booth

Abstract

To provide a useful booth even when an area to hide is irregular.SOLUTION: A booth 10 having a terminal and a seat for conference installed inside comprises a partition 30 having at least a transparent part, a camera 40 and a controller 20 for detecting a screen of the terminal and a specific part of the body of a user seated on the seat by using the camera 40, specifying an area of the partition 30 that corresponds to the detected screen or the specific part of the body, and changing the specified area into translucent or opaque.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a booth. [Background technology]

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses a booth that includes a transparent partition panel that forms a space for a customer to enter, and a shielding member that is combined with the partition panel, and the shielding member changes between transparent and opaque states. The shielding member changes to an opaque state when a customer enters the booth, for example, when the customer enters the booth, or when the door is locked from the inside, or when the customer starts to operate the ATM. "ATM" is an abbreviation for automated teller machine. The shielding member returns to a transparent state when the customer leaves the booth, for example, when the customer leaves the booth, or when the door is unlocked from the inside, or when a certain time has passed after the ATM operation is completed. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] JP 2002-364253 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] In conventional booths, the shielding member becomes opaque when a customer enters the booth or begins to operate the ATM. However, because the position of the shielding member and the area that becomes opaque are fixed, the booth is of little use when the area to be hidden is not constant.

[0005] An object of the present disclosure is to provide a booth that is useful even when the area to be concealed is not constant. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] The booth according to the present disclosure is In a booth in which conference terminals and seats are installed, a partition that is at least partially transparent; A camera and a control device that detects a screen of the terminal or a specific part of the body of the user sitting on the seat using the camera, identifies an area of ​​the partition that corresponds to the detected screen or specific part of the body, and changes the identified area to semi-transparent or opaque; Equipped with. Effect of the Invention

[0007] According to the present disclosure, it is possible to provide a booth that is useful even when the area to be concealed is not constant. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0008] [Figure 1] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a booth according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Diagram 2] 13A-13C are diagrams illustrating an example of changing an area of ​​a booth partition to be translucent or opaque according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Diagram 3] 13A-13C are diagrams illustrating an example of changing an area of ​​a booth partition to be translucent or opaque according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 4] 13A-13C are diagrams illustrating an example of changing an area of ​​a booth partition to be translucent or opaque according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Diagram 5] 4 is a flowchart illustrating the operation of a control device of the booth according to the embodiment of the present disclosure. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0009] Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present disclosure will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0010] In each drawing, the same or corresponding parts are denoted by the same reference numerals. In the description of this embodiment, the description of the same or corresponding parts will be omitted or simplified as appropriate.

[0011] The configuration of a booth 10 according to this embodiment will be described with reference to FIG.

[0012] The booth 10 includes a partition 30 that is at least partially transparent, a camera 40, and a control device 20. The control device 20 can communicate with the partition 30 and the camera 40 via a dedicated line or a network such as a LAN or the Internet. "LAN" is an abbreviation for local area network.

[0013] The partition 30 is installed so as to form an internal space of the booth 10. The partition 30 may be entirely made of glass, but it is sufficient that at least one side of the partition 30 is made of glass. Alternatively, the partition 30 may be entirely made of a transparent display, but it is sufficient that at least one side of the partition 30 is made of a transparent display.

[0014] The camera 40 is installed at a location where it can capture an image of the interior space of the booth 10. The camera 40 is, for example, a visible light camera or a far-infrared camera.

[0015] The control device 20 may be installed in any location. Even if the control device 20 is installed in a location physically separated from the booth 10, it is considered to be logically a component of the booth 10. The control device 20 is a computer such as a microcomputer, a PC, a server computer, or a dedicated computer. "PC" is an abbreviation for personal computer.

[0016] The present embodiment will be outlined with reference to FIGS. 1 to 4. FIG.

[0017] A conference terminal 50 and a seat 60 are installed in the booth 10. The control device 20 uses the camera 40 to detect the screen 51 of the terminal 50 or a specific part of the body of the user sitting in the seat 60. The control device 20 identifies an area of ​​the partition 30 that corresponds to the detected screen 51 or specific part of the body. The control device 20 changes the identified area to semi-transparent or opaque. According to this embodiment, the position and range of the area of ​​the partition 30 that changes to semi-transparent or opaque are variable, so the booth 10 is highly useful even if the area to be hidden is not constant.

[0018] In this embodiment, the control device 20 adjusts the position, size, and shape of the specified area of ​​the partition 30 to match the position, size, and shape of the detected screen 51 or specific part of the body, but at this time, it is desirable to set the area to a relatively large size so that the screen 51 or specific part of the body cannot be seen from any angle.

[0019] In the example shown in FIG. 2, a user sitting in seat 60 is holding a remote conference on terminal 50 connected to other terminals via a network such as the Internet. Confidential information related to the topic of the remote conference is displayed on screen 51 of terminal 50. In such a case, in this embodiment, screen 51 of terminal 50 is automatically detected, and first region 31 of partition 30 corresponding to detected screen 51 automatically changes to semi-transparent or opaque. Therefore, screen 51 of terminal 50, which is an area to be hidden, can be made invisible from outside booth 10.

[0020] In the example shown in FIG. 3, a first user 61 sitting on a seat 60 is holding a remote conference in the same manner as in the example shown in FIG. 2. The first user 61 is about to yawn because the remote conference is boring. In this case, in the present embodiment, a chest-upper part 62 of the first user 61 is automatically detected, and the second region 32 of the partition 30 corresponding to the detected chest-upper part 62 is automatically changed to semi-transparent or opaque. Therefore, the chest-upper part 62 of the first user 61, which is an area to be hidden, can be made invisible from outside the booth 10. As a modified example, a face 63 of the first user 61 may be automatically detected, and the region of the partition 30 corresponding to the detected face 63 may automatically change to semi-transparent or opaque. In the example shown in FIG. 3, the first user 61 has taken off his shoes because only his upper body is visible to the other party in the remote conference. In this case, as another modified example, a foot 64 of the first user 61 may be automatically detected, and the region of the partition 30 corresponding to the detected foot 64 may automatically change to semi-transparent or opaque. Two or more areas of the partition 30 may be simultaneously translucent or opaque.

[0021] In the example shown in FIG. 4, a second user 65 sitting in a seat 60 is holding a remote conference in the same manner as in the example shown in FIG. 2. The second user 65 sits cross-legged because only the upper half of his body is visible to the other party in the remote conference. In such a case, in this embodiment, a lower part 66 of the second user 65 from the waist down is automatically detected, and the third region 33 of the partition 30 corresponding to the detected lower part 66 of the waist down is automatically changed to semi-transparent or opaque. Therefore, the lower part 66 of the second user 65, which is an area to be hidden, can be made invisible from outside the booth 10.

[0022] In the example shown in FIG. 3 or FIG. 4, the control device 20 may display an image of a specific part of the user's body in an area of ​​the partition 30 that corresponds to the part, thereby making the part invisible. This is because simply making the part invisible may attract attention instead. For example, when hiding the face 63, a facial photo may be displayed as the image, and when hiding the feet 64, an image of the feet may be displayed as the image. The user's avatar may be displayed as the image. Displaying the user's avatar makes it easier to see from outside the booth 10 who is inside.

[0023] The configuration of a control device 20 according to this embodiment will be described with reference to FIG.

[0024] The control device 20 includes a control unit 21, a storage unit 22, and a communication unit 23.

[0025] The control unit 21 includes at least one processor, at least one programmable circuit, at least one dedicated circuit, or any combination thereof. The processor is a general-purpose processor such as a CPU or GPU, or a dedicated processor specialized for a specific process. "CPU" is an abbreviation for central processing unit. "GPU" is an abbreviation for graphics processing unit. The programmable circuit is, for example, an FPGA. "FPGA" is an abbreviation for field-programmable gate array. The dedicated circuit is, for example, an ASIC. "ASIC" is an abbreviation for application specific integrated circuit. The control unit 21 executes processes related to the operation of the control device 20 while controlling each part of the control device 20.

[0026] The storage unit 22 includes at least one semiconductor memory, at least one magnetic memory, at least one optical memory, or any combination thereof. The semiconductor memory is, for example, a RAM or a ROM. "RAM" is an abbreviation for random access memory. "ROM" is an abbreviation for read only memory. The RAM is, for example, an SRAM or a DRAM. "SRAM" is an abbreviation for static random access memory. "DRAM" is an abbreviation for dynamic random access memory. The ROM is, for example, an EEPROM. "EEPROM" is an abbreviation for electrically erasable programmable read only memory. The storage unit 22 functions, for example, as a main storage device, an auxiliary storage device, or a cache memory. The storage unit 22 stores data used in the operation of the control device 20 and data obtained by the operation of the control device 20.

[0027] The communication unit 23 includes at least one communication interface. The communication interface is, for example, an interface compatible with a wired LAN communication standard such as Ethernet (registered trademark), a wireless LAN communication standard such as IEEE802.11, a mobile communication standard such as LTE, 4G standard, or 5G standard, or a short-range wireless communication standard such as Bluetooth (registered trademark). "IEEE" is an abbreviation for Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers. "LTE" is an abbreviation for Long Term Evolution. "4G" is an abbreviation for 4th generation. "5G" is an abbreviation for 5th generation. The communication unit 23 communicates with the partition 30 and the camera 40. The communication unit 23 receives data used in the operation of the control device 20 and transmits data obtained by the operation of the control device 20.

[0028] The functions of the control device 20 are realized by executing a program according to this embodiment on a processor serving as the control unit 21. That is, the functions of the control device 20 are realized by software. The program causes a computer to execute the operations of the control device 20, thereby causing the computer to function as the control device 20. That is, the computer functions as the control device 20 by executing the operations of the control device 20 in accordance with the program.

[0029] The program may be stored in a non-transitory computer-readable medium. Examples of the non-transitory computer-readable medium include a flash memory, a magnetic recording device, an optical disk, a magneto-optical recording medium, or a ROM. The program may be distributed, for example, by selling, transferring, or lending a portable medium such as an SD card, DVD, or CD-ROM on which the program is stored. "SD" is an abbreviation for Secure Digital. "DVD" is an abbreviation for digital versatile disc. "CD-ROM" is an abbreviation for compact disc read only memory. The program may be distributed by storing the program in the storage of a server and transferring the program from the server to another computer. The program may be provided as a program product.

[0030] A computer temporarily stores in a main storage device, for example, a program stored in a portable medium or a program transferred from a server. Then, the computer reads the program stored in the main storage device with a processor, and executes processing according to the read program with the processor. The computer may read the program directly from a portable medium and execute processing according to the program. The computer may execute processing according to the received program each time a program is transferred from the server to the computer. Processing may be executed by a so-called ASP-type service that realizes functions only by execution instructions and result acquisition without transferring a program from the server to the computer. "ASP" is an abbreviation for application service provider. A program is information used for processing by a computer, and includes those equivalent to a program. For example, data that is not a direct command to a computer but has the property of defining computer processing falls under "those equivalent to a program."

[0031] A part or all of the functions of the control device 20 may be realized by a programmable circuit or a dedicated circuit as the control unit 21. In other words, a part or all of the functions of the control device 20 may be realized by hardware.

[0032] The operation of the control device 20 according to this embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 5. This operation corresponds to the control method according to this embodiment.

[0033] In step S1, the control unit 21 of the control device 20 detects the screen 51 of the terminal 50 or a specific part of the body of the user sitting in the seat 60 using the camera 40. Specifically, the control unit 21 acquires an image captured by the camera 40 via the communication unit 23. The control unit 21 analyzes the acquired image to detect the screen 51 of the terminal 50 or a specific part of the body of the user sitting in the seat 60. A known method can be used as a method for image analysis. Machine learning such as deep learning may also be used.

[0034] 2, the control unit 21 of the control device 20 detects the screen 51 of the terminal 50. The control unit 21 may detect the screen 51 only when confidential information including specific text such as "confidential" or a specific figure is displayed on the screen 51.

[0035] In the example shown in FIG. 3, the control unit 21 of the control device 20 detects a part 62 from the chest up of the first user 61. The control unit 21 may detect the part 62 from the chest up only when the first user 61 is making a specific gesture, such as yawning. As a modified example, the control unit 21 may detect a face 63 of the first user 61. The control unit 21 may detect the face 63 only when the first user 61 is making a specific facial expression. As another modified example, the control unit 21 may detect a foot 64 of the first user 61. The control unit 21 may detect the foot 64 only when the first user 61 has taken off his shoes.

[0036] 4, the control unit 21 of the control device 20 detects the part 66 below the waist of the second user 65. The control unit 21 may detect the part 66 below the waist only when the second user 65 is in a specific posture, such as sitting cross-legged or sitting upright. The control unit 21 may detect the posture of the second user 65 by performing bone tracking.

[0037] In step S2, the control unit 21 of the control device 20 identifies an area of ​​the partition 30 that corresponds to the screen 51 or the specific part of the body detected in step S1. Specifically, the control unit 21 identifies, within the entire range of the partition 30, an area of ​​a certain shape that is the same as or wider than the range in which the detected screen 51 or the specific part of the body is visible from outside the booth 10, as the relevant area.

[0038] In the example shown in FIG. 2, the control unit 21 specifies, within the entire range of the partition 30, the range in which the screen 51 of the terminal 50 can be seen from outside the booth 10 as the first area 31.

[0039] 3, the control unit 21 specifies, within the entire range of the partition 30, a rectangular range that is wider than the range in which a chest-upper part 62 of the first user 61 can be seen from outside the booth 10, as the second region 32. As a modified example, the control unit 21 may specify, within the entire range of the partition 30, a rectangular range that is wider than the range in which a face 63 of the first user 61 can be seen from outside the booth 10, as the fourth region. As another modified example, the control unit 21 may specify, within the entire range of the partition 30, a rectangular range that is wider than the range in which a foot 64 of the first user 61 can be seen from outside the booth 10, as the fifth region.

[0040] In the example shown in Figure 4, the control unit 21 identifies as the third area 33 a rectangular area within the entire area of ​​the partition 30 that is larger than the area in which the lower body part 66 of the second user 65 from the waist down can be seen from outside the booth 10.

[0041] In step S3, the control unit 21 of the control device 20 changes the area identified in step S2 to be semi-transparent or opaque. Specifically, the control unit 21 controls the glass serving as the partition 30 via the communication unit 23 to cloud the area. Alternatively, the control unit 21 may control a transparent display serving as the partition 30 via the communication unit 23 to pixelate the area or display some kind of image.

[0042] 2, the control unit 21 clouds the first region 31. Alternatively, the control unit 21 may pixelate the first region 31 or display some image.

[0043] In the example shown in FIG. 3, the control unit 21 may blur the second region 32. Alternatively, the control unit 21 may pixelate the second region 32 or display some image. The image displayed may be an image representing the part 62 from the chest up of the first user 61, for example, the part from the chest up of the avatar of the first user 61. The expression of the face 63 of the first user 61 or the movement of the part 62 from the chest up of the first user 61 may be reflected in real time in this image, but the reflection is stopped at least when the first user 61 is yawning. As a modified example, the control unit 21 may blur the fourth region, pixelate the fourth region, or display some image. The image displayed may be an image representing the face 63 of the first user 61, for example, the face of the avatar of the first user 61. The expression of the face 63 of the first user 61 may be reflected in real time in this image, but the reflection is stopped at least when the first user 61 is yawning. As another variation, the control unit 21 may blur the fifth region, or may pixelate the fifth region, or may display some image. The displayed image may be an image representing the feet 64 of the first user 61, for example, the feet of an avatar of the first user 61. This image may reflect the movement of the feet 64 of the first user 61 in real time, but the reflection is stopped when the first user 61 takes off his shoes.

[0044] In the example shown in FIG. 4, the control unit 21 blurs the third region 33. Alternatively, the control unit 21 may pixelate the third region 33 or display some image. The displayed image may be an image representing the lower part 66 of the second user 65, for example, the lower part of the waist of the avatar of the second user 65. This image may reflect the movement of the lower part 66 of the second user 65 in real time, but the reflection is stopped at least when the second user 65 is sitting cross-legged.

[0045] In this embodiment, the processes from step S1 to step S3 are executed to change the variable area of ​​the partition 30 of the booth 10 to translucent or opaque, thereby making it possible to hide a specific object within the booth 10. The processes from step S1 to step S3 may be executed multiple times. If an area different from the previous time is identified in step S2, in step S3 the area that was previously changed to translucent or opaque returns to transparent, and the newly identified area changes to translucent or opaque.

[0046] In the example shown in FIG. 2, the area of ​​the partition 30 corresponding to the screen 51 of the terminal 50 can be made semi-transparent or opaque, thereby making it possible to hide confidential information displayed on the screen 51.

[0047] In the example shown in FIG. 3, a gesture such as yawning of the first user 61 can be hidden by changing an area of ​​the partition 30 corresponding to a part 62 from the chest up of the first user 61 to semi-transparent or opaque. Alternatively, a relaxed expression of the first user 61 can be hidden by changing an area of ​​the partition 30 corresponding to a face 63 of the first user 61 to semi-transparent or opaque. Alternatively, a state in which the first user 61 has taken off his shoes can be hidden by changing an area of ​​the partition 30 corresponding to a foot 64 of the first user 61 to semi-transparent or opaque. Alternatively, loose clothing of the first user 61 can be hidden by changing an area of ​​the partition 30 corresponding to a desired part of the body of the first user 61 to semi-transparent or opaque.

[0048] 4, a region of the partition 30 corresponding to a lower part 66 of the second user 65 from the waist down can be made semi-transparent or opaque to hide a relaxed posture, such as a cross-legged position, of the second user 65. Alternatively, a region of the partition 30 corresponding to a desired part of the body of the second user 65 can be made semi-transparent or opaque to hide loose clothing of the second user 65.

[0049] The present disclosure is not limited to the above-mentioned embodiment. For example, two or more blocks shown in the block diagram may be integrated, or one block may be divided. Instead of executing two or more steps shown in the flowchart in chronological order as described, they may be executed in parallel or in a different order depending on the processing capacity of the device executing each step, or as necessary. Other modifications are possible without departing from the spirit of the present disclosure. [Explanation of symbols]

[0050] Booth 10 20 Control device 21 Control section 22 Memory section 23 Communications Department 30 Partition 31 First area 32 Second area 33 Third area 40 Camera 50 terminals 51 screens 60 seats 61 First User 62 Upper chest area 63 Face 64 Feet 65 Second User 66 Lower part of the waist

Claims

1. In a booth in which conference terminals and seats are installed, a partition that is at least partially transparent and separates the inside and outside of the booth; a camera for taking images of the interior of the booth; a control device that acquires an image captured by the camera, analyzes the acquired image, detects the screen of the terminal, and, depending on the position, size, and shape of the detected screen, specifies, within the entire range of the partition, a range of a certain shape that is the same as or wider than the range in which the detected screen can be seen from outside the booth, as an area corresponding to the detected screen, and changes the specified area to be semi-transparent or opaque; A booth equipped with:

2. The booth described in Claim 1, wherein the control device detects a screen of the terminal on which confidential information including specific text or specific figures is displayed.

Images