Servers, remote communication systems, remote communication methods

Abstract

To automatically log a person staying in a predetermined real space area into a virtual space in remote communication.SOLUTION: A remote communication system (100) includes an acquisition unit (202) that acquires identification information for identifying a person staying in a predetermined real space area, a first processing unit (413) that specifies person information indicating the person identified by the identification information and position information indicating the position where a remote communication unit (200) is placed, and a login processing unit (425) that automatically logs the person into a virtual space.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a remote communication unit, a server, a remote communication system, and a remote communication method.

Background Art

[0002] As a mode for realizing remote communication, there is a conference system as described in Patent Document 1.

Prior Art Document

Patent Document

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] However, in the remote communication system such as Patent Document 1 described above, generally, in order to log in to a virtual space, it is necessary to perform an ID input operation or a password input operation.

[0005] Therefore, an aspect of the present invention is to provide a remote communication unit, a server, a remote communication system, and a remote communication method for automatically logging in a person staying in a predetermined real space area to a virtual space in remote communication and realizing smooth remote communication.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] A remote communication unit according to one aspect of the present invention is a remote communication unit that is placed in a predetermined physical space area to realize remote communication with another information processing device, and comprises an acquisition unit that acquires identification information for identifying a person staying in the predetermined physical space area, and a transmission unit that transmits the identification information acquired by the acquisition unit to an external party in order to automatically log in the person identified based on the identification information acquired by the acquisition unit into the virtual space for the remote communication.

[0007] Furthermore, in order to solve the aforementioned problems, a (first) server according to one aspect of the present invention is a server network-connected to a remote communication unit located in a predetermined physical space area for the purpose of realizing remote communication with other information processing devices, and comprises: a receiving unit that receives identification information for identifying a person staying in the predetermined physical space area acquired by an acquisition unit in the remote communication unit from the acquisition unit; a first processing unit that identifies person information indicating the person identified by the identification information received by the receiving unit and location information indicating the location where the remote communication unit is located; and a first output unit that outputs the person information and location information identified by the first processing unit to the outside in order to automatically log the person into the virtual space in the remote communication.

[0008] Furthermore, in order to solve the aforementioned problems, a (second) server according to one aspect of the present invention is a server network-connected to a remote communication unit located in a predetermined physical space area in order to realize remote communication with other information processing devices, and includes a first input unit that receives input of person information indicating a person identified by identification information for identifying a person staying in the predetermined physical space area acquired by an acquisition unit in the remote communication unit, and also receives input of location information indicating the location where the remote communication unit is located; a second processing unit that identifies user identification information in the remote communication associated with the person information and connection information to the virtual space in the remote communication associated with the location information; and a login processing unit that uses the user identification information and the connection information to automatically log the person into the virtual space in the remote communication.

[0009] Furthermore, in order to solve the aforementioned problems, a remote communication system according to one aspect of the present invention is a remote communication system that realizes remote communication between a remote communication unit arranged in a predetermined physical space area and another information processing device, comprising a remote communication unit having the above-described configuration, a first server having the above-described configuration, and a second server having the above-described configuration.

[0010] Furthermore, in order to solve the aforementioned problems, a remote communication method according to one aspect of the present invention is a remote communication method performed by a remote communication unit, a first server, and a second server in order to realize remote communication between a remote communication unit arranged in a predetermined physical space area and another information processing device, wherein the remote communication unit performs at least the following <acquisition step> and <transmission step>, the first server performs at least the following <reception step>, <first processing step> and <first output step>, and the second server performs at least the following <first input step>, <second processing step> and <login processing step>. <Acquisition Step> Acquire identification information to identify a person staying in a designated physical space area. <Transmission Step> The identification information obtained in the acquisition step is transmitted to an external party. <Receiving step> The identification information transmitted in the transmission step is received. <First Processing Step> In the receiving step, the person information that identifies the person identified by the identification information received and the location information that indicates the location where the remote communication unit is located are identified. <First Output Step> Output the person information and location information to an external source. <First Input Step> The input of the person information and location information output in the first output step is received. <Second Processing Step> Identify user identification information in the remote communication associated with the person information, and connection information to the virtual space in the remote communication associated with the location information. <Login Processing Step> Using the user identification information and the connection information, the person is automatically logged into the virtual space for the remote communication. [Effects of the Invention]

[0011] According to one aspect of the present invention, a person residing in a predetermined physical space can be automatically logged into a virtual space for remote communication, thereby facilitating smooth remote communication. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0012] [Figure 1] This is an illustrative diagram of remote communication using a remote communication system according to one aspect of the present invention. [Figure 2] Figure 1 is a block diagram of the remote communication system shown. [Figure 3] This figure shows the operation flow of the remote communication method using the remote communication system shown in Figure 1. [Figure 4] Figure 1 is an illustrative diagram showing the automatic login of a person staying in a designated physical area using a remote communication system. [Figure 5] This is a diagram showing the main components of a remote communication system according to another aspect of the present invention. [Figure 6] Figure 5 is a flowchart showing the operation flow of the remote communication method using the remote communication system. [Figure 7] This is a diagram showing the main components of a remote communication system according to another aspect of the present invention. [Figure 8] Figure 7 is a flowchart showing the operation flow of the remote communication method using the remote communication system. [Figure 9] This is a block diagram of a remote communication system according to another aspect of the present invention. [Figure 10] This figure shows an example of the implementation of a remote communication unit in the remote communication system shown in Figure 1. [Figure 11] This figure shows an example of the realization of a portion of a remote communication system according to one aspect of the present invention that is configured in a predetermined physical space area. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0013] 〔Embodiment 1〕 (1) Remote communication system The remote communication system of this embodiment realizes remote communication between a remote communication unit arranged in a predetermined physical space area and another information processing device. As an example, as shown in the image of FIG. 1, a person 10A staying in a predetermined physical space area 10 in Office 1 and a remote worker 2 outside Office 1 can realize remote communication in the virtual space 3. However, the remote communication system according to one aspect of the present invention is not limited to the mode used between bases inside and outside the office, and for example, it can also be used between the head office and branch offices of the same company.

[0014] In the virtual space 3 shown in FIG. 1, there are virtual spots 30a to 30d corresponding to one or more physical space areas in Office 1. Let's assume that one of the virtual spots 30a corresponds to a predetermined physical space area 10. With this remote communication system, the remote worker 2 can obtain a feeling of communicating with a person in Office 1 in a predetermined physical space area 10 in Office 1. Also, in this embodiment, in order to smoothly realize this remote communication, the person 10A staying in the predetermined physical space area 10 is automatically logged in to the virtual space 3. Hereinafter, the configuration for realizing this will be described.

[0015] As shown in FIG. 2, the remote communication system 100 of this embodiment realizes remote communication between a remote communication unit 200 arranged in a predetermined physical space area 10 (FIG. 1) and another information processing device 500 (FIG. 1) (terminal on the side of the remote worker 2), and includes a remote communication unit 200, a first server 410, and a second server 420.

[0016] <Remote Communication Unit 200> The remote communication unit 200 is placed in a predetermined physical space area 10 (Figure 1) and, as an example, is mounted on a chat stand-type device. This will be described later. As shown in Figure 2, the remote communication unit 200 includes a camera 201, an acquisition unit 202, and a transmission unit 203.

[0017] Camera 201 captures images of people staying in a predetermined physical space area 10 (Figure 1) and generates captured image information representing these images. Camera 201 may be configured to constantly photograph the predetermined physical space area 10 (Figure 1), or it may be configured to take pictures only when a person enters the predetermined physical space area 10 (Figure 1) based on sensing by a separately provided sensor, and not take pictures if the sensor does not detect a person. Camera 201 may be provided exclusively for person identification, or it may be provided for purposes other than person identification. Furthermore, camera 201 may be removed from the components of the remote communication unit 200, and the acquisition unit 202 may acquire the captured image information generated by a camera located outside the remote communication unit 200.

[0018] The acquisition unit 202 acquires identification information for identifying a person 10A staying in a predetermined real-space area 10 (Figure 1). In this embodiment, the acquisition unit 202 acquires the captured image information generated by the camera 201 as identification information. The acquisition unit 202 may also perform a process to extract a portion from the captured image information acquired from the camera 201 and use it as identification information. "Extracting a portion" means, for example, extracting a region containing information characteristic of a person, such as the "face" region in an image of a person, from the captured image information and using it as identification information.

[0019] The transmitting unit 203 transmits the identification information (image data) acquired by the acquiring unit 202 to an external source in order to automatically log in the person identified based on the information acquired by the acquiring unit 202 into the virtual space 3 for remote communication. As shown in Figure 2, the transmitting unit 203 transmits the identification information (image data) to the first server 410.

[0020] <Server 1, 410> The first server 410 is network-connected to a remote communication unit 200 located in a predetermined physical space area 10 in order to enable remote communication with other information processing devices 500 shown in Figure 1. As shown in Figure 2, the first server 410 includes a receiving unit 411, a first processing unit 413, and a first output unit 415.

[0021] The receiving unit 411 receives identification information (imaging image information) for identifying a person staying in a predetermined real-space area 10 (Figure 1) acquired by the acquisition unit 202 of the remote communication unit 200 from the acquisition unit 202 (more specifically, the transmitting unit 203).

[0022] The first processing unit 413 identifies person information indicating a person identified by the identification information received by the receiving unit 411, and location information indicating the location where the remote communication unit 200 is located.

[0023] Specifically, in order to identify a person, the first processing unit 413 identifies the person by performing biometric authentication using the identification information received by the receiving unit 411. In this embodiment, the first processing unit 413 includes a face recognition unit 413a that performs face recognition using captured image information, and performs identification by face recognition. Face recognition can be performed using a well-known method, and it is sufficient to use face data (data showing the facial features of each individual) stored in the first server 410 or another location to compare it with the face in the captured image information and identify whether it is a specific person. A specific person is a person who is permitted to automatically log in to the virtual space 3. In the case of remote communication with remote workers as in this embodiment, for example, members of the department or group to which the remote worker belongs, or their superior, are examples of people who are permitted to automatically log in to the virtual space 3. These people are registered in advance in, for example, an automatic login permission list, and if it is determined (identified) by face recognition that they are registered people on the list, they can be automatically logged into the virtual space 3 in the process described later.

[0024] Furthermore, the identification information received by the receiving unit 411 from the transmitting unit 203 includes information for identifying the location of the transmitting unit 203 (remote communication unit 200), and the first processing unit 413 identifies location information indicating the location where the remote communication unit 200 is located based on this information.

[0025] The first output unit 415 outputs the person information and location information identified by the first processing unit 413 to an external source (the first input unit 421 of the second server 420) in order to automatically log the identified person into the virtual space 3.

[0026] Thus, the first server 410 uses identification information to determine (identify) whether or not to allow automatic login to virtual space 3.

[0027] <Server 2, Server 420> The second server 420 is network-connected to a remote communication unit 200 located in a predetermined physical space area 10 (Figure 1) in order to enable remote communication with other information processing devices 500 shown in Figure 1. As shown in Figure 2, the second server 420 includes a first input unit 421, a second processing unit 423, and a login processing unit 425.

[0028] The first input unit 421 receives input of person information indicating a person 10A identified by identification information acquired by the acquisition unit 202 of the remote communication unit 200 for identifying a person 10A staying in a predetermined real-space area 10 (Figure 1). The first input unit 421 also receives input of location information indicating the location where the remote communication unit 200 is located.

[0029] The second processing unit 423 identifies user identification information for remote communication associated with person information and connection information for the virtual space in remote communication associated with location information. User identification information is information that identifies a person who has logged into the virtual space 3. For example, as shown in Figure 4, when the virtual space 3 is virtually displayed on the terminal screen, it is information about a display icon that is displayed along with the avatar and profile picture set by the user so that the user can be identified. Connection information is connection information to one of the virtual spots 30a to 30d that correspond to multiple real-world areas provided in the virtual space 3. In the example in Figure 4, it is connection information to virtual spot 30a.

[0030] The login processing unit 425 uses user identification information and connection information to automatically log person 10A into the virtual space 3 for remote communication.

[0031] In this way, the second server 420 uses the information received from the first server 410 to automatically log in a person 10A (Figure 1) staying in a predetermined physical space area 10 to a virtual space 3 (more specifically, a specific virtual spot 30a), and performs processing to enable remote communication with another user (remote worker 2 shown in Figure 1) who is logged in through another information processing device 500.

[0032] (2) Remote communication methods This embodiment also provides a remote communication method implemented by a remote communication unit 200, a first server 410, and a second server 420 to realize remote communication between a remote communication unit located in a predetermined physical space area and other information processing equipment. The remote communication method of this embodiment will be described below with reference to Figure 3.

[0033] In the remote communication method, first, the acquisition unit 202 (Figure 2) of the remote communication unit 200 acquires identification information to identify a person staying in a predetermined physical space area 10 (Figure 1) (S1: acquisition step). Then, the transmission unit 203 (Figure 2) of the remote communication unit 200 transmits the identification information acquired in acquisition step S1 to an external source (the receiving unit 411 of the first server 410) (S2: transmission step).

[0034] Then, the receiving unit 411 (Figure 2) of the first server 410 receives the identification information transmitted in the transmission step S2 (S3: receiving step). Next, the first processing unit 413 (Figure 2) of the first server 410 identifies person information indicating the person identified by the identification information received in the receiving step S3, and also identifies location information indicating the location where the remote communication unit 200 is located (S4: first processing step). Furthermore, the first output unit 415 (Figure 2) of the first server 410 outputs the person information and location information identified in the first processing step S4 to the outside (the first input unit 421 of the second server 420) (S5: first output step).

[0035] Next, the first input unit 421 (Figure 2) of the second server 420 receives the input of person information and location information output in the first output step S5 (S6: First input step). Then, the second processing unit 423 (Figure 2) of the second server 420 identifies the user identification information for remote communication associated with the person information and the connection information for the virtual space in remote communication associated with the location information, in accordance with the above explanation (S7: Second processing step). Finally, the login processing unit 425 of the second server 420 uses the user identification information and the connection information to automatically log person 10A into the virtual space 3 for remote communication (S8: Login processing step).

[0036] In the first processing step S4, the identification of the person is performed by the facial recognition unit 413a (Figure 2) of the first processing unit 413 performing facial recognition as described above. The order of processing does not matter for the identification of the person and the identification of the location information in the first processing step S4.

[0037] As described above, according to this embodiment, a person 10A staying in a predetermined physical space area 10 can be automatically logged into the virtual space 3. Here, Figure 4 shows, on the left, a virtual display image of the virtual space 3 as it appears on the screen of an information processing device 500 used by, for example, a remote worker 2, and on the right, a predetermined physical space area 10 where the remote communication unit 200 is located. In this embodiment, as shown on the right side of Figure 4, simply by having a person 10A (Mr. A and Mr. B in Figure 4) stay in the predetermined physical space area 10, they will be logged into the virtual spot 30a, which is the virtual space corresponding to the predetermined physical space area 10. In other words, according to this embodiment, a person 10A is identified and automatically logged into the virtual space 3. As a result, the person (Mr. A and Mr. B in Figure 4) does not need to perform any ID input operations or password input operations to log in to the virtual space, and remote communication on the virtual space (virtual spot 30a) can be smoothly realized.

[0038] The virtual image displays the icon of the person who automatically logged in, along with Remote Worker 2. Here, the person's icon may be an avatar.

[0039] Furthermore, a virtual image of the virtual spot 30a is also displayed on the display of the remote communication unit 200 shown on the right side of Figure 4. Person 10A staying in a designated physical space area 10 can visually recognize that they are logged into the virtual spot 30a by their own icon or avatar displayed on the virtual image.

[0040] [Variation 1] In the embodiment described above, a person is identified by facial recognition using the camera 201. However, the system is not limited to this, and an iris recognition unit, which is an alternative configuration to the facial recognition unit in the first processing unit 413 of the first server 410, may identify a person using the iris (identification information) acquired by the camera 201. Another form of biometric authentication may be fingerprint authentication. The fingerprint authentication unit, which is an alternative configuration to the facial recognition unit in the first processing unit 413 of the first server 410, may identify a person using the person's fingerprint information (identification information) acquired by the camera 201.

[0041] [Variation 2] In the example shown in Figure 2 above, the receiving unit 411, the first processing unit 413, and the first output unit 415 are combined into a first server 410, and the output from the first output unit 415 is sent to a separate second server 420. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and for example, as shown in Figure 5, the processing performed by the first server 410 and the second server 420 shown in Figure 2 may be performed on a single server 400.

[0042] Other embodiments of the present invention are described below. For the sake of clarity, components having the same function as those described in the above embodiments will be denoted by the same reference numerals, and their descriptions will not be repeated.

[0043] [Embodiment 2] The difference between the remote communication system of this embodiment and the remote communication system shown in Figure 2 of Embodiment 1 described above lies in the method of person identification. In other words, this embodiment differs from Embodiment 1, which uses facial recognition, in that it uses voiceprints as biometric authentication. Figure 6 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the remote communication system of this embodiment. Figure 7 is a flowchart showing the processing flow of the remote communication method of this embodiment.

[0044] The remote communication system 100 of this embodiment differs in that the remote communication unit 200 includes an audio input unit 205 instead of the camera 201 of Embodiment 1.

[0045] The voice input unit 205 is a microphone that receives the voice of a person 10A staying in a predetermined physical space area 10 as shown in Figure 1. Any microphone used for inputting voice during remote communication may be used. Alternatively, the voice input unit 205 may be removed from the remote communication unit 200, and the voice information acquisition unit 202 may acquire voice information generated by a microphone or microphone speaker located outside the remote communication unit 200.

[0046] The voice information input to the voice input unit 205 is acquired by the acquisition unit 202 as identification information (corresponding to step S11, acquisition step S1 in Figure 7). The voice information (identification information) acquired by the acquisition unit 202 is transmitted by the transmission unit 203 to the receiving unit 411 of the first server 410 (corresponding to step S12, transmission step S2 in Figure 7), and the receiving unit 411 of the first server 410 receives the voice information (identification information) (corresponding to step S13, reception step S3 in Figure 7).

[0047] The voice information (identification information) received by the receiving unit 411 of the first server 410 is received by the first processing unit 413 (Figure 6). The first processing unit 413 identifies person information indicating the person identified by the voice information, as well as location information indicating the location where the remote communication unit is located (corresponding to step S14 and first processing step S4 in Figure 7). Person information is identified by the voiceprint authentication unit 413b of the first processing unit 413, which performs voiceprint authentication from the voice information to identify the person. Voiceprint authentication can be performed using a well-known method, which involves identifying the voiceprint from the voice information and comparing it with voiceprint data stored in the first server 410 or another location to determine if it is the voiceprint of a specific person. If it is determined (identified) by voiceprint authentication that the person is permitted to log in automatically, then they can be automatically logged into the virtual space 3 in the processing described later. The person information and location information are output to the first input unit 421 of the second server 420 (corresponding to step S15 and first output step S5 in Figure 7).

[0048] Note that the processing in the second server 420 (steps S16 to S18 in Figure 7) is the same as the first input step S6 to login processing step S8 in Embodiment 1 described above, so its explanation is omitted.

[0049] As described above, according to this embodiment, a person 10A staying in a predetermined physical space area 10 can be automatically logged into the virtual space 3, thereby enabling smooth remote communication on the virtual space (virtual spot 30a) and contributing to facilitating remote communication.

[0050] [Embodiment 3] The difference between the remote communication system of this embodiment and the remote communication system shown in Figure 2 of Embodiment 1 described above lies in the method of identifying individuals. Figure 8 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the remote communication system of this embodiment. Figure 9 is a flowchart showing the processing flow of the remote communication method of this embodiment.

[0051] The remote communication system 100 of this embodiment differs in that the remote communication unit 200 includes an acquisition unit 202 which includes a receiver that receives signals from a transmitter held by a person 10A staying in a predetermined physical space area 10 as shown in Figure 1, and the acquisition unit 202 acquires the received information from the receiver as identification information.

[0052] One example of a transmitter held by person 10A is a beacon-type transmitter. When person 10A, who possesses such a transmitter, stays in a predetermined real-space area 10, the receiver of the acquisition unit 202 receives the transmitter's signal. In another example, the acquisition unit 202 may include an access point, and person 10A may hold a transmitter that can wirelessly access the access point, thereby equipping the acquisition unit 202 with a receiver. In any of these examples, the transmitter can be held by person 10A in any way.

[0053] The signal (received information) received by the receiver is acquired by the acquisition unit 202 as identification information (corresponding to step S21, acquisition step S1 in Figure 9). The signal (identification information) acquired by the acquisition unit 202 is transmitted by the transmission unit 203 to the receiving unit 411 of the first server 410 (corresponding to step S22, transmission step S2 in Figure 9), and the receiving unit 411 of the first server 410 receives the signal (identification information) (corresponding to step S23, reception step S3 in Figure 9). The signal (identification information) received by the receiving unit 411 of the first server 410 is received by the first processing unit 413 (Figure 8). The first processing unit 413 identifies person information indicating the person identified by the received signal, as well as location information indicating the location where the remote communication unit is located (corresponding to step S24, first processing step S4 in Figure 9). Person identification is performed by the ID reading unit 413c of the first processing unit 413, which identifies the person from the received signal. A well-known method can be used for signal-based identification. If the identification determines that the person is authorized to log in automatically, the second server 420 processes the person 10A to log in automatically to the virtual space 3.

[0054] The process of outputting person information and location information to the first input unit 421 of the second server 420 (step S25 in Figure 9), and the processing in the second server 420 (steps S26 to S28 in Figure 9) are the same as the first output step S5 to login processing step S8 of Embodiment 1 described above, so their explanation will be omitted.

[0055] According to this embodiment, a person 10A staying in a predetermined physical space area 10 can be automatically logged into the virtual space 3, thereby enabling smooth remote communication on the virtual space (virtual spot 30a) and contributing to facilitating remote communication.

[0056] [Embodiment 4] In this embodiment, area configuration furniture that defines at least a portion of a predetermined physical space area where each of the above-described remote communication units 200 (Figure 1, etc.) is located will be described using Figures 10 and 11. The area configuration furniture is located near the remote communication units 200 and constitutes a part of the remote communication system 100 of each embodiment described above.

[0057] The left side of Figure 10 shows an exploded view of the chat stand 250, which incorporates a remote communication unit 200. The chat stand 250's exterior consists of a stand housing 254 and a cover body 252 that covers the front of the stand housing 254. These are examples of area configuration furniture.

[0058] The chat stand 250 houses a display 221, a camera 201, a microphone speaker 205 (voice input unit), and a remote communication unit 200.

[0059] The display 221 shows a virtual image of the virtual space 3 (virtual spot 30a) corresponding to a predetermined real-world area 10. In addition to the virtual image, the display 221 may also display in real time a video (video of a face) of a person logged into the virtual spot 30a, including a person staying in the predetermined real-world area 10. Alternatively, an avatar may be displayed instead of a video of a person.

[0060] The microphone speaker 205 is configured as an audio input unit for the voiceprint authentication described above, and also includes a speaker that outputs the voice of the person being communicated with.

[0061] Furthermore, as shown on the left side of Figure 10, the vicinity of the chat stand 250, which incorporates the remote communication unit 200, includes other area configuration furniture such as a privacy frame 255 installed behind a person staying in a predetermined physical space area 10, and a floor sheet 257 installed on the floor surface of the predetermined physical space area 10.

[0062] The privacy frame 255 is configured to limit the imaging area of ​​the camera installed in the remote communication unit 200 and to make it difficult to identify a person staying within a predetermined physical space area 10 from the outside. For these purposes, the size and shape of the privacy frame 255 are not restricted.

[0063] The floor sheet 257 is configured for the purpose of visually identifying a predetermined physical space area 10. The floor sheet 257 may also be configured to project and display a virtual image of the virtual space 3 (virtual spot 30a) corresponding to the predetermined physical space area 10. In that case, the projector is included in the area configuration furniture.

[0064] The area configuration furniture may also include peripheral furniture such as stools 251 and tabletops 253, as shown on the right side of Figure 10.

[0065] As shown in Figure 10, various area configuration fixtures are used to create an environment in a designated physical space area 10, enabling people staying within that area to comfortably engage in remote communication. Note that the implementation of a remote communication system is not limited to the environment shown in Figure 10.

[0066] For example, the environment shown on the left side of Figure 11 includes a remote communication unit 200 according to one aspect of the present invention, as well as a communication space 1A including a table 11 and a chair 12 as area configuration furniture, thereby realizing a remote communication system 100. In the embodiment shown on the left side of Figure 11, a seating sensor may be installed on the chair 12, and by detecting seating, the person seated may be automatically logged into the virtual space 3 (Figure 1, etc.). In short, a signal indicating that seating has been detected may be received as identification information by the first processing unit of the first server 410 (Figure 3). This embodiment of automatic login using a seating sensor can be suitably used in fixed seats (designated seats) where the person seated is predetermined.

[0067] The environment shown on the right side of Figure 11 is an example in which a remote communication system 100 is realized by a communication space 1B in which a chat stand 250, a table 11, and a chair 12 are installed inside a booth 13.

[0068] It should be noted that the scope of application of the present invention is not limited to situations in which remote communication is performed using the display described above. For example, it can also be applied to remote communication in which participants are displayed using holograms, even without using a display. Furthermore, the present invention can also be applied to remote communication in which a head-mounted display equipped with augmented reality (AR) or virtual reality (VR) technology is used.

[0069] [Additional Notes] The present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above, and various modifications are possible within the scope of the claims. Embodiments obtained by appropriately combining the technical means disclosed in different embodiments are also included in the technical scope of the present invention. [Explanation of symbols]

[0070] 3: Virtual space, 10: Designated real-world area, 10A: Person staying in the designated real-world area, 11: Table (area configuration furniture), 12: Chair (area configuration furniture), 13: Booth (area configuration furniture), 100: Remote communication system, 200: Remote communication unit, 201: Camera, 202: Acquisition unit, 203: Transmission unit, 205: Voice input unit, 221: Display, 250: Chat stand, 251: Peripheral furniture (area configuration furniture), 252: Cover body (area configuration furniture) 253: Top panel (area configuration fixture), 254: Stand enclosure (area configuration fixture), 255: Frame (area configuration fixture), 257: Floor sheet (area configuration fixture), 400: Server, 410: First server (server), 411: Receiving unit, 413: First processing unit, 413a: Face recognition unit, 413b: Voiceprint recognition unit, 413c: ID reading unit, 415: First output unit, 420: Second server (server), 421: First input unit, 423: Second processing unit, 425: Login processing unit, 500: Other information processing devices

Claims

1. A server connected to a network and a remote communication unit located in a predetermined physical area to enable remote communication with other information processing devices, A receiving unit receives identification information for identifying a person staying in the predetermined physical space area, which has been acquired by the acquisition unit in the remote communication unit, from the acquisition unit. A first processing unit that identifies person information indicating a person identified by the identification information received by the receiving unit, and location information indicating the location where the remote communication unit is located, The system includes a first output unit that outputs the person information and location information identified by the first processing unit to the outside, in order to automatically log the person into the virtual space in the remote communication. server.

2. The first processing unit identifies the person by biometric authentication using the identification information and identifies the person information. The server according to claim 1.

3. A server connected to a network and a remote communication unit located in a predetermined physical area to enable remote communication with other information processing devices, A first input unit receives input of person information indicating a person identified by identification information for identifying a person staying in the predetermined real space area acquired by the acquisition unit of the remote communication unit, and also receives input of location information indicating the location where the remote communication unit is located. A second processing unit that identifies user identification information in the remote communication associated with the person information, and connection information to the virtual space in the remote communication associated with the location information, The system includes a login processing unit that uses the user identification information and connection information to automatically log the person into the virtual space for the remote communication. server.

4. A remote communication system that enables remote communication between a remote communication unit located in a predetermined physical space area and other information processing equipment, The system comprises the aforementioned remote communication unit, a first server, and a second server. The aforementioned remote communication unit is An acquisition unit that acquires identification information for identifying a person staying in the aforementioned predetermined real-world area, The system includes a transmission unit that transmits the identification information acquired by the acquisition unit to an external source. The aforementioned first server is, A receiving unit that receives the identification information transmitted from the transmitting unit, A first processing unit that identifies person information indicating a person identified by the identification information received by the receiving unit, and location information indicating the location where the remote communication unit is located, The system includes a first output unit that outputs the person information and location information identified by the first processing unit to the outside, The aforementioned second server is A first input unit that receives the aforementioned person information and location information, A second processing unit that identifies user identification information in the remote communication associated with the person information, and connection information to the virtual space in the remote communication associated with the location information, The system includes a login processing unit that uses the user identification information and connection information to automatically log the person into the virtual space for the remote communication. Remote communication system.

5. The remote communication system includes an area configuration fixture positioned near the remote communication unit that defines at least a portion of the predetermined physical space area. The remote communication system according to claim 4.

6. A remote communication method is performed by a remote communication unit, a first server, and a second server in order to realize remote communication between a remote communication unit located in a predetermined physical space area and another information processing device, The aforementioned remote communication unit performs at least the following <acquisition step> and <transmission step>, The first server performs at least the following <receiving step>, <first processing step>, and <first output step>: The second server performs at least the following steps: <First Input Step>, <Second Processing Step>, and <Login Processing Step>. Remote communication methods. <Acquisition Steps> Acquire identification information to identify a person staying in a designated physical space area. <Transmission Step> The identification information acquired in the acquisition step is transmitted to an external party. <Receiving Step> The identification information transmitted in the transmission step is received. <First Processing Step> In the receiving step, the person information that identifies the person identified by the identification information received and the location information that indicates the location where the remote communication unit is located are identified. <First Output Step> Output the person information and location information to an external source. <First Input Step> The input of the person information and location information output in the first output step is received. <Second Processing Step> Identify the user identification information in the remote communication associated with the person information, and the connection information to the virtual space in the remote communication associated with the location information. <Login Processing Step> Using the user identification information and the connection information, the person is automatically logged into the virtual space for the remote communication.

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