Information processing apparatus, information processing method, computer readable medium, and computer program product

Abstract

Provided are an information processing device, an information processing method, and a computer-readable medium. A processor corresponds each region in a virtual space in which movement of regions is possible to a user group composed of users at a plurality of sites in a real space, and when the users have made movement between the regions in the virtual space, the processor causes images associated with the users that make up the user group corresponding to the region that is a movement destination to be displayed in a display range specified for each of the users, respectively, and causes an image associated with the user that has moved to be displayed in a display range for the user that has moved.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to information processing apparatus, information processing method, computer-readable medium, and computer program product. Background Technology

[0002] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2011-216073 describes the following technology: In the case of conducting business activities using three-dimensional virtual space, collecting inherent static information and dynamic information such as action history of virtual avatars, and analyzing this information so that it can be used for marketing.

[0003] In recent years, work styles within enterprises have diversified. In addition to the traditional office-based work system, remote work, where employees work from home or other locations outside the office building, has also begun to emerge. Furthermore, group communication software such as web conferencing systems has become increasingly popular as a communication tool for employees working in multiple locations.

[0004] However, in actual office building work, if there are office spaces on multiple floors, a user can move from their current floor to another floor and communicate with users on the destination floor. Here, there are also users on the destination floor who are not the users they communicate with; the user moving from that floor can also obtain information about their work status.

[0005] However, in current group software, only users invited to the group can be displayed on the screen, thus limiting the types of users whose information can be accessed compared to going to the office. Summary of the Invention

[0006] Therefore, the object of the present invention is to be able to access information about users belonging to the workplace in the same way as when working at the workplace, and to be able to communicate with users belonging to the workplace from multiple locations without going to the workplace.

[0007] According to a first aspect of the present invention, an information processing apparatus is provided, which includes a processor that corresponds each region in a virtual space capable of enabling movement within a region to a user group consisting of users in multiple locations in the real space. When a user moves between the regions in the virtual space, the processor displays images associated with the users constituting the user group corresponding to the region as the destination of the movement in display ranges specified by each user, and displays images associated with the moving user in display ranges for the moving user.

[0008] According to a second aspect of the present invention, a permitted area and a prohibited area are provided in the area, wherein the permitted area allows the user to move from other areas, and the prohibited area does not allow the user to move from other areas, and the processor handles the setting of the permitted area for each user.

[0009] According to a third aspect of the invention, an authentication area and an open area are provided in the permitted area. The authentication area accepts the user's movement from other areas upon successful authentication, while the open area accepts the user's movement from other areas without requiring successful authentication.

[0010] According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, the processor makes the display methods of the open area, the authenticated area, and the unauthorized area different in the virtual space.

[0011] According to a fifth aspect of the invention, the processor displays the user's schedule, which is input to a scheduler that manages the user's schedule, in the virtual space within a display range specified by each user.

[0012] According to a sixth aspect of the invention, when the plan input to the user of the scheduler is an unplanned plan, the processor causes the unplanned plan to be displayed in the virtual space within a display range specified by each user.

[0013] According to a seventh aspect of the present invention, when a user leaves their seat at their workplace, the processor displays the user's location information at the workplace in the virtual space within the display area for that user.

[0014] According to an eighth aspect of the invention, when the actions of the user shown in the image associated with the user displayed in the virtual space differ from the plans of the user input to the scheduler, the processor causes information indicating the inconsistency between the user's actions and plans to be displayed in the virtual space according to a display range specified by each user.

[0015] According to a ninth aspect of the present invention, the display mode of the virtual space includes a first mode and a second mode, wherein the first mode displays an image associated with the user constituting the user group corresponding to the region, and the second mode displays an image associated with multiple users independent of the region.

[0016] According to a 10th aspect of the present invention, when the user moves in the area within the virtual space, and a special user is included among the users constituting the user group corresponding to the area as the source of movement, the processor causes an image associated with the special user to be displayed in the display range for the special user in the area as the destination of movement.

[0017] According to the eleventh aspect of the present invention, even if a display based on the second application is performed while executing a second application that is different from the first application that causes the virtual space to be displayed, the processor also causes the virtual space to be displayed together with the display based on the second application.

[0018] According to a 12th aspect of the invention, a computer-readable medium is provided, which stores a program that causes a computer to perform processing, wherein in the processing, each region in a virtual space that enables movement between regions is associated with a user group consisting of users in multiple locations in the real space, and when a user moves between the regions in the virtual space, images associated with the users constituting the user group corresponding to the region as the destination of the movement are displayed in display ranges specified by each user, and images associated with the moving user are displayed in the display range used by the moving user.

[0019] According to a 13th aspect of the present invention, an information processing method is provided, wherein each region in a virtual space capable of movement within a region is associated with a user group consisting of users in multiple locations in the real space, and when a user moves between the regions in the virtual space, images associated with the users constituting the user group corresponding to the region as the destination of the movement are displayed in display ranges specified by each user, and images associated with the moving user are displayed in the display range used by the moving user.

[0020] (Effect)

[0021] According to the first scheme, it is possible to obtain information about users belonging to the workplace in the same way as when going to work at the workplace, and to communicate with users belonging to the workplace from multiple locations without going to work at the workplace.

[0022] According to the second scheme, compared with a structure in which all users share a common permission area, the confidentiality of each area in the virtual space can be improved.

[0023] According to the third scheme, compared to a structure where all licensed areas accept user movement from other areas without requiring authentication, the confidentiality of licensed areas can be improved.

[0024] According to the fourth scheme, compared with a structure that shows each region of the virtual space in the same way, it is easier to distinguish each region of the virtual space.

[0025] According to the fifth scheme, it is possible to monitor the plans of users in multiple locations in the real world within the virtual space.

[0026] According to the sixth scheme, the visibility of users in the virtual space is improved compared to a structure where the user's seated schedule is also displayed.

[0027] According to the seventh scheme, it is possible to know the location of users who work at the workplace without them having to go to the workplace.

[0028] According to the eighth scheme, a user whose actions are inconsistent with the plan can be controlled by other users besides that user.

[0029] According to the ninth scheme, compared to a structure where the virtual space is displayed in one way, a user group consisting of combinations of various users is provided.

[0030] According to the 10th solution, compared to a structure where all user-related images displayed in virtual space change as the user moves through the area, it is easier to grasp information relevant to a particular user.

[0031] According to the 11th scheme, compared with the structure that only displays based on one application when multiple applications are running, the leakage of virtual space is suppressed.

[0032] According to the 12th scheme, it is possible to obtain information about users belonging to the workplace in the same way as when going to work at the workplace, and to communicate with users belonging to the workplace from multiple locations without going to work at the workplace.

[0033] According to the 13th scheme, it is possible to obtain information about users belonging to the workplace in the same way as when going to work at the workplace, and to communicate with users belonging to the workplace from multiple locations without going to work at the workplace. Attached Figure Description

[0034] Figure 1 It is a diagram showing the general structure of an information processing system.

[0035] Figure 2 This is a block diagram illustrating the hardware structure of an information processing device.

[0036] Figure 3 This is a block diagram showing the hardware structure of a user terminal.

[0037] Figure 4 This is a flowchart illustrating the display processing performed by the information processing device.

[0038] Figure 5 This is the first example of a virtual office.

[0039] Figure 6 This is a flowchart illustrating the process of mobile processing performed by the information processing device.

[0040] Figure 7 This is an example of a permitted floor plan.

[0041] Figure 8 This is the second example of a virtual office.

[0042] Figure 9 This is the third example of a virtual office.

[0043] Figure 10 This is the fourth example of a virtual office.

[0044] Figure 11 This is the fifth example of a virtual office.

[0045] Figure 12 This is the sixth example of a virtual office.

[0046] Figure 13 This is an example of a user terminal display.

[0047] Figure 14 This is the 7th example of a virtual office.

[0048] Figure 15 This is the 8th example of a virtual office. Detailed Implementation

[0049] The information processing system 10 of this embodiment will be described below.

[0050] Figure 1 This is a diagram showing the general structure of the information processing system 10.

[0051] like Figure 1 As shown, the information processing system 10 includes an information processing device 20, a user terminal 30, and a user terminal 50. The information processing device 20, user terminal 30, and user terminal 50 are connected via a network N and are able to communicate with each other. This network N may be, for example, the Internet, a LAN (Local Area Network), or a WAN (Wide Area Network).

[0052] Information processing device 20 provides a virtual office constructed on a computer, simulating a real-world space. In this virtual office, one can access information about users belonging to the workplace in the same way as if one were physically present in an office building, and can communicate with these users from multiple locations without physically going to the office building. This virtual office is a virtual reality "world" of an office building constructed on a computer, simulating a real-world space. The office building has office spaces on multiple floors. The virtual office is an example of a "virtual space defined on a computer."

[0053] User terminal 30 is the terminal of a user who works in an office building with a workplace, and can utilize a virtual office.

[0054] User terminal 50 is the terminal of a user working in a remote work location other than an office building where a workplace is located, and is able to utilize a virtual office. For example, remote work locations include the user's own home, a coffee shop, and a shared office.

[0055] Figure 2 This is a block diagram illustrating the hardware structure of the information processing device 20. As an example, the information processing device 20 may use a general-purpose computer device such as a server computer or a personal computer, or a portable terminal such as a smartphone or a tablet. In this embodiment, the information processing device 20 is referred to as a "server computer".

[0056] like Figure 2 As shown, the information processing device 20 includes a CPU 21 (Central Processing Unit), ROM 22 (Read Only Memory), RAM 23 (Random Access Memory), a storage unit 24, an input unit 25, a display unit 26, and a communication unit 27. These components are connected to each other via a bus 28 in a manner enabling communication. The CPU 21 is an example of a "processor".

[0057] The CPU 21 is a central processing unit that executes various programs or controls various parts. Specifically, the CPU 21 reads programs from the ROM 22 or storage unit 24 and executes the programs using the RAM 23 as the working area. The CPU 21 performs control and various arithmetic operations on the aforementioned structures based on the programs stored in the ROM 22 or storage unit 24. In this embodiment, the ROM 22 or storage unit 24 stores at least an information processing program for performing the display processing and motion processing described later. Alternatively, the information processing program may be pre-installed in the information processing device 20, stored on a non-volatile storage medium, or distributed via network N and appropriately installed in the information processing device 20. Examples of non-volatile storage media include CD-ROMs, magneto-optical discs, HDDs (Hard Disk Drives), DVD-ROMs, flash memory, and memory cards.

[0058] ROM 22 stores various programs and data. RAM 23 serves as the operating area to temporarily store programs or data.

[0059] The storage unit 24 consists of storage devices such as HDD, SSD (Solid State Drive) or flash memory, which store various programs, including the operating system, and various data.

[0060] The input unit 25 includes, for example, pointing devices such as a mouse, various buttons, a keyboard, a microphone, and a camera, for various inputs.

[0061] Display unit 26 is, for example, an LCD screen that displays various information. Display unit 26 may also be a touch panel and function as an input unit 25. Furthermore, display unit 26 can display a virtual office using AR (Augmented Reality) function, which overlays an image with the real space, or it can display a virtual office using VR (Virtual Reality) function, which switches images based on the user's gaze direction or head movements.

[0062] Communication section 27 is an interface used for communication with other devices. This communication may use wired communication standards such as Ethernet (registered trademark) or FDDI, or wireless communication standards such as 4G, 5G, or Wi-Fi (registered trademark).

[0063] Figure 3This is a block diagram illustrating the hardware structure of user terminal 30 and user terminal 50. As an example, user terminal 30 and user terminal 50 are general-purpose computer devices such as application server computers or personal computers, or portable terminals such as smartphones or tablets. In this embodiment, user terminal 30 and user terminal 50 are referred to as "smartphones". Furthermore, since user terminal 30 and user terminal 50 are basically general computer structures, user terminal 30 will be used as an example in the description.

[0064] like Figure 3 As shown, the user terminal 30 includes a CPU 31, a ROM 32, a RAM 33, a position detection unit 34, a camera unit 35, a storage unit 36, an input unit 37, a display unit 38, and a communication unit 39. All these components are connected to each other via a bus 40 in a manner that enables them to communicate with each other.

[0065] CPU 31 is the central processing unit, which executes various programs or controls various components. Specifically, CPU 31 reads programs from ROM 32 or memory 36 and uses RAM 33 as the working area to execute the programs. Based on the programs stored in ROM 32 or memory 36, CPU 31 performs control and various arithmetic operations on the aforementioned structures.

[0066] ROM 32 stores various programs and data. RAM 33 serves as the operating area to temporarily store programs or data.

[0067] The location detection unit 34 detects the current location of the user terminal 30. For example, since the signals from GPS (Global Positioning System) satellites contain data such as the time from the atomic clock carried by the satellite and information about the satellite's orbit, the unit receives radio waves from GPS satellites and calculates the distance to the satellite based on the time difference between transmission and reception. Then, based on the distance to at least three GPS satellites, the unit locates the position of a point in space, thereby detecting the current location of the user terminal 30. The current location of the user terminal 30 detected by the location detection unit 34 is sent to the information processing device 20. Furthermore, the location detection unit 34 can detect the current location of the user terminal 30 using methods other than GPS, such as Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, or beacons, in addition to GPS.

[0068] As an example, the imaging unit 35 is composed of a camera having a solid-state imaging element such as a CCD (Charge Coupled Device) or a CMOS (Complementary Metal Oxide Semiconductor). During the execution of the application used to display the virtual office, i.e., the first application, the imaging unit 35 takes pictures at predetermined intervals (e.g., every 5 minutes). The images captured by the imaging unit 35 are sent to the information processing device 20.

[0069] The storage unit 36 ​​is composed of storage devices such as HDD, SSD or flash memory, and stores various programs including the operating system and various data.

[0070] The input unit 37 includes, for example, various buttons, a microphone, and a camera, for various inputs.

[0071] The display unit 38 is, for example, an LCD screen, which displays various information. The display unit 38 uses a touch panel and also functions as an input unit 37.

[0072] Communication section 39 is an interface for communicating with other devices. This communication may use wired communication standards such as Ethernet (registered trademark) or FDDI, or wireless communication standards such as 4G, 5G, or Wi-Fi (registered trademark).

[0073] Figure 4 This is a flowchart illustrating the display processing flow for displaying the virtual office on user terminal 30 and user terminal 50. The CPU 21 reads the information processing program from ROM 22 or storage unit 24, loads it into RAM 23 and executes it, thereby performing display processing of the information processing device 20.

[0074] exist Figure 4 In step S10, CPU 21 determines whether the power supply to user terminal 30 or user terminal 50 is on. If the power supply is on (step S10: Yes), the process proceeds to step S11. On the other hand, if CPU 21 determines that the power supply is not on (step S10: No), the process enters standby mode until the power supply is on.

[0075] In step S11, CPU 21 causes the powered-on user terminal to execute the first application. Then, proceed to step S12. Furthermore, it is assumed that the first application is pre-loaded into user terminals 30 and 50. That is, the information processing device 20 remotely operates the powered-on user terminal, executing the first application without the user's input.

[0076] In step S12, CPU 21 enables the power-on user terminal to display the virtual office. Then, the process ends.

[0077] Next, we will describe display examples in user terminal 30 and user terminal 50, using user terminal 30 as an example. This user terminal 30 is the terminal of user B who works in an office building. That is, the following display examples are shown on the display section 38 of user B's user terminal 30.

[0078] Figure 5 This is the first example of a virtual office display. With the first application running, the CPU 21 causes the display unit 38 of the user terminal 30 to display... Figure 5 The virtual office shown. In the virtual office, user-related images (hereinafter referred to as "user images") captured by the camera unit of the user's terminal using the virtual office or prepared in advance are displayed in the display area 76, which is specified for each user and described later. In addition, the "prepared user images" mentioned above include images stored on each user's terminal and images prepared in advance on the information processing device 20 side when providing the virtual office.

[0079] exist Figure 5 The virtual office shown includes a floor display unit 71, a group display unit 72, a view switching unit 73, a virtual image forming device 74, a virtual cabinet 75, and a display area 76.

[0080] Floor display section 71 is the section that displays the floors of the virtual office. Floors are an example of "areas".

[0081] exist Figure 5 The floor display unit 71 shown displays five floors of the virtual office, from 1F to 5F. In this embodiment, the floors of the virtual office are the same as the floors of the office building where the users using the virtual office work. That is, in this embodiment, the floors of the office building are also five floors from 1F to 5F, just like the floors of the virtual office.

[0082] In this embodiment, in the floor display unit 71, the floor number surrounded by a rectangular black frame indicates the current floor of the virtual office. That is, in... Figure 5 The floor display unit 71 shown indicates that the current floor of the virtual office is 1F.

[0083] Furthermore, the floor plan includes an authenticated floor 71A, an open floor 71B, and a disallowed floor 71C. The authenticated floor 71A accepts users moving from other floors upon successful authentication. The open floor 71B accepts users moving from other floors without requiring successful authentication. The disallowed floor 71C does not accept users moving from other floors. Additionally, the authenticated floor 71A and the open floor 71B are sometimes collectively referred to as "permitted floors." Permitted floors are an example of "permitted areas," authenticated floor 71A is an example of "authenticated areas," open floor 71B is an example of "open areas," and disallowed floor 71C is an example of "disallowed areas."

[0084] In this embodiment, as an example, the aforementioned authentication is set to "password authentication". Furthermore, in this embodiment, in the floor display unit 71, floors with a white background color for numbers and a key mark 71D displayed in the upper right corner of the rectangle displaying the number are designated as "authenticated floors 71A", floors with a white background color for numbers and no key mark 71D displayed are designated as "open floors 71B", and floors displayed with a background color other than white (e.g., gray) are designated as "disallowed floors 71C". As described above, in this embodiment, the display methods of authenticated floors 71A, open floors 71B, and disallowed floors 71C are different in the virtual office.

[0085] Although details will be described later, moving between floors in the virtual office is done by operating within the frame of a floor that is different from the current floor in the floor display unit 71.

[0086] Group display section 72 is the section that displays user groups within the virtual office. Figure 5 The group display unit 72 shown illustrates three groups corresponding to the 1st floor of the virtual office: "All," "○○ Department," and "△△ Section." In this embodiment, the user groups corresponding to each floor of the virtual office are the same as the user groups corresponding to each floor of the office building where the users using the virtual office reside. That is, in this embodiment, similar to the virtual office, the user groups on the 1st floor of the office building include "○○ Department" and "△△ Section."

[0087] In this embodiment, in the group display unit 72, the background color of the text is displayed by a specific color to indicate the user group currently displayed in the virtual office. That is, in... Figure 5 In the group display unit 72 shown, the user group currently displayed in the virtual office is "○○ Department".

[0088] Although details will be described later, switching user groups in the virtual office is done by operating within the frame of a user group that is different from the user group currently displayed in the group display section 72.

[0089] The view switching unit 73 is a part that switches the view of the virtual office. "View" refers to the display mode of the virtual office, and switching the view changes the user image displayed in the virtual office.

[0090] In this embodiment, an organization view and a MY (My) view are provided as views. The organization view displays the user image of each user who constitutes a user group corresponding to a floor, while the MY view displays the user images of multiple users independent of floors. Details of each view will be described later. Furthermore, in this embodiment, in the view switching unit 73, a view with a background color displaying text in a specific color shows the current view of the virtual office. That is, in Figure 5 The view switching unit 73 shown indicates that the current view of the virtual office is the "Organization View". The Organization View is an example of "Mode 1", and the MY View is an example of "Mode 2".

[0091] Although the details will be described later, the switching of views in the virtual office is done by operating within the frame of a view that is different from the current view in the view switching unit 73.

[0092] The virtual image forming apparatus 74 is the part that provides the functions of an image forming apparatus in the virtual office. When the virtual image forming apparatus 74 is selected, a function screen (not shown) is displayed. Then, in the virtual office, the function selected in that function screen is performed.

[0093] In this embodiment, as described above, a first function and a second function are provided. The first function provides the function of an image forming apparatus without using the image forming apparatus installed in an office building where users using virtual offices reside. The second function provides the function of an image forming apparatus through cooperation between the virtual office and the image forming apparatus installed in the office building. As an example, in the first function, fax transmission is possible via network N. In the second function, images captured by the camera unit of the user terminal are transmitted via network N to the image forming apparatus installed in the office building, thereby enabling copying, scanning, or fax transmission of images received by the image forming apparatus.

[0094] Virtual Cabinet 75 is the component that provides cabinet functionality within the virtual office. When any icon displayed within the roughly rectangular frame of Virtual Cabinet 75 is selected, a storage screen (not shown) showing information destined for cloud storage is displayed. Furthermore, within the virtual office, information can be stored from this storage screen to the cloud storage.

[0095] Display area 76 is a roughly rectangular box, specified for each user, that displays the user's image. Figure 5 In the virtual office shown, the user images of multiple users (users A to E) in the user group "○○ Department" constituting the organization view of 1F are displayed in display areas 76A to 76E, assigned to each user. Additionally, in Figure 5 In this case, more than one user from user A to user E works in an office building with a physical workplace, and more than one user works in a remote work location.

[0096] Furthermore, in Figure 5 The virtual office shown displays user images of all users (users A to E) in the user group "○○ Department" of the organizational view that constitutes 1F. In cases where the currently displayed user group in the virtual office is "All," and therefore all users constituting that user group cannot be displayed on a single screen, a switching operation to change the user images of other users is used to display their images. In this embodiment, as an example, the switching operation is set as a scrolling operation that causes the screen to scroll.

[0097] As an example, in display areas 76A, 76B, 76C, 76D, and 76E, photos taken by the camera units of each user's terminal are displayed as user images of users A, B, C, D, and E, respectively.

[0098] As described above, in this embodiment, the user groups corresponding to each floor of the virtual office and the user groups corresponding to each floor of the office building where the users using the virtual office reside are the same. Therefore, users A through E, constituting user group "○○ Department," each have their own seats on the 1st floor in both the virtual office and the office building.

[0099] Furthermore, the virtual office includes a chat function that allows users within a 76-inch display area to communicate with each other.

[0100] Furthermore, in a virtual office, by displaying photos taken by the cameras of each user's terminal on display area 76, it is possible to confirm that multiple users are working together. For example, if multiple users' photos are displayed on one display area 76, or if the background photos displayed on multiple display areas 76 are the same, observing that display area 76 confirms that they are working together. Moreover, when multiple users need to work simultaneously (e.g., simultaneous button operations), observing the display area 76 of the user performing the collaborative work allows for real-time synchronization of the work.

[0101] As described above, in this embodiment, by having a virtual image forming apparatus 74, a virtual cabinet 75, and a display area 76 in the virtual office, the same office operations as going to work in an office building with a workplace can be realized in the virtual world.

[0102] Here, when a user moves between floors in the virtual office, the CPU 21 performs the following movement processing: It displays the user images of the user group corresponding to the floor of the moving destination in the display area 76 specified for each user, and displays the user image of the user who moved in in the display area 76 designated for that user. The movement processing will be described in detail below.

[0103] Figure 6 This is a flowchart illustrating the movement process. The CPU 21 reads the information processing program from the ROM 22 or the storage unit 24, loads it into the RAM 23, and executes it, thereby performing movement processing of the information processing device 20.

[0104] exist Figure 6 In step S20, CPU 21 determines the user who wants to move between floors. Then, proceed to step S21.

[0105] In step S21, CPU 21 determines the floor of the destination. Then, proceed to step S22.

[0106] In step S22, CPU 21 confirms the permitted floor for the user who wishes to move between floors. Then, proceed to step S23.

[0107] Here, the storage unit 24 stores a permission floor table that represents the permission floor settings for each user. Figure 7 This is an example of a permitted floor plan.

[0108] like Figure 7 As shown, the licensed floor table displays "licensed floors" for each user, defining "open floors" and "authenticated floors." As an example, in... Figure 7The permitted floor table shown illustrates the permitted floors for users A, B, and C. User A's permitted floors are "1F to 5F" (open floors) and "none" (authenticated floor). User B's permitted floors are "1F, 2F, 4F" ​​(open floors) and "5F" (authenticated floor). User C's permitted floors are "1F, 2F" (open floors) and "3F" (authenticated floor).

[0109] Back Figure 6 In step S23, CPU 21 refers to the permitted floor table to determine whether the floor of the destination is a permitted floor. If it is determined to be a permitted floor (step S23: Yes), the process proceeds to step S24. On the other hand, if CPU 21 determines that the floor is not a permitted floor (step S23: No), the process proceeds to step S27.

[0110] In step S24, CPU 21 refers to the permitted floor table to determine whether the floor of the destination is an authorized floor. If it is determined to be an authorized floor (step S24: Yes), the process proceeds to step S25. On the other hand, if CPU 21 determines that the floor is not an authorized floor or is an open floor (step S24: No), the process proceeds to step S26.

[0111] In step S25, CPU 21 determines whether authentication is successful. If authentication is successful (step S25: Yes), proceed to step S26. On the other hand, if CPU 21 determines that authentication is unsuccessful (step S25: No), proceed to step S27.

[0112] In step S26, CPU 21 displays the floor of the destination. Then, the process ends.

[0113] In step S27, CPU 21 displays an error indicating that it cannot move to the desired floor. Then, the process ends.

[0114] Figure 8 This is the second example of a virtual office. Figure 8 The example shown illustrates the current floor of the virtual office from... Figure 5 The display example shown has been switched.

[0115] exist Figure 8 In the virtual office shown, with Figure 5 The virtual office shown also includes a floor display unit 71, a group display unit 72, a view switching unit 73, a virtual image forming device 74, a virtual cabinet 75, and a display area 76.

[0116] exist Figure 8In the illustrated floor display unit 71, the numeral "2" is shown surrounded by a rectangular black frame, indicating that the current floor of the virtual office is 2F.

[0117] In Figure 8 the illustrated group display unit 72, it is shown that the 2F of the virtual office corresponds to three groups: "All", "●● Department", and " Section". Further, in Figure 8 the illustrated group display unit 72, the background color of the text "●● Department" is displayed in a specific color, indicating that the user group currently displayed in the virtual office is "●● Department". In addition, in the present embodiment, among the user groups on the 2F of the office building where the workplaces of the users using the virtual office are located, "●● Department" and " Section" are provided in the same manner as in the virtual office.

[0118] In Figure 8 the illustrated virtual office, the user images of the multiple users (User F to User N) constituting the user group "●● Department" in the 2F organization view are respectively displayed in the display ranges 76F to 76N specified for each user. Further, in Figure 8 , User F, User G, User I, User K, and User M are at their own seats, while User H, User J, User L, and User N are away from their own seats. Further, in Figure 8 , one or more of User F to User N work in the office building where the workplace is located, and one or more users work at remote work locations. In addition, in the present embodiment, User F to User N constituting the user group "●● Department" have their own seats set on the 2F in both the virtual office and the office building.

[0119] As an example, in the display range 76F, display range 76G, display range 76I, display range 76K, and display range 76M, as the user images of User F, User G, User I, User K, and User M who are present at their seats respectively, photographs captured by the imaging unit of each user's user terminal are displayed.

[0120] Further, as an example, in the display range 76H, display range 76J, display range 76L, and display range 76N, as the user images of User H, User J, User L, and User N who are away from their seats respectively, a dotted background image prepared in advance on the information processing device 20 side when providing the virtual office is displayed.

[0121] As described above, in the present embodiment, the CPU 21 displays the display ranges 76 in different display modes according to whether each user in the virtual office is present at their seat or away from their seat.

[0122] Furthermore, in this embodiment, when a user moves between floors in the virtual office, the CPU 21, as described above, displays the user images of the users constituting the user group "●●" on floor 2F in display ranges 76F to 76N respectively, and displays the user image of the user who moved in in display range 76 for the user who moved in. Additionally, in Figure 8 In the middle, the user who moves from the floor will be designated as "User B".

[0123] Here, CPU 21 displays the user image of user B, who moves from floor 1 to floor 2, in the display area 76, or display area 76Z, for the moving user. Display area 76Z is a roughly rectangular frame, indicated by dashed lines, displayed at the bottom of group display unit 72 in the case of a user moving to the floor, which displays the user image of the moving user.

[0124] Furthermore, by displaying user B's image in display area 76Z, user B, who moves from floor 1 to floor 2, can use the chat function to communicate with users displayed in other display areas 76.

[0125] In recent years, work styles within enterprises have diversified. In addition to the traditional office-based work system, remote work, such as working from home, has also begun to be adopted. Furthermore, group software, such as web conferencing systems, has become increasingly popular as a communication tool for employees working in multiple locations.

[0126] However, in actual office building work, if there are multiple floors with office space, a user can move from their current floor to another floor and communicate with users on their destination floor. Here, there are also users on the destination floor who are not the users they communicate with, and the user moving from that floor can also obtain information about their work status.

[0127] However, in current group software, only users invited to the group can be displayed on the screen, thus limiting the types of users whose information can be accessed compared to going to the office.

[0128] Therefore, in this embodiment, the CPU 21 associates user groups consisting of users in multiple locations in the real space with each floor of a virtual office where movement between floors is possible. Then, when a user moves between floors in the virtual office, the CPU 21 displays the user images of the users forming the user group corresponding to the floor of the destination on a display area 76 designated for each user, and displays the user image of the user who moved in on a display area 76Z for the user who moved in (see reference). Figure 8 ).

[0129] With the above structure, according to this embodiment, in the virtual office, when a user moves from their current floor to another floor, information such as the work status of each user on the destination floor can be confirmed by observing the user image displayed in the display area 76. Therefore, according to this embodiment, the work status of each user belonging to a workplace can be monitored from the virtual office without going to the office building where the workplace is located, and communication can be conducted through chat functions and telephone calls. Thus, according to this embodiment, information about users belonging to a workplace can be monitored in the same way as when going to the office building where the workplace is located, and communication between users belonging to the workplace can be conducted from multiple locations without going to that office building.

[0130] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the virtual office floors are configured with permitted floors that allow users to move from other floors and unpermitted floors 71C that do not allow users to move from other floors. Moreover, the CPU 21 handles the setting of permitted floors for each user. Therefore, according to this embodiment, compared to a structure where all users have the same permitted floors, the confidentiality of each floor in the virtual office can be improved.

[0131] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the virtual office's authorized floors include an authenticated floor 71A that accepts user movement from other floors upon successful authentication and an open floor 71B that accepts user movement from other floors if authentication fails. Thus, by having an authenticated floor 71A in this embodiment, the confidentiality corresponding to each floor is ensured in the same way as when going to work in an office building with a physical workplace. Moreover, according to this embodiment, the confidentiality within the authorized floors is improved compared to a structure where all authorized floors accept user movement from other floors even without successful authentication.

[0132] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the CPU 21 displays the open floor 71B, the authenticated floor 71A, and the unauthorized floor 71C differently in the virtual office. Therefore, according to this embodiment, compared to a structure where the display methods for each floor of the virtual office are the same, it is easier to distinguish the floors of the virtual office.

[0133] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the CPU 21 displays user schedules input into the scheduler that manages user schedules in the virtual office within a display range 76 specified for each user. Specifically, in this embodiment, when a user schedule input into the scheduler is an "absent schedule" (meaning the user is not present), the CPU 21 displays that "absent schedule" in the virtual office within the display range 76 specified for each user. "Absent schedule" indicates that the user has left their seat and is not present. For example, "absent schedule" includes "returned to the company," "on vacation," "out of town," and "planned to return to the company at 00:00." Additionally, in... Figure 8 In the process, users H, J, L, and N, who left their seats, had pre-entered "not scheduled" in the scheduler.

[0134] like Figure 8 As shown, a planning display unit 77 for displaying the user's plans is provided in the display areas 76H, 76J, 76L, and 76N. Furthermore, Figure 8 In the plan display section 77 of display range 76H, which is not in the plan, it is displayed as "on vacation", in the plan display section 77 of display range 76J, it is displayed as "out and about", in the plan display section 77 of display range 76L, it is displayed as "returned to the company", and in the plan display section 77 of display range 76N, it is displayed as "planned to arrive at the company at 9 p.m.".

[0135] As described above, in this embodiment, by providing a display area 76 to the virtual office, it is possible to visually monitor the work status of each user in the virtual world, just as in the case of going to work in an office building with a physical workplace. Furthermore, with the above structure, according to this embodiment, it is possible to monitor the schedules of users in multiple locations in the real world within the virtual office. Moreover, with the above structure, according to this embodiment, compared to a structure that also displays the schedules of users at their seats, the visibility of users in the virtual office is improved.

[0136] Furthermore, in this embodiment, when a user leaves their seat at an office building where a user using a virtual office is working, the CPU 21 displays the user's location information in that office building within the display area 76 for users in the virtual office.

[0137] Figure 9 This is the third example of a virtual office. Figure 9 The example shown illustrates a display method with a display range of 76K. Figure 8 The displayed example shows a changed state. Additionally, in... Figure 9 In this context, user K goes to work in an office building where there is a workplace, which is equivalent to the aforementioned working user.

[0138] CPU 21 obtains the current location detected by the location detection unit of user K's user terminal. If the obtained current location is near a cabinet located in an office building with a workplace, then... Figure 9 As shown, the planning display unit 77, with a display area of ​​76K, displays "Away from work (near the cabinet)". Furthermore, in this case, the CPU 21 displays a location display 78 indicating the location information of user K in the office building at the bottom of the virtual cabinet 75. Through the above structure, in... Figure 9 In the virtual office shown, the current location of user K can be intuitively grasped based on the location display 78, and the current location of user K can be accurately grasped based on the planning display unit 77. Moreover, with the above structure, according to this embodiment, even if one does not go to work in the office building where the user who uses the virtual office works, it is possible to grasp the location of the user who works in that office building.

[0139] Furthermore, in this embodiment, if the actions of the user shown in the user image displayed in the virtual office are different from the user's plan input to the scheduler, the CPU 21 causes information indicating that the user's actions are inconsistent with the plan to be displayed in the display range 76 specified for each user in the virtual office, i.e., error information.

[0140] Figure 10 This is the fourth example of a virtual office. Figure 10 The example shown illustrates a display method with a display area of ​​76H. Figure 8 The displayed example shows a changed state. Additionally, in... Figure 10 In the example, user H pre-entered "vacation" as not scheduled in the scheduler.

[0141] exist Figure 10 In the display range 76H shown, the replacement is in Figure 8 The dotted background image displayed in display area 76H as the user image of user H shows a photograph taken by the camera unit of user H's user terminal. At this time, user H's plan input to the scheduler is "vacation," therefore, the display of the photograph of user H taken by the camera unit in display area 76H signifies a discrepancy between plan and action. Therefore, in... Figure 10In this process, the CPU 21 causes the planning display unit 77 of the display range 76H to display "Error Inconsistency" as an error message.

[0142] With the above structure, according to this embodiment, users other than the user can monitor users whose actions are inconsistent with their plans. Furthermore, as described above, an example of inconsistent actions is defined as a situation where the user's photo is displayed in display area 76 when the user is scheduled to "take a vacation," but examples of inconsistent actions are not limited to this. As another example, a situation where the user's photo is not displayed in display area 76 for a period exceeding the scheduled time when the user is scheduled to "go to work" can also be defined as an "example of inconsistent actions."

[0143] Figure 11 This is the fifth example of a virtual office.

[0144] exist Figure 11 The virtual office shown includes a group display unit 72, a view switching unit 73, a virtual image forming device 74, a virtual cabinet 75, a display area 76, a MY view sharing button 80, a meeting setting button 81, and a MY view setting button 82.

[0145] exist Figure 11 The group display unit 72 shown indicates that user B's MY view corresponds to two groups: "Item A" and "○○ Group". Furthermore, in Figure 11 In the group display unit 72 shown, the background color of the text "Project A" is displayed in a specific color, and the user group currently displayed in the virtual office is "Project A".

[0146] exist Figure 11 In the view switching section 73 shown, the background color of the text "MY View" is displayed in a specific color, and the current view of the virtual office is "MY View".

[0147] Figure 11 The virtual cabinet 75 shown is part of the cabinet that provides functionality for user B's MY view. Therefore, when selected in Figure 11 When any icon is displayed within the frame of the virtual cabinet 75 shown, a storage screen containing information not shown in the cloud storage dedicated to user B's MY view is displayed.

[0148] exist Figure 11In the virtual office shown, the user images of multiple users (User B, User C, User E, User G, and User H) constituting the user group "Project A" in the MY view are displayed in display areas 76B, 76C, 76E, 76G, and 76H, respectively, as specified for each user. Thus, in the MY view, in a floor-independent manner, a user group is formed by "User B, User C, and User E" corresponding to the user group "○○ Department" on the 1st floor and "User G and User H" corresponding to the user group "●● Department" on the 2nd floor.

[0149] The MY View Shared Button 80 is used to create user groups in the MY View. When the MY View Shared Button 80 is selected, an invitation screen (not shown) is displayed, inviting users to form the user group to be created. Then, in the virtual office, an invitation notification is sent to the user terminal of the user invited in the invitation screen. By accepting the invitation notification, the invited user becomes a member of the invited user group.

[0150] The Meeting Setup button 81 is used to schedule a web meeting among the schedulers of multiple users forming a user group in the MY view. When the Meeting Setup button 81 is selected, an input screen (not shown) is displayed for entering the date and time of the web meeting. Then, in the virtual office, the web meeting plan is entered into the schedulers of the multiple users forming the user group in the MY view according to the date and time entered in the input screen.

[0151] The MY View Settings button 82 is used to add or delete users who make up an existing user group. When the MY View Settings button 82 is selected, a settings screen (not shown) is displayed for adding or deleting users who make up the existing user group. Then, in the virtual office, an invitation notification is sent to the user terminal of the user added in this settings screen. By accepting the invitation notification, the invited user becomes a member of the existing user group. Furthermore, in the virtual office, users deleted in this settings screen are removed from the existing user group.

[0152] As described above, in this embodiment, an organization view and a MY view are provided in the view that serves as the display mode for the virtual office. The organization view displays the user image of each user who constitutes a user group corresponding to a floor, and the MY view displays the user images of multiple users who are independent of the floor. Therefore, according to this embodiment, compared to a structure where the virtual office view is of one type, user groups composed of various combinations of users can be provided.

[0153] Further, in the present embodiment, when a user moves between floors in the virtual office, if a special user is included in the users constituting the user group corresponding to the floor that is the movement source, the CPU 21 causes the user image of the special user to be displayed in the special user dedicated display range 76 on the floor that is the movement destination.

[0154] Figure 12 is the sixth display example of the virtual office. Figure 12 The illustrated display example shows a state where the current floor of the virtual office is switched from the display example Figure 8 illustrated above.

[0155] In Figure 12 the illustrated virtual office, similarly to the virtual office Figure 8 illustrated above, a floor display section 71, a group display section 72, a view switching section 73, a virtual image forming apparatus 74, a virtual cabinet 75, and a display range 76 are displayed.

[0156] In Figure 12 the illustrated floor display section 72, the number "4" is shown surrounded by a rectangular black frame, indicating that the current floor of the virtual office is the 4th floor.

[0157] In Figure 12 the illustrated group display section 72, it is shown that the 4th floor of the virtual office corresponds to 3 groups, namely "All", "●● Department", and "×× Section". Further, in Figure 12 the illustrated group display section 72, the background color of the text "●● Department" is displayed in a specific color, indicating that the user group currently displayed in the virtual office is "●● Department". In addition, in the present embodiment, the user group on the 4th floor of the office building where the users using the virtual office are stationed is provided with the "●● Department" and the "×× Section" in the same manner as in the virtual office.

[0158] In Figure 12 the illustrated virtual office, the user images of the multiple users (user F and users O to R) constituting the user group "●● Department" in the organizational view of the 4th floor are respectively displayed in the display range 76F and the display ranges 76O to 76R designated for each user. In addition, in Figure 12 , user F, user O, and user Q are at their own seats, while user P and user R are away from their own seats. Further, in Figure 12 , one or more of user F and users O to R are working in the office building where their workplace is stationed, and one or more users are working at a telework location. In addition, in the present embodiment, user F and users O to R constituting the user group "●● Department" have their own seats arranged on the 4th floor in both the virtual office and the office building.

[0159] As an example, in display areas 76F, 76O, and 76Q, photos taken by the camera units of the user terminals of users F, O, and Q are displayed as user images of users respectively.

[0160] Furthermore, as an example, in display areas 76P and 76R, as user images of users P and R who are respectively away from their seats, a dotted background image prepared in advance on the side of the information processing device 20 when providing a virtual office is displayed.

[0161] Furthermore, in Figure 12 In the virtual office shown, the user image of user B, who moves from floor 2F to floor 4F, is displayed in the display area 76Z for the user who moved in.

[0162] Here, in the virtual office, the user group "●● Department" corresponds to the 2nd and 4th floors (see reference). Figure 8 and Figure 12 At this time, user F is the head of user group "●● Department", and when user group "●● Department" is displayed in the virtual office, the user image of the head is set to be displayed on the upper part of the virtual image forming apparatus 74. Therefore, in the virtual office, even if user B moves from the 2nd floor to the 4th floor, the user image of user F, as the head of user group "●● Department", is displayed on both the floor of the movement source and the movement destination. That is to say, in this case, user F is equivalent to the aforementioned "special user".

[0163] With the above structure, according to this embodiment, compared to a structure where the user images displayed in the virtual office all change due to the movement of floors, it is easier to grasp information related to a special user (e.g., user F as a department head).

[0164] Here, even if the CPU 21 executes a second application different from the first application that displays the virtual office, and performs a display based on the second application, the virtual office is displayed along with the display based on the second application. In this embodiment, the second application is set to an application that displays an electronic book that is electromagnetically recorded.

[0165] Figure 13 This is an example of the display on user terminal 30. When CPU 21 is executing a second application and displays an e-book shown by that application, it... Figure 13 The virtual office shown is displayed on the display unit 38 of the user terminal 30. Specifically, Figure 13 It shows in Figure 8 The virtual office shown is in its state after the second application has been executed during the display process.

[0166] Here, in Figure 13 In this configuration, the display area of ​​the display unit 38 is divided into a first area 85 for displaying e-books and a second area 87 for displaying a virtual office. Furthermore, the CPU 21 enables the second area 87 to display the virtual office.

[0167] exist Figure 13 The virtual office shown includes a floor display section 71 and a display area 76.

[0168] exist Figure 13 The floor display unit 71 shown only displays the current floor of the virtual office. That is, in... Figure 13 The floor display unit 71 shown only indicates that the current floor of the virtual office is 2F.

[0169] exist Figure 13 Within the displayed area 76, only the view currently being viewed is shown. Figure 13 The example shown specifically displays only the user images of users present, excluding user B. Therefore, in... Figure 13 In the display area 76 shown, the user images of users F, G, I, K and M, who are seated in the user group "●● Department" of the 2F virtual office, are displayed in display areas 76F, 76G, 76I, 76K and 76M respectively.

[0170] With the above structure, according to this embodiment, compared with the structure that only displays based on one application when multiple applications are running, it is possible to suppress the possibility of missing virtual offices.

[0171] In addition, Figure 13 In this case, the display area of ​​the first region 85 is made larger than the display area of ​​the second region 87, but it is not limited to this; the display area of ​​the second region 87 can also be made larger than the display area of ​​the first region 85. Furthermore, instead of distinguishing the display areas of the display unit 38 as described above for the first region 85 and the second region 87, the virtual office can be displayed in front of the e-book, overlapping with the display area displaying the e-book.

[0172] (other)

[0173] In the above implementation, a floor is used as an example of a "region," but a "region" can be any predetermined unit and is not limited to a floor. As another example, if it is a physical space such as a "base" or "business office," a unit located in multiple locations can also be used as a "region."

[0174] Figure 14This is the 7th example of a virtual office. Figure 14 The virtual office display location display unit 90 shown replaces the floor display unit 71 of the virtual office in the above embodiment. The location display unit 90 is a part that displays the location of the virtual office as an example of a "region".

[0175] exist Figure 14 The location display unit 90 shows five locations for the virtual office, from A to E. In this location display unit 90, the letter "A" is surrounded by a rectangular black frame, indicating that the current location for the virtual office is A. In this case, the locations of the virtual office may or may not be the same as the locations in the user's workplace. That is, in this case, the workplace may have the same five locations (A to E) as the virtual office locations, or it may have more or fewer locations.

[0176] Furthermore, the network includes an authentication point 90A, an open point 90B, and a non-permitted point 90C. The authentication point 90A displays a key marker 90D and accepts user movement from other points upon successful authentication. The open point 90B accepts user movement from other points without requiring successful authentication. The non-permitted point 90C does not accept user movement from other points. The authentication point 90A and the open point 90B are collectively referred to as "permitted points." A permitted point is an example of a "permitted area," the authentication point 90A is an example of an "authenticated area," the open point 90B is an example of an "open area," and the non-permitted point 90C is an example of a "non-permitted area."

[0177] In the above implementation, the unplanned schedule is displayed in display range 76 only if the user's schedule entered into the scheduler is not scheduled. However, it is not limited to this. The user's schedule can also be displayed in the virtual office in display range 76 specified for each user.

[0178] Figure 15 This is the 8th example of a virtual office. Here, as an example, the plans presented above include "Call Mr. / Ms. ○○", "Leave early at ○○ o'clock", "Go out at ○○ o'clock", and "○○ deadline", etc. Additionally, in Figure 15 In the process, users A through E, seated at their respective seats, pre-enter their seating plans into the scheduler. Furthermore, in... Figure 15In the above, the plan displayed in display area 76A is "Call Mr. B", in display area 76B is "17:00 outing plan", in display area 76C is "Call Mr. A", in display area 76D is "14:00 early departure plan", and in display area 76E is "Data deadline".

[0179] In the above embodiment, the camera unit of the user terminal takes pictures at predetermined intervals (e.g., every 5 minutes) while executing the first application. However, the timing of the pictures is not limited to this, and real-time pictures can also be taken. Furthermore, the CPU of the user terminal can monitor the load of the network N and switch between taking pictures at predetermined intervals and real-time pictures based on the load.

[0180] In the above embodiment, a camera unit installed on the user terminal was used for taking pictures, but it is not limited to this; a camera unit installed on a different device than the user terminal can also be used. Therefore, the user image captured by the camera unit is not limited to a photograph of the user, but can be a photograph of the user terminal's display screen or other images. For example, if the user image captured by the camera unit is set as a photograph of the user terminal's display screen, the user's work content on the user terminal can be understood by observing the photograph.

[0181] In the above embodiments, the predetermined authentication is used as password authentication, but it is not limited to this. All object authentication and biometric authentication can also be used as "predetermined authentication". Furthermore, "two-factor authentication" or "two-phase authentication" can also be used to determine whether the predetermined authentication is successful.

[0182] In the above embodiment, the virtual office does not have voice input / output functionality, but it is not limited to this; the virtual office may also have voice input / output functionality. Furthermore, when the virtual office has voice input / output functionality, it may only accept a portion of the voice input, such as when a user displayed in any adjacent display area 76 (up, down, left, or right) is contacted.

[0183] In the above embodiment, the user terminal 30 is set as a "smartphone," and an example of displaying a virtual office on the "smartphone" is described. At this time, the amount of information displayed on a single screen can vary depending on the display environment, such as the difference in the terminal displaying the virtual office. For example, when the user terminal 30 is set as a "personal computer," the number of display areas 76 that can be displayed on a single screen can be increased compared to when it is set as a "smartphone."

[0184] In the above embodiment, a virtual office is displayed on one screen of the user terminal 30, including a floor display unit 71, a group display unit 72, a view switching unit 73, a virtual image forming device 74, a virtual cabinet 75, and a display area 76 (see reference). Figure 5 At this time, the information displayed as a virtual office on one screen of the user terminal 30 can be preset on the information processing device 20 side, or it can be configured so that any information can be selected and displayed on the user terminal 30 side. As an example, when it is set to display any information selected on the user terminal 30 side, it is possible to display only the floor display section 71, or only the virtual image forming device 74 and the virtual cabinet 75, or only the display area 76 of users whose communication frequency per unit time exceeds a predetermined threshold, or only the display area 76 of the seated users.

[0185] In the above implementation, one example of designating a user as a "special user" is that when the user moves between floors in the virtual office, the user's image is displayed on the floors of both the source and destination of the movement. However, the "special user" example is not limited to a department head. As another example, the approver of business transactions could also be designated as a "special user."

[0186] In the above embodiment, the location information of a user going to work in an office building is displayed by showing their current location in the planning display unit 77 of the user's display area 76. However, the method of displaying this location information is not limited to this. For example, the current location may not be displayed in the planning display unit 77, but only in the location display unit 78. Furthermore, the location display unit 78 may not show the detailed location on each floor, but only the current floor. As another example, the planning display unit 77 may display "Away" and show the current location when the planning display unit 77 is selected.

[0187] In the above implementation, the virtual office is configured as a so-called "self-owned building" that houses only one workplace, but it is not limited to this. The virtual office can also be configured as a so-called "rented building" that houses multiple workplaces.

[0188] In the above implementation, the floors of the virtual office are the same as the floors of the office building where the users using the virtual office work. However, this is not a limitation, and they can be different. For example, the number of floors in the virtual office can be more or less than the number of floors in the office building.

[0189] In the above embodiments, the user groups corresponding to each floor of the virtual office and the user groups corresponding to each floor of the office building where the users using the virtual office reside are the same, but not limited to this, and may be different. As an example, the user group corresponding to 1F in the virtual office may also correspond to 2F in the office building. Moreover, if the user groups corresponding to each floor of the virtual office and the user groups corresponding to each floor of the office building are different, the users constituting the user group have their own seats on different floors in the virtual office and the office building.

[0190] In the above embodiment, the information processing device 20 is designated as a "server computer". However, in this case, the "server computer" constituting the information processing device 20 may be one or more.

[0191] In the above embodiment, icons representing multiple cabinets are displayed within the frame of the virtual cabinet 75 (see reference). Figure 5 In this case, a cabinet can also be set up for each user. As an example, a user displayed in the display area 76, which is located to the left of the virtual cabinet 75 in the virtual office, can also only select the icon of the cabinet to the left of the virtual cabinet 75.

[0192] In the above embodiment, when a user moves between floors in the virtual office, the group display unit 72 displays the user group corresponding to the floor of the moving destination. At this time, the user group to be displayed can also be changed according to the permissions of each user who moved in.

[0193] In the above embodiments, specific implementations of the AR function are not described. However, when using a display unit with AR function, the virtual office can be displayed by overlapping the image of the real space captured by the camera unit. Furthermore, in this case, if specific location information or image information of the real space cannot be obtained, the virtual office may not be displayed.

[0194] In the above embodiments, specific implementation methods for the VR function are not described. However, when using a display unit with VR functionality, different images can be configured in each field of view. For example, each floor can be displayed at a predetermined angle on the left, and a MY view or web conference screen can be allocated at a predetermined angle on the right. Similarly, multiple display screens can be configured and switched in the depth direction. In addition, when switching VR displays, authentication behavior can be requested in conjunction with head movements that accompany changes in the field of view.

[0195] In the above embodiments, the processor includes processors in a broad sense, general-purpose processors (e.g., CPU: Central Processing Unit, etc.) and special-purpose processors (e.g., GPU: Graphics Processing Unit, ASIC: Application Specific Integrated Circuit, FPGA: Field Programmable Gate Array, programmable logic devices, etc.).

[0196] Furthermore, the actions of the processor in the above embodiments can be performed not only by a single processor, but also by multiple processors located in physically separate positions working together. Additionally, the order of the processor's actions is not limited to the order described in the above embodiments and can be appropriately modified.

Claims

1. An information processing device comprising a processor, The processor will be able to map each region in the virtual space of movement within the region to a user group consisting of users in multiple locations in the real space. When the user moves within the virtual space in the area, the processor displays images associated with the users forming the user group corresponding to the area as the destination of the movement, respectively, within a display range specified for each user, and displays the image associated with the moving user within the display range specified for that moving user. The area is divided into an open area, an authenticated area, and a restricted area. The open area allows the user to move from other areas. The authenticated area accepts the user's movement from other areas upon successful pre-defined authentication. The restricted area does not accept the user's movement from other areas. The processor handles the settings of the authentication zone and the open zone for each user. The processor determines the user who wishes to move in the area, and determines the area as the user's destination. Based on the open area settings, if the area designated as the mobile destination is one of the user's open areas, the processor displays the area designated as the mobile destination. Based on the setting of the authentication region, if the region used as the mobile destination is the user's authentication region, the processor displays the region used as the mobile destination based on the successful authentication.

2. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein, The processor accepts the user's selection of information to be displayed in the virtual space, so that only the display range of the specific user obtained by accepting the user's selection is displayed in the virtual space.

3. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein, The processor makes the open area, the certified area, and the unauthorized area display differently in the virtual space.

4. The information processing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein, The processor inputs the user's schedule into the scheduler that manages the user's schedule, which is then displayed in the virtual space within a display range specified by each user.

5. The information processing apparatus according to claim 4, wherein, When the plan input to the scheduler for the user is an unplanned event, the processor causes the unplanned event to be displayed in the virtual space within a display range specified by each user.

6. The information processing apparatus according to claim 4, wherein, When a user leaves their seat at their workplace, the processor displays the user's location information at that workplace within the virtual space's display area.

7. The information processing apparatus according to claim 4, wherein, When the actions of a user, as shown in an image associated with the user displayed in the virtual space, differ from the user's plan input to the scheduler, the processor causes information indicating the inconsistency between the user's actions and the plan to be displayed in the virtual space, according to a display range specified for each user.

8. The information processing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein, The virtual space is displayed using two modes: a first mode and a second mode. The first method displays an image associated with the user constituting the user group corresponding to the region. The second method displays images associated with multiple users that are independent of the region.

9. The information processing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein, When a user moves within the virtual space and a special user is included in the user group corresponding to the area as the source of movement, the processor causes an image associated with the special user to be displayed in the display area for the special user in the area as the destination of movement.

10. The information processing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein, Even if a display based on the second application is performed while executing a second application that is different from the first application that causes the virtual space to be displayed, the processor still causes the virtual space to be displayed together with the display based on the second application.

11. A computer-readable medium storing a program that causes a computer to perform processing, wherein, In the process, This maps each area in a virtual space that allows movement within a region to a user group consisting of users in multiple locations in the real world. When a user moves within the virtual space in the area, images associated with the users forming the user group corresponding to the area as the destination are displayed in the display area specified by each user, and images associated with the user who moved in are displayed in the display area specified by the user who moved in. The area is divided into an open area, an authenticated area, and a restricted area. The open area allows the user to move from other areas. The authenticated area accepts the user's movement from other areas upon successful pre-defined authentication. The restricted area does not accept the user's movement from other areas. In the process, The system accepts the settings for the authentication zone and the open zone for each user. Identify the user who wishes to move within the area, and determine the area as the user's destination. Based on the open area setting, if the area designated as the mobile destination is one of the user's open areas, then the area designated as the mobile destination will be displayed. Based on the setting of the authentication region, if the region used as the mobile destination is the user's authentication region, the region used as the mobile destination will be displayed based on the successful authentication.

12. An information processing method, wherein, This maps each area in a virtual space that allows movement within a region to a user group consisting of users in multiple locations in the real world. When a user moves within the virtual space in the area, images associated with the users forming the user group corresponding to the area as the destination are displayed in the display area specified by each user, and images associated with the user who moved in are displayed in the display area specified by the user who moved in. The area is divided into an open area, an authenticated area, and a restricted area. The open area allows the user to move from other areas. The authenticated area accepts the user's movement from other areas upon successful pre-defined authentication. The restricted area does not accept the user's movement from other areas. In the information processing method, The system accepts the settings for the authentication zone and the open zone for each user. Identify the user who wishes to move within the area, and determine the area as the user's destination. Based on the open area setting, if the area designated as the mobile destination is one of the user's open areas, then the area designated as the mobile destination will be displayed. Based on the setting of the authentication region, if the region used as the mobile destination is the user's authentication region, the region used as the mobile destination will be displayed based on the successful authentication.

13. A computer program product comprising a program that causes a computer to perform processing, wherein, In the process, This maps each area in a virtual space that allows movement within a region to a user group consisting of users in multiple locations in the real world. When a user moves within the virtual space in the area, images associated with the users forming the user group corresponding to the area as the destination are displayed in the display area specified by each user, and images associated with the user who moved in are displayed in the display area specified by the user who moved in. The area is divided into an open area, an authenticated area, and a restricted area. The open area allows the user to move from other areas. The authenticated area accepts the user's movement from other areas upon successful pre-defined authentication. The restricted area does not accept the user's movement from other areas. In the process, The system accepts the settings for the authentication zone and the open zone for each user. Identify the user who wishes to move within the area, and determine the area as the user's destination. Based on the open area setting, if the area designated as the mobile destination is one of the user's open areas, then the area designated as the mobile destination will be displayed. Based on the setting of the authentication region, if the region used as the mobile destination is the user's authentication region, the region used as the mobile destination will be displayed based on the successful authentication.

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