JP2001043272A - Distributed office system and managing method therefor - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a distributed office system and a managing method therefor with which the working condition of another user can be grasped always even when terminal equipment is used for another function. SOLUTION: Even when the terminal equipment is utilized for a function (such as word processing function, home page browsing function or mail browsing function, for example), except for the working condition confirmation of the other user, small indication 91 is displayed as a work condition display picture so that the working condition of the other user can be grasped always.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention has the same effect as connecting a plurality of user terminals and one host server via a communication network to open an office space. By constructing a virtual office space with a network on a network, it is possible to work with teamwork while maintaining good intra-group communication, even for a group of workers distributed in remote locations. A distributed office that does not create a feeling of alienation or loneliness even if the geographically dispersed work is continued for a long period of time, and that can perform good management while maintaining a sense of unity as an organization The present invention relates to a system and a management method thereof.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Generally, in an organization such as a company, in order to carry out distributed work, one room of each worker's home is used as a work space (home office), and a plurality of home offices distributed to remote locations are used. It is common to make necessary communication between workers by connecting with a communication line and using home communication terminal equipment such as a telephone and a facsimile and communication application software. As a communication line, a subscribed telephone network, an ISDN network, a dedicated line for the Internet, etc. are used.
System, a video conference system, or the like is used.

[0003] In addition, workers are not home offices but satellite offices and telecottages prepared by affiliated organizations and local governments. In the case of sales and maintenance work, private cars and public transportation used for visiting customers are used. In some cases, a seat or the like is used as a temporary work place (mobile office).

As described above, conventionally, when a worker belonging to an organization works in a home office, a telephone, a facsimile transceiver, a personal computer, and communication application software installed in the personal computer are used to communicate with other workers. It was common to promote business while taking action.

[0005] However, the mere use of the equipment and communication application software provided in the conventional home office cannot achieve smooth communication as in the case of collective work, which not only reduces the efficiency of work but also further increases the efficiency of work. As a result, there is a problem that the amount of communication itself is reduced by hesitating to communicate between workers. The decrease in the amount of communication inevitably hinders the sense of unity within the organization, and gives the worker a sense of isolation and alienation, which has become a major problem in performing distributed work.

[0006] Therefore, a plurality of user terminal devices installed in different places and usually one host server device are connected via a communication network, so that a plurality of user terminal devices are geographically dispersed. And work smoothly, and as a result, multiple offices (including home office, mobile office, main office, satellite office, etc.) dispersed in different locations function as one office space as a whole A distributed office system capable of doing so has already been proposed (for example, Japanese Patent Application No. 10-297606).

According to this prior art, only one means for displaying a virtual office area is provided on the screen of the terminal device used by the user.

[0008]

As described above, according to the above-mentioned prior art, only one virtual office area can be displayed on the screen of the terminal device used by the user. Since the virtual office area almost occupies the display screen, when using other functions in the terminal device, for example, a homepage browsing function, a mail browsing function, a document creation function, etc., the virtual office area display is displayed. There was a problem that it was not possible.

The present invention has been made in order to solve the above-mentioned problems, and is a distributed system which can always grasp the work status of another user even when the terminal device is used for another function. An object of the present invention is to provide an office system and a management method thereof.

[0010]

To achieve the above object, a distributed office system according to a first aspect of the present invention comprises a terminal installed in each of a plurality of users, and a communication line connected to the terminal. A distributed office system comprising a server connected to the user's terminal and displaying information about other users on the screen of the user's terminal, wherein a plurality of virtual office areas are displayed on the screen of the user's terminal. A display unit for displaying at least the image of the other user's office in the virtual office area as information on the other user on the terminal device of the user. The distributed office system according to claim 1, wherein in the distributed office system according to claim 1, the plurality of terminals provided on a screen of a terminal device of the user. A virtual office area, characterized by comprising a switching means to switch in accordance with an instruction of the user.

In the distributed office system according to the third aspect, in the distributed office system according to the first aspect, the terminal device of the user is provided with an input unit for inputting data, and when there is no input from the input unit for a predetermined time or more. And switching means for switching between the plurality of virtual office areas provided on the screen of the user terminal device.

In the distributed office system according to the fourth aspect, in the distributed office system according to the first aspect, the plurality of virtual office areas include an office area that substantially occupies a screen of a terminal device of the user; And an office area occupying a part of the screen of the user's terminal device.

In the distributed office system according to the fifth aspect, in the distributed office system according to the fourth aspect, the display means may display the terminal of the user in an office area occupying a part of a screen of the terminal device of the user. The information about the other user displayed in the office area that almost occupies the screen of the apparatus is displayed by a simplified image display.

In the distributed office system according to a sixth aspect of the present invention, in the distributed office system according to the fourth aspect, the display means is provided in an office area occupying a part of a screen of the terminal device of the user. And displaying information on a part of the other user displayed in an office area which almost occupies a screen of the apparatus.

In the distributed office system according to a seventh aspect, in the distributed office system according to the sixth aspect, the terminal device of the user is displayed in an office area occupying a part of a screen of the terminal device of the user. A second switching unit that switches information regarding a part of the other user who is present.

In the distributed office system according to the eighth aspect, in the distributed office system according to the first aspect, the information on the other user is related to an image of the work status of the other user and the work status of the other user. It includes character information and an image of the other user's office.

According to a ninth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a distributed office system management method, comprising: a terminal device installed for each of a plurality of users; and a server device connected to the terminal device via a communication line. In a method for managing a distributed office system for displaying information about another user on a screen of a terminal device of the user, a plurality of virtual office areas are provided on a screen of the terminal device of the user, and the other At least an image of the other user's office is displayed in the virtual office area as information on the user.

According to a tenth aspect of the present invention, there is provided the distributed office system managing method according to the ninth aspect, wherein the plurality of virtual offices are provided on a screen of a terminal device of the user. The region is switched according to the user's instruction.

According to a eleventh aspect of the present invention, there is provided the distributed office system managing method according to the ninth aspect, wherein when there is no input from the input means for a predetermined time or more, the terminal device of the user is used. Switching between the plurality of virtual office areas provided on the screen.

According to a twelfth aspect of the present invention, there is provided the distributed office system management method according to the ninth aspect, wherein the plurality of virtual office areas substantially occupy a screen of the terminal device of the user. And an office area occupying a part of the screen of the terminal device of the user.

A management method for a distributed office system according to a thirteenth aspect is the management method for a distributed office system according to the twelfth aspect, wherein the office area of the user occupying a part of a screen of the terminal device of the user is provided. The information about the other user displayed in the office area that almost occupies the screen of the terminal device is displayed by a simplified image display.

According to a fourteenth aspect of the present invention, there is provided the distributed office system managing method according to the twelfth aspect, wherein the office area occupying a part of the screen of the user terminal device is stored in the office area. It is characterized in that information about a part of the other user displayed in an office area that almost occupies the screen of the terminal device is displayed.

According to a fifteenth aspect of the present invention, in the distributed office system managing method according to the fourteenth aspect, the terminal device of the user occupies a part of the screen of the terminal device of the user. The information on a part of the other user displayed in the office area is switched.

The distributed office system according to claim 16 is the distributed office system according to claim 9, wherein the information about the other user is an image of the work status of the other user and the work status of the other user. It includes character information and an image of the other user's office.

[0025]

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS An embodiment of a distributed office system and a management method thereof according to the present invention will be described. The distributed office system according to the present embodiment realizes various functions as a distributed office system by connecting a plurality of user terminal devices to a host server device via a communication network, thereby operating the distributed office. Things.

FIG. 1 is a diagram showing the configuration of a distributed office system. In the figure, reference numeral 11 denotes a host server device, which is installed in a main office (such as a head office of various organizations such as a company introducing a distributed office) and has a LAN (Local Area Net) in the main office.
work) 12.

Reference numerals 13 and 14 denote user terminal devices for workers who work in the main office. In this embodiment, three types of devices including a personal computer 18, user terminal device software 19 and a telephone 20, and other devices are provided. It is realized by combining devices. The telephone 20 is a PSTN line (general subscriber telephone line) or I
The personal computer 18 is connected to the host server device 11 via the LAN 12 via the SDN line.

Reference numeral 15 denotes a user terminal device for a user who works in a home office. In this embodiment, like the user terminal device 13, three types of devices including a personal computer 18, user terminal software 19, and a telephone 20 are provided. , And other devices are implemented. The telephone 20 is connected to the host server device 11 through a PSTN line (general subscriber telephone line) or an ISDN line.
8 is a host server device 11 through the Internet 21
Is connected to

Reference numeral 16 denotes a portable user terminal device for a user who works in a mobile office. In this embodiment, like the user terminal device 14, a portable personal computer 22, user terminal software 19, and a mobile phone 23 are used. It is realized by combining three types of devices and other devices. The mobile phone 23 is connected to the host server 1 via a mobile communication network and a PSTN line (general subscriber telephone line) or an ISDN line.
1, and the personal computer 22 is connected to the host server device 11 via the Internet 21.

Reference numeral 17 denotes another portable user terminal device for a user who works in a mobile office, which is a combination of two types of devices: a general-purpose portable information terminal (built-in World Wide Web browser) 24 and a portable telephone 23. I'm using Among them, the mobile telephone 23 is connected to the host server device 11 through a mobile communication network and a PSTN line (general subscriber telephone line) or an ISDN line, and a portable information terminal (World Wide W).
The web browser 24 is connected to the host server device 11 via the Internet 21.

FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a hardware configuration of the host server device 11. BP (Basic Platform)
orm) 31 is a PC server device. SPU (Sig
nal processing unit (32) is a parallel DSP (Digital Signal Process).
ssor) signal processing board. CU (CallUn
It) 33 is a telephone line board (Computer Te)
lephonyBoard). BP31 is LAN
LAN in main office through network board
CU33 is connected to PSTN line or IS
Connected to DN line.

FIG. 3 is a diagram showing a software configuration of the host server device 11. The software included in the host server device 11 includes a software program developed using the C ++ language or the like and an existing software program, and includes an OS (Operating System).
em), Windows NT (registered trademark of Microsoft Corporation, USA) is employed. In the figure, 41 is a server manager unit, 42 is a CU access library unit, 43 is an SPU access library unit, 44, 45,
48 is a driver section, 46 is a mail transmission section, 47 is DLL
(Dynamic Link Library) section, 49
Denotes a dynamic Web server unit, 50 denotes a database connector unit, 51 denotes Windows NT, and 53 denotes a database unit.

FIG. 4 is a diagram showing a hardware configuration of the user terminal devices 13 and 15. The main components of the user terminal device are a personal computer 18, terminal device software 19, and a telephone 20. In addition, two types (rear and front) of video cameras 65 and 66 are provided. It is connected to a video input terminal provided in the personal computer main body 61. However, there is a case where only one of the video cameras is used. Also,
The display 64, the keyboard 63, the mouse 62, the speaker 67, the microphone 68, and the like are respectively connected to input / output terminals corresponding to respective devices provided in the personal computer main body 61. FIG. 5 is a diagram showing a situation in which the device shown in FIG. 4 is actually installed in a home office where a user works.

FIG. 6 is a diagram showing the configuration of the software for the user terminal device. The software for the user terminal device includes a software program developed using the C ++ language and the like and an existing software program,
Win as OS (Operating System)
Windows 95 (registered trademark of Microsoft Corporation, USA) is employed. In the figure, 72 is Window / Dia.
log part, 73 is a program component part, 74 is a signal line, 75 is an HTML part, and 76 is WebBrowse.
r (component) part.

Next, the operation of various functions in the distributed office system will be described. To simplify the explanation,
It is assumed that each user has already completed connection to the host server device using his or her user terminal device and has started working.

FIG. 7 is a diagram showing a virtual office area 80 displayed on the screen of the user terminal device. The office area 80 is configured to be displayed in a size that almost occupies the screen of the terminal device. 81 is an image of the work status of another user. Reference numeral 82 denotes a work status data display unit on which character information as the work status data of the user is displayed. 83 is the user's private office space.
The combination of these three is a virtual private room office for this user.

In this embodiment, nine private offices are displayed on the same screen. However, the number of private offices may be larger or smaller. Then, the entire display space 84 is set as a private office area. The space between the private room office and the adjacent private room office is a virtual corridor.

A shared space area 85 is displayed next to the display of the private room office area 84. In the shared space area 85, an image indicating each room of the conference room, the training room, the refresh room, and the video room and an image indicating the entrance to each room are displayed.

Reference numeral 89 denotes a button area for switching to another display means. The work status image 81 of the user displayed as a part of the private room office is an image captured by the rear camera 65 or the front camera 66 provided in the user terminal device used by the user.

FIG. 8 is a diagram showing another virtual office area 91 different from the virtual office area 80 shown in FIG. 7, reference numeral 91 denotes a virtual private room office of the user.
It corresponds to. Reference numeral 92 denotes an image of the work status of another user, which corresponds to the image 81 in FIG. Reference numeral 93 denotes a work status data display unit on which character information, which is work status data of the user, is displayed, and corresponds to reference numeral 82 in FIG. Reference numeral 98 denotes the user's private office space, which corresponds to 83 in FIG. Reference numeral 95 denotes a shared space area.
Corresponding to 5. Reference numeral 94 denotes a button area for switching to another display means, which corresponds to 89 in FIG. Reference numeral 96 denotes a private room office area, which corresponds to reference numeral 84 in FIG. 7. Each section on which the name is displayed corresponds to the private room office space 83 of another user in FIG. (During work, resting, going out, vacation, etc.). In addition, 96 private office areas
The work status of each individual room is color-coded, and at a glance the work status of each person can be understood. Reference numeral 97 denotes a setting button area used for switching display members in the display private room area at predetermined intervals and fixing the members to be displayed. As described above, unlike the screen 80 shown in FIG. 7, the screen 91 displays the work status of each user with a simplified image, so that the screen 91 is displayed using only a part of the terminal device instead of the entire screen. be able to.

FIG. 9 is a diagram in which the screen 80 shown in FIG. 7 is displayed on the screen of the display device 64, and FIG.
9 is a diagram in which the screen 91 shown in FIG. 8 is displayed on the screen of FIG. In FIG. 10, reference numerals 101 and 102 denote user interface parts of other functions of the terminal device.
Denotes a mail browsing software, and 102 denotes a screen displayed by the homepage browsing software. As described above, even when other functions are used on the screen of the terminal device 64, the screen 91 is simplified from the screen 80.
Is displayed, it is possible to grasp other work conditions.

FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing a screen switching procedure after system startup in the distributed office system according to this embodiment.

When the system is started, first, a screen 80 having a size almost occupying the screen of the terminal device 64 is displayed as shown in FIG. 9 (step S1102). Then, it is determined whether or not button area 89 in FIG. 7 has been clicked (step S1103). If not, step S1103 is repeated until button area 89 is clicked.

When the button area 89 is clicked, a screen 91 is displayed using only a part of the screen of the terminal device 64 as shown in FIG. 10 (step S11).
04). Then, it is determined whether or not the button area 94 has been clicked (step S1105). If the button area 94 has been clicked, the process returns to step S1102, and the screen 80 is displayed again.

If it is determined in step S1105 that the button area 94 has not been clicked, the time since the last input from the mouse 62 or the keyboard 63 is measured, and whether or not a predetermined period T1 determined by the system has elapsed. Is determined (step S1106). Here, if the predetermined time T1 has elapsed, the display of the screen 91 ends, and the display of the screen 80 is performed again in step S1102.

If it is determined in step S1106 that the predetermined time T1 has not elapsed, it is determined whether or not the work status of another user has changed (step S110).
7) If there is a change, a screen 80 is displayed in step S1102 to show the state in detail.

If it is determined in step S1107 that there is no change in the work status of another user, the private room area 98
It is determined whether or not the display time of the member displayed in (1) has passed a predetermined time T2 predetermined by the system (step S1108). If not, the process of step S1105 is performed. Also, a predetermined time T
If 2 has elapsed, the member displayed in the private room area 98 is switched to another member (step S1).
109), the process of step S1105 is performed again.

As described above, according to the present embodiment, the terminal device is provided with functions other than the confirmation of the work status of another user,
For example, even when it is used for a word processing function, a homepage browsing function, a mail browsing function, etc.), by displaying the small display 91 as the work status display screen,
It is possible to always grasp the work status of another user. In addition, by displaying the simplified small display screen 91, it is possible to check at a glance the work status of another user who is not displayed, thereby improving the convenience of the user.

The work status display screens 80 and 91 are displayed on the button area 8 provided on the screens 80 and 91.
Since switching can be performed using 9 or 94, the convenience for the user is further improved.

If the input from the mouse 62 or the keyboard 63 has not been performed for a predetermined time T1 or more, it is determined that no other function is used, and a large work status display screen is displayed. Improve the sense of unity with office members.

Further, the display screen is automatically switched according to a change in the work status of another user, so that the work status of another user can be quickly grasped.

The displayed user is set for a predetermined time T.
By changing every two, the work status of a plurality of users can be properly grasped.

[0053]

According to the distributed office system according to the first aspect of the present invention or the distributed office system management method according to the ninth aspect, a plurality of virtual office areas are provided on the screen of the terminal device of the user. Since at least the image of the other user's office is displayed in the virtual office area on the user's terminal device as information about the other user, when the terminal device is used by another device However, there is an effect that the work status of another user can be grasped.

According to the distributed office system of claim 2 or the distributed office system management method of claim 10,
The plurality of virtual office areas provided on the screen of the user's terminal device are switched in accordance with the user's instruction. Is further improved.

According to the distributed office system of claim 3 or the distributed office system management method of claim 11,
When there is no input from the input unit for a predetermined time or more, the plurality of virtual office areas provided on the screen of the user terminal device are switched,
The effect that the sense of unity with the same virtual office member can be improved is obtained.

According to the distributed office system of the fourth aspect or the distributed office system management method of the twelfth aspect,
Since the plurality of virtual office areas include an office area that almost occupies the screen of the user terminal device and an office area that occupies a part of the screen of the user terminal device, the terminal device Even when the is used for other functions, the information about the user is displayed in the small (occupies a part of the screen) office area, so that the user can always grasp the work situation of the other user. can get.

According to the distributed office system of claim 5 or the distributed office system management method of claim 13,
In the office area that occupies a part of the screen of the user terminal device, the information about the other user displayed in the office area that almost occupies the screen of the user terminal device is displayed by a simplified image display. Since the display is performed, the work status of another user who is not displayed can be checked at a glance, and an effect that the convenience of the user is further improved can be obtained.

According to the distributed office system of claim 6 or the distributed office system management method of claim 14,
In the office area occupying a part of the screen of the user's terminal device, information on the part of the other user displayed in the office area almost occupying the screen of the user's terminal device is displayed. Therefore, it is possible to obtain the effect that it is possible to accurately grasp the work status of a plurality of users.

According to the distributed office system of claim 7 or the distributed office system management method of claim 15,
Since the terminal device of the user switches information about a part of the other user displayed in an office area occupying a part of the screen of the terminal device of the user, the work status of the other user is changed. The effect of being able to grasp quickly is obtained.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a configuration of a distributed office system.

FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a hardware configuration of a host server device 11;

FIG. 3 is a diagram showing a software configuration of the host server device 11;

FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating a hardware configuration of user terminal devices 13 and 15;

FIG. 5 is a diagram of FIG. 4 in a home office where a user works
FIG. 3 is a diagram showing a situation in which the devices shown in FIG.

FIG. 6 is a diagram showing a configuration of software for a user terminal device.

FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating a part of a screen of a user terminal device.

FIG. 8 is a diagram showing a part of a screen of a user terminal device.

FIG. 9 is a diagram showing a state where the screen shown in FIG. 7 is displayed on a user terminal device.

FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a state in which the screen shown in FIG. 8 is displayed on the user terminal device.

FIG. 11 is a flowchart illustrating a screen switching procedure.

[Explanation of symbols]

 Reference Signs List 11 host server device 13, 14, 15, 16, 17 user terminal device 18 personal computer 19 software for user terminal device 20 telephone 24 portable information terminal 41 server manager unit 53 database unit 61 personal computer main body 62 mouse 64 display 73 program component unit 80 Work status display image 91 Work status display image

 ────────────────────────────────────────────────── ─── Continued on the front page (72) Inventor Masami Kato 3-30-2 Shimomaruko, Ota-ku, Tokyo F-term in Canon Inc. (reference) 5B049 AA02 EE05 FF01 GG09 5E501 AA02 AA03 AA14 AB01 AB03 AB16 AC35 BA05 CA02 CA08 CB02 CB09 CB14 CB15 CC17 DA02 EA05 EA10 EA33 EB01 FA03 FA04 FA06

Claims (16)

[Claims] 1. A terminal device installed for each of a plurality of users, and a server device connected to the terminal device via a communication line, wherein information about other users is displayed on a screen of the terminal device of the user. In the distributed office system, a plurality of virtual office areas are provided on the screen of the user's terminal device, and at least the other user's office is provided on the user terminal device as information about the other user. A distributed office system comprising display means for displaying an image in the virtual office area. 2. A switching means for switching between the plurality of virtual office areas provided on a screen of a terminal device of the user in accordance with an instruction of the user. Distributed office system. 3. The user's terminal device includes an input unit for inputting data, and the plurality of virtual devices provided on a screen of the user's terminal device when there is no input from the input unit for a predetermined time or more. 2. The distributed office system according to claim 1, further comprising a switching unit for switching a temporary office area. 4. The plurality of virtual office areas include an office area that occupies substantially the screen of the user terminal device and an office area that occupies a part of the screen of the user terminal device. The distributed office system according to claim 1, wherein: 5. The display means relates to the other user displayed in an office area occupying a part of the screen of the terminal device of the user and in an office area occupying almost the screen of the terminal device of the user. The distributed office system according to claim 4, wherein the information is displayed by a simplified image display. 6. The display device according to claim 1, wherein the display unit is arranged to occupy a part of a screen of the user's terminal device in an office region that occupies a part of the screen of the user's terminal device. 5. The distributed office system according to claim 4, wherein information on a part is displayed. 7. The user's terminal device includes a second switching unit that switches information about a part of the other user displayed in an office area occupying a part of a screen of the user's terminal device. 7. The distributed office system according to claim 6, wherein: 8. The information on the other user includes an image of the work status of the other user, character information on the work status of the other user, and an image of the office of the other user. The distributed office system according to claim 1. 9. A terminal device installed for each of a plurality of users, and a server device connected to the terminal device via a communication line, wherein information about other users is displayed on a screen of the terminal device of the user. In the method for managing a distributed office system, a plurality of virtual office areas are provided on a screen of the terminal device of the user, and at least the office of the other user is provided on the terminal device of the user as information on the other user. And displaying the image in the virtual office area. 10. The distributed office system according to claim 9, wherein the plurality of virtual office areas provided on a screen of the terminal device of the user are switched according to an instruction of the user. Management method. 11. The plurality of virtual office areas provided on a screen of a terminal device of the user when there is no input from the input unit for a predetermined time or more. The management method of the distributed office system described in the above. 12. The plurality of virtual office areas,
10. The management method for a distributed office system according to claim 9, further comprising: an office area that occupies substantially the screen of the user terminal, and an office area that occupies a part of the screen of the user terminal. 13. The information on the other user, which is displayed in an office area that occupies a part of the screen of the user terminal device, in an office area that occupies a part of the screen of the user terminal device, is simplified. 13. The management method for a distributed office system according to claim 12, wherein the image is displayed by the displayed image. 14. An office area occupying a part of the screen of the user's terminal device, and information about a part of the other user displayed in the office area occupying almost the screen of the user's terminal device. 13. The management method for a distributed office system according to claim 12, wherein the display is displayed. 15. The user's terminal device switches information about a part of the other user displayed in an office area occupying a part of a screen of the user's terminal device. 15. The method for managing a distributed office system according to item 14. 16. The information on the other user includes an image of the work status of the other user, character information on the work status of the other user, and an image of the office of the other user. The method for managing a distributed office system according to claim 9.