Communication support system, communication support method, and program

Abstract

To appropriately determine whether or not a user is on a break.SOLUTION: A communication support system includes: a cup detection device that can detect whether a cup is placed; a seat leaving detection device that can detect whether the user has left his / her chair; and a terminal device. The terminal device includes: a determination unit that determines that the user is on a break when the cup detection device detects that the cup has been removed and the seat leaving detection device detects that the user has left his / her seat; and a communication unit that transmits break information indicating that the user is on a break when it is determined that the user is on a break.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a communication support system, a communication support method, and a program. [Background technology]

[0002] When working remotely, users are working from home or other remote locations. As a result, communication has shifted from the office to voice communication tools, where meetings and work-related communication are conducted. Meanwhile, with the significant decline in casual conversations occurring via voice communication tools, it has been pointed out that the ample casual communication unrelated to work that took place in the office was one of the factors that facilitated work. One factor contributing to this decline is that voice communication tools do not allow users to grasp the opportunities for casual communication (hereinafter simply referred to as "chat") that occur spontaneously in the office.

[0003] To address this issue, it is important to design a communication tool that allows users to grasp opportunities for casual conversation, regardless of the tool's format. To achieve this, it is important to first approach the process before communication begins. Methods have been proposed for building a system rather than a policy.

[0004] Patent Document 1 proposes a system that can transmit the trigger information needed to start a conversation or task over a remote communication environment, including telework, without placing a burden on either the sender or receiver, just like in a face-to-face environment. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0005] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 8-140158 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0006] According to the invention described in Patent Document 1, the means for acquiring cues are primarily limited to information about the user's own actions. However, such information alone is not sufficient to provide a sufficient opportunity for conversation. One example is the presence of a drink when working remotely. Applying the definition of awareness in Patent Document 1, there are opportunities for conversation during breaks, such as when a person goes to a vending machine or convenience store to buy something, or when the person leaves their desk to think while drinking. These actions include refilling a drink when working remotely, or leaving their desk with a drink in hand to think. However, only user movements can acquire information about the person being away from their desk. Being away from their desk is not necessarily an easy state to start a conversation with; for example, an absence from their desk can also include calls from outside, such as going to the bathroom, doing housework, or receiving a delivery.

[0007] An object of the present disclosure is to provide a communication support system, a communication support method, and a program that solve the above-mentioned problems. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] A communication support system according to one aspect of the present disclosure includes a cup detection device that determines whether a cup is placed on the table, an absence detection device that determines whether a user has left their chair, and a terminal device. The terminal device includes a determination unit that determines that the user is taking a break when the cup detection device determines that the cup has been removed and the absence detection device determines that the user has left their seat, and a communication unit that, when it is determined that the user is taking a break, transmits break information indicating that the user is taking a break.

[0009] A communication support method according to one aspect of the present disclosure is a communication support method using a cup detection device that determines whether a cup is placed on the table and an absence detection device that determines whether a user has left their chair. The communication support method includes the steps of: determining that the user is taking a break when the cup detection device determines that the cup has been removed and the absence detection device determines that the user has left their chair; and transmitting break information indicating that the user is taking a break when it is determined that the user is taking a break.

[0010] A program according to one aspect of the present disclosure is a program for a terminal device in a communication support system including a cup detection device that determines whether a cup is placed on the terminal device, an absence detection device that determines whether a user has left their chair, and a terminal device, the program causing the terminal device to execute the steps of: determining that the user is on a break when the cup detection device determines that the cup has been removed and the absence detection device determines that the user has left their chair; and, when it is determined that the user is on a break, transmitting break information indicating that the user is on a break. [Effects of the Invention]

[0011] According to the communication assistance system, the communication assistance method, and the program according to the above aspect, it is possible to appropriately determine whether or not the user is taking a break. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0012] [Figure 1] 1 is an overall configuration diagram of a communication support system according to the present disclosure. [Figure 2] 1 is a block diagram illustrating the overall configuration of a communication support system according to the present disclosure. [Figure 3] 1 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of an absence detection device according to the present disclosure. [Figure 4] 1 is a block diagram of a configuration of a cup detection device according to the present disclosure. [Figure 5] FIG. 2 is a configuration block diagram of a terminal device according to the present disclosure. [Figure 6] FIG. 2 is a configuration block diagram of a server device according to the present disclosure. [Figure 7] FIG. 1 is a first flowchart illustrating the operation of the communication support system according to the present disclosure. [Figure 8] FIG. 2 is a second flowchart illustrating the operation of the communication support system according to the present disclosure. [Figure 9] FIG. 10 is a third flowchart illustrating the operation of the communication support system according to the present disclosure. [Figure 10] FIG. 4 is a fourth flowchart illustrating the operation of the communication support system according to the present disclosure. [Figure 11] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of a display screen of a terminal device according to the present disclosure. [Figure 12] FIG. 5 is a fifth flowchart illustrating the operation of the communication support system according to the present disclosure. [Figure 13] 1 is an overall configuration diagram of a communication support system according to the present disclosure. [Figure 14] FIG. 2 is a hardware configuration diagram of a terminal device according to the present disclosure. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0013] Each embodiment will be described below with reference to the drawings. In all drawings, the same or corresponding components are designated by the same reference numerals, and common descriptions will be omitted.

[0014] First Embodiment A first embodiment according to the present disclosure will be described below with reference to FIGS.

[0015] (Overall composition) Fig. 1 is an overall configuration diagram of a communication support system according to the present disclosure. Fig. 2 is an overall configuration block diagram of a communication support system according to the present disclosure. First, the overall configuration of the communication support system according to the first embodiment will be described with reference to Figs. 1 and 2.

[0016] As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, a communication support system 9 according to the first embodiment includes an absence detection device 1, a cup detection device 2, a terminal device 3, and a server device 4.

[0017] Figure 1 shows a situation in which a certain user A is working (teleworking) at home. As shown in Figure 1, user A works while sitting in chair B. On the desk used by user A, there is a PC (computer) on which to work, as well as a cup C filled with a drink.

[0018] As shown in Fig. 1, an unattended seat detection device 1 is installed on chair B, and a cup detection device 2 is installed on a desk. User A is sitting on unattended seat detection device 1 installed on chair B. Cup C is placed on cup detection device 2 installed on the desk.

[0019] Furthermore, user A is wearing a terminal device 3. The terminal device 3 may be, for example, a general smartphone or a tablet PC, but is not limited to these in other embodiments. The terminal device 3 may be, for example, a dedicated terminal device intended for use as a communication support system 9. The terminal device 3 is capable of communicating with other terminal devices (terminal devices carried by other users A') via a wide area network (for example, a mobile line).

[0020] Next, the functions of each component of the communication support system 9 will be described with reference to FIG.

[0021] The absence detection device 1 detects whether or not the user A has left his / her seat (whether or not he / she has left the chair B). The cup detection device 2 detects whether or not a cup C is placed on the desk. The terminal device 3 transmits predetermined information (break information, which will be described later) to the server device 4 based on the information from the absence detection device 1 and the cup detection device 2. The server device 4 distributes (transmits) the rest information to other users via a wide area communication network. The communication support system 9 configured as described above determines that a break has occurred when user A picks up cup C, stands up from his seat, and starts walking away, detects whether or not this has occurred, and notifies other users who have been registered in advance of the break information.

[0022] <Configuration of the absence detection device> FIG. 3 is a configuration block diagram of the absence detection device according to the present disclosure. The configuration of the absence detection device 1 will be described below with reference to FIG.

[0023] 3, the absence detection device 1 includes a pressure sensor 11, a determination unit 12, a communication unit 13, and a control unit 14. The absence detection device 1 is installed on the seat of chair B in the form of, for example, a cushion, and is thereby able to detect whether user A is away from his / her seat.

[0024] The pressure sensor 11 detects whether pressure is being applied and detects whether a person (user A) is sitting on the chair. In another embodiment, the seat absence detection device 1 may be formed integrally with the chair B.

[0025] The determination unit 12 correctly determines whether a person (user A) is in an "absent seat" state based on the sensor information (raw data) acquired through the pressure sensor 11. Specifically, even if sensor information indicating a "no-seat state" is acquired from the pressure sensor 11, it is possible that this is not an "absent seat" state, but simply a case of the person "reseat[ing]." Taking such cases into consideration, the determination unit 12 has a filter function that removes noise from the sensor information, and if the sensor information after applying this filter function still detects that the person is in an "absent seat" state, the determination unit 12 determines that the person is in an "absent seat" state.

[0026] The communication unit 13 communicates with the terminal device 3. It transmits and receives pairing information for establishing a connection with a specific terminal device 3 to and from the communication unit 31 of the terminal device 3, and outputs the information to the control unit 14. In addition, it transmits the information to the terminal device 3 only when the determination unit 12 determines that the terminal device 3 is in an "away from desk" state.

[0027] The control unit 14 processes pairing control based on pairing information with the specific terminal device 3, and maintains the connection. The processed information is output to the communication unit 13.

[0028] <Configuration of cup detection device> FIG. 4 is a configuration block diagram of a cup detection device according to the present disclosure. Next, the configuration of the cup detection device 2 will be described with reference to FIG.

[0029] 4, the cup detection device 2 includes a pressure sensor 21, a determination unit 22, a communication unit 23, and a control unit 24. The cup detection device 2 is installed on a desk in the shape of, for example, a coaster, and detects whether or not a cup C is present, mainly to detect whether or not the desk is separated from the cup C.

[0030] The pressure sensor 21 detects whether pressure is being applied to the cup detection device 2, and detects whether the cup C is placed on it.

[0031] The determination unit 22 correctly determines whether a person (user A) is in a "cup-lifting state" based on the sensor information acquired through the pressure sensor 21. Here, the "cup-lifting state" refers to a state in which the person (user A) picks up and lifts up the cup C. Specifically, even if sensor information indicating a "cup-not-on state" is acquired from the pressure sensor 21, it is possible that the cup has simply "temporarily shifted from the placing surface" rather than being in a "cup-lifting state." In consideration of such cases, the determination unit 22 has a filter function that removes noise from the sensor information, and if the sensor information after applying this filter function still detects that the cup is in a "cup-not-on state," the determination unit 22 determines that the person is in a "cup-lifting state."

[0032] The communication unit 23 mainly communicates with the terminal device 3. To establish a connection with a specific terminal device 3, the communication unit 23 transmits and receives pairing information to and from the communication unit 31 of the terminal device 3, and outputs the information to the control unit 24. In addition, the information is transmitted to the terminal device 3 only when the determination unit 22 determines that the device is in a "cup lifted state" (a state in which cup C is being lifted by user A).

[0033] The control unit 24 processes pairing control based on pairing information with the specific terminal device 3, and maintains the connection. The processed information is output to the communication unit 23.

[0034] <Configuration of terminal device> FIG. 5 is a configuration block diagram of a terminal device according to the present disclosure. Next, the configuration of the terminal device 3 will be described with reference to FIG.

[0035] As shown in FIG. 5, the terminal device 3 includes a communication unit 31, a determination unit 32, a display unit 33, an acceleration sensor 34, a user identification unit 35, an input unit 36, and a control unit 37.

[0036] The communication unit 31 accepts various input operations from each paired device (the absence detection device 1, the cup detection device 2). The communication unit 31 transmits and receives pairing information to and from each of the absence detection device 1 and the cup detection device 2, and receives detection information as an input signal from each device. The pairing information is output to the control unit 37, and the detected information is output to the determination unit 32. The communication unit 31 also transmits and receives information to and from the server device 4. When the determination unit 32 determines that a user is taking a break, the communication unit 31 transmits break information indicating this to the server device 4 together with information from the user identification unit 35. The communication unit 31 also receives information when other users have taken a break. As will be described later, a display screen based on that information is output to the display unit 33.

[0037] The judgment unit 32 judges "a state in which the person is not at their seat and the cup is not in the designated position" based on the input signals sent from the communication unit 31 by the absence detection device 1 and the cup detection device 2. Then, it sends a request for sensor information to the acceleration sensor 34 and judges whether the received input signal corresponds to an action corresponding to "walking." If all of these conditions are met, it judges and detects that the action corresponds to taking a break. If the judgment result is "taking a break," it outputs information indicating this (break information) to the communication unit 31.

[0038] The display unit 33 is a display for mainly viewing images such as text and pictures, and displays information received from the communication unit 31. The information displayed at this time may include, for example, a break icon or a text notification.

[0039] The acceleration sensor 34 mainly measures the acceleration of the terminal device 3. The acceleration sensor 34 outputs the measured signal to the determination unit 32.

[0040] The user identification unit 35 acquires information (user identification information) for identifying the user (user A) using the terminal device 3. The user identification information is typically, for example, a login ID. That is, the user identification unit 35 acquires a unique login ID accepted from user A when the application starts to be used. The user identification unit 35 transmits the login ID accepted by user A via the input unit 36 ​​as user identification information from the communication unit 31 via the network to the server device 4. Furthermore, when the determination unit 32 determines that the user is taking a "break," the user identification unit 35 outputs the user identification information to the communication unit 31.

[0041] The input unit 36 ​​accepts various input operations from the user A to the terminal device 3. The input unit 36 ​​outputs an input signal corresponding to the accepted input operation to the control unit 37. For example, the input unit 36 ​​includes a touch panel, a button, a switch, a keyboard, a microphone, etc. When a touch panel is used as the input unit 36, it is arranged on the display unit 33.

[0042] The control unit 37 controls the input signals from the communication unit 31 and the input unit 36. It performs control processing based on the pairing information received from the communication unit 31 and maintains the connection. It outputs the processed information to the communication unit 31. It also processes the input signal (login ID) from the input unit 36 ​​and outputs it to the user identification unit 35.

[0043] <Server device> FIG. 6 is a configuration block diagram of a terminal device according to the present disclosure. Next, the configuration of the server device 4 will be described with reference to FIG.

[0044] The server device 4 includes a communication unit 41, a storage unit 42, and a control unit 43. The communication unit 41 communicates with each user's terminal device 3 via the wide area network. It receives break information and user information transmitted from the terminal device 3 and outputs them to the control unit 43. The communication unit 41 also transmits break information to the terminal devices 3 of other users.

[0045] The memory unit 42 stores information related to notifications indicating a state in which the user is taking a break (hereinafter also referred to as a "rest state"). This information related to notifications of the rest state includes, for example, user information and a log of rest information. The user information includes identification information for uniquely identifying the user, such as name, affiliation, icon image, and connection destination information. When a rest state is detected, the log information includes the date and time, user name, notification destination, etc. The memory unit 42 mainly outputs information in response to a request from the control unit 43.

[0046] The control unit 43 includes a notification unit 431 . The control unit 43 processes each piece of information from the communication unit 41. The control unit 43 outputs input information from the communication unit 41 to the notification unit 431. The control unit 43 makes a request to the storage unit 42 regarding the user information in a resting state and the user information to be notified that comes from the notification unit 431. The control unit 43 outputs the user information that comes from the storage unit 42 to the notification unit 431.

[0047] The notification unit 431 executes various processes related to notifications. The notification unit 431 searches for users who are in a resting state and is notified by the control unit 43, and identifies registered users to be notified. The notification unit 431 also requests the control unit 43 for information on each of the users.

[0048] <Initial setting process flow> FIG. 7 is a first flowchart illustrating the operation of the communication support system according to the present disclosure. Hereinafter, the flow of initial setting at the start of operation of the communication support system 9 will be described with reference to Fig. 7. The processing flow shown in Fig. 7 corresponds to the processing of step S114 in the processing flow of Fig. 10, which will be described later.

[0049] 7 shows the operation relating to the setting of the absence detection device 1, the cup detection device 2, and the terminal device 3. This operation mainly shows the work of identifying the user using the terminal device 3 and pairing the user of each detection device with the user of the terminal device 3 so that they are the same user, in order to detect the break of each individual user. This order is merely an example, and the operations may be performed in any order.

[0050] The terminal device 3 accepts a login operation from user A (step S92). User A inputs personally identifiable information into the input unit 36, including an email address and a password. After input, the terminal device 3 outputs the information from the user identification unit 35 to the communication unit 41 of the server device 4 via the communication unit 31. The server device 4 requests the user information from the storage unit 42 via the control unit 43 to identify the individual. The server device 4 also outputs the identified information from the communication unit 41 to the communication unit 31 of the terminal device 3, maintaining user A's logged-in state.

[0051] The terminal device 3 performs pairing settings to connect with the absence detection device 1 (step S94). This can be done, for example, by Bluetooth (registered trademark) communication. The pressure sensor 11 performs a predetermined detection, and the determination unit 12 requests pairing from the control unit 14. The control unit 14 transmits and receives information required for pairing to the communication unit 31 of the terminal device 3 via the communication unit 13, and establishes a connection.

[0052] The terminal device 3 performs pairing settings to connect with the cup detection device 2 (step S96). This can be done, for example, by Bluetooth (registered trademark) communication. The pressure sensor 21 performs a predetermined detection, and the determination unit 22 requests pairing from the control unit 24. The control unit 24 transmits and receives information required for pairing to and from the communication unit 31 of the terminal device 3 via the communication unit 23, thereby establishing a connection.

[0053] <Processing flow of the absence detection device> FIG. 8 is a second flowchart illustrating the operation of the communication support system according to the present disclosure. The processing flow of the absence detection device 1 will be described below with reference to Fig. 8. The processing flow shown in Fig. 8 corresponds to the processing of step S116 in the processing flow of Fig. 10, which will be described later.

[0054] The absence detection device 1 determines whether or not the person (user A) has left the absence detection device 1 based on sensor information from the pressure sensor 11 (step S102). If the absence detection device 1 determines that the person has left the absence detection device 1 (step S102; YES), it outputs the sensor information from the pressure sensor 11 to the determination unit 12 and waits for a predetermined time (step S104). Thereafter, the determination unit 12 of the absence detection device 1 again sends a request to the pressure sensor 11 to determine whether or not the state of being away from the person is maintained (step S106). If the state of being away from the person is maintained (step S106; YES), the determination unit 12 of the absence detection device 1 determines that the person is in an "absent state" and transmits the determination result from the communication unit 13 to the communication unit 31 of the terminal device 3 (step S107). If the answer is "NO" in step S102 or step S106, the absence detection device 1 returns to "START" and repeats this processing flow.

[0055] <Processing flow of the cup detection device> FIG. 9 is a third flowchart illustrating the operation of the communication support system according to the present disclosure. The processing flow of the cup detection device 2 will be described below with reference to Fig. 9. The processing flow shown in Fig. 9 corresponds to the processing of step S120 in the processing flow of Fig. 10, which will be described later. The cup detection device 2 determines whether the cup (cup C) and the cup detection device 2 have come out of contact with each other based on sensor information from the pressure sensor 21 (step S108). If the cup detection device 2 determines that the cup has come out of contact with the cup (step S108; YES), it outputs the sensor information from the pressure sensor 21 to the determination unit 22 and waits for a predetermined time (step S110). Thereafter, the determination unit 22 of the cup detection device 2 again sends a request to the pressure sensor 21 to determine whether the state in which the cup has come out of contact with the cup is maintained (step S112). If the state in which the cup has come out of contact with the cup is maintained (step S112; YES), the determination unit 22 of the cup detection device 2 determines that the person (user A) is in a "cup lifting state" and transmits the determination result from the communication unit 23 to the communication unit 31 of the terminal device 3 (step S113). If the determination in step S108 or step S112 is "NO," the cup detection device 2 returns to "START" and repeats this processing flow.

[0056] <Processing flow of the entire system> FIG. 10 is a fourth flowchart illustrating the operation of the communication support system according to the present disclosure. Hereinafter, the overall processing flow of the communication support system 9 including the terminal device 3 and the server device 4 will be described with reference to FIG.

[0057] Step 10A in Fig. 10 shows a specific processing flow for determining whether user A is taking a break. In this embodiment, steps S116 to S118 and step S120 are performed in parallel, and steps S122 and onwards are performed in sequential order, but this is merely an example. The timings for detecting steps S116 to S118, step S120 and step S124 may each be processed in parallel, or all may be processed in sequential order, for example.

[0058] The terminal device 3 receives the detection result of the "absent-seat state" from the absence detection device 1 (step S116). This triggers the determination unit 32 of the terminal device 3 to start measurement with the acceleration sensor 34, and the process proceeds to step S122. In parallel processing, the terminal device 3 also receives the detection result of the "cup lifted state" from the cup detection device 2 (step S120), and the process proceeds to step S122.

[0059] In step S122, the determination unit 32 of the terminal device 3 determines whether the "absentee state" detection result (step S116) from the absence detection device 1 and the "cup lifted state" detection result (step S120) from the cup detection device 2 are both received within a predetermined time. If this condition is met, the determination unit 32 proceeds to step S124.

[0060] In step S124, the determination unit 32 analyzes the sensor information of the acceleration sensor 34 that has been measured since step S118, and determines whether "walking" has been detected within a predetermined time. If "walking" is detected here, the determination unit 32 determines that user A is "taking a rest" (step S126).

[0061] Next, the communication unit 31 of the terminal device 3 transmits rest information indicating that the user A is taking a break to the communication unit 41 of the server device 4 via the wide area network (step S128).

[0062] The server device 4 acquires user information (information indicating user A) linked to the break information from the terminal device 3 from the storage unit 42. This user information may include an icon, a name, an affiliation, etc. The server device 4 acquires pre-registered user information of users to whom notifications are to be sent from this user information, and outputs each piece of acquired information to the notification unit 431. The registered target users include, for example, surrounding users of an organization such as an affiliation or project. The notification unit 431 processes notification information for each target user and transmits rest information indicating that user A is in a "rest state" from the communication unit 41 to the terminal device 3 of each target user via the wide area network.

[0063] FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating an example of a display screen of a terminal device according to the present disclosure. When the terminal device 3 of another user A' (a user to whom a notification of user A's break information is sent; see FIG. 1 ) receives break information indicating that user A is in a "break state," it displays, for example, a display screen such as that shown in FIG. 11 on the display unit 33. In the example shown in FIG. 11 , a message M indicating that user A (Mr. / Ms. X) is on a break is displayed on the display unit 33 of the terminal device 3. This allows the other user A' to immediately understand that user A is on a break. The message M may also be a message encouraging the other user A' to take a break, and if the other user A' responds to this, the other user A' may notify the other user A' that he or she is also in a "break state" by touching a "take a break" display button. In this case, the terminal device 3 may have a mechanism for activating a calling app or a messaging app installed internally so that the other user A' can immediately communicate with user A. If the other user A' does not respond to this, the original display screen may be returned to by touching a "see you later" display button.

[0064] <Actions and Effects> As described above, the communication support system 9 according to the first embodiment includes the cup detection device 2 capable of detecting whether the cup C is placed on it, the absence detection device 1 capable of detecting whether the user A has left the chair B, and the terminal device 3. The terminal device 3 includes a determination unit 32 that determines that the user A is taking a break when the cup detection device 2 detects that the cup has been removed and the absence detection device 1 detects that the user A has left his / her seat, and a communication unit 31 that transmits break information indicating that the user A is taking a break when it is determined that the user A is taking a break.

[0065] With the above configuration, the communication support system 9 can detect behavior that can be inferred as a drink being refilled by acquiring information that a person has left their seat and that a cup has been removed from its designated location, and can accurately detect a user's break. In addition, by notifying other users who have registered in advance of this information (break information), it becomes possible to know when it is convenient for users working in other remote locations to talk to the user.

[0066] Furthermore, the terminal device 3 according to the first embodiment is equipped with an acceleration sensor 34, and the judgment unit 32 judges whether or not user A is walking based on information acquired by the acceleration sensor 34, and further judges that user A is taking a break if user A is walking.

[0067] As a result, when the judgment unit 32 of the terminal device 3 judges that user A is walking with a cup in hand, it judges that the user is in a "resting state," thereby reducing erroneous judgments caused by noise (for example, simply sitting back down in a chair).

[0068] In addition, the judgment unit 32 of the terminal device 3 according to the first embodiment determines whether or not user A is walking based on the sensor information acquired by the acceleration sensor 34 when the absence detection device 1 detects that the user has left his / her seat.

[0069] In order to correctly determine whether the user is walking or not based on sensor information from the acceleration sensor, a certain amount of information needs to be collected. However, by starting to collect sensor information from the acceleration sensor 34 at the timing when another device (leave detection device 1) detects that the user is leaving the seat, the sensor information can be collected efficiently.

[0070] <Second embodiment> Hereinafter, the second embodiment according to the present disclosure will be described with reference to FIG. The configuration of the communication support system 9 according to the second embodiment is the same as that of the first embodiment, and therefore a description thereof will be omitted.

[0071] In the second embodiment, user A himself / herself designates other users in advance, and when the designated user (hereinafter also referred to as the designated user) takes a break, only a notification of break information indicating this is sent to user A's terminal device 3. This allows user A himself / herself to know the break status of the person (designated user) with whom he / she wants to communicate personally, thereby resolving the lack of communication when the user is working from home, etc., and providing an opportunity for the user to proactively communicate.

[0072] FIG. 12 is a fifth flowchart illustrating the operation of the communication support system according to the present disclosure. Hereinafter, the overall processing flow of the communication support system 9 according to the second embodiment will be described with reference to FIG.

[0073] The process of step S220 is the same as the process of the first embodiment (step S114 shown in FIG. 10), and therefore a description thereof will be omitted.

[0074] In step S222, user A designates other users from whom he or she wishes to receive notifications of the resting state. The other users designated here can be selected from a user list stored in the storage unit 42 of the server device 4. Information indicating the target users (designated users) selected (designated) here is transmitted by the terminal device 3 to the server device 4 and managed by the notification unit 431 of the server device 4.

[0075] The processing from step S224 to step S236 is the same as the processing in the first embodiment (steps S116 to S128 shown in FIG. 10), and therefore a description thereof will be omitted.

[0076] In step S238, the server device 4 acquires, from the storage unit 42, user information about the user whose resting state has been detected from the terminal device 3. This user information may include an icon, a name, an affiliation, and the like. Based on this user information, the server device 4 acquires, from the storage unit 42, information about other users who have selected (designated) the user whose resting state has been detected as a designated user, via the notification unit 431. The server device 4 outputs each piece of acquired information to the notification unit 431.

[0077] In step S240, the server device 4 processes the notification information for each target user in the notification unit 431, and transmits the rest information from the communication unit 41 via the network to the terminal device 3 of the user who has selected the user who detected the rest state as the designated user.

[0078] Although the present disclosure has been described above with reference to the embodiments, the present disclosure is not limited to the above-described embodiments. Various modifications that can be understood by those skilled in the art can be made to the configuration and details of the present disclosure within the scope of the present disclosure. Furthermore, each embodiment can be combined with other embodiments as appropriate.

[0079] In the above-described embodiments, the terminal devices 3 of the users communicate with each other via the server device 4, but other embodiments are not limited to this. That is, in other embodiments, the terminal devices 3 may communicate with each other directly without going through the server device 4. Therefore, in the invention (communication support system) according to the present disclosure, the server device 4 is not an essential component.

[0080] (Minimum configuration) FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating the overall configuration of a communication support system according to the present disclosure. Fig. 13 is a diagram showing a minimum configuration of the invention according to the present disclosure. As shown in Fig. 13, a communication support system 9 according to another embodiment includes a cup detection device 2 capable of detecting whether a cup is placed on the table, an absence detection device 1 capable of detecting whether a user has left their chair, and a terminal device 3. The terminal device 3 includes a determination unit that determines that the user is taking a break when the cup detection device 2 detects that the cup has been removed and the absence detection device 1 detects that the user has left their seat, and a communication unit that, when it is determined that the user is taking a break, transmits break information indicating that the user is taking a break.

[0081] FIG. 14 is a hardware configuration diagram of the terminal device. 14, the terminal device 3 is a computer equipped with various hardware components such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 101, a ROM (Read Only Memory) 102, a RAM (Random Access Memory) 103, a database 104, and a communication module 105. The device x may be configured as a single computer, or multiple computers may be communicatively connected to form the terminal device 3. Other devices (such as the server device 4) may also have a similar computer configuration.

[0082] Some or all of the above-described embodiments can be described as, but are not limited to, the following supplementary notes.

[0083] (Appendix 1) a cup detection device capable of detecting whether a cup is placed on the table; a seat absence detection device capable of detecting whether a user has left the chair; A terminal device; Equipped with The terminal device a determination unit that determines that the user is taking a break when the cup detection device detects that the cup has been removed and the absence detection device detects that the user has left the seat; a communication unit that, when it is determined that the user is taking a break, transmits break information indicating that the user is taking a break; A communication support system comprising:

[0084] (Appendix 2) the terminal device includes an acceleration sensor; the determination unit determines whether the user is walking based on the information acquired by the acceleration sensor, and further determines that the user is taking a break if the user is walking. 2. A communication support system as described in appendix 1.

[0085] (Appendix 3) the determination unit, when the absence detection device detects that the user has left his / her seat, determines whether the user is walking or not based on the information acquired by the acceleration sensor. 2. A communication support system as described in Appendix 2.

[0086] (Appendix 4) The terminal device Accepting from the user a designation of another user from whom the user wishes to receive a notification of the resting state, and transmitting information indicating the designated other user to an external device; A communication support system according to any one of Supplementary Note 1 to Supplementary Note 3.

[0087] (Appendix 5) The terminal device When the break information is received from another user, a display screen indicating that the other user is taking a break is displayed. A communication support system according to any one of Supplementary Note 1 to Supplementary Note 4.

[0088] (Appendix 6) A communication support method using a cup detection device capable of detecting whether a cup is placed on the table and an absence detection device capable of detecting whether a user has left a chair, a step of determining that the user is taking a break when the cup detection device detects that the cup has been removed and the absence detection device detects that the user has left the seat; transmitting break information indicating that the user is taking a break when it is determined that the user is taking a break; A communication support method comprising:

[0089] (Appendix 7) the terminal device includes an acceleration sensor; In the determining step, it is determined whether the user is walking or not based on the information acquired by the acceleration sensor, and if the user is walking, it is determined that the user is taking a break. 6. A communication support method as set forth in Appendix 6.

[0090] (Appendix 8) In the determining step, when the absence detection device detects that the user has left his / her seat, it is determined whether the user is walking or not based on information acquired by the acceleration sensor. 7. A communication support method as set forth in appendix 7.

[0091] (Appendix 9) The terminal device Accepting from the user a designation of another user from whom the user wishes to receive a notification of the resting state, and transmitting information indicating the designated other user to an external device; A communication support method according to any one of Supplementary Notes 6 to 8.

[0092] (Appendix 10) The terminal device When the break information is received from another user, a display screen indicating that the other user is taking a break is displayed. A communication support method according to any one of Supplementary Notes 6 to 9.

[0093] (Appendix 11) A communication support system including a cup detection device capable of detecting whether a cup is placed on the table, a seat absence detection device capable of detecting whether a user has left their chair, and a terminal device, the program for the terminal device comprising: The terminal device a step of determining that the user is taking a break when the cup detection device detects that the cup has been removed and the absence detection device detects that the user has left the seat; transmitting break information indicating that the user is taking a break when it is determined that the user is taking a break; A program that executes the following.

[0094] (Appendix 12) the terminal device includes an acceleration sensor; In the determining step, it is determined whether the user is walking or not based on the information acquired by the acceleration sensor, and if the user is walking, it is determined that the user is taking a break. 11. The program described in Appendix 11.

[0095] (Appendix 13) In the determining step, when the absence detection device detects that the user has left his / her seat, it is determined whether the user is walking or not based on information acquired by the acceleration sensor. 12. The program described in Appendix 12.

[0096] (Appendix 14) The terminal device Accepting from the user a designation of another user from whom the user wishes to receive a notification of the resting state, and transmitting information indicating the designated other user to an external device; 14. The program according to any one of claims 11 to 13.

[0097] (Appendix 15) The terminal device When the break information is received from another user, a display screen indicating that the other user is taking a break is displayed. 15. A program according to any one of claims 11 to 14. [Explanation of symbols]

[0098] 1. Absence detection device 11 Pressure Sensor 12 Judgment section 2 Cup detector 21 Pressure Sensor 22 Judgment section 3 Terminal Devices 32 Judgment Department 33 Display section 34 Acceleration sensor 4. Server equipment 9. Communication Support System

Claims

1. a cup detection device capable of detecting whether a cup is placed on the table; a seat absence detection device capable of detecting whether a user has left the chair; A terminal device; Equipped with The terminal device a determination unit that determines that the user is taking a break when the cup detection device detects that the cup has been removed and the absence detection device detects that the user has left the seat; a communication unit that, when it is determined that the user is taking a break, transmits break information indicating that the user is taking a break; A communication support system comprising:

2. the terminal device includes an acceleration sensor; the determination unit determines whether the user is walking based on the information acquired by the acceleration sensor, and further determines that the user is taking a break if the user is walking. The communication support system according to claim 1 .

3. the determination unit, when the absence detection device detects that the user has left his / her seat, determines whether the user is walking or not based on the information acquired by the acceleration sensor. The communication support system according to claim 2 .

4. The terminal device Accepting from the user a designation of another user from whom the user wishes to receive a notification of the resting state, and transmitting information indicating the designated other user to an external device; The communication support system according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

5. The terminal device When the break information is received from another user, a display screen indicating that the other user is taking a break is displayed. The communication support system according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

6. A communication support method using a cup detection device capable of detecting whether a cup is placed on the table and an absence detection device capable of detecting whether a user has left a chair, a step of determining that the user is taking a break when the cup detection device detects that the cup has been removed and the absence detection device detects that the user has left the seat; transmitting break information indicating that the user is taking a break when it is determined that the user is taking a break; A communication support method comprising:

7. A communication support system including a cup detection device capable of detecting whether a cup is placed on the table, a seat absence detection device capable of detecting whether a user has left their chair, and a terminal device, the program for the terminal device comprising: The terminal device a step of determining that the user is taking a break when the cup detection device detects that the cup has been removed and the absence detection device detects that the user has left the seat; transmitting break information indicating that the user is taking a break when it is determined that the user is taking a break; A program that executes the following.

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