Patent Description:
<CIT> is to enable acquisition of business card information equivalent to normal business card exchange in a video conference, and discloses a server device capable of communicating with plural video conference terminal devices that are connected via a network and installed at respective bases. The server device includes: a participant information acquisition unit for acquiring business card information of a participant at each base participating in the conference using the video conference terminal device; a position information acquisition unit for acquiring, from the video conference terminal device at each base, information relating to a position of the participant on a captured image that is captured by the video conference terminal device at said each base and displayed by the video conference terminal device at the other bases that are conference partners; and a printing information processing unit for, for each base, associating business card information of the participants at the other bases with the positions of the participants, generating printing information for printing by a printing device connected to the video conference terminal device at said each base, and transmitting the generated print information to the video conference terminal device at each base.

<CIT> is to obtain a digital business card exchange system capable of exchanging a digital business card without being limited by a time and a place, and capable of taking out information on an exchange digital business card at any time, and discloses a digital business card exchange system including: a unit for registering a personal digital business card on a web site from a user terminal via the Internet; a unit for performing digital business card exchange with another user terminal together with messages of each other; and unit for managing exchange history data.

<CIT> is to provide a business card information providing system capable of easily managing business card information regardless of a difference in OS between a mobile phone and a personal computer, and discloses a business card information providing system in which a mobile phone incorporating a unit for reading a two-dimensional code printed on a business card and a server having a database are connected to each other in a communicable manner via a communication network, and the server transmits URL information on a distribution side web page associated with the two-dimensional code. The database stores user registration data in which a machine number unique to the mobile phone and a PC mail address for personal computer of a user are associated with each other, and business card specifying data for specifying the business card. The business card information providing system extracts the URL information on the distribution side web page and the PC mail address from the database, and transmits the URL information on the distribution side web page to the PC mail address by mail.

<CIT> provides a method for exchanging electronic business cards in a video conference, comprising: a first person terminal sending a personal business card to a first conference terminal, the first conference terminal sending said received personal business card to a second conference terminal, the second conference terminal sending said received personal business card to a personal terminal at a second venue.

<CIT> provides an information processing apparatus which performs data communication with a communication terminal, and executes a process including displaying a content by a web browser of the communication terminal of a participating user that is participating in a screen sharing event for sharing the content.

<CIT> provides a computer system and method for providing networked computer users with information about which other users are task proximate to the user. The information about other users is displayed in a user interface window on each computer that presents a visual representation of each user who is task proximate to the user operating the computer.

<CIT> provides a method of virtually passing an object in near real time between separated participants in a remote conference session. The method includes providing a video screen at first and second locations. An object can be inserted into a scanning device coupled to a scanner opening located proximate to the video conference screen in the first location to form a scanned object file. Video imaging of the insertion of the object can be transmitted and displayed at the second location. The scanned object file can be received and printed at the second location in near real time and output through a printer opening positioned proximate the video screen at the second location to create an illusion of virtually passing the object between locations.

When a conference is held via a communication line with three or more participants, if participants exchange business card images on a one-to-one basis, it is necessary to perform exchange the business card images plural times.

Aspects of the present disclosure relate to an information processing apparatus and an information processing program that are capable of reducing an operation of business card image exchange as compared with a case of exchanging business card images on a one-to-one basis when a conference with plural participants is performed via a communication line. The present invention is defined by independent claim <NUM> as appended. The present invention is defined by independent claim <NUM> as appended. Additional aspects of the invention are disclosed in the dependent claims.

Hereinafter, an exemplary embodiment for realizing the present disclosure will be described with reference to the drawings.

<FIG> illustrates a conceptual module configuration diagram for a configuration example according to the present exemplary embodiment.

The term "module" generally refers to a logically separable component such as software (including a computer program as an interpretation of "software"), hardware, or the like. Therefore, the module in the present exemplary embodiment refers to not only a module in a computer program but also a module in a hardware configuration. Therefore, the exemplary embodiment also serves as a description of a computer program (for example, a program for causing a computer to execute each procedure, a program for causing a computer to function as each unit, a program for causing a computer to realize each function), a system, and a method for functioning these modules. However, although terms "store" and "stored" and equivalents thereof are used for the sake of convenience of description, these terms mean that being stored in a storage device or controlled to be stored in a storage device when the exemplary embodiment is a computer program. In implementation, modules may have a one-to-one correspondence with functions, in the implementation, one module may be configured by one program, plural modules may be configured by one program, and conversely, one module may be configured by plural programs. Plural modules may be executed by one computer, or one module may be executed by plural computers in a distributed or parallel environment. One module may include another module. Hereinafter, the term "connection" is used not only for physical connection but also for logical connections (for example, transmission and reception of data, instruction, reference relationship between data, login, or the like). The term "predetermined" means determined prior to target processing, and includes a meaning of being determined according to a situation or state at that time or according to the situation or state up to that time even after the process according to the present exemplary embodiment starts, as a matter of course, before the process according to the exemplary embodiment starts. When there are plural "predetermined values", the values may be different from each other, or two or more values ("two or more values" may include, of course, all values) may be the same. In addition, a description of "when A, do B" is used in a meaning of "determine whether it is A, do B when it is determined to be A". However, a case where it is not necessary to determine whether it is A is excluded. In addition, when a thing is listed such as "A, B, and C", "A, B, and C" are only examples unless otherwise specified, and include a case where only one of them is selected (for example, only A).

In addition, the system or the apparatus may be configured such that plural computers, hardware, apparatuses, and the like are connected by a communication unit such as a network ("network" including a one-to-one communication connection), or may be realized by a single computer, hardware, an apparatus, or the like. The terms "apparatus" and "system" are used as terms having the same meaning. Of course, the "system" does not include anything that is nothing more than a social "mechanism" (that is, a social system) that is an artificial agreement.

In addition, target information is read from the storage device for each processing by each module or for each processing when plural processing is performed in the module, and after the process is performed, a processing result is written to the storage device. Therefore, description of the reading from the storage device before the process and the writing to the storage device after the process may be omitted.

An information processing apparatus <NUM> according to the present exemplary embodiment has a function of exchanging business card images in a conference via a communication line between participants of the conference (hereinafter, also referred to as a business card exchange service). As illustrated in an example of <FIG>, the information processing apparatus <NUM> includes at least a processor <NUM> and a memory <NUM>, and is configured by a bus <NUM> for connecting the processor and the memory and exchanging data. In addition, the information processing apparatus <NUM> may include an output device <NUM>, a reception device <NUM>, and a communication device <NUM>. Data is exchanged between the processor <NUM>, the memory <NUM>, the output device <NUM>, the reception device <NUM>, and the communication device <NUM> via the bus <NUM>.

Note that a block diagram illustrated in the example of <FIG> also illustrates a configuration example of a hardware configuration of a computer that realizes the present exemplary embodiment. The hardware configuration of the computer in which the program according to the exemplary embodiment is executed is a computer as illustrated in <FIG>, and specifically, may be used as a personal computer or a server. As a specific example, a processor <NUM> is used as a processing unit, and a memory <NUM> is used as a storage device.

The number of the processor <NUM> may be one or more. The processor <NUM> includes, for example, a central processing unit (CPU), a microprocessor, or the like. When plural processors <NUM> are used, either a tightly coupled multiprocessor or a loosely coupled multiprocessor may be used. For example, plural processor cores may be mounted in one processor <NUM>. Further, it is also possible to use a system in which plural computers are virtually caused to behave as a single computer by connecting the plural computers through a communication path. As a specific example, a loosely coupled multiprocessor may be configured as a cluster system or a computer cluster. The processor <NUM> executes a program in a program memory <NUM>.

The memory <NUM> may include, for example, a semiconductor memory in the processor <NUM> such as a register or a cache memory, may be a main memory that is a main storage device including a random access memory (RAM) and a read only memory (ROM), or the like, an internal storage device such as a hard disk drive (HDD) or a solid state drive (SSD) having a function as a permanent storage device, an external storage device or an auxiliary storage device such as a CD, a DVD, a Blu-ray (registered trademark) Disc, a USB memory, or a memory card, or may include a storage device such as a server connected via a communication line.

The memory <NUM> mainly includes a data memory <NUM> for storing data and a program memory <NUM> for mainly storing programs. Incidentally, the data memory <NUM> and the program memory <NUM> may store a program such as an OS for starting the computer, data such as a parameter appropriately changed in execution of the module, or the like, in addition to the information shown and the module program.

The output device <NUM> includes, for example, a display device <NUM>, a printing device <NUM>, or the like. The display device <NUM> such as a liquid crystal display, an organic EL display, a three-dimensional display, or a projector displays a processing result by the processor <NUM>, data in the data memory <NUM>, or the like as text, image information, or the like. The printing device <NUM>, such as a printer or a multifunction device, prints the processing result by the processor <NUM>, the data in the data memory <NUM>, or the like. The output device <NUM> may include a speaker, an actuator for vibrating the device, or the like.

The reception device <NUM> includes, for example, an instruction reception device <NUM>, a document reading device <NUM>, or the like. The instruction reception device <NUM> such as a keyboard, a mouse, a microphone, or a camera (including a line-of-sight detection camera or the like) receives data based on an operation (including an operation, a voice, a line of sight, or the like) of a user with respect to the keyboard, the mouse, the microphone, the camera (including the line-of-sight detection camera or the like).

Further, a touch screen may be provided with both functions of the display device <NUM> and the instruction reception device <NUM>. In this case, with respect to realization of a function of the keyboard, even when there is no physical key, a keyboard image (also called a software keyboard, a screen keyboard, or the like) may be drawn on the touch screen by software so as to realize the function of the keyboard.

The display device <NUM> and the instruction reception device <NUM> are mainly used as a user interface.

The document reading device <NUM> such as a scanner or a camera reads or captures a document and receives the generated image data.

The communication device <NUM> is a communication line interface such as a network card for connecting to other devices via a communication line. The other devices include a terminal <NUM>, which is a terminal of a participant to be described later using the example of <FIG>, an online conference service server <NUM>, a storage DB service server <NUM>, a business card management service server <NUM>, and the like.

In the exemplary embodiment, for a computer program, the computer program that is software is read into the program memory <NUM> of the hardware configuration, and software and the hardware resources cooperate with each other to realize the exemplary embodiment. That is, the present exemplary embodiment is specifically realized by using hardware resources (including at least the processor <NUM>, the memory <NUM>, and in some cases the output device <NUM>, the reception device <NUM>, and the communication device <NUM>) by the information processing by software, and the law of nature is used as a whole.

Note that the hardware configuration illustrated in <FIG> illustrates one configuration example, and the present exemplary embodiment is not limited to the configuration illustrated in <FIG>, but may be any configuration as long as the module described in the present exemplary embodiment is executable. For example, as the processor <NUM>, a GPU (abbreviation of Graphics Processing Unit, including GPGPU (abbreviation of General-Purpose Graphics Processing Units)) may be used, some of the modules may be executed by dedicated hardware (for example, an integrated circuit for a specific application (as a specific example, an ASIC (abbreviation of Application Specific Integrated Circuit) or the like) or a reconfigurable integrated circuit (as a specific example, an FPGA (abbreviation of Field-Programmable Gate Array) or the like), some modules may be in an external system and connected by a communication line, further, plural systems illustrated in <FIG> may be connected to each other by a communication line so as to cooperate with each other. In addition, particularly, in addition to a personal computer, the hardware may be incorporated into a portable information communication device (including a portable phone, a smartphone, a mobile device, a wearable computer, or the like), an information appliance, a robot, a copier, a fax machine, a scanner, a printer, a multifunction device (an image processing apparatus having two or more functions of a scanner, a printer, a copier, a fax machine, or the like), or the like.

The processor <NUM> is connected to the memory <NUM>, the output device <NUM>, the reception device <NUM>, and the communication device <NUM> via the bus <NUM>. The processor <NUM> executes processing according to a computer program describing an execution sequence of each module, which is a program in the program memory <NUM>. For example, when an operation of the user is received by the instruction reception device <NUM>, processing by a module corresponding to the operation in the program memory <NUM> is executed, the processing result is stored in the data memory <NUM>, output to the display device <NUM>, or transmitted to another device by controlling the communication device <NUM>.

The memory <NUM> includes the data memory <NUM> and the program memory <NUM>, and is connected to the processor <NUM>, the output device <NUM>, the reception device <NUM>, and the communication device <NUM> via the bus <NUM>.

The data memory <NUM> stores a user management data storage module <NUM> and a business card image storage module <NUM>.

The user management data storage module <NUM> stores data for managing users using the information processing apparatus <NUM>. Specifically, a reservation information table <NUM> illustrated in an example of <FIG> to be described later, a session token management table <NUM> illustrated in an example of <FIG>, a group management table <NUM> illustrated in an example of <FIG>, and the like are stored.

The business card image storage module <NUM> stores business card images per se and data for managing the business card images. Here, a business card image is an image obtained by reading a business card of a user. Each business card image stored in the business card image storage module <NUM> is associated with a user ID, and the business card image is able to be extracted from the user ID. Conversely, the user ID is able to be extracted from the business card image. In the latter case, by calculating a degree of similarity between the business card image as the search target and the business card images in the business card image storage module <NUM>, it is possible to search the business card image and extract the user ID. In addition to the business card image, information for setting whether to display the business card image, specifically, a business card image display setting table <NUM> shown in an example of <FIG>, a business card image display setting table <NUM> shown in an example of <FIG>, a business card image display/hide management table <NUM> shown in an example of <FIG>, a business card image display/hide management table <NUM> shown in an example of <FIG>, or the like, which will be described later, are stored.

The program memory <NUM> stores a user management module <NUM> and a business card image display control module <NUM>.

The user management module <NUM> manages users using the information processing apparatus <NUM>. Here, the users are also users participating in the conference. Specifically, groups to which the users belong are extracted, or it is determined whether the users belong to the same group. A group includes one or more participants, and is, for example, a group in which business card exchange is not necessary.

The business card image display control module <NUM> controls display with respect to the terminals of participants via the communication device <NUM> and the communication line.

The business card image display control module <NUM> performs control such that when a conference involving plural participants is performed via the communication line, plural business card images of the participants are displayable on terminals of the other participants.

Here, the "conference via the communication line" is a conference that is held by capturing each participant (mainly a face of each participant) with a camera on a terminal owned by each person or a terminal used by plural participants, converting a speech of each participant into an audio signal by a microphone, distributing the photographed image and the audio signal to a terminal of each participant, displaying the received image, and outputting the audio signal as a sound by a speaker, and includes an online conference, a web conference, a video conference, a video chat, or the like. The communication line may be a dedicated line, a general-purpose line, or may be, for example, an intranet or the Internet. The terminal may be a dedicated device, or may be a general-purpose device such as a personal computer or a mobile terminal.

In addition, the "conference" in the present exemplary embodiment includes not only "collection for the purpose of consultation and discussion", but also a collection gathering for other purposes, such as "face-to-face events", "fellowships (so-called online drinking parties)", or the like.

The "business card image" is an image obtained by reading a business card of a participant. Specifically, an actual business card (material is not limited, but, for example, a business card made of paper, plastic, or the like) is electronically read by a scanner, a camera, or the like. One business card image corresponds to each participant. Therefore, a case of "business card images of plural participants" involves plural business card images. Plural business card images may also be associated with each participant. This corresponds to a case where a participant has plural business cards.

The expression "perform control such that. are displayable" includes, for example, forcibly displaying on the terminal, displaying (or preventing display) in accordance with an instruction of the participant with respect to the terminal, or as described below, displaying images of second participants other than the same group, that is, preventing display of images of first participants belonging to the same group, or the like.

In addition, control may be performed such that a business card image of a participant is displayed on the terminal of the participant (the same person), or is not displayed on the terminal of the participant.

The number of "other participants" may be one or more. Business card images of plural participants are displayed on the other participants (one or plural participants). That is, in online exchange on a one-to-one basis, plural business card images cannot be simultaneously displayed to the company (including exchange), whereas the information processing apparatus <NUM> of the present exemplary embodiment enables simultaneous display of plural business card images to the company.

The business card image display control module <NUM> may display all the business card images of the participants of the conference on a terminal of a participant, but may particularly perform the display control as follows.

The business card image display control module <NUM> performs control such that business card images of first participants belonging to a group of the participant are not displayed on the terminal of the participant. In a case of belonging to the same group, since names and the like of the first participants are already known, the screen may be widely used without displaying the business card images.

In addition, the business card image display control module <NUM> performs control such that only business card images of second participants not belonging to the group of the participant are displayed on the terminal of the participant.

Further, the business card image display control module <NUM> may perform control such that business card images of first participants belonging to the group of the participant are displayed in response to an operation of the participant. As described above, control is performed such that the business card images of the first participants belonging to the group of the participant are not displayed (or only the business card images of the second participants not belonging to the group of the participant are displayed on the terminal of the participant). However, since a new employee or the like does not necessarily known the names or the like of the first participants even in the same group, the business card images of the first participants of the same group are displayed upon operation of the participant. Examples of the operation of the participant include selection of a "display business card images" button.

Then, the business card image display control module <NUM> may perform control such that in response to a deletion operation by the participant, the business card images of the first participants belonging to the group of the participant are deleted from a screen and business card images of second participants not belonging to the group of the participant are not deleted.

The business card image display control module <NUM> may perform control such that when business card images of first participants belonging to a group of a participant (A) and business card images of second participants (C) not belonging to the group of the participant (A) are displayed, the business card images of the first participants (B) belonging to the group of the participant (A) and the business card images of the second participants (C) not belonging to the group of the participant (A) are displayed in a manner distinguished from each other. As described above, there is a possibility that all the business card images of the participants of the conference are displayed, or that the business card images of the second participants (C) not belonging to the group of the participant (A) are displayed, and the business card images of the first participants (B) belonging to the group of the participant (A) are further displayed in accordance with the operation of the participant (A). In such a case, the participant (A) may determine whether a participant is a participant of the same group by viewing the business card images.

Further, the business card image display control module <NUM> may perform control such that when a URL (abbreviation of Uniform Resource Locator) for displaying the business card images is accessed from the terminal of the participant, a business card image already stored in the URL is displayed on the terminal.

Further, the business card image display control module <NUM> may perform control such that when the business card image is stored into the URL from the terminal of the participant, the business card image is displayed on the terminals of the other participants.

Further, the business card image display control module <NUM> may generate the same URL, the same participant ID, and the same password for a group including plural participants before starting the conference.

A person who instructs the generation thereof may be any person, and may be, for example, an organizer of the conference. Then, the organizer acquires a set of the generated URL, participant ID, and password, and transmits the set to the participants of the conference. The participants access the URL, and log into the business card exchange service in the information processing apparatus <NUM> using the participant ID and the password.

Then, the business card image display control module <NUM> may perform control such that a business card image stored by a participant of the same participant ID is not displayed on the terminals of the participants belonging to the group of the participant.

Then, the business card image display control module <NUM> may perform control such that only a business card image stored by a participant of a different participant ID is displayed on the terminals of the participants not belonging to the group of the participant.

The business card image display control module <NUM> may perform control in cooperation with a business card management service so as to acquire a business card image of the participant from the business card management service, and to enable display of the business card image on the terminals of the other participants. In the above-described business card image display control module <NUM>, the participant registered his/her business card image in the information processing apparatus <NUM>, but by cooperating with the business card management service so as to acquire the business card image from the business card management service, it is not necessary to perform the registration operation of the business card image by the user with respect to the information processing apparatus <NUM>.

In the case in cooperation with the business card management service, the business card image display control module <NUM> may, when a business card image is stored from a terminal of another participant, register the business card image of the participant in the business card management service. In the above-described business card image display control module <NUM>, the participant registered the business card images of the other participants in the business card management service, but by cooperating with the business card management service so as to acquire the business card images of the other participants from the business card management service, it is not necessary to perform the registration operation of the business card images of the other participants by the user with respect the business card management service.

The cooperation processing with the business card management service will be described later with reference to an example of <FIG>.

<FIG> is an explanatory diagram illustrating a system configuration example using the present exemplary embodiment.

The information processing apparatus <NUM>, a terminal 210A1, a terminal 210A2, a terminal 210A3, a terminal 210B <NUM>, a terminal 210B2, a terminal 210B3, a terminal 210C, an online conference service server <NUM>, a storage DB service server <NUM>, and a business card management service server <NUM> are connected to each other via a communication line <NUM>. The communication line <NUM>, the communication line connecting the terminal 210A1, the terminal 210A2, and the terminal 210A3, the communication line connecting the terminal 210B <NUM>, the terminal 210B2, and the terminal 210B3 may be wireless, wired, or a combination thereof, and may be, for example, the Internet, an intranet, or the like as a communication infrastructure. The functions of the information processing apparatus <NUM>, the online conference service server <NUM>, the storage DB service server <NUM>, and the business card management service server <NUM> may be realized as a cloud service.

A user <NUM> (user 220A1, user 220B1, user 220C, or the like) that may be the participant of the conference has the terminal <NUM> (terminal 210A1, terminal 210B1, terminal 210C, or the like). The terminal <NUM> has a communication function, and includes a display device, a microphone, a camera, and a speaker (including an earphone and a headphone) for holding a conference. For example, a personal computer (including a notebook computer), a mobile information communication device, or the like is applicable.

As described above, the information processing apparatus <NUM> has the function of the business card exchange service.

The online conference service server <NUM> has a function of performing a process for realizing a conference via a communication line.

The storage DB service server <NUM> is used by the information processing apparatus <NUM>, the online conference service server <NUM>, the business card management service server <NUM>, or the like, stores data, and functions as a database.

The business card management service server <NUM> has a function of a business card management service, and manages information related to a business card of each user <NUM>. Here, the business card includes a business card of the user <NUM> itself and a business card received by the user <NUM>. Examples of the information related to the business card include information described in a business card (name, company name, affiliation organization, or the like, position name, address, telephone number, mail address, or the like), date and time at which the business card is received, a business card image, or the like. The information related to the business card may be shared by a group member (user <NUM>) belonging to the same group in addition to being used by the user <NUM> who has registered the information related to the business card in the business card management service server <NUM>.

The online conference service server <NUM>, the storage DB service server <NUM>, the business card management service server <NUM>, and the information processing apparatus <NUM> may provide independent services, may provide services in cooperation with each other, or may combine two or more servers to provide plural functions thereof as one service. For example, the information processing apparatus <NUM> may provide a function as a web service independent of the online conference service server <NUM>, the information processing apparatus <NUM> may provide a service in cooperation with the business card management service server <NUM>, or the function of the information processing apparatus <NUM> may be incorporated into the online conference service server <NUM> as one function of the conference service to allow a business card image exchange.

When the information processing apparatus <NUM> independently provides a service, the participant of the conference does not need to be the user of the same business card management service. That is, the participant of the conference may be a user of a different business card management service, or may not use the business card management service itself.

The present exemplary embodiment (information processing apparatus <NUM>) performs the following process, for example.

The business card exchange service provided by the information processing apparatus <NUM> issues a URL for accessing a web UI for exchanging the business cards, and opens the web UI for exchanging the business cards from the URL at the time of the conference by the online conference service server <NUM> to allow business card exchange during the conference.

The web UI can freely change the arrangement of the displayed business cards. Therefore, even in the information processing apparatus <NUM> independent of the conference, business cards may be arranged according to the display order of the conference participants.

The business cards exchanged by the users of the business card management service server <NUM> cooperating with the information processing apparatus <NUM> that performs the business card exchange service are automatically registered in the business card management service server <NUM>, and a non-user person is allowed to download the business card images. Therefore, both users of the business card management service server <NUM> and persons other than users of the business card management service server <NUM> may acquire the business card images.

<FIG> is an explanatory diagram illustrating an overview of a process example related to reservation of the business card exchange service according to the present exemplary embodiment.

The business card exchange service server <NUM> is a specific exemplary embodiment of the information processing apparatus <NUM>, and is realized as a cloud service.

The storage DB service server <NUM> stores information, business card images, and the like related to reservation of a conference.

In step S302, an online conference organizer <NUM> reserves the business card exchange service server <NUM> using a web browser using the terminal <NUM>. The business card exchange service server <NUM> performs a reservation process of the business card exchange service, and stores information on the reservation in the storage DB service server <NUM>.

In step S304, the business card exchange service server <NUM> notifies the online conference organizer <NUM> of the reservation information (URL, user ID, password). Specifically, the reservation information is displayed on the web browser of the terminal <NUM> of the online conference organizer <NUM>.

In step S306, the online conference organizer <NUM> uses the terminal <NUM> to transmit the reservation information to all participants of the conference (in the example of <FIG>, an online conference participant 320A1, an online conference participant 320A2, and an online conference participant 320A3) by a mail <NUM>.

Although the online conference organizer <NUM> is required to be a user of the business card exchange service, the participants of the conference (the online conference participant 320A1, the online conference participant 320A2, and the online conference participant 320A3) are not required to be users of the business card exchange service. This is because the participants of the conference may use the business card exchange service by using the reservation information in the mail <NUM>.

The reservation information may distribute the same reservation information to plural participants. In this case, as will be described later, the participants of the same reservation information may be treated as belonging to the same group. The reservation information may be different for each conference in terms of security.

<FIG> is an explanatory diagram illustrating an overview of a process example related to service execution according to the present exemplary embodiment.

The process example is performed after the process illustrated in the example of <FIG> is performed. The participants of the conference (the online conference participant 320A1, the online conference participant 320A2, and the online conference participant 320A3) receive the mail <NUM> and use the process of the business card exchange service.

In step S402, the online conference participant 320A1 and the like log into a web UI of the business card exchange service server <NUM> using the reservation information in the mail <NUM> using the terminals <NUM>.

In step S404, the online conference participant 320A1 and the like use the terminals <NUM> to transmit their own business card images 450A to the business card exchange service server <NUM> from the web UI.

In step S406, the business card exchange service server <NUM> transmits a content (HTML, JavaScript, or the like) of the web UI to the terminals <NUM> of the online conference participant 320A1 and the like.

In step S408, the business card exchange service server <NUM> transmits business card images 450B of the participants (the online conference participant 320A1 and the like) to the web UI in each terminal <NUM> of the online conference participant 320A1 and the like. The business card exchange service server <NUM> stores the business card image 450B in the storage DB service server <NUM>.

In step S410, each terminal <NUM> downloads the business card images 450B from the business card exchange service server <NUM> in response to an instruction from the participant (the online conference participant 320A1 or the like). The business card exchange service server <NUM> extracts the business card images 450B from the storage DB service server <NUM> and transmits the business card images 450B to each terminal <NUM>.

Since display of the web UI is independent between the users, processing of an operation of changing an order of the business card images may be either completed in each terminal <NUM> or processed on the side of the business card exchange service server <NUM>.

<FIG> is a flowchart illustrating a process example according to the present exemplary embodiment (business card exchange service server <NUM>). <FIG> shows a specific example of the process example shown in the example of <FIG>.

A conference ID is issued uniquely for each conference, and the information in the storage DB service server <NUM> is taken out using the conference ID as a key. The conference ID is embedded in the content, the URL, or the like, and the user <NUM> (the online conference participant <NUM>, the online conference organizer <NUM>) does not need to designate the conference ID.

In step S502, a reservation date and time is received from a client. Here, the "client" is the terminal <NUM> used by the online conference organizer <NUM>.

For example, the business card exchange service server <NUM> causes the terminal <NUM> to display the online business card exchange reservation screen <NUM> as illustrated in the example of <FIG>.

<FIG> is an explanatory diagram illustrating the display example according to the exemplary embodiment.

On the online business card exchange reservation screen <NUM>, a reservation date and time setting region <NUM>, a reservation button <NUM>, and a reservation information display region <NUM> are displayed.

In the reservation date and time setting region <NUM>, a start date and time column <NUM> and a conference time column <NUM> are displayed.

The online business card exchange reservation screen <NUM> is displayed on the terminal <NUM> of the online conference organizer <NUM>, and prompts input to the start date and time column <NUM> and the conference time column <NUM>.

Upon operation of the online conference organizer <NUM>, input to the start date and time column <NUM> and the conference time column <NUM> is performed.

For example, "<NUM>/<NUM>/<NUM><NUM>:<NUM>" is input to the start date and time column <NUM>, and for example, "<NUM>:<NUM>" is input to the conference time column <NUM>. That is, the conference is started from <NUM>/<NUM>/<NUM><NUM>:<NUM>, and the conference time is scheduled for <NUM> hour and <NUM> minutes.

When an input to the start date and time column <NUM> and the conference time column <NUM> is performed, the reservation button <NUM> is selected by the online conference organizer <NUM>. Then, the business card exchange service server <NUM> displays the inside of the reservation information display region <NUM>.

In the reservation information display region <NUM>, a URL column <NUM>, a user ID column <NUM>, and a password column <NUM> are displayed.

In the reservation information display region <NUM>, for example, "Online business card exchange reserved!" is displayed. For example, "http://www. xxxx" is displayed in the URL column <NUM>, "Gust0023" is displayed in the user ID column <NUM>, and "jXj34ttY" is displayed in the password column <NUM>.

In the reservation date and time setting region <NUM>, the start date and time column <NUM> and the conference time column <NUM> are displayed to prompt input, but a conference start date and time and a conference end date and time may be input as well.

By inputting the time and the period of the conference, the URL for displaying the web UI of the business card exchange service server <NUM> and the ID and the password for the participants to log into the business card exchange service server <NUM> at the time are issued. By issuing a dedicated URL each time, it is possible to specify the participants of the same conference, and to prevent unauthorized access by limiting the period.

In step S504, it is determined whether the start date and time and the conference time are appropriate. If appropriate, the process proceeds to step S506. Otherwise, the process proceeds to step S518. Specifically, it is determined whether the start date and time is a holiday, a predetermined time (for example, midnight or the like), whether the conference time is within a predetermined time range (for example, <NUM> minutes or more and <NUM> hours or less), or the like.

In a case of inputting the conference start date and time and the conference end date and time, it may be determined whether an order of the start date and time and the end date and time is correct.

In step S506, it is determined whether the start date and time is later than the current time. If later than the current time, the process proceeds to step S508. Otherwise, the process proceeds to step S520.

In step S508, the conference ID, the user ID, and the user password are issued. For example, the conference ID and the user ID may be generated in sequences, and the user password may be generated at random (including a pseudo random number). The conference ID and the user ID may also be generated at random.

For example, the business card exchange service server <NUM> generates the reservation information table <NUM> and stores the reservation information table <NUM> in the storage DB service server <NUM>.

<FIG> is an explanatory diagram illustrating an example of the data structure of the reservation information table <NUM>.

The reservation information table <NUM> includes a conference ID column <NUM>, a start date and time column <NUM>, a conference time column <NUM>, a user ID column <NUM>, a user password column <NUM>, and a URL column <NUM>. In the present exemplary embodiment, the conference ID column <NUM> stores information for uniquely identifying a conference (specifically, conference ID: abbreviation of conference ID). The start date and time column <NUM> stores the start date and time of the target conference. The time in the start date and time column <NUM> is the date and time when the conference is started. Specifically, the time is a value set in the start date and time column <NUM> of the online business card exchange reservation screen <NUM> illustrated in the example of <FIG>. The conference time column <NUM> stores the conference time of the target conference. The time in the conference time column <NUM> is a time period from the start to the end of the conference. Specifically, the time is a value set in the conference time column <NUM> of the online business card exchange reservation screen <NUM> illustrated in the example of <FIG>. In the exemplary embodiment, the user ID column <NUM> stores information (specifically, user ID) for uniquely identifying a user who uses the business card exchange service. The user ID here is not for identifying each conference participant, but is for identifying the user who uses the business card exchange service. Therefore, the user ID here may be allocated to plural persons, and may be allocated, for example, in units of groups. The user password column <NUM> stores a password used for authentication of the user. The URL column <NUM> stores a URL for the user to use the business card exchange service. Specifically, the URL is a URL for displaying a business card image.

In step S510, the content for the web UI is created. The conference ID is embedded in the content.

In step S512, the URL for the web UI is created. The URL is stored and managed in the URL column <NUM> of the above-described reservation information table <NUM>.

In step S514, the reservation information is stored in the storage DB service server <NUM>.

In step S516, the reservation information is responded to the client. Specifically, the information in the reservation information display region <NUM> of the online business card exchange reservation screen <NUM> is displayed. After acquiring the reservation information, the online conference organizer <NUM> notifies the participants of the conference of the reservation information by using the mail <NUM> or the like.

In step S518, a response is made indicating a parameter error (for example, an error message indicating that the date and time of the conference is not appropriate).

In step S520, a response is made indicating a parameter error (for example, an error message indicating that the conference has already passed).

The session token used here is used for identification of the user in the session and management of the uploaded image.

In step S802, the conference ID and the login information are received from the client. Here, the "client" is the terminal <NUM> used by the online conference participant <NUM>.

For example, the business card exchange service server <NUM> causes the terminal <NUM> to display the online business card exchange login screen <NUM> as illustrated in the example of <FIG>.

<FIG> is an explanatory diagram illustrating the display example according to the present exemplary embodiment.

On the online business card exchange login screen <NUM>, a user ID column <NUM> and a password column <NUM> are displayed.

The online business card exchange login screen <NUM> is displayed on the terminal <NUM> of the online conference participant <NUM>, and prompts input to the user ID column <NUM> and the password column <NUM>.

Upon operation of the online conference participant <NUM>, an input to the user ID column <NUM> and the password column <NUM> is performed.

For example, "Gust0023" is input to the user ID column <NUM>, and "jXj34ttY" is input to the password column <NUM>. These input values (reservation information) are values received by the online conference organizer <NUM> in step S516 in the flowchart illustrated in the example of <FIG>, and are notified by the online conference organizer <NUM> to the online conference participant <NUM>.

When the URL is opened from the web browser, the online business card exchange login screen <NUM> is displayed, and it is confirmed from the user ID and the password that the person is a user of the business card exchange service. Then, the screen transitions to display of the business card exchange web UI. By displaying the online business card exchange login screen <NUM>, it is possible to prevent unauthorized access to the business card exchange service server <NUM>.

In step S804, it is determined whether the current time is within the range of the conference time from the start date and time. If it is within the range of the conference time from the start date and time, the process proceeds to step S806. Otherwise, the process proceeds to step S816. Specifically, the determination may be performed using the current time and the information in the conference time column <NUM> of the reservation information table <NUM>.

As described above, when the conference start date and time and the conference end date and time are input to the online business card exchange reservation screen <NUM>, it may be determined whether the current time is within the range of the start date and time and the end date and time.

In step S806, it is determined whether the login information and the conference ID match. If matching, the process proceeds to step S808. Otherwise, the process proceeds to step S818. Specifically, the determination may be performed using the conference ID embedded in the accessed URL or the like and the information in the conference ID column <NUM> of the reservation information table <NUM>.

In step S808, a session token is issued. As described above, the session token is used to identify the user in the session. Here, for example, the session token management table <NUM> is generated.

<FIG> is an explanatory diagram illustrating an example of a data structure of the session token management table <NUM>.

The session token management table <NUM> includes a session token column <NUM>, a conference ID column <NUM>, and a user ID column <NUM>. The session token column <NUM> stores the session token issued in step S808. The conference ID column <NUM> stores a conference ID corresponding to the session token. The user ID column <NUM> stores a user ID corresponding to the session token.

In step S810, information of the business card image of the user that has logged in is embedded in the web UI content.

In step S812, a login record is stored in the storage DB service server <NUM>.

In step S814, the content for the web UI is returned to the client together with the session token. As a result, the business card image is displayed on the terminal <NUM> of the participant.

In step S816, a response is made indicating an unauthorized participation time (for example, an error message indicating that the conference has not yet started, has already ended, or the like).

In step S818, a response is made indicating an authentication error (for example, an error message indicating a different password or the like).

<FIG> is a flowchart illustrating a process example according to the present exemplary embodiment (business card exchange service server <NUM>). <FIG> is a continuation of the flowchart illustrated in the example of <FIG>, and illustrates a process example of the business card exchange service in the conference.

After receiving the notification of the business card image information, the web browser of the terminal <NUM> downloads the business card image and adds the business card image to the web UI.

In step S1102, the session token and the business card image are received from the client. Here, the "client" is the terminal <NUM> used by the online conference participant <NUM>.

In step S1104, it is determined whether the current time is within the range of the conference time from the start date and time. If it is within the range of the conference time from the start date and time, the process proceeds to step S1106. Otherwise, the process proceeds to step S1116. Specifically, the determination may be performed using the current time and the information in the conference time column <NUM> of the reservation information table <NUM>.

In step S1106, it is determined whether the session token is valid. If it is valid, the process proceeds to step S1108. Otherwise, the process proceeds to step S1118. More specifically, it is determined whether the session token received in step S1102 matches the value of the session token column <NUM> of the session token management table <NUM> (i.e. determined to be valid in case of matching).

In step S1108, the business card image received in step S1102 is stored in the storage DB service server <NUM>.

In step S1110, a download URL is issued. The download URL is a URL for allowing another participant to download the business card image received in step S1102.

In step S1112, the business card image received in step S1102 is stored in the download URL issued in step S1110.

In step S1114, the download URL is notified to the web UI of a participant having a different session token. As a result, the participant may view the business card image of another participant.

In step S1116, a response is made indicating an unauthorized participation time (for example, an error message indicating that the conference has not yet started, has already ended, or the like).

In step S1118, a response is made indicating an authentication error (for example, an error message indicating a different session token or the like).

After the user is authenticated, display of the business card images of the participants of the conference, change of display positions of the business card images, enlarged display of the business card images, and download of the business card images are enabled on the web UI screen. Since the web UI screen is independent for each participant, the change of the display positions and the like do not affect display of other participants. By enabling the change of the display position of the business card image, as illustrated in an example of <FIG> to be described later, an arrangement of the business card images is changed in response to the display positions of the participants of the conference, and the same effect as that of a business card arrangement in the real conference (arranging business cards in accordance with seated positions of the participants) is obtained.

Further, by dragging and dropping the business card image or selecting a file on the web UI screen, it is possible to display the business card image of oneself to another participant. It is possible to distribute the business card image of oneself to the participant without requiring a procedure such as user registration.

<FIG> is an explanatory diagram illustrating the display example according to the present exemplary embodiment. <FIG> shows an example of a screen for business card exchange on the web UI screen of the terminal <NUM>.

On a screen <NUM>, an online business card exchange screen <NUM> (web UI screen), which is a screen of the web browser, is displayed.

The business card image <NUM> is a business card image of oneself (specifically, the online conference participant <NUM> carrying the terminal <NUM> displaying the screen <NUM>), and is displayed on a screen <NUM> which is a desktop screen or another application screen.

On the online business card exchange screen <NUM>, a business card image <NUM>, a business card image <NUM>, and a business card image <NUM> of other participants of the conference are displayed. From this state, the online conference participant <NUM> operates the terminal <NUM> to copy the business card image <NUM> to the online business card exchange screen <NUM>. In the example of <FIG>, the copied business card image <NUM> is a business card image <NUM> in the online business card exchange screen <NUM>. Due to the copying operation, the process of step S1102 in the flowchart illustrated in the example of <FIG> is performed. Then, the business card image <NUM> is displayed on the terminal <NUM> of the other online conference participants <NUM>.

Conversely, the online conference participant <NUM> may operate the terminal <NUM> to copy the business card images of the other participants (the business card image <NUM>, the business card image <NUM>, and the business card image <NUM>) to the screen <NUM>, which is a desktop screen, or another application screen. Examples of other applications include a business card management service provided by the business card management service server <NUM>.

The arrangement of the business card images on the online business card exchange screen <NUM> may be changed in response to the operation of the online conference participant <NUM> with respect to the terminal <NUM>. It is also possible to enlarge or reduce the business card images in response to the operation of the online conference participant <NUM> with respect to the terminal <NUM>.

<FIG> shows an example in which a video conference screen <NUM> and the online business card exchange screen <NUM> are displayed on the screen <NUM> of the terminal <NUM>.

The video conference screen <NUM> is a screen displayed by the online conference service server <NUM>, and the online business card exchange screen <NUM> is a screen displayed by the business card exchange service server <NUM>. That is, the video conference screen <NUM> and the online business card exchange screen <NUM> are independent from each other.

The video conference screen <NUM> displays captured images of a participant A1310 and a participant B1315.

The business card image <NUM> and the business card image <NUM> are displayed on the online business card exchange screen <NUM>. That is, the online conference participant <NUM> operates the terminal <NUM> to match the business card image on the online business card exchange screen <NUM> to the display of the video conference screen <NUM>. Specifically, an example is illustrated in which the business card image <NUM>, which is the business card image of the participant A1310, is moved leftward, and the business card image <NUM>, which is the business card image of the participant B1315, is moved rightward. That is, the online business card exchange screen <NUM> may be displayed simultaneously with the video conference screen <NUM>, and the arrangement of the business card images may be changed according to a display order of the participants.

<FIG> is an explanatory diagram illustrating the display example according to the present exemplary embodiment. <FIG> shows a process example of downloading a business card image.

On the online business card exchange screen <NUM>, a download button <NUM> is displayed in addition to the business card image <NUM>, the business card image <NUM>, the business card image <NUM>, and the business card image <NUM>. (<NUM>) A business card image to be downloaded is selected by a click operation of the online conference participant <NUM>. (<NUM>) It is detected that the download button <NUM> is selected by the operation of the online conference participant <NUM>. (<NUM>) A confirmation dialog display region <NUM> is displayed. The confirmation dialog display region <NUM> displays, for example, "Download business card image?", and displays an OK button <NUM> and a cancel button <NUM>.

When it is detected that the OK button <NUM> is selected in the confirmation dialog display region <NUM>, download of the business card image selected in (<NUM>) is started.

<FIG> is an explanatory diagram illustrating the display example according to the present exemplary embodiment. <FIG> shows a process example of enlarged display of a business card image.

For example, when it is detected that the business card image <NUM> in the online business card exchange screen <NUM> is double-clicked by the online conference participant <NUM>, an enlarged image of the business card image <NUM> is displayed in an enlarged display region <NUM>.

The drawings from <FIG> show a process example in a case where a concept of group is applied to the participants of the conference. That is, since the participants belonging to the same group as oneself are already known, the business card images thereof may be handled differently from the business card images of a participant belonging to a different group.

<FIG> is a flowchart illustrating a process example according to the present exemplary embodiment (business card exchange service server <NUM>). <FIG> corresponds to the flowchart illustrated in the example of <FIG>, and illustrates a process example related to the reservation of the business card exchange service. <FIG> is obtained by adding the process of step S1608 and step S1618 to the flowchart shown in the example of <FIG>, in which the process from step S1610 to step S1616 is repeated by the number of groups. The other processing is the same as the process of the flowchart illustrated in the example of <FIG>. In this process example, the user ID corresponds to a group ID.

In step S1602, a reservation date and time is received from a client. Here, the "client" is the terminal <NUM> used by the online conference organizer <NUM>.

On the online business card exchange reservation screen <NUM>, a reservation date and time setting region <NUM>, a participant group number setting region <NUM>, a reservation button <NUM>, and a reservation information display region <NUM> are displayed. The online business card exchange reservation screen <NUM> corresponds to the online business card exchange reservation screen <NUM> illustrated in the example of <FIG>, and is obtained by adding the participant group number setting region <NUM> to the online business card exchange reservation screen <NUM>, and displaying group X reservation information display regions <NUM> by a designated group number.

The reservation date and time setting region <NUM> includes a start date and time column <NUM> and a conference time column <NUM>. The reservation date and time setting region <NUM> is equivalent to the reservation date and time setting region <NUM> of the online business card exchange reservation screen <NUM> illustrated in the example of <FIG>.

The participant group number setting region <NUM> has a participant group number column <NUM> for inputting the number of groups participating in the target conference. The online conference organizer <NUM> inputs values to the start date and time column <NUM>, the conference time column <NUM>, and the participant group number column <NUM>. When the reservation button <NUM> is selected by the online conference organizer <NUM>, the business card exchange service server <NUM> displays the inside of the reservation information display region <NUM>.

In the reservation information display region <NUM>, a group <NUM> reservation information display region 1727A, a group <NUM> reservation information display region 1727B, and the like are displayed. In the example of <FIG>, since "<NUM>" is input to the participating group number column <NUM>, three group X reservation information display regions <NUM> (group <NUM> reservation information display region 1727A, group <NUM> reservation information display region 1727B, group <NUM> reservation information display region 1727C) are displayed.

Each group X reservation information display region <NUM> includes a URL column <NUM>, a user ID column <NUM>, and a password column <NUM>. The contents of the group X reservation information display regions <NUM> are the same as the contents of the reservation information display region <NUM> of the online business card exchange reservation screen <NUM> shown in the example of <FIG>.

In step S1604, it is determined whether the start date and time and the conference time are appropriate. If it is appropriate, the process proceeds to step S1606. Otherwise, the process proceeds to step S1622.

In step S1606, it is determined whether the start date and time is later than the current time. If it is later than the current time, the process proceeds to step S1608. Otherwise, the process proceeds to step S1624.

In step S1608, the process up to step S1616 is repeated by the number of groups.

In step S1610, the conference ID, the user ID, and the user password are issued.

In step S1612, the content for the web UI is created. The conference ID is embedded in the content.

In step S1614, the URL for the web UI is created.

In step S1616, the reservation information is stored in the storage DB service server <NUM>.

In step S1618, the process of step S1610 to step S1616 is repeated by the number of groups, and the process proceeds to the next processing.

In step S1620, the reservation information is responded to the client. Specifically, the information in the reservation information display region <NUM> of the online business card exchange reservation screen <NUM> is displayed. After acquiring the reservation information, the online conference organizer <NUM> notifies the participants of the conference of the reservation information by using the mail <NUM> or the like. However, the contents to be notified (the contents of the URL column <NUM>, the user ID column <NUM>, and the password column <NUM>) are different for each group. That is, the content of the group <NUM> reservation information display region 1727A is notified to the group <NUM>, the content of the group <NUM> reservation information display region 1727B is notified to the group <NUM>, and the content of the group <NUM> reservation information display region 1727C is notified to the group <NUM>.

In step S1622, a response is made indicating a parameter error.

In step S1624, a response is made indicating a parameter error.

<FIG> is a flowchart illustrating a process example according to the present exemplary embodiment (business card exchange service server <NUM>). <FIG> corresponds to the flowchart illustrated in the example of <FIG>, and illustrates a process example of the business card exchange service in the conference. Step S1114 of the flowchart illustrated in the example of <FIG> is replaced with the process of step S1814, and the other processing is the same as the process in the flowchart illustrated in the example of <FIG>. In the example of <FIG>, the process is performed assuming that the user ID is equivalent to the group ID.

In step S1802, the session token and the business card image are received from the client.

In step S1804, it is determined whether the current time is within the range of the conference time from the start date and time. If it is within the range of the conference time from the start date and time, the process proceeds to step S1806. Otherwise, the process proceeds to step S1816.

In step S1806, it is determined whether the session token is valid. If it is valid, the process proceeds to step S1808. Otherwise, the process proceeds to step S1818.

In step S1808, the business card image is stored in the storage/DB service server <NUM>.

In step S1810, a download URL is issued.

In step S1812, the business card image is stored in the download URL.

In step S1814, the download URL is notified to the web UI of a participant having a different session token and a different user ID. However, the download URL is not notified to the web UI of a participant having a different session token but having the same user ID. In this example, since the user ID substantially corresponds to the group ID, the above process is performed.

In step S1816, a response is made indicating an unauthorized participation time.

In step S1818, a response is made indicating an authentication error.

In the example of <FIG>, it is assumed that the user ID is equivalent to the group ID, and the process from step <NUM> to step S1616 is repeated by the number of groups. However, the process from step S1610 to step S1616 may be repeated by the number of participants in the target conference. In this case, instead of the flowchart illustrated in the example of <FIG>, the process according to the flowchart illustrated in the example of <FIG> is performed.

<FIG> is a flowchart illustrating a process example according to the present exemplary embodiment (business card exchange service server <NUM>). Step S1814 of the flowchart illustrated in the example of <FIG> is replaced with the process of step S1914, and the other processing is the same as the process in the flowchart illustrated in the example of <FIG>.

In step S1902, the session token and the business card image are received from the client.

In step S1904, it is determined whether the current time is within the range of the conference time from the start date and time. If it is within the range of the conference time from the start date and time, the process proceeds to step S1906. Otherwise, the process proceeds to step S1916.

In step S1906, it is determined whether the session token is valid. If it is valid, the process proceeds to step S1908. Otherwise, the process proceeds to step S1918.

In step S1908, the business card image is stored in the storage DB service server <NUM>.

In step S1910, a download URL is issued.

In step S1912, the business card image is stored in the download URL.

In step S1914, the download URL is notified to the web UI of a participant having a different session token and belonging to a different group. However, the download URL is not notified to the web UI of a participant having a different session token but belonging to the same group.

In step S1916, a response is made indicating an unauthorized participation time.

In step S1918, a response is made indicating an authentication error.

In the process illustrated in the example of <FIG>, for example, the group management table <NUM> is used to manage the correspondence between the group ID and the user ID.

<FIG> is an explanatory diagram illustrating an example of a data structure of the group management table <NUM>.

The group management table <NUM> includes a group ID column <NUM>, a user number column <NUM>, and a user ID column <NUM>. The group ID column <NUM> stores information (specifically, group ID) for uniquely identifying the group in the exemplary embodiment. The user number column <NUM> stores the number of users belonging to the group. The user ID column <NUM> stores user IDs belonging to the group.

In step S1914, it may be determined whether a user having a different session token belongs to the same group as the user who has transmitted the business card image by extracting the user ID corresponding to the session token by using the session token management table <NUM> and specifying the group ID corresponding to the extracted user ID by using the group management table <NUM>.

<FIG> is a flowchart illustrating a process example according to the present exemplary embodiment (business card exchange service server <NUM>). <FIG> corresponds to the flowchart illustrated in the example of <FIG>, and illustrates a process example of the business card exchange service in the conference. Step S1114 of the flowchart illustrated in the example of <FIG> is replaced with the process from step S2114 to step S2120, and the other processing is the same as the process in the flowchart illustrated in the example of <FIG>. In the example of <FIG>, the process is performed assuming that the user ID is equivalent to the group ID.

In step S2102, the session token and the business card image are received from the client.

In step S2104, it is determined whether the current time is within the range of the conference time from the start date and time. If it is within the range of the conference time from the start date and time, the process proceeds to step S2106. Otherwise, the process proceeds to step S2122.

In step S2106, it is determined whether the session token is valid. If it is valid, the process proceeds to step S2108. Otherwise, the process proceeds to step S2124.

In step S2108, the business card image is stored in the storage DB service server <NUM>.

In step S2110, a download URL is issued.

In step S2112, the business card image is stored in the download URL.

In step S2114, with respect to the participant as the notification target, it is determined whether an operation for displaying the business card images of the participants of the same user ID has been performed. If it is determined to have been performed, the process proceeds to step S2116. Otherwise, the process proceeds to step S2120.

In order to perform the determination process in step S2114, for example, the business card image display setting table <NUM> may be used. <FIG> is an explanatory diagram illustrating an example of a data structure of the business card image display setting table <NUM>.

The business card image display setting table <NUM> includes a session token column <NUM> and a same user ID business card image display setting column <NUM>. The session token column <NUM> stores the session token. The same user ID business card image display setting column <NUM> stores setting as to whether to display the business card images having the same user ID in the session token.

In step S2116, the business card image of the download URL is added with an image indicating that the business card image is a business card image of the same user ID.

In step S2118, the download URL is notified to the web UI of the participant. That is, the business card image is also transmitted to a participant having the same user ID (participant who has performed an operation for displaying the business card image of the participant of the same user ID), but the business card image is added with the image indicating that the business card image is the business card image of the same user ID. Of course, the original business card image is transmitted to a participant having a different user ID.

In step S2120, the download URL is notified to the web UI of a participant having a different session token and a different user ID. However, the download URL is not notified to the web UI of a participant having a different session token but having the same user ID. In this example, since the user ID substantially corresponds to the group ID, the above process is performed.

In step S2122, a response is made indicating an unauthorized participation time.

In step S2124, a response is made indicating an authentication error.

<FIG> is a flowchart illustrating a process example according to the present exemplary embodiment (business card exchange service server <NUM>). <FIG> illustrates a process example of the business card exchange service in the conference, and illustrates a process example in a case where the user IDs are issued by the number of participants of the target conference. Step S2114 of the flowchart shown in the example of <FIG> is replaced with the process of step S2314, step S2116 is replaced with the process of step S2316, and step S2120 is replaced with the process of step S2320. The other processing is the same as the process in the flowchart illustrated in the example of <FIG>.

In step S2302, the session token and the business card image are received from the client.

In step S2304, it is determined whether the current time is within the range of the conference time from the start date and time. If it is within the range of the conference time from the start date and time, the process proceeds to step S2306. Otherwise, the process proceeds to step S2322.

In step S2306, it is determined whether the session token is valid. If it is valid, the process proceeds to step S2308. Otherwise, the process proceeds to step S2324.

In step S2308, the business card image is stored in the storage DB service server <NUM>.

In step S2310, a download URL is issued.

In step S2312, the business card image is stored in the download URL.

In step S2314, with respect to the participant as the notification target, it is determined whether an operation for displaying the business card images of the participants of the same group has been performed. If it is determined to have been performed, the process proceeds to step S2316. Otherwise, the process proceeds to step S2320.

In order to perform the determination process in step S2314, for example, the business card image display setting table <NUM> may be used. <FIG> is an explanatory diagram illustrating an example of a data structure of the business card image display setting table <NUM>. The business card image display setting table <NUM> includes a user ID column <NUM> and a same group business card image display setting column <NUM>. The user ID column <NUM> stores a user ID. The same group business card image display setting column <NUM> stores settings as to whether to display a business card image of a participant belonging to the same group in the user ID.

In step S2316, the business card image of the download URL is added with an image indicating that the business card image is a business card image of the same group.

In step S2318, the download URL is notified to the web UI of the participant. That is, the business card image is also transmitted to a participant having the same group (participant who has performed an operation for displaying the business card image of the participant of the same group), but the business card image is added with the image indicating that the business card image is the business card image of the same group. Of course, the original business card image is transmitted to a participant having a different group.

In step S2320, the download URL is notified to the web UI of a participant having a different session token and having a different group ID. However, the download URL is not notified to the web UI of a participant having a different session token but having the same group ID.

In step S2322, a response is made indicating an unauthorized participation time.

In step S2324, a response is made indicating an authentication error.

<FIG> is a flowchart illustrating a process example according to the present exemplary embodiment (business card exchange service server <NUM>). <FIG> shows a process example performed when editing a business card image (for example, an operation of deleting display of a business card image). In the example of <FIG>, the process is performed assuming that the user ID is equivalent to the group ID.

In step S2502, the session token and operation information are received from the client.

In step S2504, it is determined whether the current time is within the range of the conference time from the start date and time. If it is within the range of the conference time from the start date and time, the process proceeds to step S2506. Otherwise, the process proceeds to step S2518.

In step S2506, it is determined whether the session token is valid. If it is valid, the process proceeds to step S2508. Otherwise, the process proceeds to step S2520.

In step S2508, it is determined whether the operation is deletion of the business card image. If the operation is deletion of the business card image, the process proceeds to step S2510. Otherwise, the process proceeds to step S2516.

In step S2510, it is determined whether the deletion target is a business card image of the same user ID. In a case of a business card image of the same user ID, the process proceeds to step S2512. Otherwise, the process proceeds to step S2514.

If the setting is that the business card image of the same user ID is not to be displayed, the process always proceeds to step S2514.

In step S2512, information indicating that the business card image to be deleted is not to be displayed is set, and deletion of the web UI is instructed. Then, for example, the business card image display/hide management table <NUM> is used to manage which business card image is displayed in the session token. <FIG> is an explanatory diagram illustrating an example of a data structure of the business card image display/hide management table <NUM>.

The business card image display/hide management table <NUM> includes a session token column <NUM>, a business card image column <NUM>, and a display/hide column <NUM>. The session token column <NUM> stores the session token. The business card image column <NUM> stores the business card image. The display/hide column <NUM> stores information indicating whether the business card image is to be displayed or hidden in the session token. The business card image whose display is deleted is set to hidden.

If a business card image having the same user ID is set to hidden in the business card image display setting table <NUM>, the business card image is not to be deleted, and therefore, the process always proceeds to step S2514.

In step S2514, a response is made indicating deletion cannot be performed.

In step S2516, a process corresponding to the operation is performed.

In step S2518, a response is made indicating an unauthorized participation time.

In step S2520, a response is made indicating an authentication error.

<FIG> is a flowchart illustrating a process example according to the present exemplary embodiment (business card exchange service server <NUM>). <FIG> shows a process example performed when editing a business card image (for example, an operation of deleting display of a business card image), and illustrates a process example in a case where the user IDs are issued by the number of participants of the target conference. Step S2510 of the flowchart illustrated in the example of <FIG> is replaced with the process of step S2710, and the other processing is the same as the process in the flowchart illustrated in the example of <FIG>.

In step S2702, the session token and operation information are received from the client.

In step S2704, it is determined whether the current time is within the range of the conference time from the start date and time. If it is within the range of the conference time from the start date and time, the process proceeds to step S2706. Otherwise, the process proceeds to step S2718.

In step S2706, it is determined whether the session token is valid. If it is valid, the process proceeds to step S2708. Otherwise, the process proceeds to step S2720.

In step S2708, it is determined whether the operation is deletion of the business card image. If the operation is deletion of the business card image, the process proceeds to step S2710. Otherwise, the process proceeds to step S2716.

In step S2710, it is determined whether the deletion target is a business card image of the same group. If the deletion target is a business card image of the same group, the process proceeds to step S2712. Otherwise, the process proceeds to step S2714. Then, for example, the business card image display/hide management table <NUM> is used to manage which business card image is displayed in the user. <FIG> is an explanatory diagram illustrating an example of a data structure of the business card image display/hide management table <NUM>.

The business card image display/hide management table <NUM> includes a user ID column <NUM>, a business card image column <NUM>, and a display/hide column <NUM>. The user ID column <NUM> stores the user ID. The business card image column <NUM> stores the business card image. The display/hide column <NUM> stores information indicating whether the business card image is to be displayed or hidden in the user. The business card image whose display is deleted is set to hidden.

If a business card image of a participant belonging to the same group is set to hidden in the business card image display setting table <NUM>, the business card image is not to be deleted, and therefore, the process always proceeds to step S2714.

In step S2712, information indicating that the business card image to be deleted is not to be displayed is set, and deletion of the web UI is instructed.

In step S2714, a response is made indicating that deletion cannot be performed.

In step S2716, a process corresponding to the operation is performed.

In step S2718, a response is made indicating an unauthorized participation time.

In step S2720, a response is made indicating an authentication error.

<FIG> is an explanatory diagram illustrating a process example in a case where the business card exchange service server <NUM> and the business card management service server <NUM> according to the present exemplary embodiment cooperate with each other. The business card exchange service server <NUM> and the business card management service server <NUM> are in authentication collaboration (federation) so that a so-called single sign-on is possible, and may transfer the business card image managed by the business card management service server <NUM> to the business card exchange service server <NUM>, and conversely, may register the business card image acquired by the business card exchange service server <NUM> in the business card management service server <NUM>.

The example illustrated in <FIG> shows a case where the business card exchange service server <NUM> cooperates with the business card management service by the business card management service server <NUM>, and the online conference participants <NUM> include a user (registered user) of the business card management service.

In step S2902, the online conference participant <NUM> logs into the business card exchange service server <NUM> by using the terminal <NUM> with authentication information of the business card management service server <NUM>. Specifically, in the online business card exchange login screen <NUM> illustrated in the example of <FIG>, the user ID and the password of the business card management service of the business card management service server <NUM> are received.

The business card image of the online conference participant <NUM> is registered in the business card management service server <NUM>, and it is not necessary to upload the business card image from the web UI of the terminal <NUM> to the business card exchange service server <NUM>.

In step S2904, the business card exchange service server <NUM> sends the authentication information of the online conference participant <NUM> to the business card management service server <NUM>.

In step S2906, the business card management service server <NUM> authenticates the authentication information of the online conference participant <NUM>, and if the authentication is successful, transmits a business card image 2950A of the online conference participant <NUM> to the business card exchange service server <NUM>. As described above, by the cooperation between the business card exchange service server <NUM> and the business card management service server <NUM>, the online conference participant <NUM> does not need to download his/her business card image 2950C from the business card management service server <NUM>, and does not need to upload his/her business card image 2950C to the business card exchange service server <NUM>.

In step S2908, the business card exchange service server <NUM> transmits a business card image 2950B of another online conference participant <NUM> for registration to the business card management service server <NUM>. Here, the "business card image 2950B of another online conference participant <NUM>" refers to a business card image in a case where a participant of the conference acquires a business card image of a participant other than the himself/herself. The business card management service server <NUM> registers the received business card image 2950B.

Specifically, the online conference participant 320A1 is a registered user of the business card management service server <NUM>. In this case, when the business card image of the online conference participant 320A2 is displayed on the web UI of the business card exchange service of the terminal <NUM> of the online conference participant 320A1, the business card exchange service server <NUM> registers the business card image of the online conference participant 320A2 in the business card management service server <NUM>. Thereafter, the online conference participant 320A1 is allowed to search for the business card image of the online conference participant 320A2 by the business card management service server <NUM>.

When the business card exchange service server <NUM> and the business card management service server <NUM> cooperate with each other, it is possible to start the web UI of the business card exchange service with the ID and the password of the business card management service, and instead of uploading the business card image, it is possible to display the business card image of the participant in the business card management service to the participant himself/herself, and to automatically register the business card images of the other participants in the business card management service. For the participant, there is no need to upload or download the business card image, and registration to the business card management service is also automatically performed.

In the exemplary embodiments above, the term "processor" refers to hardware in a broad sense. Examples of the processor include general processors (e.g., CPU: Central Processing Unit), and dedicated processors (e.g., GPU: Graphics Processing Unit, ASIC: Application Specific Integrated Circuit, FPGA: Field Programmable Gate Array, and programmable logic device).

In the exemplary embodiments above, the term "processor" is broad enough to encompass one processor or plural processors in collaboration which are located physically apart from each other but may work cooperatively. The order of operations of the processor is not limited to one described in the exemplary embodiments above, and may be changed.

The program described above may be provided by being stored in a recording medium, or may be provided by a communication unit. In this case, for example, the above-described program may be regarded as an invention of a "computer-readable recording medium storing a program".

The "computer-readable recording medium storing a program" refers to a computer-readable recording medium in which a program is recorded, which is used for program installation, execution, program distribution, or the like.

The recording medium includes, for example, a digital versatile disc (DVD) such as a "DVD-R, DVD-RW, DVD-RAM, or the like" that is a standard established by the DVD Forum, "DVD+R, DVD+RW, or the like" that is a standard established by DVD+RW, a compact disk (CD) including read-only memory (CD-ROM), CD recordable (CD-R), CD rewritable (CD-RW), or the like, and a Blu-ray (registered trademark) disc, a magneto-optical disk (MO), a flexible disk (FD), a magnetic tape, a hard disk, a read-only memory (ROM), an electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM (registered trademark)), a flash memory, a random access memory (RAM), a secure digital (SD) memory card, or the like.

The whole or a part of the program may be recorded in the recording medium and stored, distributed, or the like. In addition, the program may be transmitted by communication, for example, by using a transmission medium such as a wired network or a wireless communication network used for a local area network (LAN), a metropolitan area network (MAN), a wide area network (WAN), the Internet, an intranet, extranet, or the like, or a combination thereof, or may be carried on a carrier wave.

Further, the program may be a part or the whole of another program, or may be recorded on a recording medium together with a separate program. In addition, the program may be divided and recorded on plural recording media. In addition, the program may be recorded in any form as long as the program is restorable, such as in a compressed form, in an encrypted form, or the like.

The foregoing description of the exemplary embodiments of the present invention has been provided for the purposes of illustration and description.

Claim 1:
An information processing apparatus (<NUM>) comprising
a processor (<NUM>) configured to execute a business card image display control module (<NUM>) and thus:
allow, in relation to a conference via a communication line in which a plurality of participants participate, a plurality of business card images (<NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>) to be displayable on a terminal (<NUM>) of a participant among the plurality of participants, the plurality of business card images (<NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>) being images that are obtained by reading business cards of the plurality of participants belonging to a group and including at least one other participant not belonging to the group,
wherein the processor (<NUM>) is configured to execute the business card image display control module (<NUM>) and thus allow a business card image of a first participant belonging to a group to which the participant belongs not to be displayed on the terminal (<NUM>) of the participant,
wherein the processor (<NUM>) is configured to execute the business card image display control module (<NUM>) and thus allow only a business card image of a second participant not belonging to a group to which the participant belongs to be displayed on the terminal (<NUM>) of the participant.