Presentation unit and private booth

Abstract

To provide a presentation unit capable of suppressing temperature rise in a box by releasing heat from exhaust heat openings.SOLUTION: A communication unit 110 is a presentation unit used in a remote presentation in which video captured by a camera 130 is processed and transmitted through a network. The communication unit includes a top board 121, a prompter 140 placed on the top board 121, and a box housing the prompter 140. The front of the box has an exposure opening 125b to expose the prompter 140, and a plurality of exhaust heat openings 124h are formed on any surface of the box.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 11

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a presentation unit and a private booth used for remote presentations. [Background technology]

[0002] BACKGROUND ART Conventionally, an information display system used for remote presentations has been disclosed (see, for example, Patent Document 1). [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2017-175579 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] When an information display system such as that disclosed in Patent Document 1 is housed in a box, the temperature inside the box may become high, which may adversely affect the information display system. Therefore, an object of the present disclosure is to solve the above-mentioned problems. [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] The presentation unit according to a first aspect of the present invention is a presentation unit used in remote presentations in which video captured by a camera is processed and transmitted over a network, and comprises a top plate, a prompter placed in the space above the top plate, and a box for housing the prompter, with an exposure opening formed on the front of the box to expose the prompter, and multiple heat exhaust openings formed on one side of the box.

[0006] According to the presentation unit of the first aspect, heat can be released from the heat exhaust opening, so that a rise in temperature inside the box can be suppressed.

[0007] Furthermore, a presentation unit according to a second aspect of the present invention is a presentation unit according to the first aspect, wherein the box includes a front panel that surrounds the front portion of the prompter, and the exposure opening is formed in the front panel.

[0008] According to the presentation unit of the second aspect, the front panel can cover the portion of the prompter other than the display portion, thereby improving the design of the presentation unit.

[0009] A presentation unit according to a third aspect of the present invention is the presentation unit according to the first or second aspect, wherein the box further contains an operating device for video processing.

[0010] According to the presentation unit of the third aspect, the operating device is not exposed, thereby improving the design of the presentation unit.

[0011] A presentation unit according to a fourth aspect of the present invention is the presentation unit according to any one of the first to third aspects, wherein the prompter is provided with a light that irradiates the presenter with light.

[0012] According to the presentation unit of the fourth aspect, the image quality of the video captured by the camera can be improved.

[0013] Furthermore, a presentation unit according to a fifth aspect of the present invention is a presentation unit according to any one of the first to fourth aspects, wherein the box further houses an audio input device for inputting the presenter's voice, and an audio input opening is formed on one of the faces of the box.

[0014] According to the presentation unit of the fifth aspect, the audio input device is not exposed, thereby improving the design of the presentation unit.

[0015] Furthermore, a presentation unit according to a sixth aspect of the present invention is a presentation unit according to any one of the first to fifth aspects, wherein the box further houses an audio output device for outputting audio to the presenter, and an audio output opening is formed on one of the faces of the box.

[0016] According to the presentation unit of the sixth aspect, the audio output device is not exposed, thereby improving the design of the presentation unit.

[0017] A presentation unit according to a seventh aspect of the present invention is the presentation unit according to any one of the first to sixth aspects, wherein at least a part of the box is made of nonwoven fabric.

[0018] According to the presentation unit according to the seventh aspect, the sound absorbing performance of the presentation unit can be improved.

[0019] Furthermore, a presentation unit according to an eighth aspect of the present invention is the presentation unit according to any one of the first to seventh aspects, further comprising the camera housed in the box.

[0020] According to the presentation unit of the eighth aspect, when used in a private booth, it is possible to suppress a rise in temperature inside the box.

[0021] Furthermore, a presentation unit according to a ninth aspect of the present invention is a presentation unit according to any one of the first to eighth aspects, further comprising legs that support the tabletop and a lifting mechanism that raises and lowers the tabletop.

[0022] According to the presentation unit of the ninth aspect, it is possible to adjust the height of the prompter.

[0023] A presentation unit according to a tenth aspect of the present invention is the presentation unit according to any one of the first to ninth aspects, wherein the box is fixed to the top panel.

[0024] According to the presentation unit of the tenth aspect, the stability of the box can be improved.

[0025] Furthermore, a presentation unit according to an eleventh aspect of the present invention is a presentation unit according to any one of the first to tenth aspects, in which a background member is provided behind the presenter, and further comprising a second light for illuminating the background member.

[0026] According to the presentation unit of the eleventh aspect, it is possible to make it difficult for the presenter's shadow to appear in the image captured by the camera.

[0027] Furthermore, a private booth according to a twelfth aspect of the present invention comprises the camera, a plurality of side sections arranged to surround at least three horizontal sides, and a presentation unit according to any one of the first to eleventh aspects.

[0028] According to the private booth according to the twelfth aspect, it is possible to suppress a rise in temperature inside the box when taking photographs inside the private booth.

[0029] A private booth according to a thirteenth aspect of the present invention is the private booth according to the twelfth aspect, wherein at least one of the side surfaces is made of glass.

[0030] According to the private booth according to the thirteenth aspect, the appearance of the private booth can be improved. [Effects of the Invention]

[0031] The presentation unit and private booth according to the present invention described above have the following advantages.

[0032] According to the presentation unit of the first aspect, it is possible to suppress a rise in temperature inside the box.

[0033] According to the presentation unit according to the second aspect, it is possible to improve the design.

[0034] According to the presentation unit according to the third aspect, it is possible to improve the design.

[0035] According to the presentation unit of the fourth aspect, it is possible to improve the image quality of the video captured by the camera.

[0036] According to the presentation unit according to the fifth aspect, it is possible to improve the design.

[0037] According to the presentation unit of the sixth aspect, the design can be improved.

[0038] According to the presentation unit of the seventh aspect, the sound absorbing performance can be improved.

[0039] According to the presentation unit of the eighth aspect, it is possible to suppress a rise in temperature inside the box.

[0040] According to the presentation unit of the ninth aspect, it is possible to adjust the height of the prompter.

[0041] According to the presentation unit of the tenth aspect, the stability of the box can be improved.

[0042] According to the presentation unit of the eleventh aspect, it is possible to make it difficult for the presenter's shadow to appear in the image captured by the camera.

[0043] According to the private booth according to the twelfth aspect, it is possible to suppress a rise in temperature inside the box when taking pictures inside the private booth.

[0044] According to the private booth according to the thirteenth aspect, the appearance of the private booth can be improved. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0045] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing a booth housing the fixture system. [Figure 2] FIG. 1 is a plan view showing a booth housing the fixture system. [Figure 3] FIG. 1 is a side cross-sectional view showing a booth housing the fixture system. [Figure 4] FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing a fixture system. [Figure 5] FIG. 1 is a side view showing a first embodiment of the fixture system. [Figure 6] FIG. 10 is a side view showing a second embodiment of the fixture system. [Figure 7] FIG. 10 is a perspective view showing a booth housing a presentation unit in use. [Figure 8] FIG. 10 is a perspective view showing a booth housing a presentation unit when not in use. [Figure 9] FIG. 10 is a plan view showing the booth housing the presentation unit when not in use. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a side cross-sectional view showing the booth housing the presentation unit in use. [Figure 11] FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing a presentation unit. [Figure 12]FIG. [Figure 13] FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view showing the presentation unit. [Figure 14] FIG. 1 is a side cross-sectional view showing the presentation unit. [Figure 15] FIG. 10 is a rear perspective view showing another embodiment of the background component unit. [Figure 16] FIG. 10 is a front perspective view showing another embodiment of the background construction unit. [Figure 17] FIG. 10 is a plan view showing another embodiment of the background construction unit. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0046] A communication unit 10 according to one embodiment of the furniture system of the present invention will be described below with reference to Figures 1 to 6. As shown in Figures 1 to 3, the communication unit 10 according to this embodiment is housed in a booth 1. The booth 1 is placed on a floor F and is configured for indoor use by one person or a small number of people. Below, the side of the booth 1 on which the communication unit 10 is located (the left side in Figures 2 and 3) will be referred to as the front of the booth 1. Furthermore, the left side of the booth 1 facing the front of the booth 1 (the lower side in Figure 2) will be referred to as the left side of the booth 1.

[0047] As shown in Figures 1 to 3, booth 1 is composed of a cylindrical peripheral wall 2 with an opening at the top, forming a private room. Peripheral wall 2 is composed of four support columns 2a and multiple panels 2b·2b·· connected by the support columns 2a in a rectangular shape in plan view. As shown in Figures 1 and 2, a door 2c is rotatably supported via a hinge at the rear of left panel 2b.

[0048] 1 to 3, a plurality of sound-absorbing panels 2d made of a sound-absorbing material such as nonwoven fabric are provided on the front side and on the front portions of both the left and right sides of the inner surface of the peripheral wall 2. In the booth 1, the sound-absorbing panels 2d absorb the voices of the user U inside the booth 1, thereby improving the sound insulation of the booth 1 (the attenuation of the sound volume transmitted between the inside and outside of the booth 1).

[0049] 1 to 3, a columnar frame 2e is installed across the opening of the peripheral wall 2 of the booth 1 in the left-right direction of the booth 1. A roof member 2f is installed in the center of the opening in the left-right direction and in the front-rear direction of the booth 1.

[0050] As described above, the booth 1 is provided with the roof member 2f as a shielding portion that shields the opening in the peripheral wall 2. In this way, by reflecting the voices of the user U inside the booth 1 by the roof member 2f, the voices are less likely to be emitted outside the booth 1, thereby improving the sound insulation of the booth 1. Furthermore, because both sides of the roof member 2f are open at the opening, water spraying from above by a sprinkler or the like is not impeded.

[0051] As shown in Figures 1 to 3, a chair 3 is placed behind the communication unit 10 inside the booth 1. A plate-shaped background member 4 is also provided behind the chair 3. As shown in Figure 3, the background member 4 forms the background of the user U of the communication unit 10. The surface of the background member 4 is made of a single color such as green, blue, white, or black.

[0052] 4 to 6, the communication unit 10 is mainly composed of a height-adjustable desk 20, a camera 30, a prompter 40 which is an image display unit, and communication equipment such as a general-purpose computer (not shown). The communication unit 10 is connected to networks such as the Internet or a local area network via the communication equipment, and is used for remote communication (such as web conferences and web seminars) in which images are transmitted one-way or two-way via these networks.

[0053] The up and down adjustable desk 20 includes a top 21, legs 22 that support the top 21, a motor 23 that is a drive unit that extends and retracts the legs 22 up and down, and a cover 24 that is provided on the upper side of the top 21. An operating unit 23a for operating the drive of the motor 23 is provided on the upper surface of the base end of the leg 22 below the top 21. A user U of the up and down adjustable desk 20 can extend and retract the legs 22 by operating the operating unit 23a, thereby raising and lowering the top 21 up and down.

[0054] The camera 30 is provided above the top board 21 and captures an image of a user U of the up-and-down adjustable desk 20. The image captured by the camera 30 is transmitted via a communication device and a network and used for remote communication.

[0055] Prompter 40, which is an image display unit, is provided above tabletop 21 and displays images used for remote communication to user U of height-adjustable desk 20. Specifically, prompter 40 is composed of display 41 and half mirror 42.

[0056] As shown in FIGS. 4 to 6 , in the communication unit 10, the half mirror 42, display 41, and camera 30 are housed in the cover 24. The half mirror 42 has the characteristic of reflecting part of the incident light and transmitting part of it. That is, when the half mirror 42 is placed between the bright side and the dark side, part of the light from the bright side is reflected and part of it is transmitted to the dark side. As a result, when a user U on the bright side looks at the half mirror 42, the light appears to be reflected like a mirror. On the other hand, when the half mirror 42 is photographed by the camera 30, which is located on the dark side because it is housed inside the cover 24, the image of the user U on the bright side is photographed through the half mirror 42, as shown in the photographing area Pa in FIGS. 5 and 6 .

[0057] The display 41 outputs an image used for remote communication upward by transmitting and receiving the image via a communication device and a network. The half mirror 42 is disposed at an angle above the display 41, thereby reflecting a portion of the image light Pr output by the display 41 toward the front side of the tabletop 21 (the side of the user U) as shown in Figures 5 and 6. This allows the user U to view the image output by the display 41.

[0058] In the communication unit 10, which is a fixture system according to this embodiment, the prompter 40 displays an image used for remote communication in a position that overlaps horizontally with the camera 30. Specifically, the camera 30 is positioned further back on the tabletop 21 than the half mirror 42. This allows the area where the image light Pr from the display 41 is reflected by the half mirror 42 to be within the range of the shooting area Pa of the camera 30, as shown in FIGS.

[0059] Therefore, when the user U of the communication unit 10 views the image displayed on the prompter 40, the line of sight of the user U is directed toward the camera 30, and the user U can be photographed with the camera 30 at a natural line of sight. In other words, the user U is photographed with the camera 30 in a position in which he or she is looking at the image output from the display 41 and displayed on the half mirror 42, and therefore the user U can engage in remote communication with a natural line of sight.

[0060] Furthermore, according to the communication unit 10 of this embodiment, the camera 30 and the prompter 40 are provided above the top board 21 of the up-and-down adjustable desk 20. This allows the user U to adjust the height of the camera 30 and the prompter 40 by operating the operation unit 23a. Therefore, even if the user U has a different physique, it is easy to adjust the height of the camera 30 and the prompter 40 to the height of the user U's face.

[0061] Specifically, as in the first embodiment shown in Fig. 5, even in the case of a small-built user UL, such as a relatively short user UL, the height of the tabletop 21 can be adjusted low so that the user UL can be photographed with the camera 30 at a natural line of sight. Also, as in the second embodiment shown in Fig. 6, even in the case of a large-built user UH, such as a relatively tall user UH, the height of the tabletop 21 can be adjusted high so that the user UH can be photographed with the camera 30 at a natural line of sight.

[0062] Thus, with the communication unit 10 according to this embodiment, even if the user U has a different physique, the user U can adjust the height of the tabletop 21 by operating the operation unit 23a, thereby adjusting the height of the camera 30 and the prompter 40 to the height of the face of the user U. Therefore, with the communication unit 10, remote communication can be carried out at a natural eye level regardless of the physique of the user U.

[0063] 5 and 6, in the communication unit 10 according to this embodiment, the camera 30 and the prompter 40 are integrally configured on the upper surface of the tabletop 21. This makes it possible to easily install the communication unit 10.

[0064] 4, the communication unit 10 according to this embodiment further includes an image processing device 51 as a control panel for processing images used in remote communication. This allows the image used in remote communication to be processed. Specifically, it is possible to extract only the user U from the image captured by the camera 30, or change the size of the image of the extracted user U.

[0065] A background member 4 is provided inside the booth 1 behind the communication unit 10 according to this embodiment, which makes it easy to extract only the user U from the video captured by the camera 30. In addition, in this embodiment, the surface of the background member 4 is made of a single color, which makes it easy to extract only the user U as an image from the captured content.

[0066] The background member provided in booth 1 may be not only a plate-like member as shown in Figures 1 and 2, but also a rollable sheet-like member. In this case, when the background member is not in use, it can be rolled up and stored. Also, by painting the inner surface of the rear part of the booth in a single color, the inner surface of the booth can be used as a background.

[0067] 4, the communication unit 10 according to this embodiment further includes an image switching device 52 for switching between images used in remote communication. This allows switching between multiple images used in remote communication. Specifically, it is possible to switch between the image captured by the camera 30 and the image of the remote communication partner to be displayed on the prompter 40.

[0068] 4, the communication unit 10 according to this embodiment can be configured to include a handheld camera 61 as a second camera for capturing an image of the user U's hands. This can improve the quality of the image used by the user U in remote communication. The image captured by the handheld camera 61 can be switched with other images by the image switching device 52.

[0069] 4, the communication unit 10 according to this embodiment can be configured to include a lighting member 62 that illuminates the user U within the range captured by the camera. This makes it possible to brighten the area around the user U, thereby improving the quality of the images used in remote communication.

[0070] 4, the communication unit 10 according to this embodiment can be further configured to include a speaker 63 for outputting audio for remote communication. This allows audio to be output within the booth 1 for remote communication.

[0071] As shown in figures other than FIG. 4, the communication unit 10 may be configured without the handheld camera 61, the lighting member 62, and the speaker 63.

[0072] Next, a communication unit 110 according to one embodiment of the presentation unit of the present invention will be described with reference to Figures 7 to 14. As shown in Figures 7 to 10, the communication unit 110 according to this embodiment is housed in a booth 101. The booth 101 is placed on a floor F and is configured to be used by one person or a small number of people.

[0073] In the following, the side of the booth 101 where the communication unit 110 is arranged (the left side in FIGS. 9 and 10) will be described as the front of the booth 101. Furthermore, the left side inside the booth 101 facing the front of the booth 101 (the lower side in FIG. 9) will be described as the left side of the booth 101. When describing the communication unit 110, the side of the presenter U who is the user of the communication unit 110 will be described as the front of the communication unit 110.

[0074] 7 to 10, the booth 101 forms a private room with a cylindrical peripheral wall 2 having an opening formed at the top. In this embodiment, transparent glass panels are used for the panels 2b and doors 2c that form the peripheral wall 2. The main configuration of the peripheral wall 2 is the same as the peripheral wall 2 in the booth 10 described in the previous embodiment, so the following description will focus on the parts that differ from the previous embodiment.

[0075] 8 to 10, inside the booth 101, a chair 103 is placed in front of the communication unit 110. Also, inside the communication unit 110, a background construction unit 104 is provided behind the chair 103. As shown in FIGS. 9 and 10, the background construction unit 104 constructs the background of the presenter U of the communication unit 110.

[0076] As shown in Figures 11, 12, and 14, the communication unit 110 is composed of the following main components: a height-adjustable desk 120, a camera 130, a prompter 140 which is an image display unit, a rear cover member 124, a front cover member 125, a prompter support case 126, and communication equipment such as a general-purpose computer (not shown).

[0077] The communication unit 110 is connected to a network such as the Internet or a local area network via a communication device. The communication unit 110 is used for remote presentations (such as web conferences and web seminars) by processing images captured by the camera 130 and transmitting them over a network.

[0078] The height-adjustable desk 120 includes a tabletop 121, legs 122 supporting the tabletop 121, and a motor (not shown) that serves as a drive unit for extending and retracting the legs 122 up and down (a lifting mechanism for the tabletop 121). The presenter U can operate the motor to extend and retract the legs 122, thereby raising and lowering the tabletop 121 up and down. In this embodiment, a background light 121a that illuminates the background construction unit 104 is provided below the front end of the tabletop 121 (the end on the presenter U side). A prompter support case 126 is disposed on the upper surface of the tabletop 121.

[0079] 11 and 12, a power supply box 127 and a sound collection microphone 144, which is an audio input device for inputting the voice of the presenter U, are arranged on the top surface of the prompter support case 126. In addition, a speaker 143, which is an audio output device for outputting voice to the presenter U, is provided on the lower front surface of the prompter support case 126.

[0080] The camera 130 is provided inside the prompter support case 126 above the top board 121. The camera 130 captures an image of the presenter U using the height-adjustable desk 120. The image captured by the camera 130 is transmitted via a communication device and a network and used for remote communication.

[0081] Prompter 140, which is an image display unit, is housed in prompter support case 126 provided above tabletop 121. Prompter 140 displays images used for remote communication to presenter U. Specifically, prompter 140 is composed of display 141 and half mirror 142. In prompter 140, lights 142a, 142a that irradiate presenter U with light are provided on both sides of half mirror 142.

[0082] The half mirror 142 in the prompter 140 has the characteristic of reflecting part of the incident light and transmitting part of it. In other words, when the half mirror 142 is placed between the bright side and the dark side, part of the light from the bright side is reflected and part is transmitted to the dark side. As a result, when presenter U, who is on the bright side, looks at the half mirror 142, the light appears to be reflected like a mirror. On the other hand, when the half mirror 142 is photographed from the camera 130, which is installed on the dark side because it is housed inside a box, the image of presenter U, who is on the bright side, is photographed through the half mirror.

[0083] The display 141 outputs an image used for remote communication upward by transmitting and receiving the image via a communication device and a network. The half mirror 142 is disposed at an angle above the display 141, thereby reflecting a portion of the image light output by the display 141 to the front side of the tabletop 121 (toward the presenter U). This allows the presenter U to view the image output by the display 141.

[0084] In communication unit 110, which is a presentation unit according to this embodiment, prompter 140 also displays an image used for remote communication at a position that overlaps horizontally with camera 130. Specifically, camera 130 is placed further back on tabletop 121 than half mirror 142. This allows the area where image light from display 141 is reflected by half mirror 142 to be within the range of the camera 130's shooting area.

[0085] Therefore, when presenter U looks at the image displayed on prompter 140, presenter U's line of sight is directed toward camera 130, so presenter U can be photographed with camera 130 with a natural line of sight. In other words, presenter U is photographed with camera 130 in a position where he or she is looking at the image output from display 141 and displayed on half mirror 142, so presenter U can engage in remote communication with a natural line of sight.

[0086] Furthermore, in the communication unit 110 according to this embodiment, the camera 130 and the prompter 140 are also provided above the top board 121 of the up-and-down adjustable desk 120. This allows the presenter U to adjust the height of the camera 130 and the prompter 140. Therefore, even if the presenter U has a different build, it is easy to adjust the height of the camera 130 and the prompter 140 to the height of the presenter U's face.

[0087] 13, in the communication unit 110 according to this embodiment, an image processing device 151 is disposed on the top panel 121 as a control panel for processing images used in remote communication. This allows the images used in remote communication to be processed. Specifically, it is possible to extract only the presenter U from the image captured by the camera 130, and change the size of the extracted image of the presenter U.

[0088] 13, in the communication unit 110 according to this embodiment, an image switching device 152 for switching images used in remote communication is disposed on the tabletop 121. This allows switching between multiple images used in remote communication. Specifically, it is possible to switch between the image captured by the camera 130 and the image of the remote communication partner to be displayed on the prompter 140.

[0089] 11 to 14, in the communication unit 110, the half mirror 142, the display 141, the camera 130, and the prompter support case 126 are housed in a box made up of a rear cover member 124 and a front cover member 125, which is the front panel. The box made up of the rear cover member 124 and the front cover member 125 is fixed to the top panel 121.

[0090] The front cover member 125 is a panel member that forms the front of the box (the side facing the presenter U) and is provided so as to surround the front portion of the prompter 140. In this embodiment, the front cover member 125 is formed by compressing nonwoven fabric. As shown in FIG. 12 , the front cover member 125 has various openings formed therein, such as an audio input opening 125a, an exposure opening 125b, an audio output opening 125c, an operation opening 125d, a top panel opening 125e, and a power supply opening 125f.

[0091] The audio input opening 125a is formed in front of the sound collection microphone 144. The sound emitted by the presenter U passes through the audio input opening 125a and is collected by the sound collection microphone 144. The exposure opening 125b exposes the half mirror 142 of the prompter 140. The presenter U can view the image output by the display 141 and displayed on the half mirror 142 through the exposure opening 125b.

[0092] The audio output opening 125c is formed in front of the speaker 143. The audio emitted by the speaker 143 is output to the presenter U through the audio output opening 125c. The operation openings 125d are formed in two places, one on the left and one on the right, near the upper side of the top panel 121. The presenter U can insert his or her hand through the operation opening 125d to operate the video processing device 151 or the video switching device 152.

[0093] The top panel opening 125e is formed at the same height as the top panel 121. As shown in Figures 13 and 14, when the front cover member 125 is attached to the up-and-down adjustable desk 120, the top panel 121 is inserted through the top panel opening 125e. The power supply opening 125f is formed on the upper left side of the front cover member 125 and in front of the power supply box 127. The presenter U can insert his or her finger through the power supply opening 125f to operate the switch of the power supply box 127.

[0094] The rear cover member 124 is a box body that forms the rear of the box, and is provided to surround the top, sides, and rear of the prompter support case 126. As shown in Fig. 13, the rear cover member 124 is formed by combining an upper cover 124t, two side covers 124s, and a back cover 124b.

[0095] 13, a plurality of heat exhaust openings 124h·124h·· are formed in the top cover 124t and the back cover 124b. In the communication unit 110 according to this embodiment, by forming a plurality of heat exhaust openings 124h·124h·· in the rear cover member 124 that constitutes the box, heat generated by the prompter 140 can be released from the heat exhaust openings 124h·124h··. This makes it possible to suppress a temperature rise inside the box formed by the rear cover member 124 and the front cover member 125.

[0096] Furthermore, in the communication unit 110 according to this embodiment, the box is configured to include a front cover member 125 as a front panel that surrounds the front portion of the prompter 140. An exposure opening 125b that exposes the half mirror 142 of the prompter 140 is formed in the front cover member 125. This allows the front cover member 125 to cover the entire portion of the prompter 140 other than the half mirror 142, which is the display section of the prompter 140. This allows the design of the communication unit 110 to be improved.

[0097] Furthermore, in the communication unit 110 according to this embodiment, a box formed by the front cover member 125 and the rear cover member 124 houses an image processing device 151, which is an operating device for image processing. The image processing device 151 can be operated through the operation opening 125d. This prevents the image processing device 151 from being exposed, thereby improving the design of the communication unit 110.

[0098] Furthermore, in the communication unit 110 according to this embodiment, lights 142a are provided on both sides of the half mirror 142 of the prompter 140 to illuminate the presenter U. This improves the image quality of the video of the presenter U captured by the camera 130.

[0099] Furthermore, in the communication unit 110 according to this embodiment, the box formed by the front cover member 125 and the rear cover member 124 further houses a sound collection microphone 144 as an audio input device for inputting the voice of the presenter U, and an audio input opening 125a is formed in the front cover member 125. In this way, by not exposing the sound collection microphone 144, the design of the communication unit 110 can be improved.

[0100] Furthermore, in the communication unit 110 according to this embodiment, the box formed by the front cover member 125 and the rear cover member 124 further houses a speaker 143 as an audio output device for outputting audio to the presenter U, and an audio output opening 125c is formed in the front cover member 125. In this way, by not exposing the speaker 143, the design of the communication unit 110 can be improved.

[0101] Furthermore, in the communication unit 110 according to this embodiment, the front cover member 125 is made of nonwoven fabric, which allows the sound absorption performance of the communication unit 110 to be improved.

[0102] Furthermore, the communication unit 110 according to this embodiment is placed in a private booth, that is, booth 101. In this embodiment, when the communication unit 110 is used in booth 101, heat generated by prompter 140 can be released through heat exhaust openings 124h·124h··, thereby making it possible to suppress a rise in temperature inside the box.

[0103] Furthermore, the communication unit 110 according to this embodiment includes legs 122 that support the top panel 121 and an elevation mechanism that raises and lowers the top panel 121. This allows the height of the prompter 140 to be adjusted.

[0104] In addition, in the communication unit 110 according to this embodiment, the box formed by the front cover member 125 and the rear cover member 124 is fixed to the top plate 121 of the up-and-down adjustable desk 120. This improves the stability of the box in the communication unit 110.

[0105] Additionally, a background construction unit 104 is provided inside the booth 101 behind the communication unit 110 according to this embodiment. The surface of the curtain 104d that constitutes the background construction unit 104 (the surface facing the presenter U) is configured with a color (a single color such as green, blue, white, or black) or pattern that makes it easy to extract only the presenter U as an image from the content captured by the camera 130 when processing the video. This makes it easy to process the video captured by the camera 130 so that only the presenter U is extracted.

[0106] The background construction unit 104 includes a fixed member 104a fixed to the rear panel 2b of the booth 101, a support member 104b supported by the fixed member 104a and formed in a U-shape in plan view, a curtain rail 104c provided on the underside of the support member 104b, and a curtain 104d which is a background member that can be opened and closed along the curtain rail 104c. When the background construction unit 104 is not in use, the curtain 104d is gathered together on one side as shown in Figures 8 and 9.

[0107] 7 to 9, the support member 104b and the curtain rail 104c are formed in a U-shape in a plan view. As a result, when the curtain 104d is unfolded when using the background construction unit 104, the curtain 104d is positioned on both sides and behind the presenter U. In other words, the curtain 104d is configured to include a rear portion provided behind the presenter U and side portions provided to the sides of the presenter U. In this way, since the background construction unit 104 has the curtain 104d, which is a background member, provided on the sides of the presenter U, it is possible to widen the angle of view when capturing images with the camera 130.

[0108] Furthermore, in the background construction unit 104, the support member 104b is formed in a U-shape in a plan view, and the curtain 104d is formed by continuing a rear portion provided behind the presenter U and two side portions provided on both sides of the presenter U. As described above, in the background construction unit 104, the curtains 104d, which are background members, are provided on both sides of the presenter U, so that the angle of view can be made larger when photographing with the camera 130.

[0109] Additionally, background composition unit 104 is placed inside booth 101, which is a private booth equipped with camera 130 and side sections that surround it on three horizontal sides. This allows the angle of view of camera 130 to be increased when background composition unit 104 is used inside booth 101.

[0110] In the background construction unit 104, the curtain 104d has a front side facing the presenter U and a back side formed behind the front side. In this case, it is preferable that the front side and the back side are formed with different colors or patterns. This improves the design of the back side, thereby improving the appearance when used in a booth 101 that uses glass panels for the peripheral walls 2.

[0111] Furthermore, it is preferable that the rear surface of the curtain 104d is configured to have a higher light reflectance than the front surface, so that when used in the booth 101, light from outside is reflected outward without passing through, thereby further improving the appearance.

[0112] As described above, when the background component unit 104 is used inside the booth 101, it is preferable that at least one of the side surfaces (panel 2b or door 2c) of the booth 101 is made of glass. This makes it easier to see the background component unit 104 from the outside of the booth 101, thereby improving the appearance of the booth 101.

[0113] Furthermore, in this embodiment, a background light 121a is provided at the front end of the top panel 121 in the communication unit 110 as a second light that illuminates the background configuration unit 104. This allows the shadow of the presenter U to be formed in a small area behind the presenter U on the curtain 104d. This makes it difficult for the shadow of the presenter U to appear in the video captured by the camera 130, thereby improving the quality of the image captured by the camera 130.

[0114] Furthermore, instead of the background composition unit 104, a freestanding background composition unit 204 can be provided behind the communication unit 110 according to this embodiment, as in the modified examples shown in Figures 15 to 17. In this case, the background composition unit 204 can be used regardless of whether or not a booth 101 is present. In other words, it is possible to adopt either a configuration in which the background composition unit 204 is placed inside the booth 101, or a configuration in which the background composition unit 204 is used independently without using a booth 101.

[0115] The background construction unit 204 comprises a frame 204a, which is a frame body formed on the floor surface so as to be able to stand on its own, a support member 204b formed in a U-shape in a plan view, and a plate-like background member 204c supported by the support member 204b.

[0116] 15 to 17, the support member 204b is formed in a U-shape in plan view. As a result, the background member 204c is positioned on both sides and behind the presenter U. That is, even in the freestanding background construction unit 204, the background member 204c is configured to include a rear portion provided behind the presenter U and side portions provided to the sides of the presenter U.

[0117] The surface of background member 204c (the surface facing the presenter U) is configured with a color or pattern that makes it easy to extract only the presenter U as an image from the content captured by camera 130 when processing the video. As described above, even in the freestanding background configuration unit 204, background member 204c is provided on both sides of presenter U, making it possible to widen the angle of view when capturing images with camera 130.

[0118] [Other variations] The above-described embodiments can be modified as appropriate, as shown in the other modifications below. Note that each modification described in this specification may be applied in combination with other modifications to the extent that no contradiction occurs.

[0119] Although the communication unit according to the above embodiment is housed inside a booth, the communication unit can also be used independently without being housed in a booth. Furthermore, even when the communication unit is housed in a booth, the booth can have a shape other than rectangular. For example, the booth can have a circular, triangular, pentagonal, trapezoidal, or other shape in plan view. Furthermore, the booth can also have a closed top and be covered by a ceiling.

[0120] Although the communication unit according to the above embodiment is configured so that the user uses the height-adjustable desk while sitting in a chair, the height-adjustable desk provided with the communication unit can also be configured so that the user uses the height-adjustable desk while standing, or so that the user uses the height-adjustable desk while sitting in a high chair.

[0121] The prompter, which is the video display unit provided in the communication unit according to the above embodiment, is composed of a display and a half mirror, but the video display unit can also have other configurations. For example, the video display unit can be composed of a screen and a projector. In this case, by using a configuration in which a hole is drilled in the screen and a camera is installed behind the screen, or a configuration in which a camera is placed in front of the screen, it is possible to display the video used for remote communication in a position that overlaps horizontally with the camera.

[0122] Furthermore, in the communication unit according to the above embodiment, it is also possible to configure the display to be placed above the half mirror, and the half mirror to be placed at an angle below the display. Even in this case, part of the image light output by the display can be reflected to the front side of the tabletop (toward the user), allowing the user to view the image output by the display.

[0123] Furthermore, when remote communication is performed using the communication unit according to the above embodiment, it is possible to transmit signals such as audio in addition to video. Furthermore, if the microphones and speakers installed in the booth have directionality, the microphones' sound collection ability can be improved by setting them at the optimal height. Furthermore, it is possible to lower the volume of the audio output from the speakers to a level that does not affect the surrounding area.

[0124] In addition, in the communication unit 110 according to the above embodiment, the plurality of heat exhaust openings 124h·124h·· are formed in the top cover 124t and the back cover 124b of the rear cover member 124 that constitutes the box, but it is also possible to form the heat exhaust openings 124h in the side covers 124s·124s or the front cover member 125.

[0125] It is also possible to configure the box using only the rear cover member 124 without providing the front cover member 125. It is also possible to configure the entire box made up of the front cover member 125 and the rear cover member 124 using nonwoven fabric, or to configure parts other than the front cover member 125 using nonwoven fabric.

[0126] Furthermore, in the communication unit 110 according to the above embodiment, any of the camera 130, the image processing device 151, the image switching device 152, the speaker 143 which is an audio output device, and the sound collecting microphone 144 which is an audio input device may be arranged outside the box. Furthermore, the communication unit 110 may be configured without either or both of the lighting 142a·142a and the background lighting 121a.

[0127] Furthermore, in the communication unit 110 according to the above embodiment, the prompter 140 may be disposed in the space above the tabletop 121. That is, the prompter 140 may be disposed directly on the upper surface of the tabletop 121, or may be disposed above the tabletop 121 via another member.

[0128] In addition, although the background member of the background component unit is formed in a U-shape in plan view, it is also possible to form the background member in a U-shape with curved corners in plan view, or in a semicircular shape. Also, it is possible to configure the background member so that the rear and side portions are not continuous, but are provided independently.

[0129] It can also be configured to be used alone without using a private booth, like the background construction unit 204. It is also possible to use the same color or pattern on the front and back of the background member. It is also possible to use opaque steel panels as the surrounding walls of a private booth that uses a background construction unit. [Explanation of symbols]

[0130] 1 booth 2 surrounding wall 2a Support 2b Panel 2c Door 2d Sound-absorbing panel 2e Frame 2f Roof material 3 Chairs 4 Background materials 10 Communication unit (furniture system) 20 Height adjustable desk 21 Top 22 Legs 23 Motor (drive unit) 23a Operation unit 24 Cover 30 Camera 40 prompter (video display unit) 41 Display 42 Half mirror 51 Image processing device (control panel) 52 Video Switching Device 61 Handheld camera 62 Lighting components 63 Speaker 101 Booth 103 Chair 104 background construction unit 104a fixing member 104b Support member 104c Curtain rail 104d Curtain (background material) 110 Communication unit (presentation unit) 120 Height adjustable desk 121 Top 121a Background lighting 122 legs 124 Rear cover member 124t Upper cover 124s Side cover 124b Back cover 124h Heat exhaust opening 125 Front cover member (front panel) 125a Audio input opening 125b Exposure opening 125c Audio output opening 125d Operation opening 125e ​​Top panel opening 125f Power supply opening 126 Prompter support case 127 Power box 130 Camera 140 prompter (video display unit) 141 Display 142 Half mirror 142a Lighting 143 Speaker (audio output device) 144 Sound collection microphone (voice input device) 151 Image processing device (control panel) 152 Video Switching Device 204 Background Composition Unit 204a Frame 204b Support member 204c Background material F Floor U User (presenter) UH users (tall) UL users (short height) Pa Shooting area Pr Image light

Claims

1. A presentation unit used in remote presentations where images captured by a camera are processed and transmitted over a network, The teaching apparatus comprises a top plate, a prompter disposed in a space above the top plate, and a box for accommodating the prompter; An exposure opening for exposing the prompter is formed on the front surface of the box, A presentation unit in which a plurality of heat exhaust openings are formed on one side of the box.

2. the box includes a front panel that encloses a front portion of the prompter; 2. The presentation unit of claim 1, wherein the exposure opening is formed in the front panel.

3. 3. The presentation unit according to claim 1, wherein the box further houses an operating device for video processing.

4. 4. The presentation unit according to claim 1, wherein the prompter is provided with a light for illuminating the presenter.

5. the box further houses an audio input device for inputting the voice of a presenter; 5. The presentation unit according to claim 1, wherein an opening for audio input is formed on one of the faces of said box.

6. the box further houses an audio output device for outputting audio to a presenter; 6. The presentation unit according to claim 1, wherein an audio output opening is formed on one of the faces of said box.

7. 7. The presentation unit according to claim 1, wherein at least a portion of the box is made of nonwoven fabric.

8. 8. A presentation unit as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 7, further comprising the camera housed in the box.

9. 9. The presentation unit according to claim 1, further comprising: legs for supporting the tabletop; and a lifting mechanism for raising and lowering the tabletop.

10. 10. A presentation unit according to claim 1, wherein the box is fixed to the top panel.

11. A background member is provided behind the presenter, 11. A presentation unit according to claim 1, further comprising a second light for illuminating the background member.

12. A private booth comprising the camera, a plurality of side sections arranged to surround at least three sides in the horizontal direction, and the presentation unit according to any one of claims 1 to 11.

13. 13. The private booth of claim 12, wherein at least one of the side sections is constructed of glass.

Images