Chair and system for constructing on-line conference space

Abstract

To provide an on-line conference space construction system suitable for an on-line conference between a participant in a shared office space and an external participant outside the shared office space.SOLUTION: An on-line conference space construction system 20 disposed in a shared office space 10 where a plurality of workers P work includes: a plurality of panel-equipped chairs 30 each having a movable chair 32 and a panel 36 that shields a part of the periphery of the chair horizontally, the panel being integrated with the chair so as to be movable together with the chair; and a camera unit 50 having a camera 56 that photographs a worker sitting on at least one of the plurality of panel-equipped chairs. The plurality of panel-equipped chairs can be disposed so that a space 10S for performing an on-line conference can be constructed by the panels in at least a part of the shared office space.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to techniques for creating spaces for online meetings. [Background technology]

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses the use of a computer such as a wearable terminal device attached to the user's body as a terminal for a conference via a communication network. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2020-024556 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] In organizations such as companies, meetings are often held in shared office spaces shared by multiple workers. By holding meetings in shared office spaces, the meeting can be held while enjoying the atmosphere of the organization. This also allows for more efficient use of space.

[0005] Online conferences have become popular in recent years, and it would be desirable to be able to enjoy similar benefits even when an online conference is held between participants within a shared office space and participants outside the shared office space.

[0006] Therefore, an object of the present disclosure is to provide a system for creating an online conference space suitable for holding an online conference between participants within a shared office space and external participants outside the shared office space. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] In order to solve the above problem, the chair is a chair for creating an online conference space for holding online conferences in a shared office space where multiple workers work, and is equipped with a seat, a backrest, a panel which is a plate-like part that functions as a partition separating the online conference space from its surroundings, and a speaker that outputs the audio of the online conference to the space above the seat, the panel being installed behind the backrest and the speaker being located on the backrest or the panel. The online conference space creation system also includes a plurality of the above chairs. [Effects of the Invention]

[0008] This chair and system for creating an online conference space can provide a system for creating an online conference space that is suitable for holding online conferences between participants within a shared office space and external participants outside the shared office space. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0009] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is an explanatory diagram showing an online conference space construction system. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the electrical configuration of the online conference system. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of creating an online conference space in a shared office space. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of an image captured by a wide-angle camera. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 is a perspective view showing a panel-equipped chair according to a modified example. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of the arrangement of panel-equipped chairs and center units. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of the arrangement of the center unit. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of the arrangement of panel-equipped chairs and center units. [Figure 9]FIG. 9 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of the arrangement of chairs with panels. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0010] {Embodiment} An online conference space creation system according to an embodiment will be described below.

[0011] <Overall structure> The overall configuration of the online conference space construction system will now be described. Fig. 1 is an explanatory diagram showing an online conference space construction system 20. Note that Fig. 1 illustrates an external participant Pe who is participating in an online conference from outside the shared office space.

[0012] The online conference space creation system 20 is placed in a shared office space 10 where multiple workers work. Here, the shared office space 10 is a space where shared office equipment for multiple workers is placed, and workers from multiple departments share the shared office equipment and space for multiple purposes. Examples of the shared office equipment include shared desks and shared chairs. Instead of shared equipment, the shared office space may not have dedicated equipment for each worker, such as dedicated desks and chairs. Possible work activities in the shared office space 10 include meetings of various sizes, presentations, small-group interviews, breaks, etc. If the shared desks and chairs placed in the shared office space 10 are movable, they can be moved depending on the number of people gathered and the number of groups. This allows multiple groups to work separately within the shared office space by sharing the space and equipment. The shared office space 10 may not be a room separated by walls, but may be a space that is open to a corridor or other office spaces.

[0013] The above-mentioned work refers not only to professional or business work but also to a wide range of activities in general, including studying at school or in a library, practical work, reading, etc. For example, work refers to desk work and all kinds of activities that can be done while sitting or standing.

[0014] The shared work space 10 described above may be provided as an office space or waiting lobby where multiple people work in various organizations, whether for profit or non-profit. The shared work space 10 may also be provided as a classroom or library in an educational facility.

[0015] The online conference space construction system 20 includes a plurality of panel-equipped chairs 30 (panel-equipped furniture) and a center unit 50.

[0016] The paneled chair 30 includes a chair 32 and a panel 36 .

[0017] The chair 32 is a chair on which the worker P can sit. The chair 32 is not fixed to the floor 12 and is detachable. Therefore, the chair 32 is movable within the shared office space 10.

[0018] The panel 36 is a plate-like portion that shields part of the periphery of the chair 32 in the horizontal direction perpendicular to the direction of gravity. The panel 36 is integrated with the chair 32 so as to be movable together with the chair 32.

[0019] The center unit 50 has a camera 56. The camera 56 captures an image of an office worker P seated on at least one of the plurality of panel-equipped chairs 30. In this embodiment, the center unit 50 is an example of a camera unit.

[0020] The panel-equipped chair 30 can be moved with the chair 32 and the panel 36 integrated together. Therefore, a plurality of panel-equipped chairs 30 can be arranged in at least a portion of the shared office space 10, so that a space 10S for holding online conferences can be constructed with the shared office space 10 partitioned off by the panels 36. For example, a plurality of panel-equipped chairs 30 can be arranged around the center unit 50. In this case, the panel 36 can be positioned behind the worker P seated in the chair 32. In this way, an online conference space 10S partitioned off by a plurality of panels 36 can be constructed around the center unit 50.

[0021] The online conference terminal 60 for the online conference may be included in the panel-equipped chair 30 or the center unit 50, or may be prepared as a device separate from the panel-equipped chair 30 and the center unit 50. In this embodiment, an example will be described in which the center unit 50 has the online conference terminal 60.

[0022] The microphone for the online conference may be provided in the panel-equipped chair 30 or the center unit 50, or may be provided as a device separate from the panel-equipped chair 30 and the center unit 50. In this embodiment, an example will be described in which the center unit 50 has a microphone 58.

[0023] The speaker for the online conference may be provided in the panel-equipped chair 30 or the center unit 50, or may be provided as a device separate from the panel-equipped chair 30 and the center unit 50. In this embodiment, an example in which the panel-equipped chair 30 has the speaker 40 will be described.

[0024] The display device for the online conference may be included in the panel-equipped chair 30 or the center unit 50, or may be prepared as a device separate from the panel-equipped chair 30 and the center unit 50. In this embodiment, a display device 70 separate from the panel-equipped chair 30 and the center unit 50 is prepared. An image of the external participant Pe is displayed on the display device 70. The image of the external participant Pe is, for example, an image captured of the external participant Pe. The image of the external participant Pe may also be conference materials provided by the external participant Pe. The display device for the online conference is not essential and may be omitted.

[0025] The external participant Pe participates in the online conference from a location away from the shared office space 10. For example, the external participant Pe participates in the online conference from an office, home, or the like separate from the shared office space 10. The external participant Pe participates in the online conference using, for example, a personal computer such as a laptop computer or a smartphone as an online conference terminal 90.

[0026] The panel-equipped chair 30, the center unit 50, and the display device 70 will now be described in more detail.

[0027] <Chair with panel> The paneled chair 30 includes a chair 32 and a panel 36 .

[0028] The chair 32 has, for example, a seat 33 and a backrest 34. An office worker P can sit on the seat 33. The backrest 34 is a plate-like portion that extends vertically or obliquely relative to the vertical around part of the periphery of the seat 33. The office worker P can sit on the seat 33 with his or her back facing the backrest 34.

[0029] In this embodiment, the panel-equipped chair 30 has casters 35 that support the chair 32 while it moves on the floor 12. For example, three or more casters 35 are attached to the bottom of the chair 32. The casters 35 have rolling bodies such as wheels or balls. The rolling bodies of the casters 35 roll on the floor 12, allowing the panel-equipped chair 30 to easily move on the floor 12. The casters 35 may be omitted.

[0030] The panel 36 is a plate-like portion that horizontally separates the online conference space 10S from its surroundings. In other words, the panel 36 is a kind of simple partition. The panel 36 is fixed, for example, to the rear side of the chair 32. In this embodiment, the panel 36 is fixed in a vertical position to the rear side of the backrest 34. The backrest 34 may be in an oblique position. The backrest 34 may be supported on an upper extension of the backrest 34.

[0031] The panel 36 is preferably a sound-absorbing panel formed of a porous material or the like. If the panel 36 is a sound-absorbing panel, sound leakage between the online conference space 10S partitioned by the panel 36 and its surroundings is more effectively suppressed. Also, sound reverberation within the online conference space 10S is suppressed. However, it is not essential that the panel 36 be a sound-absorbing panel.

[0032] In this embodiment, the panel-equipped chair 30 has a canopy portion 38. The canopy portion 38 is located above the worker P seated on the chair 32. The canopy portion 38 extends in a horizontal position or in an inclined position from the horizontal position, and separates the space where the worker P is located from the space above. The panel may be provided on one or both sides of the chair 32. In this case, the panel 36 located on the back side may be omitted.

[0033] In this embodiment, the eaves portion 38 extends from the upper end of the panel 36 toward the front side of the chair 32. The eaves portion 38 may or may not be a sound-absorbing panel. It is not essential that the eaves portion be supported by the panel. A separate support pillar may be provided, and the eaves portion may be supported by this support pillar. The eaves portion 38 may be omitted.

[0034] In this embodiment, the panel-equipped chair 30 also has a speaker 40. The speaker 40 is integrated with the chair 32 so as to be movable together with the chair 32. In this embodiment, the speaker 40 is attached to the eaves portion 38 and is supported by the chair 32 via the eaves portion 38 and the panel 36.

[0035] In this embodiment, the speaker 40 is a directional speaker that has directionality toward the worker P seated in the chair 32. For example, the speaker 40 preferably has directionality such that only the worker P seated in the chair 32 can hear the sound from the speaker 40, while those around the worker P, particularly those in the area outside the area separated by the panel 36, cannot hear the sound (or can hear the sound to a level that does not interfere with work). For example, a parametric speaker that transmits audible sound using highly directional ultrasonic waves as a carrier wave that is inaudible to the middle ear canal and has high directionality can be used as the speaker 40. The speaker 40 is supported by the overhanging portion 38, for example, so that the speaker 40 has a directionality directed downward from the overhanging portion 38. In this case, even if the height of the worker P seated in the chair 32 varies, the head of the worker P is likely to be located within the directivity range F of the speaker 40, making it easy to transmit sound to workers P of various builds. The speaker may be supported by the backrest 34, the seat 33, the panel 36, etc. The speaker does not necessarily have to be a directional speaker.

[0036] <Center unit> As described above, the center unit 50 is an example of a camera unit having the camera 56 .

[0037] In this embodiment, the center unit 50 includes a center unit main body 52 and a camera 56. In this embodiment, the center unit 50 further includes a cover 54, a microphone 58, and an online conference terminal 60.

[0038] The center unit main body 52 is a base that supports the camera 56, cover 54, microphone 58, online conference terminal 60, etc. The center unit main body 52 is formed into a three-dimensional shape, for example, at about knee to chest height of the worker P. In FIG. 1, the center unit main body 52 is formed into a truncated cone shape that gradually narrows in diameter toward the top. The top surface of the center unit main body 52 is preferably a horizontal plane, on which an object can be placed. The center unit main body 52 may have casters so that it can be easily moved on the floor 12.

[0039] The online conference terminal 60 is stored in the center unit main body 52. ​​The camera 56 and microphone 58 are placed on the center unit main body 52. ​​A support 54P for supporting the cover part 54 is supported on the center unit main body 52. ​​The configuration in which the center unit main body 52 supports each part is not limited to the above example. The online conference terminal 60 may be placed on the center unit main body 52. ​​The camera 56 or microphone 58 may be built into the center unit main body 52 in a state in which it is difficult to separate.

[0040] The configuration of the center unit main body 52 is not limited to the above example. For example, the center unit main body may be a desk with a top supported by one or more pillars.

[0041] The camera 56 is a camera that captures an image of an office worker P seated on at least one of the plurality of panel-equipped chairs 30. In this embodiment, the camera 56 is a wide-angle camera that captures an image of at least two of the plurality of panel-equipped chairs 30 positioned around the center unit 50. For example, the camera 56 may be a fisheye camera or a 360-degree camera that can capture an image of the entire 360-degree surrounding area in the horizontal direction centered on the camera 56. The wider the angle of the camera 56, the more images can be captured of the plurality of office workers P participating in online conferences in the online conference space 10S. Furthermore, the wider the angle of the camera 56, the more images can be captured of the surroundings of the online conference space 10S in the shared office space 10. It is not essential that the camera 56 be a wide-angle camera.

[0042] The center unit 50 is preferably a unit in which the camera 56, the microphone 58, and the online conference terminal 60 are integrated. Here, "the camera 56, the microphone 58, and the online conference terminal 60 are integrated" means that the camera 56, the microphone 58, and the online conference terminal 60 are configured to be stored, moved, and used as a single aggregate. Therefore, as described above, a configuration in which the online conference terminal 60 is stored in the center unit main body 52 and the camera 56 and the microphone 58 are mounted and supported on the center unit main body 52 is also an example of a unit in which the center unit 50 is integrated with the camera 56, the microphone 58, and the online conference terminal 60. The camera 56 and the microphone 58 may be supported on the center unit 50 by a screw fastening, a fitting structure, a clip structure, or the like.

[0043] The cover 54 is located above the camera 56. More specifically, a support pillar 54P is supported by the center unit main body 52 in a vertical orientation. The cover 54 is supported on the upper part of the support pillar 54P. For example, the cover 54 extends around the center unit main body 52 in a plan view. In this embodiment, the cover 54 has a circular or polygonal shape in a plan view, and extends around the support pillar 54P as its center.

[0044] The covering portion 54 can suppress sound leakage from above. From this point of view, the covering portion 54 may be made of a sound-absorbing panel, but it is not essential that it be made of a sound-absorbing panel. In addition, the covering portion 54 can partition the online conference space 10S from above.

[0045] The microphone 58 is a microphone that collects sounds within the online conference space 10S. In this embodiment, the microphone 58 is a range-limited microphone. A range-limited microphone is a microphone that can limit its sound collection range. The range-limited microphone may be a microphone that has a sound collection center at the microphone or the center unit 50 and whose sound collection range E is within a predetermined distance from the sound collection center. When multiple panel-equipped chairs 30 are arranged around the center unit 50, the sound collection range E may be set to a range that includes the face of an office worker P seated on a panel-equipped chair 30. Such a range-limited microphone may, for example, be a microphone unit that includes multiple microphones and a computer that estimates the distance of a sound source based on audio signals from the multiple microphones and collects sounds within a predetermined sound collection range based on the estimated distance of the sound source. It is not essential that the microphone 58 be a range-limited microphone.

[0046] The range-limited microphone does not have to be provided in the camera unit, but may be provided in the chair 32 or the display device 70.

[0047] The camera unit does not necessarily have to be in the form of the center unit 50. The camera unit may be integrated with a display device, integrated with a chair 32, or integrated with an online conference terminal carried by an office worker P.

[0048] <Display device> The display device 70 displays an image of an external participant Pe who is participating in an online conference from outside the shared office space 10. The display device 70 may be a liquid crystal display device, an organic electroluminescence (EL) display device, a cathode ray tube (CRT) display device, a projector display device, or the like. In this embodiment, an example is shown in which the display device 70 includes a projector device 72. The projector device 72 projects an image onto a projection medium. In FIG. 1, the display device 70 includes a transmissive screen 74 as the projection medium. An image projected by the projector device 72 is projected from the rear side of the transmissive screen 74. This allows the projected image to be observed from the front side of the transmissive screen 74. Using the projector device 72, a large image can be displayed. When the display device 70 includes the projector device 72, the projection medium may be a reflective screen onto which light is projected from the front. The projection medium may be integrated with the projector device 72 as the display device 70, or may be separate from the projector device 72. For example, the projection medium may be a dedicated screen or a wall.

[0049] The image of the external participant Pe is, for example, an image of the external participant Pe. The display area 74E of the display device 70 preferably includes an area at approximately the same height as the head of the worker P seated in the chair 32. In other words, the display area 74E of the display device 70 is preferably an area that can display the head of the external participant Pe at approximately the same height as the head of the worker P seated in the chair 32. The display area 74E of the display device 70 may be an area that can display not only the head but also the shoulders, chest, waist, etc. This allows the worker P seated in the chair 32 to view the external participant Pe displayed in the display area of ​​the display device 70 at approximately the same eye level. For example, the display area 74E of the display device 70 may be an area that extends to approximately the same height and width as the back-shaped panel 36 of the panel-equipped chair 30.

[0050] <Block diagram of online conference system> FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the electrical configuration of the online conference system. The online conference system includes an online conference terminal 60 installed in an online conference space 10S. The online conference terminal 60 is configured by, for example, a computer including a processor 61 and a storage device 62. The processor 61 includes an electrical circuit that executes arithmetic processing according to a program. The storage device 62 is a non-volatile memory such as a magnetic recording medium or flash memory. The storage device 62 stores a conference program 62a that defines procedures for the online conference terminal 60 to hold an online conference. The processor 61 executes arithmetic processing based on the conference program 62a, and the online conference terminal 60 executes processing for the online conference using the wide-angle camera 56, limited-range microphone 58, directional speaker 40, and display device 70 as a man-machine interface.

[0051] As described above, the online conference terminal 60 is incorporated into the center unit 50. The wide-angle camera 56 and limited-range microphone 58 integrated into the center unit 50 are connected to the online conference terminal 60. The directional speaker 40 and the projector device 72 in the display device 70 incorporated into the panel-equipped chair 30 are also connected to the online conference terminal 60. The connections between the online conference terminal 60 and the wide-angle camera 56, limited-range microphone 58, directional speaker 40, and display device 70 may be wired or wireless. For wired connections, various wired connection methods can be adopted depending on the connected device, such as the versatile USB standard, the HDMI (registered trademark) standard designed exclusively for video signals, or an audio input terminal standard designed for audio signals. For wireless connections, connection methods based on the Bluetooth (registered trademark) standard, Wi-Fi (registered trademark) standard, etc. can be adopted.

[0052] The online conference terminal 60 is communicably connected to the online conference terminal 90 of the external participant Pe via a network 98. The network 98 includes a relay device, the Internet, and the like. The network 98 may include a public line or a dedicated line. The network 98 may also include a wireless LAN (Local Area Network) such as Wi-Fi (trademark).

[0053] Like the online conference terminal 60, the online conference terminal 90 is configured by a computer including a processor 91 and a storage device 92 that stores a conference program 92a. The online conference terminal 90 is equipped with a camera 93, a display device 94, a microphone 95, and a speaker 96. The camera 93, the display device 94, the microphone 95, and the speaker 96 may be configured to be built into the online conference terminal 90, or may be configured to be connected to the online conference terminal 90 wirelessly or by wire.

[0054] <Example of usage> Fig. 3 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of the construction of an online conference space 10S in a shared office space 10. Since the shared office space 10 is a space where multiple workers P work, it is conceivable that there will be participants who will participate in the online conference and workers who will not participate in the online conference in the shared office space 10. In Fig. 3, a distinction is made between participating workers Pa who will participate in the online conference and non-participating workers Pb who will not participate in the online conference.

[0055] When a participating worker Pa creates an online conference space 10S, one or more panel-equipped chairs 30 are arranged around the center unit 50. The number of panel-equipped chairs 30 should be determined according to the number of participating workers Pa. A display device 70 is also arranged around the center unit 50. The panel-equipped chairs 30 and the display device 70 may be arranged at equal intervals around the center unit 50. The panel-equipped chairs 30 may be arranged so as to face the display device 70 as far forward as possible. The display area 74E of the display device 70 is arranged so as to face the center unit 50. The panel-equipped chair 30 is arranged so that the panel 36 faces away from the center unit 50. As a result, the area around the center unit 50 that is inside the panel 36 is constructed as the online conference space 10S. If there are multiple panel-equipped chairs 30, the online conference space 10S can be surrounded by multiple panels 36.

[0056] Because the panel-equipped chairs 30 are movable, one or more panel-equipped chairs 30 can be placed in an appropriate position depending on the number of participants. Also, the panel-equipped chairs 30 can be placed so that the partitions provided by the panels 36 are in an appropriate position depending on the placement of the surrounding non-participating workers Pb.

[0057] It is conceivable that a non-participating worker Pb is present in the area outside the online conference space 10S within the shared office space 10. The non-participating worker Pb may be sitting in a chair 202 across the desk 200, or standing facing the desk 210. The non-participating worker Pb may be holding a meeting or taking a break.

[0058] Even if participating workers Pa and non-participating workers Pb are mixed in the shared office space 10, at least a portion of the area around the participating workers Pa, in this embodiment the back side, is separated by the panel 36. Sound is less likely to leak between the participating workers Pa and non-participating workers Pb. In addition, because the inside and outside of the online conference space 10S are visually separated by the panel 36, it is less likely that participants will be distracted by what is happening around them, and both the participating workers Pa and non-participating workers Pb can easily concentrate on their respective work.

[0059] FIG. 4 is an example of an image captured by the wide-angle camera 56. This captured image is displayed on the display device 94 of the external participant Pe. The captured image shows multiple participating workers Pa seated in panel-equipped chairs 30. Because the rear of each participating worker Pa is blocked by the panel 36, it is difficult to notice the surrounding situation of each participating worker Pa. However, the panel 36 partially partitions the periphery of the online conference space 10S. Therefore, the state of the online conference space 10S within the shared office space 10 is partially captured around the panel 36 or in the gaps between the multiple panels 36. For example, it is conceivable that a non-participating worker Pb who is having a meeting behind the panel-equipped chair 30 will be partially captured in the image.

[0060] Therefore, the external participant Pe can participate in the online conference in the online conference space 10S within the shared office space 10 while enjoying the atmosphere in the shared office space 10.

[0061] <Effects, etc.> According to the online conference space construction system 20 configured as described above, by moving the multiple panel-equipped chairs 30, a space 10S for holding an online conference can be constructed in at least a portion of the shared office space 10, depending on the participating workers Pa of the online conference and the usage status of the shared office space 10. In this case, by dividing the shared office space 10 with panels 36, the online conference space 10S in the shared office space 10 can be separated from the surrounding space, and the panels 36 can suppress sound leakage into the surrounding space. Furthermore, the wide-angle camera 56 can capture images of the scenery through the panels 36, allowing external participants Pe to observe the surrounding space through the panels 36. This allows the external participants Pe to feel the surrounding atmosphere in the shared office space 10 while creating a partially partitioned online conference space 10S. This provides an online conference space construction system 20 suitable for holding online conferences between participating workers Pa within the shared office space 10 and external participants Pe outside the shared office space 10.

[0062] For example, in a shared office space 10, workers typically gather in groups according to their purpose, such as for meetings or consultations, to conduct work. Using the shared office space 10 has the following characteristics: it can be used freely and casually for any purpose, the equipment (chairs, desks, etc.) can be freely arranged, and the work can be done while taking in the surrounding office atmosphere. When using the shared office space 10 in real space, it is possible to adjust the orientation of the body, posture, distance from other people, and volume of voice to suit the situation in the shared office space 10. However, in an online conference, it is difficult for external participants Pe to understand the surrounding situation, and it is also difficult for them to adjust the orientation of the body, posture, distance from other people, volume of voice, etc. to suit the surrounding situation.

[0063] According to this embodiment, by separating the online conference space 10S from its surroundings with the panel 36, sound leakage can be suppressed, and therefore, an online conference space 10S suitable for holding an online conference with external participants Pe can be easily constructed even if it is difficult to adjust body orientation, posture, distance from the other party, volume of voice, etc. Furthermore, by allowing the external participants Pe to sense the surrounding atmosphere through the panel 36, it becomes easier for them to speak in accordance with the surrounding situation and to feel a sense of professional camaraderie with the workers P located in the shared office space 10.

[0064] Furthermore, if the panel-equipped chair 30 has a speaker 40, the audio during the online conference is played by the speaker 40 for each participating worker Pa seated on the panel-equipped chair 30, thereby preventing the playback volume from becoming too loud.

[0065] Furthermore, if the speaker 40 is a directional speaker 40, sound leakage into the surrounding space is more effectively suppressed.

[0066] In addition, since the present system 20 is equipped with a display device 70 that displays images of the external participants Pe, the participating workers Pa can hold online conferences while visually checking the external participants Pe on the display device 70, thereby making the online conferences more realistic.

[0067] In this case, the panel-equipped chairs 30 on which the participating workers Pa sit and the display device 70 that displays the external participants Pe are arranged around the center unit 50. This enhances the sense of presence that the external participants Pe and the participating workers Pa feel when participating in the conference with the center unit 50 at the center. The center unit 50 can also function as a meeting point for holding an online conference.

[0068] If the display device 70 includes a projector device 72, a larger image can be projected into the online meeting space 10S.

[0069] Furthermore, if the camera 56 is a wide-angle camera 56 that can capture images of at least two panel-equipped chairs 30, it is possible to provide the external participant Pe with a captured image that captures at least two panel-equipped chairs 30. This allows the external participant Pe to easily get a feel for the atmosphere of the shared office space 10.

[0070] If the camera unit is a center unit 50 in which the camera 56 and the online conference terminal 60 are integrated, the online conference space 10S can be constructed by arbitrarily arranging some or all of the multiple panel-equipped chairs 30 around the center unit 50. This makes it easy to construct various types of online conference spaces 10S.

[0071] Furthermore, if the center unit 50 serving as a camera unit has a cover 54, sound leakage can be suppressed by the cover 54. Furthermore, by partitioning the online conference space 10S from above, it is possible to create an enclosed space as a conference room, thereby enhancing the sense of presence as a conference location and creating a conference space that is easier to gather in.

[0072] Furthermore, if the microphone is a range-limited microphone 58, it can collect sounds from the online conference space 10S and suppress noise from the surrounding space, allowing for a smooth online conference to be held between the participating worker Pa in the online conference space 10S and the external participant Pe.

[0073] Furthermore, if the panel 36 of the panel-equipped chair 30 is fixed to the back side of the chair 32, the panel 36 can be used to partition off the area behind the participating worker Pa seated on the chair 32. This makes it easy to create an online conference space 10S in front of the participating worker Pa, with the area behind the participating worker Pa being used as a surrounding space.

[0074] If the panel-equipped chair 30 has the eaves 38, it is possible to suppress sound leakage from above the chair 32. Furthermore, since the area above the chair 32 is partitioned, it is easy to create a space that is conducive to immersing oneself in a meeting.

[0075] Furthermore, if the panel-equipped chair 30 has casters 35, the panel-equipped chair 30 can be easily moved, and various types of online conference spaces 10S can be easily created depending on the number of participants, surrounding conditions, etc.

[0076] {Variation} <Modifications regarding the panel-equipped chair, center unit, and display device> The panel-equipped chair 30, center unit 50, and display device 70 that make up the above-mentioned online conference space creation system 20 can be modified in various ways, with or without the assumption that they will be used in the system 20.

[0077] For example, the cover portion 54 of the center unit 50 may be omitted. In this case, the cover portion 54 may be supported by a stand separate from the center unit 50.

[0078] The microphone 58 in the center unit 50 may be omitted. In this case, a microphone may be provided for each participating worker Pa. In this case, the microphone may be a microphone provided to each participating worker Pa, or a microphone attached to a computer owned by each participating worker Pa. The microphone provided to each participating worker Pa may be a standalone microphone, a headset in which headphones and a microphone are integrated, or a combination of inner-earphones and a microphone.

[0079] As described above, the camera unit does not need to be incorporated into the center unit 50. In the online conference space creation system 20, the presence of the center unit 50 is not essential.

[0080] For example, the online conference terminal 60 may be incorporated into the chair 32, the display device 70, a stand for supporting a computer, or the like, or may be a computer that each participating worker Pa possesses.

[0081] The camera may separately capture images of the participating workers Pa. In this case, the camera may be attached to each chair 32 via an arm or the like, or may be a camera built into a computer carried by each participating worker Pa.

[0082] The speaker 40 in the chair 32 may be incorporated in another part such as the backrest 34, rather than in the canopy 38. The speaker 40 may be omitted, and the participating worker Pa may listen to the conference audio through headphones or inner earphones.

[0083] As shown in Fig. 5, the chair 32 may have a microphone 100. In Fig. 5, an arm 102 extends from the panel 36 of the chair 32 toward the front of the seated participant worker Pa. The arm 102 may be supported by the backrest 34. The microphone 100 is supported at the tip of the arm 102. The arm 102 supports the microphone in a position in front of the mouth of the participant worker Pa seated in the chair 32.

[0084] The panel-equipped chair 30 can be understood as having the following configuration, without all of the above-mentioned parts being essential components.

[0085] For example, it can be understood as a chair with upper speakers, in which speakers 40 are built into canopy 38 located above chair 32. In this case, panels 36, casters 35, etc. are not required, and speakers 40 do not necessarily have to be directional speakers. With this chair, sound can be reproduced from above downward for each chair 32, and canopy 38 can prevent sound from leaking upward.

[0086] It can also be understood as a chair with a speaker, for example, a chair with an omnidirectional speaker or a chair with a directional speaker. The speaker may be supported by the eaves portion 38, the backrest portion 34, or an added arm or the like. In this case, the panel 36, the eaves portion 38, the casters 35, etc. are not required. Because the speaker emits sound near the worker P seated in the chair 32, sound leakage to the surroundings of the chair 32 is more effectively suppressed.

[0087] It can also be understood as a chair for constructing an online conference space having a panel 36 and casters 35 on the rear side of the chair 32. With this chair, an online conference space 10S partitioned off behind the chair 32 by the panel 36 can be easily constructed.

[0088] The display device 70 may be a device dedicated to the present system 20, or may be a general-purpose monitor. The display device 70 may be incorporated into the backrest 34 or the panel 36 of another panel-equipped chair 30. When the display device 70 is a projector device 72, the projector device 72 may project an image onto the backrest 34 or the panel 36.

[0089] The speakers do not necessarily have to be placed on the chairs, but may be placed on other furniture (such as a panel, table, stand, or the like). The speakers may also be independently placed in the space above the user, such as on the ceiling, or in the space below the user, such as on the floor.

[0090] The eaves portion 38 does not necessarily have to be placed on the chair, but may be placed on other furniture (for example, a panel, table, stand, or the like). The eaves portion may also be placed independently in the space above the user, such as on the ceiling.

[0091] The covering unit 54 does not necessarily have to be placed on the center unit, but may be placed on other furniture (for example, a panel, chair, table, stand, or the like). The covering unit may also be placed independently in the space above the user, such as on the ceiling.

[0092] In the above embodiment, a panel-equipped chair 30 has been described as an example of a panel-equipped fixture, but the panel-equipped fixture does not necessarily have to be a chair. For example, a desk or table with a panel may be used as another example of a panel-equipped fixture. Also, another example of a panel-equipped fixture may be a fixture stand with a board panel that can be used for writing or a display panel. In these cases, it is preferable that the panel be made of sound-absorbing material in order to suppress sound leakage.

[0093] <Modifications on the use of the panel-equipped chair, center unit, and display device> The panel-equipped chair 30, the center unit 50, and the display device 70 do not necessarily have to be used together, and may be used for purposes other than online conferences.

[0094] For example, as shown in Fig. 6, a plurality of panel-equipped chairs 30 may be arranged around a center unit 50, with the panel 36 of each panel-equipped chair 30 facing the center unit 50. In this case, the worker P sits on the panel-equipped chair 30 with his / her back to the center unit 50 and facing the outer periphery of the center unit 50. In the example shown in Fig. 6, the display device 70 may be omitted.

[0095] This layout example is suitable for each worker P to perform individual work. Each worker P may use a PC or the like to hold an online conference, or may perform work that is not an online conference. Even in this case, the backs of each worker P are separated by the panel 36, making it easy to create a space where each worker P can easily concentrate.

[0096] The example of arrangement shown in FIG. 3 may be called an online conference mode, and the example of arrangement shown in FIG. 6 may be called an individual work mode.

[0097] For example, as shown in FIG. 7 , multiple workers P may gather around a center unit 50. The workers P gathered around the center unit 50 may hold an online conference, or the workers P around the center unit 50 may hold a conference by themselves. When holding an online conference, each worker P around the center unit 50 may wear headphones or inner earphones to hold the online conference, or a speaker may be installed in the center unit 50. A display device 70 may or may not be installed around the center unit 50. If a display device 70 is not installed, an external participant Pe may participate in the online conference using only voice. In this case, a conference can be held easily using the center unit 50 without having to move the panel-equipped chair 30.

[0098] 3, the display device 70 may be omitted, for example, as shown in Fig. 8. In the example shown in Fig. 8, an online conference may be held, or the conference may be held only by the worker P around the center unit 50. The external participants Pe may be displayed on the monitor of the personal computer carried by the worker P, or may participate in the online conference only by voice.

[0099] As shown in Fig. 9, the center unit 50 may be omitted from the example shown in Fig. 8. The worker P seated in the panel-equipped chair 30 may hold an online conference, or the conference may be held by the worker P seated in the panel-equipped chair 30 alone. When an online conference is held, the online conference may be held using a computer carried by the worker P seated in the panel-equipped chair 30 as the online conference terminal 60.

[0100] The configurations described in the above embodiment and modifications can be combined as appropriate as long as they are not mutually contradictory.

[0101] The present disclosure discloses the following aspects.

[0102] The first aspect is an online conference space creation system that is placed in a shared office space where multiple workers work, and includes multiple panel-equipped fixtures that have movable fixtures and panels that shield part of the periphery of the fixtures in the horizontal direction, the panels being integrated with the fixtures so that they can move together, and a camera unit that has a camera that photographs workers using at least one of the multiple panel-equipped fixtures, and the multiple panel-equipped fixtures can be arranged so that a space for holding online conferences can be created using the panels in at least a part of the shared office space.

[0103] According to the online conference space creation system of the first aspect, by moving a plurality of panel-equipped fixtures, a space for holding an online conference can be created in at least a portion of the shared office space depending on the participants of the online conference, the usage status of the shared office space, etc. In this case, by dividing the shared office space with panels, the online conference space in the shared office space can be separated from the surrounding space, and the panels can suppress sound leakage into the surrounding space. Furthermore, by making the surrounding space observable through the panels, a partially partitioned online conference space can be created while still feeling the surrounding atmosphere in the shared office space. This makes it possible to provide an online conference space creation system suitable for holding online conferences between participants within the shared office space and participants outside the shared office space.

[0104] In a second aspect, the online conference space creation system according to the first aspect further includes a speaker integrated with the panel-equipped fixture so that the speaker can move along with the fixture. This allows the audio during the online conference to be played by the speaker for each worker using the panel-equipped fixture, preventing the playback volume from becoming too loud.

[0105] The third aspect is an online conference space creation system according to the first aspect, further comprising a directional speaker that is directional toward the workers using the fixtures. In this case, the audio during the online conference is played by the directional speaker for each worker using the panel-equipped fixture, thereby reducing sound leakage into the surrounding space.

[0106] In a fourth aspect, the online conference space creation system according to any one of the first to third aspects further includes a display device that displays an image of an external participant in the online conference from outside the shared office space. In this case, since the image of the external participant is displayed on the display device, a more realistic conference space can be created.

[0107] A fifth aspect is the online conference space creation system according to the fourth aspect, wherein the display device includes a projector device that projects an image onto a projection medium, thereby enabling a large image to be projected into the online conference space.

[0108] A sixth aspect is an online conference space creation system according to any one of the first to fifth aspects, wherein the camera is a wide-angle camera that captures images of at least two of the panel-attached fixtures located around the camera unit. In this case, the camera unit captures images of the at least two panel-attached fixtures around the camera unit, and the captured images can be provided to external participants, allowing the external participants to easily get a feel for the atmosphere of the shared work space.

[0109] A seventh aspect is an online conference space creation system according to any one of the first to sixth aspects, wherein the camera unit is a unit that integrates the camera, microphone, and online conference terminal device. In this case, an online conference space can be created by arbitrarily arranging some or all of the multiple panel-equipped fixtures around the camera unit. This makes it easy to create various types of online conference spaces.

[0110] An eighth aspect is the online conference space creation system according to any one of the first to seventh aspects, further comprising a cover located above the camera, thereby making it possible to suppress sound leakage by the cover.

[0111] A ninth aspect is the online conference space creation system according to any one of the first to eighth aspects, further comprising a microphone. In this case, the microphone can collect sounds from the online conference space and suppress noise from the surrounding space.

[0112] A tenth aspect is the online conference space creation system according to any one of the first to ninth aspects, wherein the furniture is a chair and the panel is fixed to the back of the chair, thereby allowing the panel to partition the area behind the worker seated in the chair.

[0113] An eleventh aspect is the online conference space creation system according to any one of the first to tenth aspects, further comprising a canopy located above an employee who uses the fixtures, thereby suppressing sound leakage from above the employee.

[0114] A twelfth aspect is the online conference space creation system according to any one of the first to eleventh aspects, wherein the panel-attached fixture has casters that allow the fixture to move on the floor while being supported. This allows the panel-attached fixture to be easily moved, making it easy to create various aspects of the online conference space creation system.

[0115] The above description is illustrative in all respects and is not intended to limit the scope of the present invention. It is understood that numerous variations not illustrated can be envisaged without departing from the scope of the present invention. [Explanation of symbols]

[0116] 10 Shared office space 10S Online Meeting Space 20 Online meeting space creation system 30 Panel-attached chair (panel-attached furniture) 32 chairs 35 Caster 36 Panels 38 Eaves 40 speakers 50 Center unit 54 Cover 56 Camera 58 Mike 60 online conference terminals 70 Display device 72 Projector equipment 74 Transmissive Screen P worker (Pa participating worker, Pb non-participating worker) Pe External Participant

Claims

1. A chair for constructing an online conference space for holding online conferences in a shared office space where multiple workers work, Seat and The backrest and A panel that is a plate-like portion that functions as a partition separating the online conference space from its surroundings; a speaker that outputs audio of the online conference to the space above the seat; Equipped with The panel is disposed behind the backrest, The speaker is disposed on the backrest or the panel.

2. The chair according to claim 1 , wherein the speaker is a directional speaker having directionality in a sound output direction.

3. The chair of claim 1 , wherein the speaker is disposed in the panel.

4. 10. The chair of claim 1, wherein the panel is constructed from a sound-absorbing material.

5. A system for creating an online conference space, comprising a plurality of chairs according to any one of claims 1 to 4.

6. The system for constructing an online conference space according to claim 5 , wherein the plurality of chairs are arranged facing each other.

7. The online conference space creation system according to claim 6, further comprising a microphone for inputting the voice of the person sitting in the chair.

8. The system for constructing an online conference space according to claim 7, further comprising a camera for photographing the person sitting in the chair.

9. 9. The online conference space creation system according to claim 8, further comprising a display device for displaying an image relating to an external participant in the online conference from outside the shared office space.

10. Further provided with an online conference terminal for holding an online conference, 10. The online conference space creation system according to claim 9, wherein the online conference terminal includes a memory unit that stores a program for executing the online conference, and a processor that executes processing for the online conference.

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