Conference System

Abstract

A meeting system (10) including: a first speaker device (20) that outputs a masking sound for masking a voice in a remote meeting so as to make the voice difficult to be heard by a person not participating in the remote meeting; a meeting device (22) for performing the remote meeting; a second speaker device (24) that outputs a voice of another participant of the remote meeting; an acquisition device (26) that acquires at least one of meeting information about the remote meeting and presence / absence information indicating whether or not a person not participating in the remote meeting exists at a predetermined place; and a control device (36) that controls the first speaker device (20) on the basis of at least one of the meeting information and the presence / absence information.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a conference system. [Background technology]

[0002] Conventionally, masking devices that output a masking sound for a speaker's voice have been known. As an example of this type of conventional technology, Patent Document 1 discloses a masking device that includes a voice input means that inputs the speaker's voice as an input voice, and a voice output control means that processes the input voice input by the voice input means to generate a masking sound determined by an output voice determination means, and controls the generated masking sound to be output. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Patent No. 4336552 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] However, when a remote conference is held in an open space, people participating in the conference from a remote location are likely to inadvertently make statements containing confidential information because it is difficult to understand the surrounding situation in the space, and confidential information is likely to be leaked. On the other hand, if people participating in the conference from a remote location are restricted from speaking in order to prevent confidential information from being leaked, they will not be able to participate in the discussion efficiently, and the conference will not proceed efficiently.

[0005] Therefore, the present invention provides a conference system that can prevent confidential information from leaking and can efficiently conduct a remote conference. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] A conference system according to one embodiment of the present invention includes a first speaker device that outputs a masking sound that masks the audio in a remote conference so that it is difficult for people who are not participating in the remote conference to hear, a conference device for conducting the remote conference, a second speaker device that outputs the audio of the other party in the remote conference, an acquisition device for acquiring at least one of conference information regarding the remote conference and presence / absence information indicating whether people who are not participating in the remote conference are present in a specified location, and a control device that controls the first speaker device based on at least one of the conference information and the presence / absence information. [Effects of the Invention]

[0007] The conference system of the present invention can prevent confidential information from leaking and can also efficiently conduct a remote conference. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0008] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating a conference system according to an embodiment. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the functional configuration of the conference system of FIG. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing a first example of operation of the conference system of FIG. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing a second operation example of the conference system of FIG. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing a third operation example of the conference system of FIG. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing a fourth operation example of the conference system of FIG. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing a fifth operation example of the conference system of FIG. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing a sixth operation example of the conference system of FIG. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is a diagram showing a conference system according to another embodiment. [Figure 10]FIG. 10 is a diagram showing another example of a space in which a remote conference is held. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0009] Hereinafter, the embodiments will be specifically described with reference to the drawings.

[0010] The embodiments described below are all comprehensive or specific examples. The numerical values, shapes, materials, components, component placement and connection configurations, steps, and step order shown in the following embodiments are merely examples and are not intended to limit the present disclosure. Furthermore, among the components in the following embodiments, components that are not described in the independent claims that represent the highest concepts are described as optional components.

[0011] In addition, each drawing is a schematic diagram and is not necessarily an exact illustration. In addition, the same components are denoted by the same reference numerals in each drawing.

[0012] (Embodiment) 1 is a diagram showing a conference system 10 according to an embodiment of the present invention. The conference system 10 will be described with reference to FIG.

[0013] 1, a conference system 10 is a conference system that can prevent audio from being heard during a remote conference held in a space 1 by people who are not participating in the remote conference. For example, the space 1 in which the remote conference is held is an open space inside a building. The conference system 10 includes a plurality of support columns 12, a plurality of beams 14, a desk 16, a plurality of chairs 18, a plurality of first speaker devices 20, a conference device 22, a second speaker device 24, an acquisition device 26, and a plurality of second microphone devices 32.

[0014] A plurality of support columns 12 are installed around the space 1. A plurality of beams 14 are installed above the space 1. Each of the beams 14 has a duct rail (not shown). A desk 16 and a plurality of chairs 18 are installed in the space 1.

[0015] Each of the plurality of first speaker devices 20 outputs a masking sound that masks the sound in a remote conference so that it is difficult for people who are not participating in the remote conference to hear. For example, the remote conference is a conference held between people in space 1 and people who are in a location away from space 1. Also, for example, the sound in the remote conference is sound emitted from people participating in the remote conference, and includes sound emitted from people in space 1 when the remote conference is being held in space 1 and sound output from the second speaker device 24. Also, for example, people who are not participating in the remote conference are people outside space 1. Also, for example, the masking sound is white noise or environmental sounds in a city.

[0016] The masking sound output from each of the plurality of first speaker devices 20 further masks sounds generated outside the space 1 so that the people participating in the remote conference cannot easily hear the sounds. For example, the people participating in the remote conference are people in the space 1.

[0017] Each of the plurality of first speaker devices 20 is a directional speaker device. Each of the plurality of first speaker devices 20 is attached to a beam portion 14 and outputs a masking sound toward the outside of the space 1. For example, each of the plurality of first speaker devices 20 outputs a masking sound near the boundary between the space 1 and a space outside the space 1.

[0018] For example, the conference system 10 may include one first speaker device 20 instead of multiple first speaker devices. The masking sound does not have to be a masking sound that makes sounds generated outside the space 1 difficult for people participating in the remote conference to hear. The first speaker device 20 does not have to be a directional speaker device. In this case, the masking sound can be output over a wide area outside the space 1. The first speaker device 20 does not have to be attached to the beam 14, but may be attached to the support 12, the ceiling, the floor, or the like.

[0019] The conference device 22 is a conference device for holding a remote conference. The conference device 22 is installed on a desk 16 in the space 1. For example, the conference device 22 is a terminal device such as a personal computer on which remote conference software is installed. Note that the conference device 22 does not have to be installed on the desk 16.

[0020] The second speaker device 24 outputs the voice of the other party in the remote conference. For example, the other party in the remote conference is a person who is holding a remote conference with the person in the space 1 from a location distant from the space 1.

[0021] The second speaker device 24 is a directional speaker. The second speaker device 24 is slidably attached to a duct rail (not shown) of the beam portion 14, and outputs sound downward. For example, the second speaker device 24 is positioned and installed so as to be located above people participating in a remote conference in the space 1.

[0022] For example, a sound absorbing material (not shown) may be installed in a location where the sound output from the second speaker device 24 is reflected. For example, this location may be a floor, etc. This can prevent the sound output from the second speaker device 24 from being reflected within the space 1 and leaking outside the space 1.

[0023] Furthermore, for example, the conference system 10 may include a plurality of second speaker devices 24. Furthermore, the second speaker devices 24 do not have to be directional speaker devices. Furthermore, the second speaker devices 24 do not have to be attached to the beams 14, but may be installed on the desk 16, or may be attached to the ceiling, floor, or the like.

[0024] The acquisition device 26 is an acquisition device for acquiring at least one of conference information regarding a remote conference and presence / absence information indicating whether or not a person who is not participating in the remote conference is present at a predetermined location. In this embodiment, the acquisition device 26 is an apparatus for acquiring both the conference information and the presence / absence information. The acquisition device 26 has a first microphone device 28 and a plurality of sensor devices 30.

[0025] For example, the conference information includes audio information about the audio input to the first microphone device 28, information indicating the attendees of the remote conference, and information indicating the level of confidentiality of the remote conference. Also, for example, the audio information includes information indicating the sound pressure of the audio input to the first microphone device 28, information indicating the frequency of the audio input to the first microphone device 28, and information indicating the words included in the audio input to the first microphone device 28. Also, for example, the information indicating the attendees of the remote conference and the information indicating the level of confidentiality of the remote conference are determined in advance by the person conducting the remote conference.

[0026] Furthermore, for example, the predetermined location is a location where voices in a remote conference can be easily heard, specifically, a location around the space 1. Furthermore, for example, the presence / absence information includes detection information of each of the multiple sensor devices 30. The detection information is information indicating the detection results of the sensor devices 30.

[0027] The first microphone device 28 is a first microphone device into which voices in a remote conference are input and is installed on a desk 16 in the space 1.

[0028] The plurality of sensor devices 30 detect people who are present in a predetermined location and are not participating in a remote conference. Each of the plurality of sensor devices 30 is attached to the beam portion 14. For example, each of the plurality of sensor devices 30 is a human presence sensor device, such as an infrared sensor device, an ultrasonic sensor device, or a visible light sensor device.

[0029] For example, the acquisition device 26 may include a plurality of first microphone devices 28, or may include a single sensor device 30 instead of a plurality of first microphone devices 28. Furthermore, for example, the acquisition device 26 may include a camera that captures an image of a predetermined location. In this case, the presence / absence information includes image information captured by the camera.

[0030] Also, for example, the first microphone device 28 does not have to be installed on the desk 16, but may be a wearable microphone device worn by a person participating in a remote conference. Also, the sensor device 30 does not have to be attached to the beam 14, but may be attached to the support 12, the ceiling, the floor, or the like.

[0031] Each of the second microphone devices 32 is a second microphone device that receives sound generated outside the space 1 where the remote conference is held. For example, the sound may be environmental sound, including background music and voices emitted by people who are not participating in the remote conference. Each of the second microphone devices 32 is attached to the support column 12.

[0032] For example, the conference system 10 may include only one second microphone device 32 instead of multiple second microphone devices 32. The second microphone device 32 does not have to be attached to the support 12, but may be attached to the beam 14, the ceiling, the floor, or the like.

[0033] Fig. 2 is a block diagram showing the functional configuration of the conference system 10 of Fig. 1. The functional configuration of the conference system 10 will be described with reference to Fig. 2.

[0034] As shown in FIG. 2, the conference system 10 further includes a player device 34 and a control device 36.

[0035] The player device 34 plays back the sound source in which the masking sound is stored, and transmits an audio signal for outputting the masking sound to the first speaker device 20. The first speaker device 20 outputs the masking sound based on the audio signal transmitted from the player device 34.

[0036] The control device 36 controls the first speaker device 20 based on at least one of the conference information and the presence / absence information.

[0037] For example, the control device 36 controls the first speaker device 20 based on audio information included in the conference information. Details of the control of the control device 36 based on audio information will be described later. Furthermore, for example, the control device 36 controls the first speaker device 20 based on information indicating the attendees of the remote conference included in the conference information. Specifically, for example, when a predetermined person is included in the attendees of the remote conference, the control device 36 increases the volume of the masking sound in the remote conference above a predetermined volume. Furthermore, for example, the control device 36 controls the first speaker device 20 based on information indicating the level of confidentiality of the remote conference included in the conference information. Specifically, for example, when the level of confidentiality of the remote conference is higher than a predetermined level, the control device 36 increases the volume of the masking sound in the remote conference above a predetermined volume.

[0038] Furthermore, for example, the control device 36 controls the first speaker device 20 based on the detection information included in the presence / absence information. Details of the control of the control device 36 based on the detection information will be described later. Furthermore, for example, if the acquisition device 26 has the above-mentioned camera, the control device 36 controls the first speaker device 20 based on the imaging information included in the presence / absence information. Specifically, for example, when the camera detects a person who is not participating in the remote conference, the control device 36 controls the first speaker device 20 so that the volume of the masking sound is louder than when the camera does not detect a person who is not participating in the remote conference.

[0039] Furthermore, for example, the control device 36 controls the first speaker device 20 based on both the conference information and the presence information. For example, the control device 36 controls the first speaker device 20 so that the volume of the masking sound when a person who is not participating in the remote conference is present in a predetermined location in a remote conference where the level of confidentiality is higher than a predetermined level is larger than the volume of the masking sound when a person who is not participating in the remote conference is present in a predetermined location in a remote conference where the level of confidentiality is lower than a predetermined level.

[0040] For example, the control device 36 is realized by a processor or the like.

[0041] Fig. 3 is a flowchart showing a first example of operation of the conference system 10 of Fig. 1. The first example of operation of the conference system 10 will be described with reference to Fig. 3.

[0042] As shown in FIG. 3, when the remote conference starts, the control device 36 acquires, from the first microphone device 28, information indicating the sound pressure of the voice input to the first microphone device 28 (step S1).

[0043] Upon receiving the information, the control device 36 determines whether the sound pressure of the voice input to the first microphone device 28 is greater than a predetermined threshold (step S2). For example, the predetermined threshold is determined in advance.

[0044] When the sound pressure of the sound input to the first microphone device 28 is greater than the predetermined threshold (Yes in step S2), the control device 36 controls the first speaker device 20 so that the volume of the masking sound is greater than when the sound pressure is equal to or less than the predetermined threshold (step S3). In this way, when the sound pressure of the sound input to the first microphone device 28 is greater than the predetermined threshold, the control device 36 controls the first speaker device 20 so that the volume of the masking sound is greater than when the sound pressure is equal to or less than the predetermined threshold.

[0045] When the sound pressure of the sound input to the first microphone device 28 is not greater than the predetermined threshold (No in step S2), the control device 36 controls the first speaker device 20 so that the volume of the masking sound is lower than when the sound pressure is higher than the predetermined threshold (step S4). In this way, when the sound pressure of the sound input to the first microphone device 28 is not greater than the predetermined threshold, the control device 36 controls the first speaker device 20 so that the volume of the masking sound is lower than when the sound pressure is higher than the predetermined threshold.

[0046] For example, the control device 36 controls the first speaker device 20 so that the volume of the masking sound is 0 dB when the sound pressure is equal to or lower than a predetermined threshold, and controls the first speaker device 20 so that the volume of the masking sound is 20 dB only when the sound pressure is greater than the predetermined threshold.

[0047] Fig. 4 is a flowchart showing a second operational example of the conference system 10 of Fig. 1. The second operational example of the conference system 10 will be described with reference to Fig. 4.

[0048] As shown in FIG. 4, when the remote conference starts, the control device 36 acquires, from the first microphone device 28, information indicating the frequency of the voice input to the first microphone device 28 (step S11).

[0049] Upon receiving the information, the control device 36 controls the first speaker device 20 so that the frequency of the masking sound changes according to the frequency of the sound input to the first microphone device 28 (step S12).

[0050] For example, the control device 36 controls the first speaker device 20 so that the frequency of the masking sound changes in accordance with changes in the frequency of the sound input to the first microphone device 28, so that a masking sound of the same frequency as the frequency of the sound input to the first microphone device 28 is output. Also, for example, the control device 36 controls the first speaker device 20 so that the frequency of the masking sound changes in accordance with changes in the frequency of the sound input to the first microphone device 28, so that a masking sound of a lower frequency than the frequency of the sound input to the first microphone device 28 is output.

[0051] Fig. 5 is a flowchart showing a third operational example of the conference system 10 of Fig. 1. With reference to Fig. 5, the third operational example of the conference system 10 will be described.

[0052] As shown in FIG. 5, when a remote conference begins, the control device 36 acquires, from the first microphone device 28, information indicating the frequency of the sound input to the first microphone device 28, and acquires, from the second microphone device 32, information indicating the frequency of the sound input to the second microphone device 32 (step S21).

[0053] Upon acquiring this information, the control device 36 controls the first speaker device 20 so that the frequency of the masking sound changes according to the frequency of the sound input to the first microphone device 28 and the frequency of the sound input to the second microphone device 32 (step S22).

[0054] For example, when the frequency of the sound input to the first microphone device 28 is higher than the frequency of the sound input to the second microphone device 32, the control device 36 controls the first speaker device 20 to output a masking sound with the same frequency as the frequency of the sound input to the second microphone device 32. Also, when the frequency of the sound input to the first microphone device 28 is lower than the frequency of the sound input to the second microphone device 32, the control device 36 controls the first speaker device 20 so that the sum of the frequency of the sound input to the second microphone device 32 and the frequency of the masking sound is equal to or lower than the frequency of the sound input to the first microphone device 28. Also, for example, the control device 36 outputs a masking sound with a frequency lower than the frequency of the sound input to the first microphone device 28 and the frequency of the sound input to the second microphone device 32. In this way, the masking sound can further mask sounds generated outside the space 1 so that they are less audible to people participating in a remote conference in the space 1.

[0055] Fig. 6 is a flowchart showing a fourth operational example of the conference system 10 of Fig. 1. With reference to Fig. 6, the fourth operational example of the conference system 10 will be described.

[0056] As shown in FIG. 6, when the remote conference starts, the control device 36 acquires, from the first microphone device 28, information indicating words included in the voice input to the first microphone device 28 (step S31).

[0057] When the control device 36 acquires the information, it determines whether or not a predetermined word is included in the voice input to the first microphone device 28 (step S32). For example, the predetermined word is a word that is determined in advance.

[0058] When the voice input to the first microphone device 28 contains a predetermined word (Yes in step S32), the control device 36 controls the first speaker device 20 to increase the volume of the masking sound (step S33). For example, the control device 36 controls the first speaker device 20 to output a masking sound with a volume greater than the volume of the masking sound at the time of the above determination (step S32).

[0059] If the voice input to the first microphone device 28 does not contain the predetermined word (No in step S32), the control device 36 controls the first speaker device 20 so that the volume of the masking sound does not change (step S34). For example, the control device 36 controls the first speaker device 20 so that the masking sound is output at the same volume as the volume of the masking sound at the time of the above determination (step S32).

[0060] Fig. 7 is a flowchart showing a fifth operational example of the conference system 10 of Fig. 1. With reference to Fig. 7, the fifth operational example of the conference system 10 will be described.

[0061] As shown in FIG. 7, when a remote conference begins, the control device 36 acquires, from the first microphone device 28, information indicating the frequency of the voice input to the first microphone device 28 and information indicating the words contained in the voice input to the first microphone device 28 (step S41).

[0062] Upon acquiring this information, the control device 36 estimates the speaker (step S42) and determines whether a predetermined speaker is uttering the voice (step S43). For example, the control device 36 acquires in advance the frequency of the voice when the predetermined speaker utters a voice containing predetermined words, and compares the frequency with the frequency of the voice input to the first microphone device 28, thereby estimating the speaker.

[0063] When the predetermined speaker is uttering a sound (Yes in step S43), the control device 36 controls the first speaker device 20 so that the volume of the masking sound is louder than when the predetermined speaker is not uttering a sound (step S44). In this way, the control device 36 controls the first speaker device 20 so that the volume of the masking sound is louder when the predetermined speaker is uttering a sound than when the predetermined speaker is not uttering a sound.

[0064] When the predetermined speaker is not uttering a sound (No in step S43), the control device 36 controls the first speaker device 20 so that the volume of the masking sound is lower than when the predetermined speaker is uttering a sound (step S45). In this way, the control device 36 controls the first speaker device 20 so that the volume of the masking sound is lower when the predetermined speaker is not uttering a sound than when the predetermined speaker is uttering a sound.

[0065] For example, the control device 36 controls the first speaker device 20 so that the volume of the masking sound is 0 dB when the specified speaker is not uttering a sound, and controls the first speaker device 20 so that the volume of the masking sound is 20 dB only when the specified speaker is uttering a sound.

[0066] Fig. 8 is a flowchart showing a sixth operational example of the conference system 10 of Fig. 1. With reference to Fig. 8, the sixth operational example of the conference system 10 will be described.

[0067] As shown in FIG. 8, when the remote conference starts, the control device 36 acquires detection information from the sensor device 30 (step S51).

[0068] When the control device 36 acquires the detection information, it determines whether the sensor device 30 has detected a person who is not participating in a remote conference (step S52).

[0069] When the sensor device 30 detects a person who is not participating in a remote conference (Yes in step S52), the control device 36 controls the first speaker device 20 so that the volume of the masking sound is louder than when the sensor device 30 does not detect a person who is not participating in a remote conference (step S53). In this way, when the sensor device 30 detects a person who is not participating in a remote conference, the control device 36 controls the first speaker device 20 so that the volume of the masking sound is louder than when the sensor device 30 does not detect a person who is not participating in a remote conference.

[0070] When the sensor device 30 does not detect a person who is not participating in a remote conference (No in step S52), the control device 36 controls the first speaker device 20 so that the volume of the masking sound is lower than when the sensor device 30 detects a person who is not participating in a remote conference (step S54). In this way, when the sensor device 30 does not detect a person who is not participating in a remote conference, the control device 36 controls the first speaker device 20 so that the volume of the masking sound is lower than when the sensor device 30 detects a person who is not participating in a remote conference.

[0071] For example, the control device 36 controls the first speaker device 20 so that the volume of the masking sound is 0 dB when the sensor device 30 does not detect a person who is not participating in a remote conference, and controls the first speaker device 20 so that the volume of the masking sound is 20 dB only when the sensor device 30 detects a person who is not participating in a remote conference.

[0072] The conference system 10 according to the embodiment has been described above.

[0073] The conference system 10 according to the embodiment includes a first speaker device 20 that outputs a masking sound to mask the audio in a remote conference so that it is difficult for people not participating in the remote conference to hear, a conference device 22 for conducting the remote conference, a second speaker device 24 that outputs the audio of the other party in the remote conference, an acquisition device 26 that acquires at least one of conference information regarding the remote conference and presence / absence information indicating whether or not people not participating in the remote conference are present at a specified location, and a control device 36 that controls the first speaker device 20 based on at least one of the conference information and the presence / absence information.

[0074] According to this, the first speaker device 20 that outputs the masking sound is controlled based on at least one of the conference information and the presence / absence information, so that the voices in the remote conference can be prevented from being heard by people who are not participating in the remote conference. This makes it difficult for confidential information that is kept secret from people other than those participating in the remote conference to leak, and allows the remote conference to proceed efficiently.

[0075] In addition, in the conference system 10 according to the embodiment, the acquisition device 26 has a first microphone device 28 to which audio in a remote conference is input, the conference information includes audio information relating to the audio input to the first microphone device 28, and the control device 36 controls the first speaker device 20 based on the audio information.

[0076] This makes it easier to appropriately output masking sounds according to the audio in the remote conference, further reducing the possibility that audio in the remote conference will be heard by people not participating in the remote conference. This makes it even more difficult for confidential information to be leaked, and allows the remote conference to proceed more efficiently.

[0077] In addition, in the conference system 10 according to the embodiment, the audio information includes information indicating the sound pressure of the audio input to the first microphone device 28, and the control device 36 controls the first speaker device 20 so that when the sound pressure is greater than a predetermined threshold, the volume of the masking sound is louder than when the sound pressure is equal to or less than the predetermined threshold.

[0078] This makes it easier to increase the volume of the masking sound only when the voice in the remote conference becomes louder, which prevents the masking sound from interfering with the remote conference and further prevents the voice in the remote conference from being heard by people not participating in the remote conference. This makes it even more difficult for confidential information to be leaked and allows the remote conference to proceed more efficiently.

[0079] In addition, in the conference system 10 according to the embodiment, the audio information includes information indicating the frequency of the audio input to the first microphone device 28, and the control device 36 controls the first speaker device 20 so that the frequency of the masking sound changes in accordance with the frequency.

[0080] This makes it easier to output a masking sound with a frequency that easily masks the voices in a remote conference, further reducing the likelihood that the voices in the remote conference will be heard by people not participating in the remote conference. This makes it even more difficult for confidential information to be leaked, and allows the remote conference to proceed more efficiently.

[0081] In addition, in the conference system 10 according to the embodiment, the acquisition device 26 further includes a second microphone device 32 that receives input of sounds generated outside the space 1 where the remote conference is being held, and the control device 36 controls the first speaker device 20 so that the frequency of the masking sound changes depending on the frequency of the voice input to the first microphone device 28 and the frequency of the sound input to the second microphone device 32.

[0082] This makes it easier to output a masking sound with a frequency that easily masks the voices in the remote conference by taking into account the frequency of sounds generated outside the space 1, thereby further preventing the voices in the remote conference from being heard by people who are not participating in the remote conference. This makes it even more difficult for confidential information to be leaked, and allows the remote conference to proceed more efficiently.

[0083] Furthermore, in the conference system 10 according to the embodiment, the audio information includes information indicating words contained in the audio input to the first microphone device 28, and the control device 36 controls the first speaker device 20 to increase the volume of the masking sound when the audio input to the first microphone device 28 includes a predetermined word.

[0084] This makes it easier to increase the volume of the masking sound only when sound containing confidential information is being emitted, thereby preventing the masking sound from interfering with the remote conference and further preventing people not participating in the remote conference from hearing the sound in the remote conference. This makes it even more difficult for confidential information to leak and allows the remote conference to proceed more efficiently.

[0085] Furthermore, in the conference system 10 according to the embodiment, the audio information includes information indicating the frequency of the audio input to the first microphone device 28 and information indicating the words contained in the audio input to the first microphone device 28, and the control device 36 estimates the speaker based on the information indicating the frequency of the audio input to the first microphone device 28 and the information indicating the words contained in the audio input to the first microphone device 28, and controls the first speaker device 20 so that when a specific speaker is making a sound, the masking sound is louder than when the specific speaker is not making a sound.

[0086] This makes it easier to increase the volume of the masking sound only when a person who is likely to make sounds containing confidential information is making sounds, thereby preventing the masking sound from interfering with the remote conference and further preventing people not participating in the remote conference from hearing the sounds in the remote conference. This makes it even more difficult for confidential information to leak and allows the remote conference to proceed more efficiently.

[0087] In addition, in the conference system 10 according to the embodiment, the acquisition device 26 includes a sensor device 30 that detects a person who is present at a predetermined location and is not participating in a remote conference, the presence / absence information includes detection information from the sensor device 30, and the control device 36 controls the first speaker device 20 so that when the sensor device 30 detects a person who is not participating in a remote conference, the volume of the masking sound is louder than when the sensor device 30 does not detect a person who is not participating in a remote conference.

[0088] This makes it easier to increase the volume of the masking sound only when there are people who are not participating in the remote conference in a location where the audio from the remote conference can be easily heard, thereby preventing the masking sound from interfering with the remote conference and further preventing people who are not participating in the remote conference from hearing the audio from the remote conference.This makes it even more difficult for confidential information to be leaked and allows the remote conference to proceed more efficiently.

[0089] In the conference system 10 according to the embodiment, the first speaker device 20 and the second speaker device 24 are directional speakers.

[0090] This prevents masking sounds from interfering with the remote conference, and further prevents people not participating in the remote conference from hearing the voice of the other party in the remote conference output from the second speaker device 24. This makes it even more difficult for confidential information to leak, and allows the remote conference to proceed more efficiently.

[0091] Furthermore, in the conference system 10 according to the embodiment, the masking sound further masks sounds generated outside the space 1 so as to make them less audible to the people taking part in the conference.

[0092] This prevents sounds generated outside space 1 from being heard by people participating in the remote conference, thereby preventing sounds generated outside space 1 from interfering with the remote conference and allowing the remote conference to proceed more efficiently.

[0093] (Other embodiments, etc.) Although the embodiments have been described above, the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments.

[0094] Fig. 9 is a diagram showing a conference system 10a according to another embodiment. As shown in Fig. 9, the conference system 10a includes a first speaker device 20a that is different from the first speaker device 20. The first speaker device 20a has a sound-absorbing material 38 in the center, and is configured so that sound output from the first speaker device 20a spreads downward in a ring (doughnut shape) (see the dashed line in Fig. 9). This prevents masking sounds from being heard by people participating in the remote conference, while preventing people not participating in the remote conference from hearing the sound in the remote conference. This makes it even more difficult for confidential information to be leaked, and allows the remote conference to proceed more efficiently.

[0095] In the above embodiment, the space 1 where the remote conference is held is an open space 1 inside a building, but the present invention is not limited to this. FIG. 10 is a diagram showing another example of a space where the remote conference is held. For example, as shown in FIG. 10, the space where the remote conference is held may be an open space 2 inside a vehicle such as a Shinkansen. In this case, for example, a first speaker device that outputs a masking sound to mask the audio of the remote conference so that it is difficult for people not participating in the remote conference to hear is installed between seats. Also, for example, the space where the remote conference is held may be an outdoor open space.

[0096] Furthermore, the person taking part in the remote conference may adjust the volume of the masking sound using a volume controller or the like.

[0097] In the above embodiment, the conference system is realized by a plurality of devices, but it may be realized as a single device. For example, the conference system may be realized as a single device corresponding to the control device or the first speaker device. When the conference system is realized by a plurality of devices, the components (especially functional components) of the conference system may be distributed among the plurality of devices in any manner.

[0098] Furthermore, the information transmission paths in the above-described embodiments are merely examples and are not particularly limited. In the above-described embodiments, when two devices transmit and receive information via communication, a relay device (not shown) may be interposed between the two devices.

[0099] In the above-described embodiment, the processing performed by a specific processing unit may be performed by another processing unit. The order of multiple processing operations may be changed, or multiple processing operations may be performed in parallel.

[0100] In the above embodiments, each component may be realized by executing a software program suitable for that component, or by a program execution unit such as a CPU or processor reading and executing a software program recorded on a recording medium such as a hard disk or semiconductor memory.

[0101] Furthermore, each component may be realized by hardware. For example, each component may be a circuit (or integrated circuit). These circuits may form a single circuit as a whole, or each may be a separate circuit. Furthermore, each of these circuits may be a general-purpose circuit or a dedicated circuit.

[0102] Furthermore, the general or specific aspects of the present invention may be realized as a system, an apparatus, a method, an integrated circuit, a computer program, or a computer-readable recording medium such as a CD-ROM, etc. Furthermore, the general or specific aspects of the present invention may be realized as any combination of a system, an apparatus, a method, an integrated circuit, a computer program, and a recording medium.

[0103] For example, the present invention may be realized as a method executed by a computer such as a conference system, or as a program for causing a computer to execute such a method. The present invention may also be realized as a computer-readable non-transitory recording medium on which such a program is recorded.

[0104] In addition, the present invention also includes forms obtained by applying various modifications to each embodiment that a person skilled in the art would think of, or forms realized by arbitrarily combining the components and functions of each embodiment within the scope of the present invention. [Explanation of symbols]

[0105] 10,10a Conference System 20, 20a First speaker device 22 Conference equipment 24 Second speaker device 26 Acquisition device 28 First microphone device 30 Sensor Device 32 Second microphone device 36 Control device

Claims

1. a first speaker device that outputs a masking sound that masks the audio of the remote conference so that it is difficult for people not participating in the remote conference to hear; a conference device for holding the remote conference; a second speaker device for outputting the voice of the other party in the remote conference; an acquisition device for acquiring at least one of conference information regarding the remote conference and presence / absence information indicating whether or not a person who is not participating in the remote conference is present at a predetermined location; a control device that controls the first speaker device based on at least one of the conference information and the presence / absence information, the acquisition device includes a first microphone device to which voice in the remote conference is input, and a second microphone device to which sound generated outside a space where the remote conference is held is input; the conference information includes audio information related to audio input to the first microphone device, the audio information includes information indicating a frequency of the audio input to the first microphone device, the control device controls the first speaker device so that the frequency of the masking sound changes in accordance with the frequency of the sound input to the first microphone device and the frequency of the sound input to the second microphone device; Conference system.

2. a first speaker device that outputs a masking sound that masks the audio of the remote conference so that it is difficult for people not participating in the remote conference to hear; a conference device for holding the remote conference; a second speaker device for outputting the voice of the other party in the remote conference; an acquisition device for acquiring at least one of conference information regarding the remote conference and presence / absence information indicating whether or not a person who is not participating in the remote conference is present at a predetermined location; a control device that controls the first speaker device based on at least one of the conference information and the presence / absence information, the acquisition device includes a first microphone device to which voice in the remote conference is input; the conference information includes audio information related to audio input to the first microphone device, the voice information includes information indicating words included in the voice input to the first microphone device, the control device controls the first speaker device to increase the volume of the masking sound when a predetermined word is included in the voice input to the first microphone device; Conference system.

3. a first speaker device that outputs a masking sound that masks the audio of the remote conference so that it is difficult for people not participating in the remote conference to hear; a conference device for holding the remote conference; a second speaker device for outputting the voice of the other party in the remote conference; an acquisition device for acquiring at least one of conference information regarding the remote conference and presence / absence information indicating whether or not a person who is not participating in the remote conference is present at a predetermined location; a control device that controls the first speaker device based on at least one of the conference information and the presence / absence information, the acquisition device includes a first microphone device to which voice in the remote conference is input; the conference information includes audio information related to audio input to the first microphone device, the audio information includes information indicating a frequency of the audio input to the first microphone device and information indicating words included in the audio input to the first microphone device; the control device estimates a speaker based on information indicating a frequency of the voice input to the first microphone device and information indicating words included in the voice input to the first microphone device, and controls the first speaker device so that, when a predetermined speaker is uttering a voice, the masking sound is louder than when the predetermined speaker is not uttering a voice. Conference system.

4. a first speaker device that outputs a masking sound that masks the audio of the remote conference so that it is difficult for people not participating in the remote conference to hear; a conference device for holding the remote conference; a second speaker device for outputting the voice of the other party in the remote conference; an acquisition device for acquiring at least one of conference information regarding the remote conference and presence / absence information indicating whether or not a person who is not participating in the remote conference is present at a predetermined location; a control device that controls the first speaker device based on at least one of the conference information and the presence / absence information, the acquisition device includes a sensor device that detects a person who is present in the predetermined location and is not participating in the remote conference, the presence / absence information includes detection information of the sensor device, the control device controls the first speaker device so that, when the sensor device detects a person who is not participating in the remote conference, the volume of the masking sound is larger than when the sensor device does not detect a person who is not participating in the remote conference. Conference system.

5. the acquisition device includes a first microphone device to which voice in the remote conference is input; the conference information includes audio information related to audio input to the first microphone device, the control device controls the first speaker device based on the audio information. The conference system according to claim 4 .

6. the audio information includes information indicating a sound pressure of the audio input to the first microphone device, the control device controls the first speaker device so that, when the sound pressure is greater than a predetermined threshold, the volume of the masking sound is greater than when the sound pressure is equal to or less than the predetermined threshold.

6. The conference system according to claim 1, 2, 3 or 5.

7. the first speaker device and the second speaker device are directional speaker devices; The conference system according to any one of claims 1 to 6.

8. The masking sound further masks sounds generated outside the space where the remote conference is held so as to make the sounds less audible to the people taking part in the remote conference. The conference system according to any one of claims 1 to 7.

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