JP2023047000A - Virtual rest room providing system, and virtual rest room providing method - Google Patents

Abstract

To appropriately perform communication under an environment of telecommuting.SOLUTION: A rest room limitation system includes: a detection device including an entry detection part for detecting whether a user enters a rest room area on the basis of a detection result of the position of the user of a position detection sensor; and a terminal device including a rest room area setting part for setting a rest room area for the user in a real space, a virtual rest room connection part for connecting the virtual rest room for enabling communication with another user in a virtual space in the case of detecting the user's entry to the rest room area, a virtual rest room information acquisition part for acquiring information on the virtual rest room, and an output control part for outputting information on the virtual rest room.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

The present invention relates to a system for providing a virtual lounge and a method for providing a virtual lounge.

In recent years, there are more and more opportunities to work from home. Patent Literature 1 discloses a technique that enables informal communication within the group even for a group of workers working from home.

JP-A-2001-142850

When working in an office, there is an opportunity to communicate with other users by standing and chatting at a place away from the user's seat. There is a demand for a technology that can automatically guide a user to a virtual break room and communicate with other users when the user takes a break away from the place where he/she is working, even in a telecommuting environment.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION It is an object of the present invention to provide a virtual break room providing system and a virtual break room providing method that enable appropriate communication in a telecommuting environment.

A system for providing a virtual rest room according to the present invention includes a detection device comprising: an entry detection unit that detects whether or not the user enters a rest area based on the detection result of the user's position by a position detection sensor; A rest area setting unit that sets the rest area of the user in real space, and a virtual rest room that enables communication with other users in virtual space when entry of the user into the rest area is detected. a virtual rest room connection unit connected to the virtual rest room, a virtual rest room information acquisition unit that acquires information about the virtual rest room, and an output control unit that outputs information about the virtual rest room.

A method for providing a virtual rest room according to the present invention includes the steps of setting a user's rest area in real space, and determining whether or not the user enters the rest area based on the detection result of the user's position by a position detection sensor. a step of connecting to a virtual rest room where it is possible to communicate with other users in a virtual space when the user's entry into the rest area is detected; obtaining information; and outputting information about the virtual rest room.

Advantageous Effects of Invention According to the present invention, it is possible to appropriately communicate in a telecommuting environment.

FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a configuration example of a virtual lounge providing system according to the first embodiment. FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a configuration example of a terminal device according to the first embodiment. FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing a configuration example of the detection device according to the first embodiment. FIG. 4 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration example of a server device according to the first embodiment; FIG. 5 is a flow chart showing the processing flow of the virtual lounge providing system according to the first embodiment. FIG. 6 is a diagram for explaining an example of a rest area according to the first embodiment. FIG. 7 is a diagram for explaining an example of a method of detecting entry into a rest area according to the first embodiment. FIG. 8 is a diagram showing an example of a virtual lounge according to the first embodiment. FIG. 9 is a diagram for explaining a method of selecting another user according to the first embodiment. FIG. 10 is a flow chart showing the processing flow of the virtual lounge providing system according to the first modification of the first embodiment. FIG. 11 is a flow chart showing the processing flow of the virtual lounge providing system according to the second modification of the first embodiment. FIG. 12 is a diagram for explaining a method for confirming whether or not to connect to the virtual lounge according to the second modification of the first embodiment. FIG. 13 is a diagram showing the configuration of the virtual lounge providing system according to the second embodiment. FIG. 14 is a flow chart showing the processing flow of the virtual lounge providing system according to the second embodiment. FIG. 15 is a block diagram showing a configuration example of a terminal device according to the third embodiment. FIG. 16 is a flow chart showing the flow of virtual lounge change processing according to the third embodiment. FIG. 17 is a diagram for explaining a method of displaying a virtual rest room corresponding to rest area information according to the third embodiment. FIG. 18 is a diagram for explaining a method of displaying a virtual rest room corresponding to rest area information according to the third embodiment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION Embodiments according to the present invention will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. In addition, the present invention is not limited by this embodiment, and in the following embodiments, the same parts are denoted by the same reference numerals, thereby omitting redundant explanations.

[First embodiment]
A configuration example of the virtual lounge providing system according to the first embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a configuration example of a virtual lounge providing system according to the first embodiment.

As shown in FIG. 1, the virtual lounge providing system 1 includes a terminal device 10, a detection device 12, and a server device . The terminal device 10, the detection device 12, and the server device 14 are communicably connected via a wireless network N, for example. The virtual rest room providing system 1 is a system that provides a user with a virtual rest room (hereinafter referred to as a virtual rest room) when the user enters an area determined to be resting. Users can communicate with other users in the virtual break room.

(Terminal device)
A configuration example of the terminal device according to the first embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a configuration example of a terminal device according to the first embodiment.

As shown in FIG. 2, the terminal device 10 includes an input unit 20, a display unit 22, an audio output unit 24, a storage unit 26, a GNSS (Global Navigation Satellite System) receiving unit 28, a communication unit 30, A control unit 32 is provided. The terminal device 10 is, for example, an information processing terminal such as a smart phone and a tablet terminal.

The input unit 20 receives various input operations on the terminal device 10 . The input unit 20 outputs an input signal to the control unit 32 according to the received input operation. The input unit 20 includes, for example, a touch panel, buttons, switches, a keyboard, a microphone, and the like. When a touch panel is used as the input unit 20 , the input unit 20 is arranged on the display unit 22 .

The display unit 22 displays various images including characters and images. The display unit 22 is a display including, for example, a liquid crystal display (LCD), an organic EL (Electro-Luminescence), or the like. The display unit 22 may be provided in a device different from the terminal device 10 . For example, the display unit 22 may be a television, an HMD (Head Mounted Display), a mobile terminal, a wearable device, or the like. The terminal device 10 may be an information processing terminal such as a smart speaker that does not include the display unit 22 .

The audio output unit 24 is a speaker that outputs audio. The audio output section 24 outputs audio corresponding to the image displayed on the display section 22 . The voice output unit 24 outputs voices of other users.

The storage unit 26 stores, for example, information about the user's rest area set by the rest area setting unit 40, which will be described later, the calculation content of the control unit 32, and information such as programs. The storage unit 26 includes, for example, at least one of a RAM (Random Access Memory), a main storage device such as a ROM (Read Only Memory), and an external storage device such as a HDD (Hard Disk Drive).

The GNSS receiver 28 receives GNSS signals including information for specifying position information from GNSS satellites (not shown). The GNSS receiver 28 can be realized by, for example, a GNSS receiver circuit or a GNSS receiver.

The communication unit 30 communicates with an external device via the network N. FIG. The communication unit 30 communicates with the detection device 12 via the network N, for example. The communication unit 30 communicates with the server device 14 via the network N, for example.

The control unit 32 controls each unit of the terminal device 10 . The control unit 32 has, for example, an information processing device such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit) or an MPU (Micro Processing Unit), and a storage device such as a RAM or ROM. The control unit 32 executes a program that controls operations of the terminal device 10 according to the present invention. The controller 32 may be realized by an integrated circuit such as an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit) or an FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array). The control unit 32 may be realized by a combination of hardware and software.

The control unit 32 includes a rest area setting unit 40 , a virtual rest room connection unit 42 , a virtual rest room information acquisition unit 44 , an output control unit 46 , a position information acquisition unit 48 and a communication execution unit 50 .

A rest area setting unit 40 sets a rest area for the user in the real space. The rest area setting unit 40 sets rest areas for the user according to the input operation input to the input unit 20 . Details of the rest area will be described later.

The virtual lounge connection unit 42 connects to a virtual lounge where the user can communicate with other users in the virtual space. The virtual rest room connection unit 42 connects to the virtual rest room provided by the server device 14 when it is detected that the user has entered the area set by the rest area setting unit 40 .

The virtual lounge information acquisition unit 44 acquires information on the virtual lounge from the server device 14 . The virtual lounge information acquisition unit 44 acquires information about the virtual lounge when the virtual lounge connection unit 42 connects to the virtual lounge. Information about the virtual rest room includes information about the image and sound of the virtual rest room.

The output control unit 46 causes the display unit 22 to display various information. The output control unit 46 causes the display unit 22 to display information about the virtual rest room acquired by the virtual rest room information acquisition unit 44 . The output control unit 46 causes the display unit 22 to display an image of the virtual lounge. The details of the image of the virtual lounge will be described later. When the terminal device 10 does not include the display unit 22, the output control unit 46 causes the audio output unit 24 to output various information as audio.

The position information acquisition unit 48 acquires GNSS signals from the GNSS reception unit 28 . The location information acquisition unit 48 calculates the current location information of the user (terminal device 10) based on the GNSS signal. The location information acquisition unit 48, for example, calculates the current location information of the user (terminal device 10) in terms of earth coordinates.

The communication executing unit 50 executes communication between users using a touch panel, a keyboard, a microphone, and the like included in the input unit 20 .

(detection device)
A configuration example of the detection device according to the first embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing a configuration example of the detection device according to the first embodiment.

As shown in FIG. 3 , the detection device 12 includes an input section 60 , an audio output section 62 , a position detection sensor 64 , a storage section 66 , a communication section 68 and a control section 70 . The detection device 12 is composed of, for example, a smart speaker.

The input unit 60 receives various input operations to the detection device 12 . The input unit 60 outputs an input signal to the control unit 70 according to the received input operation. The input unit 60 includes, for example, buttons, switches, and the like. The input unit 60 includes, for example, a microphone that detects the user's voice.

The audio output unit 62 is a speaker that outputs audio. The voice output unit 62 outputs various voices prompting the user for confirmation.

A position detection sensor 64 detects the position of the user. The position detection sensor 64 is implemented by, for example, a single or multiple cameras that capture images of the user. The position detection sensor 64 is realized by, for example, a human sensor that detects a person based on changes in reflected waves such as infrared rays or ultrasonic waves. The position detection sensor 64 is implemented by, for example, a pressure sensor that detects the weight of an object.

The storage unit 66 stores, for example, information such as calculation contents of the control unit 70 and programs. The storage unit 66 includes, for example, at least one of a RAM, a main storage device such as a ROM, and an external storage device such as an HDD.

The communication unit 68 communicates with an external device via the network N. FIG. The communication unit 68 communicates with the terminal device 10 via the network N, for example. The communication unit 68 communicates with the server device 14 via the network N, for example.

The control unit 70 controls each unit of the detection device 12 . The control unit 70 has, for example, an information processing device such as a CPU or MPU, and a storage device such as a RAM or ROM. The control unit 70 executes a program that controls the operation of the detection device 12 according to the invention. The control unit 70 may be realized by an integrated circuit such as ASIC or FPGA, for example. The control unit 70 may be realized by a combination of hardware and software.

The control unit 70 includes a sensor control unit 80 , an entry detection unit 82 , a confirmation unit 84 and a determination unit 86 .

The sensor control unit 80 controls the position detection sensor 64 to detect the position of the user.

The entry detection unit 82 detects the entry of the user into a predetermined location. The entry detection unit 82 detects whether or not the user has entered a preset rest area. The entry detection unit 82 detects whether or not the user has entered a preset rest area based on the detection result of the position of the user by the position detection sensor 64 .

The confirmation unit 84 performs various confirmations with the user. The confirmation unit 84 performs various confirmations for the user by outputting audio from the audio output unit 62 . The confirmation unit 84 confirms with the user whether or not to connect to the virtual lounge.

The determination unit 86 makes various determinations. The determination unit 86 determines the user. The determination unit 86 determines whether or not the user who has entered the rest area is a predetermined user. If the position detection sensor 64 is a camera, the determination unit 86 determines whether or not the user who entered the rest area is a predetermined user based on the image captured by the camera.

(Server device)
A configuration example of the server device according to the first embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 4 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration example of a server device according to the first embodiment;

As shown in FIG. 4 , the server device 14 includes a storage section 90 , a communication section 92 and a control section 94 . The server device 14 is arranged at a location away from the terminal device 10 and the detection device 12 . The server device 14 is an information terminal such as a PC (Personal Computer). The server device 14 performs processing for providing a virtual rest room to the user.

The storage unit 90 stores, for example, information such as calculation contents of the control unit 94 and programs. The storage unit 90 includes, for example, at least one of a RAM, a main storage device such as a ROM, and an external storage device such as an HDD.

The storage unit 90 stores information about virtual rest rooms. The information about the virtual rest room includes information for specifying the virtual rest room, information about the number of users who are in the virtual rest room, and information about the users. Information about the virtual break room may include, for example, information such as images and sounds of the virtual break room. The storage unit 90 stores information about users who use the virtual rest room. The information about the user includes identification information for uniquely identifying the user. Information about the user includes, for example, the name, seat, icon image, and connection destination information.

The communication unit 92 communicates with an external device via the network N. FIG. The communication unit 92 communicates with the terminal device 10 via the network N, for example. The communication unit 92 communicates with the detection device 12 via the network N, for example.

The control unit 94 controls each unit of the server device 14 . The control unit 94 has, for example, an information processing device such as a CPU or MPU, and a storage device such as a RAM or ROM. The control unit 94 executes a program that controls operations of the server device 14 according to the present invention. The controller 94 may be implemented by an integrated circuit such as ASIC or FPGA, for example. The controller 94 may be realized by a combination of hardware and software.

The control unit 94 includes a virtual rest room management unit 100 .

The virtual rest room management unit 100 manages the virtual rest room. The virtual rest room management unit 100 executes various processes related to the virtual rest room. The virtual lounge management unit 100 provides the terminal device 10 with a virtual lounge.

(Processing details of the virtual break room provision system)
Processing contents of the virtual lounge providing system according to the first embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 5 is a flow chart showing the processing flow of the virtual lounge providing system according to the first embodiment.

The processing shown in FIG. 5 is processing in which a rest area is set in the user's home or the like, and a virtual rest room is provided when the user enters the rest area.

The terminal device 10 sets a rest area for the user to rest in the real space (step S10). Specifically, the rest area setting unit 40 sets a rest area in the real space according to the input operation input by the user to the input unit 20 . FIG. 6 is a diagram for explaining an example of a rest area according to the first embodiment. FIG. 6 shows a rest area AR1 and a non-rest area AR2. The rest area AR1 is, for example, an area set by the user U at home or the like for the user U to rest. The non-rest area AR2 is an area other than the rest area AR1. Resting area AR1 may be, for example, a predetermined room or a partial area such as a living room. That is, the rest area AR1 does not have to be a space surrounded by doors, walls, or the like. The size and shape of rest area AR1 may be arbitrary. The rest area setting unit 40 may set a plurality of rest areas AR1 according to an input operation input by the user U to the input unit 20 . Then, the process proceeds to step S12.

The detection device 12 enters a standby state for detecting entry of the user U into the rest area AR1 (step S12). Then, the process proceeds to step S14.

The detection device 12 determines whether or not the user U has entered the rest area AR1 (step S14). FIG. 7 is a diagram for explaining an example of a method of detecting entry into a rest area according to the first embodiment. As shown in FIG. 7, for example, position detection sensors 64 are arranged at the four corners of the rest area AR1. The position detection sensor 64 is a camera that captures an image of the user U. In this case, the entry detection unit 82 detects that the user U has entered the rest area AR1, for example, when the image of the user U is captured in the rest area AR1. The position detection sensor 64 may be a motion sensor that detects the user U, or a pressure sensor provided on a chair arranged in the rest area AR1. In this case, the entry detection unit 82 can detect that the user U has entered the rest area AR1 when the user U sits on the chair provided with the pressure sensor. Any number of position detection sensors 64 may be arranged to detect that the user U has entered the rest area AR1. If it is determined that the user U has entered the rest area AR1 (step S14; Yes), the process proceeds to step S16. If it is determined that the user U has not entered the rest area AR1 (step S14; No), the process proceeds to step S18.

When it is determined as Yes in step S14, the detection device 12 determines whether or not the user U is resting (step S16). Specifically, the entry detection unit 82 determines that the user U is in a resting state when the user U stays or relaxes in the resting area AR1 for a predetermined period of time or more (for example, several seconds to about 10 seconds). judge. For example, the entry detection unit 82 may determine whether or not the user U is relaxing using a known method such as image processing, based on the captured image of the face of the user U or the like. If the position detection sensor 64 is a pressure sensor provided on a chair or the like, the entry detection unit 82 determines that the user U is resting when the user U sits on the chair provided with the pressure sensor. may If it is not determined that the user U is resting (step S16; No), the process proceeds to step S18. If it is determined that the user U is resting (step S16; Yes), the process proceeds to step S20.

When it is determined No in step S14 or step S16, the detection device 12 determines whether or not to end the process (step S18). Specifically, the detection device 12 determines to end the processing when receiving an operation to turn off the power, an operation to end the detection processing, or the like. If it is determined to end the process (step S18; Yes), the process of FIG. 5 ends. If it is not determined to end the process (step S18; No), the process proceeds to step S12.

If determined as Yes in step S16, the terminal device 10 connects to the server device 14 that provides the virtual rest room (step S20). Specifically, the virtual lounge connection unit 42 connects to the server device 14 via the communication unit 30 . Then, the process proceeds to step S22.

The terminal device 10 acquires virtual lounge information (step S22). Specifically, the virtual lounge information acquisition unit 44 acquires information about the virtual lounge from the server device 14 via the communication unit 30 . The information about the virtual rest room includes information for specifying the virtual rest room, information about the number of users who are in the virtual rest room, and information about the users. Information about the virtual break room may include, for example, information such as images and sounds of the virtual break room. Then, the process proceeds to step S24.

The terminal device 10 outputs the virtual rest room to the display section 22 (step S24). Specifically, the output control unit 46 causes the display unit 22 to display the virtual rest room based on the information about the virtual rest room acquired by the virtual rest room information acquisition unit 44 . When the terminal device 10 does not have the display unit 22, the output control unit 46 causes the audio output unit 24 to output information about the virtual rest room by audio. The information about the virtual rest room output by the audio output unit 24 includes information for specifying the virtual rest room, information about the name of each user who has entered the virtual rest room, and information about each user who has entered the virtual rest room. Contains user state information. Here, the user status information is, for example, information about which users are currently talking to each other.

An example of the virtual lounge according to the first embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 8 is a diagram showing an example of a virtual lounge according to the first embodiment. As shown in FIG. 8, a plurality of tables 202 and a plurality of chairs 204 are arranged in the virtual rest room 200 . A user U1, a user U2, a user U3, a user U4, a user U5, and a user U6 have entered the virtual rest room 200 . User U1 is an icon representing itself. User U2 to user U6 are icons indicating other users. Names may be displayed above the users U1 to U6. The output control unit 46 may display information indicating the number of people connected to the virtual lounge 200 . The output control unit 46 may display a list of names of all users connected to the virtual rest room 200 .

Return to FIG. The terminal device 10 determines whether or not the user has selected another user (step S26). FIG. 9 is a diagram for explaining a method of selecting another user according to the first embodiment. As shown in FIG. 9, the communication executing unit 50, for example, determines whether or not the icon of the other party to communicate with among the users U2 to U6 has been selected. For example, when the input unit 20 is a touch panel arranged on the display unit 22, the user can select communication partners by touching the icons of the users U2 to U6. The communication partner to be selected may be one or more than one. A predetermined gesture may be made before selecting a communication partner from users U2 to U6. For example, in the example shown in FIG. 9, selection buttons for action A and action B may be displayed on the left side of user U1. In this case, for example, when action A is selected, user U1 may wave his or her hand toward user U2. For example, when action B is selected, user U1 may perform an action of calling out to user U2, "Hey!" If it is determined that the user has selected another user (step S26; Yes), the process proceeds to step S28. If it is not determined that the user has selected another user (step S26; No), the process proceeds to step S34.

When it is determined as Yes in step S26, the terminal device 10 determines whether or not the selected other user is permitted to communicate (step S28). If it is determined that communication with another user is permitted (step S28; Yes), the process proceeds to step S30. If it is not determined that communication from another user is permitted (step S28; No), the process proceeds to step S34.

If determined as Yes in step S28, the communication execution unit 50 starts execution of communication (step S30). Specifically, in the example shown in FIG. 9, when starting communication with user U2, communication may be started on the spot, or the user may move to a nearby chair 204 and start communication. may For example, when starting communication with user U5 or user U6, the communication may be started by moving to the chair 204 near user U5 or user U6. You can ask them to come and start communication. For example, when communication is started with two users, user U3 and user U4, since there are more people on the other side, the user moves to the chair 204 near user U3 and user U4 and starts communication. Communication may be a call using voice or a chat using a chat tool. Then, the process proceeds to step S32.

The terminal device 10 determines whether or not communication has ended (step S32). Specifically, the communication execution unit 50 determines whether or not the communication started in step S30 has ended. If it is determined that the communication has ended (step S32; Yes), the process proceeds to step S34. If it is not determined that the communication has ended (step S32; No), the process of step S32 is repeated.

When determined as No in step S26, No in step S28, or Yes in step S32, the terminal device 10 determines whether or not to end the process (step S34). Specifically, the terminal device 10 determines to end the process when the user leaves the virtual rest room 200 . If it is determined to end the process (step S34; Yes), the process of FIG. 5 ends. If it is not determined to end the process (step S34; No), the process proceeds to step S26.

As described above, the first embodiment automatically provides a virtual rest room to the user when the user enters a preset rest area and is determined to be resting. The user can appropriately communicate with other users in the virtual rest room even in an environment such as working from home. As a result, the first embodiment can solve the lack of communication in an environment such as working from home.

[First Modification of First Embodiment]
A first modification of the first embodiment will be described. The first embodiment has been described as connecting to the virtual rest room when the user is detected in the rest area. A first modification of the first embodiment determines whether the user is a pre-registered user before providing the user with a virtual rest room.

The configuration of the virtual rest room providing system according to the first modification of the first embodiment is the same as the configuration of the virtual rest room providing system shown in FIG. 1, so the explanation is omitted.

(Processing of Virtual Rest Room Provision System)
Processing contents of the virtual lounge providing system according to the first modification of the first embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 10 is a flow chart showing the processing flow of the virtual lounge providing system according to the first modification of the first embodiment.

The processing from step S40 to step S44 is the same as the processing from step S10 to step S14 shown in FIG. 5, respectively, so description thereof will be omitted.

If it is determined Yes in step S44, the detection device 12 determines whether or not the user who has entered the rest area is a predetermined user (step S46). Specifically, the determination unit 86 determines whether the user who entered the rest area is a registered user who should be provided with a virtual rest room. In this case, the storage unit 66 may store, for example, identification information including an image of the face of the user who provides the virtual lounge. For example, when the position detection sensor 64 is a camera, the determination unit 86 compares the image of the user's face detected in the rest area by the position detection sensor 64 with the identification information stored in the storage unit 66. It is determined whether or not the user who entered the rest area is a predetermined user. If it is determined that the user who entered the rest area is the predetermined user (step S46; Yes), the process proceeds to step S48. If the user who entered the rest area is not determined to be the predetermined user (step S46; No), the process proceeds to step S50.

The processing from step S48 to step S66 is the same as the processing from step S16 to step S34 shown in FIG. 5, respectively, so description thereof will be omitted.

As described above, the first modification of the first embodiment provides a virtual break room to the user only when it is determined that the user is a pre-registered user. As a result, the first modification of the first embodiment can prevent the virtual rest room from being provided to the wrong user, so that the virtual rest room can be provided more appropriately.

[Second Modification of First Embodiment]
A second modification of the first embodiment will be described. The first embodiment has been described as automatically connecting to the virtual rest room when it is determined that the user is resting in the rest area. A second modification of the first embodiment confirms whether or not to connect to the virtual rest room before providing the virtual rest room to the user.

The configuration of the virtual rest room providing system according to the second modification of the first embodiment is the same as the configuration of the virtual rest room providing system shown in FIG. 1, so the explanation is omitted.

(Processing of Virtual Rest Room Provision System)
Processing contents of the virtual lounge providing system according to the second modification of the first embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 11 is a flow chart showing the processing flow of the virtual lounge providing system according to the second modification of the first embodiment.

The processing from step S70 to step S76 is the same as the processing from step S10 to step S16 shown in FIG. 5, respectively, so description thereof will be omitted.

When it is determined as Yes in step S76, the detection device 12 confirms with the user whether or not to connect to the virtual lounge (step S78). FIG. 12 is a diagram for explaining a method for confirming whether or not to connect to the virtual lounge according to the second modification of the first embodiment. For example, the confirming unit 84 confirms whether or not to connect to the virtual resting room for the user U by outputting a voice such as "Would you like to connect to the virtual resting room?" The confirmation unit 84 outputs information about the number of people connected to the virtual break room, for example, "X people are connected to the virtual break room. Do you want to connect to the virtual break room?" 62 may be output. The confirmation unit 84 confirms that a specific person such as a friend, colleague, or boss is connecting to the virtual lounge, for example, "Mr. A is connecting to the virtual lounge. Do you want to connect to the virtual lounge?" Information to that effect may be output from the audio output unit 62 . Then, the process proceeds to step S80.

The detection device 12 determines whether or not to connect to the virtual lounge (step S80). Specifically, for example, when the input unit 60 detects the voice of the user U such as "Yes. Please connect to the virtual rest room.", the determination unit 86 determines to connect to the virtual rest room. For example, when the input unit 60 detects the voice of the user U such as "No. Please do not connect to the virtual rest room.", the determination unit 86 determines not to connect to the virtual rest room. The user can select whether or not to connect to the virtual lounge based on the various information output in step S78. If it is not determined to connect to the virtual rest room (step S80; No), the process proceeds to step S82. If it is determined to connect to the virtual rest room (step S80; Yes), the process proceeds to step S84.

The processing from step S82 to step S98 is the same as the processing from step S18 to step S34 shown in FIG. 5, respectively, so description thereof will be omitted.

As described above, the second modification of the first embodiment provides the user with the virtual rest room only when the user desires to connect to the virtual rest room. As a result, the second modification of the first embodiment can more appropriately provide the user with a virtual rest room.

[Second embodiment]
A configuration example of the virtual rest room providing system according to the second embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 13 is a diagram showing the configuration of the virtual lounge providing system according to the second embodiment.

As shown in FIG. 13, the virtual rest room providing system 1A includes a terminal device 10 and a server device 14. As shown in FIG. The virtual rest room providing system 1A differs from the virtual rest room providing system 1 shown in FIG.

The virtual rest room providing system 1A provides a virtual rest room to the user when located in a facility or place set by the user as a rest area, such as a restaurant, a cafe, or a park.

(Processing of Virtual Rest Room Provision System)
Processing contents of the virtual lounge providing system according to the second embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. 14 . FIG. 14 is a flow chart showing the processing flow of the virtual lounge providing system according to the second embodiment.

The terminal device 10 sets a rest area for the user to rest in the real space (step S110). Specifically, the rest area setting unit 40 inputs location information of a facility such as a cafe as a rest area according to an input operation input by the user to the input unit 20 . The rest area setting unit 40 may set rest areas according to time periods, for example. The rest area setting unit 40 may set, for example, that a cafe near one's home is a rest area from 8:00 to 10:00 and is a non-rest area during other time periods. The rest area setting unit 40 may set a plurality of facilities as rest areas. Then, the process proceeds to step S112.

The terminal device 10 determines whether or not the current position is in the rest area (step S112). Specifically, if the position information calculated based on the GNSS signal acquired from the GNSS receiver 28 is the rest area set in step S80, the position information acquisition unit 48 determines that the current position is the rest area. I judge. If the current position is not determined to be in the rest area (step S112; No), the process proceeds to step S114. If it is determined that the current position is in the rest area (step S112; Yes), the process proceeds to step S116.

When determined as No in step S112, the terminal device 10 determines whether or not to end the position detection of the current position (step S114). Specifically, when an operation to turn off the power is received, the terminal device 10 determines to end position detection of the current position when receiving an operation to the effect that the position detection of the current position is ended. If it is determined to end the position detection of the current position (step S114; Yes), the process of FIG. 14 ends. If it is not determined to end the position detection of the current position (step S114; No), the process proceeds to step S112.

The processing from step S116 to step S130 is the same as the processing from step S20 to step S34 shown in FIG. 5, respectively, so description thereof will be omitted.

As described above, the second embodiment provides the user with a virtual rest room when it is determined that the user is located in a preset rest area such as a cafe. As a result, the second embodiment can solve the lack of communication when going out in an environment such as working from home.

[Modification of Second Embodiment]
In the second embodiment, the virtual lounge is provided to the user based on the current location information when the user is out. The present invention is not limited to when the user is out, and may determine whether the user is located in the rest area based on the user's current location even when working from home.

For example, in the example shown in FIG. 6 and the like, the terminal device 10 may determine whether the user U is located in the rest area AR1 or the non-rest area AR2. In this case, the location information acquisition unit 48 determines whether the user U is located in the rest area AR1 or the non-rest area AR2 based on the GNSS signal received by the GNSS reception unit 28, for example. good too. The location information acquisition unit 48 uses well-known indoor positioning technology using beacons and Wi-Fi (registered trademark), for example, to determine whether the user U is located in the rest area AR1 or in the non-rest area AR2. It may be determined whether or not The location information acquisition unit 48 may combine location detection using GNSS signals and indoor positioning technology to determine whether the user U is located in the rest area AR1 or the non-rest area AR2. .

[Third embodiment]
A third embodiment will be described. The third embodiment changes the virtual rest room to be provided according to the rest area where the user is resting.

A configuration example of the terminal device according to the third embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 15 is a block diagram showing a configuration example of a terminal device according to the third embodiment.

The configuration of the virtual rest room providing system according to the third embodiment is the same as the virtual rest room providing system 1 shown in FIG. 1 or the virtual rest room providing system 1A shown in FIG.

As shown in FIG. 15, the terminal device 10A differs from the terminal device 10 and the control section 32 shown in FIG.

The rest area information acquisition unit 52 acquires information about the rest area where the user is resting when the user is resting in the rest area. The information about the rest area includes information about the location of the rest area. Information about the location of the rest area includes specific information such as whether the rest area is your room or a cafe. For example, if the rest area is the home, the rest area information acquisition unit 52 acquires information about the rest area from the detection device 12 . The rest area information acquisition unit 52 acquires information about the rest area based on the current location information, for example, when the rest area is a cafe or other place outside the home. For example, when acquiring information on a rest area based on current position information, the rest area information acquisition unit 52 may acquire shop information on a shop when the current position is a shop such as a cafe. Store information may include, for example, layout information such as seating and interior.

(Virtual lounge change processing)
The contents of the virtual lounge change processing according to the third embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. 16 . FIG. 16 is a flow chart showing the flow of virtual lounge change processing according to the third embodiment.

FIG. 16 shows processing executed after it is determined that the user is resting in the rest area.

The terminal device 10A acquires rest area information (step S140). Specifically, for example, if the rest area is the home, the rest area information acquisition unit 52 acquires information about the rest area from the detection device 12 . The rest area information acquisition unit 52 acquires information about the rest area based on the current location information, for example, when the rest area is a cafe or other place outside the home. Then, the process proceeds to step S142.

Since the processing of step S142 is the same as the processing of step S20 shown in FIG. 5, the description thereof is omitted.

The virtual rest room information acquisition unit 44 of the terminal device 10A acquires information on the virtual rest room corresponding to the rest area information (step S144). Specifically, for example, if the rest area information indicates that the rest area is the home or the room, the virtual rest room information acquisition unit 44 acquires information about the virtual rest room corresponding to the home or the room. For example, if the rest area information is a place such as a cafe, the virtual rest room information acquisition unit 44 acquires information about a virtual rest room corresponding to the place such as a cafe. Then, the process proceeds to step S146.

The output control unit 46 of the terminal device 10A outputs the virtual rest room corresponding to the rest area information to the display unit 22 (step S146). 17 and 18 are diagrams for explaining a method of displaying a virtual rest room corresponding to rest area information according to the third embodiment.

A virtual rest room 200A shown in FIG. 17 is a virtual rest room corresponding to one's home or room. That is, when the user is resting in his/her own room, the virtual rest room 200A is displayed on the display unit 22 . The virtual lounge 200A includes a private room area 210-1 and a private room area 210-2. The own room area 210-1 and the own room area 210-2 are areas imitating the own room. A television 210 and a plurality of seats 212 are arranged in the private room area 210-1 and the private room area 210-2, respectively. User U1, who is his own icon, is located in his room area 210-1. User U2, which is another user's icon, is located in own room area 210-2. In this case, the virtual lounge 200A is also displayed on the display unit 22 of the other user's terminal device 10A. In other words, the virtual break room 200A is shared among users who are resting in their own rooms. That is, in the virtual rest room 200A, users resting in their own rooms can communicate with each other.

A virtual lounge 200B shown in FIG. 18 is a virtual lounge corresponding to a cafe. That is, when the user is resting at the cafe, the virtual rest room 200B is displayed on the display unit 22. FIG. The virtual break room 200B includes multiple tables 222 and multiple seats 224 . In the virtual break room 200B, user U1 as his own icon, user U2 as another user's icon, user U3, and user U4 are in the room. In this case, the virtual lounge 200B is also displayed on the display unit 22 of the other user's terminal device 10A. That is, the virtual rest room 200B is provided between users who are resting at the cafe. The virtual rest room 200B may change the layout of the plurality of tables 222 and the seats 224 according to the layout information of the cafe where the user is actually resting. In the virtual lounge 200B, for example, if the user U2 always sits on the same seat 224, information to that effect may be displayed. That is, in the virtual break room 200B, users taking a break in the cafe can communicate with each other.

When the users are resting in their rooms and the virtual rest room 200A is displayed on the display unit 22, it is not always necessary to communicate only with the users resting in their rooms. When the users are resting in the cafe and the virtual rest room 200B is displayed on the display unit 22, it is not necessary to communicate only with the users resting in the cafe. For example, a virtual rest room 200A is displayed on the display unit 22 of the terminal device 10A of the user U1, and a virtual rest room 200B is displayed on the display unit 22 of the terminal device 10A of the user U2 who is another user. User U1 and user U2 may be able to communicate.

The virtual rest room information acquisition unit 44 may acquire information on a virtual rest room corresponding to, for example, a case where the user is resting on the veranda of his/her home. In this case, the output control unit 46 may display hammocks and outdoor chairs as seats on the display unit 22 . The virtual rest room information acquisition unit 44 may acquire information on a virtual rest room corresponding to, for example, a case where the user is resting in the automobile cabin. In this case, the output control unit 46 may display the vehicle interior on the display unit 22 .

Return to FIG. Steps S148 to S156 are the same as steps S26 to S34 in FIG. 5, so description thereof will be omitted.

As described above, the third embodiment provides a virtual rest room according to the rest area where the user is actually resting. As a result, in the third embodiment, it is possible to communicate with other users in the virtual rest room as if they were resting in the actual space.

Although the embodiments of the present invention have been described above, the present invention is not limited by the contents of these embodiments. In addition, the components described above include those that can be easily assumed by those skilled in the art, those that are substantially the same, and those within the so-called equivalent range. Furthermore, the components described above can be combined as appropriate. Furthermore, various omissions, replacements, or modifications of components can be made without departing from the gist of the above-described embodiments.

1, 1A Virtual break room providing system 10, 10A Terminal device 12 Detecting device 14 Server device 20, 60 Input unit 22 Display unit 24, 62 Audio output unit 26, 66, 90 Storage unit 28 GNSS receiving unit 30, 68, 92 Communication Parts 32, 70, 94 Control Part 40 Rest Area Setting Part 42 Virtual Rest Room Connection Part 44 Virtual Rest Room Information Acquisition Part 46 Output Control Part 48 Position Information Acquisition Part 50 Communication Execution Part 64 Position Detection Sensor 80 Sensor Control Part 82 Entry Detection Part 84 Confirmation Part 86 Judgment Part 100 Virtual Rest Room Management Part 200 Virtual Rest Room AR1 Rest Area U User

Claims (5)

an entry detection unit that detects whether or not the user enters the rest area based on the detection result of the user's position by the position detection sensor;
a rest area setting unit that sets the rest area of the user in real space;
a virtual rest room connection unit that connects to a virtual rest room that allows communication with other users in a virtual space when entry of the user into the rest area is detected;
a virtual rest room information acquisition unit that acquires information about the virtual rest room;
a terminal device comprising an output control unit that outputs information about the virtual rest room;
A virtual rest room providing system comprising: The terminal device includes a rest area information acquisition unit that acquires rest area information about the rest area,
The virtual rest room information acquisition unit acquires information on a virtual rest room corresponding to the rest area information,
2. The virtual rest room providing system according to claim 1, wherein said output control unit displays a virtual rest room corresponding to said rest area information on a display unit. The detection device includes a confirmation unit that confirms with the user whether or not to connect to the virtual rest room,
The virtual rest room connection unit connects to the virtual rest room when it is determined to connect to the virtual rest room.
3. The virtual rest room providing system according to claim 1 or 2. The position detection sensor is a camera,
The detection device includes a determination unit that determines whether or not a user who has entered the rest area is a pre-registered user based on an image of the user captured by the camera,
The virtual rest room connection unit connects to the virtual rest room when it is determined that the user who entered the rest area is a pre-registered user.
The virtual rest room providing system according to any one of claims 1 to 3. setting a rest area for the user in real space;
a step of detecting whether or not the user enters the rest area based on the result of detection of the user's position by a position detection sensor;
connecting to a virtual rest room where it is possible to communicate with other users in a virtual space when the user's entry into the rest area is detected;
obtaining information about the virtual break room;
outputting information about the virtual break room;
A method of providing a virtual break room, comprising:

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