Patent Publication Number: US-2019199542-A1

Title: Information providing system, information providing apparatus, and information providing method

Description:
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. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       A more complete appreciation of the embodiments and many of the attendant advantages and features thereof can be readily obtained and understood from the following detailed description with reference to the accompanying drawings, wherein: 
         FIG. 1  is a diagram illustrating an example of a system configuration of an information providing system, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 2  is a block diagram illustrating an example of a hardware configuration of a computer, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 3  is a block diagram illustrating an example of a functional configuration of the information providing system, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 4A  is a table illustrating an example of meeting holding information managed by a meeting management apparatus, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 4B  is a table illustrating an example of presentation material information managed by the meeting management apparatus, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 5  is a table illustrating an example of attendee information managed by the meeting management apparatus, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 6A  is a table illustrating an example of meeting history information managed by the meeting management apparatus, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 6B  is a table illustrating an example of meeting resource information managed by the meeting management apparatus, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 7A  is a table illustrating an example of resource reservation information managed by the meeting management apparatus, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 7B  is a table illustrating an example of security levels of resource, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 8A  is a table illustrating an example of meeting room information managed by a resource management apparatus, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 8B  is a table illustrating an example of security levels of a meeting room, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 9A  is a table illustrating an example of device information managed by the resource management apparatus, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 9B  is a table illustrating an example of security levels of a device, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 10A  is a table illustrating an example of employee information managed by a personnel management apparatus, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 10B  is a table illustrating an example of outside corporate staff information managed by the personnel management apparatus, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 11  is a sequence diagram illustrating an example of a registration process, according to a first embodiment of the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 12  is a sequence diagram illustrating an example of an information providing process, according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 13  is a block diagram illustrating an example of a functional configuration of the information providing system, according to a second embodiment of the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 14A  is a table illustrating an example of alternative device information managed by an alternative resource management unit, according to the second embodiment of the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 14B  is a table illustrating an example of alternative software information managed by the alternative resource management unit, according to the second embodiment of the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 15  is a table illustrating an example of alternative meeting room information managed by the alternative resource management unit, according to the second embodiment of the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 16  is a sequence diagram illustrating an example of an information providing process, according to the second embodiment of the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 17  is a block diagram illustrating an example of a functional configuration of the information providing system, according to a third embodiment of the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 18  is a sequence diagram illustrating an example of a setting process, according to a third embodiment of the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 19  is a sequence diagram illustrating another example of the setting process, according to the third embodiment of the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 20  is a sequence diagram illustrating still another example of the setting process, according to the third embodiment of the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 21  is a sequence diagram illustrating still another example of the setting process, according to the third embodiment of the present disclosure; and 
         FIG. 22  is a sequence diagram illustrating still another example of the setting process, according to the third embodiment of the present disclosure. 
     
    
    
     The accompanying drawings are intended to depict embodiments of the present disclosure and should not be interpreted to limit the scope thereof. The accompanying drawings are not to be considered as drawn to scale unless explicitly noted. 
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     In describing embodiments illustrated in the drawings, specific terminology is employed for the sake of clarity. However, the disclosure of this specification is not intended to be limited to the specific terminology so selected and it is to be understood that each specific element includes all technical equivalents that have a similar function, operate in a similar manner, and achieve a similar result. 
     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. 
     System Configuration: 
       FIG. 1  is a diagram illustrating an example of a system configuration of an information providing system  1  according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. The information providing system  1  is a system for providing information about meeting resources depending on conditions for holding a meeting, using a meeting management apparatus  110 , a resource management apparatus  120 , a personnel management apparatus  130 , etc., provided in a local network A  10 . 
     In  FIG. 1 , the meeting management apparatus  110 , the resource management apparatus  120 , and the personnel management apparatus  130  are provided in the local network A  10  such as an intra-enterprise network. The meeting management apparatus  110 , the resource management apparatus  120 , and the personnel management apparatus  130  can exchange data or information with each other. 
     The meeting management apparatus  110  is, 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 apparatus  10  manages a procedure of holding a meeting, presentation materials, participants, a meeting history, a reservation for meeting resources. For example, the meeting management apparatus  110  stores meeting information  21  in a server such as a cloud A  20  to manage the meeting information  21 . Examples of the meeting information  21  include meeting holding information, presentation materials, attendee information, meeting history information, and reservation information on meeting resources. 
     Further, the meeting management apparatus  110  receives conditions for holding a meeting, the conditions being input by a user who is going to use meeting resources using a terminal apparatus  140 . The meeting management apparatus  110  provides information on meeting resources according to the received conditions for holding a meeting. For example, the meeting management apparatus  110  causes the terminal apparatus  140  to display the information on the meeting resources that satisfy the conditions for holding a meeting input by the user to the terminal apparatus  140 . 
     The resource management apparatus  120  is, 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 apparatus  120  manages 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 apparatus  120  stores, in a server such as the cloud A  20 , resource information  22  including meeting room information to which security information is assigned and device information to which security information is assigned, to manage the resource information  22 . 
     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 information  24  stored in the cloud A  20 , for example. 
     The personnel management apparatus  130  is, 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 apparatus  130  manages users such as employees or outside corporate staffs, costs required for holding a meeting, and the like. For example, the personnel management apparatus  130  stores, in a server such as the cloud A  20 , personnel information  23  including information such as a name, division and location of each of employees and outside corporate staffs, and information on costs, and manages the personnel information  23 . 
     Preferably, the information providing system  1  can refer to resource information  41 , security information  42 , etc., that are stored in a cloud B  40  and managed by a resource management apparatus  31  provided in a local network B  30  of another company such as a rental company. 
     Further, the information providing system  1  can have a function of acquiring software information  51  or device information  52  from a web server (external server)  50  provided by a vendor of devices or software for use in a meeting and assigning security information to the acquired information to manage the software information  51  and device information  52 . 
     The configuration illustrated in  FIG. 1  is just an example of the configuration of the information providing system  1 , and the information providing system  1  may have any other suitable system configuration. In another example, the meeting management apparatus  110  stores the meeting information  21  in a server apparatus provided in the local network A  10  or a memory of the meeting management apparatus  110  and manages the meeting information  21 . In a similar manner, the resource management apparatus  120  can store the resource information  22  in a server apparatus provided in the local network A  10  or a memory of the resource management apparatus  120 , to manage the resource information  22 . Further, the personnel management apparatus  130  can store the personnel information  23  in a server apparatus provided in the local network A  10  or a memory of the personnel management apparatus  130 , to manage the personnel information  23 . 
     In still another example, the meeting management apparatus  110 , the resource management apparatus  120 , and the personnel management apparatus  130  can be configured as one information providing apparatus  100 . 
     &lt;Hardware Configuration&gt; 
     Next, a description is given of hardware configurations of the meeting management apparatus  110 , the resource management apparatus  120 , and the personnel management apparatus  130 . Each of the meeting management apparatus  110 , the resource management apparatus  120 , and the personnel management apparatus  130  has a hardware configuration of a general-purpose computer. 
       FIG. 2  is a block diagram illustrating an example of a hardware configuration of a general-purpose computer  200 , that can be used as the meeting management apparatus  110 , the resource management apparatus  120 , and the personnel management apparatus  130 , according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. The computer  200  includes, for example, a central processing unit (CPU)  201 , a random access memory (RAM)  202 , a read only memory (ROM)  203 , a storage device  204 , an external device connection interface (I/F)  205 , an input device  206 , a display device  207 , a network I/F  208 , and a bus  209 . 
     The CPU  201  is an arithmetic device that reads programs or data from the ROM  203  or the storage device  204  onto the RAM  202 , and executes processing according to the programs or data, to implement functions of the computer  200 . The RAM  202  is a volatile memory used as a work area of the CPU  201 . The ROM  203  is a nonvolatile memory, which holds programs or data even after the computer  200  is turned off as the power is not supplied. 
     The storage device  204  is a device such as a hard disc drive (HDD) or a solid state drive (SSD). The storage device  204  stores an operating system (OS), an application program, and various types of data. 
     The external device connection I/F  205  is an interface that connects the computer  200  to external devices. Examples of the external devices connected to the computer  200  via the external device connection I/F  205  include a storage medium  210 . The external device connection I/F  205  enables the computer  200  to read or write data from or to the storage medium  210 . The computer  200  installs a predetermined program stored in the storage medium  210  via the external device connection I/F  205  on the computer  200  to execute the predetermined program. 
     The input device  206  is a device for receiving an input according to a user operation. Examples of the input device  206  include a mouse, a keyboard, and a touch panel. The display device  207  is a device for displaying various information, such as a display. 
     The network I/F  208  is an interface that connects the computer  200  to a network  60 . The network I/F  208  enables the computer  200  to communicate data with other devices or apparatuses via the network  60 . The bus  209  is connected to each of the above-mentioned components, and transfers address signals, data signals, and various types of control signals. 
     The configuration illustrated in  FIG. 2  is just an example of the configuration of the computer  200  as the meeting management apparatus  110 , the resource management apparatus  120  and the personnel management apparatus  130 , and the computer  200  may have any other suitable hardware configuration. In another example, the meeting management apparatus  110 , the resource management apparatus  120 , and the personnel management apparatus  130  do not necessarily have to include the input device  206  and/or the display device  207 . In still another example, the meeting management apparatus  110 , the resource management apparatus  120 , the personnel management apparatus  130  is configured as a combination of a plurality of computers  200 . In still another example, the meeting management apparatus  110 , the resource management apparatus  120 , the personnel management apparatus  130  is implemented by an electronic device having a configuration of a general-purpose computer, e.g., an image forming apparatus. 
     &lt;Functional Configuration&gt; 
     Next, a description is given of functional configurations of the meeting management apparatus  110 , the resource management apparatus  120 , and the personnel management apparatus  130 . 
       FIG. 3  is a block diagram illustrating an example of a functional configuration of the information providing system  1  according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. 
     Functional Configuration of Meeting Management Apparatus  110 : 
     The meeting management apparatus  110  includes, for example, a communication unit  311 , a meeting holding management unit  312 , an attendee management unit  313 , a meeting resource management unit  314 , an information providing unit  315 , a meeting history management unit  316 , a presentation material management unit  317 , and a storage unit  318 . Each of the above-described functional units of the meeting management apparatus  110  is implemented by the CPU  201  of  FIG. 2  executing the predetermined program. 
     The communication unit  311  connects the meeting management apparatus  110  to the network  60 , using the network I/F  208  illustrated in  FIG. 2 , and communicates data with the resource management apparatus  120 , the personnel management apparatus  130 , and the terminal apparatus  140 . 
     The meeting holding management unit  312  receives 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 unit  312  stores, 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 information  410  as illustrated in  FIG. 4B , to manage these items of information. 
       FIG. 4A  illustrates an example of the meeting holding information  410 , according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. In the example of  FIG. 4A , the meeting holding information  410  includes 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 apparatus  120 . 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 unit  332  of the personnel management apparatus  130 . 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 unit  332  of the personnel management apparatus  130 . 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 unit  317  described later. 
     The attendee management unit  313  stores information on attendees of the meeting received by the meeting holding management unit  312  in attendee information  500  as illustrated in  FIG. 5 , for example, to manage the information on attendees. 
       FIG. 5  illustrates an example of the attendee information  500 , according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. In the example of  FIG. 5 , the attendee information  500  includes 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 information  410  managed by the meeting holding management unit  312 . 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 unit  332  of the personnel management apparatus  130 . 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 unit  314  acquires, from the resource management apparatus  120 , 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 unit  312 . For example, the meeting resource management unit  314  acquires, from the resource management apparatus  120 , 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 unit  312 . 
     Further, the meeting resource management unit  314  stores information on resources used in a meeting in meeting resource information  620  as illustrated in  FIG. 6B , to manage the information on resources. Further, the meeting resource management unit  314  stores a reservation status of resources used in a meeting in resource reservation information  710  as illustrated in  FIG. 7A , to manage the reservation status. 
       FIG. 6B  illustrates an example of the meeting resource information  620 , according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. In the example of  FIG. 6B , the meeting resource information  620  includes 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 apparatus  120 . 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 information  410  of  FIG. 4A , for example.  FIG. 7B  illustrates 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 information  410 . Further, with respect to the security level of resource, a security content of resource is defined for each of the security levels, as illustrated in  FIG. 7B . The security level of resource is stored in advance in the security information  24  stored in the cloud A  20  of  FIG. 1 , for example. 
       FIG. 7A  illustrates an example of the resource reservation information  710 , according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. In the example of  FIG. 7A , the resource reservation information  710  includes 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 information  620  described above with reference to  FIG. 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 information  410  described above with reference to  FIG. 4A . 
     Referring again to  FIG. 3 , the functional configuration of the meeting management apparatus  110  is further described. 
     The information providing unit  315  provides information on meeting resources that satisfy the conditions for holding a meeting received by the meeting holding management unit  312 . 
     For example, in response to receiving the conditions for holding a meeting including the security level (security information) by the meeting holding management unit  312 , the meeting resource management unit  314  acquires information on a meeting resource corresponding to the security level from the resource management apparatus  120 . The information providing unit  315  causes the terminal apparatus  140  to 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 unit  314 . 
     This enables a user who is making a reservation for a meeting using the terminal apparatus  140  to select a meeting resource according to the security level of the meeting in a relatively simple manner. 
     The meeting history management unit  316  stores information of a history of meetings that were held in meeting history information  610  as illustrated in  FIG. 6A , to manage the information on the history of meetings. 
       FIG. 6A  illustrates an example of the meeting history information  610 , according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. In the example of  FIG. 6A , the meeting history information  610  includes 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 information  610 , 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 information  410  described above with reference to  FIG. 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 unit  317  stores information on presentation materials and/or minutes registered by an organizer of a meeting, attendees or the like in presentation material information  420  as illustrated in  FIG. 4B , to manage the information on presentation materials and/or minutes. 
       FIG. 4B  illustrates an example of the presentation material information  420 , according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. In the example of  FIG. 4B , the presentation material information  420  stores 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 information  410 , the presentation material information  420 , the attendee information  500 , the meeting history information  610 , the meeting resource information  620 , and the resource reservation information  710  are included in the meeting information  21  stored, for example, in the cloud A  20  of  FIG. 1 . In another example, one or more of the above-described information can be stored in a server apparatus provided in the local network A  10  or in the storage unit  318  of the meeting management apparatus  110 . 
     The storage unit  318  is implemented by, for example, a program executed by the CPU  201  and the storage device  204  of  FIG. 2 , for example. The storage unit  318  can store various information including each item of the above-mentioned information. 
     Functional Configuration of Resource Management Apparatus  120 : 
     The resource management apparatus  120  includes, for example, a communication unit  321 , a security information management unit  322 , a meeting room management unit  323 , a device management unit  324 , and a storage unit  325 . 
     Each of the above-described functional units of the resource management apparatus  120  is implemented by the CPU  201  of  FIG. 2  executing the predetermined program. 
     The communication unit  321  connects the resource management apparatus  120  to the network  60 , using the network I/F  208  illustrated in  FIG. 2 , and communicates data with other apparatuses such as the meeting management apparatus  110 . 
     The security information management unit  322  manages security information (security level) of each meeting resource. For example, the security information management unit  322  assigns security level information to meeting room information  810  (described later) managed by the meeting room management unit  323 . Further, the security information management unit  322  assigns security level information to device information  910  (described later) managed by the device management unit  324 . 
     The meeting room management unit  323  stores information on a meeting room, from among meeting resources, in the meeting room information  810  as illustrated in  FIG. 8A , to manage the information on a meeting room. The meeting room is an example of a place where a meeting is held. 
       FIG. 8A  illustrates an example of the meeting room information  810 , according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. In the example of  FIG. 8A , the meeting room information  810  includes 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 information  620  of  FIG. 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 information  410  of  FIG. 4A .  FIG. 8B  illustrates 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 information  410 . 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 in  FIG. 8B . The security level of a meeting room is stored in advance in the security information  24  stored in the cloud A  20  of  FIG. 1 , for example. 
     The device management unit  324  of  FIG. 3  stores, in device information  910  as illustrated in  FIG. 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 unit  324  can further manage information on software to be used in a meeting. 
       FIG. 9A  illustrates an example of the device information  910 , according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. For example, the device information  910  includes 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 information  410  of  FIG. 4A , for example.  FIG. 9B  illustrates 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 information  410 . 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 in  FIG. 9B . The security level of a device is stored in advance in the security information  24  stored in the cloud A  20  of  FIG. 1 , for example. 
     The meeting room information  810  and the device information  910  described above are included in the resource information  22  stored in the cloud A  20  of  FIG. 1 , for example. In another example, at least one of the meeting room information  810  and the device information  910  can be stored in a server apparatus provided in the local network A  10  or in the storage unit  325  of the resource management apparatus  120 . 
     The storage unit  325  is implemented by, for example, a program executed by the CPU  201  and the storage device  204  of  FIG. 2 , for example. The storage unit  325  can store various information including each item of the above-mentioned information. 
     Functional Configuration of Personnel Management Apparatus  130 : 
     The personnel management apparatus  130  manages various information concerning personnel affairs and accounting. The personnel management apparatus  130  includes, for example, an employee management unit  332 , an accounting management unit  333 , and a storage unit  334 . 
     Each of the above-described functional units of the personnel management apparatus  130  is implemented by the CPU  201  of  FIG. 2  executing the predetermined program. 
     The communication unit  331  connects the personnel management apparatus  130  to the network  60 , using the network I/F  208  illustrated in  FIG. 2 , and communicates data with other apparatuses such as the meeting management apparatus  110 . 
     The employee management unit  332  stores information on employees of a company or the like that operates the local network A  10  in employee information  1010  as illustrated in  FIG. 10A , to manage the information on employee. Further, the employee management unit  332  stores information on outside corporate staffs other than the employees in outside corporate staff information  1020  as illustrated in  FIG. 10B . 
       FIG. 10A  illustrates an example of the employee information  1010 , according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. In the example of  FIG. 10A , the employee information  1010  includes 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&#39;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. 10B  illustrates an example of the outside corporate staff information  1020 , according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. In the example of  FIG. 10B , the outside corporate staff information  1020  includes 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 unit  333  manages 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 unit  333  can be in any suitable format, and a detailed description thereof is omitted below. 
     The employee information  1010 , the outside corporate staff information  1020 , and the accounting management information described above are included in the personnel information  23  stored in the cloud A  20  of  FIG. 1 , for example. In another example, one or more of the employee information  1010 , the outside corporate staff information  1020  and the accounting management information can be stored in a server apparatus provided in the local network A  10  or in the storage unit  334  of the personnel management apparatus  130 . 
     The storage unit  334  is implemented by, for example, a program executed by the CPU  201  and the storage device  204  of  FIG. 2 , for example. The storage unit  334  can store various information including each item of the above-mentioned information. 
     Operation: 
     Next, a description is given of an operation of providing information by the information providing system  1 . 
     First Embodiment 
     Security Information Registration Process: 
       FIG. 11  is 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 information  810  illustrated in  FIG. 8A  and the “security level” included in the device information  910  illustrated in  FIG. 8B . The “security level” is an example of security information. 
     In step S 1101 , for example, an administrator who manages the resource information  22  performs an operation to start setting the security information using the terminal apparatus  140 . For example, the administrator uses a web browser of the terminal apparatus  140  to access a web page for setting the security information, the web page being provided by the security information management unit  322  of the resource management apparatus  120 . 
     In step S 1102 , in response to the setting start operation by the administrator, the terminal apparatus  140  transmits, to the resource management apparatus  120 , a setting start request that requests a start of setting the security information. 
     In steps S 1103  and S 1104 , in response to the setting start request received from the terminal apparatus  140 , the security information management unit  322  of the resource management apparatus  120  causes the terminal apparatus  140  to display a security information setting screen. 
     In step S 1105 , 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 “M 00001 ” to “A”, in the device information  910  illustrated in  FIG. 9A . 
     In step S 1106 , the terminal apparatus  140  transmits the security information of the device that is set in step S 1105  to the resource management apparatus  120 . 
     In step S 1107 , the security information management unit  322  of the resource management apparatus  120  requests the device management unit  324  to register the security information of the device received from the terminal apparatus  140 . Thus, for example, in the device information  910  illustrated in  FIG. 9A , the security level of the projector whose device ID is “M 00001 ” is set to “A”. 
     In step S 1108 , the device management unit  324  sends, to the security information management unit  322 , a completion notification indicating that registration of the security information is completed. 
     In step S 1109 , 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 “KS 00001 ” to “A”, in the meeting room information  810  illustrated in  FIG. 8A . 
     In step S 1110 , the terminal apparatus  140  transmits the security information of the meeting room that is set in step S 1109  to the resource management apparatus  120 . 
     In step S 1111 , the security information management unit  322  of the resource management apparatus  120  requests the meeting room management unit  323  to register the security information of the meeting room received from the terminal apparatus  140 . Thus, for example, in the meeting room information  810  illustrated in  FIG. 8A , the security level of the meeting room whose meeting room ID is “KS 00001 ” is set to “A”. In step S 1112 , the meeting room management unit  323  sends, to the security information management unit  322 , a completion notification indicating that registration of the security information is completed. 
     With the process from step S 1101  to S 1112 , the administrator can register in advance the “security level” of the meeting room information  810  as illustrated in  FIG. 8A  and the “security level” of the device information  910  as illustrated in  FIG. 9 . 
     Information Providing Process by Information Providing System  1 : 
       FIG. 12  is 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 system  1  provides 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 in  FIG. 12 , the resource management apparatus  120  manages 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 to  FIG. 11 . 
     In step S 1201 , 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 apparatus  140 . For example, the user uses the web browser of the terminal apparatus  140  to access a web page for registering the meeting information, the web page being provided by the meeting holding management unit  312  of the meeting management apparatus  110 . 
     In step S 1202 , in response to the registration start operation by the user, the terminal apparatus  140  transmits, to the meeting management apparatus  110 , a registration start request that requests a start of registration of the meeting information. 
     In steps S 1203  and S 1204 , in response to the registration start request received from the terminal apparatus  140 , the meeting holding management unit  312  of the meeting management apparatus  110  causes the terminal apparatus  140  to display an information input screen that enables the user to enter the meeting information. 
     In step S 1205 , 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 S 1206 , the terminal apparatus  140  transmits the meeting information that is entered by the user to the meeting management apparatus  110 . The meeting information transmitted by the terminal apparatus  140  includes the security level of the meeting, which is an example of security information. 
     In steps S 1207  and S 1208 , the attendee management unit  313  of the meeting management apparatus  110  acquires information on the attendees (name, division, location, etc.) from the personnel management apparatus  130 . 
     In steps S 1209  to S 1211 , the meeting resource management unit  314  of the meeting management apparatus  110  uses the security level included in the meeting information received by the meeting holding management unit  312  to acquire, from the resource management apparatus  120 , information on meeting resources that match the security level. 
     For example, in step S 1209 , the meeting resource management unit  314  transmits conditions for holding a meeting including the meeting information acquired in step S 1206  and the attendee information acquired in step S 1208  to the resource management apparatus  120 . 
     In step S 1210 , the meeting room management unit  323  and the device management unit  324  of the resource management apparatus  120  retrieve information on the meeting resources that satisfy the conditions for holding a meeting received from the meeting management apparatus  110 . 
     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 unit  323  retrieves from the meeting room information  810  as illustrated in  FIG. 8A , “Osaka office, 2nd floor meeting room” associated with the meeting room ID “KS 00003 ”. In addition, when the attendees at the meeting include Employee C whose location is Tokyo office, the meeting room management unit  323  also retrieves “Tokyo office, 1st floor meeting room” associated with the meeting room ID “KS 00001 ” from the meeting room information  810  illustrated in  FIG. 8A . 
     In substantially the same manner, the device management unit  324  of the resource management apparatus  120  retrieves 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 unit  324  retrieves a device whose device ID “M 00001 ” and a device whose device ID “M 00002 ” from the device information  910  as illustrated in  FIG. 9A . In addition, when the attendees at the meeting include Employee C whose location is Tokyo office, the device management unit  324  retrieves an IP audio teleconference phone associated with the device ID “M 00003 ” from the device information  910  as illustrated in  FIG. 9A . 
     In step S 1211 , the resource management apparatus  120  notifies the meeting management apparatus  110  of information on the meeting resources, e.g., the meeting rooms and the devices retrieved in step S 1210 . 
     In step S 1212 , the information providing unit  315  of the meeting management apparatus  110  generates a display screen for providing information including the information of the meeting resources acquired through the process from step S 1209  to S 1211 . For example, the information providing unit  315  generates 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 S 1213  and S 1214 , the information providing unit  315  causes the terminal apparatus  140  to 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 system  1  according 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 system  1  according 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 apparatus  120 . 
     &lt;Functional Configuration&gt; 
       FIG. 13  is a block diagram illustrating an example of a functional configuration of the information providing system  1  according to the second embodiment of the present disclosure. As illustrated in  FIG. 13 , the information providing system  1  according to the second embodiment includes an alternative resource management unit  1301  in addition to the functional configuration of the information providing system  1  according to the first embodiment illustrated in  FIG. 3 . A description is provided below of an example in which the alternative resource management unit  1301  is included in the meeting management apparatus  110 . In another example, the alternative resource management unit  1301  can be included in the resource management apparatus  120  or the like. 
     The alternative resource management unit  1301  is implemented by, for example, a program executed by the CPU  201  of  FIG. 2 . The alternative resource management unit  1301  acquires, 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 apparatus  120 . Further, the alternative resource management unit  1301  assigns a security level to each of the acquired alternative resources, to manage information of the alternative resources. 
     For example, the alternative resource management unit  1301  acquires information on alternative devices from the web server  50  operated by a device manufacturer or from the resource information  41  managed by the resource management apparatus  31  of a rental company. Further, the alternative resource management unit  1301  assigns a security level to the acquired information on the alternative devices. The alternative resource management unit  1301  stores and manages the information on the alternative devices associated with the security level in alternative device information  1410  as illustrated in  FIG. 14A . 
     For example, the alternative resource management unit  1301  refers to the security level in the device information  910  as illustrated in  FIG. 9A  included in the resource information  22  stored in the cloud A  20  to determine the “security level” to be stored in the alternative device information  1410 . In another example, the alternative resource management unit  1301  determines the “security level” to be stored in the alternative device information  1410 , 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 unit  1301  determines the “security level” to be stored in the alternative device information  1410  based on a security level entered by the administrator or the like. 
     Further, the alternative resource management unit  1301  acquires information on alternative software from the web server  50  operated by a software manufacturer or from the resource information  41  managed by the resource management apparatus  31  of a rental company. The alternative resource management unit  1301  assigns a security level to the acquired information on alternative software. The alternative resource management unit  1301  stores and manages the information on the alternative software associated with the security level in alternative software information  1420  as illustrated in  FIG. 14B . For example, the “security level” to be stored in the alternative software information  1420  is determined in substantially the same manner as the “security level” stored in the alternative device information  1410 . 
     Furthermore, the alternative resource management unit  1301  acquires information on alternative meeting rooms from the resource information  41  managed by the resource management apparatus  31  of a rental company, for example. The alternative resource management unit  1301  assigns a security level to the acquired information on alternative meeting rooms. The alternative resource management unit  1301  stores and manages the information on alternative meeting rooms associated with the security level in alternative meeting room information  1500  as illustrated in  FIG. 15 . 
     The information on alternative resources managed by the alternative resource management unit  1301  is used as information to be provided by the information providing unit  315 , when the meeting resources managed by the resource management apparatus  120  include no available meeting resource that matches conditions for holding a meeting. 
     Operation: 
       FIG. 16  is a sequence diagram illustrating an example of an information providing process, according to the second embodiment. The process from S 1206  to S 1209  in  FIG. 16  are the same or substantially the same as those illustrated in the sequence diagram of  FIG. 12  according 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 S 1601 , the meeting room management unit  323  and the device management unit  324  of the resource management apparatus  120  retrieve information on the meeting resources that satisfy the conditions for holding a meeting received from the meeting management apparatus  110 . 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 S 1602 , the resource management apparatus  120  transmits, to the meeting management apparatus  110 , information indicating that there is no meeting resource that satisfies the conditions for holding a meeting. 
     In step S 1603 , when the meeting resource management unit  314  of the meeting management apparatus  110  acquires no information on meeting resources that satisfy the conditions for holding a meeting from the resource management apparatus  120 , the meeting resource management unit  314  acquires information on alternative resources that satisfy conditions for holding a meeting from the alternative resource management unit  1301 . 
     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 information  910  managed by the device management unit  324  of the resource management apparatus  120 , as illustrated in  FIG. 9A . In this case, the meeting resource management unit  314  acquires, from the alternative device information  1410  as illustrated in  FIG. 14A  managed by the alternative resource management unit  1301 , information on alternative devices whose device IDs are “D 00001 ” and “D 0002 ”, each having a videoconferencing function and associated with the security level “A”. 
     In step S 1604 , the information providing unit  315  of the meeting management apparatus  110  generates a display screen for providing information including the information on the alternative resources acquired in step S 1603 . For example, the information providing unit  315  generates 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 S 1605  and S 1606 , the information providing unit  315  causes the terminal apparatus  140  to display the generated display screen for providing information. 
     With the process described above with reference to  FIG. 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 system  1  automatically performs security setting of meeting resources before a start of a meeting. 
     &lt;Functional Configuration&gt; 
       FIG. 17  is a block diagram illustrating an example of a functional configuration of the information providing system  1  according to the third embodiment of the present disclosure. As illustrated in  FIG. 17 , the resource management apparatus  120  according to the third embodiment includes a device setting unit  1701  in addition to the functional configuration of the resource management apparatus  120  according to the first embodiment illustrated in  FIG. 3 . 
     The device setting unit  1701  is implemented by, for example, a program executed by the CPU  201  of  FIG. 2 . The device setting unit  1701  performs security setting corresponding to a security level of a meeting on meeting resources to be used in the meeting. 
     Operation: 
     Meeting Resource Setting Process  1 : 
       FIG. 18  is a sequence diagram illustrating an example of a meeting resource setting process according to the third embodiment. 
     In step S 1801 , the meeting holding management unit  312  of the meeting management apparatus  110  detects that the current time is a predetermined time (e.g., ten minutes) before a start of a meeting, using the meeting holding information  410  as illustrated in  FIG. 4A , for example. 
     In step S 1802 , the meeting resource management unit  314  of the meeting management apparatus  110  transmits a security setting request to the resource management apparatus  120 . 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 unit  314  acquires the security level of the meeting from the meeting holding information  410  as illustrated in  FIG. 4A . In addition, the meeting resource management unit  314  acquires, from the resource reservation information  710  as illustrated in  FIG. 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 S 1803 , in response to receiving the security setting request from the meeting management apparatus  110 , the device setting unit  1701  of the resource management apparatus  120  performs security setting corresponding to the specified security level on a meeting resource  1800  whose resource ID is the specified resource ID. 
     In step S 1804 , the meeting resource  1800  sets 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 apparatus  120 . 
     In step S 1805 , the resource management apparatus  120  transmits, to the meeting management apparatus  110 , the setting result indicating that the security setting is completed. 
     With the process from S 1801  to S 1805 , the information providing system  1  can 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 resource  1800  fails to perform security setting before starting the meeting, such as when the power of the meeting resource  1800  is off, or when the meeting resource  1800  is in use at another meeting. In this case, the information providing system  1  performs a process  1810  illustrated in  FIG. 18 . The process  1810  is a process to be performed when the security setting has failed. 
     For example, in step S 1811 , the meeting holding management unit  312  of the meeting management apparatus  110  detects that the current time is a predetermined time (e.g., ten minutes) before a start of a meeting, using the meeting holding information  410  as illustrated in  FIG. 4A . 
     In step S 1812 , the meeting resource management unit  314  of the meeting management apparatus  110  transmits a security setting request to the resource management apparatus  120 . 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 S 1813 , in response to receiving the security setting request from the meeting management apparatus  110 , the device setting unit  1701  of the resource management apparatus  120  performs security setting corresponding to the specified security level on the meeting resource  1800  whose resource ID is the specified resource ID. 
     In step S 1814 , it is assumed that since the meeting resource  1800  fails to perform the specified security setting (e.g., the presence or absence of encryption, the presence or absence of authentication, etc.), the meeting resource  1800  transmits, to the resource management apparatus  120 , a setting result indicating that the security setting cannot be performed. 
     In step S 1815 , the resource management apparatus  120  transmits, to the meeting management apparatus  110 , the setting result indicating that the security setting cannot be performed. 
     In this case, the meeting management apparatus  110  waits until the meeting start time arrives. Then, in step S 1821 , the meeting management apparatus  110  detects that the current time is the meeting start time. 
     In step S 1822 , the meeting resource management unit  314  of the meeting management apparatus  110  transmits a security setting request to the resource management apparatus  120 . 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 S 1823 , in response to receiving the security setting request from the meeting management apparatus  110 , the device setting unit  1701  of the resource management apparatus  120  performs security setting corresponding to the specified security level on the meeting resource  1800  whose resource ID is the specified resource ID. 
     In step S 1824 , the meeting resource  1800  sets 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 apparatus  120 . 
     In step S 1825 , the resource management apparatus  120  transmits, to the meeting management apparatus  110 , the setting result indicating that the security setting is completed. 
     A description is given above of an example in which the meeting management apparatus  110  detects that the current time is the meeting start time in step S 1821 . In another example, the meeting management apparatus  110  detects that the current time is within a predetermined time (e.g., 1-5 minutes) from the meeting start time in step S 1821 . 
     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 system  1  automatically performs security setting. This prevents the start of a meeting from being delayed. 
     It is considered that at the time of step S 1823  in  FIG. 18 , the power of the meeting resource  1800  is 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 S 1814 , the meeting management apparatus  110  retries the security setting a predetermined time (e.g., 1 to 5 minutes) after receiving the setting result. 
     Meeting Resource Setting Process  2 : 
       FIG. 19  is 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 S 1901 , the meeting holding management unit  312  of the meeting management apparatus  110  detects that the current time is a predetermined time (e.g., ten minutes) before a start of a meeting, using the meeting holding information  410  as illustrated in  FIG. 4A , for example. 
     In step S 1902 , the meeting resource management unit  314  of the meeting management apparatus  110  transmits a security setting storage request to the resource management apparatus  120 . 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 S 1903  and S 1904 , in response to receiving the security setting storage request from the meeting management apparatus  110 , the device setting unit  1701  of the resource management apparatus  120  acquires security setting information from a meeting resource  1900  whose resource ID is the specified resource ID. 
     In step S 1905 , the device setting unit  1701  stores the acquired security setting information of the meeting resource  1900  in the cloud A  20 , for example. In another example, the device setting unit  1701  stores the acquired security setting information of the meeting resource  1900  in the storage unit  325 . 
     In step S 1906 , the device setting unit  1701  transmits, to the meeting management apparatus  110 , a completion notification indicating that the security settings are successfully saved. 
     In step S 1907 , the meeting resource management unit  314  of the meeting management apparatus  110  transmits a security setting request to the resource management apparatus  120 . 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 S 1908 , in response to receiving the security setting request from the meeting management apparatus  110 , the device setting unit  1701  of the resource management apparatus  120  performs security setting corresponding to the specified security level on the meeting resource  1900  whose resource ID is the specified resource ID. 
     In step S 1909 , the meeting resource  1900  sets 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 apparatus  120 . 
     In step S 1910 , the resource management apparatus  120  transmits, to the meeting management apparatus  110 , the setting result indicating that the security setting is completed. 
     Further, for example, in step S 1911 , the meeting holding management unit  312  of the meeting management apparatus  110  detects an end of the meeting. 
     In step S 1912 , the meeting resource management unit  314  of the meeting management apparatus  110  transmits a security setting restoration request to the resource management apparatus  120 . The security setting restoration request includes a resource ID of the meeting resource  1900  that is used in the ended meeting. 
     In step S 1913 , in response to receiving the security setting restoration request from the meeting management apparatus  110 , the device setting unit  1701  of the resource management apparatus  120  reads out the security setting information of the meeting resource  1900  from, for example, the cloud A  20 , using the specified resource ID. 
     In step S 1914 , the device setting unit  1701  of the resource management apparatus  120  sets the read-out security setting information of the meeting resource  1900  in the meeting resource  1900 . 
     In step S 1915 , the meeting resource  1900  restores 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 apparatus  120 . 
     In step S 1916 , the resource management apparatus  120  transmits, to the meeting management apparatus  110 , a completion notification indicating that the restoration of security settings is completed. 
     With the process from S 1901  to S 1916 , the information providing system  1  can restore the security settings of the meeting resource  1900  from those configured before a start of a meeting to the original security settings after the meeting is ended. 
     Meeting Resource Setting Process  3 : 
       FIG. 20  is 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 system  1  automatically 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 S 2001 , the meeting holding management unit  312  of the meeting management apparatus  110  detects an end of a meeting. 
     In step S 2002 , the meeting holding management unit  312  determines whether the meeting resource  1900  that is used in the ended meeting is reserved for the next meeting. In a case where the meeting resource  1900  is not reserved for the next meeting, the information providing system  1  performs the security setting restoration process in the same or substantially the same manner as from S 1912  to S 1916  illustrated in  FIG. 19 , for example. By contrast, in a case where the meeting resource is reserved for the next meeting, the information providing system  1  performs a process  2010  illustrated in  FIG. 20 . The process  2010  is a process to be performed when the meeting resource  1900  is reserved for the next meeting. 
     For example, in step S 2011 , the meeting resource management unit  314  of the meeting management apparatus  110  transmits a security setting request to the resource management apparatus  120 . 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 S 2012 , in response to receiving the security setting request from the meeting management apparatus  110 , the device setting unit  1701  of the resource management apparatus  120  performs security setting corresponding to the specified security level on the meeting resource  1900  whose resource ID is the specified resource ID. 
     In step S 2013 , the meeting resource  1900  sets 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 apparatus  120 . 
     In step S 2014 , the resource management apparatus  120  transmits, to the meeting management apparatus  110 , the setting result indicating that the security setting is completed. 
     Meeting Resource Setting Process  4 : 
       FIG. 21  is 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 S 2101 , the resource management apparatus  120  stores a default security setting of meeting resource  2100  in advance in the cloud A  20 , the storage unit  325 , or the like. 
     In step S 2102 , the meeting holding management unit  312  of the meeting management apparatus  110  detects that the current time is a predetermined time (e.g., ten minutes) before a start of a meeting, using the meeting holding information  410  as illustrated in  FIG. 4A , for example. 
     In step S 2103 , the meeting resource management unit  314  of the meeting management apparatus  110  transmits a security setting request to the resource management apparatus  120 . The security setting request includes a security level of the meeting to be started in ten minutes and a resource ID of the meeting resource  2100  to be used in the meeting. 
     In step S 2104 , in response to receiving the security setting request from the meeting management apparatus  110 , the device setting unit  1701  of the resource management apparatus  120  performs security setting corresponding to the specified security level on the meeting resource  2100  whose resource ID is the specified resource ID. 
     In step S 2105 , it is assumed that since the meeting resource  2100  fails to perform the specified security setting, the meeting resource  2100  transmits, to the resource management apparatus  120 , a setting result indicating that the security setting cannot be performed. 
     In step S 2106 , the device setting unit  1701  of the resource management apparatus  120  reads out the default security setting of the meeting resource  2100  that is stored in advance in the cloud A  20 , the storage unit  325  or the like. 
     In step S 2107 , the device setting unit  1701  of the resource management apparatus  120  performs the read-out default security setting on the meeting resource  2100 . 
     In step S 2108 , the meeting resource  2100  performs 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 apparatus  120 . 
     In step S 2109 , the resource management apparatus  120  transmits, to the meeting management apparatus  110 , a completion notification indicating that the security setting is set to the default security setting. 
     With the process from S 2101  to S 2109 , even when security setting corresponding to the security level cannot be performed on meeting resources, a meeting can be held. 
     Meeting Resource Setting Process  5 : 
       FIG. 22  is 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 resource  2200 , a security setting corresponding to a second security level is applied to the meeting resource  2200 . Security contents of the second security level are less restrictive than security contents of the first security level. 
     In step S 2201 , the meeting holding management unit  312  of the meeting management apparatus  110  detects that the current time is a predetermined time (e.g., ten minutes) before a start of a meeting, using the meeting holding information  410  as illustrated in  FIG. 4A , for example. 
     In step S 2202 , the meeting resource management unit  314  of the meeting management apparatus  110  transmits a security setting request to the resource management apparatus  120 . 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 resource  2200  to be used in the meeting. 
     In step S 2203 , in response to receiving the security setting request from the meeting management apparatus  110 , the device setting unit  1701  of the resource management apparatus  120  performs security setting corresponding to the specified first security level on the meeting resource  2200  whose resource ID is the specified resource ID. 
     In step S 2204 , it is assumed that since the meeting resource  2200  fails to perform security setting corresponding to the specified first security level, the meeting resource  2200  transmits, to the resource management apparatus  120 , a setting result indicating that the security setting cannot be performed. 
     In step S 2205 , the device setting unit  1701  of the resource management apparatus  120  transmits, to the meeting management apparatus  110 , the setting result indicating that the security setting corresponding to the first security level cannot be performed. 
     In step S 2206 , the meeting resource management unit  314  of the meeting management apparatus  110  reads 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 resource  2200 . 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 S 2207 , the meeting resource management unit  314  of the meeting management apparatus  110  transmits a security setting request to the resource management apparatus  120 . The security setting request includes the second security level and the resource ID of the meeting resource  2200 . 
     In step S 2209 , the meeting resource  2200  performs 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 apparatus  120 . 
     In step S 2210 , the resource management apparatus  120  transmits, to the meeting management apparatus  110 , a completion notification indicating that the security setting corresponding to the second security level is completed. 
     With the process from S 2201  to S 2210 , 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. 
     The above-described embodiments are illustrative and do not limit the present disclosure. Thus, numerous additional modifications and variations are possible in light of the above teachings. For example, elements and/or features of different illustrative embodiments may be combined with each other and/or substituted for each other within the scope of the present disclosure. Any one of the above-described operations may be performed in various other ways, for example, in an order different from the one described above. 
     Each of the functions of the described embodiments may be implemented by one or more processing circuits or circuitry. Processing circuitry includes a programmed processor, as a processor includes circuitry. A processing circuit also includes devices such as an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), digital signal processor (DSP), field programmable gate array (FPGA), and conventional circuit components arranged to perform the recited functions.