INFORMATION PROVIDING SYSTEM, INFORMATION PROVIDING APPARATUS, AND INFORMATION PROVIDING METHOD

An information providing system includes one or more processors. The one or more processors is configured to store, in a memory, for each of one or more meeting resources, information on the meeting resource and security information of the meeting resource in association with each other. The one or more processors are configured to receive an input of a meeting holding condition. The one or more processors are configured to acquire information on at least one of the one or more meeting resources that matches the meeting holding condition from among the one or more meeting resources based on security information corresponding to the meeting holding condition. The one or more processors are configured to provide the information on the at least one of the one or more meeting resources.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This patent application is based on and claims priority pursuant to 35 U.S.C. § 119(a) to Japanese Patent Application No. 2017-252640, filed on Dec. 27, 2017, the entire disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference.

BACKGROUND

Technical Field

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

Description of the Related Art

Conference systems are known that allow users at remote places to hold a remote conference via a network such as the Internet or a local area network (LAN).

For example, remote conference systems are known that perform a remote conference using a portable conference apparatus including a camera or the like.

SUMMARY

An information providing system includes one or more processors. The one or more processors is configured to store, in a memory, for each of one or more meeting resources, information on the meeting resource and security information of the meeting resource in association with each other. The one or more processors are configured to receive an input of a meeting holding condition. The one or more processors are configured to acquire information on at least one of the one or more meeting resources that matches the meeting holding condition from among the one or more meeting resources based on security information corresponding to the meeting holding condition. The one or more processors are configured to provide the information on the at least one of the one or more meeting resources.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

As used herein, the singular forms “a”, “an”, and “the” are intended to include the multiple forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise.

Referring to the drawings, one or more embodiments of the present disclosure are described.

FIG. 1is a diagram illustrating an example of a system configuration of an information providing system1according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. The information providing system1is a system for providing information about meeting resources depending on conditions for holding a meeting, using a meeting management apparatus110, a resource management apparatus120, a personnel management apparatus130, etc., provided in a local network A10.

InFIG. 1, the meeting management apparatus110, the resource management apparatus120, and the personnel management apparatus130are provided in the local network A10such as an intra-enterprise network. The meeting management apparatus110, the resource management apparatus120, and the personnel management apparatus130can exchange data or information with each other.

The meeting management apparatus110is, for example, an information processing apparatus such as a personal computer (PC) or a system including a plurality of information processing apparatuses. The meeting management apparatus10manages a procedure of holding a meeting, presentation materials, participants, a meeting history, a reservation for meeting resources. For example, the meeting management apparatus110stores meeting information21in a server such as a cloud A20to manage the meeting information21. Examples of the meeting information21include meeting holding information, presentation materials, attendee information, meeting history information, and reservation information on meeting resources.

Further, the meeting management apparatus110receives conditions for holding a meeting, the conditions being input by a user who is going to use meeting resources using a terminal apparatus140. The meeting management apparatus110provides information on meeting resources according to the received conditions for holding a meeting. For example, the meeting management apparatus110causes the terminal apparatus140to display the information on the meeting resources that satisfy the conditions for holding a meeting input by the user to the terminal apparatus140.

The resource management apparatus120is, for example, an information processing apparatus such as a personal computer (PC) or a system including a plurality of information processing apparatuses. The resource management apparatus120manages information on meeting resources such as meeting rooms or devices that can be used in a meeting in association with security information on the meeting resources. For example, the resource management apparatus120stores, in a server such as the cloud A20, resource information22including meeting room information to which security information is assigned and device information to which security information is assigned, to manage the resource information22.

The security information is represented by, for example, security levels that indicate stepwise levels of security required for meetings. A security content (e.g., presence or absence of security, encryption of communication, presence or absence of authentication) corresponding to each of the security levels is stored in security information24stored in the cloud A20, for example.

The personnel management apparatus130is, for example, an information processing apparatus such as a personal computer (PC) or a system including a plurality of information processing apparatuses. The personnel management apparatus130manages users such as employees or outside corporate staffs, costs required for holding a meeting, and the like. For example, the personnel management apparatus130stores, in a server such as the cloud A20, personnel information23including information such as a name, division and location of each of employees and outside corporate staffs, and information on costs, and manages the personnel information23.

Preferably, the information providing system1can refer to resource information41, security information42, etc., that are stored in a cloud B40and managed by a resource management apparatus31provided in a local network B30of another company such as a rental company.

Further, the information providing system1can have a function of acquiring software information51or device information52from a web server (external server)50provided by a vendor of devices or software for use in a meeting and assigning security information to the acquired information to manage the software information51and device information52.

The configuration illustrated inFIG. 1is just an example of the configuration of the information providing system1, and the information providing system1may have any other suitable system configuration. In another example, the meeting management apparatus110stores the meeting information21in a server apparatus provided in the local network A10or a memory of the meeting management apparatus110and manages the meeting information21. In a similar manner, the resource management apparatus120can store the resource information22in a server apparatus provided in the local network A10or a memory of the resource management apparatus120, to manage the resource information22. Further, the personnel management apparatus130can store the personnel information23in a server apparatus provided in the local network A10or a memory of the personnel management apparatus130, to manage the personnel information23.

In still another example, the meeting management apparatus110, the resource management apparatus120, and the personnel management apparatus130can be configured as one information providing apparatus100.

Next, a description is given of hardware configurations of the meeting management apparatus110, the resource management apparatus120, and the personnel management apparatus130. Each of the meeting management apparatus110, the resource management apparatus120, and the personnel management apparatus130has a hardware configuration of a general-purpose computer.

FIG. 2is a block diagram illustrating an example of a hardware configuration of a general-purpose computer200, that can be used as the meeting management apparatus110, the resource management apparatus120, and the personnel management apparatus130, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. The computer200includes, for example, a central processing unit (CPU)201, a random access memory (RAM)202, a read only memory (ROM)203, a storage device204, an external device connection interface (I/F)205, an input device206, a display device207, a network I/F208, and a bus209.

The CPU201is an arithmetic device that reads programs or data from the ROM203or the storage device204onto the RAM202, and executes processing according to the programs or data, to implement functions of the computer200. The RAM202is a volatile memory used as a work area of the CPU201. The ROM203is a nonvolatile memory, which holds programs or data even after the computer200is turned off as the power is not supplied.

The storage device204is a device such as a hard disc drive (HDD) or a solid state drive (SSD). The storage device204stores an operating system (OS), an application program, and various types of data.

The external device connection I/F205is an interface that connects the computer200to external devices. Examples of the external devices connected to the computer200via the external device connection I/F205include a storage medium210. The external device connection I/F205enables the computer200to read or write data from or to the storage medium210. The computer200installs a predetermined program stored in the storage medium210via the external device connection I/F205on the computer200to execute the predetermined program.

The input device206is a device for receiving an input according to a user operation. Examples of the input device206include a mouse, a keyboard, and a touch panel. The display device207is a device for displaying various information, such as a display.

The network I/F208is an interface that connects the computer200to a network60. The network I/F208enables the computer200to communicate data with other devices or apparatuses via the network60. The bus209is connected to each of the above-mentioned components, and transfers address signals, data signals, and various types of control signals.

The configuration illustrated inFIG. 2is just an example of the configuration of the computer200as the meeting management apparatus110, the resource management apparatus120and the personnel management apparatus130, and the computer200may have any other suitable hardware configuration. In another example, the meeting management apparatus110, the resource management apparatus120, and the personnel management apparatus130do not necessarily have to include the input device206and/or the display device207. In still another example, the meeting management apparatus110, the resource management apparatus120, the personnel management apparatus130is configured as a combination of a plurality of computers200. In still another example, the meeting management apparatus110, the resource management apparatus120, the personnel management apparatus130is implemented by an electronic device having a configuration of a general-purpose computer, e.g., an image forming apparatus.

Next, a description is given of functional configurations of the meeting management apparatus110, the resource management apparatus120, and the personnel management apparatus130.

FIG. 3is a block diagram illustrating an example of a functional configuration of the information providing system1according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

Functional Configuration of Meeting Management Apparatus110:

The meeting management apparatus110includes, for example, a communication unit311, a meeting holding management unit312, an attendee management unit313, a meeting resource management unit314, an information providing unit315, a meeting history management unit316, a presentation material management unit317, and a storage unit318. Each of the above-described functional units of the meeting management apparatus110is implemented by the CPU201ofFIG. 2executing the predetermined program.

The communication unit311connects the meeting management apparatus110to the network60, using the network I/F208illustrated inFIG. 2, and communicates data with the resource management apparatus120, the personnel management apparatus130, and the terminal apparatus140.

The meeting holding management unit312receives input (registration) of conditions for holding a meeting from a user who is going to hold a meeting such as a remote conference. The conditions for holding a meeting include, for example, information on a date and time of the meeting, a name of the meeting, attendees, the security level, and the like. Further, the meeting holding management unit312stores, from among the registered (input) information, information on the date and time of the meeting, the name of the meeting, the security level, a location where the meeting is to be held, presentation material and the like in meeting holding information410as illustrated inFIG. 4B, to manage these items of information.

FIG. 4Aillustrates an example of the meeting holding information410, according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. In the example ofFIG. 4A, the meeting holding information410includes information of “meeting ID”, “meeting date”, “meeting name”, “security level”, “location of meeting”, “organizer”, “inquiry destination”, and “material”. The “meeting ID” is identification information for identifying a meeting. The “meeting date” is information indicating a date and time at which the meeting is to be held. The “meeting name” is information indicating a name of the meeting.

The “security level” is information indicating stepwise how high the security of the meeting is. For example, the security level is set by a user who is going to hold the meeting. In the present embodiment, a description is given hereinafter assuming that the security levels are classified into four levels of “-”, “C”, “B”, and “A”. In this example, “A” corresponds to the highest security level and “-” (indicating no security) corresponds to the lowest security level. In addition, in the present embodiment, the higher the security level, the higher the cost. Further, the higher importance of a meeting, and/or the higher confidentiality of a meeting, the higher security level is set.

The “location of meeting” is information indicating a place where the meeting is held, such as a meeting room. The “location of meeting” is represented by, for example, a meeting room ID managed by the resource management apparatus120. The “organizer” is information indicating, for example, host organizing the meeting or a person who is responsible for the meeting. The “organizer” is represented by, for example, an employee ID or the like managed by an employee management unit332of the personnel management apparatus130. The “inquiry destination” is information indicating a destination to which an inquiry about the meeting is to be sent. The “inquiry destination” is represented by, for example, an employee ID or the like managed by the employee management unit332of the personnel management apparatus130. The “material” is information on presentation materials to be used in the meeting. The “material” is represented by, for example, a presentation material ID or the like managed by the presentation material management unit317described later.

The attendee management unit313stores information on attendees of the meeting received by the meeting holding management unit312in attendee information500as illustrated inFIG. 5, for example, to manage the information on attendees.

FIG. 5illustrates an example of the attendee information500, according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. In the example ofFIG. 5, the attendee information500includes information of “meeting ID”, “attendee ID”, “attend/absent notice”, and “attend/absent”.

The “meeting ID” is identification information for identifying a meeting. This “meeting ID” corresponds to the “meeting ID” included in the meeting holding information410managed by the meeting holding management unit312. The “attendee ID” is information for identifying an attendee who participates in the meeting. The “attendee ID” is represented by, for example, an employee ID or the like managed by the employee management unit332of the personnel management apparatus130. In the “attend/absent notice”, information is stored information is stored indicating attendance or absence of each participant registered in advance of the holding of the meeting. In the “attend/absent”, information is stored indicating whether each attendee participated in the meeting or not. The meeting resource management unit314acquires, from the resource management apparatus120, information on meeting resources that satisfy conditions for holding a meeting, based on the security information corresponding to the conditions for holding a meeting received by the meeting holding management unit312. For example, the meeting resource management unit314acquires, from the resource management apparatus120, information on meeting resources (a meeting room, a device, etc.) that satisfy the security level included in the conditions for holding a meeting received by the meeting holding management unit312.

Further, the meeting resource management unit314stores information on resources used in a meeting in meeting resource information620as illustrated inFIG. 6B, to manage the information on resources. Further, the meeting resource management unit314stores a reservation status of resources used in a meeting in resource reservation information710as illustrated inFIG. 7A, to manage the reservation status.

FIG. 6Billustrates an example of the meeting resource information620, according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. In the example ofFIG. 6B, the meeting resource information620includes information of “resource ID”, “device ID”, “resource name”, “reservation availability”, “storage location”, and “security level”.

The “resource ID” is identification information for identifying a resource. The “device ID” is identification information for identifying a device, in a case where the resource is a device. The “device ID” is represented by, for example, a device ID managed by the resource management apparatus120. The “resource name” is information indicating a name of the resource. The “reservation availability” is information indicating whether the resource is available for reservation or not. The “storage location” is information indicating a location where the resource is kept.

The “security level” is information indicating a security level of the resource. This “security level” corresponds to the “security level” included in the meeting holding information410ofFIG. 4A, for example.FIG. 7Billustrates an example of the security level of resource. The security level of resource is classified into four levels of “-”, “C”, “B”, and “A” in substantially the same manner as the “security level” included in the meeting holding information410. Further, with respect to the security level of resource, a security content of resource is defined for each of the security levels, as illustrated inFIG. 7B. The security level of resource is stored in advance in the security information24stored in the cloud A20ofFIG. 1, for example.

FIG. 7Aillustrates an example of the resource reservation information710, according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. In the example ofFIG. 7A, the resource reservation information710includes information of “reservation number”, “resource ID”, “reservation date”, and “meeting ID”.

The “reservation number” is identification information for identifying a reservation of a resource. The “resource ID” is identification information for identifying the resource. This “resource ID” corresponds to, for example, the “resource ID” included in meeting resource information620described above with reference toFIG. 6B. The “reservation date” is information indicating a date and time for which the resource is reserved. The “meeting ID” is identification information for identifying a meeting. This “meeting ID” corresponds to, for example, the “meeting ID” included in the meeting holding information410described above with reference toFIG. 4A.

Referring again toFIG. 3, the functional configuration of the meeting management apparatus110is further described.

The information providing unit315provides information on meeting resources that satisfy the conditions for holding a meeting received by the meeting holding management unit312.

For example, in response to receiving the conditions for holding a meeting including the security level (security information) by the meeting holding management unit312, the meeting resource management unit314acquires information on a meeting resource corresponding to the security level from the resource management apparatus120. The information providing unit315causes the terminal apparatus140to display the information on a meeting resource corresponding to the security level included in the conditions for holding a meeting acquired by the meeting resource management unit314.

This enables a user who is making a reservation for a meeting using the terminal apparatus140to select a meeting resource according to the security level of the meeting in a relatively simple manner.

The meeting history management unit316stores information of a history of meetings that were held in meeting history information610as illustrated inFIG. 6A, to manage the information on the history of meetings.

FIG. 6Aillustrates an example of the meeting history information610, according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. In the example ofFIG. 6A, the meeting history information610includes information of “meeting ID”, “meeting date”, “meeting name”, “security level”, “location of meeting”, “organizer”, “inquiry destination”, and “material”.

From among those items of information stored in the meeting history information610, information of the “meeting ID”, “meeting name”, “security level”, “location of meeting”, “organizer”, “inquiry destination” and “material” respectively correspond to the “meeting ID”, “meeting name”, “security level”, “location of meeting”, “organizer”, “inquiry destination” and “material” included in the meeting holding information410described above with reference toFIG. 4A. In the “meeting date”, a start date and time and an end date and time of a meeting that was actually held are stored.

The presentation material management unit317stores information on presentation materials and/or minutes registered by an organizer of a meeting, attendees or the like in presentation material information420as illustrated inFIG. 4B, to manage the information on presentation materials and/or minutes.

FIG. 4Billustrates an example of the presentation material information420, according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. In the example ofFIG. 4B, the presentation material information420stores information of “presentation material ID”, “presentation material name” and “file”.

The “presentation material ID” is identification information for identifying presentation material. The “presentation material name” is information on a name of the presentation material. The “file” is information indicating a file in which the presentation material is stored or a source from which the file is acquired.

The meeting holding information410, the presentation material information420, the attendee information500, the meeting history information610, the meeting resource information620, and the resource reservation information710are included in the meeting information21stored, for example, in the cloud A20ofFIG. 1. In another example, one or more of the above-described information can be stored in a server apparatus provided in the local network A10or in the storage unit318of the meeting management apparatus110.

The storage unit318is implemented by, for example, a program executed by the CPU201and the storage device204ofFIG. 2, for example. The storage unit318can store various information including each item of the above-mentioned information.

Functional Configuration of Resource Management Apparatus120:

The resource management apparatus120includes, for example, a communication unit321, a security information management unit322, a meeting room management unit323, a device management unit324, and a storage unit325.

Each of the above-described functional units of the resource management apparatus120is implemented by the CPU201ofFIG. 2executing the predetermined program.

The communication unit321connects the resource management apparatus120to the network60, using the network I/F208illustrated inFIG. 2, and communicates data with other apparatuses such as the meeting management apparatus110.

The security information management unit322manages security information (security level) of each meeting resource. For example, the security information management unit322assigns security level information to meeting room information810(described later) managed by the meeting room management unit323. Further, the security information management unit322assigns security level information to device information910(described later) managed by the device management unit324.

The meeting room management unit323stores information on a meeting room, from among meeting resources, in the meeting room information810as illustrated inFIG. 8A, to manage the information on a meeting room. The meeting room is an example of a place where a meeting is held.

FIG. 8Aillustrates an example of the meeting room information810, according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. In the example ofFIG. 8A, the meeting room information810includes information of “meeting room ID”, “capacity”, “location”, “resource ID”, “meeting environment”, and “security level”.

The “meeting room ID” is identification information for identifying a meeting room. The “capacity” is information indicating the maximum number of persons that the meeting room can accommodate. The “location” is information indicating a place or the like where a meeting room is provided. The “resource ID” is information on resource provided in the meeting room. This “resource ID” corresponds to, for example, “resource ID” included in the meeting resource information620ofFIG. 6B. The “meeting environment” is information on communication facilities or the like provided in the meeting room.

The “security level” is information indicating a security level of the meeting room. This “security level” corresponds to, for example, the “security level” included in the meeting holding information410ofFIG. 4A.FIG. 8Billustrates an example of the security level of a meeting room. The security level of a meeting room is classified into four levels of “-”, “C”, “B”, and “A” in substantially the same manner as the “security level” included in the meeting holding information410. Further, with respect to the security level of a meeting room, a security content of a meeting room is defined for each of the security levels, as illustrated inFIG. 8B. The security level of a meeting room is stored in advance in the security information24stored in the cloud A20ofFIG. 1, for example.

The device management unit324ofFIG. 3stores, in device information910as illustrated inFIG. 9A, information on devices to be used in a meeting from among meeting resources, to manage the information on devices. In one example, the device management unit324can further manage information on software to be used in a meeting.

FIG. 9Aillustrates an example of the device information910, according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. For example, the device information910includes information of “device ID”, “device name”, “device state”, “function”, “manufacturer”, “installation/storage location”, and “security level”.

The “device ID” is identification information for identifying a device. The “device name” is information indicating a name or the like of the device. The “device state” is information indicating a state of the device. For example, the “device state” indicates whether the device is in a “good” state in which the device operates normally, or in an “unusable” state in which the device does not operate normally. The “function” is information indicating a function, type or the like of the device. The “manufacturer” is information indicating a manufacturer, a vendor or the like of the device. The “installation/storage location” is information indicating a place where the device is installed or kept.

The “security level” is information indicating a security level of the device. This “security level” corresponds to the “security level” included in the meeting holding information410ofFIG. 4A, for example.FIG. 9Billustrates an example of the security level of a device. The security level of a device is classified into four levels of “-”, “C”, “B”, and “A” in substantially the same manner as the “security level” included in the meeting holding information410. Further, with respect to the security level of a device, a security content of a device is defined for each of the security levels, as illustrated inFIG. 9B. The security level of a device is stored in advance in the security information24stored in the cloud A20ofFIG. 1, for example.

The meeting room information810and the device information910described above are included in the resource information22stored in the cloud A20ofFIG. 1, for example. In another example, at least one of the meeting room information810and the device information910can be stored in a server apparatus provided in the local network A10or in the storage unit325of the resource management apparatus120.

The storage unit325is implemented by, for example, a program executed by the CPU201and the storage device204ofFIG. 2, for example. The storage unit325can store various information including each item of the above-mentioned information.

Functional Configuration of Personnel Management Apparatus130:

The personnel management apparatus130manages various information concerning personnel affairs and accounting. The personnel management apparatus130includes, for example, an employee management unit332, an accounting management unit333, and a storage unit334.

Each of the above-described functional units of the personnel management apparatus130is implemented by the CPU201ofFIG. 2executing the predetermined program.

The communication unit331connects the personnel management apparatus130to the network60, using the network I/F208illustrated inFIG. 2, and communicates data with other apparatuses such as the meeting management apparatus110.

The employee management unit332stores information on employees of a company or the like that operates the local network A10in employee information1010as illustrated inFIG. 10A, to manage the information on employee. Further, the employee management unit332stores information on outside corporate staffs other than the employees in outside corporate staff information1020as illustrated inFIG. 10B.

FIG. 10Aillustrates an example of the employee information1010, according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. In the example ofFIG. 10A, the employee information1010includes information of “employee ID”, “name”, “division”, and “location”.

The “employee ID” is identification information for identifying an employee. The “name” is information indicating the employee's name. The “division” is information indicating a division, a department or the like to which the employee belongs. The “location” is information indicating a location of the employee (for example, a place where a desk of the employee is present).

FIG. 10Billustrates an example of the outside corporate staff information1020, according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. In the example ofFIG. 10B, the outside corporate staff information1020includes information of “employee ID”, “name”, “division”, and “location”.

The “employee ID” is identification information for identifying an outside corporate staff such as a visitor from outside the company, an employee of a collaborating company. The “name” is information indicating a name of the outside corporate staff. The “division” is information indicating a division, a department or the like to which the outside corporate staff belongs. The “location” is information indicating a location of the outside corporate staff (for example, a place where a desk of the outside corporate staff is present).

The accounting management unit333manages accounting management information including information such as expense for holding a meeting. In the present embodiment, the accounting management information managed by the accounting management unit333can be in any suitable format, and a detailed description thereof is omitted below.

The employee information1010, the outside corporate staff information1020, and the accounting management information described above are included in the personnel information23stored in the cloud A20ofFIG. 1, for example. In another example, one or more of the employee information1010, the outside corporate staff information1020and the accounting management information can be stored in a server apparatus provided in the local network A10or in the storage unit334of the personnel management apparatus130.

The storage unit334is implemented by, for example, a program executed by the CPU201and the storage device204ofFIG. 2, for example. The storage unit334can store various information including each item of the above-mentioned information.

Next, a description is given of an operation of providing information by the information providing system1.

First Embodiment

Security Information Registration Process:

FIG. 11is a sequence diagram illustrating an example of a registration process, according to a first embodiment. This process is an example of a process of registering the “security level” included in the meeting room information810illustrated inFIG. 8Aand the “security level” included in the device information910illustrated inFIG. 8B. The “security level” is an example of security information.

In step S1101, for example, an administrator who manages the resource information22performs an operation to start setting the security information using the terminal apparatus140. For example, the administrator uses a web browser of the terminal apparatus140to access a web page for setting the security information, the web page being provided by the security information management unit322of the resource management apparatus120.

In step S1102, in response to the setting start operation by the administrator, the terminal apparatus140transmits, to the resource management apparatus120, a setting start request that requests a start of setting the security information.

In steps S1103and S1104, in response to the setting start request received from the terminal apparatus140, the security information management unit322of the resource management apparatus120causes the terminal apparatus140to display a security information setting screen.

In step S1105, the administrator performs an operation to set the security information of a device on the security information setting screen. For example, via the security information setting screen, the administrator performs an operation to set the security level of a projector whose device ID is “M00001” to “A”, in the device information910illustrated inFIG. 9A.

In step S1106, the terminal apparatus140transmits the security information of the device that is set in step S1105to the resource management apparatus120.

In step S1107, the security information management unit322of the resource management apparatus120requests the device management unit324to register the security information of the device received from the terminal apparatus140. Thus, for example, in the device information910illustrated inFIG. 9A, the security level of the projector whose device ID is “M00001” is set to “A”.

In step S1108, the device management unit324sends, to the security information management unit322, a completion notification indicating that registration of the security information is completed.

In step S1109, the administrator performs an operation to set the security information of a meeting room on the security information setting screen. For example, via the security information setting screen, the administrator performs an operation to set the security level of a meeting room whose meeting room ID is “KS00001” to “A”, in the meeting room information810illustrated inFIG. 8A.

In step S1110, the terminal apparatus140transmits the security information of the meeting room that is set in step S1109to the resource management apparatus120.

In step S1111, the security information management unit322of the resource management apparatus120requests the meeting room management unit323to register the security information of the meeting room received from the terminal apparatus140. Thus, for example, in the meeting room information810illustrated inFIG. 8A, the security level of the meeting room whose meeting room ID is “KS00001” is set to “A”. In step S1112, the meeting room management unit323sends, to the security information management unit322, a completion notification indicating that registration of the security information is completed.

With the process from step S1101to S1112, the administrator can register in advance the “security level” of the meeting room information810as illustrated inFIG. 8Aand the “security level” of the device information910as illustrated inFIG. 9.

Information Providing Process by Information Providing System1:

FIG. 12is a sequence diagram illustrating an example of an information providing process, according to the first embodiment. This process is an example of a process in which the information providing system1provides information on meeting resources that satisfy conditions for holding a meeting based on the conditions for holding a meeting that are input by a user who is going to use the meeting resource. Prior to a start of the process illustrated inFIG. 12, the resource management apparatus120manages the information on meeting resources such as meeting rooms or devices in association with the security level that is preset for each of the meeting resources, through the security information registration process described above with reference toFIG. 11.

In step S1201, for example, a user who is going to use the meeting resources (e.g., an organizer who is holding a meeting) performs an operation to start registration of meeting information using the terminal apparatus140. For example, the user uses the web browser of the terminal apparatus140to access a web page for registering the meeting information, the web page being provided by the meeting holding management unit312of the meeting management apparatus110.

In step S1202, in response to the registration start operation by the user, the terminal apparatus140transmits, to the meeting management apparatus110, a registration start request that requests a start of registration of the meeting information.

In steps S1203and S1204, in response to the registration start request received from the terminal apparatus140, the meeting holding management unit312of the meeting management apparatus110causes the terminal apparatus140to display an information input screen that enables the user to enter the meeting information.

In step S1205, the user enters the meeting information (conditions for holding a meeting) such as a date and time of the meeting, a name of the meeting, attendees, the security level, etc. on the displayed information input screen.

In step S1206, the terminal apparatus140transmits the meeting information that is entered by the user to the meeting management apparatus110. The meeting information transmitted by the terminal apparatus140includes the security level of the meeting, which is an example of security information.

In steps S1207and S1208, the attendee management unit313of the meeting management apparatus110acquires information on the attendees (name, division, location, etc.) from the personnel management apparatus130.

In steps S1209to S1211, the meeting resource management unit314of the meeting management apparatus110uses the security level included in the meeting information received by the meeting holding management unit312to acquire, from the resource management apparatus120, information on meeting resources that match the security level.

For example, in step S1209, the meeting resource management unit314transmits conditions for holding a meeting including the meeting information acquired in step S1206and the attendee information acquired in step S1208to the resource management apparatus120.

In step S1210, the meeting room management unit323and the device management unit324of the resource management apparatus120retrieve information on the meeting resources that satisfy the conditions for holding a meeting received from the meeting management apparatus110.

For example, when the number of attendees at the meeting is three to four, the location is Osaka office, and the security level is A, the meeting room management unit323retrieves from the meeting room information810as illustrated inFIG. 8A, “Osaka office, 2nd floor meeting room” associated with the meeting room ID “KS00003”. In addition, when the attendees at the meeting include Employee C whose location is Tokyo office, the meeting room management unit323also retrieves “Tokyo office, 1st floor meeting room” associated with the meeting room ID “KS00001” from the meeting room information810illustrated inFIG. 8A.

In substantially the same manner, the device management unit324of the resource management apparatus120retrieves information on devices that satisfy the conditions for holding a meeting. For example, when the number of attendees at the meeting is three to four, the location is Osaka office, and the security level is A, the device management unit324retrieves a device whose device ID “M00001” and a device whose device ID “M00002” from the device information910as illustrated inFIG. 9A. In addition, when the attendees at the meeting include Employee C whose location is Tokyo office, the device management unit324retrieves an IP audio teleconference phone associated with the device ID “M00003” from the device information910as illustrated inFIG. 9A.

In step S1211, the resource management apparatus120notifies the meeting management apparatus110of information on the meeting resources, e.g., the meeting rooms and the devices retrieved in step S1210.

In step S1212, the information providing unit315of the meeting management apparatus110generates a display screen for providing information including the information of the meeting resources acquired through the process from step S1209to S1211. For example, the information providing unit315generates a meeting information registration screen, on which the meeting rooms and the devices that match the security level of the meeting are displayed as being selectable.

In steps S1213and S1214, the information providing unit315causes the terminal apparatus140to display the generated display screen for providing information.

In a conventional conference system, a user who is going to hold a meeting can select a desired meeting room or device, each being an example of meeting resources. In this case, the user cannot select the meeting resources according to conditions for holding a meeting. This may cause a problem in terms of security. For example, if the meeting room selected by the user provides inadequate security measures, there is a risk that a conversation in the meeting room leak to the outside, or someone eavesdrops a telephone conference conversation.

The information providing system1according to the present embodiment performs the above-described processes to retrieve the meeting resources corresponding to the conditions (security level or the like) for holding a meeting desired by the user who is going to hold a meeting and suggest the retrieved meeting resources to the user. Thus, the information providing system1according to the present embodiment provides information on meeting resources that match conditions for holding a meeting. This enables to ensure an appropriate security level depending on contents of a meeting.

Second Embodiment

In a second embodiment, a description is given of an example in which information on alternative resources is provided when there is no available meeting resource that matches conditions for holding a meeting in the meeting resources managed by the resource management apparatus120.

FIG. 13is a block diagram illustrating an example of a functional configuration of the information providing system1according to the second embodiment of the present disclosure. As illustrated inFIG. 13, the information providing system1according to the second embodiment includes an alternative resource management unit1301in addition to the functional configuration of the information providing system1according to the first embodiment illustrated inFIG. 3. A description is provided below of an example in which the alternative resource management unit1301is included in the meeting management apparatus110. In another example, the alternative resource management unit1301can be included in the resource management apparatus120or the like.

The alternative resource management unit1301is implemented by, for example, a program executed by the CPU201ofFIG. 2. The alternative resource management unit1301acquires, from device manufacturers, software manufacturers, rental companies, or the like, information on alternative resources that can be substituted for the meeting resources managed by the resource management apparatus120. Further, the alternative resource management unit1301assigns a security level to each of the acquired alternative resources, to manage information of the alternative resources.

For example, the alternative resource management unit1301acquires information on alternative devices from the web server50operated by a device manufacturer or from the resource information41managed by the resource management apparatus31of a rental company. Further, the alternative resource management unit1301assigns a security level to the acquired information on the alternative devices. The alternative resource management unit1301stores and manages the information on the alternative devices associated with the security level in alternative device information1410as illustrated inFIG. 14A.

For example, the alternative resource management unit1301refers to the security level in the device information910as illustrated inFIG. 9Aincluded in the resource information22stored in the cloud A20to determine the “security level” to be stored in the alternative device information1410. In another example, the alternative resource management unit1301determines the “security level” to be stored in the alternative device information1410, based on (e.g., by converting) a security level provided from a device manufacturer or a rental company. In still another example, the alternative resource management unit1301determines the “security level” to be stored in the alternative device information1410based on a security level entered by the administrator or the like.

Further, the alternative resource management unit1301acquires information on alternative software from the web server50operated by a software manufacturer or from the resource information41managed by the resource management apparatus31of a rental company. The alternative resource management unit1301assigns a security level to the acquired information on alternative software. The alternative resource management unit1301stores and manages the information on the alternative software associated with the security level in alternative software information1420as illustrated inFIG. 14B. For example, the “security level” to be stored in the alternative software information1420is determined in substantially the same manner as the “security level” stored in the alternative device information1410.

Furthermore, the alternative resource management unit1301acquires information on alternative meeting rooms from the resource information41managed by the resource management apparatus31of a rental company, for example. The alternative resource management unit1301assigns a security level to the acquired information on alternative meeting rooms. The alternative resource management unit1301stores and manages the information on alternative meeting rooms associated with the security level in alternative meeting room information1500as illustrated inFIG. 15.

The information on alternative resources managed by the alternative resource management unit1301is used as information to be provided by the information providing unit315, when the meeting resources managed by the resource management apparatus120include no available meeting resource that matches conditions for holding a meeting.

FIG. 16is a sequence diagram illustrating an example of an information providing process, according to the second embodiment. The process from S1206to S1209inFIG. 16are the same or substantially the same as those illustrated in the sequence diagram ofFIG. 12according to the first embodiment. Accordingly, a redundant description thereof is omitted below, and a description is given of differences between the second embodiment and the first embodiment.

In step S1601, the meeting room management unit323and the device management unit324of the resource management apparatus120retrieve information on the meeting resources that satisfy the conditions for holding a meeting received from the meeting management apparatus110. However, in this embodiment, it is assumed that no information on the meeting resources that satisfy conditions for holding a meeting is retrieved. In step S1602, the resource management apparatus120transmits, to the meeting management apparatus110, information indicating that there is no meeting resource that satisfies the conditions for holding a meeting.

In step S1603, when the meeting resource management unit314of the meeting management apparatus110acquires no information on meeting resources that satisfy the conditions for holding a meeting from the resource management apparatus120, the meeting resource management unit314acquires information on alternative resources that satisfy conditions for holding a meeting from the alternative resource management unit1301.

For example, it is assumed that a user who is going to hold a meeting sets a videoconference with a security level “A” as conditions for holding the meeting. Further, for example, it is assumed that a device for videoconference is not registered in the device information910managed by the device management unit324of the resource management apparatus120, as illustrated inFIG. 9A. In this case, the meeting resource management unit314acquires, from the alternative device information1410as illustrated inFIG. 14Amanaged by the alternative resource management unit1301, information on alternative devices whose device IDs are “D00001” and “D0002”, each having a videoconferencing function and associated with the security level “A”.

In step S1604, the information providing unit315of the meeting management apparatus110generates a display screen for providing information including the information on the alternative resources acquired in step S1603. For example, the information providing unit315generates a meeting information registration screen, on which information on the available alternative resources that match the security level of the meeting is displayed.

In steps S1605and S1606, the information providing unit315causes the terminal apparatus140to display the generated display screen for providing information.

With the process described above with reference toFIG. 16, even when there is no meeting resource that matches the security level of the meeting, a user who is going to hold the meeting can consider holding the meeting that matches the security level of the meeting by purchasing or renting meeting resources.

Third Embodiment

In a conventional conference system, for example, a user who is going to hold a meeting sets a security setting corresponding to a security level of the meeting to meeting resources such as meeting devices before a start of the meeting. However, in some cases, general users are not familiar with the security setting of meeting resources such as meeting devices. For this reason, it sometimes takes time to configure security settings, and therefore a start of the meeting is delayed.

To address such issue, in this third embodiment, a description is given of an example in which the information providing system1automatically performs security setting of meeting resources before a start of a meeting.

FIG. 17is a block diagram illustrating an example of a functional configuration of the information providing system1according to the third embodiment of the present disclosure. As illustrated inFIG. 17, the resource management apparatus120according to the third embodiment includes a device setting unit1701in addition to the functional configuration of the resource management apparatus120according to the first embodiment illustrated inFIG. 3.

The device setting unit1701is implemented by, for example, a program executed by the CPU201ofFIG. 2. The device setting unit1701performs security setting corresponding to a security level of a meeting on meeting resources to be used in the meeting.

Meeting Resource Setting Process1:

FIG. 18is a sequence diagram illustrating an example of a meeting resource setting process according to the third embodiment.

In step S1801, the meeting holding management unit312of the meeting management apparatus110detects that the current time is a predetermined time (e.g., ten minutes) before a start of a meeting, using the meeting holding information410as illustrated inFIG. 4A, for example.

In step S1802, the meeting resource management unit314of the meeting management apparatus110transmits a security setting request to the resource management apparatus120. The security setting request includes a security level of the meeting to be started in ten minutes and a resource ID of meeting resource to be used in the meeting. Specifically, the meeting resource management unit314acquires the security level of the meeting from the meeting holding information410as illustrated inFIG. 4A. In addition, the meeting resource management unit314acquires, from the resource reservation information710as illustrated inFIG. 7A, the resource ID of the meeting resource to be used in the meeting associated with the meeting ID of the meeting to be started in ten minutes.

In step S1803, in response to receiving the security setting request from the meeting management apparatus110, the device setting unit1701of the resource management apparatus120performs security setting corresponding to the specified security level on a meeting resource1800whose resource ID is the specified resource ID.

In step S1804, the meeting resource1800sets the specified security setting (e.g., the presence or absence of encryption, the presence or absence of authentication, etc.) and transmits a setting result indicating that the security setting is completed to the resource management apparatus120.

In step S1805, the resource management apparatus120transmits, to the meeting management apparatus110, the setting result indicating that the security setting is completed.

With the process from S1801to S1805, the information providing system1can automatically perform security setting corresponding to a security level of a meeting on meeting resources to be used in the meeting before a start time of the meeting.

There is a case in which the meeting resource1800fails to perform security setting before starting the meeting, such as when the power of the meeting resource1800is off, or when the meeting resource1800is in use at another meeting. In this case, the information providing system1performs a process1810illustrated inFIG. 18. The process1810is a process to be performed when the security setting has failed.

For example, in step S1811, the meeting holding management unit312of the meeting management apparatus110detects that the current time is a predetermined time (e.g., ten minutes) before a start of a meeting, using the meeting holding information410as illustrated inFIG. 4A.

In step S1812, the meeting resource management unit314of the meeting management apparatus110transmits a security setting request to the resource management apparatus120. The security setting request includes a security level of the meeting to be started in ten minutes and a resource ID of meeting resource to be used in the meeting.

In step S1813, in response to receiving the security setting request from the meeting management apparatus110, the device setting unit1701of the resource management apparatus120performs security setting corresponding to the specified security level on the meeting resource1800whose resource ID is the specified resource ID.

In step S1814, it is assumed that since the meeting resource1800fails to perform the specified security setting (e.g., the presence or absence of encryption, the presence or absence of authentication, etc.), the meeting resource1800transmits, to the resource management apparatus120, a setting result indicating that the security setting cannot be performed.

In step S1815, the resource management apparatus120transmits, to the meeting management apparatus110, the setting result indicating that the security setting cannot be performed.

In this case, the meeting management apparatus110waits until the meeting start time arrives. Then, in step S1821, the meeting management apparatus110detects that the current time is the meeting start time.

In step S1822, the meeting resource management unit314of the meeting management apparatus110transmits a security setting request to the resource management apparatus120. The security setting request includes a security level of the meeting to be started at the state time and a resource ID of meeting resource to be used in the meeting.

In step S1823, in response to receiving the security setting request from the meeting management apparatus110, the device setting unit1701of the resource management apparatus120performs security setting corresponding to the specified security level on the meeting resource1800whose resource ID is the specified resource ID.

In step S1824, the meeting resource1800sets the specified security setting (e.g., the presence or absence of encryption, the presence or absence of authentication, etc.) and transmits a setting result indicating that the security setting is completed to the resource management apparatus120.

In step S1825, the resource management apparatus120transmits, to the meeting management apparatus110, the setting result indicating that the security setting is completed.

A description is given above of an example in which the meeting management apparatus110detects that the current time is the meeting start time in step S1821. In another example, the meeting management apparatus110detects that the current time is within a predetermined time (e.g., 1-5 minutes) from the meeting start time in step S1821.

With the process described above, even when a user is not familiar with configuring security settings of meeting resources such as meeting devices, the information providing system1automatically performs security setting. This prevents the start of a meeting from being delayed.

It is considered that at the time of step S1823inFIG. 18, the power of the meeting resource1800is on and is not used at other meetings. Accordingly, it is more likely that security setting succeeds. In another example, when the setting result indicating that the security setting has failed is notified in step S1814, the meeting management apparatus110retries the security setting a predetermined time (e.g., 1 to 5 minutes) after receiving the setting result.

Meeting Resource Setting Process2:

FIG. 19is a sequence diagram illustrating another example of a meeting resource setting process according to the third embodiment. This process is an example of a process in which security settings of meeting resource is restored from those configured before a start of a meeting to original security settings after the meeting ends.

In step S1901, the meeting holding management unit312of the meeting management apparatus110detects that the current time is a predetermined time (e.g., ten minutes) before a start of a meeting, using the meeting holding information410as illustrated inFIG. 4A, for example.

In step S1902, the meeting resource management unit314of the meeting management apparatus110transmits a security setting storage request to the resource management apparatus120. The security setting storage request includes a resource ID of meeting resource to be used in the meeting to be started in ten minutes.

In steps S1903and S1904, in response to receiving the security setting storage request from the meeting management apparatus110, the device setting unit1701of the resource management apparatus120acquires security setting information from a meeting resource1900whose resource ID is the specified resource ID.

In step S1905, the device setting unit1701stores the acquired security setting information of the meeting resource1900in the cloud A20, for example. In another example, the device setting unit1701stores the acquired security setting information of the meeting resource1900in the storage unit325.

In step S1906, the device setting unit1701transmits, to the meeting management apparatus110, a completion notification indicating that the security settings are successfully saved.

In step S1907, the meeting resource management unit314of the meeting management apparatus110transmits a security setting request to the resource management apparatus120. The security setting request includes a security level of the meeting to be started in ten minutes and a resource ID of meeting resource to be used in the meeting.

In step S1908, in response to receiving the security setting request from the meeting management apparatus110, the device setting unit1701of the resource management apparatus120performs security setting corresponding to the specified security level on the meeting resource1900whose resource ID is the specified resource ID.

In step S1909, the meeting resource1900sets the specified security setting (e.g., the presence or absence of encryption, the presence or absence of authentication, etc.) and transmits a setting result indicating that the security setting is completed to the resource management apparatus120.

In step S1910, the resource management apparatus120transmits, to the meeting management apparatus110, the setting result indicating that the security setting is completed.

Further, for example, in step S1911, the meeting holding management unit312of the meeting management apparatus110detects an end of the meeting.

In step S1912, the meeting resource management unit314of the meeting management apparatus110transmits a security setting restoration request to the resource management apparatus120. The security setting restoration request includes a resource ID of the meeting resource1900that is used in the ended meeting.

In step S1913, in response to receiving the security setting restoration request from the meeting management apparatus110, the device setting unit1701of the resource management apparatus120reads out the security setting information of the meeting resource1900from, for example, the cloud A20, using the specified resource ID.

In step S1914, the device setting unit1701of the resource management apparatus120sets the read-out security setting information of the meeting resource1900in the meeting resource1900.

In step S1915, the meeting resource1900restores security settings using the specified security setting information and transmits a setting result indicating that the restoration of the security setting is completed to the resource management apparatus120.

In step S1916, the resource management apparatus120transmits, to the meeting management apparatus110, a completion notification indicating that the restoration of security settings is completed.

With the process from S1901to S1916, the information providing system1can restore the security settings of the meeting resource1900from those configured before a start of a meeting to the original security settings after the meeting is ended.

Meeting Resource Setting Process3:

FIG. 20is a sequence diagram illustrating still another example of a meeting resource setting process according to the third embodiment. This process is an example of a process in which the information providing system1automatically sets security settings of meeting resource to security settings corresponding to the security level of the next meeting after a meeting is ended.

In step S2001, the meeting holding management unit312of the meeting management apparatus110detects an end of a meeting.

In step S2002, the meeting holding management unit312determines whether the meeting resource1900that is used in the ended meeting is reserved for the next meeting. In a case where the meeting resource1900is not reserved for the next meeting, the information providing system1performs the security setting restoration process in the same or substantially the same manner as from S1912to S1916illustrated inFIG. 19, for example. By contrast, in a case where the meeting resource is reserved for the next meeting, the information providing system1performs a process2010illustrated inFIG. 20. The process2010is a process to be performed when the meeting resource1900is reserved for the next meeting.

For example, in step S2011, the meeting resource management unit314of the meeting management apparatus110transmits a security setting request to the resource management apparatus120. The security setting request includes a security level of the next meeting and a resource ID of meeting resource to be used in the next meeting.

In step S2012, in response to receiving the security setting request from the meeting management apparatus110, the device setting unit1701of the resource management apparatus120performs security setting corresponding to the specified security level on the meeting resource1900whose resource ID is the specified resource ID.

In step S2013, the meeting resource1900sets the specified security setting (e.g., the presence or absence of encryption, the presence or absence of authentication, etc.) and transmits a setting result indicating that the security setting is completed to the resource management apparatus120.

In step S2014, the resource management apparatus120transmits, to the meeting management apparatus110, the setting result indicating that the security setting is completed.

Meeting Resource Setting Process4:

FIG. 21is a sequence diagram illustrating still another example of a meeting resource setting process according to the third embodiment. This process is example of a process in which, when security setting corresponding to a security level cannot be performed on meeting resource, security settings of the meeting resource is set to default security settings.

In step S2101, the resource management apparatus120stores a default security setting of meeting resource2100in advance in the cloud A20, the storage unit325, or the like.

In step S2102, the meeting holding management unit312of the meeting management apparatus110detects that the current time is a predetermined time (e.g., ten minutes) before a start of a meeting, using the meeting holding information410as illustrated inFIG. 4A, for example.

In step S2103, the meeting resource management unit314of the meeting management apparatus110transmits a security setting request to the resource management apparatus120. The security setting request includes a security level of the meeting to be started in ten minutes and a resource ID of the meeting resource2100to be used in the meeting.

In step S2104, in response to receiving the security setting request from the meeting management apparatus110, the device setting unit1701of the resource management apparatus120performs security setting corresponding to the specified security level on the meeting resource2100whose resource ID is the specified resource ID.

In step S2105, it is assumed that since the meeting resource2100fails to perform the specified security setting, the meeting resource2100transmits, to the resource management apparatus120, a setting result indicating that the security setting cannot be performed.

In step S2106, the device setting unit1701of the resource management apparatus120reads out the default security setting of the meeting resource2100that is stored in advance in the cloud A20, the storage unit325or the like.

In step S2107, the device setting unit1701of the resource management apparatus120performs the read-out default security setting on the meeting resource2100.

In step S2108, the meeting resource2100performs the specified default security setting and transmits a setting result indicating that the setting of the default security setting is completed to the resource management apparatus120.

In step S2109, the resource management apparatus120transmits, to the meeting management apparatus110, a completion notification indicating that the security setting is set to the default security setting.

With the process from S2101to S2109, even when security setting corresponding to the security level cannot be performed on meeting resources, a meeting can be held.

Meeting Resource Setting Process5:

FIG. 22is a sequence diagram illustrating still another example of a meeting resource setting process according to the third embodiment. This processing is an example of a process in which when a security setting corresponding to a first security level cannot be applied to meeting resource2200, a security setting corresponding to a second security level is applied to the meeting resource2200. Security contents of the second security level are less restrictive than security contents of the first security level.

In step S2201, the meeting holding management unit312of the meeting management apparatus110detects that the current time is a predetermined time (e.g., ten minutes) before a start of a meeting, using the meeting holding information410as illustrated inFIG. 4A, for example.

In step S2202, the meeting resource management unit314of the meeting management apparatus110transmits a security setting request to the resource management apparatus120. The security setting request includes a first security level of the meeting to be started in ten minutes and a resource ID of the meeting resource2200to be used in the meeting.

In step S2203, in response to receiving the security setting request from the meeting management apparatus110, the device setting unit1701of the resource management apparatus120performs security setting corresponding to the specified first security level on the meeting resource2200whose resource ID is the specified resource ID.

In step S2204, it is assumed that since the meeting resource2200fails to perform security setting corresponding to the specified first security level, the meeting resource2200transmits, to the resource management apparatus120, a setting result indicating that the security setting cannot be performed.

In step S2205, the device setting unit1701of the resource management apparatus120transmits, to the meeting management apparatus110, the setting result indicating that the security setting corresponding to the first security level cannot be performed.

In step S2206, the meeting resource management unit314of the meeting management apparatus110reads out the second security level. Security contents of the second security level are less restrictive than security contents of the first security level of the meeting resource2200. The first security level is an example of a first setting. The second security level is an example of a second setting that is different from the first setting.

In step S2207, the meeting resource management unit314of the meeting management apparatus110transmits a security setting request to the resource management apparatus120. The security setting request includes the second security level and the resource ID of the meeting resource2200.

In step S2209, the meeting resource2200performs security setting corresponding to the specified second security level and transmits a setting result indicating that the security setting is completed to the resource management apparatus120.

In step S2210, the resource management apparatus120transmits, to the meeting management apparatus110, a completion notification indicating that the security setting corresponding to the second security level is completed.

With the process from S2201to S2210, situations where a meeting cannot be started since security setting of meeting resource cannot be performed or situation where a meeting is held with no security setting are reduced, for example.

A conventional conference system allows a user to hold a remote conference at various places. However, in such a conference system, it is difficult to secure an appropriate security level based on conference contents.

According to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure, an appropriate security level is secured depending on contents of a meeting by providing information on meeting resources that satisfy conditions for holding the meeting.