be identification information that is available for a user participating in the same meeting. The requirement of the identifier is to be unique in the contents management server6.

Therefore, the identifier may be, for example, a MAC address of a LAN or any PIN code, or may be any character string, for example, “apple”, “first sales department”, or “OO only”, as long as it does not conflict with identifiers of the other persons.

The present embodiment does not impose any restrictions on the form or type of identifier. The item “meeting ID” is an example of meeting identification information that identifies a meeting held in the room. Note that the meeting ID is generated again every time when the meeting in the room is ended.

Unless a meeting is in session, the identifier in the meeting association DB6008inFIG. 19is not associated with the meeting ID. Also, while a meeting is in session, the identifier in the meeting association DB6008inFIG. 19is associated with the meeting ID. Therefore, by referring to the meeting association DB6008inFIG. 19, the contents management server6can determine whether a meeting associated with the identifier is in session.

FIG. 20is a configuration diagram of an example of the meeting DB6006. In the memory6000of the contents management server6, the meeting DB6006as illustrated inFIG. 20is constructed. The meeting DB6006inFIG. 20manages items of meeting ID, meeting name, meeting room, participating users, and state in association with each other. The item “meeting ID” is an example of meeting identification information that identifies a meeting that is held in the room.

The item “meeting name” is a name of the meeting identified by the meeting ID. The item “meeting room” is an example of identification information representing a location such as a meeting room where the permanent terminal4is installed. The item “participating users” represents an array of user IDs of users who participated in the meeting identified by the meeting ID. The item “state” represents a state of the meeting identified by the meeting ID (e.g., the meeting is in session, the meeting has ended, etc.). The meeting DB6006inFIG. 20enables to identify the user ID of a user who participated in the meeting identified by the meeting ID.

FIG. 21is a configuration diagram of an example of the user DB6007. In the memory6000of the contents management server6, the user DB6007as illustrated inFIG. 21is constructed. The user DB6007inFIG. 21manages items of user ID, user name, and email in association with each other. The item “user ID” is an example of user identification information that identifies a user. The item “user name” is a name of the user identified by the user ID. The item “email” is an email address of the user identified by the user ID.

Next, processes or operations will be described according to the present embodiment. In the present embodiment, an example will be described in which, in a meeting held in a room, a presenter (user A), as an example of a user who is operating the personal terminal2a, performs a streaming transmission to the shared screen ss, and a participant (user B), as an example of a user who is operating the personal terminal2b, participates in the meeting.

FIG. 22is a flow chart illustrating a process executed by the information sharing system according to the present embodiment. At Step S10, the information sharing system prepares for a meeting. While preparing for the meeting, based on the connection to (participation in) the room from the personal terminal2aand the personal terminal2b, a meeting to be held in the room is generated, and the users participate in the meeting. Each of the personal terminal2aand the personal terminal2bconnected to the room displays a personal board screen1000as illustrated inFIG. 8.

At Step S12, the meeting is conducted in the information sharing system. In response to a request from the personal terminal2of the presenter, the information sharing system performs a streaming transmission to the shared screen ss of the meeting, to cause each personal terminal2to display the projection screen1040as illustrated in the personal board screen1000inFIG. 10. With reference to the projection screen1040displayed on the personal board screen1000, the participant may perform a pressing operation on the capture button1016displayed on the personal board screen1000at a timing when he/she wants to capture an image.

Having received the pressing operation on the capture button1016by the participant, the personal board screen1000imports the captured image1022of the projection screen1040at that time. Then, for example, as in the memo area of the personal board screen1000illustrated inFIG. 11, the captured image1022and a text memo area1024accompanying the captured image1022are displayed on a single sheet1020.

In this way, the participant can additionally display, at any time, a captured image1022of the projection screen1040and a text memo area1024accompanying the captured image1022in the memo area. The participant performs note-writing such as an input of a text note into the text memo area1024displayed in the memo area as illustrated inFIG. 11, and drawing an object (inputting a handwritten note) into the captured image1022displayed in the memo area. The contents of the DBs described above are updated with the contents of written notes.

At Step S14, the information sharing system causes each personal terminal2to display a personal board screen1100as illustrated inFIG. 12, so as to allow the participant to browse the personal memo dm in which notes may have been written during the meeting (review of notes), and to review notes written during the meeting. Note that in the personal board screen1100as illustrated inFIG. 12, as in the midst of the meeting, it is possible for the user to perform editing such as drawing an object into a captured image1022, entering a text memo into a text memo area1024, and the like. Note that information on review of notes taken in the meeting by the participants is transmitted to the contents management server6to update the interest management DB6003.

Further, at Step S16, the information sharing system displays the interest of the participant in the contents of the meeting, based on how the personal memo dm was taken by the participant and the review of the personal memo dm, so as to be utilized as will be described later.

For example, by abstracting the contents, the display of the interest of the participant in the contents of the meeting may be made browsable not only for the presenter and/or the organizer, but also for the participants. Alternatively, access restriction may be imposed on the display of the interest of the participants in the contents of the meetings, so as to make the display browsable only for the presenter and/or the organizer. By browsing the interest of the participant in the contents of the meeting, the presenter and/or the organizer can utilize it for approaching the participant (sales, etc.) and for feedbacking to the next meeting, as will be described later.

According to Steps S12and S14, the operability and sense of use felt by the user can be improved by a UI with which a personal memo dm can be taken easily. Also, according to Step S16, by visualizing and providing the interest of the participant in the contents of the meeting, it is possible to facilitate the utilization for approaching the participant (sales, etc.) and for feedbacking to the next meeting.

FIG. 23is a sequence chart of an example of a process starting from meeting preparation until the personal board screen1000is displayed.FIG. 23illustrates a case in which the permanent terminal4is used. At Step S20, the permanent terminal4is in a state of being ready for bidirectional communication with the contents management server6at all times, regardless of whether a meeting is in session or not.

The permanent terminal4may display an address bar5500, for example, as illustrated inFIG. 24to inform the user participating in the meeting, of the connection address of the contents management server6and the ID of the permanent terminal4.FIG. 24is an image diagram of an example of an address bar5500displayed on the permanent terminal4. The address bar5500includes a button5502, a capture button5506, a two-dimensional code display button5508, a connection address5510including the ID of permanent terminal4, and an exit button5512.

The button5502is a button to display or not to display the right side of the button5502of the address bar5500. The capture button5506is a button to capture the shared screen ss and to paste it to the shared memo cm. The two-dimensional code display button5508is a button to display the connection address5510as a two-dimensional code including the ID of the permanent terminal4. By capturing an image of the two-dimensional code on the personal terminal2, the user can input the connection address5510including the ID of the permanent terminal4into the personal terminal2. The exit button5512is a button to exit the meeting in which the permanent terminal4participates.

For example, the address bar5500is displayed by an application installed in the permanent terminal4(including the case where it is installed in the stick PC730connected to the permanent terminal4). Similar functions may be implemented by a web application. Also, applications installed in the permanent terminal4may be provided by using a cloud service. Note that in the case where the participant is aware of the connection address5510including the ID of the permanent terminal4in advance, the permanent terminal4is not necessarily an indispensable element.

At Step S22, the presenter (user A) who is operating the personal terminal2aactivates the web browser. At Step S24, the presenter who is operating the personal terminal2ainputs the connection address5510into the web browser including the ID of the permanent terminal4displayed on the permanent terminal4, to issue a command to start the meeting.

Proceeding to Step S26, based on the connection address5510including the ID of the permanent terminal4input into the web browser, the personal terminal2aaccesses the contents management server6to make a request for participating in the meeting associated with the ID of the permanent terminal4and to make a request for establishing WebSocket communication. Note that WebSocket communication is a communication protocol for bidirectional communication (socket communication) between a web server and a web browser, which is different from HTTP.

According to WebSocket communication, while a page is being displayed, which is a target of WebSocket communication between the contents management server6and the personal terminal2(here, the personal board screen1000), a TCP connection is established and both the contents management server6and the web browser of the personal terminal2continue to communicate at appropriate timings. In other words, at the time when accessing the personal board screen1000, communication is performed via HTTP including the handshake. Then, after opening the personal board screen1000, the protocol is switched to WebSocket communication to perform bidirectional communication. When the personal board screen1000is closed, the WebSocket communication on the page ends.

Proceeding to Step S28, in response to the request for participation at Step S26, the contents management server6determines whether or not a meeting associated with the ID of the permanent terminal4transferred from the personal terminal2ais in session, with reference to the meeting association DB6008inFIG. 19. Here, it is assumed that a meeting associated with the ID of the permanent terminal4is not in session, in the following description. A meeting associated with the ID of the permanent terminal4is not in session; therefore, the contents management server6generates a meeting, associates the meeting ID of the generated meeting with the ID of the permanent terminal4, and sets the association in the meeting association DB6008inFIG. 19.

Also, the contents management server6saves meeting data, for example, as illustrated inFIG. 25A, in the meeting DB6006.FIGS. 25A to 25Care configuration diagrams of an example of meeting data stored in the meeting DB6006. The contents management server6returns the meeting URL and the meeting ID, as an example of the information generated at Step S28to participate in the meeting, to the personal terminal2a.

At Step S30, the presenter operates the personal terminal2ato issue a command to connect to the meeting. Proceeding to Step S32, the personal terminal2amakes a request for connecting to the meeting to the contents management server6, by using the meeting URL and the meeting ID returned from the contents management server6and the presenter user ID.

Proceeding to Step S34, the contents management server6registers the user ID of the presenter, for example, in the field of participants provided in the meeting data inFIG. 25B. In other words, the user ID registered in the field of participants in the meeting data saved in the meeting DB6006represents the participant participating in the meeting of the meeting data.

The contents management server6gives notice of the participation in the meeting to the presenter who is operating the personal terminal2a, for example, by causing the personal terminal2ato display a display as illustrated inFIG. 9Aon the upper right of the personal board screen1000. Also, at Step S36, the contents management server6gives notice of the participation of the new user to the permanent terminal4already connected to the meeting. Proceeding to Step S38, the permanent terminal4displays the participation of the new user.

At Step S40, the participant (user B) who is operating the personal terminal2bactivates the web browser. At Step S42, the participant who is operating the personal terminal2binputs the connection address5510including the ID of the permanent terminal4displayed on the permanent terminal4into the web browser, to issue a command to participate in the meeting.

Proceeding to Step S44, based on the connection address5510including the ID of the permanent terminal4input into the web browser, the personal terminal2baccesses the contents management server6to make a request for participating in the meeting associated with the ID of the permanent terminal4and to make a request for establishing WebSocket communication. In response to the request for participation at Step S44, the contents management server6determines whether or not a meeting associated with the ID of the permanent terminal4transferred from the personal terminal2bis in session, with reference to the meeting association DB6008inFIG. 19. Here, the meeting ID generated at Step S28associated with the ID of the permanent terminal4has been set in the meeting association DB6008inFIG. 19; therefore, it is determined that the meeting associated with the ID of the permanent terminal4is in session. Because of this, the contents management server6does not generate a meeting.

At Step S46, the participant operates the personal terminal2bto issue a command to connect to the meeting. Proceeding to Step S48, by using the meeting URL and the meeting ID returned from the contents management server6and the participant user ID, the personal terminal2bmakes a request for connecting to the meeting to the contents management server6.

Proceeding to Step S49, the contents management server6registers the user ID of the participant who is operating the personal terminal2b, for example, in the field of participants in the meeting data inFIG. 25C. The contents management server6gives notice of the participation in the meeting to the participant who is operating the personal terminal2b, for example, by causing the personal terminal2bto display a display as illustrated inFIG. 9Aon the upper right of the personal board screen1000.

Also, at Step S50, the contents management server6gives notice of the participation of the new user to the permanent terminal4already connected to the meeting. Proceeding to Step S52, the permanent terminal4displays the participation of the new user. Further, at Step S54, the contents management server6gives notice of the participation of the new user to the personal terminal2aalready connected to the meeting. Proceeding to Step S56, the personal terminal2adisplays the participation of the new user.

Note that the sequence chart inFIG. 23is merely an example; as another example, processing executed at Step S26based on the connection address5510including the ID of the permanent terminal4may be separate into a step of making a request for accessing the contents management server6and for establishing WebSocket communication, and a step of making a request for participating in the meeting associated with the ID of the permanent terminal4.

Also, a request for participation by a participant can be made by a method other than the method as described above, in which the connection address displayed on the permanent terminal4is input into the browser on each personal terminal, and a request for participation is made based on capturing an image of a two-dimensional code displayed on the permanent terminal4on each personal terminal.

For example, by installing a short-distance wireless device having short-distance wireless functions such as NFC and BLE in the meeting room, and by holding the personal terminal over the short-distance wireless device, it is also possible to obtain information for connection including the address, the terminal ID, and the like, from the short-distance wireless device into the personal terminals, and to make a request for participation from the browser of each personal terminal.

In this case, upon obtaining the connection information from the short distance wireless device, the browser may be activated on the personal terminal, for accessing by passing the connection information to the browser, and in response to a request for participation, screens such as the personal board and the authentication information input screen (login screen) may be automatically opened on the browser. Note that it is also possible to install a device to display the connection address and the two-dimensional code that can be visually recognized by a participant together with a short-distance wireless device to obtain the connection information and the like in a single meeting room, so as to have more than one methods available for making a request for participating in a meeting.

FIG. 26is a sequence chart of an example illustrating a process until a projection screen1040is displayed on a personal board screen1000. Proceeding to Step S142, the presenter who is operating the personal terminal2aselects a target screen to be transmitted to the shared screen ss, in a screen1200as illustrated inFIG. 27.FIG. 27is an image diagram of an example of a screen for selecting a target to be transmitted to the shared screen ss. The screen inFIG. 27illustrates an example of selecting a target screen to be transmitted to the shared screen ss from among “Share the entire screen”, “Share the application windows”, and “Share the browser tabs”.

The screen1200inFIG. 27is an example in which the presenter has selected “Share the entire screen”. The screen1200illustrates an example in which “Screen1” as the entire desktop and another “Screen2” displayed on a dual display constituted options. Also, in the case of selecting “Share the application windows” on the screen1200, multiple active applications are displayed as options (including applications for displaying material files for meetings and presentations). Also, in the case of selecting “Share the browser tabs” on the screen1200, the active web browser tabs are displayed as options.

Proceeding to Step S144, the personal terminal2aspecifies a meeting ID or a personal board ID to transmit by WebRTC streaming of the target screen to be transmitted to the shared screen ss of the specified meeting. Note that WebRTC is a standard for implementing high-speed data communication via a web browser, which is one of the APIs of HTML. WebRTC is capable of transmitting and receiving data having a large capacity such as video and audio in real time.

Proceeding to Step S146, the contents management server6performs streaming delivery by WebRTC to the personal board screens1000of the personal terminal2a, the personal terminal2b, and the permanent terminal4associated with the meeting ID specified at Step S144.

At Step S148, the personal terminal2acan display a projection screen1040delivered by the streaming in the projection area of the personal board screen1000displayed by the web browser, for example, as illustrated inFIG. 10. Also, at Step S150, the personal terminal2bcan display a projection screen1040delivered by the streaming in the projection area of the personal board screen1000displayed by the web browser, for example, as illustrated inFIG. 10. Also, at Step S152, the permanent terminal4can display a projection screen1040delivered by the streaming in the projection area of the personal board screen1000displayed by the web browser, for example, as illustrated inFIG. 10.

For example, the participant who is operating the personal terminal2bcan import the captured image1022of the projection screen1040in a procedure illustrated in the sequence chart inFIG. 28, and can write a note in the captured image1022and the text memo area1024.

FIG. 28is a sequence chart of an example of a process of taking in the captured image1022of the projection screen1040and writing a note in the captured image1022and the text memo area1024.

At Step S60, the participant who is operating the personal terminal2bperforms a press operation on the capture button1016. The personal terminal2bmakes a request for image capturing to the contents management server6. At Step S62, the contents management server6captures an image of the projection screen1040at that time and returns an image file of the captured image1022to the personal terminal2b.

In the sequence chart inFIG. 28, although an image of the projection screen1040is captured by the contents management server6, the image of the projection screen1040may be captured by the personal terminal2bor the permanent terminal4. For example, in the case of capturing the image on the projection screen1040by the permanent terminal4, the contents management server6, which has received the request for image capturing from the personal terminal2b, makes a request for image capturing to the permanent terminal4.

The permanent terminal4captures the image of the projection screen1040and returns an image file of the captured image1022to the contents management server6. The contents management server6transmits the image file of the captured image1022that has been returned, to the personal terminal2b. In this way, in the case of capturing the image on the projection screen1040by the permanent terminal4, for example, it is possible to capture an image of the projection screen1040that can be simultaneously browsed on the permanent terminal4by the presenter and/or the participants.

Having received the image file of the captured image1022from the contents management server6, the personal terminal2bproceeds to Step S66, and by using the received image file, additionally displays the captured image1022of the projection screen1040in the memo area, for example, as illustrated inFIG. 11. Also, for example, as illustrated inFIG. 11, the personal terminal2bdisplays the text memo area1024accompanying the captured image1022on the same sheet1020as the additionally displayed captured image1022.

Proceeding to Step S68, the participant who is operating the personal terminal2bmay draw an object in the captured image1022on the additionally displayed sheet1020, or may input a text note into the text memo area1024.

In the sequence inFIG. 28, only the image file of the captured image1022is transmitted to the personal terminal2bfrom the contents management server6. In this case, a JavaScript that is included in the data of the web page and operates on the browser of the personal terminal2bmay generate the text memo area.

Also, the contents management server6may transmit data of the sheet1020including the image of the captured image1022and the text memo area1024. Also, the display position of the image of the captured image1022and the sheet1020at this time may be determined by a program such as a script executed by the browser of the personal terminal2b, or the contents management server6may specify the display position to be transmitted to the personal terminal2b.

Also, the contents management server6may generate a sheet1020in which the obtained captured image1022image and the text memo area1024are combined. Note that an area other than the captured image1022and the text memo area1024of the sheet1020may be set as an area that can be handwritten or an area that cannot be handwritten.

In response to a click performed in an area other than the additionally displayed sheet1020(i.e., the selected sheet1020), the personal terminal2bdetermines that editing is completed temporarily, and proceeds to Step S70. At Step S70, the personal terminal2btransmits information on the additionally displayed sheet1020and the edited contents on the sheet1020to the contents management server6. Note that at Step S70, the personal terminal2bmay transmit information on all sheets1020and edited contents on all sheets1020to the contents management server6.

The contents management server6updates the contents of the various DBs described above, based on the received information on the sheet1020and the edited contents on the sheet1020. In this way, the captured image1022captured on the personal board screen1000, handwritten notes on the captured image1022, and text notes input in the text memo area1024by the participant are associated with the sheet1020, and saved in the contents management server6.

FIG. 29is a sequence chart of an example of a process in which a user exits a meeting in session and the meeting ends.FIG. 29illustrates a case in which the permanent terminal4is used. At Step S200, a participant who is operating the personal terminal2bperforms an exit operation to exit the meeting, to issue a command to exit the meeting.

Proceeding to Step S202, the personal terminal2bmakes a request for exiting the meeting to the contents management server6by using the meeting ID and the user ID. Proceeding to Step S204, the contents management server6selects the user ID of the participant as the user B of the personal terminal2b, for example, in the field of participants in the meeting data inFIG. 30A.

Then, the contents management server6assigns an exit flag “left” to the user ID of the participant who is operating the personal terminal2bregistered in the field of participants, so as to allow the participant as the user B of the personal terminal2bto exit the meeting. The exit flag “left” represents that a user who has participated in a meeting has already exited the meeting. The exit flag “left” is deleted in the case where the user who has exited the meeting participates in the same meeting again. In addition to the case where an explicit request for exit is made from the personal terminal2bas in Step S202, in the case where it is determined that the session between the personal terminal2band the contents management server6becomes disconnected, in other words, in the case where no notice comes from the personal terminal2bfor a certain period of time or longer, the contents management server6determines that the participant corresponding to the personal terminal2bwith which the session is disconnected, has exited the meeting. Therefore, in the case where the session between the personal terminal2band the contents management server6is disconnected, the exit flag “left” is assigned to the user ID corresponding to the personal terminal2bwith which the session is disconnected. Here, assignment of the exit flag “left” to the user ID corresponding to the personal terminal2bwith which the session is disconnected may be done after a certain period of time has elapsed since the session was disconnected, and in the case where the contents management server6is reconnected from the personal terminal2bwithin a certain period of time, the exit flag “left” may not be assigned.

Also, at Step S206, the contents management server6gives notice of the exit of the user B to the permanent terminal4connected to the meeting. Proceeding to Step S208, the permanent terminal4displays the exit of the user B. Furthermore, at Step S210, the contents management server6gives notice of the exit of the user B to the personal terminal2aconnected to the meeting. Proceeding to Step S212, the personal terminal2adisplays the exit of the user B.

At Step S214, the presenter as the user A who is operating the personal terminal2aperforms an exit operation to exit the meeting, to issue a command to exit the meeting. Proceeding to Step S216, the personal terminal2amakes a request for exiting the meeting to the contents management server6by using the meeting ID and the user ID. The contents management server6proceeds to Step S218, to select the participant ID of the personal terminal2a, for example, in the field of participants in the meeting data inFIG. 30B.

Then, the contents management server6assigns the exit flag “left” to the user ID of the presenter of the personal terminal2aregistered in the field of participants, so as to allow the participant of the personal terminal2ato exit the meeting.

Also, at Step S220, the contents management server6gives notice of the exit of the presenter to the permanent terminal4connected to the meeting. Proceeding to Step S222, the permanent terminal4displays the exit of the presenter (user A).

At Step S224, the contents management server6determines that the meeting has ended because the exit flag “left” has been assigned to all the user IDs registered in the field of participants. The contents management server6ends the meeting by assigning the flag “Finished” representing the end of meeting to the meeting data inFIG. 30C.

Also, at Step S226, the contents management server6gives notice of the end of the meeting to the permanent terminal4connected to the meeting. Proceeding to Step S228, the permanent terminal4displays the end of the meeting. Once the flag “Finished” representing the end of meeting has been assigned to the meeting data, the meeting ID, which has been managed in association with the ID of the permanent terminal4as an example of the identifier, is deleted in the meeting association DB6008inFIG. 19.

Also, in the case where the exit flag “left” has been assigned to all user IDs and the flag “Finished” is assigned to the meeting data, if there is the shared screen of the ongoing meeting displayed on the permanent terminal4, the shared screen may be deleted, or the screen may be transition to another screen such as a screen for the next meeting or a waiting screen, for example, a service guidance screen or the like.

Therefore, if a request for participating in the meeting associated with the ID of the permanent terminal4is made after the meeting has ended, the contents management server6determines that the meeting associated with the ID of the permanent terminal4is not in session and generates a new meeting.

In this way, by managing the exit from a meeting of each participant who has participated in the meeting, it is possible for the information sharing system according to the present embodiment to end the meeting when all participants who have participated in the meeting have exited the meeting. Although it is determined at Step S224that the meeting has ended when the exit flag “left” has been assigned to the user ID of every participant participating in the meeting, in determining the end of the meeting, it may be determined that the meeting has ended after a predetermined period of time has elapsed after the exit flag “left” has been assigned to the user ID of every participant participating in the meeting. This enables, in the case where a participant accidentally presses the exit button, or in the case where a participant accidentally closes the browser, to continue the meeting if reconnection is made within a certain period of time, and to improve precision in determining the end of the meeting.

Note that in the case where the exiting user is the presenter or the organizer, namely, in the case where the role of the exiting user is presenter or organizer, even if the other participants of the meeting have not exited, the contents management server6may stop the screen sharing function, hide buttons to start screen sharing, or change the display color. In this way, accidental start of screen sharing by a person who is not the presenter may be prevented.

Displaying for utilization of the interest of the participant in review of notes in a meeting and contents of the meeting by the participants and the presenters may be performed, for example, as follows. Note that here, an example will be described in which a participant reviews notes in a meeting from the personal terminal2b.

FIG. 31is a sequence chart of an example of a process in which a participant reviews notes in a meeting on the personal terminal2b. At Step S80, the participant who is operating the personal terminal2bperforms an access operation to a personal portal screen5000, as illustrated inFIG. 32.FIG. 32is a diagram illustrating an example of a display on the personal portal screen5000.

In the personal portal screen5000inFIG. 32, a list of meetings5010participated by the participant who is operating the personal terminal2bis displayed. The list of meetings5010can be generated by using the personal memo management DB6004, the shared memo management DB6005, and the interest management DB6003described above.

In the example of the list of meetings5010inFIG. 32, for each meeting, items of date and time, meeting name, location, personal memo button5030, shared memo button5040, self-evaluation, and bibliographic information button5050are displayed. According to the personal portal screen5000inFIG. 32, it is possible for the participant to confirm the list of meetings5010in which he/she participated. The field of self-evaluation is an example of evaluation information.

Note that the personal memo button5030is linked with the personal board screen1100to display the personal memo dm of the meeting. The shared memo button5040is linked with the shared memo screen to display the shared memo cm of the meeting. The bibliographic information button5050is linked with the bibliographic information screen5100to display the bibliographic information on the meeting.

In response to a press operation on the bibliographic information button5050on the personal portal screen5000, the personal terminal2bdisplays the bibliographic information screen5100corresponding to the pressed bibliographic information button5050.FIG. 33is a diagram illustrating an example of a display of a bibliographic information screen5100. The “session information” displayed at the top of the bibliographic information screen5100is, for example, the “bibliographic information on the meeting” of the shared memo management DB6005inFIG. 15. Also, the “capture information” displayed at the bottom of the bibliographic information screen5100is generated, for example, by using the interest management DB6003inFIG. 18. Note that the “capture information” displayed at the bottom of the bibliographic information screen5100will be described in detail later.

As an access operation to the personal portal screen5000at Step S80, the connection address to the personal portal screen5000may be input on the web browser, or the personal portal screen5000may be selected by using a bookmark.

Proceeding to Step S82, the web browser of the personal terminal2baccesses the personal portal screen5000. At Step S84, the contents management server6authenticates the participant who is operating the personal terminal2b. The description here will continue assuming that the authentication has been successful. The contents management server6proceeds to Step S86, reads data for the personal portal screen5000from the memory6000.

For example, the contents management server6identifies the meeting ID corresponding to the meeting in which the user participated from the personal memo management DB6004in the memory6000, by using the user ID of the authenticated participant as the key. Also, by using the identified meeting ID as the key, the contents management server6identifies the bibliographic information on the meeting from the shared memo management DB6005in the memory6000.

In this way, once the user ID of the participant has been identified, the contents management server6can obtain data required for generating the personal portal screen5000inFIG. 32from the various DBs in the memory6000.

Proceeding to Step S88, the contents management server6generates data of a web page of the personal portal screen5000from the obtained data for the personal portal screen5000. Proceeding to Step S90, the contents management server6transmits the data of the web page of the personal portal screen5000to the personal terminal2b.

Proceeding to Step S92, the personal terminal2bcan display the personal portal screen5000as illustrated inFIG. 32. On the personal portal screen5000inFIG. 32, the list of meetings5010in which the participant who is operating the personal terminal2bparticipated is displayed. At Step S94, the participant who is operating the personal terminal2bperforms a pressing operation on the personal memo button5030of a meeting of which he/she wants to display the personal board screen1100.

Proceeding to Step S96, the web browser of the personal terminal2bmakes a request for the personal board screen1100linked with the personal memo button5030on which the press operation has been received, to the contents management server6. Proceeding to Step S98, the contents management server6generates data of a web page of the personal board screen1100requested by the personal terminal2b. Proceeding to Step S100, the contents management server6transmits the data of the web page of the personal board screen1100to the personal terminal2b.

Proceeding to Step S102, the personal terminal2bcan display the personal board screen1100as illustrated inFIG. 12. The description here will continue assuming that the participant of the personal terminal2bhas selected the sheet1120of the personal board screen1100, and on the selected sheet1120, has made a handwritten note in the captured image1022and/or a text note (writing on the sheet1120) in the text memo area1024.

At Step S104, the participant of the personal terminal2bselects the sheet1120of the personal board screen1100and writes notes in the selected sheet1120. The capture reference information on the sheet1120referenced by the participant of the personal terminal2bat Step S104, and the information written on the selected sheet1120, are transmitted at Step S106from the personal terminal2bto the contents management server6.

As the capture reference information, for example, in the case where it is determined by the personal terminal2bthat a specific captured image is displayed on the screen of the personal terminal2b, information representing that the captured image has been displayed once may be transmitted to the contents management server6; or in a specific area of the personal terminal2b, for example, in an area within a certain range from the center of the screen of the personal terminal2bin the case where it is determined by the personal terminal2bthat the specific captured image has been displayed for a certain period of time or longer, information representing that the captured image has been displayed once may be transmitted to the contents management server6.

Also, the capture reference information may also include the display time of the captured image. The personal terminal2bmay count the display time of the captured image if it is displayed on one of the screens of the personal terminals2b, or may count the display time only while being displayed in a specific area of the screen of the personal terminal2b, for example, in an area within a certain range from the center.

Proceeding to Step S108, based on the capture reference information and the written information (review information on the meeting memo by the participant) received from the personal terminal2b, the contents management server6updates the interest management DB6003inFIG. 18and the like.

Also, here, at Step S110, the participant of the personal terminal2bperforms a pressing operation on the bibliographic information button5050of the meeting of which he/she wants to display the bibliographic information screen5100. Proceeding to Step S112, the web browser of the personal terminal2bmakes a request for the bibliographic information screen5100corresponding to the bibliographic information button5050on which the pressing operation has been received, to the contents management server6.

Proceeding to Step S114, the contents management server6generates data of a web page of the bibliographic information screen5100requested from the personal terminal2b. Proceeding to Step S116, the contents management server6transmits the data of the web page of the bibliographic information screen5100to the personal terminal2b. Proceeding to Step S118, the personal terminal2bcan display the bibliographic information screen5100as illustrated inFIG. 33.

Note that although the sequence chart inFIG. 31illustrates an example in which the user of the personal terminal2bdisplays the bibliographic information screen5100inFIG. 33, the presenter of the personal terminal2amay display the bibliographic information screen5100inFIG. 33. Also, the contents to be displayed on the bibliographic information screen5100inFIG. 33may be changed in accordance with the role of the user who is operating the personal terminal2, which may be a presenter, a participant, an organizer, or the like.

Also, on the bibliographic information screen5100inFIG. 33, by displaying, for example, the “capture information” as illustrated inFIG. 34 or 35, or the “interest information” representing the degree of interest in the presented contents of the participants and the like by using the interest management DB6003illustrated inFIG. 18, it is possible to facilitate displaying for utilization of the interest of the participants in the contents of the meeting.

FIG. 34is an explanatory diagram of an example of captured information on the bibliographic information screen5100. InFIG. 34, images1022of the projection screen1040captured by participants in a meeting and the numbers of capturing times of the respective captured images1022are displayed. According to the capture information illustrated inFIG. 34, based on the images1022of the captured projection screen1040and the numbers of capturing times of the respective captured images1022, it is possible to measure a projection screen1040having a high interest.

FIG. 35is an explanatory diagram of an example of captured information on a bibliographic information screen5100. InFIG. 35, images1022of the projection screen1040captured in the meeting and the contents of the text notes input into the text memo area1024accompanying the captured images1022are displayed for each participant. Also, inFIG. 35, the meeting participation time, the meeting exit time, and the degree of interest are displayed for each participant.

The degree of interest is calculated and displayed based on, for example, the number of captured images1022, the number of notes, and the length of time participating in the meeting. Note that as for the capture information on the bibliographic information screen5100, the contents to be displayed may be changed based on the role of the user who is operating the personal terminal2, which may be an organizer, a presenter, a participant, or the like. For example, for an organizer or presenter, the capture information on all participants may be displayed, or for a participant, only his/her capture information may be displayed.

In the example inFIG. 35, the number of captured images1022of the user ID “User-a” is greater than those of the other participants, and the number of notes is also greater than those of the other participants. Further, the time participating in the meeting is longer than those of the other participants. Therefore, it may be determined that the user has a higher degree of interest in the meeting contents than the other participants. The capture information displayed at the bottom of the bibliographic information screen5100simply needs to be, for example, a part of or the entirety of the information in the interest management DB6003inFIG. 18.

Note that the bibliographic information including captured images, notes, meeting participation times, meeting exit times, and interests in the meeting is generated for each meeting and for each user. For example, in the case where the user ID “User-a” has participated in and exited a meeting X and participates in a new meeting Y, two items of bibliographic information are generated and displayed as different items of bibliographic information. One is bibliographic information generated by the contents management server based on information such as captured images obtained from the personal terminal of the user ID “User-a” (capture information and interest information) before exiting the meetings X; and the other is bibliographic information generated by the contents management server based on information obtained from the personal terminal of the user ID “User-a” after having participated in the meeting Y.

According to the information sharing system according to the present embodiment, a concept of a real meeting can have one-to-one correspondence with a concept of a virtual meeting room in which the real meeting took place. Further, without relying on a meeting reservation system or on a command to end the meeting issued by a user, it is possible to end the meeting in the information sharing system when the number of participants in the virtual meeting room becomes zero.

Therefore, it is possible to avoid confusion of real meetings held in a virtual meeting room. For example, even when the previous real meeting has ended and the next real meeting is started, no confusion arises due to misunderstanding that the previous real meeting is continuing. Also, the shared memo cm in the previous real meeting will not be projected as the shared memo cm in the next real meeting. Also, in the case where another meeting is held consecutively in the same location (meeting room), the exit of each terminal is determined to automatically end the meeting. Therefore, information on the previous meeting is not left on the screen, and thereby, leakage of the meeting information can be prevented.

Other Embodiments

As above, the embodiments have been described. Note that the present inventive concept is not limited in any way to these embodiments, and various modifications and substitutions can be made within a range that does not deviate from the gist of the present inventive concept. For example, it is possible to consider the following use scenes of the information sharing system according to the present embodiments as follows.

In a general seminar, customers may correspond to the participants in the present embodiments, and sales personnel may correspond to the presenter or organizer in the present embodiments, who can visualize the interests of the participants. In school use, students may correspond to the participants in the present embodiments and a teacher may correspond to the presenter or organizer in the present embodiments, who can analyze concentration of the students in class. At a general meeting, employees may correspond to the participants in the present embodiments, and a manager may correspond to the presenter or organizer in the present embodiment, who can recognize states of meetings within a company.

The functions of the present embodiment described above may be implemented by one or more processing circuits. Here, the “processing circuit” in the present description includes a processor programmed to execute the functions by software, such as a processor implemented by an electronic circuit; an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit), a DSP (Digital Signal Processor), or an FPGA (field programmable gate array) designed to execute the functions described above; devices such as conventional circuit modules; and the like.

A virtual meeting room is an example of a virtual place described in the claims. A meeting held in a virtual meeting room is an example of a meeting in a virtual place. A projection area is an example of a first area. A memo area is an example of a second area. The determiner65is an example of a manager. The web page generator66is an example of a generator. The transceiver61is an example of a transmitter.

As above, favorable embodiments of the present inventive concept have been described in detail. Note that the present inventive concept is not limited to the specific embodiments described above, and various modifications and changes may be made within the scope of the subject matters of the present inventive concept as described in the claims.

The present application claims priority under 35 U.S.C. § 119 of Japanese Patent Application No. 2019-036791 filed on Feb. 28, 2019, Japanese Patent Application No. 2019-103115 filed on May 31, 2019, and Japanese Patent Application No. 2020-004406 filed on Jan. 15, 2020, the entire contents of which are hereby incorporated by reference.