JP2009282988A - System and method for optimizing environment to facilitate agent process - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a comprehensive system and method for providing the best solution by handling each of the targets without sacrificing other targets. <P>SOLUTION: An iterative feedback driven system for optimizing interaction among agents acting on multiple levels includes: a plurality of real agents each real agent having a plurality of characteristics; a means for controlling the degree at which some agents disclose data corresponding to their characteristics to the other agents; a means for allowing an agent to control the other agents; a means for allowing the agent to have the authority to access/use the other agents; an agent actual characteristic measuring means; an agent expected characteristic input means; a means for comparing actual characteristics of agents to expected characteristics of agents; a means for modifying agents based on the difference between actual characteristics and the expected characteristics; and a means for performing inter-agent communication only for the agents that disclose themselves. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2010,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a system and method for optimizing the environment that facilitates an agent process executing thereon. In particular, the present invention relates to a collaborative work space and a collaborative work space developed using this system. In general, the present invention utilizes a system driven by iterative feedback that optimizes the interaction between agents working at multiple levels, and the optimization of the agent pattern language value in a collaborative environment. About doing.

Terms and References Some terminology is used throughout this specification. For the meaning of these terminology intended herein, the following published references are helpful:
“Agent” and “Agency” as used herein: “Agency” means an individual, a machine, a group of individuals and / or machines, an organization of either or both of individuals and machines, and , And other things like documents, computer software, firmware and so on. In addition, the term “agent” used in this specification means a person, machine, group, or organization in a broad sense. Every system is characterized by the interaction of agents within that system. Depending on the objective, some of these interactions are important in achieving the objective (in general, certain interactions may not be important for a particular objective).

"Pattern Language": Explained in "A Pattern Language" by Christopher Alexander (1977) and "The Wright Space" Pattern & Meaning in Frank Lloyd Wright's Houses by Grant Hildebrand "Light Space" Patterns and Meanings in the Houses of Nothing)) (1991). (For the above two references, Wynfred Gallagher, “The Power of Place-How Our Surroundings Shape Our Thoughts, Emotions and Actions” (How does the surrounding shape shape thought, sensibility and action)? 1994) and “Prospect Refuge”.) Robert McCarter, “Frank Lloyd Wright-A primer in Architectural Principles” (1991).
“DesignShop (Trademark: Transliteration“ Design Shop ”) Event: Releases the group culture in the client, compresses team travel time from scan to act by importance, fully captures and organizes all generated information An event that aims to do all of this in a simplified manner without having to deal with unrelated parties.

  ManagementCenter (Trademark. Transliteration “Management Center”): A special environment for managing design and innovation processes in possible socio-economic changes and developing action plans to achieve established goals. By carefully communicating elements of the environment, information, design, and group processes, the management center reduces the “coincident” factor of discovery and joint events. The management center is a “safe” environment during which designers and decision-makers at Kyōnae can take on the challenge of systematic research and creation of new models. Also called “DesignCenters”.

  "RadiantRoom": A hall in the management center where related parties gather as a group to listen to reports or conduct some kind of general discussion. The focus of this radiant room is on a long work wall called a radiant wall, which may be straight, folding screen or curved depending on the design of each center. May be. Some radiant walls can be over 40 feet in length. The back side of the radiant wall is covered with an adhesive made by 3M, and paper is stuck and peeled off many times. This is called Knowridge Wall, but you may have heard that an old-timer on the network calls a sticky wall.

  "WorkWalls (Trademark. Transliteration" Work Walls ")": Light-colored porcelain steel panels on which various marking materials such as white ink, dry-drying markers, paint watercolor paints, ink, pastels, and water-based markers are placed. Used by related parties and KreW as a tool to support collaborative work. A typical management center has more than 3,000 square feet of this wall. Large groups or small groups present complex problems and detailed plans in plan view of all groups, but all are easy to edit. The amount of information that can be handled by these wall systems and the flexibility of erasing and adding to them make the butcher paper, flip chart, or projection system smaller. These walls are typically 6 feet or more in height and can be of any length. The rolling walls are 4 to 16 feet long and some are foldable. The work wall may be permanently installed in the environment. These walls are manufactured by Athenham International for MG Taylor and sold from Athenham International or from Kenoware stores, the chain of MG Taylor.

  “KnowledgeWall”: The management center has at least one large wall—sometimes up to 50 feet long, usually the back of the radiant wall—covered by a 3M adhesive surface. This wall serves as a large European kiosk. Any kind of information can be attached to this wall. Sometimes you can hang a part of the document. Photos, color artwork, drawings, etc. can also be attached. Magazine articles and articles from the Internet can also be displayed for viewing by interested parties. Information is not displayed unplanned, but rather, the layout is thoroughly designed, which organizes the walls into an information event.

  "Armature": described in Herb Green, "Building to Last-Architecture as Ongoing Art" (1981).

“Rules of Engagement”: A list of boundaries that should be set in a design shop, session, management center or NavCenter to ensure success. An example of the requirement to prohibit observers or visitors during a design shop (all involved or involved in KreW) is another example of other business activities by stakeholders in the design shop. (This breaks the breakout team unity and creates a product that allows individuals to always do other business away from the cheek on the phone.)
Synergy means the overall, integrated, and overall system behavior that cannot be predicted by the behavior of a component taken from the whole or the behavior of its sub-assemblies. In addition, there is an inference of synergistic action known as the Principle of the Whole System, and if the known behavior of some parts is added to the overall known behavior, the existence of other parts, It is explained that the behavior, motion, structure, and relative dimensional relationship can be understood.
(background)
The traditional collaborative work space or office space composition used today is a 19th century relic. It is widely recognized that there are various deficiencies in traditional collaborative workspace systems. In part, these problems stem from the various needs and / or purposes that the collaborative workspace must be satisfied with today. For example, it is desirable for knowledge workers to have as much work space as possible and as many work spaces as possible. On the other hand, for economic reasons, there is a desire to maximize density (number of knowledge workers per square foot of office space). As office space became more important, so did the desire for density and efficiency. It has also been recognized that plugs and play or modularization of office furniture systems can increase efficiency. Similarly, mobility and user mobility are desirable objectives. These objectives are widely referred to as paying attention to human values, ie values relating to practical and economic interests. As used herein, the expression “human value” is intended to include a range of economic and practical values affected by workspace design.

  From the user's point of view, human value (although not necessarily limited to) “suppression ability” —light, temperature, sound, vision, alienation or solidarity, “adaptive” -Minute, hour, day, week, month, year scale, "placement", "adaptability to work style and user style", "various work space"-open, different tools, "individual work and collaboration", Includes "prospect" and "evacuation".

  From the manager's advantage, human value (although not necessarily limited to) a compromise between economic pressure (less space) and knowledge work conditions (larger space) "Usage of space per person", "wire management", "various wires" constantly changing, "avoid placing wires in the wall made", "work walls, furniture" ”Make in reinforcement member”, “Plug and play” —includes cord differences.

  Of particular interest is adaptability, which includes (but is not limited to) “minimize“ priesthood ””, “user-placeable“ office-scale ”furniture system only” , “True adaptability is not“ anyone can go anywhere because everyone is the same ””, “scale of adaptability”-time in team setup and in personal space from building to building, It has various purposes including physical, color, texture and movement.

  Another important concern that is often not noticed in standard open space systems is the desire for “location ownership”. To pay attention to this concern, one must have the ability to tailor the personal space and the custom space to allow work process access and mass / individual emotions. In short, users can own, build, hold, and deploy their components, including the ability to (easily) take them with them as they move. Should.

  (Complexity) existing systems achieve density, achieve individual required user space (and space type), utilize footprints and addresses (no wasted, no disposable space), pattern language (displayed Value), reinforcement (Alexander, Chin, Green, Franc and Brand), prospect and evacuation (Gallergar, Day), order and complexity, deployment and adaptation.

  (Durability) Modern systems are best when new, materials are non-repairable, styles (limited by the system) have no inherent design, just old and outdated. The present invention is intended to be matured over many years (gracefully in time) and easily determined and adapted. For example, a standard straight work wall panel can be hung on a wall, folded onto a track or wheel, slid or double hung. Similarly, a personal pod can be one, two, three, etc. one-piece workstations to complete a room (or “s” curve).

  Within this scope of interest, it is widely believed that there is an intrinsic conflict. For example, the need for a larger space for knowledge workers and a greater variety of workspaces for knowledge workers is typically believed to directly impact greater densities. Similarly, the need for a wider variety of workspaces has been thought to conflict with greater modularization.

  Recent efforts have focused on human value concerns. In particular, the prior art (see US Pat. No. 5,684,469 assigned to Steelcase) improved utility support and user access to collaborative workspaces as modern offices become more complex and sophisticated. It has been recognized that the need for increases. One important result of the advent of sophisticated electronic offices is the need and desire to distribute utilities to various offices so that they can be easily controlled. As building costs continue to rise, efficient use of building floor space is also a major concern. The essential nature of modular furniture systems that can be easily rearranged into different configurations makes the distribution and control of appropriate utilities very difficult.

  So-called “open office plans” typically comprise a large open floor space in a building that is provided so that it can be relocated to meet the needs of a particular user. Many such open plans include movable partition panels removably connected to divide the open space into individual workstations and / or offices. Such partition panels are configured to receive hang-on furniture units such as work surfaces, overhead cabinets, shelves and the like. Another configuration of the split and / or partition open plan is that furniture units that stand freely in different shapes are connected side-by-side and an upright privacy screen is fastened to at least some of the furniture units. Form a separate workstation and / or office for the individual. As recognized in US Pat. No. 5,651,219, these types of conventional workstation configurations do not optimize human (ie, economic and practical) design value. For example, these types of traditional designs include workers engaged in group work, such as self-management teams, and a relatively large number of workers from different fields such as engineering, design, manufacturing, sales, marketing, purchasing and finance. As a group to define and review issues, set general policies, and then divide into smaller subgroups or individual assignments or projects to identify specific issues related to their unique areas It is not specifically adapted to support workers who are involved in team problem solving techniques. Group work underscores the need to support such actions more efficiently and effectively by gradually gaining importance as a way to improve productivity and time to market.

  In addition, built-in offices and conference rooms are generally expensive to construct and maintain, and are usually not considered to make effective use of open plan environment space. When such regular rooms are built in the office space for rent, they become permanently improved rentals, naturally deteriorating in value over a long period of time and cannot be moved immediately upon completion of the rent period. . Changing the composition of such a space is quite cumbersome and interrupts daily work. Furthermore, with respect to normal meeting room layout, breakout meetings between various subgroups of workers are often inconvenient because the offices of the workers engaged are rarely located close enough to the meeting room. I understand that.

  Collective problem-solving techniques always involve some degree of interrelationship between co-partners, and therefore, in the preparation of the modern office environment, the optimal balance between worker privacy and worker interrelationship. It is recognized that it will create a need for further establishment.

  Various attempts have been made to address these practical and economical human matters. For example, Steelcase Inc. U.S. Pat. No. 5,684,469, which is entitled to, owns a modular furnishing utility distribution system of the type that includes a set of individual furnishings arranged to form one or more workstations.

  Steelcase Inc. U.S. Pat. No. 5,675,949, which is entitled to open to office plans and other similar settings, where the utility distribution system includes a prefabricated floor structure designed to be supported directly on the building floor. Disclosed.

  Steelcase Inc. U.S. Pat. No. 5,561,219, entitled “Open Plan Space”, and similar modules. It includes a small footprint consisting of a self-supporting skeleton that supports three-way partitions that form an internal work space and a doorway for the user to enter and exit.

  U.S. Pat. No. 5,561,219 provides a small, functional workspace and similar, especially adapted to support knowledge workers engaged in collective work on an open plan effectively and efficiently Try to try.

  Steelcase Inc. U.S. Pat. No. 5,511,348, specifically entitled, discloses a furnishing system adapted to support collective work in an open plan. The system includes a plurality of pillars that support a ceiling skeleton, stand on the floor of the building, and have a predetermined height slightly above the average height of the user. A plurality of individual panels are provided, each panel being assembled by an adult user to allow easy and manual movement of it. The hanging arrangement is related to the ceiling framework and works with connectors on the panel that detachably hang the panels at various positions along the ceiling framework. The panel allows manual structural changes between many different sequences that effectively and efficiently support different collective tasks.

US Pat. No. 5,684,469 US Pat. No. 5,651,219 US Pat. No. 5,675,949 US Pat. No. 5,511,348

  The designs described in these recent patents address some human value issues by providing a more efficient system, but do not correctly recognize the need to address the value of architectural pattern languages. Well, not working. As a result, the described components are not sufficient to optimize both human and pattern language values. In addition, with emphasis on practical and economic value, excellent diversity, the use of natural materials to achieve true durability, true variability, architectural skeletons, vantage points, shelters, and possibly This leads to placing value on standardized systems that attempt to achieve maximum efficiency without considering other important values, such as the most important pattern language.

  Since emphasis is placed on efficiency and practical and economic matters, it is surprising that well-known systems that address one or more of the previously stated goals work at the expense of other goals. Absent.

  In particular, ordinary furnishing systems do not allow optimization of human values and pattern language values. With respect to human values, the diversity of furnishings and workspace arrangements and configurations is necessary to solve the challenge, ie to meet and optimize (all practical, human, and economic) values. Does not harmonize with diversity. In this regard, furniture design limits the range of possible solutions and limits the ability to create an environment that promotes collaborative interrelationships. Furthermore, although the value of pattern languages is well described in detail (see Alexander), most cannot be achieved using normal “standard” furniture parts. Custom design is required. This is very expensive and uncommon and requires an ad-hoc approach.

  In addition, there is a continuous need to integrate new technologies, preferably in a fully unified manner, into a collaborative workspace. Before the advent of the Internet, distributing information to all interested decision makers was extremely expensive. Currently, the World Wide Web is an unparalleled distribution channel, and the cost of providing information to special users is essentially zero. This provides the first ever large-scale distribution of common data that can be economically performed, turning all Internet users into potential data customers.

  Thus, there remains a need for a comprehensive system and method that provides the best solution by addressing each of these goals without sacrificing other goals.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention relates generally to a systematic approach to environment optimization to simplify agent interaction or communication occurring within the environment. The invention is useful, for example, in collaborative labor to optimize or collaborative research environments, but the invention is not limited to such environments. The present invention also provides a new environment, including a collaborative labor or collaborative research environment resulting from this systematic approach. The present invention is a multi-complex system where the collaborative labor or collaborative research environment is such that both complex systems include multiple complex agent systems and operate as agents in larger complex systems. This is based on the inventor's recognition that there is. As will be described below, the present invention is derived from a collaborative combination of recent technology, insights into agent interaction or communication, and insights into the relationship between environment, processing and tools.

  The system and method according to the present invention provides a labor method that unifies the value of all types of agents because it relates to a collaborative labor or collaborative research environment: human, machine, environment, and multiple A wide array of tools and building blocks, as well as information storage and commercial methods.

  The scope of this invention relates to the simplification and expansion of physical, mental and virtual agents at multiple levels of iteration and recursion. All things (and non-things) can be found in an object-oriented "code" language that establishes multiple relationships and multiple families of rules that govern and interact with the interaction or communication of multiple agents. The basis of this invention is that it can be handled in that language. Furthermore, the complex and newly created “lifelike” systems include multiple agent interactions or intercommunications through multiple iterations and at multiple levels of iteration or recursion; Behaviors appear as recurring, inductive or recursive, feedback, critical sets or most, and specific “genetic codes” (rules, algorithms) that govern the interaction or communication.

  The complex behavior of multiple complex systems is unpredictable and uncontrollable in the common sense of these terms. This creates many problems in the range of human movements in complex creative relationships and organics. Prior to the present invention, the desired result can be achieved in a reliable manner without destroying the phenomenon of “group genius”, so that the result is in a focused situation. There has never been a method or system for describing, generating, and acting on agents in a way that makes them simple solutions that lack the appropriate and necessary diversity. In other words, the limitations of the methods that can be used on their own set the range of available “solution sets” that are unconditionally and absolutely systemically infeasible.

  Inherently linear and continuous for more complex situations as the human effort of the so-called “Knowledge Economy” emerged complexity, time compression, global nature and virtuality These limitations of applying “easy” methods that are both manual and sequential will create increasingly unstable and dangerous conditions.

  There are countless states that need to be organized and acted upon that can be successfully achieved within the scope covered by this invention, but prior to this invention, there was a unified language, There is no way. In the range of human labor processing, environment and tools that simplify creativity, by way of example, many different languages are used to “describe” phenomena and direct effects. This “Babel Tower” —at the level of human-related iteration and recursion—is present in the fields related to these ranges, almost entirely “bottom” (neural networks, computer code, tools Kit) and "upper" (environment, system, organization, network, ecology) can not describe, recognize and provide the necessary structure, thereby making it impossible to unify and systematically work Let Phenomenon webs are discovered and treated as different, unrelated, often contradictory things (eg perceived conflicts of interest between human organic organizations and natural ecology). This is the result of huge disruptions, poor use of resources, and increased anxiety in multiple complex systems such as human collaborative work or research, large organizations, global networks and organics. Drive emerging behavior with qualitative characteristics.

It is an important insight of the present invention that the systems and methods need to be discovered and handled in collaborative labor or collaborative research locations within a wide bandwidth in a unified manner as shown below.
1) Like multiple processes based on essentially the same and repeating rules that can be handled using consistently consistent and consistent engineering terms (in other words, similarity between complex phenomena) Language that describes the phenomena required from multiple levels of neural networks to global organics (descriptive, technical, pattern languages, modeling languages, algorithms, Providing a deep language.
2) Multiple agents (at multiple levels of iteration or recursion from computer code to multiple networks) systematically increase interaction and interaction, collaborative labor or collaborative research, collaborative, desired Can be handled as multiple agents so that they can be augmented, simplified, and "acted on" in a way that guides the resulting emerging behavior (multiple processes, Providing the ability to create an environment (consisting of multiple environments and multiple tools).
3) As appropriate simplification of interaction or interaction within (many types) agents is achieved, and a collaborative labor or collaborative research environment for these multiple agents is created in this context, Providing multiple processes or multiple rules of interaction or communication.
4) Other natural phenomena can be used to better integrate human movements or actions and still have the complexity that humans themselves generate (greater productivity, time and effort) Providing the results of human collaborative work or research with a cost reduction requirement and a network of “group genius”.

  One enabling component according to the present invention is an understanding of the processing of agents (eg, humans) or agents that want to be simplified. The inventor has developed and published various detailed models of creative processes and collaboration or collaboration that allow the systems and methods of the present invention to be used to promote group characteristics.

  In general, the systems and processes of the present invention address environments, processes and tools in such a way as to create an improved environment for group interaction. At the highest level, each of these areas is addressed with a description, description, and specific physical examples. At a deeper level, multiple components are addressed using a high level manual written in a language that can be understood by multiple agents. At a deeper level, the included essential concepts can be described using models and / or symbols. The symbols are original artistic representations of concepts related to group dynamics. Collectively, when used in conjunction with a grammar system, the plurality of symbols constitute an independent language somewhat similar to a fourth generation language. At a deeper level, the present invention utilizes a set of rules or algorithms that operate on the environment, processes and tools.

The inventor has developed a modeling language and grammar system that describes some of the concepts underlying the system and method of the present invention. This language and grammar reflects the components of the tool and other aspects of the invention and is therefore important for a complete understanding of the method and system. For this purpose, the following simple definition is given.
10-step knowledge management: An engine for distributing and designing information from multiple events using a knowledge base and processing on subsequent events.
Scan-Focus-Act: A basic representation of the creative process in three stages (adding a feedback component). Each of these stages is not a "step" I in a linear and sequential sense, but a "mode of operation" on which the material being processed is examined and acted upon.
Enterprise business: A network-based architecture that links multiple functions of manufacturing, investment, consumption, and management in a knowledge-based enterprise.
Enterprise stage: The enterprise life cycle, including special situations such as overshoot, collapse, turnover and entrepreneurial buttons.
Five E of Education: Necessary and sufficient components of a complete education package.
Viewpoint: Seven shells in a philosophical to task context that must be appropriate for a company to maintain homeostasis.
Seven domains: Seven domains managed in all enterprises and in all enterprise activities. When properly managed, it ensures the health of the company and provides growth and benefits to knowledge-based organizations.
Seven stages of the creative process: the most complex creative model developed by the inventor, how this problem arises, then functional, fractal, cyclical and nonlinear in nature Explain how the process solves it.
'Spose': The Spose model retains the secret to allow the system to evolve gradually in the course of rapid changes in the environment and still allow the system to retain its homeostasis and uniqueness . Companies use poses to innovate without having to capture all new ideas that pass by.
Appropriate response: All stages of the creative process need to produce results. Better results can be obtained by screening and testing competing designs using the six components of this model.
Three cats: We all assemble the spiritual concept of how things work by observing reality. But to solidify what we have learned, we must create models that illustrate our concepts, test these models against what we observe, and ensure our understanding.
Design, construction, use: The development of a project or creation over time is an interactive and repetitive game between designers, builders, and users. But when we make the process linear, discrete, and focused on a “finished” state, the results are not lively.
Creating a problem: This model investigates the relationship between perspective and situation that creates a “problem”. Continue to portray the creative tensions that bring vision and situation together and create new situations.
Learning Path: 5 points of landlords: Instead of the three traditional roles in education (students, teachers, managers), we give five: simplifying learners, patrons, and masters People and waiters. In a high-performance environment, each individual moves from role to role, sometimes in rapid succession, and sometimes with a cycle of several years.
Four-step recreational process: The creative process has many faceted aspects and can be understood and practiced from many different perspectives. The four-step model highlights recreational activities during each stage of the creative process and presents this recreation as a wave and particle phenomenon with linear and non-linear approaches.

  Each of these essential concepts can be described using models and / or symbols. The symbols are original artistic representations of concepts related to group dynamics. Collectively, the symbols when used in connection with a grammar system constitute an independent language somewhat similar to the fourth generation language.

  To achieve the stated and other objectives of the present invention, the present invention includes the steps of identifying the number of agents, certain determined criteria and other, as embodied and described below. Selecting a subset of these agents based on the method, the method for promoting creativity. An environment for creative interaction is prepared and the selected agent is located in this environment. These agents then perform work and produce results. Then, when the result is evaluated, it creates a first new agent. The first new agent created is then tested.

  In addition, the first new agent can be added as an agent for the current environment, as an element of the environment, or as an additional task to be performed by the agent in that environment, Then, the process of the present invention is then repeated for this new element to create a second new agent.

  In addition, the first new agent may be added to the external environment, where the first new agent is modified and returns or a third new agent is returned for return. Can be created, in which case the modified first new agent or third new agent performs as an agent for the current environment, as an element of the environment, or in that environment by the agent Added as an additional task to be done, and then the process of the present invention is repeated for this new element to create another new agent.

  The method is thoroughly repeated until a pattern appears. This pattern can be easily identified and discussed using a specific language developed by the inventors.

  The present invention broadly relates to emerging insights about the human process and emerging insights about the relationship between the two, ie perceived at different levels of consciousness. Is the result of an interdependent combination of emerging technologies with respect to how they affect human processes. Therefore, the technology that enables quick change of the environment is an important component of the present invention. This is not only for changeable furniture (developed by the inventor), but also for lighting, sound, and other things that we know now affect human processes, This is also true for sensory experiences. As the ability to control sensory inputs to agents in the environment increases, the usefulness of the present invention increases.

  The ability to control sensory input to agents operating in the environment is therefore an important enabling technique for the present invention. Thus, for example, to achieve interdependent improvements in human processes, active control of lighting within the environment is incorporated into the system of the present invention, which is well known per se.

  In acoustic technology, there are recent innovations that the inventors have found that can be used to achieve similar control of sound within the environment. In particular, most loudspeaker developments over the past 40 years have identified, understood, and suppressed diaphragm resonances, resulting in sound tone and “smear”. Has been directed to. Now, new drive units have been introduced that encourage and utilize rather than eliminate diaphragm resonances. This new speaker technology, introduced by New Transducers Ltd. in England, is referred to as the distributed mode speaker technology. .

  Distributed mode loudspeaker technology involves handling a diaphragm that vibrates randomly across its surface rather than making it coherent. Rather than a fixed and adjusted system of pistonic diaphragms, each small area of the panel basically vibrates independently of its neighboring areas. Such a randomly vibrating diaphragm behaves quite differently because power is transmitted to the mechanical resistance of the panel which is constant with respect to frequency. Radiation resistance is no longer important because air near the panel also moves in a random manner and reduces the effective air load. This means that the diaphragm dimensions are no longer controlling the directivity, with a high frequency output that becomes limited to a narrow three-dimensional angle around the forward axis. In other words, it means that the radiating area can be sized as desired. This diaphragm behavior clearly opens up the possibility of a full-range driver without the familiar limitations and compromises. The distributed mode speaker does not actually vibrate the diaphragm randomly, but instead simulates it using distributed-mode operation. To do. This naturally assists the diaphragm to produce the maximum number of bending resonances with equally allocated frequencies. The resulting vibration is so complex that it approaches a random motion.

  There are also a number of side benefits. The acoustic behavior (other than sensitivity) is not affected by the mass of the diaphragm, just as it does not have to be nervous with respect to the size of the diaphragm. . This technology is indeed scalable and can enlarge the panel without compromising the directivity or responsiveness to the highest sound. In fact, as the panel size increases, the frequency of the fundamental bending resonance decreases, which not only expands the response to the lowest pitch, but also the modal density at mid and high frequencies ( Increases modal density, improving performance.

  The diaphragm of a distributed mode loudspeaker vibrates in a complex pattern across its entire surface. In the vicinity of the diaphragm, the sound field created by this complex pattern of vibration is also complex, but the far-field characteristics of the distributed mode loudspeaker radiation when moved away by a short distance. become. This is close to the directivity of the true point source, i.e. close to omnidirectional, even when the diaphragm is very large relative to the dissipated wavelength.

  The distributed mode is a very definitive technique. That is, the acoustic operation of the distributed mode panel is once conditioned by a few key parameters related to panel size and shape, exciter placement and electromechanical characteristics. Can be predicted very accurately.

  To help with the design process, commercially available software suites that provide three layers of sophistication according to user requirements are useful. At the simplest level, you can enter a target specification and the software will design the solution. Alternatively, the design process can be more thorough by qualifying different panel material properties, performing different analyzes of different design aspects, and performing advanced analysis of 'possible situations' where conclusions are evaluated. Can be examined.

  Commonly known distributed mode speakers are used for ceiling tile loudspeakers, banners, loudspeakers and slide outs, ultra-thin laptop computer speakers. Including. However, it is clear that the importance of distributed mode speaker technology to the design of the environment is not fully understood or appreciated. Indeed, as described below, the present invention provides an important new application of distributed mode speakers that has not been previously planned.

  One embodiment of the distributed mode speaker system is similar to a small button, where a plurality are arranged on a plane, such as a panel such as a thin foam core plate. In operation, the entire plane vibrates, producing a substantial acoustic effect. The acoustic effect is particularly interesting because it tends to be unidirectional, in other words it can be heard but it tends to occur from the surface forward so that it does not fill the space. Is. Thus, if it is in front of the plane of the speaker, the sound produced from the speaker can be heard, but if it is next to or around the plane of the speaker, it cannot be heard well. Another feature of the distributed mode loudspeaker is that the electronics that can perform this operation are those that normally lose feedback during recording and playback in the same room.

  In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, the distributed mode speaker can be fully integrated into a collaborative environment. For example, distributed mode loudspeakers recognize furniture, knowledge objects, signals, walls and ceiling tiles or even on the floor (of course, different materials have a lot of acoustic range. While)

  In addition, there are other important features of the design of the distributed mode speaker due to the advantages of environmental design. That is, they are inexpensive and can therefore be ubiquitous in the environment. This allows the distributed mode technology to be combined with other acoustic technologies known to work in environments including sound, music; white noise; sound cancellation. The advent of technologies such as distributed mode speakers that make it possible to control these acoustic effects, in the context of the present invention, for example, in the environment to facilitate the purpose of facilitating cooperation, etc. This makes it possible to control the sound systematically.

  As a result, in order to create an acoustic space according to the present invention, for example, speakers are arranged throughout the environment and broadcast cancellations by music, white noise or various combinations (by a mixer or the like). ) By controlling the speaker, an “acoustic space” can be created in any environment. This makes it possible to systematically control sound within the acoustic space in order to achieve a desired purpose. For example, sounds can be defined and controlled in several acoustic spaces defined in a collaborative environment to facilitate the work done in each space. For example, it is possible to amplify someone's voice and actually play it quietly to the extent that the voice is not amplified at all, and to control the amount of reverberation in the room, It is possible to adopt a space that does not have any one of the above characteristics, and to bring about reverberation, and it is possible to select a predetermined frequency to be canceled while simultaneously performing this. An acoustic space without reverberation can be created. More importantly, live sound with certain characteristics can be created, and if people are in a live acoustic space, they will control things and stop them from screaming. This is because the occupants will adjust the degree to which they speak for the acoustics of their location. In short, a controlled acoustic space can be actively created in the environment-the number of separate spaces and the accuracy with which they are controlled depends mainly on the size of the environment and the outer shell in the hardware configuration. Yes. It is possible to create not only a fixed space but also different types of acoustic spaces variably. To monitor the acoustic space and, as desired, establish different types of spaces, characterize the space, and enable active control by a computer programmed to shape the acoustic space In addition, computers and other equipment can be used.

  Accurate control of sound is useful in designing other environments well. For example, in a mobile environment, according to the present invention, sound can be controlled to achieve an object such as comfort for passengers.

  Of course, there are existing technologies for actively controlling lighting and new technologies for smell and taste control. All of these techniques are preferably used practically.

  This method controls the environment in relation to the creative process. This makes it possible to simulate sound, light, odor, and other sensations that can be actively controlled (and affect the environment) in relation to the process.

  The present invention provides an environment in which furniture placement, lighting, and sound are all actively controlled in relation to processes that lead to the environment. Using such an environment that facilitates collaboration with agents in the environment, for example, a person will have a model of the process leading to the environment. As a case where the problem is solved, for example, as described above, the present invention provides a creative process and collaboration that makes it possible to understand how the environment is controlled in various scenes of agent interaction. We are developing.

  The environment can be adjusted for processes that occur in the provided environment where the process is mapped. As described above, the present inventor has developed a map of a creative process called a “solution box”. The solution box is a 7 × 7 × 7 three-dimensional grid map of design versus formation versus vantage points that define where groups are in the creative process. Based on one location within the solution box, a predetermined environment that facilitates the process is defined. As such, the system of the present invention can facilitate the process in real time by modeling the process as a multi-step process, thereby allowing the process in the process to determine where one or more agents are in the process in real time. Define environmental characteristics that facilitate various steps and control placement, lighting, sound, or other sensory aspects in the environment based on agent location in the process.

  Thus, the present invention is based on the state of agent interactions within the agent interaction system (of humans, machines, groups, organics, and combinations thereof), and the interaction of agents directing appropriate environmental conditions. An environment is provided that facilitates the interaction of agents in an environment according to a predetermined model. The environment includes a means for locating physical components in the environment (measured by sensors and people) and a means for relocating tangible components in the environment (humans and machines moving components to relocate them) Etc.), lighting characteristics determination means (sensors and human measurements) in multiple discrete regions in the environment, and lighting adjustment means in the environment (removable and adjustable components by humans and / or computers) Component operation), environmental acoustic monitoring means (sensors and human measurements), and environmental acoustic adjustment means (human and / or computer relocatable component movement and distributed mode panel speakers, etc. Monitoring and measuring the operation of adjustable components) and the state of agent interactions in the environment Repositioning of tangible components in the environment, lighting and sound adjustment means (control of the components by humans or computers) performed according to the stage (measurement by sensors and people) and the measurement result of the state of agent interaction in the environment Including.

  Environments include rolling work walls, work pods on roll casters, kiosk components, stackable shelf cubes, wing work surface components, etc. A variety of reconfigurable components may be included, but not limited thereto.

  The insight of the present invention lies in the “structure wins” and the structural and technical limitations inherent in today's economy. People's creativity, effort, and the level of goodwill are not easy problems. In order to give a suitable effect to a complex system, one will behave as a single system. For this, you will encounter the Law of Requisite Variety. This cannot be done with existing processes, tools or environments.

  Many aspects of a suitable system are incompatible with the guidelines and requirements for the development of a true knowledge economy. As this is expressed in business, economics, politics, and social theory cannot handle the necessary level of “action” that is needed “technical” issues and words, methods and today Is an economic tool. Communication technology systems, banking and legal structures further hinder growth and transitions. The industrial economy cannot develop into a cognitive economy-there are too many systems that cannot be removed without premature failure in the existing order. This will have disastrous consequences. However, the elements that are emerging in the new economy are drawing unprecedented growth and complexity that can “blow up” the response capabilities of the system. Many “solutions” actually increase the complexity and thus increase the rate at which the system is “fixed”. This is the result of too many misplaced dynamic feedback loops built on many key elements of the system.

  The new system must be in place where it can exist in parallel with the old one, while increasing the industrial economy and replacing the old one. This process must allow for “Graceful Failure”. Therefore, the entire system can be configured according to the present invention, and more and more emerge to increase the existing order, but finally a system with great flexibility and tolerance of process complexity can be generated.

  In a broad sense, the interaction and integration coordination between members and other “agents (operating customers or functional entities)” in a collaborative environment, and the recursive and repetitive aspects of the system of the present invention relate to the publication of an intellectual environment . An example of this is that agents at the level of the JAVA applet appear to be no different from human agents in design shops or KnOwhere stores as agents in the network. All these agents act by rules and are simplified. The inventor has found that this is a very similar similarity between these agents. All of these represent many of the same actions and mind / brain agents, as described by Minsky. In contrast, the differences are of a type that is special and thus less relevant to the overall system and process of the present invention.

  Thus, the greatly different agent human similarity advantage provides a new balance adjustment for designing collaborator environments. In addition to a significant group and participation of iteration and recursion, this insight here is truly the foundation of an intelligent system.

  In particular, the system of the present invention includes multiple true agents, each true agent having multiple characteristics. The term agent (operating customer or functional entity) is used in the previously defined meaning.

  The system further includes means for forming a virtual agent representing the true agent in the system, each agent including data corresponding to certain characteristics of the represented true agent. This means may be a computer that can replicate the computer code and replicate another agent, or a biochemical replicator, or an artificial copy of the agent. Humans, teams, groups and organizations can form models.

  The system further comprises means that allow at least some agents to control the degree to which data corresponding to the characteristic is displayed to other agents. Humans and agents at a higher level of recursion (team, group or organization, etc.) clearly have this capability, and the computer is a software agent (eg, object or applet) that displays more or less data to other agents. Etc.) can be programmed. This feature can also be achieved by known biochemical techniques.

  The system further comprises means for allowing the agent to control other agents, including itself. Humans and agents that typically operate at higher levels of recursion include tools and can control themselves and agents at lower levels of recursion. Human agents and agents that operate at higher levels of recursion are not necessarily required, but can be controlled over agents at their own level of recursion. A computer can be used to form software agents (eg, objects or applets) that control other software objects.

  The system further includes means having access and usage characteristics that allow at least some virtual agents to access or use only those agents that have access rights corresponding to the agents. A computer can be used to create software agents (eg, objects or applets) that have access and usage characteristics. There are also known biochemical techniques for access control. At the recursive human level and higher levels, there are many access control methods including, without limitation, password protection, locks and biometric instruments.

  The system further includes means for allowing an agent to have access or usage rights related to the access or use of other agents. A computer can transfer or grant rights to a software agent (eg, object or applet). There are also known biometric techniques that grant access to some agents, but not others. There are ways to gain a lot of access at the recursive human level and higher levels, including without limitation, key passwords, locks and biometric properties.

  The system also includes means for allowing the agent to control what is displayed by the controlled agent. The computer can limit the extent to which software agents (eg, objects or applets) can communicate with each other. There are also known biochemical techniques that determine certain properties of other agents and not others. There are many ways to limit disclosure at the human level and at higher levels of recursion.

  The system also comprises means for allowing the agent to change the controlled agent. This means may be a computer capable of changing the computer code and transforming other agents, or an artificial copy of a biochemical replicator or agent. Humans, teams, groups and organizations can change some agents at the model and lower level agents and at their own recursion level or higher.

  The system also comprises means for allowing the agent to replicate other agents to the extent that other agent characteristics are displayed. This means may also be a computer that can replicate the computer code to replicate other agents, or an artificial copy of a biochemical replicator or agent. Humans, teams, groups and organizations can form models and other agents by copying observations.

  The system also has a means for measuring the actual performance of the agent. Any known measuring means can be used. The measurement may be objective, such as quantity or measurement, and the measurement may be subjective, such as “good” or “bad”.

  The system also has means for entering the expected performance of the agent. The input means may be a person calculating a data interface, communication between software objects, biochemical communication, target and object description means.

  The system also includes means for transforming the subscriber based on the difference between the actual subscriber performance and the expected subscriber performance. This also means that the computer can copy the computer code to change to another contractor or biochemical contractor or human change contractor. Humans, teams, groups, and organizations change models and other contractors by changing the composition of contractors, ie, the members or objects of the steam used in an “electronic” environment.

  The system also includes means for allowing communication between subscribers that is restricted to which subscribers represent about themselves. There are countless forms of human-to-human direct communication, biochemical reactions, electronic communication, and communication through network computers. Any known communication means may be used.

  The system also includes means for determining a subscriber's location within the system. Any known means may be used. Computers can track and record the positions of objects in the system, or software objects can be programmed to report their own positions. With human contractors and tools, GPS is an effective way of communicating contractor locations to electronic contractors. However, any detection of smell, sound, or visible touch is used for position determination.

  The system also includes means for determining the health, status or status of the subscriber within the system. Any known means may be used for this purpose. It is possible to provide a tool or system with a lower level of direct regression measurement. Higher levels of return health, status or condition can be detected, or electronically monitored or determined through investigations by other contractors.

  The system also includes means for determining the value that other subscribers place on access, control, use or other subscriber communications. The means adopted are any form of market (actual or virtual), auction, electronic or text reference table, eg “the Blue Book” or pattern language value table, “attraction” or actual property, etc. It may be a table and statistical analysis.

  The present invention also contemplates various methods for optimizing interaction between subscribers, which subscribers include several combinations of the following steps. The step is to create a virtual contractor to display the actual contractors in the system, each contractor containing data corresponding to some physical characteristics of the actual displayed contractors. , At least some virtual contractors can control the data corresponding to physical characteristics to other contractors, allowing the contractors to control the other contractors they contain and access privileges corresponding to the contractors Have access / use characteristics that allow access to or use only that contractor, give the contractor access or use privileges for access to or use of other contractors, Let the contractor control what is shown by these contractors they control, let the contractor change the contractors they control, and indicate the characteristics of other contractors to the contractor Duplicate subscribers to a certain extent, measure actual subscriber performance, enter expected subscriber performance, compare actual subscriber performance with expected subscriber performance, and Change subscribers based on the difference between the subscriber's performance and the expected subscriber's performance, allow communication between subscribers restricted by which subscribers indicate about themselves, and subscribers in the system Determine the value of other subscribers located in access, determine the value of control, use or communication of other subscribers and reports.

  In more specific scenes, the present invention provides a system and component that enables the system to optimize the design of both human language, practical and economic values, as well as pattern language values. . In part, the present invention is derived from the inventor's recognition of the invention, which recognizes that a system constructed using a linear configuration of components based on rectangles is the source of the problem. is there. The various objects that people are likely to achieve in a collaborative workspace cannot be achieved through the use of known components. An array of new components is required. As a result, the present invention provides a series of components and a system for using these components to achieve previously unattainable results.

  Contrary to the general collaborative environment that does not address the entire range of basic human requirements (requiring concessions and tradeoffs), the system of the present invention does not require concessions. The present invention provides collaborative workspace, high density, greater individual control, greater workspace, adaptability and recognizability, address pattern language value, and computer compliant design and easy manageability I will provide a.

  The present invention also provides a system that facilitates the design and management of collaborative workspaces. The system is based on the recognition that the collaborative work environment is a collection of objects and the system has rules. Thus, the system of the present invention knows the cost of an object, knows the structural rules, knows the structural values, and knows the rules of the pattern language. This is achieved by using values stored in a memory table or the like. Moreover, the system can adjust relative values of things, such as structural values based on the customer's or client's purpose. The system includes means for displaying an environment layout, preferably an electronic display monitor, and means such as icons that graphically represent objects within the environment. The user can “pick up” and place the object at a desired position within the environment. The system knows the cost of the selected object, the structural rules for placement, and the structural values associated with the particular object in the pattern language rules. In addition, the system provides overall cost as well as structural value scores or pattern language scores on a real-time basis.

  According to a further embodiment of the present invention, the system of the present invention can be utilized to manage the environment. In particular, systems can be designed so that individual systems know what objects are in the environment and where these objects are (how the environment is built). This can be accomplished in various ways, such as placing a chip within each of the objects or placing a sensor within the environment. Thus, for example, if an object moves into a place where it is not structurally acceptable (e.g., where the object moves to a location where the door is blocked), the system can monitor the environment and send alerts in places. Thus, generally, the system facilitates both the design and placement of furniture (equipment) in offices, homes and other environments, and monitors the environment in places. This is done by a central computer and / or a system composed of a plurality of individual objects networked. However, as far as the system knows what the objects are and what they can do, the rules that apply to the environment and the objects, and where the objects are and how they are formed. . In this way, the system knows the environment, knows what objects are in the environment, and knows what rules apply to that environment.

The present invention also relates to various furniture components that can optimize human and architectural pattern language values in a collaborative work environment. In general, a collaborative work environment is considered to include various levels of components. With respect to the components described in this application, the components are grouped into the following levels (from a lower level to a higher level).
I. Subcomponent:
Examples include secretaries, file cabinets, pigeon halls, and shelves.
II. parts:
Examples include dogs (work units), wings, tables, and kiosks.
III. System For example, Cube Office (trade name), Work Pod (trade name), Octopus (trade name) (unit / lighting with moving internal air)
IV. Work wall (trade name)
For example, fixed wall, rolling wall, slide wall, folding wall, db1. Includes hanging walls.
V. Amateurs For example, beams, trellises, launch patterns, aisle edges and bases At the highest level (apart from the city or area itself), the environment also includes the building and the room within the building. However, the present invention is primarily concerned with components below those listed. These components are described in the figure.

  One of the main advantages of the system of the present invention is that a component is provided that optimizes the pattern language value. Pattern language values, custom-built by architects such as Wright, were widely used, but to date, much attention has not been given to many of the pattern language values cataloged by Alexander using traditional shelf furniture. It was. Moreover, there was no interest in furniture related to human values such as economic efficiency and movable adjustment. Thus, a particularly superior aspect of the present invention is that the component can utilize at least 100 of the 253 pattern language values cataloged by Alexander. Also, information on these pattern language values is collected from the “pattern language” of Christopher Alexander in 1977.

  Another important aspect of a collaborative environment is access to information. This request can be handled at one level by providing various prints through the workspace. The furniture components of the present invention are well suited for this purpose in that they include a variety of shelf space, work surface and display surface. However, the workspace also includes access to electronic databases including the Internet and data warehouses. To facilitate such access, the environment of the present invention preferably includes a display monitor throughout the space, and equipment components are designed to movably support such a monitor. Furthermore, equipment components and armature elements are designed to conceal or guide cables and wires that are connected to electronic components. This collection of components and their arrangement in the environment (as shown in the drawings) can provide an overall seamless media integration within the environment. Furthermore, the system is highly scalable and tunable for new technologies that are now widely available or will be widely available in the next few years. New technologies include large-scale electronic work walls, electronic assistance, electronic displays, real-time video conferencing, intelligent agents and data warehouses. These components collectively provide an environment where information is available as needed, or “just-in-time information”, and eliminates the need for remote collaboration.

  Thus, the systems and methods of the present invention provide an ideal environment for the integration of data mining techniques where information flows freely as needed. Thereby, decision makers can get all the information they need when requested by the data warehouse. That is, the environment includes a complete range of fully integrated media sources and displays. Thus, for example, a knowledge worker can turn on a computer (workstation, network computer, laptop, PDA or intelligent assistant) and the knowledge worker can call today and talk to anyone anywhere Similarly, any question can be asked from any database at any location. The present invention provides an overall process and environment in which “just-in-time information” can be fully utilized and this information can be integrated into a collaborative workspace.

  Thus, the present invention provides some functional advantages over known systems. First, the present invention can design a practical layout of components that cannot be obtained using known systems based on rectangular components. The system of the present invention is effective in promoting interaction between agents, that is, in creating an environment that promotes interaction between agents including humans and machines. Furthermore, the present invention makes it possible for the first time to process pattern language values using standard components. In the past, well-known standardized systems have not been particularly effective in processing pattern language values.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram of one iteration of an embodiment of the present invention. The block diagram of the process of the decision point element contained in the block diagram of one iteration of embodiment of this invention. The block diagram explaining several agents and those functions. Block diagram showing the elements of the environment. The block diagram explaining the important component of the execution element of embodiment of this invention. The figure showing the example or element of the changed or output agent produced | generated by the repetition of embodiment of this invention. A diagram containing an example or element of an output agent and a new environment iteration. FIG. 2 is a high level system flow diagram of the system of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a high level system flow diagram of the system of the present invention. 1 is a schematic diagram of a collaborative work environment according to the present invention. The environment includes tools according to the present invention. 1 is a high level diagram of a system configuration according to the present invention. FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a height adjustable mobile kiosk component shown in reduced height and combined with a mobile wing work surface component. 1 is a perspective view of a portion of an environment according to the present invention showing a rolled and curved work sheet surface and multimedia components. FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a portion of an environment according to the present invention showing a rolled and curved work sheet surface and multimedia components. FIG. FIG. 6 is another perspective view of a portion of the environment according to the present invention, showing a reconfigurable work area defined by a rolled and hinged work wall. FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a work pod component according to the present invention, showing various possible configurations. FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a work pod component according to the present invention, showing various possible configurations. FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a work pod component according to the present invention, showing various possible configurations. FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a work pod component according to the present invention, showing various possible configurations. FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a work pod component according to the present invention, showing various possible configurations. FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a work pod component according to the present invention, showing various possible configurations. FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a work pod component according to the present invention, showing various possible configurations. It is a schematic diagram of a multi-center work area layout. FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a cube office component including a shelf cube and a base unit. It is a perspective view showing one form of a cube office system.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION In a broad sense, the present invention is the result of a combination of emerging technologies with emerging insights regarding human processes and emerging insights regarding the relationship between them. In other words, what is recognized at different levels of consciousness is how human processes are affected. Thus, techniques that enable rapid reconfiguration of the environment are an important element of the present invention. This applies not only to reconfigurable furniture (developed by the inventor), but also to lighting sounds and other sensory experiences that we currently know. As the ability to control sensory input to agents in the environment increases, the utility of the present invention increases.

  Another pre-requisite in the present invention is to understand the process of an agent (eg, a human) that a person wishes to promote. The inventor has developed various detailed models of creative processes that allow the system and method according to the present invention to be used against the parent group genius, as previously described, Published.

  In general, the systems and processes of the present invention are directed to environments, processes, and tools that create an improved environment for group interaction. At the highest level, each of these areas is directed to a description, explanation, and specific physical examples. At a deeper level, elements are directed to high-level manuals written in a language that can be understood by agents. At a deeper level, the essential concepts involved can be explained in models and / or glyphs. Emoji is the original artistic expression of concepts related to group dynamics. Overall, pictograms constitute a separate language somewhat similar to the fourth generation language when used in conjunction with a grammar system. At a deeper level, the present invention uses a set of rules or algorithms that affect the environment, processes and tools.

  As explained in detail above, the inventors have developed a modeling language and grammar system to explain some of the concepts underlying the system and method of the present invention. One embodiment of a system for facilitating cooperation between agents according to the present invention is shown in FIGS. FIG. 1 shows a block diagram outlining one iteration of the method of this part of the invention. The steps of the present invention are not intended to occur in a particular order. They may occur simultaneously or in order, and do not necessarily occur in the order shown in FIG. Furthermore, these steps are for illustration and not exhaustive. The method and system may include other steps.

  The method shown in FIG. 1 shows only one iteration in this aspect of the invention. An important aspect of the present invention is that the method occurs at multiple levels of recursion. Thus, other iterations may occur, preferably continuously, or in a chain (eg, supplying an agent or outcome obtained in one iteration to subsequent iterations). . Furthermore, simultaneous multiple iterations may occur at different levels of iteration. For example, some agents in a certain iteration, such as a facilitator, may also perform additional iterations associated with any step in the method, mirror portion or all of the iterations.

  The system and method of the present invention is most productive when there are multiple levels of iteration and feedback occurring simultaneously. The use of iterative methods, including multi-level recurrence, feedback and self-regulation, results in systems and methods that can be used to facilitate interactions between agents that produce synergistic results. For example, in solving complex problems, the system and method need not address the entire problem at once, but instead evolve towards a single solution. Simply put, the problem disappears but is not solved.

  In one iteration shown in FIG. 1, in step S1, a group of agents potentially used in the system is identified. This identification step is performed by a user of the system or a person or system other than the system of the present invention. These agents may include, for example, intelligent agents, people, documents, computer software, firmware, living things, computers and others. A collection by a system or person other than the system of the present invention may include, for example, people as company selected special intelligent agents, documents, programs and potential agents included in a particular iteration.

  In step S2, work is performed on these agents. In an embodiment of the present invention, this task includes the selection of a specific agent with a predetermined level of function or other creative element designed to facilitate the operation of the present invention. The predetermined level depends on the range of repetition. For example, when a particular problem is attempted to be solved for a particular group of agents, an appropriate level is suggested depending on the nature of the problem or group. In addition, embodiments of the present invention include factors that support the development of generic sections that can vary the use of repetitive-special information.

  The selection process of step S2 includes a query to agents for the response used to determine the impact on a particular iteration, for example. The interrogation may be intended to ensure that the fraudulent nature of the agent matches or engages the characteristics identified for a given cross section. Furthermore, the content of the response itself is useful for the development of the cross section.

  In step S3, the agent selected as a result of the process of step S2 is added to the environment created in step S4. Adding an agent may include connecting to a computer or agent via a network or other electrical or other connection. It may also include gathering people or groups in a specific place.

  Creating the environment in step S4 also includes creating a specific network, designing a specific workspace, programming a computer, or another method of agent collection. In particular, if the environment includes people, the environment may include special amenities designed to facilitate the effective operation of the present invention. For example, the environment may include a section area for group collection, a wall-drawing function that allows information to be continuously maintained in an area that is easily visible to the agent, computers used by the agent, television and other video functions, and agents. It may include toys, games, books, and other tools that help communicate ideas and achieve other functions, including those of the present invention.

  In step S5, a user or agent in the system performs work. The work done by agents is designed to facilitate iteration-specific problem identification and detailed definition, using methods that approach problems that do not fall within the general scope of agent problem-solving patterns. Various tasks or tasks are also included. Tasks and tasks include information gathering, mission performance, game play, research, analysis, reporting using 3D objects and tools, model building, task illustration, and other problem solving tasks.

  As a result of the process of steps S3, S4 and S5, new agents such as documents, computer programs, proposed approaches to problems similar to familiar tasks, proposed solutions, etc. are created. In step S6, a complex decision process occurs, which is described in detail in FIG. 2 and below. The decision step outputs one of the two outputs to the other step. In the first output branch, the resulting new agent is fed back to the current iteration. The first step in the feedback process is to test a new agent in step S7. In step S8, a determination is made as to whether to input a new agent as the operating function of step S5. Alternatively, the system proceeds to step S9, where a new agent is entered into the environment at step S4 to effectively create a new environment, or whether a new agent is entered as another agent in the system at step S3. A decision is made.

  In the second output branch, the output of step S6 acts as the input of step S10 for the new environment. In step S11, the agent changes as a result of being incorporated into the new environment. In step S12, the changed agent is evaluated in a complex decision process similar to step S6 detailed with reference to FIG. As a result of this decision process, the newly changed agent is fed back to the current iteration via step S7 or the agent is output from the iteration.

  Various functions are achieved by outputting the agent from the current iteration. For example, the output agent can provide input to another iterative process using the present invention. The output agent may simply be output from the process.

  Two examples of the repetitive operation of the present invention shown in FIG. 1 are shown below. These cases are intended to be illustrative only. This case is not limited to applying the system to a specific set of agents, a specific iteration, or a specific environment. This case also does not mean that a single iteration or a specific order of steps is required.

  The first example shows an accelerated original work process. In the workplace using the present invention, several steps are automated, eg, computerized, using the method and system of the present invention. In this example, referring to FIG. 1, in step S1, a group of people is identified as a pool of potential agents to help solve a particular problem. In this example, the person in the pool and a particular problem are related by a company.

  In step S2, the people in the pool have information and progress to act as agents, set to illegal information about potential obligations to the identified problem and skills chosen by the user. Asked by a user such as a role. A computerized matrix of skill demands adapted to the problem is used to select from the pool. The matrix is partially filled to use the selection process. In this example, this method of matching skill results, a problem-specific task, and a matrix are automated. In addition, other agents are identified as intelligent agents designed to obtain specific information from the Internet. These intelligent agents are commercially available or specially designed and adapted to the specific problem under consideration. In addition, as part of step S2, a set of documents and other information items are provided to the agent separately or as an element of pool selection processing.

  In step S3, the selected person and the intelligent agent are gathered in a common environment, which constitutes step S4. The environment includes equipment to help creativity, movable walls that stakeholder writes, toys, game tools, video devices, computers, and other tools that creatively create cases and show points.

  Training or other work is selected to be performed by the agent as steps S3 and S4 at the same time. These trainings may include collecting information, eg, automatically searching the internet, role acting, playing games, analyzing, reporting, and other problem solving actions. These trainings work to facilitate the identification and detailed explanation of the problem under consideration using methods that go beyond the normal problem solving of the agent and encourage them to think about the problem Designed to be. For example, subgroup agents are assigned to research and systems that are reminiscent of the problem under consideration. The group provides its analysis and results to the selected group as a whole and is used for additional analysis and problem clarification. An intelligent agent may be assigned to obtain information about natural elements as the problem converges to a business dispute.

  In step S6, as additional work, it is determined whether to feed back to the current iteration, step S8, to its environment, or to additional agents, step S9, step S7. Instead, the results may be passed outside the environment, and in step S10, in this example, the decision process is facilitated via input and evaluation using a computer program.

  Subsequent to step S10, the agent is changed by the external environment in step S11. The modified agent is tested in step S12 in the same manner as in step S6 and either the agent is removed from this iteration, the agent is returned, or additional agent information is changed to the current iteration through step S7. A decision is made whether to get as part of

  As an example of supplying to the external environment in steps S10 and S11, an initial proposal regarding a problem is sent to the company manager via the agent. The company manager feeds back to the agent, who returns to the current iteration environment and continues the iterative process.

  In the second example, more processes are automated by computer programs and computerized intelligent agents. In this example, in step S1, a group of intelligent agents, each having a special function and mission, are deployed by the user in step S2, with terminals for solving special problems. The functions and missions of the intelligent agent are identified and deployed based on alternating references between pre-selected creativity characteristics and problem scope. In this example, an automated process helps the user cross-reference it.

  The agent connects and communicates with the user via a computer connection and acts as an environment in step S4. When the user completes the task, step S5, the agent provides various inputs based on the assigned functions. For example, an agent may be assigned by the user to search the internet for related ideas based on the use of specific keywords. Thus, when a user processes a language and creates a keyword, the agent continuously examines and displays a result related to the keyword or a combination of keywords.

  When the user works on the problem, the result of the keyword combination is returned to steps S7, S8 and S9 as an additional task to another intelligent agent performing another function. The results of these functions are continuously provided to the user as part of the environment from various agents including the user. In this way, a continuous feedback loop of information from various agents including the user works as growth information displayed simultaneously in the user environment. At some point, the user outputs the result, step S10, changes the result out of process, and step S11, the output result is sufficient to solve the problem about the user's needs, or The result further determines whether to return to the iterative process, step S7, step S12.

  The decision step S6 is a complex process and includes a process that completely repeats all the processes shown in FIG. As shown in FIG. 2, this process includes the following steps. In step S20, an original state model that can be applied to the iteration is input, and in step S21, a current state model is input. In step S22, these models are compared to calculate the derivative or increment between these models. In step S23, a matrix and a series of formulas are calculated that can be applied to start the iteration. In step S24, a matrix and a series of formulas are entered with increments. In step S25, the first combination of matrix and series of formulas is applied to the increments. In step S26, the next combination of matrix and series of formulas is repeatedly applied to the increment until an incremental tentative answer is obtained. This process includes the execution of agents, environments, and tasks, as described with respect to FIG. In step S27, an agent created by a combination of a matrix and a formula is applied to calculate a provisional answer. In step S27, the agent is either returned to the current iteration, sent to a new environment, or sent to both. Similar processing is performed for step S26 in FIG. 1 and may be performed for steps S8 and S9.

  3-7 are block diagrams illustrating elements that support the various steps illustrated in FIG. In FIG. 3, a plurality of agents and their function 1 are input and output between people 2, machine 3, computer 4, software 5, firmware 6, organism 7, object 8, and between agents and external agent 9. Both and the operating system 10.

  In FIG. 4, the elements of environment 20 are one or more agents 21, architecture elements 22, objects 23, variable boundaries 24, information 25, positions (micro and macro) 26, tools 27, energy 28, between elements of environment 30 and It comprises an input / output 29 from the environment 31 to external elements, and an operating system 32. The variable boundary can include, for example, the porosity of the environment. This variable is adapted to the environment based on agent, scope, and nature of work, and the influence of other environmental factors. With respect to the environment, significant impacts on a particular agent or agents include energy 33, agent strength 34, knowledge and intelligence 35 of each agent, agent constitution 36, and knowledge base 37 that characterizes the agent. This applies to both the agent individual 38 and the group 39.

  FIG. 5 shows the important components of the execution work element 45 of the present invention. These components include, for example, confirmation or creation of a target model 46, such as a final state model for creating and solving problems, gaining experience 47, reconstruction 48, pattern recognition 49, model building 50, simulation 51. , Selection 52, test 53, decision 64, and iteration 55. Further, the input / output 56 between the constituent elements and from the internal constituent elements to the external constituent elements, and the operating system 57 constitute the appearance of the execution work element 45 of the present invention.

  FIG. 6 shows an example or element of a modified or output agent 60 created by iteration according to the present invention. The output agent 60 comprises one or more modified input agents 61, modified environmental elements 62, new agents 63, such as products and non-autonomous agents, and an agent mission map 64. Further, the input / output 65 between the components and from the internal components to the external components, and the operating system 66 constitute the appearance of the output agent element 60 of the present invention.

  FIG. 7 shows an example or element of an output agent and a new environment interaction 70. These elements comprise, for example, an output agent medium 71 such as a document or program, output agent feedback and communication 73, and new environment feedback and communication 74. Further, the input / output 75 between components and from internal components to external components, and the operating system 76 constitute the appearance of the output agent of the present invention and the new environment interaction element 70.

  As described above, the ability to control the sensory input to the agent within the range of the environment is an important technique for implementing the present invention. For example, effective control of lighting within the environment is well known per se, but has been incorporated into the system of the present invention to achieve a synergistic advance in human activity.

  Recent innovations in acoustic technology found by the inventors of the present application can also be used to control similar sounds in the environment. In particular, in the present invention, for example, the acoustic technology introduced by New Transducer of England and described above can be widely used.

  According to another aspect of the present invention, distributed mode speakers can be fully integrated in a collaborative environment. For example, distributed mode speakers can be incorporated into furniture, information objects, bulletins, walls, and ceiling tiles or even floors (of course, many different materials have many sound areas. I need to know that.)

  Thus, from the advantages of environmental design, the inventor has found that there are several significant features of the distributed mode speaker design. That is, they are inexpensive and can exist anywhere in the environment. The above distributed mode technology can also be combined with other acoustic technologies known to affect the environment including sound, music, white noise, and sound elimination. The advent of technologies that allow control of their acoustic effects, such as the distributed mode technology described above, within the context of the present invention, for example within environments to facilitate objects that facilitate collaboration. Allows sound to be systematically controlled.

  Thus, according to the present invention, for example, by building a series of speakers in the environment and in order to create an acoustic space, music, white noise, and cancellation are broadcast to control the speakers (mixers) It is possible to create an “acoustic space” in any environment. This makes it possible to control the sound within the acoustic space in an organized way to achieve the desired object. For example, in order to facilitate the generation of activities within each space, it is possible to create and control sound within various acoustic spaces formed within a collaborative environment. For example, it is possible to amplify someone's voice and reproduce it so soft that the amplification is not actually known. It is also possible to control the amount of reverberation that the room has. Also, a reverberation can be created by obtaining a space without any of those features. It is also possible to select certain frequencies that you want to delete simultaneously while doing this. It is also possible to create a dead acoustic space. More importantly, create a live acoustic that has certain features and will stop screaming above all else if people are in a live acoustic space. Is possible. This is because the person who is there adjusts how much he speaks to the sound of the place. In short, it is possible to create an acoustic space that is actively controlled in an environment where the number of separate spaces and the accuracy with which they are controlled basically depends on the size of the environment and the investment in the hardware configuration. . Different types of acoustic spaces can be created, such as fixed spaces as well as variable spaces. Computers and other devices can be used to monitor the acoustic space described above and can be actively controlled by a computer programmed to establish different types of spaces, creating desired spatial characteristics and creating an acoustic space can do.

  Of course, there are existing technologies that actively control lighting and emerging technologies that control odor and taste. All of these techniques are preferably used in the implementation range.

  In this way, the environment is controlled in relation to the creative process. Things that stimulate sensations like sound, light, smell (and affect the environment) are actively controlled in connection with the above process.

  Thus, the present invention provides an environment in which furniture, light, and sound placement can be actively controlled in relation to the process in which the environment is processed. To use this environment to facilitate agent collaboration in the environment, you must have a model of the processes that are processed in the environment. In solving the problem, for example, the inventor has developed a model of the creation process that allows the environment to be controlled at various stages of the creation process.

  The environment can be created such that the process occurs within the environment in which the process is located and provided. As mentioned above, the inventor has developed a map of the creation process referred to as the solution box. The solution box is a 7 × 7 × 7 3D grid mapping design against formation against Vantage Point that is defined as a group within the creation process. Based on the location of those in the solution box, a special kind of environment is created that facilitates the process. Therefore, the system of the present invention models the process as a multi-step process, thereby making it easy to determine in real time the various steps of a process in which one or more agents are present in the process. It makes it possible to facilitate the process in real time by forming and controlling the placement, lighting, sound, or other sensory aspects of the environment based on the position of the agent in the process.

  At its highest level, the presently preferred embodiment of the system for optimizing human and structural pattern language values of the present invention is a collaborative work environment collected object and the system has rules Is based on the recognition. Thus, the system has means for storing information about the objects available in the environment, the cost of each object, the architectural rules that manage the objects and the environment, and the architectural values associated with the objects and the environment, and the rules of the pattern language Have a computer system that knows. This data can be stored in a memory table or other suitable means.

  Some values, such as architecture value, vary depending on customer preferences and choices, so the system adjusts the relative value of things, such as architecture value, based on the purpose of the customer or client. It is preferable to include the means to do.

  The system comprises means for projecting an indication of the environment arrangement, preferably an electronic display monitor, and means for representing objects in the environment as graphics, eg icons. In a preferred embodiment, the user may “pick up” an object using a pointing tool, such as a mouse, and place it at a desired location in the environment. Since the system already knows the cost of the selected object, the architectural rules for its placement, and the architectural value for a particular object in the pattern language rules, the system Similarly, the total cost can be provided in real time.

  In another embodiment of the present invention, the system of the present invention can also be used for environmental processing. In particular, this system can be designed so that individual systems can know which objects are in the environment and where those objects are (how the environment is formed). This can be achieved by various methods. For example, it can be accomplished by attaching chips to individual objects or by placing sensors in the environment. In this way, after the system has properly monitored the environment once, for example, if the object has moved to a position that is prohibited by structure (for example, if the object has moved to a position that closes the door), A warning can be issued. That is, in this way, the system can optimize both the design and placement of equipment in the office, home, and other environments, and can properly monitor the environment once.

  Although various methods can be used to form and operate the system of the present invention, FIGS. 8 and 8A illustrate a high-order system flow, and FIG. 9 shows an example of the system configuration of the present invention. A high-order diagram for is shown.

  As shown in FIG. 9, the system is adapted for use by a user 1 working on a personal computer or workstation 22. The personal computer or workstation 22 includes a display monitor that functions as display means. The personal computer 22 may have a CPU for performing all system functions, or, as shown, the computer may be a mainframe or server computer, as shown at 24 and 26. 27 may be linked to the network 5 including 27. Although a specific hardware configuration is illustrated, the system of the present invention is not limited to this hardware configuration. In particular, as described above, all system functions may be performed by a stand-alone computer. The system stores data (preferably in RAM) for various objects (shown as objects 1, 2,... N). For each object, the system should store at least data about the size, shape, and position in the environment of the object. The system also saves data about environmental parameters and applicable architectural rules in memory. Again, memory placement within the system and environment is not limited to these. For example, much of the information about the attributes of an object may be stored in the object or on the object itself if each object has a microchip or CPU. Of course, there are various ways to locate the object in the system. The methods include, but are not limited to, sensors, radio signal wiring, infrared signals, and the like. The object should preferably be a network in a broad sense so that it can communicate with or be detected by other parts of the system. Furthermore, if the objects are reconfigurable, the system preferably comprises some means (either internal or external) that can recognize the current configuration of each object.

  The system also has a numerical table that contains information about the selected object. In particular, the system preferably has at least three tables. A table for the cost of each available object, a table for the architectural value for each available object, and a table for the pattern language value for each available object.

  The system shown in FIG. 9 operates as shown in FIGS. 8 and 8A. In particular, in step MS1, the system first prompts the user to enter his name, preferably through a display monitor. In step MS2, the user is asked to select an object. The object may be selected from a menu including the following selections. For example, “maximum economic efficiency”, “maximum pattern language value”, or more detailed options such as “maximize natural light” or “maximize density”. Alternatively, the list may include a questionnaire that can obtain data about user preferences as a subroutine.

  Regardless of how the user's preferences are ascertained, the system will, as shown in step MS3, out of means for adjusting the architecture and pattern language values stored in the table, eg, computers 2,7 It is preferable to have one of these. Furthermore, the values contained in Tables 2 and 3 that specify the associated architecture value and pattern language value are updated to reflect the user's preferences. Thus, for example, if the user points out that economic efficiency is important, the architectural value that provides greater density is taken to be a large value. Instead, if the user shows a preference for maximum natural light, the object that promotes natural light is given a larger value.

  In step MS4, the user is prompted to select and enter environmental parameters. This can be done in several different ways. Users are presented with several standard environment configurations (“boxes”), and if a design for a building with a standard box-type layout is to be made, choose between these Is required. More preferably, however, the user is asked to present an overview of the environmental parameters of the environment to be designed. This includes an outline of the inner wall, including doors, windows and fixtures.

  Based on the input in step MS4, the system displays in step MS5 the environment specified by the consumer. Further, in step MS6, the system displays a display (preferably an icon) of available objects located in the environment. Preferably, the available objects are displayed in proportion to their size, or if they are not practical, they are displayed on a scale once selected.

  In step MS7, the system also displays the cost, architectural value, and pattern language value of the system designed so far. At this early stage, these values will of course be zero.

  Each time an object is placed in the environment, in step MS9, the placement selected in the environment satisfies a set of architectural rules (stored in the system) specified for a particular jurisdiction. Determine whether or not. If not, the system outputs an error message (at step MS10) that explains the problem and promises the user to select other options. On the other hand, if the arrangement meets all applicable architectural rules, the cost, architecture, and pattern language score are updated at step MS11, and the display of the environment is updated at step MS12 for use. The display of possible objects is updated at step MS13.

  The user is prompted to confirm the selection at step MS14. If the user chooses not to confirm the selection, the object is erased from the display of the environment at step MS15, and the table and display are updated (reset) at step MS16.

  If the user confirms the selection and arrangement of the object at step MS14, an investigation is performed as to whether or not the design is complete at step MS17. If the design is not complete, the user returns to step MS8 and the process is repeated until the design is complete. Once the design is complete, in step MS18, the user is given the opportunity to print out or record the final design in the system and the process is complete.

  As noted above, the present invention also relates to various furniture components that can optimize human and architectural pattern language values in a collaborative work environment. In general, a collaborative working environment can be thought of as including various levels of components. At the highest level (excluding the site and the area itself), the environment includes buildings and rooms within the buildings. The present invention relates primarily to components below these levels, characterized as armature level components, divider (workwall) level components, workstation system level components, subcomponents and lowest level pieces. The present invention provides components that are specifically assigned to optimize human and architectural pattern language values at each of these levels.

  FIG. 8B shows a schematic diagram of a collaborative work environment according to the invention. An important aspect of this collaborative work environment is that all media is incorporated into the work environment. Thus, the environment of the present invention can include a range of multimedia devices, whiteboards marked with markers, pixelated writing boards for enhanced 3D type graphics, electronic input And electronic whiteboards capable of output, whiteboards with full color scan and copy capabilities, and interactive whiteboards. As used herein, the term “whiteboard” means surrounding the entire range of a work wall or writing wall, and is not meant to be limited to white walls or the like. In fact, the standard writing wall of the present invention is preferably gray.

  With particular reference to FIG. 8B, the displayed environment defines appropriate environmental conditions based on the state of the agent interaction within the agent interaction system (creative process and group interaction as described above). Can be reconfigured to facilitate the interaction of agents (human 2, machine 3, 4, group 5, organization and combination itself) in the environment according to a predetermined model of agent interaction. . The environment being displayed has a work wall 13 that can be either a large scale white wall or a market-type white wall or an electronic white wall. The environment also has a large scale video screen 20 to allow remote collaboration. In addition, knowledge workers 2, 5 can serve as a means to control various physical contributions to the environment, including a laptop computer 30, personal digital assistant 40, and cooperative multi-screen workstation 50. Shown to work with components.

This sketch shows the total accumulation of media into the environment and the use of the furniture system of the present invention in the environment. The work wall 10 includes a series of Hypertile ^™ and demonstrates the potential of an intelligent assistant. The environment further comprises means such as sensors 7 or a human observer 2 for determining the placement of physical components in the environment. The environment also has a human or machine-like means of moving the reconfigurable components to reconfigure the physical components in the environment where the work wall and other components can be supported on the caster. The environment also has means such as sensor 7 and observer 2 to determine the lighting characteristics in each area within the environment. The environment also has a changeable or adjustable operating element that operates with a human and / or computer to adjust the lighting 18 in the environment. The environment also has a sensor 7 or an observer 2 to monitor sound in the environment. The environment also has a changeable or adjustable operating element (eg, a model panel speaker 8 placed in place) that is human and / or computer operated to adjust the sound within the environment. The environment is also responsive to the means for monitoring and determining the state of agent interaction 5 in the environment (such as sensor 7 and observer 2) and the determination of the state of agent interaction 5 in the environment. , Physical elements and means for adjusting lighting and sound in the environment (elements controlled by humans or computers).

  As will be described in detail below, the environment can have various changeable elements. Such elements include, but are not limited to, for example, rotary mobile work walls, work pods on casters, rotary mobile kiosk elements, stackable shelf cubes, and rotary mobile wings.

  A fully integrated environment according to the present invention is shown, for example, in FIG. 8B, which allows for quick change / prototyping model creation to work together. The environment also facilitates intelligent agent interaction, enabling quick planning and quick prototyping. Preferably, the environment has multiple generations of development in a single space.

  The use of media best illustrated in FIG. 8 is an important aspect of the present invention. In this regard, it should be understood that the environment of the present invention is scalable and adaptable to new generations of media. The environment can fully integrate various media and meet the demands of the five senses.

  To better understand how the above elements optimize both human and architectural pattern language values, various elements, sub-elements, and pieces will be described with reference to FIGS. .

  FIG. 10 shows the combined kiosk and wing elements. The ability to combine elements is an important aspect of the present invention in that it can be used efficiently and can be easily shaped by the user.

  The kiosk element 110 may have a plurality of work surfaces, and a keyboard may be provided on each work surface. The work surface can be moved into three different slots to adjust the height of the work surface. Furthermore, the slots can accommodate different shaped work services. The top of the base supports a computer monitor 114. The entire structure supported on rolling casters (wheels) 116 allows the user to easily move the kiosk without technical assistance. The computer cable is provided through a built-in cord tube. The lower cabinet space can accommodate a computer central processing unit and a power source and can be accessed from the front. The entire device can be easily moved and repositioned by a smooth rolling caster.

  In this regard, kiosks are combined with Medium Wing ™ element 120 to build a cohesive portable workstation. The wing element 120 is a flexible work surface designed to adapt to various requirements. The wing element is portable and can be easily moved by a smooth rolling caster to fit almost any work area. The height of the work surface 122 can be adjusted to suit a user who is sitting or standing. The curved work surface design is for the work surface to efficiently surround the user, and the tilted built-in footrest is to make the wing as comfortable as if the wing was movable. is there.

  11, 11A and 12 show a portion of the environment with work walls 130, 131 and chairs that can close and move the space. In particular, this environmental part has a work wall (trade name) supported by a wheel 136 that is mobile, flexible and can be accommodated efficiently. The work wall (trade name) is the entire workspace on the wheel and has an off-white lighting surface made of porcelain steel, so that a picture can be drawn directly on the surface and the magnetic display tile 134 is Can be easily installed on the surface. In another aspect of the present invention, either the face itself or the tile attached to the face may be provided with an anchoring face such as Post-It (3M Company). In one aspect of the present invention, the display panel surface is provided with roughened fibers so that the user can write on the wall with various writing tools (the conventional “whiteboard” can only be written with markers. it can.). Alternatively, a part of the panel surface may be divided (roughened) so that a part can be written with another writing instrument (chalk, crayon, pen, etc.). As a result of the above, the present inventors have found that more can be expressed with a writing instrument. Finally, at least a portion of the work wall (trade name) or other display panel needs to be tall (6 feet or more) to partition the environment into several rooms.

  FIGS. 11 and 11A show a portion of the environment according to the present invention having a large rotating work wall 130, a radial room, and an armature part 138. FIG. Armature component 138, like a beam emitted along the ceiling of the environment, provides a sense of location and serves to hide cables and other utility connection lines. This part of the environment shown in these figures shows the value of architectural size and pattern language, the potential of multimedia integration, and especially in FIG. It has the ability to realize the use of architectural armatures that include hollow beams that function to provide a sense of place to both functional intent and in addition to pattern language intent.

  FIGS. 11 and 11A show a plurality of shells 139 categorized with a work wall ™ display panel 130 that functions as a room divider. A display monitor is included as part of the environment of the present invention.

  FIG. 12 is a perspective view of a Rapid Deployment System (RDS) version in use of the present invention. The parts used in the rapid deployment system are essentially those used in the above, but these parts can be brought into a hotel conference room, etc. so that the group can collaborate. Even if not ideal, the environment can be assembled quickly. This environment has a flat and hinged work wall display panel 131 and a curved work wall display panel 130. An important feature of parts used in RDS is that they are extremely mobile and robust.

  13 to 13F show a work unit component 170 called a work pod (trade name) of the present invention. As is apparent from this figure, the work pod has a plurality of modular area portions 172. Each unit hangs from an external mast or support 174. The mast or support 174 is supported on a smooth rotating caster 176, and various parts to be stored are used by, for example, overhead storage and shell raising units 173, workstations 175, tool caddies, and small teams. It can be designed to be fixed on a table that is rotated in the center of the pod.

  A unique organized transparent vane 179 is secured to the top of the mast. The wings use the pod light system 181 to directly adjust the light by the pod resident and adjust the arousal.

Each section of the pod may be deployed individually or in combination with one or more sections to be configured in the various configurations shown in FIGS. 13-13F. The normal settings are circular as shown in FIG. 13F, but other settings are possible with some pod resident to support the current work process. Thus, the pod can be moved and reconfigured by the resident without technical assistance.
13D through 13F are diagrams illustrating alternative pod configurations and configurations according to the present invention. In particular, as shown in FIGS. 13D and 13E, the pod unit can be hinged and deformed to other forms other than the circular form as described above. FIG. 13E shows a configuration in which the pod section has an S curve. FIGS. 13-13F illustrate other aspects of the pod design, including the use of auxiliary components such as secretaries, file cabinets, pigeon halls, and the shell. These auxiliary components are supported (directly or indirectly) on the mast and supported on a rotating caster. The applicability of transparent blades is evident from these figures. Preferably, the light source is directed towards the vane, so that it can be reflected using the vane to allow various illumination by the user. The light source itself can be used as a handle for adjusting the position of the transparent blade, for example, as shown in FIGS. 13A and 13F.

  From these drawings, it can be easily understood that the pod design provides excellent conformability and morphology.

13A, 13B, and 13C show a single unit or portion from which a work pod is constructed. As shown therein, the entire system is suspended from a mast 179 that supports a rolling caster 176. The illustrated system has an adjustable work surface 171 drawn from a rolling computer support, a work surface of various heights, and a shell with adjustable lighting.
FIG. 13C shows a perspective view of one work section, which represents one of the work surface systems that is pulled out and used as a small conference table.

  The workpad goes back to the old duty architectural pattern term of active duty, “one room in one room”. This pattern term value was widely used by Wright for custom design and accepted by Alexandra. But until now, there was no practical way to do it with furniture. Now consider moving furniture. Work pods also provide knowledge workers with a very large work area and some of them. The pod can function as a meeting room for four people (a swing-out desk in the form of a table), with three people working for one team and one home for one person. Workpad landscape distributed in a suitable pattern and corrected with the elements of the present invention achieves a general solution and provides larger personal space and multiple functional areas (eg, radiation chambers) To do. The system of the present invention utilizes the available space and uses the circulation path for many purposes. These layouts could not be achieved with the traditional furniture approach. Well-known movable parts cannot grasp the importance of large skeleton level parts, and therefore, the effects of the present invention cannot be obtained.

  FIG. 14 shows one form of a possible multi-acting work area layout according to the present invention. In this example, the work area layout follows a city metaphor for the main flow of people passing through the layout shown as “Main Street”. As shown, this layout features maximum natural light to all work areas and omnidirectional access to the work areas. Facilitates interaction at the team, unit and company levels and allows individual and team control over access and privacy. The layout also takes advantage of the circular areas for storage, group tools, displays, and various visual means to reinforce individual team and unit identities. In addition, the layout reinforces certain building forms including atriums, exterior wall statements, and column spaces. They can all be completed by a semi-custom area building system.

  The main features of this environment are maximum natural light to all work areas where interaction should be promoted, omni-directional access to the work areas. The circulation area is used for storage, group tools, displays and various visual means. The environment includes a cluster of work pods 170 of the type described above.

  This layout also provides the greatest future flexibility for new layouts. However, it is important to note that FIG. 14 is only one example of a layout that can be completed utilizing a flexible system for the types of elements described herein. Indeed, an important aspect of the present invention is the flexibility available.

  FIG. 15 shows a shell cube 190 that may be used to supply cube office elements. The shell cube 190 provides adjustment without technical assistance and can be used to divide office space. Each cube is a modular, versatile and efficient approach to the needs of shell making. The cube preferably includes dimple-shaped depressions at the top of the individual units and a rounded hump at the bottom. This is because shell cubes are stacked and very stable. Each unit can exist in one, and can be combined with other cubes up to 4 cube heights in 4 directions. The system can also include a plurality of base units 194. As shown, the stability of the cube office system 190 is provided. The system of the present invention preferably includes units of various widths, such as 6 inch, 12 inch and 18 inch wide units. Users can build a cube system with a minimum number of tools.

  FIG. 16 shows a perspective view of a cube office system 190 according to the present invention. The partial top view shows a two layer cube 192 formed with a space 191 in between. The space between the cubes, which is typically 3 inches, is like a shoddle to conceal the inside for versatility (by means of pillar and beam wire guide placement) for acoustics (with a reflective or absorbing surface installed) Can be used to utilize any suitable partition. In this way, the cube office system provides a great deal of flexibility in dividing the environment into workspaces and is used to provide the user with the ability to adjust to privacy and the like (by using shoji). can do. Accordingly, a preferred form of cube office system 190 includes cubes 192 that are assembled back to back with a gap between them and a utility beam located between the assembled cubes.

  In addition to the elements described, other elements can reconfigure the environment. Of course, reconstruction is important in dealing with human values such as economic efficiency and flexibility. For example, rotating mobile bookcases of varying heights provide movement and variation on the furniture scale that allows for space division. Dividing the workspace in various ranges can be realized by using elements of various heights. The possibility of mobile storage can be given.

  In addition to a work wall (trade name) with two sides with and without writing, a work unit may be provided that includes two elements for hanging the letter and eight storage drawers. Furthermore, the surface of the work wall (trade name) is preferably magnetized to hold magnetic tiles and other small pieces. The work unit includes a smooth mounting caster so that it can move without technical assistance. This single unit thus provides the ability to supply information storage files, drawers, work walls, and any desired workspace within the mobile element.

As mentioned above, one major advantage of the system of the present invention is that the supplied elements provide optimal pattern language values. Even if a pattern language value is extended in custom designs by designers, such as “Wright”, many of the pattern language values cataloged by Alexander are practically excluded from the tradition of shell furniture. There is no way to address to today. There is even less furniture that addresses economic efficiency, mobility control and other human values. Thus, a prominent form of the system of the present invention is that the element addresses at least 100 to 253 pattern language values cataloged by Alexander. Further information regarding these pattern language values can be collected from “A Pattern Language” Christopher Alexander 1977. In particular, and without limitation, the following values listed by numbers assigned by Alexander can be addressed using the system of the present invention.
1. Independent region 2. 4. City distribution Suburban street strings8. 8. Subculture mosaic Scattered work 14. 15. Neighbors whose identity can be confirmed Neighborhood boundary 19. Shopping web 24. Sacred place 26. Life cycle 28. Eccentric nucleus 29. Density ring 30. Active node 31. Promenade 36. Publicity 37. Housing group (house assembly)
41. Work community 45. Community project necklace Urban children (children and tool-scale furniture, ie work walls, etc.)
59. Silent background, frame elements, system parts: Workwall, pod, cube office (foreground, middle, background) that create landscape
・ Various shapes, fabrics, colors, visibility-obtained through layout using city symbols created by solid, translucent, transparent, open.
60. Accessible green 67. Common land 68. Linking motion-Frame elements and system components-Landscape 69. Public outdoor room 79. My home-work pod, cubic office, work furniture, work wall 80. Self-management work area and office 82. Office organization 83. Master and apprentice 88. Street cafe 93. Food stand 94. Sleeping person 102. Entrance family 107. Light wing 110. Main entrance 112. Inlet transition section 114. Open space order 115. Courtyard bioframe element and system arrangement 116. Evacuation roof-Four-mesh lattice 119. Arcade-framework 120. Sidewalk and goal-background wire pattern system, configuration 121. Sidewalk shape-floor wire pattern system Activity place-layout group, work wall,
127. Intimacy-cubic office, pod-type 128. Indoor sunlight-Outer window in skylight from part-Favorable building property 129. Central common area 130. Entrance room 131. Flow to room 132. Short passage 133. Staircase as a stage 134. Zen View 135. Light and dark tapestry146. Flexible office space-layout flexibility 147. Group meal 148. Small Work Group-Flexibility-Reconsideration (Team traffic)
149. Hospitality reception 150. Waiting place 151. Small meeting room 152. Semi-private room-Cubic office can be made-Furniture skeleton. Flexibility 153. Rental rooms-office hoteling-adjustable 156. Stable work 157. Home work area-take it home.
159. Both sides of all rooms-Cube office and pod (room in room) translucency flexibility 161. Sunny place-should be provided.
164. City window-use it 165. Opening to the city-use this 176. Garden seat 179. Alcove-skeleton, trellis, cube office, work wall 180. Window location 185. Circle for sitting 190. Change in the height of the sky-skeleton, trellis, pod sales192. Biology overlooking the window-Cube office pod "window"
193. Half-open wall-cube office work pod 194. Inner window-Cube office pod "window"
196. Corner door 197. Thick wall 198. Closet between rooms 200. Open shelf 201. Waist height shelf and pod 202. Built-in seat-frame system (platform)
204. Secret location-this is possible with a flexible layout 205. Social hall with structure-on our scale, work means shape, not system 225. Frame-workwall trim and other elements as thickened edges 235. Soft inside wall-structures such as pods and screens 236. Open window 237. Glass door-cube office 239. Small window 241. Sheet spot 243. Sitting wall 244. Canvas roof-cube office trellis 249. Decoration-with sub-elements-with system complexity-decoration effects 250. Warm color 252. Light pool 253. From your life-the system gives you space to do this

  Another important feature of the collaborative environment of the present invention is to access information through an overall multimedia approach ranging from providing various printed materials and photographs throughout the workspace to the use of timely information systems. It is something that can be done. The furniture elements of the present invention are very well suited for that purpose, as they comprise various shell spaces, work surfaces and display surfaces. The workspace also includes access to electronic databases including the Internet and data warehouses. To facilitate such access, the environment of the present invention has a display monitor throughout its space, and the furniture paper is designed to movably support such a monitor. Also, furniture elements and skeleton elements are designed to hide or guide cables and wires connected to electronic devices. As shown in the drawings, such elements can be collected and placed in an environment to provide seamless media integration within the environment. The system is also a new technology (large electronic workwalls, electronic assistants, electric displays, real-time video conferencing, intelligent agents, and dataware that are currently in widespread use or expected to become widely available within a few years. The size can be matched to the house. These elements collectively provide an environment where information (ie, the latest information) can be used as needed, and an integrated remote collaborative research environment.

  The system and method of the present invention also provide an environment for capturing systems such as “question sound” technology for providing up-to-date information. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 8B and the like, the environment has a complete integrated media source and display, for example, so that knowledge workers can use computers (workstations, network computers, laptops). (Top, PDA or intelligent assistant) and can ask any question from any database, just as a knowledge worker takes a call today and speaks with someone somewhere.

  As noted above, the present invention is particularly relevant between devices and methods and agents (people, machines, groups, institutions, combinations thereof) that optimize the collaborative workspace used in connection with the inventor's system. Communication and other interactions to facilitate feedback, learning and self-adjustment between individual agents, thereby facilitating urgent group work in a very short time (from environments, tools and processes) Provide a method of forming an environment.

  A number of embodiments have been described that achieve the objectives of the invention. These embodiments are for explaining the present invention, and it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various modifications can be made.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Agent 20 ... Environment 22 ... Computer 130 ... Work wall 173 ... Storage and shell raising unit 192 ... Cube

Claims (11)

In an iterative feedback drive system that optimizes the interaction between agents acting on multiple levels,
A plurality of real agents each having a plurality of characteristics;
Means for controlling the degree to which at least some agents expose data corresponding to their characteristics to other agents;
A means for the agent to control other agents, including self,
A means for an agent to have access or use privileges for other agents' access or use;
A means of measuring the actual characteristics of the agent;
A means to enter the agent's predictive characteristics;
A means of comparing the actual characteristics of the agent with the predicted characteristics of the agent;
Means to modify the agent based on the difference between the agent's actual characteristics and the agent's predicted characteristics;
A repetitive feedback drive system having means for enabling communication between agents limited to what the agent reveals about itself. In a method for optimizing agent pattern language values in a collaborative environment according to a predetermined architectural rule,
Determine the goals to be achieved,
Identify the architectural and pattern languages that achieve the goals,
Determine the environmental parameters,
Model the environment,
Identify useful objects for use in the environment,
Generate an environment model that identifies the objects used in the environment and the location of the objects in the environment;
Determining whether the position of the object in the environment satisfies a predetermined architectural rule and placing the object in the environment until the position of the object in the environment is determined to satisfy the predetermined architectural rule Repeat
Evaluate the extent to which architecture and pattern languages are achieved,
Placing an object in the environment model; determining whether the position of the object in the environment satisfies a predetermined architecture rule; evaluating the extent to which the architecture language and pattern language are achieved; A method of optimizing agent pattern language values in a collaborative environment with steps that iterate until the design is determined and completed.   3. The method of optimizing agent pattern language values in a collaborative environment according to claim 2, wherein the environmental model is displayed on a computer monitor and the completed design is printed by a printer. A means of entering the goals to be achieved;
A means to identify the architecture and pattern language value to achieve the goal;
Input means for environmental parameters;
Environmental model display means;
A means of displaying a representation of multiple objects available for use in the environment;
Means for arranging the representation of the object in the display model of the environment,
Repeat the process of placing objects in the environment until it is determined that the placement of objects in the environment meets the given architectural rules, and whether the placement of objects in the environment meets the given architectural rules Means for determining
A means of assessing the degree to which architecture and pattern language values are achieved;
Until the design is determined to be complete, evaluate the degree to which the architecture and pattern language values are achieved, determine whether the placement of objects in the environment satisfies a given architectural rule pattern, and A system for optimizing an agent pattern language value in a collaborative environment for a predetermined artefact rule, comprising means for repeating the step of placing objects in a model.   The system for optimizing an agent pattern language value in a collaborative environment according to claim 4, wherein the system includes a programmable general-purpose computer, an input device, and a display device.   5. The system for optimizing an agent pattern language value in a collaborative environment according to claim 4, wherein the display means comprises a display device connected to a programmable general purpose computer.   5. The system for optimizing agent pattern language value in a collaborative environment according to claim 4, wherein the system comprises a printer. A plurality of real agents each having a plurality of characteristics;
Means for controlling the degree to which at least some agents present data corresponding to that characteristic to other agents;
A means for the agent to control other agents, including self,
A means to allow an agent with access or use rights to access or use other agents;
A means for an agent to have access or use privileges for other agents' access or use;
A means of measuring the real performance of the agent,
A means to enter the expected performance of the agent;
A means of comparing the expected performance of the agent with the actual performance of the agent;
Means to modify the agent based on the difference between the agent's actual performance and the expected performance of the agent;
An iterative feedback-driven system for optimizing interactions in agents operating at multiple levels, with means for enabling communication between agents limited to what the agents reveal about themselves. Means for creating a virtual agent to represent the real agent in the system, including data corresponding to some characteristics of the real agent representing each agent;
Means for providing at least some virtual agents with access / use characteristics that allow access or use only to agents having access rights corresponding to the agents;
Means for enabling the agent to control matters revealed by the agent it controls;
Means that allow the agent to modify the agent it controls;
9. The system of claim 8, wherein the system is used to optimize agent pattern language value in a collaborative environment having means for determining the placement of agents in the system. Identify real agents, each with multiple characteristics,
Allow at least some agents to control the degree to which data corresponding to characteristics is revealed to other agents;
Allows an agent to control other agents, including itself,
Allows an agent to have access or use privileges for access or use of other agents,
Measure the real performance of the agent,
Enter the expected performance of the agent,
Compare the expected performance of the agent with the actual performance of the agent,
Modify the agent based on the difference between the agent's actual performance and the expected performance of the agent,
An iterative feedback-driven method for optimizing multiple-level interactions, with steps, allowing agents to communicate only to those agents reveal about themselves. Create a virtual agent that represents the real agent, including data corresponding to some characteristics of the real agent represented,
Give at least some virtual agents with access / use characteristics that allow them to access or use only agents with access rights corresponding to the agent,
Allows the agent to control what is revealed by the agent it controls,
Allows the agent to modify the agent it controls,
11. The method of claim 10, wherein the method is used to optimize agent pattern language value within a collaborative environment, comprising determining an agent location.

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