Virtual rest room providing system and virtual rest room providing method

Abstract

To appropriately perform communication under an environment of telecommuting.SOLUTION: A rest room limitation system includes: a detection device including an entry detection part for detecting whether a user enters a rest room area on the basis of a detection result of the position of the user of a position detection sensor; and a terminal device including a rest room area setting part for setting a rest room area for the user in a real space, a virtual rest room connection part for connecting the virtual rest room for enabling communication with another user in a virtual space in the case of detecting the user's entry to the rest room area, a virtual rest room information acquisition part for acquiring information on the virtual rest room, and an output control part for outputting information on the virtual rest room.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a system for providing a virtual rest room and a method for providing a virtual rest room. [Background technology]

[0002] In recent years, opportunities to work from home have been increasing. Patent Document 1 discloses a technology that enables informal communication within a group of workers who work from home. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2001-142850 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] When working in an office, there are opportunities to communicate with other users through casual conversation or chat away from their desks. Even in a telecommuting environment, there is a need for technology that automatically guides users to a virtual break room where they can communicate with other users when they need to take a break away from their work area.

[0005] An object of the present invention is to provide a virtual break room providing system and a virtual break room providing method that enable appropriate communication in a telecommuting environment. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] The virtual rest room providing system of the present invention comprises a detection device having an entry detection unit that detects whether a user is entering a rest area based on the detection result of the user's position by a position detection sensor; a rest area setting unit that sets the user's rest area in real space; a virtual rest room connection unit that, when the user's entry into the rest area is detected, connects to a virtual rest room in virtual space where the user can communicate with other users; a virtual rest room information acquisition unit that acquires information about the virtual rest room; and an output control unit that outputs information about the virtual rest room.

[0007] The virtual rest room providing method of the present invention includes the steps of setting a rest area for a user in real space, detecting whether the user is entering the rest area based on the detection result of the user's position by a position detection sensor, connecting to a virtual rest room in which the user can communicate with other users in virtual space when the user's entry into the rest area is detected, acquiring information about the virtual rest room, and outputting information about the virtual rest room. [Effects of the Invention]

[0008] According to the present invention, it is possible to communicate appropriately in a telecommuting environment. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0009] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of a virtual break room providing system according to the first embodiment. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of a terminal device according to the first embodiment. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of the detection device according to the first embodiment. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of the server device according to the first embodiment. [Figure 5]FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing the flow of processing in the virtual rest room providing system according to the first embodiment. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating an example of a rest area according to the first embodiment. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a diagram for explaining an example of a method for detecting entry into a rest area according to the first embodiment. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating an example of a virtual rest room according to the first embodiment. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is a diagram for explaining a method for selecting another user according to the first embodiment. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing the flow of processing in the virtual rest room providing system according to the first modified example of the first embodiment. [Figure 11] FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing the flow of processing in a virtual rest room providing system according to a second modified example of the first embodiment. [Figure 12] FIG. 12 is a diagram for explaining a method for checking whether or not to connect to a virtual rest room according to a second modification of the first embodiment. [Figure 13] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing the configuration of a virtual rest room providing system according to the second embodiment. [Figure 14] FIG. 14 is a flowchart showing the flow of processing in the virtual rest room providing system according to the second embodiment. [Figure 15] FIG. 15 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of a terminal device according to the third embodiment. [Figure 16] FIG. 16 is a flowchart showing the flow of the virtual break room change process according to the third embodiment. [Figure 17] FIG. 17 is a diagram for explaining a method for displaying a virtual rest room corresponding to rest area information according to the third embodiment. [Figure 18] FIG. 18 is a diagram for explaining a method for displaying a virtual rest room corresponding to rest area information according to the third embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0010] Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. Note that the present invention is not limited to this embodiment, and in the following embodiments, the same components are designated by the same reference numerals, and redundant explanations will be omitted.

[0011] [First embodiment] An example of the configuration of a virtual break room providing system according to the first embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 1. Fig. 1 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of a virtual break room providing system according to the first embodiment.

[0012] As shown in Fig. 1, the virtual rest room providing system 1 includes a terminal device 10, a detection device 12, and a server device 14. The terminal device 10, the detection device 12, and the server device 14 are communicably connected via, for example, a wireless network N. The virtual rest room providing system 1 is a system that provides a user with a virtual rest room (hereinafter referred to as a virtual rest room) when the user enters an area determined to be a resting area. The user can communicate with other users in the virtual rest room.

[0013] (Terminal Device) An example of the configuration of a terminal device according to the first embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 2. Fig. 2 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of a terminal device according to the first embodiment.

[0014] 2, the terminal device 10 includes an input unit 20, a display unit 22, an audio output unit 24, a storage unit 26, a GNSS (Global Navigation Satellite System) receiving unit 28, a communication unit 30, and a control unit 32. The terminal device 10 is, for example, an information processing terminal such as a smartphone or a tablet terminal.

[0015] The input unit 20 accepts various input operations for the terminal device 10. The input unit 20 outputs an input signal corresponding to the accepted input operation to the control unit 32. The input unit 20 includes, for example, a touch panel, buttons, switches, a keyboard, a microphone, etc. When a touch panel is used as the input unit 20, the input unit 20 is disposed on the display unit 22.

[0016] The display unit 22 displays various types of video including text and images. The display unit 22 is, for example, a display including a liquid crystal display (LCD) or an organic electroluminescence (EL) display. The display unit 22 may be provided in a device different from the terminal device 10. For example, the display unit 22 may be a television, a head mounted display (HMD), a mobile terminal, a wearable device, or the like. The terminal device 10 may also be an information processing terminal that does not include the display unit 22, such as a smart speaker.

[0017] The audio output unit 24 is a speaker that outputs audio. The audio output unit 24 outputs audio corresponding to the image displayed on the display unit 22. The audio output unit 24 outputs the audio of other users.

[0018] The storage unit 26 stores information such as information about the user's rest area set by the rest area setting unit 40 (described later), the calculation contents of the control unit 32, and programs. The storage unit 26 includes at least one of, for example, a RAM (Random Access Memory), a main storage device such as a ROM (Read Only Memory), and an external storage device such as an HDD (Hard Disk Drive).

[0019] The GNSS receiver 28 receives GNSS signals containing information for identifying location information from GNSS satellites (not shown). The GNSS receiver 28 can be realized, for example, by a GNSS receiver circuit or a GNSS receiver device.

[0020] The communication unit 30 communicates with an external device via the network N. The communication unit 30 communicates with, for example, the detection device 12 via the network N. The communication unit 30 communicates with, for example, the server device 14 via the network N.

[0021] The control unit 32 controls each unit of the terminal device 10. The control unit 32 has, for example, an information processing device such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit) or an MPU (Micro Processing Unit), and a storage device such as a RAM or a ROM. The control unit 32 executes a program that controls the operation of the terminal device 10 according to the present invention. The control unit 32 may be realized by an integrated circuit such as an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit) or an FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array). The control unit 32 may be realized by a combination of hardware and software.

[0022] The control unit 32 includes a rest area setting unit 40 , a virtual rest room connection unit 42 , a virtual rest room information acquisition unit 44 , an output control unit 46 , a position information acquisition unit 48 , and a communication execution unit 50 .

[0023] The rest area setting unit 40 sets a rest area for the user in real space. The rest area setting unit 40 sets the rest area for the user in accordance with an input operation input to the input unit 20. Details of the rest area will be described later.

[0024] The virtual rest room connection unit 42 connects to a virtual rest room where the user can communicate with other users in the virtual space. When it is detected that the user has entered the area set by the rest area setting unit 40, the virtual rest room connection unit 42 connects to the virtual rest room provided by the server device 14.

[0025] The virtual rest room information acquisition unit 44 acquires information about the virtual rest room from the server device 14. The virtual rest room information acquisition unit 44 acquires information about the virtual rest room when the virtual rest room connection unit 42 connects to the virtual rest room. The information about the virtual rest room includes information about images and sounds in the virtual rest room.

[0026] The output control unit 46 causes the display unit 22 to display various types of information. The output control unit 46 causes the display unit 22 to display information about the virtual break room acquired by the virtual break room information acquisition unit 44. The output control unit 46 causes the display unit 22 to display an image of the virtual break room. Details of the image of the virtual break room will be described later. If the terminal device 10 does not have a display unit 22, the output control unit 46 causes the audio output unit 24 to output various types of information by audio.

[0027] The position information acquisition unit 48 acquires the GNSS signal from the GNSS receiving unit 28. The position information acquisition unit 48 calculates the current position information of the user (terminal device 10) based on the GNSS signal. The position information acquisition unit 48 calculates the current position information of the user (terminal device 10) in terrestrial coordinates, for example.

[0028] The communication execution unit 50 executes communication between users using the touch panel, keyboard, microphone, and the like provided in the input unit 20.

[0029] (Detection device) An example of the configuration of the detection device according to the first embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 3. Fig. 3 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of the detection device according to the first embodiment.

[0030] 3, the detection device 12 includes an input unit 60, an audio output unit 62, a position detection sensor 64, a storage unit 66, a communication unit 68, and a control unit 70. The detection device 12 is configured, for example, as a smart speaker.

[0031] The input unit 60 accepts various input operations for the detection device 12. The input unit 60 outputs an input signal corresponding to the accepted input operation to the control unit 70. The input unit 60 includes, for example, a button, a switch, etc. The input unit 60 includes, for example, a microphone that detects the user's voice.

[0032] The audio output unit 62 is a speaker that outputs audio, and outputs various sounds that prompt the user for confirmation.

[0033] The position detection sensor 64 detects the position of the user. The position detection sensor 64 is realized, for example, by a single or multiple cameras that capture an image of the user. The position detection sensor 64 is realized, for example, by a human presence sensor that detects a person based on changes in reflected waves such as infrared rays or ultrasonic waves. The position detection sensor 64 is realized, for example, by a pressure sensor that detects the weight of an object.

[0034] The storage unit 66 stores information such as programs and the contents of calculations performed by the control unit 70. The storage unit 66 includes at least one of a RAM, a main storage device such as a ROM, and an external storage device such as an HDD.

[0035] The communication unit 68 communicates with an external device via the network N. The communication unit 68 communicates with, for example, the terminal device 10 via the network N. The communication unit 68 communicates with, for example, the server device 14 via the network N.

[0036] The control unit 70 controls each unit of the detection device 12. The control unit 70 has, for example, an information processing device such as a CPU or an MPU, and a storage device such as a RAM or a ROM. The control unit 70 executes a program that controls the operation of the detection device 12 according to the present invention. The control unit 70 may be realized by, for example, an integrated circuit such as an ASIC or an FPGA. The control unit 70 may also be realized by a combination of hardware and software.

[0037] The control unit 70 includes a sensor control unit 80 , an entry detection unit 82 , a confirmation unit 84 , and a determination unit 86 .

[0038] The sensor control unit 80 controls the position detection sensor 64 to detect the position of the user.

[0039] The entry detection unit 82 detects whether the user has entered a predetermined location. The entry detection unit 82 detects whether the user has entered a predetermined rest area. The entry detection unit 82 detects whether the user has entered a predetermined rest area based on the detection result of the user's position by the position detection sensor 64.

[0040] The confirmation unit 84 performs various confirmations for the user. The confirmation unit 84 performs various confirmations for the user by outputting audio from the audio output unit 62. The confirmation unit 84 confirms with the user whether or not to connect to the virtual break room.

[0041] The determination unit 86 performs various determinations. The determination unit 86 performs user determination. The determination unit 86 determines whether or not the user who has entered the rest area is a predetermined user. If the position detection sensor 64 is a camera, the determination unit 86 determines whether or not the user who has entered the rest area is a predetermined user based on an image captured by the camera.

[0042] (Server device) An example of the configuration of the server device according to the first embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 4. Fig. 4 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of the server device according to the first embodiment.

[0043] 4, the server device 14 includes a storage unit 90, a communication unit 92, and a control unit 94. The server device 14 is located at a location remote from the terminal device 10 and the detection device 12. The server device 14 is an information terminal such as a PC (Personal Computer). The server device 14 performs a process of providing a virtual rest room to the user.

[0044] The storage unit 90 stores information such as programs and the contents of calculations performed by the control unit 94. The storage unit 90 includes at least one of a RAM, a main storage device such as a ROM, and an external storage device such as an HDD.

[0045] The storage unit 90 stores information about the virtual break room. The information about the virtual break room includes information for identifying the virtual break room, information about the number of users who have entered the virtual break room, and information about the users. The information about the virtual break room may include, for example, information about images and audio of the virtual break room. The storage unit 90 stores information about users who use the virtual break room. The information about the users includes identification information for uniquely identifying the users. The information about the users includes, for example, names, seats, icon images, and connection destination information.

[0046] The communication unit 92 communicates with an external device via the network N. The communication unit 92 communicates with, for example, the terminal device 10 via the network N. The communication unit 92 communicates with, for example, the detection device 12 via the network N.

[0047] The control unit 94 controls each unit of the server device 14. The control unit 94 has, for example, an information processing device such as a CPU or an MPU, and a storage device such as a RAM or a ROM. The control unit 94 executes a program that controls the operation of the server device 14 according to the present invention. The control unit 94 may be realized by an integrated circuit such as an ASIC or an FPGA. The control unit 94 may be realized by a combination of hardware and software.

[0048] The control unit 94 includes a virtual break room management unit 100 .

[0049] The virtual rest room management unit 100 manages the virtual rest rooms. The virtual rest room management unit 100 executes various processes related to the virtual rest rooms. The virtual rest room management unit 100 provides the virtual rest rooms to the terminal devices 10.

[0050] (Processing contents of the virtual rest room provision system) The processing content of the virtual rest room providing system according to the first embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 5. Fig. 5 is a flowchart showing the flow of processing of the virtual rest room providing system according to the first embodiment.

[0051] The process shown in FIG. 5 shows a process in which a rest area is set in the user's home or the like, and a virtual rest room is provided when the user enters the rest area.

[0052] The terminal device 10 sets a rest area in the real space for the user to take a rest (step S10). Specifically, the rest area setting unit 40 sets the rest area in the real space in accordance with an input operation input by the user to the input unit 20. FIG. 6 is a diagram for explaining an example of a rest area according to the first embodiment. FIG. 6 shows a rest area AR1 and a non-rest area AR2. The rest area AR1 is an area set by the user U in, for example, their home, for the user U to take a rest. The non-rest area AR2 is an area other than the rest area AR1. The rest area AR1 may be, for example, a specific room or a part of a living room. In other words, the rest area AR1 does not have to be a space surrounded by a door, a wall, or the like. The size and shape of the rest area AR1 may be arbitrary. The rest area setting unit 40 may set multiple rest areas AR1 in accordance with an input operation input by the user U to the input unit 20. Then, the process proceeds to step S12.

[0053] The detection device 12 goes into a standby state to detect the entry of the user U into the rest area AR1 (step S12), and then the process proceeds to step S14.

[0054] The detection device 12 determines whether the user U has entered the rest area AR1 (step S14). FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating an example of a method for detecting entry into a rest area according to the first embodiment. As illustrated in FIG. 7, for example, position detection sensors 64 are arranged at the four corners of the rest area AR1. The position detection sensors 64 are cameras that capture images of the user U. In this case, the entry detection unit 82 detects that the user U has entered the rest area AR1 when an image of the user U is captured within the rest area AR1. The position detection sensors 64 may be a motion sensor that detects the user U or a pressure sensor provided on a chair or the like placed in the rest area AR1. In this case, the entry detection unit 82 can detect that the user U has entered the rest area AR1 when the user U sits on a chair equipped with a pressure sensor. The number of position detection sensors 64 arranged to detect that the user U has entered the rest area AR1 may be any number. If it is determined that the user U has entered the rest area AR1 (step S14; Yes), the process proceeds to step S16. If it is not determined that the user U has entered the rest area AR1 (step S14; No), the process proceeds to step S18.

[0055] If the determination in step S14 is Yes, the detection device 12 determines whether the user U is in a resting state (step S16). Specifically, the entry detection unit 82 determines that the user U is in a resting state when the user U stays or relaxes in the rest area AR1 for a predetermined time or more (e.g., several seconds to approximately 10 seconds). The entry detection unit 82 may determine whether the user U is relaxing using a well-known method such as image processing, for example, based on a captured image of the user U's face. If the position detection sensor 64 is a pressure sensor provided on a chair or the like, the entry detection unit 82 may determine that the user U is in a resting state when the user U sits on a chair provided with the pressure sensor. If the user U is not determined to be in a resting state (step S16; No), the process proceeds to step S18. If the user U is determined to be in a resting state (step S16; Yes), the process proceeds to step S20.

[0056] If the determination in step S14 or step S16 is No, the detection device 12 determines whether or not to end the process (step S18). Specifically, the detection device 12 determines to end the process when it receives an operation to turn off the power or an operation to end the detection process. If it is determined to end the process (step S18; Yes), the process in Fig. 5 ends. If it is not determined to end the process (step S18; No), the process proceeds to step S12.

[0057] If the determination in step S16 is Yes, the terminal device 10 connects to the server device 14 that provides the virtual rest room (step S20). Specifically, the virtual rest room connection unit 42 connects to the server device 14 via the communication unit 30. Then, the process proceeds to step S22.

[0058] The terminal device 10 acquires virtual rest room information (step S22). Specifically, the virtual rest room information acquisition unit 44 acquires information about the virtual rest room from the server device 14 via the communication unit 30. The information about the virtual rest room includes information for identifying the virtual rest room, information about the number of users who have entered the virtual rest room, and information about the users. The information about the virtual rest room may include, for example, information such as images and audio of the virtual rest room. Then, the process proceeds to step S24.

[0059] The terminal device 10 outputs the virtual rest room to the display unit 22 (step S24). Specifically, the output control unit 46 causes the display unit 22 to display the virtual rest room based on the information about the virtual rest room acquired by the virtual rest room information acquisition unit 44. If the terminal device 10 does not include the display unit 22, the output control unit 46 causes the audio output unit 24 to output the information about the virtual rest room by voice. The information about the virtual rest room output by the audio output unit 24 includes information for identifying the virtual rest room, information about the names of each user who has entered the virtual rest room, and information about the status of each user who has entered the virtual rest room. Here, the information about the status of a user is, for example, information about which users are currently talking to each other.

[0060] An example of a virtual break room according to the first embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. 8. FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating an example of a virtual break room according to the first embodiment. As shown in FIG. 8, a plurality of tables 202 and a plurality of chairs 204 are arranged in the virtual break room 200. Users U1, U2, U3, U4, U5, and U6 are present in the virtual break room 200. User U1 is an icon representing the user himself / herself. Users U2 to U6 are icons representing other users. Names may be displayed above users U1 to U6. The output control unit 46 may display information indicating the number of users connected to the virtual break room 200. The output control unit 46 may display a list of the names of all users connected to the virtual break room 200.

[0061] Returning to FIG. 5, the terminal device 10 determines whether the user has selected another user (step S26). FIG. 9 is a diagram for explaining a method for selecting another user according to the first embodiment. As shown in FIG. 9, the communication executing unit 50 determines whether, for example, the icon of a communication partner from among users U2 to U6 has been selected. For example, if the input unit 20 is a touch panel arranged on the display unit 22, the user can select a communication partner by touching the icon of user U2 to U6. The communication partner to be selected may be one or more. A predetermined gesture may be performed before selecting a communication partner from among users U2 to U6. For example, in the example shown in FIG. 9, selection buttons for action A and action B may be displayed to the left of user U1. In this case, for example, when action A is selected, user U1 may perform a gesture of waving their hand to user U2. For example, when action B is selected, user U1 may perform a gesture of calling out to user U2, such as saying, "Heyyy!" If it is determined that the user has selected another user (step S26; Yes), the process proceeds to step S28. If it is not determined that the user has selected another user (step S26; No), the process proceeds to step S34.

[0062] If the determination in step S26 is Yes, the terminal device 10 determines whether or not the selected other user has given permission to communicate with the terminal device 10 (step S28). If it is determined that the selected other user has given permission to communicate with the terminal device 10 (step S28; Yes), the process proceeds to step S30. If it is not determined that the selected other user has given permission to communicate with the terminal device 10 (step S28; No), the process proceeds to step S34.

[0063] If the determination in step S28 is Yes, the communication execution unit 50 starts execution of communication (step S30). Specifically, in the example shown in FIG. 9, when starting communication with user U2, the communication may be started on the spot, or the user may move to a nearby chair 204 and start the communication. For example, when starting communication with user U5 or user U6, the user may move to a chair 204 near user U5 or user U6 and start the communication, or the user may have user U5 or user U6 come nearby and start the communication. For example, when starting communication with two users, user U3 and user U4, since there are more people on the other side, the user moves to a chair 204 near user U3 and user U4 and starts the communication. The communication may be a voice call or a chat using a chat tool. Then, the process proceeds to step S32.

[0064] The terminal device 10 determines whether the communication has ended (step S32). Specifically, the communication executing unit 50 determines whether the communication started in step S30 has ended. If it is determined that the communication has ended (step S32; Yes), the process proceeds to step S34. If it is not determined that the communication has ended (step S32; No), the process of step S32 is repeated.

[0065] If the determination is No in step S26, No in step S28, or Yes in step S32, the terminal device 10 determines whether to end the process (step S34). Specifically, the terminal device 10 determines to end the process when, for example, the user leaves the virtual break room 200. If it is determined to end the process (step S34; Yes), the process of FIG. 5 ends. If it is not determined to end the process (step S34; No), the process proceeds to step S26.

[0066] As described above, in the first embodiment, when a user enters a preset rest area and is determined to be in a rest state, a virtual rest room is automatically provided to the user. In the virtual rest room, the user can appropriately communicate with other users even in a telecommuting environment. This allows the first embodiment to resolve the lack of communication in a telecommuting environment.

[0067] [First Modification of the First Embodiment] A first modified example of the first embodiment will be described. In the first embodiment, when a user is detected in a rest area, the user is connected to a virtual rest room. In the first modified example of the first embodiment, before providing the user with the virtual rest room, it is determined whether the user is a pre-registered user.

[0068] The configuration of the virtual rest room providing system according to the first modified example of the first embodiment is the same as the configuration of the virtual rest room providing system shown in FIG. 1, and therefore a description thereof will be omitted.

[0069] (Processing of virtual rest room provision system) The processing contents of the virtual rest room providing system according to the first modified example of the first embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 10. Fig. 10 is a flowchart showing the flow of processing of the virtual rest room providing system according to the first modified example of the first embodiment.

[0070] The processes from step S40 to step S44 are the same as the processes from step S10 to step S14 shown in FIG. 5, respectively, and therefore will not be described here.

[0071] If the determination in step S44 is Yes, the detection device 12 determines whether the user who entered the rest area is a predetermined user (step S46). Specifically, the determination unit 86 determines whether the user who entered the rest area is a registered user to whom a virtual rest room should be provided. In this case, the storage unit 66 may store, for example, identification information including a facial image of the user to whom the virtual rest room is provided. For example, if the position detection sensor 64 is a camera, the determination unit 86 determines whether the user who entered the rest area is a predetermined user by comparing the facial image of the user detected by the position detection sensor 64 in the rest area with the identification information stored in the storage unit 66. If it is determined that the user who entered the rest area is a predetermined user (step S46; Yes), the process proceeds to step S48. If it is not determined that the user who entered the rest area is a predetermined user (step S46; No), the process proceeds to step S50.

[0072] The processes from step S48 to step S66 are the same as the processes from step S16 to step S34 shown in FIG. 5, respectively, and therefore will not be described here.

[0073] As described above, the first modification of the first embodiment provides a virtual rest room to a user only when it is determined that the user is a pre-registered user. This makes it possible to prevent the virtual rest room from being provided to an incorrect user, thereby more appropriately providing the virtual rest room.

[0074] [Second Modification of the First Embodiment] A second modified example of the first embodiment will be described. In the first embodiment, when it is determined that the user is taking a rest in the rest area, the user is automatically connected to the virtual rest room. In the second modified example of the first embodiment, before providing the virtual rest room to the user, the user is asked whether or not to connect to the virtual rest room.

[0075] The configuration of the virtual rest room providing system according to the second modified example of the first embodiment is the same as the configuration of the virtual rest room providing system shown in FIG. 1, and therefore a description thereof will be omitted.

[0076] (Processing of virtual rest room provision system) The processing contents of the virtual rest room providing system according to the second modified example of the first embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 11. Fig. 11 is a flowchart showing the flow of processing of the virtual rest room providing system according to the second modified example of the first embodiment.

[0077] The processes from step S70 to step S76 are the same as the processes from step S10 to step S16 shown in FIG. 5, respectively, and therefore will not be described here.

[0078] If the determination in step S76 is Yes, the detection device 12 confirms with the user whether or not to connect to the virtual break room (step S78). FIG. 12 is a diagram for explaining a method for confirming whether or not to connect to the virtual break room according to a second modification of the first embodiment. The confirmation unit 84 confirms with the user U whether or not to connect to the virtual break room, for example, by outputting a voice message such as "Do you want to connect to the virtual break room?" from the audio output unit 62. The confirmation unit 84 may output information regarding the number of people connected to the virtual break room from the audio output unit 62, such as "X people are connected to the virtual break room. Do you want to connect to the virtual break room?" The confirmation unit 84 may output information indicating that a specific person, such as a friend, colleague, or superior, is connected to the virtual break room from the audio output unit 62, such as "Mr. A is connected to the virtual break room. Do you want to connect to the virtual break room?" Then, the process proceeds to step S80.

[0079] The detection device 12 determines whether to connect to the virtual rest room (step S80). Specifically, when the input unit 60 detects the user U's voice saying, for example, "Yes, please connect to the virtual rest room," the determination unit 86 determines to connect to the virtual rest room. When the input unit 60 detects the user U's voice saying, for example, "No, please do not connect to the virtual rest room," the determination unit 86 determines not to connect to the virtual rest room. The user can select whether to connect to the virtual rest room based on the various information output in step S78. When it is determined not to connect to the virtual rest room (step S80; No), the process proceeds to step S82. When it is determined to connect to the virtual rest room (step S80; Yes), the process proceeds to step S84.

[0080] The processes from step S82 to step S98 are the same as the processes from step S18 to step S34 shown in FIG. 5, respectively, and therefore will not be described here.

[0081] As described above, the second modification of the first embodiment provides a virtual rest room to a user only when the user desires to connect to the virtual rest room. This allows the second modification of the first embodiment to provide a virtual rest room to the user more appropriately.

[0082] [Second embodiment] An example of the configuration of the virtual rest room providing system according to the second embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 13. Fig. 13 is a diagram showing the configuration of the virtual rest room providing system according to the second embodiment.

[0083] 13, the virtual rest room providing system 1A includes a terminal device 10 and a server device 14. The virtual rest room providing system 1A differs from the virtual rest room providing system 1 shown in FIG. 1 in that it does not include a detection device 12.

[0084] The virtual rest room providing system 1A provides a virtual rest room to a user when the user is located in a facility or place that the user has set as a rest area, such as a restaurant, a cafe, or a park.

[0085] (Processing of virtual rest room provision system) The processing contents of the virtual rest room providing system according to the second embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 14. Fig. 14 is a flowchart showing the flow of processing of the virtual rest room providing system according to the second embodiment.

[0086] The terminal device 10 sets a rest area in the real space for the user to take a rest (step S110). Specifically, the rest area setting unit 40 inputs location information of a facility such as a cafe as the rest area in accordance with an input operation input by the user to the input unit 20. The rest area setting unit 40 may set the rest area according to a time period, for example. For example, the rest area setting unit 40 may set a cafe near the user's home as a rest area from 8:00 to 10:00, but as a non-rest area at other times. The rest area setting unit 40 may set multiple facilities as rest areas. Then, the process proceeds to step S112.

[0087] The terminal device 10 determines whether the current location is a rest area (step S112). Specifically, the location information acquisition unit 48 determines that the current location is a rest area when the location information calculated based on the GNSS signal acquired from the GNSS reception unit 28 is the rest area set in step S80. If it is determined that the current location is not a rest area (step S112; No), the process proceeds to step S114. If it is determined that the current location is a rest area (step S112; Yes), the process proceeds to step S116.

[0088] If the determination in step S112 is No, the terminal device 10 determines whether or not to end position detection of the current position (step S114). Specifically, if the terminal device 10 has received an operation to turn off the power, or an operation to end position detection of the current position, the terminal device 10 determines to end position detection of the current position. If it has determined to end position detection of the current position (step S114; Yes), the processing in FIG. 14 ends. If it has not determined to end position detection of the current position (step S114; No), the process proceeds to step S112.

[0089] The processes from step S116 to step S130 are the same as the processes from step S20 to step S34 shown in FIG. 5, respectively, and therefore will not be described here.

[0090] As described above, in the second embodiment, when it is determined that the user is located in a predetermined rest area such as a cafe, a virtual rest room is provided to the user. This makes it possible to resolve lack of communication when the user is out in a telecommuting environment.

[0091] [Modification of the second embodiment] In the second embodiment, a virtual rest room is provided to the user based on current location information when the user is out, etc. The present invention is not limited to when the user is out, and even when the user is telecommuting from home, it may be determined whether the user is located in a rest area based on the user's current location.

[0092] For example, in the example shown in FIG. 6 , the terminal device 10 may determine whether the user U is located in the rest area AR1 or the non-rest area AR2. In this case, the location information acquisition unit 48 may determine whether the user U is located in the rest area AR1 or the non-rest area AR2, for example, based on the GNSS signals received by the GNSS receiver 28. The location information acquisition unit 48 may determine whether the user U is located in the rest area AR1 or the non-rest area AR2 using a well-known indoor positioning technology, for example, using a beacon and Wi-Fi (registered trademark). The location information acquisition unit 48 may determine whether the user U is located in the rest area AR1 or the non-rest area AR2 by combining position detection using the GNSS signals with the indoor positioning technology.

[0093] [Third embodiment] A third embodiment will now be described. In the third embodiment, a virtual rest room to be provided is changed depending on the rest area where the user is taking a rest.

[0094] An example of the configuration of a terminal device according to the third embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 15. Fig. 15 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of a terminal device according to the third embodiment.

[0095] The configuration of the virtual rest room providing system according to the third embodiment is similar to that of the virtual rest room providing system 1 shown in FIG. 1 or the virtual rest room providing system 1A shown in FIG. 13, and therefore a description thereof will be omitted.

[0096] As shown in FIG. 15, the terminal device 10A differs from the terminal device 10 and the control unit 32 shown in FIG. 2 in that a control unit 32A includes a rest area information acquisition unit 52.

[0097] When the user is taking a break in a rest area, the rest area information acquisition unit 52 acquires information about the rest area where the user is taking a break. The information about the rest area includes information about the location of the rest area. The information about the location of the rest area includes specific information, such as whether the rest area is the user's room or a cafe. For example, when the rest area is at home, the rest area information acquisition unit 52 acquires information about the rest area from the detection device 12. For example, when the rest area is a destination such as a cafe, the rest area information acquisition unit 52 acquires information about the rest area based on current location information. For example, when acquiring information about the rest area based on current location information, the rest area information acquisition unit 52 may acquire store information about the store if the current location is a store such as a cafe. The store information may include layout information such as seating and interior.

[0098] (Virtual break room change process) The contents of the virtual break room change process according to the third embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 16. Fig. 16 is a flowchart showing the flow of the virtual break room change process according to the third embodiment.

[0099] FIG. 16 shows the process that is executed after it is determined that the user is taking a break in the rest area.

[0100] Terminal device 10A acquires rest area information (step S140). Specifically, for example, if the rest area is the user's home, rest area information acquisition unit 52 acquires information about the rest area from detection device 12. For example, if the rest area is a destination such as a cafe, rest area information acquisition unit 52 acquires information about the rest area based on current location information. Then, the process proceeds to step S142.

[0101] The process of step S142 is the same as the process of step S20 shown in FIG. 5, and therefore a description thereof will be omitted.

[0102] The virtual rest room information acquisition unit 44 of the terminal device 10A acquires information about the virtual rest room corresponding to the rest area information (step S144). Specifically, for example, if the rest area information indicates home or one's own room, the virtual rest room information acquisition unit 44 acquires information about the virtual rest room corresponding to home or one's own room. For example, if the rest area information indicates a destination such as a cafe, the virtual rest room information acquisition unit 44 acquires information about the virtual rest room corresponding to the destination such as a cafe. Then, the process proceeds to step S146.

[0103] The output control unit 46 of the terminal device 10A outputs the virtual rest room corresponding to the rest area information to the display unit 22 (step S146). Figures 17 and 18 are diagrams for explaining a method of displaying a virtual rest room corresponding to the rest area information according to the third embodiment.

[0104] The virtual rest room 200A shown in FIG. 17 is a virtual rest room corresponding to a user's home or their own room. That is, when a user is taking a break in their own room, the virtual rest room 200A is displayed on the display unit 22. The virtual rest room 200A includes a user's own room area 210-1 and a user's own room area 210-2. The user's own room area 210-1 and the user's own room area 210-2 are areas that simulate the user's own room. A television 210 and a plurality of seats 212 are arranged in each of the user's own room area 210-1 and the user's own room area 210-2. A user U1, who is the user's own icon, is located in the user's own room area 210-1. A user U2, who is the icon of another user, is located in the user's own room area 210-2. In this case, the virtual rest room 200A is also displayed on the display unit 22 of the terminal device 10A of the other user. That is, the virtual rest room 200A is shared among users who are taking a break in their own rooms. That is, in the virtual resting room 200A, users who are resting in their own rooms can communicate with each other.

[0105] The virtual rest room 200B shown in FIG. 18 is a virtual rest room corresponding to a cafe. That is, when a user is taking a break at a cafe, the virtual rest room 200B is displayed on the display unit 22. The virtual rest room 200B includes multiple tables 222 and multiple seats 224. User U1, which is a user's own icon, and icons of other users U2, U3, and U4 are present in the virtual rest room 200B. In this case, the virtual rest room 200B is also displayed on the display unit 22 of the terminal device 10A of the other users. That is, the virtual rest room 200B is shared among users taking a break at the cafe. The arrangement of the multiple tables 222 and seats 224 in the virtual rest room 200B may be changed according to layout information of the cafe where the users are actually taking a break. For example, if user U2 always sits in the same seat 224 in the virtual rest room 200B, information to that effect may be displayed. That is, in the virtual rest room 200B, users taking a break at the cafe can communicate with each other.

[0106] When users are taking a break in their own rooms and virtual rest room 200A is displayed on display unit 22, communication does not necessarily have to be limited to users taking a break in their own rooms. When users are taking a break in a cafe and virtual rest room 200B is displayed on display unit 22, communication does not necessarily have to be limited to users taking a break in the cafe. For example, user U1 and user U2 may be able to communicate in a state where virtual rest room 200A is displayed on display unit 22 of terminal device 10A of user U1 and virtual rest room 200B is displayed on display unit 22 of terminal device 10A of another user, user U2.

[0107] For example, the virtual rest room information acquisition unit 44 may acquire information about a virtual rest room corresponding to a case where the user is resting on a balcony at home. In this case, the output control unit 46 may display a hammock or an outdoor chair as a seat on the display unit 22. For example, the virtual rest room information acquisition unit 44 may acquire information about a virtual rest room corresponding to a case where the user is resting inside a car. In this case, the output control unit 46 may display the car interior on the display unit 22.

[0108] Returning to Fig. 16, steps S148 to S156 are the same as steps S26 to S34 in Fig. 5, and therefore a description thereof will be omitted.

[0109] As described above, the third embodiment provides a virtual rest room that corresponds to the rest area that the user is actually resting in. This allows the user to communicate with other users in the virtual rest room, feeling as if they were resting in an actual space.

[0110] Although the embodiments of the present invention have been described above, the present invention is not limited to the contents of these embodiments. Furthermore, the above-described components include those that can be easily imagined by a person skilled in the art, those that are substantially the same, and those that are within the so-called equivalent range. Furthermore, the above-described components can be combined as appropriate. Furthermore, various omissions, substitutions, or modifications of the components can be made without departing from the spirit of the above-described embodiments. [Explanation of symbols]

[0111] 1,1A Virtual Rest Room Provision System 10,10A terminal equipment 12 Detection devices 14 Server equipment 20,60 Input section 22 Display section 24,62 Audio output section 26,66,90 Storage section 28 GNSS receiver 30,68,92 Communications Department 32,70,94 Control section 40 Rest area setting section 42 Virtual break room connection 44 Virtual break room information acquisition unit 46 Output control section 48 Location information acquisition section 50 Communication Execution Department 64 Position detection sensor 80 Sensor control unit 82 Intrusion detection unit 84 Verification Department 86 Judgment section 100 Virtual Break Room Management Department 200 Virtual Break Room AR1 Rest Area U User

Claims

1. an entry detection unit that detects whether or not a user is entering a rest area based on a result of detection of the user's position by the position detection sensor; the position detection sensor is a camera, the detection device includes a determination unit that determines whether a user who has entered the rest area is a pre-registered user based on an image of the user captured by the camera; a rest area setting unit that sets the rest area of ​​the user in real space; When the entry of the user into the rest area is detected and it is determined that the user who entered the rest area is a pre-registered user, a virtual rest room connection unit that connects to a virtual rest room where users can communicate with other users in the virtual space; a virtual rest room information acquisition unit that acquires information about the virtual rest room; a terminal device including an output control unit that outputs information about the virtual rest room; A virtual rest room providing system comprising:

2. an entry detection unit that detects whether or not a user is entering a rest area based on a result of detection of the user's position by the position detection sensor; a detection device that determines whether the user is in a resting state when the user enters the resting area; a rest area setting unit that sets the rest area of ​​the user in real space; a virtual rest room connection unit that connects the user to a virtual rest room in a virtual space where the user can communicate with other users when the user's entry into the rest area is detected and the user is determined to be in a resting state; a virtual rest room information acquisition unit that acquires information about the virtual rest room; a terminal device including an output control unit that outputs information about the virtual rest room; A virtual rest room providing system comprising:

3. the terminal device includes a rest area information acquisition unit that acquires rest area information related to the rest area; the virtual rest room information acquisition unit acquires information about a virtual rest room corresponding to the rest area information, The output control unit displays a virtual rest room corresponding to the rest area information on a display unit. The virtual rest room providing system according to claim 1 or 2.

4. the detection device includes a confirmation unit that confirms with the user whether or not to connect to the virtual break room, the virtual rest room connection unit connects to the virtual rest room when it is determined to connect to the virtual rest room. The virtual rest room providing system according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

5. setting a rest area for a user in a real space; detecting whether the user is entering the rest area based on a result of detection of the user's position by a position detection sensor; determining whether a user who has entered the rest area is a pre-registered user; detecting the user's entry into the rest area, and if it is determined that the user who has entered the rest area is a pre-registered user, connecting to a virtual rest room in which the user can communicate with other users in a virtual space; obtaining information about the virtual break room; outputting information about the virtual rest room; A computer-implemented method for providing a virtual break room, comprising:

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