Seat determination system and program

Abstract

To provide a seat determination system and a program that enable efficient execution of business and the like.SOLUTION: A seat determination system 10 according to the present disclosure is a seat determination system for determining a user's seat within a virtual space in which seats are arranged. The seat determination system 10 includes an acquisition part 11 and a destination determining part 12. The acquisition part 11 is configured to acquire seat information indicating the seat currently used by the user among seats arranged in the virtual space, along with a usage duration of that seat used by the user. The destination determining part 12 determines, based on the usage duration, a destination seat to which the user is to be relocated from the seat indicated by the acquired seat information.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a seat determination system and a program. [Background technology]

[0002] In recent years, with the spread of telecommuting, technologies that allow employees to interact with each other in a virtual space have become known. For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a virtual space management system that allows a user to easily grasp the situation of other users via avatars in the virtual space. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Patent Publication No. 2022-181260 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] In the virtual space management system disclosed in the above-mentioned Patent Document 1, if a user performs work or the like using the same seat all day, it may be difficult for the user to perform the work or the like efficiently.

[0005] The present disclosure has been made in consideration of the above circumstances, and has an object to provide a seat determination system and program that enable tasks and the like to be carried out efficiently. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] The seat determination system according to the present disclosure comprises: A seat determination system for determining a seat for a user among seats provided in a virtual space, comprising: an acquisition unit that acquires seat information indicating a seat used by the user among the seats provided in the virtual space and a usage time of the seat used by the user; a destination determination unit that determines a destination seat to be a destination from the seat indicated by the acquired seat information based on the usage time; Equipped with.

[0007] The seat determination system according to the present disclosure determines a destination seat from the seat indicated by the acquired seat information based on the usage time. By adopting such a configuration, the user can efficiently carry out work, etc.

[0008] The program according to the present disclosure is Acquire seat information indicating a seat used by the user among the seats provided in the virtual space and a usage time of the seat used by the user; determining a destination seat to which the user is to move from the seat indicated by the acquired seat information based on the usage time; The processing is executed by a computer.

[0009] The program according to the present disclosure determines a destination seat to which the user is to move from the seat indicated by the acquired seat information based on the usage time. By adopting such a configuration, the user can efficiently carry out work, etc. Effect of the Invention

[0010] The present disclosure makes it possible to provide a seat determination system and program that enable tasks and the like to be carried out efficiently. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0011] [Figure 1] 1 is a configuration example for realizing a seat determination system. [Diagram 2] 1 is a block diagram illustrating a seat determination system according to a first embodiment. [Diagram 3] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an example of seating arrangement in a virtual office or a free address office. [Figure 4] 1 is an example showing a display unit of a terminal device used by a user. [Diagram 5]FIG. 13 is a diagram showing the state of seats occupied by users at each time. [Figure 6] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example in which a user terminal device displays a destination seat. [Figure 7] 4 is a flowchart showing an example of a process executed by the seat determination method according to the first embodiment. [Figure 8] FIG. 11 is a block diagram illustrating a seat determination system according to a second embodiment. [Figure 9] 11 is a flowchart showing an example of a process executed by a seat determination method according to the second embodiment. [Figure 10] FIG. 11 is a block diagram illustrating a seat determination system according to a third embodiment. [Figure 11] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing seats occupied by users at each time point. [Figure 12] 11 is a flowchart showing an example of a process executed by a seat determination method according to a third embodiment. [Figure 13] FIG. 11 is a block diagram illustrating a seat determination system according to a fourth embodiment. [Figure 14] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing seats occupied by users at each time point. [Figure 15] FIG. 13 is a block diagram illustrating a seat determination system according to a fifth embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0012] Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present disclosure will be described with reference to the drawings. In each drawing, the same or corresponding elements are denoted by the same reference numerals, and for clarity of explanation, duplicate explanations are omitted as necessary. In addition, some reference numerals are omitted so as not to make the drawings complicated.

[0013] First, as a premise for understanding the seat determination system described in the following embodiments, a configuration for realizing the seat determination system will be described with reference to Fig. 1. Fig. 1 shows an example of a configuration for realizing the seat determination system. The seat determination system can be realized by a computer 1000 such as a dedicated computer such as a server operated in-house, or a personal computer (PC). However, the computer does not need to be a single physical computer, and there may be multiple computers when performing distributed processing.

[0014] 1, a computer 1000 has a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 1001, a ROM (Read Only Memory) 1002, and a RAM (Random Access Memory) 1003, which are interconnected via a bus 1004. Note that although a description of an OS (Operating System) software for operating the computer will be omitted, it is assumed that the computer that constitutes this information processing device also has such software.

[0015] An input / output interface 1005 is connected to the bus 1004. An input unit 1006, an output unit 1007, a communication unit 1008, and a storage unit 1009 are connected to the input / output interface 1005.

[0016] The input unit 1006 is composed of, for example, a keyboard, a mouse, a sensor, etc. The output unit 1007 is composed of, for example, a display device such as an LCD (Liquid Crystal Display) and an audio output device such as a headphone and a speaker, etc. The communication unit 1008 is composed of, for example, a router and a terminal adapter, etc. The storage unit 1009 is composed of a storage device such as a hard disk, a flash memory, etc.

[0017] The CPU 1001 can perform various processes according to various programs stored in the ROM 1002 or various programs loaded from the storage unit 1009 to the RAM 1003. In this embodiment, the CPU 1001 executes, for example, each process in all or part of the seat determination systems 10 to 50 described later.

[0018] A GPU (Graphics Processing Unit) may be provided separately from the CPU 1001. The GPU, like the CPU 1001, can perform various processes according to various programs stored in the ROM 1002 or various programs loaded from the storage unit 1009 to the RAM 1003. In this embodiment, the GPU executes various processes in, for example, all or part of the seat determination systems 10 to 50 described below. The RAM 1003 also stores data and the like required for the CPU 1001 and the GPU to execute various processes as appropriate.

[0019] The communication unit 1008 is configured, for example, by a communication module that performs two-way communication with other terminal devices and servers, which will be described later, via a network. The communication unit 1008 transmits data provided by the CPU 1001 to the other terminal devices and servers. The communication unit 1008 can also output data received from the other terminal devices and servers to the CPU 1001, the RAM 1003, the storage unit 1009, and the like. The communication unit 1008 performs communication using, for example, a LAN (Local Area Network) or Wi-Fi (registered trademark).

[0020] (Embodiment 1) <Configuration of seat determination system> A seat determination system according to the embodiment 1 will be described. Fig. 2 is a block diagram illustrating the seat determination system according to the embodiment 1. As shown in Fig. 2, the seat determination system 10 includes an acquisition unit 11 and a destination determination unit 12. The seat determination system 10 is a system that determines a seat for a user among seats provided in a virtual space or a free address office.

[0021] A virtual space is a space provided on a server on a network. In the virtual space, users can communicate with each other through chat, voice calls, and the like. For example, when a user operates an avatar, which is a character in the virtual space, to perform a certain action, the user can feel as if the action is being performed in real space. A virtual space is typically a virtual office used by a company or local government to which the user belongs. A virtual office is composed of a server of a business that provides a virtual office service, a server of a business that contracts for and uses the virtual office service, and the like. In the following, a virtual office will be used as an example where appropriate.

[0022] A free address office is an office in which users do not have a fixed seat, but work at any of the seats provided in the office. Below, we will explain the seats and seat selection methods used by users, as well as each functional block in order. In addition, if the seats and seat selection methods used by users in the virtual office and the free address office, as well as the functional blocks, are different, we will explain them separately as appropriate.

[0023] <Seat used by user> With reference to FIG. 3, the seats used by the user will be described. FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an example of the arrangement of seats provided in a virtual office or a free address office. The seats in the virtual office or free address office may be provided not only in the same room, but also in multiple rooms, buildings, or sections, but for ease of explanation, an example in the same room will be described as shown in FIG. 3. The desks and seats may also be arranged arbitrarily. As shown in FIG. 3, eight seats S1 to S8 and four desks T1 to T4 are arranged in the virtual office or free address office. More specifically, in the virtual office or free address office, seats S1 and S2 are provided for desk T1, and four sets of these are provided as a group. As shown in FIG. 3, seats S3 and S4 are provided for desk T2, seats S5 and S6 are provided for desk T3, and seats S7 and S8 are provided for desk T4.

[0024] A user uses one of the seats S1 to S8 arranged in the virtual office or free address office. Of the seats S1 to S8 arranged in the virtual office or free address office, a seat used by a user is referred to as a seat in use. For example, if user 1 (not shown) is using seat S1 and user 2 (not shown) is using seat S2, the seat in use for user 1 is seat S1, and the seat in use for user 2 is seat S2. The seat determination system 10 determines a destination seat to which the seat in use of the user is to be moved. The following describes how a user selects a seat to use to become a seat in use.

[0025] <Seating options in a virtual office> With reference to Fig. 4, a method for selecting a seat to be used by a user from among the seats S1 to S8 arranged in the virtual office will be described. Fig. 4 is an example showing a display unit of a terminal device used by a user. The terminal device used by the user and the seat determination system 10 are connected by wire or wirelessly and are capable of communicating with each other. The terminal device used by the user is, for example, a terminal device used for business purposes. Hereinafter, the terminal device used by the user is referred to as a user terminal device.

[0026] As shown in Fig. 4, the display unit 200 of the terminal device displays a seat layout diagram and seat usage status in a virtual office. As shown in Fig. 4, it is assumed that seat S1 is already being used by another user. In other words, seat S1 is a seat being used by another user.

[0027] Note that seats S2 to S8 are vacant and are not being used by any other users. In Fig. 4, similar to Fig. 3, seats S1 and S2 are provided for desk T1, and four sets of these are provided as a group. More specifically, as shown in Fig. 4, seats S3 and S4 are provided for desk T2, seats S5 and S6 are provided for desk T3, and seats S7 and S8 are provided for desk T4.

[0028] The user selects the seat he / she wishes to use from among seats S2 to S8 in accordance with message M1 displayed on display unit 200. For example, the user selects the seat he / she wishes to use by touching seat S2 displayed on display unit 200. As a result, the usage status of the seat selected by the user becomes in use, similar to seat S1 shown in FIG. 4. That is, seat S2 becomes a seat being used by the user. Then, the user starts work at seat S2.

[0029] Furthermore, the user may select a seat to be used from among the seats S2 to S8 in accordance with the message M2 displayed on the display unit 200. The process of selecting a seat to be used by the user from among the seats S2 to S8 is executed in either the user terminal device or the seat determination system 10.

[0030] For example, when the user touches message M2 displayed on display unit 200, the user terminal device or seat determination system 10 randomly selects a seat to be used by the user from among seats S2 to S8. As a result, the usage status of the seat selected by the user terminal device or seat determination system 10 becomes in use, similar to seat S1 shown in FIG. 4. In other words, the seat selected by the user terminal device or seat determination system 10 becomes the seat being used by the user. Then, the user starts work at the selected seat.

[0031] Here, a case has been described in which the user terminal device or the seat determination system 10 randomly selects a seat to be used. However, this is not limited to this, and the user terminal device or the seat determination system 10 may select a seat to be used by a user based on the seat usage status, affiliation, rank, work content, and information confidentiality.

[0032] In other words, there are the following methods for selecting a seat to be used by a user from among the seats S1 to S8 arranged in the virtual office: A method in which the user selects a seat that the user wishes to use from the user terminal device, and a method in which the user terminal device or the seat determination system 10 selects a seat for the user.

[0033] The above-mentioned touch operation by the user is performed, for example, by using application software installed in the user terminal device. The seat determination system 10 may manage whether the user is present at the virtual office depending on whether the user is logged in to the application software of the user terminal device.

[0034] More specifically, when it is detected that the user has logged in to the application software of the user terminal device, the seat determination system 10 considers that the user has come to the virtual office. On the other hand, when it is not detected that the user has logged in to the application of the user terminal device, the seat determination system 10 considers that the user has not come to the virtual office.

[0035] Similarly, with regard to whether or not the user has clocked out, the seat determination system may determine whether or not the user has clocked out based on whether or not the user has logged out from the application software of the user terminal device.

[0036] <Seating options in a free address office> Here, a method for a user to select a seat to be used from among the seats S1 to S8 arranged in a free address office will be described with reference to Fig. 4. In this case, Fig. 4 shows a display unit 300 of a terminal device provided in the free address office or a terminal device used by a user.

[0037] The terminal device installed in the free address office is installed in the free address office shown in Fig. 3. A plurality of terminal devices may be installed in the free address office. Furthermore, a terminal device may be installed on each floor of the free address office. The terminal device used by the user is, for example, a terminal device used for business purposes.

[0038] In the following, the terminal device installed in the free address office is referred to as the free address office terminal, and the terminal device used by the user is referred to as the user terminal. The free address office terminal device or the user terminal device and the seat determination system 10 are connected by wire or wirelessly and can communicate with each other.

[0039] In a free address office, the method of using a user terminal device to select a seat to be used by the user is the same as in the case of the virtual office described above. On the other hand, in a free address office, the method of using a free address office terminal device to select a seat to be used by the user is the same as in the case of the virtual office described above, except for the terminal device used.

[0040] In other words, there are two ways for a user to select a seat to use in a free address office: the user selects the seat he or she wishes to use from a user terminal device or a free address office terminal device, and the user terminal device, the free address office terminal device, or the seat determination system 10 selects the user's seat.

[0041] The touch operation of the user terminal device or the free address office terminal device by the user is performed using, for example, application software. The seat determination system 10 may manage whether or not the user has attended the free address office based on whether or not there is a login to the application of the user terminal device or the free address office terminal device. The seat determination system 10 may also manage whether or not the user has attended the free address office based on whether or not the user has passed through the gate of the free address office.

[0042] Similarly, with regard to whether or not the user has left work, the seat determination system 10 may determine whether or not the user has left work based on whether or not the user has logged out from an application on the user terminal device or the free address office terminal device, or whether or not the user has passed through the gate of the free address office.

[0043] <Acquisition of seat information and usage time> Next, the acquisition unit 11 will be described. The acquisition unit 11 acquires seat information indicating a seat currently being used by a user among the seats provided in the virtual space or the free address office. The acquisition unit 11 also acquires the time during which the user is using the currently used seat. Hereinafter, the time during which the user is using the currently used seat will be referred to as the usage time.

[0044] The seat information refers to the seat number and seat position that can identify the seat currently being used by the user from among the seats provided in the virtual space or free address office. The seat number is an arbitrarily determined number such as seats S1 to S8 shown in FIG. 4. The seat position includes not only an arbitrarily determined position in the virtual space or free address office, but also the building name, floor number, direction, row and column number. For example, the seat position is expressed as the second row from the left on the west side of building W on the fifth floor.

[0045] The usage time is the time during which a seat provided in a virtual office or a free address office is in use, i.e., the usage time is the time elapsed from the time when a user starts using the seat.

[0046] An example will be described in which the acquisition unit 11 acquires seat information indicating a seat in use and the usage time of the seat in use. As described above, there are two methods for selecting a seat in a virtual office: a method in which a user selects a seat he or she wishes to use from a user terminal device, and a method in which a user terminal device or the seat determination system 10 selects a seat for the user. Also, there are two methods for selecting a seat in a free address office: a method in which a user selects a seat he or she wishes to use from a user terminal device or a free address office terminal device, and a method in which a user terminal device, a free address office terminal device, or the seat determination system 10 selects a seat for the user.

[0047] In either method, the seat usage status displayed on the user terminal device or free address office terminal device becomes in use. The user terminal device or free address office terminal device transmits seat information indicating the in-use seat whose usage status has become in use to the seat determination system 10. As a result, the acquisition unit 11 acquires the seat information indicating the in-use seat. Note that when the seat determination system 10 selects a seat for the user, the selection may be made and the acquisition unit 11 may also acquire the seat information indicating the in-use seat.

[0048] The user terminal device or free address office terminal device stores the time when the seat becomes in use as the time when the user started using the seat. The user terminal device or free address office terminal device transmits information about the time when the user started using the seat to the acquisition unit 11. As a result, the acquisition unit 11 acquires the time when the user started using the seat. The acquisition unit 11 can acquire the period from the time when the user started using the seat to a specified time as the usage time. The specified time can be set arbitrarily.

[0049] For example, if the user starts using the seat at 9:00, the acquisition unit 11 calculates that the usage time until 12:00 is 3 hours. The acquisition unit 11 can also subtract the time the user is away from the seat, such as break time or time spent outside, from the usage time. For example, if the user starts using the seat at 9:00 and is away from the seat from 12:00 to 13:00, the acquisition unit 11 calculates that the usage time until 14:00 is 4 hours.

[0050] <Destination decision> The destination determination unit 12 determines a destination seat from the seat indicated by the acquired seat information based on the usage time. The seat indicated by the acquired seat information is the seat currently being used by the user, i.e., the seat currently being used.

[0051] A more specific description will be given with reference to Fig. 5. Fig. 5 is a diagram showing the state of seats used by users at each time, taking seats S11 to S16 as examples. The upper part of Fig. 5 is a diagram showing the state of seats used by users at 9:00. The middle part of Fig. 5 is a diagram showing the state of seats used by users at 10:00, and the lower part of Fig. 5 is a diagram showing the state of seats used by users at 14:00.

[0052] In Fig. 5, seats S11 to S16 are provided in a virtual office or a free address office. As shown in Fig. 5, in the virtual office or free address office, seats S11 and S12 are provided for desk T11, and three sets of these are provided as a group. More specifically, as shown in Fig. 5, seats S12 and S14 are provided for desk T2, and seats S15 and S16 are provided for desk T3.

[0053] As shown in the upper part of Fig. 5, assume that user U1 starts using seat S11 at 9:00. Also assume that user U2 starts using seat S12 at 9:30, and user U3 starts using seat S15 at 10:00. That is, at 9:00, seat S11 becomes the seat being used by user U1, and as shown in the middle part of Fig. 5, at 10:00, seat S12 becomes the seat being used by user U2, and seat S15 becomes the seat being used by user U3.

[0054] Here, an example will be described in which the destination determination unit 12 determines the destination seat of the user U1 to be a seat different from the currently used seat S11 when the usage time is equal to or longer than a predetermined time. More specifically, an example will be described in which the destination determination unit 12 changes the currently used seat S11 of the user U1 to a seat S16 different from the currently used seat S11 when the usage time is equal to or longer than three hours.

[0055] The destination determination unit 12 sets the predetermined time for moving from a currently used seat to a different seat to, for example, about 3 to 4 hours. The predetermined time is not set strictly, and can be arbitrarily changed depending on the user's work hours, for example, the time from the start of use of the seat to the break, or the time from the end of the break to the end of work. It is appropriate for one user to change seats by the destination determination unit 12 about once or twice a day.

[0056] In the lower part of Fig. 5, the time is 14:00. User U1 starts using seat S11 at 9:00, and is notified by the seat determination system 10 of a change to seat S16 at 12:00, a predetermined time of three hours after the time 9:00. As shown in the lower part of Fig. 5, user U1 changes the seat he is using to seat S16 based on the notification at 12:00.

[0057] Furthermore, user U2 starts using seat S12 at 9:30, and is notified by the seat determination system 10 of a change to seat S13 at 12:30, a predetermined time of three hours after 9:30. Since user U2 does not change his / her seat based on the notification at 12:30, his / her currently used seat is seat S12, as shown in the lower part of FIG.

[0058] Also, user U3 starts using seat S15 at 10:00, and the time that is a predetermined time, 3 hours, from time 10:00 is 13:00, but user U3 has set a break time from 12:00 to 13:00 in advance. Therefore, the seat determination system 10 notifies user U3 of the change to seat S11 at 14:00. Therefore, in the lower part of FIG. 5, the seat currently being used by user U3 is seat S15, and if user U3 allows the seat change, seat S11 becomes the seat currently being used by user U3.

[0059] 5, the destination of the seat S11 of the user U1 by the destination determination unit 12 is randomly determined to be seat S16 from among vacant seats. However, this is not limited thereto, and the destination of the seat S11 of the user U1 by the destination determination unit 12 may be determined based on the speech frequency, speech content, and concentration level as in the second to fourth embodiments described later.

[0060] The destination of the seat S11 of the user U1 by the destination determination unit 12 may be determined based on the work content. The work content includes work that cannot be performed without using a specific terminal device provided at the seat or an application installed in the terminal device, such as drawing work and analysis work. With this configuration, the user can use a seat according to the work content, and can efficiently perform the work.

[0061] Furthermore, the destination of the seat determined by the destination determination unit 12 may be determined based on the usage status of other seats. The usage status refers to the availability of seats, the congestion status, and the usage status of seats being used by other users. For example, in the lower part of FIG. 5, seats S13 and S14 provided for desk T12 are not being used and are not crowded, so the destination determination unit 12 may determine the destination of the seat S11 being used by user U1 to be seat S13 or S14. With this configuration, user U1 can concentrate on work, etc. in a place that is not crowded, and can therefore perform work, etc. efficiently. In addition, in the case of a free address office, this also serves as a measure against infectious diseases.

[0062] As another example, at 14:00 shown in the lower part of Fig. 5, the seat currently being used by user U3 is seat S15, and user U3 is notified of a change to seat S11. Therefore, the destination determination unit 12 may determine the destination of user U3's currently being used seat S15 to seat S11 so that user U3 can meet user U2 after 14:00. With this configuration, it becomes easier for user U3 to talk with user U2 after 14:00, which is expected to lead to new ideas.

[0063] Here, an example has been described in which the destination determination unit 12 changes the currently used seat to a different seat from the currently used seat. When a seat change notification is displayed on the terminal device used by each user, the user may select whether or not to allow the seat change, and transmit the result to the seat determination system 10. With this configuration, if the user U1 does not want to end the work midway, the user U1 can continue to use the same seat as the currently used seat to efficiently carry out the work, etc.

[0064] In other words, the destination decision unit 12 decides a destination seat to which the seat currently used by the user is to be moved based on the usage time. The destination seat of the destination decision unit 12 is a seat different from the seat currently used by the user, and is decided based on the frequency of speech, speech content, concentration level, task content, and usage status of other seats.

[0065] <Display example> The destination determination unit 12 may transmit information about the destination seat to the user terminal device. FIG. 6 is a diagram showing an example in which the user terminal device displays the destination seat. As shown in FIG. 6, the display unit 400 of the user terminal device displays a message M11. The message M11 is a message that presents the destination seat to the user. Icons B11 and B12 are icons that the user can operate when the user confirms the message M11.

[0066] In the example shown in Fig. 6, the message M11 indicates the usage time of the seat S11 currently being used by the user and the destination seat S16. Also, as shown in Fig. 6, the display unit 400 of the user terminal device displays a layout diagram Ly1 in accordance with the message M11. This allows the user to visually understand which seat they should move to.

[0067] As shown in Fig. 6, the display unit 400 of the user terminal device may prominently display the destination seat S16 in the layout diagram Ly1 by indicating it with an arrow. This makes it easier for the user to grasp the location of the destination seat S16. The user checks the message M11 on the display unit 400 of the user terminal device and operates the icon B11 or the icon B12.

[0068] When the user operates icon B11, it is determined that user U1 has permitted the change to seat S16, and the usage status of seat S16 becomes in use as shown in the lower part of FIG. 5. At the same time, for example, after about 30 minutes, seat S11 will no longer be in use and will become a seat change target for another user. User U1 moves to destination seat S16 and starts using seat S16. User U1 then starts work again in seat S16. Note that when the display unit 400 of the user terminal device displays message M11, the usage status of seat S16 may be configured to become in use as shown in the lower part of FIG. 5.

[0069] Furthermore, when the user operates icon B12, it is determined that user U1 does not permit a change to seat S16, so the usage status of seat S11 remains as in use, and seat S16 becomes a seat change target for other users.

[0070] <How to select your seat> Next, a seat determination method according to the first embodiment will be described. FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing an example of processing executed by the seat determination method according to the first embodiment. In FIG. 7, a seat determination method in the case of a virtual office will be described. The processing shown in FIG. 7 is executed for each user who uses the virtual office. The processing shown in FIG. 7 may be configured so that the processing from step ST2 starts when a user of the virtual office arrives at work. Note that if the virtual office in the figure is a free address office, FIG. 7 becomes a flowchart in the case of a free address office.

[0071] First, the seat determination system determines whether the user has come to the virtual office (step ST1). More specifically, the seat determination system determines whether the user has come to the virtual office based on whether there is a login to an application of a user terminal device that can communicate with the seat determination system.

[0072] When the seat determination system determines that the user has come to the virtual office (step ST1: YES), it selects a seat for the user and acquires the seat information (step ST2). For example, the seat determination system selects a seat to be used by the user based on the seat usage status, affiliation, rank, work content, and information confidentiality. The seat determination system selects a seat to be used by the user and acquires the seat information of the seat (seat in use).

[0073] On the other hand, when the seat determination system determines that the user has not attended the virtual office (step ST1: NO), the system ends this process.

[0074] In step ST2 in Fig. 7, the seat determination system selects the user's seat, but the user may select the seat he or she wants to use from the terminal device he or she uses, and the seat determination system may receive seat information related to the selected seat. In this case, in step ST2 in Fig. 7, a process of acquiring seat information is executed.

[0075] Following step ST2, the seat determination system acquires the time during which the user has been using the seat in use, and determines whether the usage time is equal to or longer than a predetermined time (step ST3). More specifically, the acquisition unit 11 acquires the period from the time the user starts using the seat to the predetermined time as the usage time. The acquisition unit 11 determines whether the usage time is equal to or longer than a predetermined time.

[0076] The case where step ST3 is YES will be described. If the usage time of the seat in use is equal to or longer than the predetermined time (step ST3: YES), the seat determination system determines a destination seat that is a destination of the seat indicated by the acquired seat information (step ST4). More specifically, the destination determination unit 12 determines a seat other than the seat in use as the destination seat of the user.

[0077] Next, the seat determination system notifies the user of the destination seat determined in step ST4 (step ST5). More specifically, the seat determination system displays information indicating the destination seat on the user terminal device used by the user who is the target of the seat change.

[0078] Following step ST5, the seating determination system determines whether the user has left the virtual office (step ST6). More specifically, the seating determination system determines whether the user has left the virtual office based on whether the user has logged out of an application of a user terminal device capable of communicating with the seating determination system.

[0079] When the seat determination system determines that the user has left the virtual office (step ST6: YES), it ends this process.

[0080] On the other hand, when it is determined that the user has not left the virtual office (step ST6: NO), the seat determination system repeats the process from step ST3.

[0081] The case where step ST3 is NO will be described below. If the usage time of the in-use seat is less than the predetermined time (step ST3: NO), the seat determination system proceeds to step ST6.

[0082] In the case of a free address office, a process for determining whether or not a user is a free address target may be provided between step ST1 and step ST2 in Fig. 7. This allows the seat determination system to identify a free address office target user and determine the destination seat for that user even when a free address office is adopted as part of the office.

[0083] In the case of a free address office, the start and end of the process in Fig. 7 may be determined by passing through a gate. In addition, it is preferable that the seat selection at the time of coming to work in step ST2 is presented when the user passes through the gate.

[0084] In this way, in the seat determination system 10 according to the first embodiment, the acquisition unit 11 acquires the seat information of the seat currently being used by the user and the usage time of the currently being used seat. The destination determination unit 12 determines the destination seat, which is the destination of the movement from the currently being used seat indicated by the acquired seat information, based on the usage time.

[0085] With this configuration, by changing seats, work can be performed in a fresh environment, so work can be performed efficiently. In addition, changing seats can lead to new ideas. Furthermore, work can be performed in the same environment without changing seats, so work can be performed efficiently.

[0086] (Embodiment 2) <Degree of concentration> A seat determination system according to the second embodiment will be described. Fig. 8 is a block diagram illustrating a seat determination system according to the second embodiment. As shown in Fig. 8, the seat determination system 20 includes an acquisition unit 11, a destination determination unit 22, and a concentration detection unit 23. The acquisition unit 11 is the same as in the first embodiment, and therefore a description thereof will be omitted.

[0087] Here, an explanation will be given of the destination determination unit 22 and the concentration level detection unit 23. As in the first embodiment, when the processing of each functional block differs between the virtual office and the free address office, they will be explained separately as appropriate.

[0088] First, a description will be given of the concentration level detection unit 23. The concentration level detection unit 23 detects the degree of concentration of the user on a task or the like. More specifically, the concentration level detection unit 23 determines whether or not the user is concentrating on a task or the like from the degree of concentration.

[0089] For example, when the degree of concentration is equal to or greater than a predetermined value, the concentration detection unit 23 determines that the user is concentrating on a task, etc. On the other hand, when the degree of concentration is less than the predetermined value, the concentration detection unit 23 determines that the user is not concentrating on a task, etc.

[0090] The concentration level detection unit 23 detects the concentration level from an image captured by a camera of the user terminal device, the usage status of the user interface, and the usage status of the application. The concentration level may be a scored concentration level or a concentration level indicated by a stepwise level.

[0091] The concentration detection unit 23 detects the direction of the user's face and gaze based on images captured by the camera of the user terminal device, for example, and determines the degree of concentration to be high if there is a high tendency for the user to be looking in the direction of the user terminal device.

[0092] Furthermore, the concentration detection unit 23 may detect a change in the degree of concentration. For example, in the case where the degree of concentration is evaluated on a scale of 0 to 100, if the degree of concentration detected by the concentration detection unit 23 changes from 80 to 30, the user is in a state of lack of concentration. On the other hand, if the degree of concentration detected by the concentration detection unit 23 remains at 80 or higher, the user is in a state of concentration.

[0093] Next, the destination determination unit 22 will be described. The destination determination unit 22 further determines the destination seat based on the concentration level detected by the concentration level detection unit. More specifically, the destination determination unit 22 determines the destination seat when the user's usage time of the seat currently in use is equal to or greater than a predetermined value and the concentration level detected by the concentration level detection unit is less than a predetermined value.

[0094] Furthermore, the destination determination unit 22 determines the destination seat when the usage time of the seat currently being used by the user is equal to or greater than a predetermined value and a change that decreases the concentration level detected by the concentration level detection unit occurs. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the destination determination unit 22 may determine the destination seat based on the concentration level detected by the concentration level detection unit, not limited to the usage time of the seat currently being used by the user.

[0095] <Method of determining seats based on concentration level> Next, a seat determination method according to the second embodiment will be described. FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing an example of processing executed by the seat determination method according to the second embodiment. In FIG. 9, a seat determination method in the case of a free address office will be described. FIG. 9 shows the same flowchart in the virtual office if the free address office in the figure is replaced with a virtual office, except for step ST11. Note that in FIG. 9, the same processes as those in the flowchart shown in FIG. 7 are denoted by the same reference numerals.

[0096] First, the seat determination system judges whether the user has come to work at the free address office (step ST1). More specifically, the seat determination system judges whether the user has come to work based on whether the user has logged in to an application of a free address office terminal device or a user terminal device that can communicate with the seat determination system, or whether the user has passed through a gate of the free address office.

[0097] When the seat determination system determines that the user has come to work in a free address office (step ST1: YES), it determines whether the user is a free address office target (step ST11). For example, the seat determination system is configured to be able to communicate with a database that stores user information such as name, affiliation, rank, and whether the user is a free address office target. The seat determination system acquires user information from an application or gate, and determines whether the user is a free address office target from the corresponding user information in the database.

[0098] When the seat determination system determines that the user is a free address office target (step ST11: YES), it selects a seat for the user and acquires the seat information (step ST2). For example, the seat determination system selects a seat to be used by the user based on the seat usage status, affiliation, rank, business content, and information confidentiality. The seat determination system selects a seat to be used by the user and acquires the seat information of the seat.

[0099] On the other hand, if the seat determination system determines that the user is not present at the free address office (step ST1: NO), or if the system determines that the user is not a free address office target (step ST11: NO), it terminates this process.

[0100] Following step ST2, the seat determination system acquires the time during which the user has been using the seat in use, and determines whether the usage time is equal to or longer than a predetermined time (step ST3). More specifically, the acquisition unit 11 acquires the period from the time the user starts using the seat to the predetermined time as the usage time. The acquisition unit 11 determines whether the usage time is equal to or longer than a predetermined time.

[0101] The case where step ST3 is YES will be described. If the usage time of the seat in use is equal to or longer than a predetermined time (step ST3: YES), the seat determination system detects the concentration level of the user, and further determines whether the concentration level is less than a predetermined value (step ST31). More specifically, the concentration level detection unit 23 detects the concentration level from an image captured by a camera of the terminal device used by the user, the usage status of the user interface, and the usage status of applications. The destination determination unit 22 determines whether the concentration level is less than a predetermined value, or whether it has fallen below a predetermined value.

[0102] The seat determination system detects the concentration level of the user, and if the concentration level is less than a predetermined value (step ST31: YES), determines a destination seat that is a destination of the user from the seat indicated by the acquired seat information (step ST41). For example, if the usage time of the seat currently being used by the user is 3 hours or more, which is a predetermined time, and the concentration level of the user is 30 or less, the destination determination unit 22 determines a seat other than the currently being used seat as the destination seat of the user.

[0103] Following step ST41, the seat determination system notifies the user of the destination seat determined in step ST41 (step ST5). Following step ST5, the seat determination system determines whether the user has left the free address office (step ST6). More specifically, the seat determination system determines whether the user has left the virtual office based on whether the user has logged out from an application of a free address office terminal device or a user terminal device that can communicate with the seat determination system.

[0104] When the seat determination system determines that the user has left the free address office (step ST6: YES), it ends this process.

[0105] On the other hand, when it is determined that the user has not left the free address office (step ST6: NO), the seat determination system repeats the process from step ST3.

[0106] The case where step ST3 or step ST31 is NO will be described. If the usage time of the seat in use is less than the predetermined time (step ST3: NO), or if the concentration level of the user is detected and the concentration level is not less than the predetermined value, in other words, if the user is concentrating (step ST31: NO), the seat determination system proceeds to step ST6.

[0107] Here, the seat determination system performs the determination process of step ST31 following the determination process of step ST3. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the seat determination system according to the second embodiment only needs to perform at least the determination process of step ST31 to determine the destination seat.

[0108] In this way, in the seat determination system 20 according to the second embodiment, the concentration detection unit 23 detects the degree of concentration of the user on a task or the like. The destination determination unit 12 determines a destination seat to which the user will move the seat currently being used, based on the degree of concentration.

[0109] With this configuration, the user can perform work etc. in a fresh environment by changing seats, which helps the user regain concentration and perform work etc. efficiently. In addition, changing seats can help the user regain concentration and may lead to new ideas. Furthermore, if the user is maintaining a level of concentration, the user can perform work etc. in the same environment without changing seats, which helps the user perform work etc. efficiently.

[0110] (Embodiment 3) <Frequency of speech> A seat determination system according to the third embodiment will be described. Fig. 10 is a block diagram illustrating a seat determination system according to the third embodiment. As shown in Fig. 10, the seat determination system 30 includes an acquisition unit 11, a destination determination unit 32, and an utterance frequency detection unit 33. The acquisition unit 11 is the same as in the first and second embodiments, and therefore a description thereof will be omitted.

[0111] Here, a description will be given of the destination determination unit 32 and the speech frequency detection unit 33. As in the first and second embodiments, when the processing of each functional block differs between the virtual office and the free address office, they will be described separately as appropriate.

[0112] First, the speech frequency detection unit 33 will be described. The speech frequency detection unit 33 detects the speech frequency of multiple users in a virtual space or a free address office. The speech frequency detection unit 33 detects the speech frequency of multiple users within a predetermined time. The predetermined time can be set arbitrarily. Below, the speech frequency in a virtual space and the speech frequency in a free address office will be described in detail.

[0113] <Frequency of speech in virtual space> A method for detecting speech frequency in a virtual office will be described. In a virtual office, when a user performs operations for having a conversation in the virtual office, such as moving the user's avatar close to the avatar of another user or turning the face of the user's avatar toward the avatar of another user, and speaks or inputs text into a user terminal device, a conversation by voice or text is established between the user's avatar and the avatar of the other user. For this reason, the speech frequency can be rephrased as the conversation frequency.

[0114] The speech frequency in the virtual space is calculated from the number of conversations with other users' avatars, or the duration of conversations with other users. The speech frequency detection unit 33 detects the number of conversations and the duration of conversations between the user's avatar and other users' avatars. The speech frequency detection unit 33 may detect the frequency of conversations with other avatars located near the user's avatar.

[0115] For example, if a user converses intermittently twice with another user's avatar, in other words, with another user, via the user's avatar, the speech frequency detection unit 33 detects that the user's speech frequency is 2. Also, if the duration of the continuous conversation is long or the number of characters input is large, the speech frequency detection unit 33 may detect the user's speech frequency as more than once, for example, 2 times.

[0116] <Frequency of conversation in a free address office> A method for detecting speech frequency in a free address office will be described. The speech frequency detection unit 33 detects the user's speech based on the voice acquired by the microphone of the user terminal device. In addition to the user's speech, the speech frequency detection unit 33 may detect that the user is having a conversation with another user sitting in a nearby seat. In this case, speech between the user and the other user is detected.

[0117] In a free address office, the speech frequency is determined from the number of conversations or the duration of the conversation. The speech frequency detection unit 33 detects the number of conversations and the duration of the conversations between the user and other users. The speech frequency detection unit 33 may detect the speech frequency excluding speech during a web conference using a terminal device used by the user. The speech frequency detection unit 33 may also detect the speech frequency to other users located near the user. Furthermore, the speech frequency detection unit 33 may detect the presence or absence of a user using a seat near the user's seat.

[0118] For example, when the user terminal device acquires that the user has had two intermittent conversations with another user, the speech frequency detection unit 33 detects that the user's speech frequency is two. Also, when the continuous conversation time is long, the speech frequency detection unit 33 may detect the user's speech frequency as more than one, for example, two.

[0119] <Seating decisions based on frequency of speech> Next, the destination determination unit 32 will be described. The destination determination unit 32 determines a destination seat for at least one of the users such that the seat of the user whose speech frequency is equal to or higher than a predetermined frequency and the seat of the user whose speech frequency is less than the predetermined frequency are close to each other. A more specific description will be given with reference to Fig. 11. Fig. 11 is a diagram showing the seats used by users at each time.

[0120] In FIG. 11, seats S11 to S16 are provided in a virtual office or a free address office, and the layout of each seat and each desk is the same as in FIG. 5, so a description thereof will be omitted.

[0121] 11, at 12:00, user U1 is using seat S11, and user U2 is using seat S12. That is, at 12:00, seat S11 is the seat being used by user U1, and seat S12 is the seat being used by user U2. Also, at 12:00, user U3 is using seat S15, so seat S15 is the seat being used by user U3 at 12:00.

[0122] 11, at 15:00, a user U1 is using seat S16, and a user U2 is using seat S12. Also, at 15:00, a user U3 is using seat S15.

[0123] Here, an example will be described in which the seat determination system detects the speech frequency of each user and determines a seat based on the speech frequency.

[0124] In addition, the seat determination system is described as determining the destination seat of at least one of the users so that the seat of a user whose speech frequency is 5 or more times is close to the seat of a user whose speech frequency is less than 5 times.

[0125] Because user U1 has been using seat S11 since 9:00, the destination determination unit 32 notifies the terminal device used by user U1 of a seat change at 12:00, which is a predetermined time of three hours. Based on the number of utterances by user U1 during the period from 9:00 to 12:00 when user U1 is using seat S12, acquired by the speech frequency detection unit 33, and the number of utterances by other users, the destination determination unit 32 determines the destination seat for user U1.

[0126] As shown in the upper part of FIG. 11, at 12:00, users U1 and U2 speak frequently, with user U1 speaking 12 times and user U2 speaking 8 times. Also, as shown in the upper part of FIG. 11, user U3 speaks infrequently, with user U3 speaking 3 times. The speech frequency of user U2 is the number of utterances from 9:30 to 12:00 when user U2 started using seat S12. Also, the speech frequency of user U3 is the number of utterances from 10:00 to 12:00 when user U3 started using seat S15.

[0127] The destination determination unit 32 determines the destination seat of at least one of the users such that the seat of a user who speaks relatively frequently, for example, 5 or more times, is close to the seat of a user who speaks relatively infrequently, for example, less than 5 times. Therefore, the destination determination unit 32 determines the destination seat of user U1 such that user U1 and user U3 are close to each other. More specifically, the destination determination unit 32 determines the destination seat of user U1 to be seat S16.

[0128] At 15:00, as shown in the lower part of FIG. 11, user U1 is using seat S16, and user U3 is using seat S15. As shown in the lower part of FIG. 11, user U1 has moved to a seat near user U3's seat, and the number of times user U3 has spoken has increased to 10, resulting in an increase in the frequency of speech. This configuration stimulates communication between users, enabling tasks and the like to be performed efficiently. It is also expected that stimulated communication between users will lead to new ideas.

[0129] 11, user U3 starts using seat S16 from 10:00, and receives a seat change notification at 13:00, which is a predetermined time of three hours from 10:00, but does not move to another seat. User U2 starts using seat S12 from 9:30, receives a seat change notification at 12:30, which is a predetermined time of three hours from 9:30, and moves to another seat (not shown).

[0130] <Method of determining seats based on speaking frequency> Next, a seat determination method according to the third embodiment will be described. Fig. 12 is a flowchart showing an example of processing executed by the seat determination method according to the third embodiment. Fig. 12 explains a seat determination method in the case of a free address office. Fig. 12 shows the same flowchart in the virtual office if the free address office in the figure is replaced with a virtual office, excluding step ST11.

[0131] In Fig. 12, the processes other than step ST32 and step ST42 are the same as those shown in Fig. 9, and are denoted by the same reference numerals. Here, step ST32 and step ST42 will be described. That is, the case where the usage time of the seat in use is equal to or longer than the predetermined time (step ST3: YES) will be described.

[0132] If the use time of the seat in use is equal to or longer than a predetermined time (step ST3: YES), the seat determination system detects the speech frequency of multiple users (step ST32).Then, the seat determination system determines the destination seat of at least one of the users so that the seat of the user whose speech frequency is equal to or higher than the predetermined frequency is close to the seat of the user whose speech frequency is less than the predetermined frequency (step ST42).The subsequent processes (steps ST5 and ST6) are the same as those in FIG. 9, so the description will be omitted.

[0133] In this way, in the seat determination system 30 according to the third embodiment, the speech frequency detection unit 33 detects the speech frequencies of multiple users in the virtual space or the free address office. The destination determination unit 32 determines the destination seat of at least one of the users such that the seat of a user whose speech frequency is equal to or higher than a predetermined frequency is close to the seat of a user whose speech frequency is less than the predetermined frequency.

[0134] With this configuration, seat changes can stimulate communication between users, allowing them to carry out their work more efficiently. In addition, seat changes can stimulate communication between users, which can lead to new ideas.

[0135] (Embodiment 4) <Content of utterance> A seat determination system according to the fourth embodiment will be described. FIG. 13 is a block diagram illustrating a seat determination system according to the fourth embodiment. As shown in FIG. 13, a seat determination system 40 includes an acquisition unit 11, a destination determination unit 42, and an utterance content acquisition unit 43. The acquisition unit 11 is the same as in the first to third embodiments, and therefore a description thereof will be omitted. Here, the destination determination unit 42 and the utterance content acquisition unit 43 will be described. As in the first to third embodiments, when the processing of each functional block differs between the virtual office and the free address office, they will be described separately as appropriate.

[0136] First, the speech content acquisition unit 43 will be described. The speech content acquisition unit 43 acquires the speech content of multiple users in a virtual office or a free address office. The speech content acquisition unit 43 acquires the speech content of multiple users within a predetermined time. The predetermined time can be set arbitrarily. In a virtual office, the speech content acquisition unit 43 acquires the content spoken or input by the user into the user terminal device. Also, in a free address office, the user's speech content is acquired based on the voice acquired by the microphone of the user terminal device. The speech content based on the user's speech is acquired by performing speech recognition processing on the acquired voice to acquire the speech content.

[0137] <Seating decisions based on speech content> Next, the destination determination unit 42 will be described. The destination determination unit 42 determines the destination seat of at least one of the users so that the seats of the users whose speech contents are related to each other are close to each other. The relevance of the speech contents is determined based on a predetermined word or phrase included in the speech contents, such as a project name, a product name, a department name, a user name, a technology name, a proper noun, etc.

[0138] For example, if one user's utterance includes "speaker" and the other user's utterance includes "speaker diaphragm," the two users are considered to have related utterances. As another example, if one user's utterance includes "welding" and the other user's utterance includes "music," the two users are considered to have unrelated utterances.

[0139] The destination determination unit 42 will be described in more detail with reference to Fig. 14. Fig. 14 is a diagram showing seats used by users at each time. In Fig. 14, seats S21 to S26 are provided in a virtual office or a free address office. As shown in Fig. 14, in the virtual office or the free address office, seats S21 to S24 are provided around desk T21, and seats S25 and S26 are provided around desk T23.

[0140] As shown in the upper part of Fig. 14, at 12:00, user U1 is using seat S21, user U2 is using seat S22, and user U3 is using seat S23. Also, as shown in the upper part of Fig. 14, at 12:00, user U4 is using seat S25, and user U5 is using seat S26.

[0141] As shown in the lower part of Fig. 14, at 15:00, user U1 is using seat S21, user U3 is using seat S23, and user U5 is using seat S24. Also, as shown in the lower part of Fig. 14, at 15:00, user U2 is using seat S25.

[0142] Here, an example will be described in which the seat determination system acquires the contents of speech of each user and determines a seat based on the contents of speech.

[0143] Since user U5 has been using seat S26 since 9:00, the destination determination unit 32 notifies the terminal device used by user U5 of a seat change at 12:00, which is a predetermined time of three hours. The speech content acquisition unit 43 acquires the speech content during the period from 9:00 to 12:00 when user U5 is using seat S26. In addition, the destination determination unit 32 acquires information on other users who have made speeches related to the speech content of user U5 from the speech content acquisition unit 43 during the period overlapping with the period during which user U5 is using seat S26 (the period from 9:00 to 12:00).

[0144] As shown in the upper part of FIG. 14, the contents of user U5's speech from 9:00 to 12:00 often contain "new product X." In other words, the contents of user U5's speech contain a high frequency of utterances related to "new product X." In addition, the contents of user U1's speech from 10:00 to 12:00 also contain a lot of "new product X." Therefore, users U1 and U5 are users whose utterances are related to each other.

[0145] The destination determination unit 42 determines the destination seat of at least one of the users so that the seats of the users whose speech contents are related to each other are close to each other. Therefore, when notifying the seat change of the user U5, the destination determination unit 42 determines the destination seat of the user U5 so that the seat of the user U5 and the seat of the user U1 are close to each other. More specifically, the destination determination unit 42 determines the destination seat of the user U5 to be the vacant seat S24 among the seats S22 to S24 close to the user U1.

[0146] As a result, as shown in the lower part of FIG. 14, at 15:00, user U1 is using seat S21 and user U5 is using seat S24.

[0147] A user U2 shown in the upper part of FIG. 14 uses seat S22 from 9:00, and receives a notification from the destination determination unit 32 at 12:00, which is a predetermined time of three hours, and uses seat S25 at 15:00, which is shown in the lower part of FIG. 14. A user U3 shown in the upper part of FIG. 14 uses seat S23 from 9:00, and receives a notification from the destination determination unit 32 at 12:00, which is a predetermined time of three hours. However, since the user U3 does not allow a seat change, the user U3 uses seat S23 at 15:00, which is shown in the lower part of FIG. 14. Furthermore, a user U4 shown in the upper part of FIG. 14 uses seat S25 from 10:00, and receives a notification of a seat change at 13:00, which is a predetermined time of three hours, and moves to another seat (not shown). 14, user U2 cannot move to seat S25 at 12:00 when he receives the notification from the destination determination unit 32 because user U4 is using seat S25. In this case, the destination determination unit 32 may be configured to notify user U2 of the scheduled time when seat S25 will become vacant.

[0148] 14, by user U5 moving to seat S24, user U1 can talk to user U5 about new product X. Furthermore, user U3, who is in the vicinity of user U1 and user U5, can hear not only what user U1 is saying about "new product X," but also what user U5 is saying.

[0149] In this manner, in the seat determination system 40 according to the fourth embodiment, the speech content acquisition unit 43 acquires speech contents of a plurality of users in a virtual space or a free address office. The destination determination unit 42 determines a destination seat for at least one of the users so that the seats of the users whose speech contents are related to each other are close to each other.

[0150] With this configuration, seat changes can stimulate communication between users, allowing them to carry out their work more efficiently. In addition, seat changes can stimulate communication between users, which can lead to new ideas.

[0151] (Embodiment 5) <Mode switching> A seat determination system according to embodiment 5 will be described. Fig. 15 is a block diagram illustrating a seat determination system according to embodiment 5. As shown in Fig. 15, a seat determination system 50 includes an acquisition unit 11, a destination determination unit 52, an utterance frequency detection unit 33, an utterance content acquisition unit 43, and a mode switching unit 53.

[0152] The acquisition unit 11 is the same as in the first to fourth embodiments, and therefore a description thereof will be omitted. The speech frequency detection unit 33 and speech content acquisition unit 43 are the same as in the third and fourth embodiments, and therefore a description thereof will be omitted. Here, a description will be given of the destination determination unit 52 and the mode switching unit 53. Note that in the fifth embodiment, the processing of the destination determination unit 52 and the mode switching unit 53 is the same in both the virtual office and the free address office.

[0153] The mode switching unit 53 switches between a first mode and a second mode. The first mode is a mode in which the speech frequency detection unit 33 detects the speech frequency of multiple users in the virtual space or free address office. The second mode is a mode in which the speech content acquisition unit 43 acquires the speech content of multiple users in the virtual space or free address office.

[0154] In the first mode, the destination determination unit 52 determines a destination seat for at least one of the users such that the seat of a user whose speech frequency is equal to or greater than a predetermined frequency is close to the seat of a user whose speech frequency is less than a predetermined frequency, as described in the third embodiment. On the other hand, in the second mode, the destination determination unit 52 determines a destination seat for at least one of the users such that the seats of users whose speech content is related to each other are close to each other, as described in the fourth embodiment.

[0155] In this way, the seat determination system 50 according to the fifth embodiment can switch between a first mode for detecting speech frequency and a second mode for acquiring speech content. With this configuration, seats are changed according to speech content or speech frequency, which activates communication between users and allows tasks to be performed efficiently. In addition, seat changes can also activate communication between users, which can lead to new ideas.

[0156] In addition, the above-mentioned seat determination systems 10 to 50 and a part or all of the processing in the seat determination method can be realized as a program executed by a computer. Such a program can be stored using various types of non-transitory computer-readable media and supplied to a computer. The non-transitory computer-readable media includes various types of tangible recording media. Examples of the non-transitory computer-readable media include magnetic recording media, optical recording media, and semiconductor memories (e.g., mask ROM, PROM (Programmable ROM), EPROM (Erasable PROM), flash ROM, and RAM (Random Access Memory)). The program may also be supplied to a computer by various types of temporary computer-readable media. Examples of the temporary computer-readable media include electrical signals, optical signals, and electromagnetic waves. The temporary computer-readable media can supply the program to a computer via a wired communication path such as an electric wire and an optical fiber, or a wireless communication path.

[0157] While the present disclosure has been described above in accordance with the above-described embodiment, the present disclosure is not limited to the configuration of the above-described embodiment, and naturally includes various modifications, alterations, and combinations that a person skilled in the art could make within the scope of the claims of the present application. [Explanation of symbols]

[0158] 10, 20, 30, 40, 50 Seating System 11 Acquisition Department 12, 22, 32, 42, 52 Destination determination unit 23 Concentration detection section 33 Speech frequency detection unit 43 Speech content acquisition unit 200, 300, 400 display section B11 Icon Ly1 layout M11 Message S1, S2, S3, S4, S5, S6, S7, S8 seats S11, S12, S13, S14, S15, S16 seats S21, S22, S23, S24, S25, S26 seats T1, T2, T3, T4, T11, T12, T13, T21, T23 Desks U1, U2, U3, U4, U5 users 1000 Computers 1001 CPU 1002 ROM 1003 RAM 1004 Bus 1005 Input / Output Interface 1006 Input section 1007 Output section 1008 Communications Department 1009 Storage section

Claims

1. A seat determination system for determining a seat for a user among seats provided in a virtual space, comprising: an acquisition unit that acquires seat information indicating a seat used by the user among the seats provided in the virtual space and a usage time of the seat used by the user; a destination determination unit that determines a destination seat to be a destination from the seat indicated by the acquired seat information based on the usage time; Equipped with Seating decision system.

2. the destination determination unit determines, when the usage time is equal to or longer than a predetermined time, that the destination seat is a seat different from the seat currently used by the user; The seating determination system according to claim 1 .

3. A concentration level detection unit that detects a concentration level of the user, The destination determination unit further determines the destination seat based on the concentration degree detected by the concentration degree detection unit. The seat determination system according to claim 1 or 2.

4. An utterance frequency detection unit that detects the utterance frequency of a plurality of users in a virtual space, the destination determination unit determines the destination seat of at least one of the users such that a seat of the user whose speech frequency is equal to or greater than a predetermined frequency and a seat of the user whose speech frequency is less than a predetermined frequency are close to each other; The seat determination system according to claim 1 or 2.

5. A speech content acquisition unit that acquires speech content of a plurality of users in a virtual space, The destination determination unit determines the destination seat of at least one of the users such that the seats of the users having the speech content related to each other are close to each other. The seat determination system according to claim 1 or 2.

6. Acquire seat information indicating a seat used by the user among the seats provided in the virtual space and a usage time of the seat used by the user; determining a destination seat to which the user is to move from the seat indicated by the acquired seat information based on the usage time; A program that causes a computer to carry out processing.

Images