Information processing device and information processing program

Abstract

To allow users who belong to a workplace to communicate with each other from a plurality of places without attending the workplace while being capable of grasping information of the users who belong to the workplace in a similar manner to when the users attend the workplace.SOLUTION: An information processing unit comprises a processor, the processor associates a user group consisting of users who are at a plurality of places in a real space with each region in a virtual space where movement among regions is allowed, displays an image of the user who constitutes the user group corresponding to the region to be moved when the movement among the region by the user occurs, on a display range designated for each user as well as displaying an image of the user who moved in on a display range for the user who moved in.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an information processing device and an information processing program. [Background technology]

[0002] Patent document 1 describes a technology for using three-dimensional virtual space to conduct business by collecting static information unique to an avatar and dynamic information such as behavioral history, analyzing the information, and making it available for marketing. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] JP 2011-216073 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] In recent years, working styles in companies have become more diverse, and in addition to the work system of commuting to the office building where the employer is located, teleworking, where employees work from home or other locations outside the office building, has begun to be introduced. In addition, in recent years, groupware such as web conferencing systems have begun to spread as a communication tool between employees working in multiple locations.

[0005] By the way, when actually commuting to work in an office building, if the office space is spread across multiple floors, a user can move from the floor where he or she is currently located to another floor and communicate with users at the floor where he or she moved to. Here, the floor where he or she moved to may also contain users who are not the target of communication, and the user who moved to the next floor can grasp information such as the attendance status of such users.

[0006] However, with current groupware, only users who have been invited to the group can display information on the screen, which places a greater restriction on the types of users who can access the information than if they were to physically come to the office building.

[0007] To provide a method for enabling users belonging to a workplace to communicate with each other from multiple locations without going to work at the workplace, while being able to grasp information about the users belonging to the workplace in the same way as if they were going to work at the workplace. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] An information processing device of a first aspect includes a processor, which associates a user group composed of users located at multiple locations in real space with each area of ​​a virtual space to which the area can be moved, and when the user moves to the area in the virtual space, displays images of the users constituting the user group associated with the destination area in a display range specified for each user, and displays an image of the user who has moved in a display range for the user who has moved.

[0009] The information processing device of the second aspect is a first information processing device, wherein the area is provided with permitted areas that accept movement of the user from other areas and non-permitted areas that do not accept movement of the user from other areas, and the processor accepts settings of the permitted areas for each user.

[0010] An information processing device of a third aspect is a second information processing device, wherein the permitted area includes an authentication area that accepts movement of the user from other areas upon successful authentication of a predetermined factor, and an open area that accepts movement of the user from other areas without successful authentication.

[0011] The information processing device of a fourth aspect is the third information processing device, in which the processor changes the display manner of the open area, the authentication area, and the unauthorised area in the virtual space.

[0012] An information processing device of a fifth aspect is an information processing device of any of the first to fourth aspects, wherein the processor displays the user's schedule inputted into a scheduler that manages the user's schedule in a display range specified for each user in the virtual space.

[0013] A sixth aspect of the information processing device is the fifth information processing device, wherein, when the user's schedule inputted into the scheduler is an absence schedule indicating that the user will be absent, the processor displays the absence schedule in a display range specified for each user in the virtual space.

[0014] The information processing device of the seventh aspect is the fifth or sixth information processing device, and the processor, when a working user who is present at the workplace where the user works is away from his / her desk, displays the location information of the working user at the workplace in a display range for the working user in the virtual space.

[0015] An information processing device of an eighth aspect is an information processing device of any of the fifth to seventh aspects, wherein, when the user's behavior indicated by an image of the user displayed in the virtual space differs from the user's schedule inputted into the scheduler, the processor displays information indicating a discrepancy between the user's behavior and the schedule in a display range specified for each user in the virtual space.

[0016] An information processing device of a ninth aspect is an information processing device of any one of the first to eighth aspects, and the display aspect of the virtual space includes a first aspect in which images related to the users who constitute the user group corresponding to the area are displayed, and a second aspect in which images related to a plurality of the users independent of the area are displayed.

[0017] An information processing device of a 10th aspect is an information processing device of any of the 1st to 9th aspects, wherein when the user moves from one area to another in the virtual space, and a special user is included among the users who constitute the user group associated with the area from which the user moved, the processor displays an image of the special user in a display range for the special user in the area to which the user moved.

[0018] An information processing device of an 11th aspect is an information processing device of any of the 1st to 10th aspects, wherein the processor displays the virtual space together with the display by the second application, even when a second application different from a first application that displays the virtual space is being executed and display by the second application is being performed.

[0019] The information processing program of the twelfth aspect causes a computer to execute a process in which a user group composed of users located at multiple locations in real space is associated with each area of ​​a virtual space to which the area can be moved, and when the user moves to the area in the virtual space, images of the users constituting the user group associated with the destination area are displayed in a display range specified for each user, and an image of the user who has moved is displayed in a display range for the user who has moved. Effect of the Invention

[0020] According to the first aspect, it is possible to obtain information about users belonging to a workplace in the same way as if the users were present at the workplace, and to communicate with each other from multiple locations without the users having to present at the workplace.

[0021] According to the second aspect, it is possible to improve confidentiality in each area of ​​the virtual space, compared to a configuration in which the permitted areas of all users are common.

[0022] According to the third aspect, confidentiality in the permitted areas can be improved compared to a configuration in which all permitted areas accept movement of users from other areas without successful authentication.

[0023] According to the fourth aspect, it becomes easier to distinguish between the areas of the virtual space, compared to a configuration in which the display aspect showing each area of ​​the virtual space is the same.

[0024] According to the fifth aspect, it becomes possible to grasp, in the virtual space, the schedules of users who are in a plurality of locations in the real space.

[0025] According to the sixth aspect, the visibility of the user in the virtual space can be improved, compared to a configuration in which the schedule during which the user is present is also displayed.

[0026] According to the seventh aspect, it is possible to grasp the location at the workplace of a user who is present at the workplace without actually reporting to the workplace.

[0027] According to the eighth aspect, it becomes possible for users other than the user to know which users have inconsistent actions and plans.

[0028] According to the ninth aspect, compared to a configuration in which the virtual space is displayed in one manner, a user group made up of various combinations of users is provided.

[0029] According to the tenth aspect, information about special users can be more easily grasped, compared to a configuration in which all images relating to users displayed in the virtual space are changed by moving the area.

[0030] According to the eleventh aspect, overlooking of the virtual space is suppressed, compared to a configuration in which when a plurality of applications are executed, display is performed by only one application.

[0031] According to the 12th aspect, it is possible to obtain information about users belonging to a workplace in the same way as if the user were to go to work at the workplace, while enabling communication between users belonging to the workplace from multiple locations without the user having to go to work at the workplace. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0032] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating a schematic configuration of an information processing system. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a hardware configuration of the information processing device. [Diagram 3] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the hardware configuration of a user terminal. [Figure 4] 10 is a flowchart showing a flow of a display process by the information processing device. [Diagram 5] 1 is a first display example of a virtual office. [Figure 6] 13 is a flowchart showing the flow of a movement process performed by the information processing device. [Figure 7] 13 is an example of a permission hierarchy table. [Figure 8] 1 is a second example display of a virtual office. [Figure 9] 11 is a third display example of a virtual office. [Figure 10] 4 is a fourth display example of a virtual office. [Figure 11] 5 is a fifth display example of a virtual office. [Figure 12] 6 is a sixth display example of a virtual office. [Figure 13] 13 is a display example of a user terminal. [Figure 14] 7 is a seventh display example of a virtual office. [Figure 15] 8 is an eighth display example of a virtual office. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0033] The information processing system 10 according to the present embodiment will be described below. FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of an information processing system 10. As shown in FIG.

[0034] 1, the information processing system 10 includes an information processing device 20, a user terminal 30, and a user terminal 50. The information processing device 20, the user terminal 30, and the user terminal 50 are connected via a network N and are capable of communicating with each other. For example, the network N may be the Internet, a LAN (=Local Area Network), a WAN (=Wide Area Network), or the like.

[0035] The information processing device 20 provides a virtual office that imitates a real space constructed on a computer, which allows users belonging to a workplace to communicate with each other from multiple locations without going to work in the office building, while being able to grasp information about users belonging to the workplace in the same way as if they were going to work in the office building in which the workplace is located. This virtual office is a "world" of virtual reality that imitates an office in real space constructed on a computer. The office building in question has office spaces on multiple floors. The virtual office is an example of a "virtual space defined on a computer."

[0036] The user terminal 30 is a terminal of a user who works in the office building in which the workplace is located, and can use the virtual office.

[0037] The user terminal 50 is a terminal of a user who works at a telework destination other than the office building in which the workplace is located, and can use a virtual office. Examples of telework destinations include the user's home, a cafe, a shared office, and the like.

[0038] 2 is a block diagram showing a hardware configuration of the information processing device 20. As an example, the information processing device 20 may be a general-purpose computer device such as a server computer or a personal computer, or a mobile terminal such as a smartphone or a tablet terminal. In this embodiment, the information processing device 20 is a "server computer."

[0039] 2, the information processing device 20 includes a CPU 21 (=Central Processing Unit), a ROM 22 (=Read Only Memory), a RAM 23 (=Random Access Memory), a storage unit 24, an input unit 25, a display unit 26, and a communication unit 27. Each component is connected to each other so as to be able to communicate with each other via a bus 28. The CPU 21 is an example of a "processor."

[0040] The CPU 21 is a central processing unit, and executes various programs and controls each part. That is, the CPU 21 reads out a program from the ROM 22 or the storage unit 24, and executes the program using the RAM 23 as a working area. The CPU 21 controls each of the above-mentioned components and performs various arithmetic processing according to the program stored in the ROM 22 or the storage unit 24. In this embodiment, the ROM 22 or the storage unit 24 stores an information processing program for executing at least a display process and a movement process, which will be described later. The information processing program may be pre-installed in the information processing device 20, or may be stored in a non-volatile storage medium, or distributed via the network N and appropriately installed in the information processing device 20. Examples of the non-volatile storage medium include a CD-ROM, a magneto-optical disk, a HDD (=Hard Disk Drive), a DVD-ROM, a flash memory, a memory card, and the like.

[0041] The ROM 22 stores various programs and various data. The RAM 23 serves as a working area for temporarily storing programs or data.

[0042] The storage unit 24 is configured with a storage device such as an HDD, an SSD (Solid State Drive), or a flash memory, and stores various programs including an operating system, and various data.

[0043] The input unit 25 includes, for example, a pointing device such as a mouse, various buttons, a keyboard, a microphone, a camera, and the like, and is used to perform various inputs.

[0044] The display unit 26 is, for example, a liquid crystal display, and displays various information. The display unit 26 may employ a touch panel system and function as the input unit 25. The display unit 26 may display the virtual office using an AR (=Augmented Reality) function that overlays an image on a real space image, or may display the virtual office using a VR (=Virtual Reality) function that switches images depending on the user's field of view direction and head movement.

[0045] The communication unit 27 is an interface for communicating with other devices. For this communication, for example, a wired communication standard such as Ethernet (registered trademark) or FDDI, or a wireless communication standard such as 4G, 5G, or Wi-Fi (registered trademark) is used.

[0046] 3 is a block diagram showing the hardware configuration of the user terminal 30 and the user terminal 50. As an example, the user terminal 30 and the user terminal 50 are applied to a general-purpose computer device such as a server computer or a personal computer, or a mobile terminal such as a smartphone or a tablet terminal. In this embodiment, the user terminal 30 and the user terminal 50 are "smartphones". Note that the user terminal 30 and the user terminal 50 are basically general computer configurations, so the user terminal 30 will be described as a representative.

[0047] 3, the user terminal 30 includes a CPU 31, a ROM 32, a RAM 33, a position detection unit 34, an imaging unit 35, a storage unit 36, an input unit 37, a display unit 38, and a communication unit 39. Each component is connected to each other via a bus 40 so as to be able to communicate with each other.

[0048] The CPU 31 is a central processing unit that executes various programs and controls each part. That is, the CPU 31 reads a program from the ROM 32 or the storage unit 36, and executes the program using the RAM 33 as a working area. The CPU 31 controls each of the above components and performs various arithmetic processing according to the program stored in the ROM 32 or the storage unit 36.

[0049] The ROM 32 stores various programs and various data. The RAM 33 serves as a working area for temporarily storing programs or data.

[0050] The position detection unit 34 detects the current location of the user terminal 30. As an example, a signal from a GPS (=Global Positioning System) satellite contains time data from an atomic clock mounted on the satellite, information on the satellite's orbit, and the like, so the position detection unit 34 receives radio waves from the GPS satellite and calculates the distance from the satellite based on the time difference between transmission and reception. The current location of the user terminal 30 is detected by measuring the position of a point in space based on the distances from three or more GPS satellites. The current location of the user terminal 30 detected by the position detection unit 34 is transmitted to the information processing device 20. Note that the method of detecting the current location of the user terminal 30 by the position detection unit 34 may use Bluetooth (registered trademark), Wi-Fi (registered trademark), beacons, etc. instead of or in addition to using GPS.

[0051] The imaging unit 35 is, for example, configured with a camera equipped with a solid-state imaging element such as a CCD (=Charge Coupled Device) and a CMOS (=Complementary Metal Oxide Semiconductor). The imaging unit 35 captures images at predetermined intervals (for example, every 5 minutes) during execution of a first application that is an application for displaying a virtual office. The images captured by the imaging unit 35 are transmitted to the information processing device 20.

[0052] The storage unit 36 ​​is configured with a storage device such as an HDD, SSD, or flash memory, and stores various programs including an operating system, and various data.

[0053] The input unit 37 includes, for example, various buttons, a microphone, a camera, and the like, and is used to perform various inputs.

[0054] The display unit 38 is, for example, a liquid crystal display, and displays various information. The display unit 38 employs a touch panel system, and also functions as the input unit 37.

[0055] The communication unit 39 is an interface for communicating with other devices. For this communication, for example, a wired communication standard such as Ethernet (registered trademark) or FDDI, or a wireless communication standard such as 4G, 5G, or Wi-Fi (registered trademark) is used.

[0056] 4 is a flowchart showing the flow of a display process for displaying a virtual office on the user terminal 30 and the user terminal 50. The CPU 21 reads out an information processing program from the ROM 22 or the storage unit 24, deploys it in the RAM 23, and executes it, whereby the display process is performed by the information processing device 20.

[0057] 4, the CPU 21 determines whether the user terminal 30 or the user terminal 50 is powered on, and if it is determined that the power is on (step S10: YES), the process proceeds to step S11. On the other hand, if the CPU 21 determines that the power is not on (step S10: NO), the process waits until the power is turned on.

[0058] In step S11, the CPU 21 causes the powered-on user terminal to execute the first application. Then, the process proceeds to step S12. It is assumed that the first application has been pre-installed in the user terminal 30 and the user terminal 50. In other words, the information processing device 20 remotely operates the powered-on user terminal to execute the first application without operation by the user of the user terminal.

[0059] In step S12, the CPU 21 causes the powered-on user terminal to display the virtual office, and then ends the process.

[0060] Next, display examples on the user terminal 30 and the user terminal 50 will be explained using the user terminal 30 as a representative. It is assumed that the user terminal 30 is a terminal of a user B who works in an office building where the workplace is located. In other words, it is assumed that the following display examples are displayed on the display unit 38 of the user terminal 30 of the user B.

[0061] Fig. 5 is a first display example of a virtual office. When a first application is executed, the CPU 21 causes the display unit 38 of the user terminal 30 to display the virtual office shown in Fig. 5. In the virtual office, an image of the user (hereinafter referred to as a "user image") that is captured by an imaging unit of the user terminal of the user who uses the virtual office or that is prepared in advance is displayed in a display range 76, which will be described later and is specified for each user. The above-mentioned "prepared user image" includes an image stored in the user terminal of each user and an image prepared in advance by the information processing device 20 when providing the virtual office.

[0062] In the virtual office shown in FIG. 5, a hierarchy display section 71, a group display section 72, a view switching section 73, a virtual image forming device 74, a virtual cabinet 75, and a display range 76 are displayed.

[0063] The hierarchy display section 71 is a section that displays the hierarchy of the virtual office. A hierarchy is an example of an "area".

[0064] The hierarchy display section 71 shown in Fig. 5 indicates that the virtual office has five levels, from the 1st floor to the 5th floor. In this embodiment, the levels of the virtual office are the same as the levels of the office building in which the workplace of the user who uses the virtual office is located. In other words, in this embodiment, the levels of the office building are five levels, from the 1st floor to the 5th floor, just like the levels of the virtual office.

[0065] In this embodiment, the current floor of the virtual office is indicated by a number surrounded by a black rectangular frame in the floor display section 71. That is, the floor display section 71 shown in Fig. 5 indicates that the current floor of the virtual office is the 1st floor.

[0066] The hierarchies are also provided with an authentication hierarchical level 71A that accepts users from other hierarchical levels upon successful authentication, an open hierarchical level 71B that accepts users from other hierarchical levels without successful authentication, and a non-permitted hierarchical level 71C that does not accept users from other hierarchical levels. Note that below, the authentication hierarchical level 71A and the open hierarchical level 71B may be collectively referred to as "permitted hierarchical levels." The permitted hierarchical level is an example of an "permitted area," the authentication hierarchical level 71A is an example of an "authentication area," the open hierarchical level 71B is an example of an "open area," and the non-permitted hierarchical level 71C is an example of a "non-permitted area."

[0067] In this embodiment, the authentication is, as an example, "password authentication." In addition, in the hierarchy display unit 71, a hierarchy in which the background color of the numbers is white and a lock mark 71D is displayed in the upper right corner of a rectangular frame in which the numbers are displayed is defined as an "authentication hierarchy 71A," a hierarchy in which the background color of the numbers is white and the lock mark 71D is not displayed is defined as an "open hierarchy 71B," and a hierarchy in which the background color of the numbers is a specific color other than white (e.g., gray) is defined as an "unauthorized hierarchy 71C." As described above, in this embodiment, the display modes of the authentication hierarchy 71A, the open hierarchy 71B, and the unauthorized hierarchy 71C are different from each other in the virtual office.

[0068] Although details will be described later, movement between floors in the virtual office is performed by operating within the frame of a floor different from the current floor in the floor display section 71.

[0069] The group display section 72 is a section that displays user groups of the virtual office. The group display section 72 shown in FIG. 5 indicates that three groups, "Entire Company," "XX Department," and "YY Section," are associated with the first floor of the virtual office. In this embodiment, the user groups associated with each floor of the virtual office are the same as the user groups associated with each floor of the office building in which the workplace of the user who uses the virtual office is located. In other words, in this embodiment, the user groups on the first floor of the office building are provided with "XX Department" and "YY Section," just like the virtual office.

[0070] In this embodiment, the user group currently displayed in the virtual office is the one whose text background is displayed in a specific color in the group display section 72. That is, the group display section 72 shown in Fig. 5 indicates that the user group currently displayed in the virtual office is the "XX department."

[0071] Although details will be described later, switching between user groups in the virtual office is performed by operating within the frame of a user group different from the user group currently displayed in the group display section 72.

[0072] The view switching unit 73 is a part that switches the view of the virtual office. A "view" refers to the display mode of the virtual office, and switching the view changes the user image displayed in the virtual office.

[0073] In this embodiment, the views provided are an organization view in which a user image for each user constituting a user group associated with a hierarchy is displayed, and a MY view in which user images of multiple users independent of the hierarchy are displayed. Details of each view will be described later. In addition, in this embodiment, a view in which the background color of the text is displayed in a specific color in the view switching unit 73 indicates the current view of the virtual office. In other words, the view switching unit 73 shown in FIG. 5 indicates that the current view of the virtual office is the "organization view." The organization view is an example of the "first aspect," and the MY view is an example of the "second aspect."

[0074] Although details will be described later, switching of views in the virtual office is performed by operating within the frame of a view different from the current view in view switching section 73.

[0075] The virtual image forming device 74 is a part that provides the functions of an image forming device in the virtual office. When the virtual image forming device 74 is selected, a function screen (not shown) is displayed. Then, in the virtual office, the function selected on the function screen is executed.

[0076] In this embodiment, the above functions include a first function that provides the functions of an image forming device without using an image forming device installed in an office building where the workplace of a user who uses the virtual office is located, and a second function that provides the functions of an image forming device through cooperation between the virtual office and the image forming device installed in the office building. As an example, the first function allows fax transmission via the network N, and the second function allows an image captured by an imaging unit of a user terminal to be transmitted via the network N to an image forming device installed in the office building, and the image received by the image forming device can be copied, scanned, or faxed.

[0077] The virtual cabinet 75 is a part that provides the function of a cabinet in the virtual office. When any icon displayed in the approximately rectangular frame of the virtual cabinet 75 is selected, a storage screen for information in a predetermined cloud storage (not shown) is displayed. Then, in the virtual office, information can be stored in the cloud storage from the storage screen.

[0078] The display range 76 is a substantially rectangular frame designated for each user in which a user image is to be displayed. In the virtual office shown in FIG. 5, the user images of a plurality of users (user A to user E) who make up the user group "XX department" in the organizational view on the first floor are displayed in display ranges 76A to 76E designated for each user, respectively. Note that in FIG. 5, it is assumed that one or more users among users A to E work in the office building in which their workplace is located, and one or more users work at a telework destination.

[0079] 5, the user images of all users (user A to user E) who make up the user group "XX department" in the organizational view on the 1st floor are displayed. In contrast, if the user group currently displayed in the virtual office is "all," etc., and all users who make up the user group cannot be displayed on one screen, a switching operation for switching the user image causes the user images of other users to be displayed. In this embodiment, the above switching operation is, as an example, a scroll operation for scrolling the screen.

[0080] As an example, display range 76A, display range 76B, display range 76C, display range 76D, and display range 76E display photographs captured by the imaging unit of each user's user terminal as user images of user A, user B, user C, user D, and user E, who are currently present.

[0081] As described above, in this embodiment, the user groups corresponding to each floor of the virtual office are the same as the user groups corresponding to each floor of the office building in which the workplaces of the users who use the virtual office are located. As a result, users A to E who make up the user group "XX department" have their own desks on the first floor in both the virtual office and the office building.

[0082] The virtual office is also provided with a chat function, which can be used to communicate between users displayed in the display area 76.

[0083] Furthermore, in the virtual office, a photograph captured by an imaging unit of each user's user terminal is displayed in the display range 76, allowing multiple users to confirm that they are working together. As an example, when multiple users' photographs are displayed in one display range 76, or when the background photograph displayed in multiple display ranges 76 is the same, it is possible to confirm that a collaborative work is in progress by looking at the display range 76. Furthermore, when simultaneous work by multiple users (e.g. simultaneous button operation) is required, the timing of the work can be synchronized by looking at the display range 76 of the other user with whom the collaborative work is to be performed.

[0084] As described above, in this embodiment, the virtual office is equipped with a virtual image forming device 74, a virtual cabinet 75, and a display range 76, making it possible to realize office work in the virtual world that is similar to that performed when the employee goes to work in the office building in which the employee's workplace is located.

[0085] Here, when a user moves between levels in the virtual office, the CPU 21 performs a movement process in which the user images constituting the user group associated with the moved-to level are displayed in the display range 76 designated for each user, and the user image of the user who has moved is displayed in the display range 76 for the user who has moved. Details of the movement process will be described below.

[0086] 6 is a flowchart showing the flow of the transfer process. The transfer process is performed by the information processing device 20 when the CPU 21 reads out an information processing program from the ROM 22 or the storage unit 24, loads it into the RAM 23, and executes it.

[0087] 6, the CPU 21 identifies a user who wishes to move to a different tier, and then the process proceeds to step S21.

[0088] In step S21, the CPU 21 identifies the destination tier, and then proceeds to step S22.

[0089] In step S22, the CPU 21 checks the permitted hierarchical level of the user who wishes to move up a hierarchy, and then the process proceeds to step S23.

[0090] Here, a permission hierarchy table indicating the permission hierarchy setting for each user is stored in the storage unit 24. Fig. 7 is an example of the permission hierarchy table.

[0091] As shown in Fig. 7, the permission hierarchy table shows an "authorization hierarchy" in which an "open hierarchy" and an "authentication hierarchy" are defined for each user. As an example, the permission hierarchy table shown in Fig. 7 shows the permission hierarchies of user A, user B, and user C. The permission hierarchy of user A is an open hierarchy of "1F to 5F" and an authentication hierarchy of "none", the permission hierarchy of user B is an open hierarchy of "1F, 2F, and 4F" and an authentication hierarchy of "5F", and the permission hierarchy of user C is an open hierarchy of "1F and 2F" and an authentication hierarchy of "3F".

[0092] 6, in step S23, the CPU 21 refers to the permitted hierarchical table to determine whether the destination hierarchical level is a permitted hierarchical level, and if it is determined that it is a permitted hierarchical level (step S23: YES), the process proceeds to step S24. On the other hand, if the CPU 21 determines that it is not a permitted hierarchical level (step S23: NO), the process proceeds to step S27.

[0093] In step S24, the CPU 21 refers to the permission hierarchical table to determine whether the destination hierarchical level is an authentication hierarchical level or not, and if it is determined that the destination hierarchical level is an authentication hierarchical level (step S24: YES), the process proceeds to step S25. On the other hand, if the CPU 21 determines that the destination hierarchical level is not an authentication hierarchical level, i.e., that the destination hierarchical level is an open hierarchical level (step S24: NO), the process proceeds to step S26.

[0094] In step S25, the CPU 21 determines whether the authentication is successful or not, and if it is determined that the authentication is successful (step S25: YES), the process proceeds to step S26. On the other hand, if the CPU 21 determines that the authentication is not successful (step S25: NO), the process proceeds to step S27.

[0095] In step S26, the CPU 21 displays the destination layer, and then ends the process.

[0096] In step S27, the CPU 21 displays an error message indicating that it is not possible to move to the desired layer, and then ends the process.

[0097] 8 is a second display example of a virtual office. The display example shown in Fig. 8 shows a state in which the current layer of the virtual office has been switched from the display example shown in Fig. 5.

[0098] The virtual office shown in Figure 8, similar to the virtual office shown in Figure 5, displays a hierarchical display section 71, a group display section 72, a view switching section 73, a virtual image forming device 74, a virtual cabinet 75, and a display range 76.

[0099] In the level display section 71 shown in FIG. 8, the number "2" is surrounded by a black rectangular frame, indicating that the current level of the virtual office is the 2nd floor.

[0100] The group display section 72 shown in Fig. 8 indicates that three groups, "Entirety," "●● Department," and "▲▲ Section," correspond to the second floor of the virtual office. Also, in the group display section 72 shown in Fig. 8, the background color of the characters "●● Department" is displayed in a specific color, indicating that the user group currently displayed in the virtual office is the "●● Department." Note that in this embodiment, the user groups on the second floor of the office building in which the workplace of the user who uses the virtual office is located are provided with "●● Department" and "▲▲ Section," just like the virtual office.

[0101] In the virtual office shown in FIG. 8, the user images of multiple users (user F to user N) who make up the user group "●● department" in the organizational view on the second floor are displayed in the display range 76F to the display range 76N designated for each user. In FIG. 8, it is assumed that user F, user G, user I, user K, and user M are at their desks, and user H, user J, user L, and user N are away from their desks. In FIG. 8, it is assumed that one or more users among user F to user N work in the office building where their workplace is located, and one or more users work at the telework destination. In this embodiment, user F to user N who make up the user group "●● department" have their desks on the second floor in both the virtual office and the office building.

[0102] As an example, display range 76F, display range 76G, display range 76I, display range 76K, and display range 76M display photographs captured by the imaging unit of each user's user terminal as user images of user F, user G, user I, user K, and user M, who are currently present.

[0103] Also, as an example, in display range 76H, display range 76J, display range 76L, and display range 76N, dot background images prepared in advance by information processing device 20 for providing a virtual office are displayed as user images of user H, user J, user L, and user N, who are away from their desks, respectively.

[0104] As described above, in this embodiment, the CPU 21 displays the display range 76 in a different display mode depending on whether each user is present or absent from their desk in the virtual office.

[0105] Furthermore, in this embodiment, when a user moves between levels in the virtual office, CPU 21, as described above, displays the user images of the users who make up the user group "●● Department" on 2F in display ranges 76F to 76N, respectively, and displays the user image of the user who has moved in display range 76 for users who have moved. In FIG. 8, the user who has moved between levels is referred to as "User B."

[0106] Here, CPU 21 displays the user image of user B who has moved from 1F to 2F in display range 76Z, which is the display range 76 for users who have moved. Display range 76Z is a substantially rectangular frame indicated by dashed lines that is displayed at the bottom of group display unit 72 when there is a user who has moved up a level, and displays the user image of the user who has moved.

[0107] Then, user B who moves from the 1st floor to the 2nd floor will have his / her user image displayed in display range 76Z, and can communicate with users displayed in other display ranges 76 using the chat function.

[0108] In recent years, working styles in companies have become more diverse, and in addition to the work system of commuting to the office building where the employer is located, teleworking, where employees work from home or other locations outside the office building, has begun to be introduced. In addition, in recent years, groupware such as web conferencing systems have begun to spread as a communication tool between employees working in multiple locations.

[0109] By the way, when actually commuting to work in an office building, if the office space is spread across multiple floors, a user can move from the floor where he or she is currently located to another floor and communicate with users at the floor where he or she moved to. Here, the floor where he or she moved to may also contain users who are not the target of communication, and the user who moved to the next floor can grasp information such as the attendance status of such users.

[0110] However, with current groupware, only users who have been invited to the group can display information on the screen, which places a greater restriction on the types of users who can access the information than if they were to physically come to the office building.

[0111] Therefore, in this embodiment, the CPU 21 associates a user group made up of users at multiple locations in the real space with each floor of the virtual office where floor movement is possible. Then, when a user moves to a different floor in the virtual office, the CPU 21 displays the user images of the users constituting the user group associated with the floor to which the user has moved in the display range 76 designated for each user, and displays the user image of the user who has moved in the display range 76Z for the user who has moved (see FIG. 8).

[0112] With the above configuration, according to this embodiment, when a user moves from the current level to another level in the virtual office, the user can check information such as the attendance status of each user at the level to which the user has moved by looking at the user image displayed in the display range 76. As a result, according to this embodiment, it is possible to communicate with the users by chat function, telephone, etc., after grasping the attendance status of each user belonging to the workplace from the virtual office without going to the office building in which the workplace is located. Therefore, according to this embodiment, it is possible to grasp the information of users belonging to the workplace in the same way as if they had gone to the office building in which the workplace is located, and to communicate with each other from multiple locations without going to the office building.

[0113] In this embodiment, the hierarchies in the virtual office are provided with permitted hierarchies that accept users moving from other hierarchies, and unpermitted hierarchies 71C that do not accept users moving from other hierarchies. CPU 21 accepts the setting of the permitted hierarchies for each user. Therefore, according to this embodiment, confidentiality in each hierarchy of the virtual office can be improved compared to a configuration in which the permitted hierarchies for all users are the same.

[0114] In addition, in this embodiment, the permitted hierarchical levels in the virtual office are provided with an authentication hierarchical level 71A that accepts users moving from other hierarchical levels upon successful authentication, and an open hierarchical level 71B that accepts users moving from other hierarchical levels without successful authentication. Thus, in this embodiment, the virtual office is provided with the authentication hierarchical level 71A, so that confidentiality according to the level is ensured, just as in the case where a user goes to work in the office building in which the workplace is located. Furthermore, according to this embodiment, confidentiality in the permitted hierarchical levels can be improved compared to a configuration in which all permitted hierarchical levels accept users moving from other hierarchical levels without successful authentication.

[0115] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the CPU 21 differentiates the display modes of the open hierarchical level 71B, the authentication hierarchical level 71A, and the non-permission hierarchical level 71C in the virtual office. Therefore, according to this embodiment, it is easier to distinguish between the hierarchical levels of the virtual office compared to a configuration in which the display modes indicating the hierarchical levels of the virtual office are the same.

[0116] In addition, in this embodiment, the CPU 21 displays the user's schedule inputted to the scheduler that manages the user's schedule in the display range 76 specified for each user in the virtual office. Specifically, in this embodiment, when the user's schedule inputted to the scheduler is an absence schedule indicating absence, the CPU 21 displays the absence schedule in the display range 76 specified for each user in the virtual office. An "absence schedule" is a schedule indicating that the user is away from his / her desk and is absent. As an example, the absence schedule includes "returned to the office", "vacation", "out", and "planned to come to the office at xx o'clock". In FIG. 8, it is assumed that user H, user J, user L, and user N who are away from their desks have input their absence schedule in the scheduler in advance.

[0117] As shown in Fig. 8, display range 76H, display range 76J, display range 76L, and display range 76N are provided with a schedule display section 77 for displaying the user's schedule. In Fig. 8, as an absence schedule, "Vacation" is displayed in the schedule display section 77 of display range 76H, "Out of Office" is displayed in the schedule display section 77 of display range 76J, "Returned to Work" is displayed in the schedule display section 77 of display range 76L, and "Planned to Arrive at Work at 9 p.m." is displayed in the schedule display section 77 of display range 76N.

[0118] As described above, in this embodiment, the virtual office has the display range 76, so that the attendance status of each user can be visually grasped in the virtual world, just as if the user had attended work in the office building where the employer is located. With the above configuration, this embodiment makes it possible to grasp the schedules of users who are in multiple locations in the real world in the virtual office. Also, with the above configuration, this embodiment improves the visibility of users in the virtual office compared to a configuration in which the schedules of users while they are at their desks are also displayed.

[0119] Furthermore, in this embodiment, when a commuting user who is present at the office building in which the workplace of a user using the virtual office is located is away from his / her desk, the CPU 21 displays the location information of the commuting user in the office building in the display range 76 for commuting users in the virtual office.

[0120] Fig. 9 is a third display example of a virtual office. The display example shown in Fig. 9 shows a state in which the display mode of the display range 76K has changed from the display example shown in Fig. 8. Note that in Fig. 9, user K is assumed to be working in the office building in which his / her workplace is located, and thus corresponds to the above-mentioned working user.

[0121] The CPU 21 acquires the current location detected by the position detection unit of the user terminal of the user K, and when the acquired current location is near a cabinet installed in the office building where the workplace of the user is located, as shown in FIG. 9, displays "Away from Desk (near Cabinet)" in the schedule display unit 77 of the display range 76K. Furthermore, in this case, the CPU 21 displays a position display 78 indicating the position information of the user K in the office building at the bottom of the virtual cabinet 75. With the above configuration, in the virtual office shown in FIG. 9, it is possible to intuitively grasp the current location of the user K by the position display 78, and to accurately grasp the current location of the user K by the schedule display unit 77. And, with the above configuration, according to this embodiment, it is possible to grasp the location in the office building of a user who is commuting to work at the office building where the workplace of the user who uses the virtual office is located without commuting to work in the office building.

[0122] Furthermore, in this embodiment, when the user behavior indicated by the user image displayed in the virtual office differs from the user schedule entered in the scheduler, the CPU 21 displays error information in the display range 76 specified for each user in the virtual office, which is information indicating a discrepancy between the user behavior and the schedule.

[0123] Fig. 10 is a fourth display example of a virtual office. The display example shown in Fig. 10 shows a state in which the display mode of the display range 76H has changed from the display example shown in Fig. 8. Note that in Fig. 10, it is assumed that user H has previously entered "vacation" in the scheduler as a planned absence.

[0124] In the display range 76H shown in Fig. 10, instead of the dotted background image displayed as the user image of user H in the display range 76H shown in Fig. 8, a photo captured by the imaging unit of the user terminal of user H is displayed. At this time, since the plan of user H inputted to the scheduler is "vacation", the photo of user H captured by the imaging unit is displayed in the display range 76H, which means that the plan and the action do not match. Therefore, in Fig. 10, the CPU 21 displays "Error Mismatch" as error information in the plan display section 77 of the display range 76H.

[0125] With the above configuration, according to the present embodiment, users other than the user can know about a user whose behavior and schedule are inconsistent. Note that, in the above, an example of a mismatch between a behavior and schedule is when a user's photo is displayed in the display range 76 when the schedule is "vacation", but examples of a mismatch between a behavior and schedule are not limited to this. As another example, when a user's schedule is "work", a case where a user's photo is not displayed in the display range 76 for a predetermined time or more may be considered as an "example of a mismatch between a behavior and schedule".

[0126] FIG. 11 is a fifth display example of a virtual office. The virtual office shown in Figure 11 displays a group display section 72, a view switching section 73, a virtual image forming device 74, a virtual cabinet 75, a display range 76, a MY view sharing button 80, a meeting setting button 81, and a MY view setting button 82.

[0127] The group display section 72 shown in Fig. 11 indicates that two groups, "Project A" and "XX Circle", correspond to the MY view of user B. In addition, in the group display section 72 shown in Fig. 11, the background color of the characters "Project A" is displayed in a specific color, indicating that the user group currently displayed in the virtual office is "Project A".

[0128] In the view switching section 73 shown in FIG. 11, the background color of the characters "MY VIEW" is displayed in a specific color, indicating that the current view of the virtual office is "MY VIEW".

[0129] The virtual cabinet 75 shown in Fig. 11 is a part that provides the function of a cabinet dedicated to the MY view of user B. Therefore, when any icon displayed within the frame of the virtual cabinet 75 shown in Fig. 11 is selected, an information storage screen (not shown) of the cloud storage dedicated to the MY view of user B is displayed.

[0130] 11, the user images of multiple users (user B, user C, user E, user G, and user H) who make up the user group "Project A" in the MY view are displayed in display ranges 76B, 76C, 76E, 76G, and 76H specified for each user. In this way, in the MY view, regardless of hierarchy, one user group is made up of "user B, user C, and user E" who are associated with the user group "XX department" on the 1st floor, and "user G and user H" who are associated with the user group "●● department" on the 2nd floor.

[0131] The MY view share button 80 is a button for generating a user group in the MY view. When the MY view share button 80 is selected, an invitation screen (not shown) for inviting users who will constitute the user group to be generated is displayed. Then, in the virtual office, an invitation notification is sent to the user terminal of the user invited on the invitation screen, and by accepting the invitation notification, the invited user becomes a member of the invited user group.

[0132] The conference setting button 81 is a button for setting a schedule for a Web conference in the schedulers of multiple users who make up a user group in MY view. When the conference setting button 81 is selected, an input screen (not shown) for inputting the date and time of the Web conference is displayed. Then, in the virtual office, the schedule for the Web conference is entered into the schedulers of multiple users who make up the user group in MY view at the date and time inputted on the input screen.

[0133] The MY view setting button 82 is a button for adding or deleting users constituting the generated user group. When the MY view setting button 82 is selected, a setting screen (not shown) for adding or deleting users constituting the generated user group is displayed. Then, in the virtual office, an invitation notification is sent to the user terminal of the user added in the setting screen, and by accepting the invitation notification, the invited user becomes a member of the generated user group. Also, in the virtual office, a user deleted in the setting screen is excluded from the members of the generated user group.

[0134] As described above, in this embodiment, the view, which is the display mode of the virtual office, is provided with an organization view in which a user image of each user constituting a user group associated with a hierarchical level is displayed, and a MY view in which user images of multiple users independent of the hierarchical level are displayed. Therefore, according to this embodiment, compared to a configuration in which there is only one type of virtual office view, a user group made up of a combination of various users is provided.

[0135] Furthermore, in this embodiment, when a user moves between levels in a virtual office, if a special user is included among the users constituting the user group associated with the level from which the user was moved, CPU 21 displays the user image of the special user in display range 76 for special users in the level to which the user was moved.

[0136] 12 is a sixth display example of a virtual office. The display example shown in Fig. 12 shows a state in which the current layer of the virtual office has been switched from the display example shown in Fig. 8.

[0137] The virtual office shown in Figure 12, similar to the virtual office shown in Figure 8, displays a hierarchical display section 71, a group display section 72, a view switching section 73, a virtual image forming device 74, a virtual cabinet 75, and a display range 76.

[0138] In the hierarchy display section 71 shown in FIG. 12, the number "4" is surrounded by a black rectangular frame, indicating that the current hierarchy level of the virtual office is the 4th floor.

[0139] The group display unit 72 shown in Fig. 12 indicates that three groups, "Entire Company," "●● Department," and "XX Section," correspond to the 4th floor of the virtual office. Also, in the group display unit 72 shown in Fig. 12, the background color of the characters "●● Department" is displayed in a specific color, indicating that the user group currently displayed in the virtual office is the "●● Department." In this embodiment, the user groups on the 4th floor of the office building in which the workplace of the user who uses the virtual office is located are provided with "●● Department" and "XX Section," just like the virtual office.

[0140] In the virtual office shown in FIG. 12, the user images of multiple users (user F and user O to user R) constituting the user group "●● department" in the organizational view on the 4th floor are displayed in the display range 76F and the display range 76O to 76R specified for each user. In FIG. 12, it is assumed that user F, user O, and user Q are at their desks, and user P and user R are away from their desks. In FIG. 12, it is assumed that one or more users among user F and user O to user R are working in the office building in which their workplace is located, and one or more users are working at the telework destination. In this embodiment, user F and user O to user R constituting the user group "●● department" have their own desks on the 4th floor in both the virtual office and the office building.

[0141] As an example, in display range 76F, display range 76O, and display range 76Q, photographs captured by the imaging unit of the user terminal of each user are displayed as user images of user F, user O, and user Q who are currently seated.

[0142] Also, as an example, in the display range 76P and the display range 76R, dot background images prepared in advance on the information processing device 20 side for providing the virtual office are displayed as user images of the users P and R who are away from their desks, respectively.

[0143] In the virtual office shown in FIG. 12, the user image of user B who has moved from the second floor to the fourth floor is displayed in display range 76Z for users who have moved.

[0144] Here, in the virtual office, the user group "●● Department" corresponds to two hierarchical levels, 2F and 4F (see Figs. 8 and 12). In this case, user F is the department head of the user group "●● Department", and when the user group "●● Department" is displayed in the virtual office, the user image of the department head is set to be displayed at the top of the virtual image forming device 74. Therefore, in the virtual office, even when user B moves from the 2F to the 4F hierarchical level, the user image of user F, who is the department head of the user group "●● Department", is displayed in both the source and destination hierarchical levels. In other words, in this case, user F corresponds to the above-mentioned "special user".

[0145] With the above configuration, according to this embodiment, it is easier to grasp information about a special user (e.g., user F, who is a department head) compared to a configuration in which all user images displayed in the virtual office are changed when moving between levels.

[0146] Here, even if a second application different from the first application that displays the virtual office is executed and the display by the second application is being performed, the CPU 21 displays the virtual office together with the display by the second application. In this embodiment, the second application is an application that displays an electronic book, which is an electromagnetically recorded book.

[0147] Fig. 13 is a display example of the user terminal 30. When the second application is executed and an electronic book, which is a display by the second application, is displayed, the CPU 21 causes the display unit 38 of the user terminal 30 to display the virtual office shown in Fig. 13. Specifically, Fig. 13 shows a state after the second application is executed while the virtual office shown in Fig. 8 is being displayed.

[0148] 13, the display area of ​​the display unit 38 is divided into a first area 85 for displaying an electronic book and a second area 87 for displaying a virtual office. The CPU 21 displays the virtual office in the second area 87.

[0149] In the virtual office shown in FIG. 13, a hierarchical display section 71 and a display range 76 are displayed.

[0150] Only the current floor of the virtual office is displayed in the floor display section 71 shown in Fig. 13. In other words, the floor display section 71 shown in Fig. 13 only indicates that the current floor of the virtual office is the 2nd floor.

[0151] 13, only the user images of the users viewing the display example shown in Fig. 13, specifically, the users who are present at their desks excluding user B, are displayed. Therefore, in the display range 76 shown in Fig. 13, the user images of user F, user G, user I, user K, and user M who are present at their desks among the multiple users (user F to user N) who make up the user group "●● department" on the second floor of the virtual office are displayed in display range 76F, display range 76G, display range 76I, display range 76K, and display range 76M, respectively.

[0152] With the above-described configuration, according to this embodiment, overlooking of the virtual office is suppressed, compared to a configuration in which when multiple applications are executed, display is performed by only one application.

[0153] 13, the display area of ​​the first area 85 is larger than that of the second area 87, but this is not limiting, and the display area of ​​the second area 87 may be larger than the display area of ​​the first area 85. Furthermore, instead of dividing the display area of ​​the display unit 38 into the above-described first area 85 and second area 87, the virtual office may be displayed in front of the electronic book by overlapping it with the display area in which the electronic book is displayed.

[0154] (others) In the above embodiment, a hierarchical level is taken as an example of an "area", but an example of an "area" may be any predetermined unit and is not limited to a hierarchical level. As another example, a unit that exists in multiple locations in real space, such as a "base" and an "office", may be taken as an example of an "area".

[0155] Fig. 14 is a seventh display example of a virtual office. The virtual office shown in Fig. 14 has a base display section 90, which is a section that displays the bases of the virtual office, which are an example of an "area", instead of the virtual office hierarchical display section 71 of the above embodiment.

[0156] The location display section 90 shown in FIG. 14 indicates that the virtual office has five locations, A to E. In the location display section 90, the letter "A" is surrounded by a rectangular black frame, indicating that the current location of the virtual office is A. In this case, the location of the virtual office and the location of the workplace of the user who uses the virtual office may be the same or different. In other words, in this case, the workplace may have five locations, A to E, similar to the locations of the virtual office, or may have more or fewer than five locations.

[0157] In addition, the locations are marked with a lock mark 90D, and include an authenticated location 90A that accepts the movement of users from other locations upon successful authentication, an open location 90B that accepts the movement of users from other locations without successful authentication, and a non-authorized location 90C that does not accept the movement of users from other locations. The authenticated location 90A and the open location 90B are collectively referred to as "authorized locations." An authorized location is an example of an "authorized area," the authenticated location 90A is an example of an "authentication area," the open location 90B is an example of an "open area," and the non-authorized location 90C is an example of a "non-authorized area."

[0158] In the above embodiment, the absence schedule entered into the scheduler is displayed in the display range 76 only when the user's absence schedule is present. However, this is not limited to this, and the schedule for when the user is present may be displayed in the display range 76 specified for each user in the virtual office.

[0159] FIG. 15 is an eighth display example of a virtual office. Here, the schedule during the above-mentioned time of attendance includes, for example, "call XX", "plan to leave early at XX", "plan to go out at XX", and "XX deadline". In FIG. 15, it is assumed that users A to E who are at their own desks have input their schedule during the time of attendance in the scheduler in advance. In FIG. 15, as the schedule during the time of attendance, "call B" is displayed in the schedule display section 77 of the display range 76A, "plan to go out at 17:00" is displayed in the schedule display section 77 of the display range 76B, "call A" is displayed in the schedule display section 77 of the display range 76C, "plan to leave early at 14:00" is displayed in the schedule display section 77 of the display range 76D, and "document deadline" is displayed in the schedule display section 77 of the display range 76E.

[0160] In the above embodiment, the imaging unit of the user terminal captures images at predetermined intervals (e.g., every 5 minutes) while the first application is being executed, but the imaging timing is not limited to this and real-time imaging may be used. Also, the CPU of the user terminal may monitor the load on the network N and switch between imaging at predetermined intervals and real-time imaging depending on the load.

[0161] In the above embodiment, the image was captured using an imaging unit provided in the user terminal, but the image may be captured using an imaging unit provided in a device other than the user terminal. This allows the user image captured by the imaging unit to be not limited to a photo of the user, but other images such as a photo of the display unit of the user terminal. As an example, if the user image captured by the imaging unit is a photo of the display unit of the user terminal, the work content of the user of the user terminal can be understood by looking at the photo.

[0162] In the above embodiment, the predetermined authentication is password authentication, but the predetermined authentication is not limited to this and may be possession authentication, biometric authentication, etc. Also, the success or failure of the predetermined authentication may be determined using "two-factor authentication" or "two-step authentication."

[0163] In the above embodiment, the virtual office does not have a voice input / output function, but this is not limiting and the virtual office may have a voice input / output function. Furthermore, if the virtual office has a voice input / output function, it may accept only a part of the voice input, such as when a user displayed in the adjacent display range 76 on the top, bottom, left, or right side speaks to the virtual office.

[0164] In the above embodiment, the user terminal 30 is assumed to be a "smartphone," and an example of displaying a virtual office on the "smartphone" has been described. In this case, the amount of information of the virtual office displayed on one screen may be changed depending on the display environment, such as differences in the terminal on which the virtual office is displayed. As an example, when the user terminal 30 is assumed to be a "personal computer," the number of display ranges 76 that can be displayed on one screen may be increased compared to when the user terminal 30 is assumed to be a "smartphone."

[0165] In the above embodiment, the hierarchical display section 71, the group display section 72, the view switching section 73, the virtual image forming device 74, the virtual cabinet 75, and the display range 76 are displayed as a virtual office on one screen of the user terminal 30 (see FIG. 5). At this time, the information to be displayed as a virtual office on one screen of the user terminal 30 may be set in advance on the information processing device 20 side, or may be configured so that any information can be selected and displayed on the user terminal 30 side. As an example, when any information is set to be selected and displayed on the user terminal 30 side, it is possible to display only the hierarchical display section 71, to display only the virtual image forming device 74 and the virtual cabinet 75, to display only the display range 76 of users whose interaction frequency per unit time exceeds a predetermined threshold, or to display only the display range 76 of users who are present.

[0166] In the above embodiment, a user who is a department head is taken as an example of a "special user", and when the user moves between levels in the virtual office, the user image of the user is displayed on both the source and destination levels, but an example of a "special user" is not limited to a department head. For example, a business approver or the like may be taken as an example of a "special user".

[0167] In the above embodiment, the location information of the working user who is at work in the office building where the workplace is located is displayed by displaying the current location in the schedule display section 77 of the display range 76 of the working user, but the way of displaying the location information is not limited to this. As an example, the current location may not be displayed in the schedule display section 77, and the location information of the working user in the office building may be displayed only in the position display 78. Also, the position display 78 may only show the floor where the user is currently located, without showing the detailed location on each floor. As another example, the schedule display section 77 may display "Away from desk", and the current location may be displayed when the schedule display section 77 is selected.

[0168] In the above embodiment, the virtual office is configured as a so-called "company building" occupied by only one workplace, but this is not limited to this, and the virtual office may also be configured as a so-called "tenant building" occupied by multiple workplaces.

[0169] In the above embodiment, the floor of the virtual office and the floor of the office building in which the workplace of the user who uses the virtual office is located are the same, but this is not limited to the above and they may be different. As an example, the number of floors of the virtual office may be more or less than the number of floors of the office building.

[0170] In the above embodiment, the user groups corresponding to each floor of the virtual office and the user groups corresponding to each floor of the office building in which the workplace of the user who uses the virtual office is located are the same, but this is not limited to the above and may be different. As an example, a user group corresponding to the 1st floor in the virtual office may be corresponding to the 2nd floor in the office building. If the user groups corresponding to each floor of the virtual office are different from the user groups corresponding to each floor of the office building, the users who make up the user group will have their own desks located on different floors in the virtual office and the office building.

[0171] In the above embodiment, the information processing device 20 is a "server computer." In this case, the "server computer" constituting the information processing device 20 may be one or more.

[0172] In the above embodiment, icons representing multiple cabinets are displayed within the frame of the virtual cabinet 75 (see FIG. 5), but in this case, a cabinet corresponding to each user may be provided. As an example, a user displayed in the display range 76 located to the left of the virtual cabinet 75 in the virtual office may be able to select only the icon representing the cabinet to the left of the virtual cabinet 75.

[0173] In the above embodiment, when a user moves between levels in the virtual office, the user group associated with the level of the destination is displayed in the group display section 72. At this time, the user group displayed may be changed according to the authority of each user who has moved.

[0174] In the above embodiment, no specific function of the AR function was described, but when a display unit having an AR function is adopted, the virtual office may be displayed by superimposing it on the image of the real space captured by the imaging unit. In this case, if specific position information or image information of the real space cannot be obtained, the virtual office may not be displayed.

[0175] In the above embodiment, a specific embodiment of the VR function was not described, but when a display unit having a VR function is adopted, different images may be arranged in each viewing direction. As an example, each hierarchical display is performed at a predetermined angle in the left direction, and a My View or Web conference screen is assigned to a predetermined angle in the right direction. Similarly, multiple display screens may be arranged in the depth direction and switched. In addition, when switching the VR display, authentication action may be required when switching images in conjunction with head movement accompanying a change in the viewing direction.

[0176] In each of the above embodiments, the term "processor" refers to a processor in a broad sense, including general-purpose processors (e.g., CPU: Central Processing Unit, etc.) and dedicated processors (e.g., GPU: Graphics Processing Unit, ASIC: Application Specific Integrated Circuit, FPGA: Field Programmable Gate Array, programmable logic device, etc.).

[0177] In addition, the operations of the processor in each of the above embodiments may be performed not only by one processor, but also by multiple processors located at physically separate locations working together. Furthermore, the order of the operations of the processor is not limited to the order described in each of the above embodiments, and may be changed as appropriate. [Explanation of symbols]

[0178] 20 Information processing device 21 CPU (an example of a processor)

Claims

1. A processor is provided. The processor, A user group made up of users in multiple locations in the real world is associated with each area in the virtual world that can be moved between the areas; When the user moves to the area in the virtual space, images related to the users constituting the user group corresponding to the area of ​​the moved destination are displayed in a display range designated for each user, and an image related to the user who has moved is displayed in a display range for the user who has moved; The area includes an allowed area that accepts movement of the user from another area, and a not allowed area that does not accept movement of the user from another area, The processor, Accepting a setting of the permission area for each user; Identifying the user who desires to move to the area and the area to which the user is to move; If the destination area is the permitted area of ​​the user based on the setting of the permitted area, the destination area is displayed. Information processing device.

2. The permitted area includes an authentication area that accepts the movement of the user from another area if a predetermined authentication is successful, and an open area that accepts the movement of the user from another area without the success of the authentication, The processor, Accepting settings of the authentication area and the open area for each user; Identifying the user who desires to move to the area and the area to which the user is to move; When the destination area is the open area of ​​the user based on the setting of the open area, the destination area is displayed; If the destination area is the authenticated area of ​​the user based on the setting of the authentication area, the destination area is displayed if the authentication is successful. The information processing device according to claim 1 .

3. The processor, accepting a selection of information to be displayed in the virtual space by the user who is able to use the virtual space; displaying in the virtual space only the display range of the specific user selected by the user; The information processing device according to claim 1 .

4. The processor, The information processing apparatus according to claim 2 , wherein the open area, the authentication area, and the unauthorised area are displayed in different manners in the virtual space.

5. The processor, 5 . The information processing apparatus according to claim 1 , wherein the schedule of the user inputted to a scheduler that manages the schedule of the user is displayed in a display range designated for each of the users in the virtual space.

6. The processor, 6. The information processing apparatus according to claim 5, wherein when the user's plan inputted to the scheduler is an absence plan indicating that the user will be absent, the absence plan is displayed in a display range specified for each user in the virtual space.

7. The processor, The information processing device according to claim 5 or 6, wherein when a working user who is present at the workplace where the user works is away from his / her desk, the location information of the working user at the workplace is displayed in a display range for the working user in the virtual space.

8. The processor, An information processing device as described in any one of claims 5 to 7, wherein when the user's behavior indicated by an image of the user displayed in the virtual space differs from the user's schedule input into the scheduler, information indicating that the user's behavior and schedule are inconsistent is displayed in a display range specified for each user in the virtual space.

9. An information processing device as described in any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the display mode of the virtual space includes a first mode in which images related to the users who constitute the user group corresponding to the area are displayed, and a second mode in which images related to multiple users independent of the area are displayed.

10. The processor, An information processing device as described in any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein when the user moves to the area in the virtual space, if a special user is included among the users constituting the user group corresponding to the area from which the user moved, an image related to the special user is displayed in a display range for the special user in the area to which the user moved.

11. The processor, An information processing device as described in any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein even when a second application different from a first application that displays the virtual space is being executed and display is being performed by the second application, the virtual space is displayed together with the display by the second application.

12. On the computer, A user group made up of users in multiple locations in the real world is associated with each area in the virtual world that can be moved between the areas; When the user moves to the area in the virtual space, images related to the users constituting the user group corresponding to the area of ​​the moved destination are displayed in a display range designated for each user, and an image related to the user who has moved is displayed in a display range for the user who has moved. Execute the process, The area includes an allowed area that accepts movement of the user from another area, and a not allowed area that does not accept movement of the user from another area, The computer includes: Accepting a setting of the permission area for each user; Identifying the user who desires to move to the area and the area to which the user is to move; If the destination area is the permitted area of ​​the user based on the setting of the permitted area, the destination area is displayed. An information processing program for executing processing.

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