JP2024024426A - conference system - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To make it easy for a remote participant to grasp the situation of a conference.

SOLUTION: A conference system (M1) comprises: display means (1) capable of displaying information presented by a conference participant (U1) or a remote participant (U2); a table (2) disposed in a conference space (MS); first imaging means (3) for imaging the conference participant (U1); and second imaging means (4) capable of imaging a display range (11) of the display means (1). The second imaging means (4) is movable while keeping a state of being disposed above a top plate (21) of the table (2).

SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

COPYRIGHT: (C)2024,JPO&INPIT

Description

The present invention relates to a conference system.

Various conference formats are employed when multiple people interact. Examples of such conference formats include web conferences held by multiple users in multiple remote locations using electronic communication lines, face-to-face conferences held by multiple users gathered in a predetermined space, or web conferences. Examples include a conference format that combines formal and face-to-face meetings.

Generally, the face-to-face meeting method is said to be the easiest to communicate with. The reasons for this include the advantages of being able to see the other person's facial expressions, making it easier to understand the content of the explanation, making it easier to get a sense of presence, and making it easier to share information (such as sharing the same materials). With these advantages, face-to-face meetings can enhance the quality and quantity of communication.

On the other hand, in recent years, with the spread of telework, there has been an increase in the number of conference formats in which participants in the office and remote participants who participate via online coexist. Even in such conference formats, efforts have been made to obtain the above-mentioned advantages. Patent Documents 1 and 2 are cited as documents disclosing such devices.

Patent Document 1 discloses a video conference system that includes a large number of cameras arranged around a conference room and determines which camera field of view should be selected. Patent Document 2 discloses a video conference system having a camera facing a person and a camera facing a display.

Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2013-005451 Special table 2016-506670 publication

However, in the technologies disclosed in Patent Documents 1 and 2, the positions of a large number of cameras are fixed, so that the conference situation is grasped by the conference participants in the conference space, and the remote participation by those who participate in the conference at a remote location is difficult. There is a problem that there is a difference between the situation of the meeting and the situation that the person understands. One aspect of the present invention aims to make it easier for remote participants to understand the status of a conference.

In order to solve the above problems, a conference system according to one aspect of the present invention provides a conference system that allows conference participants to participate in a conference in a conference space where the conference is held, and online communication at a remote location away from the conference space. A conference system for conducting a conference in which remote participants participate in the conference, a display means capable of displaying information presented by the conference participants or the remote participants, and a display means in the conference space. A first photographing means for photographing a table arranged therein, a first photographing means for photographing the conference participants using the table, and a second photographing means capable of photographing a display range of the display means, the second photographing means comprising: It is movably provided in the conference space while remaining above the table top.

According to one aspect of the present invention, it is possible to make it easier for remote participants to understand the status of a conference.

1 is a perspective view showing the configuration of a conference system according to an embodiment of the present invention. 2 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the conference system shown in FIG. 1. FIG. FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing the configuration of a fixing part of a support means included in the conference system shown in FIG. 1. FIG. FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing the configuration of a conference system according to Modification 1 of the present invention. It is a perspective view showing the composition of the support means with which a conference system concerning modification 2 of the present invention is provided. FIG. 7 is a perspective view showing the configuration of a table included in a conference system according to modification 3 of the present invention. 7 is a perspective view showing the vicinity of table legs included in the table shown in FIG. 6. FIG. 8 is a diagram for explaining a table leg cover attached to the table leg shown in FIG. 7. FIG.

(Conference system)
FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing the configuration of a conference system M1 according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the conference system M1 shown in FIG. 1. The conference system M1 is for holding a conference in which conference participants U1 and remote participants U2 coexist. In FIG. 1, the longitudinal direction of the top plate 21 of the table 2 is the X-axis direction, the direction from the floor surface FS of the conference space MS toward the top plate 21 is the Z-axis direction, and the short direction of the top plate 21 is the Y-axis direction. . The X-axis direction, the Y-axis direction, and the Z-axis direction are directions that are orthogonal to each other.

The conference participant U1 is a participant who participates in the conference in the conference space MS where the conference is held. The remote participant U2 is a participant who participates in the conference online at a remote location RP away from the conference space MS. Note that the number of conference participants U1 in the conference space MS is not limited to one person as illustrated, and may be two or more. Further, the number of remote participants U2 participating in the conference is not limited to three as illustrated, but may be at least one.

A conference held in the conference space MS may be one in which a plurality of people communicate according to a predetermined purpose or topic, and includes, for example, a meeting, a discussion, a lecture, a seminar, a lecture, and the like. Furthermore, the conference held in the conference space MS may be a conference held at an educational institution.

(Conference space)
The conference space MS is a space where a conference is held in real space. The conference space MS may be a space separated from other spaces by a wall surface 9. For example, the conference space MS may be a space that has walls 9 all around it, or may be a space that does not have walls 9 in a part of its surroundings. In this case, the conference space MS is a booth such as a conference room. It is possible to paste imitation paper, drawings, etc. on the wall surface 9. Since the conference space MS is a space separated from other spaces by the wall surface 9, the confidentiality of information generated in the conference can be improved.

The conference space MS is a space separated from other spaces by a plurality of walls 9. Note that the conference space MS may be a space partitioned off from other spaces by one cylindrical wall surface 9. Further, although a ceiling is not provided in the conference space MS, the conference space MS may be a space partitioned off from other spaces by a ceiling in addition to the wall surface 9. Furthermore, the wall surface 9 may be, for example, a wall surface of a building, or may be a partition such as a partition.

The conference space MS is a permanent space, but may be a temporary space. Further, the conference space MS may be an open space where the entire surrounding area is open. Although the conference space MS is an indoor space, it may be an outdoor space. For example, the conference space MS may be provided within the premises of an educational institution. In this case, a plurality of conference spaces MS may be provided within the grounds of the educational institution.

(Each configuration placed in the conference space)
As shown in FIG. 1, the conference system M1 includes a display means 1, a table 2, a first photographing means 3, a second photographing means 4, a supporting means 5, a board 6, and a third photographing means 7. , a support means 8, a chair C1, an operation terminal P1, and a voice input means MI. Further, as shown in FIG. 2, the conference system M1 includes a conference system terminal CT, a remote terminal RT, and an operating terminal P2.

The conference space MS includes a display means 1, a table 2, a first photographing means 3, a second photographing means 4, a supporting means 5, a board 6, a third photographing means 7, a supporting means 8, is placed. Further, in the conference space MS, a chair C1, an operation terminal P1, an audio input means MI, a conference system terminal CT, and an operation terminal P2 are arranged.

(Display means and table)
The display means 1 is capable of displaying information presented by a conference participant U1 or a remote participant U2. The display means 1 is, for example, a display that displays images. Note that the display means 1 may be a projector that projects an image onto a screen (not shown). The screen is placed along the wall surface 9. Further, the display means 1 can display at least one of the conference participant U1 and the remote participant U2.

The display means 1 is arranged along a wall surface 9. Since the display means 1 is arranged along the wall surface 9, the conference space MS can be made larger. The display means 1 may be provided on the wall surface 9 or may be supported by a support member such as a monitor stand.

A plurality of display means 1 may exist. For example, there may be display means 1 for displaying at least one of conference participant U1 and remote participant U2, and display means 1 for displaying information presented by conference participant U1 or remote participant U2. . The table 2 has a top plate 21. A rail 22 is provided on the top plate 21. The rails 22 define a trajectory on which the support means 5 and the audio input means MI are moved.

(First photographing means)
The first photographing means 3 photographs the conference space MS and generates an image. Further, the first photographing means 3 photographs the conference participant U1 using the table 2 from the front. The first photographing means 3 is arranged above the display means 1. The remote participant U2 can view the conference space MS using the first photographing means 3. The first photographing means 3, the second photographing means 4, and the third photographing means 7 may be, for example, a digital camera, a smartphone, a tablet terminal, a web camera, etc., and these imaging devices and members supporting the imaging devices may be used. It may also consist of:

(Second photographing means)
The second photographing means 4 is capable of photographing the display range 11 of the display means 1 and generates an image. The display range 11 is, for example, a display screen or a range where an image is projected onto the screen. The second photographing means 4 is movably provided while maintaining a state in which it is disposed above the top plate 21 of the table 2 in the conference space MS. The details will be explained below. The support means 5 has a support part 51 and a fixing part 52. The support portion 51 and the fixing portion 52 may be formed integrally or may be composed of separate parts.

In the supporting means 5, a connecting portion between the supporting portion 51 and the fixing portion 52 may be expandable and contractible in the vertical direction, that is, in the Z-axis direction. Thereby, the support means 5 supports the second photographing means 4 and can move the second photographing means 4 up and down. Therefore, the support means 5 can maintain the state in which the second photographing means 4 is disposed above the top plate 21. Since the support means 5 supporting the second photographing means 4 can move up and down the second photographing means 4, the remote participant U2 can see the object from the same line of sight as the conference participant U1 through the second photographing means 4. You can easily achieve a state where you can.

The support part 51 supports the second photographing means 4 at one end on the upper side, and is connected to the fixing part 52 at the other end on the lower side. The fixed part 52 is connected to the support part 51 at one end on the upper side, is received by the rail 22 at the other end on the lower side, and moves on a track defined by the rail 22. The fixing part 52 may be fixed at an arbitrary position on the upper surface of the top plate 21 of the table 2 at the other end of the lower side.

By receiving the fixed part 52 into the rail 22, the support means 5 becomes horizontally movable while supporting the second photographing means 4. Since the support means 5 supporting the second photographing means 4 is horizontally movable, the photographing range to be photographed by the second photographing means 4 can be changed. Therefore, images of various locations within the conference space MS can be provided to the remote participant U2.

In addition, since the second photographing means 4 can be moved while maintaining the state that it is placed above the top plate 21 of the table 2, the remote participant U2 can be seen by the second photographing means 4 in the same manner as the conference participant U1. I can see things with my eyes. Therefore, it is possible to make it easier for the remote participant U2 to understand the status of the conference.

The second photographing means 4 is capable of photographing an object including the display range 11. The object to be photographed is, for example, in addition to the display range 11, an article such as a board 6 or a prototype. The second photographing means 4 is arranged so that the remote participant U2 can view the object to be photographed using the second photographing means 4 in the same way that the conference participant U1 is viewing the object to be photographed. Specifically, the second photographing means 4 is arranged in an area where the height from the floor surface FS of the conference space MS is within a predetermined range.

The height from the floor surface FS is the height along the Z-axis direction perpendicular to the floor surface FS, with the floor surface FS as a reference. The area whose height from the floor surface FS is within the above-mentioned predetermined range is the first plane whose height from the floor surface FS is the lower limit of the above-mentioned predetermined range, and the region whose height from the floor surface FS is within the above-mentioned predetermined range. This is the area between the second plane and the upper limit of the range. The first plane, the second plane, and the floor plane FS are parallel to the XY plane.

Note that the height within the above predetermined range is preferably, for example, 40 cm or more and 140 cm or less. Specifically, when the table 2 is a low table, the height within the predetermined range is preferably, for example, 40 cm or more and 80 cm or less. When the table 2 is a normal table, the height within the predetermined range is preferably, for example, 60 cm or more and 100 cm or less. When the table 2 is a high table, the height within the predetermined range is preferably, for example, 80 cm or more and 140 cm or less. The height of the top plate 21 of the normal table is higher than that of a low table, and the height of the top plate 21 is lower than that of a high table.

Since the height within the predetermined range is within the numerical range described above, the second photographing means 4 can be placed above the top plate 21, and the position of the second photographing means 4 can be adjusted using the table 2. It is possible to match the line of sight of conference participant U1. Further, since the second photographing means 4 is disposed within an area having a height within the predetermined range, the remote participant U2 can view the photographic object from the perspective of the conference participant U1 looking at the photographic object. can be seen. Therefore, it is possible to make it easier for the remote participant U2 to understand the situation of the conference.

Note that the third photographing means 7 may also be arranged within a region where the height from the floor surface FS of the conference space MS is within the above-mentioned predetermined range. As a result, when the third photographing means 7 is capable of photographing the object to be photographed, the remote participant U2 can take the object to be photographed using the third photographing means 7 while the conference participant U1 is looking at the object to be photographed. You can see it.

(board)
The board 6 is for the conference participant U1 to write information, and is, for example, a whiteboard or a blackboard. The board 6 is provided on a wall surface 9. Note that the board 6 may have casters and be provided so as to be horizontally movable. The second photographing means 4 may be capable of further photographing the board 6. For example, the supporting means 5 may support the second photographing means 4 in a rotatable manner so that the photographing range photographed by the second photographing means 4 can be changed.

In this case, the support portion 51 rotatably supports the second photographing means 4 at one end on the upper side. By rotating the second photographing means 4 from the direction toward the display means 1 to the direction toward the board 6, the board 6 can be photographed. The second photographing means 4 may be able to rotate by 360 degrees with respect to at least one of an axis parallel to the floor surface FS and an axis perpendicular to the floor surface FS.

The support means 5 can change the photographing range of the second photographing means 4 by supporting the second photographing means 4 in a rotatable manner. Therefore, images of various locations within the conference space MS can be provided to the remote participant U2. Further, since the second photographing means 4 can further photograph the board 6, it is possible to provide an image of the information written on the board 6 to the remote participant U2. Therefore, the remote participant U2 can grasp the information written on the board 6.

At least a portion of the wall surface 9 may be the board 6. For example, if the conference space MS is a space partitioned by a plurality of walls 9, at least one wall 9 among the plurality of walls 9 may be entirely made up of the board 6, and at least one wall among the plurality of walls 9 may be 9 may be part of the board 6. Further, when the conference space MS is a space partitioned by one cylindrical wall surface 9, at least a portion of one wall surface 9 may be the board 6.

Since the second photographing means 4 can further photograph the board 6, which is at least a part of the wall surface 9, it can provide an image of the information written on the board 6 to the remote participant U2. Therefore, the remote participant U2 can grasp the information written on the board 6.

(Third photographing means)
The third photographing means 7 is capable of photographing the board 6 and is separate from the second photographing means 4. The third photographing means 7 generates an image. The third photographing means 7 is movably provided while maintaining its position above the top plate 21 of the table 2 in the conference space MS. The details will be explained below. The support means 8 includes a support portion 81 , a fixing portion 82 , a mounting member 83 , a leg support 84 , and a leg base 85 . The support part 81 and the fixing part 82 may be formed integrally, or may be composed of separate parts.

The support part 81 supports the third photographing means 7 at one end on the upper side, and is connected to the fixing part 82 at the other end on the lower side. The fixing part 82 is connected to the support part 81 at one upper end and can be fixed to the mounting member 83. Note that the fixing portion 82 may be able to be placed on the placement member 83.

In addition to the fixing part 82, articles such as an operating terminal other than the operating terminal P1 can be placed on the mounting member 83. The mounting member 83 is supported by the leg support 84. The leg support 84 is erected from the leg base 85 and supports the third photographing means 7. The leg base 85 has casters W. The leg base 85 has a plurality of rod-shaped bodies extending radially and obliquely downward. A caster W is provided at the tip of the rod-shaped body. With such a structure of the leg base 85, the stability of the support means 8 can be improved. Note that the leg base 85 may have a substantially U-shape.

At least one of the connecting portion between the support portion 81 and the fixing portion 82 and the leg support 84 may be expandable and retractable in the vertical direction. Thereby, the support means 8 supports the third photographing means 7 and can move the third photographing means 7 up and down. Since the leg base 85 has casters W, the leg support 84 supporting the third photographing means 7 can be moved horizontally. In other words, the support means 8 is horizontally movable while supporting the third photographing means 7. Further, since the leg support 84 is expandable and retractable in the vertical direction, the third photographing means 7 can be raised and lowered.

Furthermore, the conference system M1 includes a second photographing means 4 capable of photographing the display range 11 of the display means 1, and a third photographing means 7 capable of photographing the board 6. Therefore, while the second photographing means 4 is photographing the display range 11 of the display means 1, the third photographing means 7 can photograph the board 6. Therefore, the image of the display range 11 of the display means 1 and the image of the information written on the board 6 can be provided to the remote participant U2 at the same time.

Note that the third photographing means 7 may be capable of photographing the object to be photographed. In other words, the second photographing means 4 and the third photographing means 7 may photograph separate objects. For example, the second photographing means 4 and the third photographing means 7 may respectively photograph any one of the display range 11, the board 6, and the prototype. Alternatively, the second photographing means 4 may photograph the board 6, and the third photographing means 7 may photograph the prototype.

Further, the supporting means 8 may be capable of changing the photographing range photographed by the third photographing means 7 by supporting the third photographing means 7 in a rotatable manner. In this case, the support part 81 rotatably supports the third photographing means 7 at one end of the upper side. The third photographing means 7 may be able to rotate by 360 degrees with respect to at least one of an axis parallel to the floor surface FS and an axis perpendicular to the floor surface FS.

(Operation terminal and voice input means)
Operation terminal P1 is a terminal used by conference participant U1. The operation terminal P1 may be, for example, a smartphone, a tablet, a notebook PC, a desktop PC, or the like. The voice input means MI detects the voice of the conference participant U1 and generates voice data. The voice input means MI is, for example, a microphone. The voice input means MI is received by the rail 22 at the other end of the lower side and moves on a track defined by the rail 22. The voice input means MI may be fixed at an arbitrary position on the upper surface of the top plate 21 of the table 2 at the other end of the lower side.

(Conference space and remote locations)
As shown in FIG. 2, the conference system M1 further includes an operation terminal P2. The operating terminal P2 is similar to the operating terminal P1, is arranged in the conference space MS, and is mounted on the mounting member 83 of the support means 8. The conference system terminal CT is communicably connected to the display means 1, the first photographing means 3, and the audio input means MI by wiring, but may be communicably connected by wireless.

The operating terminal P1 is connected to the second photographing means 4, and the operating terminal P2 is connected to the third photographing means 7. Note that the operating terminal P1 may be communicably connected to the second photographing means 4 by wiring, or may be communicably connected to the second photographing means 4 by wireless. Further, the operation terminal P2 may be communicably connected to the third photographing means 7 by wiring, or may be communicably connected to the third photographing means 7 by wireless.

Furthermore, the second photographing means 4 and the third photographing means 7 may each be communicably connected to the conference system terminal CT by wiring or wirelessly. When the third photographing means 7 is connected to the conference system terminal CT by wiring, the leg base 85 may be provided with a grip portion for gripping the wiring or a hook for holding the wiring.

Furthermore, when there are a plurality of display means 1, the conference system terminal CT may be communicably connected to the plurality of display means 1 by wiring. Further, the conference system terminal CT may be connected to a plurality of display means 1 so as to be able to communicate wirelessly.

The conference system terminal CT is a device that connects to the Internet and conducts a conference in which conference participants U1 and remote participants U2 participate, and is, for example, an STB (Set Top Box). Further, the conference system terminal CT is, for example, a personal computer body used as a terminal of a television conference system or a video conference system. Note that the conference system M1 may include an operation terminal similar to the operation terminal P1 instead of the conference system terminal CT. In this case, the operating terminal executes the processing that can be executed by the conference system terminal CT.

The conference system terminal CT communicates with the remote terminal RT via the network N. The conference system terminal CT transmits the image generated by the first photographing means 3 to the remote terminal RT. The control means R1 of the remote terminal RT causes the display means R2 of the remote terminal RT to display the image received from the conference system terminal CT. Thereby, the remote participant U2 can view what has been photographed by the first photographing means 3 on the display means R2.

The conference system terminal CT transmits the audio data generated by the audio input means MI to the remote terminal RT. The control means R1 outputs the audio data received from the conference system terminal CT to an audio output means (not shown), and causes the audio output means to output audio. The audio output means is, for example, a speaker, and may be provided in the remote terminal RT, or may be connected to the remote terminal RT separately from the remote terminal RT.

Operating terminal P1 and operating terminal P2 communicate with remote terminal RT via network N. Conference participant U1 can participate in the conference using operating terminal P1 or operating terminal P2. The operation terminal P1 transmits the image generated by the second photographing means 4 to the remote terminal RT. The control means R1 causes the display means R2 to display the image received from the operation terminal P1. Thereby, the remote participant U2 can view what the second photographing means 4 has photographed on the display means R2.

The operation terminal P2 transmits the image generated by the third photographing means 7 to the remote terminal RT. The control means R1 causes the display means R2 to display the image received from the operating terminal P2. Thereby, the remote participant U2 can view what the third photographing means 7 has photographed on the display means R2.

Conference participant U1 can present information on display means 1 by operating operating terminal P1 or operating terminal P2. When the operating terminal P1 or the operating terminal P2 is operated by the conference participant U1, the conference system terminal CT causes the display means 1 to display the information presented by the conference participant U1. The remote participant U2 can present information on the display means 1 by operating the remote terminal RT. When the remote terminal RT is operated by the remote participant U2, the conference system terminal CT causes the display means 1 to display the information presented by the remote participant U2.

The remote terminal RT is a terminal used by the remote participant U2. A remote participant U2 can participate in the conference online at a remote terminal RT. The remote terminal RT is similar to the operating terminal P1, is located at the remote location RP, and includes a control means R1, a display means R2, and a communication means R3.

The control means R1 is, for example, a CPU, and controls each part of the remote terminal RT. The display means R2 is, for example, a display, and displays an image. The communication means R3 is, for example, a communication interface, and communicates with the conference system terminal CT, the operating terminal P1, and the operating terminal P2 via the network N.

Note that the conference system M1 may include an operation terminal instead of the conference system terminal CT. In this case, the operating terminal has the same functions as the conference system terminal CT, and is communicably connected to the display means 1, the first photographing means 3, and the audio input means MI by wiring, but by wireless. They may be communicably connected. The operating terminal is similar to operating terminal P1.

Furthermore, the conference system M1 may further include an image processing device. In this case, the image processing device can communicate with the conference system terminal CT, the operating terminal P1, the operating terminal P2, the first photographing means 3, the second photographing means 4, and the third photographing means 7 through wiring. However, they may be connected for wireless communication.

The image processing device switches at least two images among the image generated by the first photographing means 3, the image generated by the second photographing means 4, and the image generated by the third photographing means 7. The conference system terminal CT transmits the image switched by the image processing device to the remote terminal RT. Further, the image processing device combines the at least two images. The conference system terminal CT transmits the image synthesized by the image processing device to the remote terminal RT.

(Fixed part)
FIG. 3 is a perspective view showing the configuration of the fixing part 52 of the support means 5 included in the conference system M1 shown in FIG. Note that in FIG. 3, the second photographing means 4 and the support section 51 are omitted. As shown in FIG. 3, the fixing part 52 includes a tray upper part 521, a tray main body 522, a magnet 523, and a fitting part 524.

The tray upper part 521 constitutes the upper surface of the tray and is connected to the support part 51. The tray upper part 521 is placed on the tray main body 522 and has a bottom shape that is fitted into the upper surface of the tray main body 522. The tray main body 522 is fitted with the bottom surface of the tray upper part 521 to fix the tray upper part 521. The tray upper part 521 and the tray body 522 may be molded products. A slit for winding a cord may be formed on the side surface of the body portion of the tray body 522. The cord is for electrically connecting the second photographing means 4 and the operation terminal P1 or the conference system terminal CT.

The magnet 523 is attached to the bottom of the tray top 521. The number of magnets 523 may be one or more. When the fixed part 52 is received by the rail 22, the magnet 523 is attracted to and fixed to the rail 22. The magnet 523 is, for example, a neodymium magnet.

The fitting portion 524 is a convex portion protruding from the bottom surface of the tray body 522, and is composed of a fitting portion 524A and a fitting portion 524B. Two slits are formed along the longitudinal direction between the rail 22 extending in the longitudinal direction of the top plate 21 and the upper surface of the top plate 21. The fitting part 524A and the fitting part 524B are provided apart from each other so that they can be fitted into the two slits separately. By fitting the fitting portion 524A and the fitting portion 524B into the two slits, the fixed portion 52 can move smoothly and stably on the track of the rail 22 with the magnet 523 being attracted to the rail 22. .

In FIGS. 1 and 3, the rail 22 extends in the longitudinal direction of the top plate 21 and is located near the center in the lateral direction. However, the rail 22 may be provided at any position on the top plate 21. Specifically, the rail 22 may extend in the longitudinal direction of the top plate 21, and may be located biased toward one end in the lateral direction. The rail 22 may extend only in the lateral direction of the top plate 21, and may be located near the center in the longitudinal direction, or biased towards one end in the longitudinal direction. A plurality of rails 22 may exist and may extend in the longitudinal direction and the lateral direction. The rail 22 may extend in a direction that is not orthogonal to the longitudinal direction or the lateral direction.

In FIGS. 1 and 3, the rail 22 has been described as being incorporated inside the upper surface of the top plate 21. However, the rail 22 may be realized as a separate body from the top plate 21 and placed at an arbitrary position on the top surface of the top plate 21. Therefore, a configuration in which the support means 5 is provided at an arbitrary position on the upper surface of the top plate 21 can be easily realized.

[Modification 1]
Modification 1 of the present invention will be described below. FIG. 4 is a perspective view showing the configuration of a conference system M2 according to Modification 1 of the present invention. The conference system M2 differs from the conference system M1 shown in FIG. The difference is that is not installed on the top plate 21A of the table 2A. The second photographing means 4 is movably provided while maintaining its position above the top plate 21A of the table 2A.

In the conference system M2, chairs C2 are arranged corresponding to each of the plurality of tables 2A. Table 2A is a work table for one person. The support portion 81 of the support means 8 supports the second photographing means 4 at one upper end. The operating terminal P2 can be placed on the placing member 83. The mounting member 83 is supported by the leg support 84. The leg support 84 supports the second photographing means 4. The second photographing means 4 is connected to the operating terminal P2 instead of the operating terminal P1.

[Modification 2]
Modification 2 of the present invention will be described below. FIG. 5 is a perspective view showing the configuration of support means 8A, 8B, and 8C included in the conference system M1 according to Modification 2 of the present invention. In a second modification, the conference system M1 may include at least one of the support means 8A, 8B, and 8C shown in FIG. 5 instead of the support means 8.

As shown by reference numeral 101 in FIG. 5, the support means 8A differs from the support means 8 in that the leg base 85 is changed to a leg base 85A. The leg base 85A extends substantially horizontally along the floor surface FS. The leg base 85A has casters W at the lower end. In reference numeral 101 in FIG. 5, the fixing portion 82 is disposed on the back side of the operating terminal P2.

Further, a battery (not shown) is mounted on the leg base 85A. The third photographing means 7 and the operation terminal P2 may be connected to the battery. Thereby, the support means 8A can be moved more flexibly than when the third photographing means 7 and the operation terminal P2 are connected to a power source external to the support means 8A via wiring.

As shown by reference numeral 102 in FIG. 5, the support means 8B differs from the support means 8A in that it does not include a support portion 81, a fixing portion 82, and a mounting member 83. That is, the support means 8B has only the leg support 84 and the leg base 85A. Although the third photographing means 7 is fixed to one upper end of the leg support 84, the second photographing means 4 may also be fixed thereto. As shown by reference numeral 103 in FIG. 5, the support means 8C differs from the support means 8B in that the leg base 85A is replaced by a leg base 85. Note that the leg struts 84 included in each of the support means 8A, 8B, and 8C may be expandable and retractable in the vertical direction. Thereby, the third photographing means 7 can be raised and lowered.

[Modification 3]
Modification 3 of the present invention will be described below. FIG. 6 is a perspective view showing the configuration of a table 2B included in the conference system M1 according to Modification 3 of the present invention. In modification 3, the conference system M1 may include a table 2B shown in FIG. 6 instead of the table 2.

(table)
The table 2B includes a top plate 21B, table legs 23B and 24B, a guide portion 25B, and a footrest portion 26B. The table legs 23B and 24B are portions that support the top plate 21B of the table 2B, extend in the vertical direction, and are installed on the floor surface FS. The table legs 23B and 24B can also be referred to as table legs including a table base body that constitutes the skeleton of the table leg and a cover that covers the table base body. Although the table legs 23B and 24B are configured with two legs, they may be configured with three legs or four legs.

The guide portion 25B is provided on the back side of the upper surface of the top plate 21B, and between the table leg 23B and the table leg 24B. The guide portion 25B integrates at least one of the wiring inserted into the slit 22B formed on the top surface of the top plate 21B, and the wiring from the outlet if the outlet is provided at the end of the slit 22B. . The guide portion 25B guides the accumulated wiring toward at least one of the table legs 23B and 24B. The guide portion 25B functions as a wiring duct.

Thereby, the guide part 25B can reduce the possibility that the various wires inserted into the slit 22B hit the feet of the conference participant U1 and the wires are unintentionally pulled out. Further, since the guide portion 25B can shield the wiring inserted into the slit 22B from the outside, the appearance of the table 2B can be improved, and the appearance of the conference space MS in which the table 2B is used can be improved. The footrest portion 26B is used as a footrest for the conference participant U1, and can reduce the accumulation of fatigue of the conference participant U1 when the conference lasts a long time.

(near the table legs)
FIG. 7 is a perspective view showing the vicinity of table legs 24B included in table 2B shown in FIG. As shown in FIG. 7, a plurality of wirings WI1, WI2, and WI3 may be laid inside the side wall of the table leg 24B. The wiring WI1 is a wiring that electrically connects the audio input means MI and the conference system terminal CT, and the wiring WI2 is a wiring that electrically connects the second photographing means 4 and the conference system terminal CT. WI3 is wiring for HDMI (registered trademark).

The conference system terminal CT is attached to the inside of the side wall of the table leg 24B. The conference system terminal CT may be attached to the side wall of the table leg 24B using a universal attachment method using Vesa (Video Electronics Standards Association) fittings to extend the life of the table 2B and the conference system terminal CT.

The wiring 27B is a wiring different from the wirings WI1, WI2, and WI3, and is attached to the inside of the side wall of the table leg 24B. The table 2B may be provided with an outlet on the top surface of the top plate 21B, and the wiring from the outlet may be considered to be the wiring 27B.

In this way, in the table 2B, equipment used for teleconferences or video conferences, such as wiring and the computer itself, is integrated and attached to the side wall of the table leg 24B, and the side wall of the table leg 24B functions as a wiring space etc. I'm letting you do it. This makes it easier to maintain the wiring and the computer itself.

(table leg cover)
FIG. 8 is a diagram for explaining the table leg cover 241B attached to the table leg 24B shown in FIG. 7. The table leg cover 241B is attached to the side wall of the table leg 24B, and shields the wirings WI1, WI2, WI3, the conference system terminal CT, the wiring 27B, etc. attached to the table leg 24B from the outside. Further, a plurality of holes may be formed in the table leg cover 241B, and heat originating from the conference system terminal CT etc. can be exhausted to the outside through the plurality of holes.

As a result of the above, the table 2B can extend the life of the equipment used for the television conference or video conference, such as wiring and the personal computer itself, and the table 2B to which the equipment is attached. Further, by attaching the table leg cover 241B to the table leg 24B, the appearance of the table 2B can be improved, and the appearance of the conference space MS in which the table 2B is used can be improved.

For example, if the conference systems M1 and M2 are applied to facilities for conferences provided in educational institutions such as schools, it is possible to make it easier for students in remote locations RP to understand the status of the conference, It is possible to make it easier for the student to understand the educational content. Such effects also contribute to achieving, for example, Goal 4 of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) advocated by the United Nations, ``Quality education for all.''

〔summary〕
A conference system according to a first aspect of the present disclosure includes conference participants who participate in the conference in a conference space where the conference is held, and remote participants who participate in the conference online at a remote location away from the conference space. and a display means capable of displaying information presented by the conference participants or the remote participants; a table arranged in the conference space; a first photographing means for photographing the conference participants using the table; and a second photographing means capable of photographing the display range of the display means, the second photographing means being configured to photograph the table in the conference space. It is provided so that it can be moved while maintaining its position above the top plate.

Since the second photographing means can be moved while maintaining its position above the table top, remote participants can use the second photographing means to see things from the same perspective as conference participants. . Therefore, it is possible to make it easier for remote participants to understand the status of the conference.

In the conference system according to a second aspect of the present disclosure, in the first aspect, the second photographing means is capable of photographing an object to be photographed including the display range, and the conference participant The height of the second photographing means from the floor surface of the conference space is within a predetermined range so that the remote participant can see the object to be photographed using the second photographing means. It is placed in an area with a height of .

By arranging the second photographing means within an area having a height within a predetermined range, remote participants can view the object to be photographed from the same line of sight as the conference participant. Therefore, remote participants can easily understand the status of the conference.

A conference system according to a third aspect of the present disclosure is provided with a supporting means that is horizontally movable while supporting the second photographing means in the first or second aspect. Since the support means supporting the second photographing means is horizontally movable, the photographing range to be photographed by the second photographing means can be changed. Therefore, images of various locations within the conference space can be provided to remote participants.

A conference system according to a fourth aspect of the present disclosure, in any one of the first to third aspects, includes support means that supports the second photographing means and is capable of raising and lowering the second photographing means. Since the support means that supports the second photographing means can move the second photographing means up and down, it is possible to easily realize a state in which remote participants can see things from the same line of sight as conference participants through the second photographing means. can.

The conference system according to a fifth aspect of the present disclosure, in any one of the first to fourth aspects, includes a board on which the conference participants write information, and the second photographing means is configured to It is possible to take further pictures. Since the second photographing means can further photograph the board, it is possible to provide images of information written on the board to remote participants. Therefore, remote participants can grasp the information written on the board.

A conference system according to a sixth aspect of the present disclosure, in any one of the first to fifth aspects, includes a board on which the conference participants write information, and a board that can be photographed; A third photographing means separate from the second photographing means is provided.

The conference system includes a second photographing means capable of photographing the display range of the display means and a third photographing means capable of photographing the board. Therefore, it is possible to photograph the board using the third photographing means while photographing the display range of the display means using the second photographing means. Therefore, an image of the display range of the display means and an image of the information written on the board can be provided to remote participants at the same time.

In the conference system according to a seventh aspect of the present disclosure, in any one of the first to sixth aspects, the second photographing means is rotatably supported, so that a photographing range photographed by the second photographing means is provided. It is equipped with support means that can be changed. The support means can change the photographing range photographed by the second photographing means by supporting the second photographing means in a rotatable manner. Therefore, images of various locations within the conference space can be provided to remote participants.

In the conference system according to an eighth aspect of the present disclosure, in any one of the first to seventh aspects, the conference space is a space partitioned off from other spaces by a wall surface, and the display means is a It is placed along the wall. Since the conference space is separated from other spaces by walls, the confidentiality of information generated during the conference can be improved. Furthermore, since the display means is arranged along the wall surface, the conference space can be made larger.

In the conference system according to a ninth aspect of the present disclosure, in the fifth or sixth aspect, the conference space is a space partitioned from other spaces by a wall, and at least a part of the wall It's a board. Since the second photographing means can further photograph the board, which is at least a part of the wall surface, it is possible to provide the remote participant with an image of the information written on the board. Therefore, remote participants can grasp the information written on the board.

In the conference system according to a tenth aspect of the present disclosure, in any one of the third, fourth, and seventh aspects, the supporting means includes a leg base having casters, and is erected from the leg base, and A leg support supporting a second photographing means is provided, and the leg support is vertically expandable and retractable. Since the leg base has casters, the leg support supporting the second photographing means can be moved horizontally. Furthermore, since the leg support is vertically expandable and retractable, the second photographing means can be raised and lowered.

The present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above, and various modifications can be made within the scope of the claims, and configurations obtained by appropriately combining technical means disclosed in the embodiments described above. Also included in the technical scope of the present invention.

1 Display means 2, 2A, 2B Table 3 First photographing means 4 Second photographing means 5, 8, 8A, 8B, 8C Supporting means 6 Board 7 Third photographing means 9 Wall surface 11 Display range 21, 21A, 21B Top plate 84 Leg support 85, 85A Leg base FS Floor surface M1, M2 Conference system MS Conference space RP Remote location U1 Conference participant U2 Remote participant

Claims (10)

A conference for conducting the conference in which conference participants who participate in the conference in a conference space where the conference is held and remote participants who participate in the conference online at a remote location away from the conference space coexist. A system,
a display means capable of displaying information presented by the conference participant or the remote participant;
a table placed in the conference space;
a first photographing means for photographing the conference participants using the table;
a second photographing means capable of photographing a display range of the display means,
The conference system is characterized in that the second photographing means is movably provided while maintaining a state of being disposed above the table top in the conference space. The second photographing means is capable of photographing an object including the display range,
The second photographing means is arranged on the floor of the conference space so that the remote participant can see the object to be photographed using the second photographing means from the perspective of the conference participant looking at the object to be photographed. The conference system according to claim 1, wherein the conference system is arranged in an area whose height from the surface is within a predetermined range. The conference system according to claim 1, further comprising support means that is horizontally movable while supporting the second photographing means. The conference system according to claim 1, further comprising support means that supports the second photographing means and is capable of raising and lowering the second photographing means. comprising a board for the conference participants to write information;
5. The conference system according to claim 1, wherein the second photographing means can further photograph the board. a board for the conference participants to write information;
5. The conference system according to claim 1, further comprising a third photographing means that is capable of photographing the board and is separate from the second photographing means. 3. The conference system according to claim 1, further comprising support means that can change the photographing range photographed by the second photographing means by supporting the second photographing means in a rotatable manner. The conference space is a space separated from other spaces by a wall,
5. The conference system according to claim 1, wherein the display means is arranged along the wall surface. The conference space is a space separated from other spaces by a wall,
The conference system according to claim 5, wherein at least a portion of the wall surface is the board. The support means is
a leg base with casters;
a leg support erected from the leg base and supporting the second photographing means;
5. The conference system according to claim 3, wherein the leg support is vertically expandable and retractable.

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