Online meeting space creation system

Abstract

To provide an on-line conference space construction system suitable for on-line conferences between participants in a shared work space and external participants outside the shared work space.SOLUTION: An on-line conference space construction system 20 placed in a shared work space 10 where multiple workers P work includes multiple panel chairs 30 that include a movable chair 32, and a panel 36 that shields a portion of the circumference of the chair in the horizontal direction, and are integrated with a chair such that a panel is movable with the chair, and a camera unit 50 having a camera 56 and photographing a worker sitting on at least one of the multiple panel chairs, and in at least a part of the shared work space, multiple panel chairs can be arranged such that a space 10S can be constructed for an on-line conference by a panel.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[[Technical Field]]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a technology for constructing a space for online conferences. [[Background Art]]

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses using a computer such as a wearable terminal device worn on a user's body as a conference terminal via a communication network. [[Prior Art Literature]] [[Patent Literature]]

[0003] [[Patent Document 1]] Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication No. 2020-024556 [[Summary of the Invention]] [[Problem to be Solved by the Invention]]

[0004] Incidentally, meetings in an organization such as a company are sometimes held in a shared work space shared by a plurality of workers. By holding meetings in the shared work space, it is possible to hold the meeting while feeling the atmosphere within the organization. Also, effective use of the space is enabled.

[0005] In recent years, online conferences have become widespread, and it is desired that the same advantages can be enjoyed even when an online conference is held between participants inside the shared work space and participants outside the shared work space.

[0006] Accordingly, an object of the present disclosure is to provide an online conference space construction system suitable for holding an online conference between participants inside a shared work space and external participants outside the shared work space. [[Means for Solving the Problem]]

[0007] To solve the above problems, the online meeting space construction system is an online meeting space construction system to be placed in a shared workspace where multiple workers work, and comprises a plurality of panel-equipped furniture units having movable furniture and panels that shield a portion of the area around the furniture in the horizontal direction, with the panels integrated with the furniture so as to be movable together with the furniture, and a camera unit having a camera that photographs a worker seated in at least one of the plurality of panel-equipped furniture units, and the plurality of panel-equipped furniture units can be arranged so as to construct a space for conducting online meetings using the panels in at least a portion of the shared workspace. [Effects of the Invention]

[0008] This online meeting space creation system provides a suitable online meeting space creation system for conducting online meetings between participants within a shared workspace and external participants outside the shared workspace. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0009] [Figure 1] Figure 1 is an explanatory diagram showing an online meeting space construction system. [Figure 2] Figure 2 is a block diagram showing the electrical configuration of an online meeting system. [Figure 3] Figure 3 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an example of setting up an online meeting space in a shared workspace. [Figure 4] Figure 4 shows an example of an image captured by a wide-angle camera. [Figure 5] Figure 5 is a perspective view showing a modified chair with a panel. [Figure 6] Figure 6 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of the arrangement of a chair with a panel and a center unit. [Figure 7] Figure 7 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of the center unit's layout. [Figure 8] Figure 8 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of the arrangement of a chair with a panel and a center unit. [Figure 9] Figure 9 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of the arrangement of chairs with panels. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0010] {Embodiment} The following describes the online meeting space construction system according to the embodiment.

[0011] <Overall Structure> This section describes the overall configuration of the online meeting space construction system. Figure 1 is an explanatory diagram showing the online meeting space construction system 20. In Figure 1, external participants Pe joining the online meeting from outside the shared workspace are illustrated.

[0012] The online meeting space construction system 20 is placed in a shared workspace 10 where multiple employees work. Here, the shared workspace 10 is a space where shared workspace equipment is provided for multiple employees, and employees from multiple departments share the shared workspace equipment and space for various purposes. Shared workspace equipment is envisioned to include shared desks and chairs. Instead of providing shared workspace equipment, the shared workspace may not have dedicated equipment for employees, such as dedicated desks and chairs. Work performed in the shared workspace 10 may include meetings of various sizes, presentations, small group interviews, and breaks. If the shared desks and chairs placed in the shared workspace 10 are movable, they can be moved according to the number of people or groups gathered. This allows multiple groups to work independently within the shared workspace by sharing the space and equipment. The shared workspace 10 may not be a room separated by walls, but rather an open space that is accessible from a corridor or other workspaces.

[0013] The above-mentioned "work" refers to a broad range of activities, including not only professional or business-related tasks, but also learning, practical skills, reading, etc., at schools or libraries. For example, "work" can mean any activity that can be done at a desk, while sitting, or while standing.

[0014] The shared office space 10 as described above may be provided in an office space where multiple people work in various organizations regardless of whether they are for-profit or non-profit, or in a waiting lobby. It is also conceivable that the shared office space 10 is provided in a classroom in an educational facility or in a library.

[0015] An online conference space construction system 20 includes a plurality of panel-equipped chairs 30 (panel-equipped furniture) and a center unit 50.

[0016] The panel-equipped chair 30 includes a chair 32 and a panel 36.

[0017] The chair 32 is a chair on which a worker P can sit. The chair 32 is not fixed to the floor 12 and is separable. Therefore, the chair 32 can be moved within the shared office space 10.

[0018] The panel 36 is a plate-shaped member that shields a part of the periphery of the chair 32 in the horizontal direction orthogonal to the direction of gravity. The panel 36 is integrated with the chair 32 so as to be movable together with the chair 32.

[0019] The center unit 50 has a camera 56. The camera 56 photographs the worker P sitting on at least one of the plurality of panel-equipped chairs 30. In the present embodiment, the center unit 50 is an example of a camera unit.

[0020] The above-mentioned chair with panel 30 is movable with the chair 32 and panel 36 integrated. Therefore, multiple chairs with panel 30 can be arranged so that a space 10S for conducting online meetings can be constructed in at least a part of the shared workspace 10, with the shared workspace 10 partitioned by the panel 36. For example, multiple chairs with panel 30 can be arranged around the center unit 50. In this case, the panel 36 can be placed behind the worker P seated in the chair 32. This makes it possible to construct an online meeting space 10S partitioned by multiple panels 36 around the center unit 50.

[0021] The online meeting terminal 60 for online meetings may be located on the panel chair 30 or the center unit 50, or it may be prepared as a separate device from the panel chair 30 and the center unit 50. In this embodiment, an example in which the center unit 50 has the online meeting terminal 60 is described.

[0022] The microphone for online meetings may be provided by the panel chair 30 or the center unit 50, or it may be provided as a separate device from the panel chair 30 and the center unit 50. In this embodiment, an example in which the center unit 50 has a microphone 58 is described.

[0023] The speaker for the online meeting may be provided by the panel chair 30 or the center unit 50, or it may be provided as a separate device from the panel chair 30 and the center unit 50. In this embodiment, an example in which the panel chair 30 has a speaker 40 is described.

[0024] The display device for the online meeting may be included in the panel chair 30 or the center unit 50, or it may be prepared as a separate device from the panel chair 30 and the center unit 50. In this embodiment, a separate display device 70 is prepared from the panel chair 30 and the center unit 50. An image relating to the external participant Pe is displayed on the display device 70. The image relating to the external participant Pe is, for example, an image taken of the external participant Pe. The image relating to the external participant Pe may also be meeting materials provided by the external participant Pe. The display device for the online meeting is not essential and may be omitted.

[0025] External participants Pe will participate in the online meeting from a location away from the shared workspace 10. For example, external participants Pe may participate in the online meeting from an office other than the shared workspace 10, their home, etc. External participants Pe may use a personal computer such as a laptop or a smartphone as an online meeting terminal 90 to participate in the online meeting.

[0026] The panel-equipped chair 30, the center unit 50, and the display device 70 will be described in more detail.

[0027] <Chair with panel> The chair with panel 30 has a chair 32 and a panel 36.

[0028] The chair 32 has, for example, a seat 33 and a backrest 34. An employee P can sit on the seat 33. The backrest 34 is a plate-like portion that extends vertically or obliquely to the vertical direction from a part of the periphery of the seat 33. The employee P can sit on the seat 33 with their back facing the backrest 34.

[0029] In this embodiment, the chair with a panel 30 has casters 35 that move on the floor 12 while supporting the chair 32. For example, three or more casters 35 are attached to the bottom of the chair 32. The casters 35 have rolling elements such as wheels or spheres. The rolling elements of the casters 35 roll on the floor 12, allowing the chair with a panel 30 to move easily on the floor 12. The casters 35 may be omitted.

[0030] Panel 36 is a plate-like portion that horizontally separates the online meeting space 10S from its surroundings. In other words, panel 36 is a kind of simple partition. Panel 36 is fixed to the back of a chair 32, for example. In this embodiment, panel 36 is fixed in a vertical position to the back of the backrest 34. The backrest 34 may be in an angled position. The backrest 34 may be supported on its upper extension.

[0031] It is preferable that panel 36 is a sound-absorbing panel formed from a porous material or the like. If panel 36 is a sound-absorbing panel, sound leakage between the online meeting space 10S partitioned by panel 36 and its surroundings will be suppressed more effectively. In addition, sound reverberation within the online meeting space 10S will be suppressed. However, it is not essential that panel 36 is a sound-absorbing panel.

[0032] In this embodiment, the chair with panel 30 has a canopy 38. The canopy 38 is located above the worker P seated in the chair 32. The canopy 38 extends in a horizontal position or in a tilted position from the horizontal position, separating the space where the worker P is located from the space above it. The panel may be provided on one side or both sides of the chair 32. In this case, the panel 36 located on the rear side may be omitted.

[0033] In this embodiment, the canopy portion 38 extends from the upper end of the panel 36 toward the front of the chair 32. The canopy portion 38 may or may not be a sound-absorbing panel. It is not essential that the canopy portion is supported by the panel. A separate support column may be provided, and the canopy portion may be supported by this support column. The canopy portion 38 may be omitted.

[0034] In this embodiment, the chair with panel 30 also has a speaker 40. The speaker 40 is integrated with the chair 32 so that it can be moved together with the chair 32. In this embodiment, the speaker 40 is attached to the canopy 38 and is supported by the chair 32 via the canopy 38 and the panel 36.

[0035] In this embodiment, speaker 40 is a directional speaker that directs towards the worker P seated in chair 32. For example, it is preferable that speaker 40 has a directivity such that only the worker P seated in chair 32 can hear the sound from speaker 40, and those around them, especially those in the area outside the partitioned area by panel 36, cannot hear the sound (or can hear a sound that does not interfere with their work). As such speaker 40, for example, a parametric speaker that transmits audible sound using ultrasonic waves, which are inaudible to the ears in between and have high directivity, as a carrier wave can be used. Speaker 40 is supported on the eaves 38, for example, so as to exhibit directivity directed downward from the eaves 38. In this case, even if the height of the worker P seated in chair 32 changes, the worker P's head is expected to be located within the directivity range F shown by speaker 40, making it easy to transmit sound to workers P of various body types. The speaker may be supported by the backrest 34, seat 33, panel 36, etc. It is not necessary for the speaker to be a directional speaker.

[0036] <Center Unit> As described above, the center unit 50 is an example of a camera unit having a camera 56.

[0037] In this embodiment, the center unit 50 includes a center unit body 52 and a camera 56. In this embodiment, the center unit 50 further includes a cover 54, a microphone 58, and an online conferencing terminal 60.

[0038] The center unit body 52 is the base portion that supports the camera 56, cover 54, microphone 58, online conferencing terminal 60, etc. The center unit body 52 is formed in a three-dimensional shape, for example, to about the height from the knees to the chest of the worker P. In Figure 1, the center unit body 52 is formed in a frustoconical shape that gradually narrows in diameter upwards. The upper surface of the center unit body 52 is a horizontal plane, and it is preferable that an object can be placed on this upper surface. The center unit body 52 may have casters so that it can be easily moved on the floor 12.

[0039] The online conferencing terminal 60 is housed within the center unit body 52. ​​A camera 56 and a microphone 58 are mounted on the center unit body 52. ​​A support column 54P for supporting the cover 54 is supported on the center unit body 52. ​​The configuration in which the center unit body 52 supports each part is not limited to the above example. The online conferencing terminal 60 may be mounted on the center unit body 52. ​​The camera 56 or microphone 58 may be incorporated into the center unit body 52 in a manner that makes separation difficult.

[0040] The configuration of the center unit body 52 is not limited to the above example. For example, the center unit body may be a desk in which the tabletop is supported by one or more support columns.

[0041] Camera 56 is a camera that photographs an office worker P seated in at least one of the multiple chairs with panels 30. In this embodiment, camera 56 is a wide-angle camera that images at least two of the multiple chairs with panels 30 located around the center unit 50. For example, camera 56 may be a fisheye camera, or a 360-degree camera that can capture the entire 360 ​​degrees around the camera 56 in the horizontal direction. The wider the angle of camera 56, the more office workers P participating in the online meeting in the online meeting space 10S can be captured. Also, the wider the angle of camera 56, the more of the surrounding area of ​​the shared office space 10 that can be captured. It is not essential that camera 56 is a wide-angle camera.

[0042] Preferably, the center unit 50 is a unit that integrates a camera 56, a microphone 58, and an online conferencing terminal 60. Here, "integrated" means that the camera 56, microphone 58, and online conferencing terminal 60 are arranged in a form that allows them to be stored, moved, and used as a single unit. For this reason, as described above, the configuration in which the online conferencing terminal 60 is housed in the center unit body 52 and the camera 56 and microphone 58 are mounted and supported on the center unit body 52 is also an example of a center unit 50 that integrates a camera 56, a microphone 58, and an online conferencing terminal 60. The camera 56 and microphone 58 may be supported in relation to the center unit 50 by screw fastening, a snap-in structure, a clip structure, or the like.

[0043] The cover portion 54 is positioned above the camera 56. More specifically, the support column 54P is supported by the center unit body 52 in a position that is aligned vertically. The cover portion 54 is supported on the upper part of the support column 54P. The cover portion 54 extends, for example, around the center unit body 52 in a plan view. In this embodiment, the cover portion 54 is circular or polygonal in a plan view and extends around the support column 54P as its center.

[0044] The cover portion 54 can suppress sound leakage from above. From this perspective, the cover portion 54 may be made of a sound-absorbing panel, but it is not essential that it be made of a sound-absorbing panel. In addition, the cover portion 54 can partition the online meeting space 10S from above.

[0045] Microphone 58 is a microphone that collects sound within the online meeting space 10S. In this embodiment, microphone 58 is a range-limited microphone. A range-limited microphone is a microphone that can limit the sound collection range. A range-limited microphone may be a microphone that has a sound collection range E within a predetermined distance from the sound collection center, with the microphone or center unit 50 as the sound collection center. The sound collection range E is preferably set to include the faces of the workers P seated in the panel chairs 30 when multiple panel chairs 30 are arranged around the center unit 50. As such a range-limited microphone, for example, a microphone unit can be used that includes multiple microphones and a computer that estimates the distance of the sound source based on the audio signals from the multiple microphones, and collects sound within a predetermined sound collection range based on the estimated distance of the sound source. It is not essential that microphone 58 is a range-limited microphone.

[0046] Furthermore, the range-limiting microphone does not need to be installed on the camera unit; it may be installed on the chair 32 or on the display device 70.

[0047] It is not mandatory for the camera unit to be in the form of a center unit 50. The camera unit may be integrated with a display device, integrated with a chair 32, or integrated with an online conferencing terminal held by the worker P.

[0048] <Display device> The display device 70 displays images related to external participants Pe who are joining an online meeting from outside the shared workspace 10. The display device 70 can be a liquid crystal display device, an organic EL (electro-luminescence) display device, a cathode ray tube display device, a projector display device, etc. In this embodiment, an example is shown in which the display device 70 has a projector device 72. The projector device 72 is a device that projects an image onto a projection medium. In Figure 1, the display device 70 has a transmissive screen 74 as the projection medium. The projected image from the projector device 72 is projected from the back side of the transmissive screen 74. This allows the projected image to be observed from the front side of the transmissive screen 74. By using the projector device 72, a large image can be displayed. When the display device 70 has a projector device 72, the projection medium may be a reflective screen from which light is projected from the front. The projection medium may be integrated with the projector device 72 as part of the display device 70, or it may be a separate component from the projector device 72. For example, the projection medium may be a dedicated product prepared as a screen, or it may be a wall.

[0049] The image relating to the external participant Pe is, for example, an image taken of the external participant Pe. The display area 74E in the display device 70 preferably includes an area of ​​height approximately the same as the head of the employee P seated in the chair 32. In other words, the display area 74E in the display device 70 preferably is an area capable of displaying the head of the external participant Pe at approximately the same height as the head of the employee P seated in the chair 32. The display area 74E in the display device 70 may be an area capable of displaying not only the head, but also the shoulders, chest, waist, etc. This allows the employee P seated in the chair 32 to view the external participant Pe displayed in the display area of ​​the display device 70 at approximately the same eye level. For example, the display area 74E in the display device 70 may be an area that extends to approximately the same height and width as the back panel 36 of the chair with panel 30.

[0050] <Block diagram of an online meeting system> Figure 2 is a block diagram showing the electrical configuration of an online meeting system. The online meeting system includes an online meeting terminal 60 installed in the online meeting space 10S. The online meeting terminal 60 is composed of a computer, for example, a processor 61 and a storage device 62. The processor 61 includes an electrical circuit that performs calculations according to a program. The storage device 62 is a non-volatile memory such as a magnetic recording medium or flash memory. The storage device 62 stores a meeting program 62a that defines the procedure for the online meeting terminal 60 to conduct an online meeting. The processor 61 performs calculations based on the meeting program 62a, so that the online meeting terminal 60 uses a wide-angle camera 56, a range-limited microphone 58, a directional speaker 40, and a display device 70 as a human-machine interface to perform processing for the online meeting.

[0051] As described above, the online meeting terminal 60 is integrated into the center unit 50. The wide-angle camera 56 and range-limited microphone 58, which are integrated into the center unit 50, are connected to the online meeting terminal 60. The directional speaker 40 and the projector device 72 in the display device 70, which are integrated into the chair with panel 30, are also connected to the online meeting terminal 60. The connection between the online meeting terminal 60 and the wide-angle camera 56, range-limited microphone 58, directional speaker 40, and display device 70 may be wired or wireless. For wired connections, various wired connection methods can be adopted depending on the connected device, such as the highly versatile USB standard, the HDMI® standard which is exclusively for video signals, and the audio input terminal standard which is directed for audio signals. For wireless connections, connection methods based on the Bluetooth® standard, Wi-Fi® standard, etc., can be adopted.

[0052] Online meeting terminal 60 is connected to an online meeting terminal 90 on the external participant Pe's side via network 98. Network 98 includes relay devices and the internet, etc. Network 98 may include public lines or dedicated lines. Network 98 may include wireless LAN (Local Area Network) such as Wi-Fi (trademark).

[0053] The online meeting terminal 90, like the online meeting terminal 60, is composed of a computer comprising a processor 91 and a storage device 92 that stores a meeting program 92a. The online meeting terminal 90 is equipped with a camera 93, a display device 94, a microphone 95, and a speaker 96. The camera 93, display device 94, microphone 95, and speaker 96 may be built into the online meeting terminal 90, or they may be connected to the online meeting terminal 90 wirelessly or via a wired connection.

[0054] <Example of use> Figure 3 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of the construction of an online meeting space 10S in a shared workspace 10. Since the shared workspace 10 is a space where multiple workers P work, it is conceivable that there will be both participants in the online meeting and workers who do not participate in the online meeting within the shared workspace 10. In Figure 3, we distinguish between participating workers Pa who participate in the online meeting and non-participating workers Pb who do not participate in the online meeting.

[0055] When participating workers Pa construct an online meeting space 10S, one or more chairs with panels 30 are placed around the center unit 50. The number of chairs with panels 30 should be prepared according to the number of participating workers Pa. A display device 70 is also placed around the center unit 50. The chairs with panels 30 and the display device 70 may be placed at equal intervals around the center unit 50. The chairs with panels 30 may be placed so that they face as directly as possible towards the display device 70. The display area 74E of the display device 70 is placed so that it faces the center unit 50. The chairs with panels 30 are placed so that the panels 36 face away from the center unit 50. As a result, the area inside the panels 36 around the center unit 50 is constructed as the online meeting space 10S. If there are multiple chairs with panels 30, the online meeting space 10S can be surrounded by multiple panels 36.

[0056] Since the panel-equipped chairs 30 are movable, one or more panel-equipped chairs 30 can be placed in appropriate positions according to the number of participants. Furthermore, the panel-equipped chairs 30 can be positioned so that the partitions provided by the panels 36 are in suitable locations, depending on the arrangement of the surrounding non-participating workers Pb.

[0057] It is conceivable that non-participating workers Pb are present within the shared workspace 10 but outside the online meeting space 10S. Non-participating workers Pb may be sitting in chairs 202 on either side of desk 200, or standing facing desk 210. Non-participating workers Pb may be in a meeting or taking a break.

[0058] Even when participating workers Pa and non-participating workers Pb are mixed within the shared workspace 10, at least a portion of the area around participating workers Pa, in this embodiment, is partitioned off by a panel 36 behind them. This makes it difficult for sound to leak between participating workers Pa and non-participating workers Pb. Furthermore, because the inside and outside of the online meeting space 10S are visually separated by the panel 36, both participating workers Pa and non-participating workers Pb are less likely to be distracted by their surroundings and can easily concentrate on their respective tasks.

[0059] Figure 4 shows an example of an image captured by the wide-angle camera 56. This image is displayed on the display device 94 of an external participant Pe. The image shows multiple participating office workers Pa seated in chairs with panels 30. Since the area behind the participating office workers Pa is obscured by the panel 36, the surrounding environment of the participating office workers Pa is not easily noticeable. However, the panel 36 partially partitions the area around the online meeting space 10S. Therefore, the state of the online meeting space 10S within the shared office space 10 is partially captured around the panel 36 or in the gaps between multiple panels 36. For example, it is conceivable that non-participating office workers Pb having a meeting behind the chairs with panels 30 may be partially captured.

[0060] Therefore, external participants Pe can experience the atmosphere of the shared workspace 10 while participating in online meetings in the online meeting space 10S located within the shared workspace 10.

[0061] <Effects, etc.> As described above, the online meeting space construction system 20 allows for the creation of an online meeting space 10S in at least a portion of the shared workspace 10, depending on the number of chairs 30 with panels, which can be moved to accommodate the online meeting participants Pa and the usage status of the shared workspace 10. The panels 36 separate the shared workspace 10, effectively partitioning the online meeting space 10S from the surrounding area and suppressing sound leakage into the surrounding space. Furthermore, the wide-angle camera 56 captures the view through the panels 36, allowing external participants Pe to observe the surrounding area. This allows external participants Pe to experience the surrounding atmosphere of the shared workspace 10 while simultaneously creating a partially partitioned online meeting space 10S. This provides an online meeting space construction system 20 suitable for online meetings between participating employees Pa within the shared workspace 10 and external participants Pe outside the shared workspace 10.

[0062] For example, in the shared workspace 10, it is common for workers to gather in groups according to their purpose, such as for meetings or consultations, and work together. The advantages of using the shared workspace 10 include its flexibility in terms of purpose and ease of use, the freedom to arrange the equipment (chairs, desks, etc.), and the ability to work while being aware of the surrounding work atmosphere. When using the shared workspace 10 in a physical space, it is possible to adjust body orientation, posture, distance from others, and voice volume according to the situation in the shared workspace 10. However, in online meetings, it is difficult for external participants Pe to perceive the surrounding situation, and it is also difficult to adjust body orientation, posture, distance from others, voice volume, etc. according to the surrounding situation.

[0063] According to this embodiment, sound leakage can be suppressed by separating the online meeting space 10S from its surroundings with the panel 36. Therefore, even if it is difficult to adjust body orientation, posture, distance from the other party, voice volume, etc., an online meeting space 10S suitable for conducting online meetings with external participants Pe can be easily constructed. Furthermore, by sensing the surrounding atmosphere through the panel 36, external participants Pe can more easily speak in accordance with the surrounding situation, and can also more easily feel a sense of camaraderie with the workers P located in the shared workspace 10.

[0064] Furthermore, if the panel-equipped chair 30 has a speaker 40, the audio from the online meeting will be played back by the speaker 40 for each participating worker Pa seated in the panel-equipped chair 30, thus preventing the playback volume from becoming too loud.

[0065] Furthermore, if speaker 40 is a directional speaker 40, sound leakage into the surrounding space will be suppressed more effectively.

[0066] Furthermore, since the system 20 is equipped with a display device 70 that displays images of external participants Pe, participating office workers Pa can conduct online meetings while viewing external participants Pe on the display device 70, thus enabling more immersive online meetings.

[0067] In this setup, the center unit 50 is positioned at the center, with the chairs 30 equipped with panels where participating office workers Pa sit, and the display device 70 showing the names of external participants Pe. This enhances the sense of presence for both external participants Pe and participating office workers Pa as they participate in the meeting centered around the center unit 50. The center unit 50 can also function as a meeting point for online meetings.

[0068] If the display device 70 includes a projector device 72, a larger image can be projected onto the online meeting space 10S.

[0069] Furthermore, if the camera 56 is a wide-angle camera capable of capturing images of at least two chairs with panels 30, then images showing at least two chairs with panels 30 can be provided to external participants Pe. This makes it easier for external participants Pe to get a feel for the atmosphere of the shared workspace 10.

[0070] If the camera unit is a center unit 50 that integrates a camera 56 and an online meeting terminal 60, then an online meeting space 10S can be constructed by arbitrarily arranging some or all of the multiple chairs 30 with panels around the center unit 50. Therefore, it is easy to construct various types of online meeting spaces 10S.

[0071] Furthermore, if the center unit 50, which functions as a camera unit, has a cover portion 54, sound leakage can be suppressed by the cover portion 54. In addition, by partitioning the online meeting space 10S from above, it is possible to create a closed space like a meeting room, which can enhance the sense of presence as a meeting place and create a meeting space that is easier to collect information from.

[0072] Furthermore, if the microphone is a range-limited microphone 58, it can pick up sound from the online meeting space 10S and suppress noise from the surrounding space, enabling smooth online meetings between the participating office worker Pa in the online meeting space 10S and the external participant Pe.

[0073] Furthermore, if the panel 36 of the panel-equipped chair 30 is fixed to the back of the chair 32, the area behind the participating worker Pa seated in the chair 32 can be partitioned off by the panel 36. This makes it easier to create a surrounding space behind the participating worker Pa and construct an online meeting space 10S in front of the participating worker Pa.

[0074] If the chair with panel 30 has an overhang 38, sound leakage from above the chair 32 can be suppressed. Also, because the area above the chair 32 is partitioned, it is easier to create a space that allows for greater immersion in the meeting.

[0075] Furthermore, if the panel-equipped chair 30 has casters 35, the panel-equipped chair 30 can be easily moved, and various types of online meeting spaces 10S can be easily constructed depending on the number of participants, the surrounding circumstances, etc.

[0076] {Example} <Modifications relating to a chair with a panel, a center unit, and a display device> The panel-equipped chair 30, center unit 50, and display device 70 that constitute the online meeting space construction system 20 described above can be modified in various ways, either for use in the system 20 or not for use in the system 20.

[0077] For example, the cover portion 54 in the center unit 50 may be omitted. In this case, the cover portion 54 may be supported by a stand separate from the center unit 50.

[0078] The microphone 58 in the center unit 50 may be omitted. In this case, a microphone may be provided for each participating worker Pa. In this case, the microphone may be a microphone provided to each participating worker Pa, or it may be a microphone attached to a computer owned by each participating worker Pa. The microphone provided to each participating worker Pa may be in the form of a standalone microphone, or it may be a headset in which headphones and a microphone are integrated, or in the form of in-ear headphones and a microphone integrated.

[0079] As mentioned above, the camera unit does not need to be incorporated into the form of the center unit 50. The presence of the center unit 50 is not essential in the online meeting space construction system 20.

[0080] For example, the online meeting terminal 60 may be incorporated into a chair 32, a display device 70, a stand for supporting a computer, or it may be a computer owned by each participating worker Pa.

[0081] The cameras may capture images of each participating worker Pa separately. In this case, the cameras may be attached to each chair 32 via arms or the like, or they may be cameras built into computers carried by each participating worker Pa.

[0082] The speaker 40 in the chair 32 may be incorporated into another part, such as the backrest 34, rather than the canopy 38. The speaker 40 may be omitted, and the participating office worker Pa may listen to the conference audio using headphones or in-ear headphones.

[0083] As shown in Figure 5, the chair 32 may have a microphone 100. In Figure 5, an arm 102 extends from the panel 36 of the chair 32 toward the front of the seated participant Pa. The arm 102 may be supported by the backrest 34. The microphone 100 is supported at the tip of the arm 102. The arm 102 supports the microphone at a position in front of the mouth of the seated participant Pa.

[0084] The panel-equipped chair 30 can be understood as having the following configuration, without requiring all of the above-mentioned parts as essential components.

[0085] For example, it can be understood as a chair with an upper speaker, in which a speaker 40 is incorporated into a canopy 38 located above the chair 32. In this case, the panel 36, casters 35, etc. are not essential, and it is not essential that the speaker 40 is a directional speaker. With this chair, sound can be reproduced from above downwards for each chair 32, and upward sound leakage can be suppressed by the canopy 38.

[0086] Furthermore, the chair can be understood as having a speaker, for example, a chair with an omnidirectional speaker or a chair with a directional speaker. The speaker may be supported by the canopy 38, the backrest 34, or by an additional arm or the like. In this case, the panel 36, canopy 38, casters 35, etc. are not essential. Because the speaker emits sound near the worker P seated in the chair 32, sound leakage to the surroundings of the chair 32 is more effectively suppressed.

[0087] This chair can also be understood as a chair for constructing an online meeting space, having a rear panel 36 and casters 35 for the chair 32. With this chair, an online meeting space 10S can be easily constructed by partitioning the rear of the chair 32 with a panel 36.

[0088] The display device 70 may be a device dedicated to this system 20, or it may be a general-purpose monitor. The display device 70 may also be incorporated into the backrest 34 or panel 36 of another chair with a panel 30. If the display device 70 is a projector device 72, the projector device 72 may project an image onto the backrest 34 or panel 36.

[0089] Regarding speakers, they do not necessarily have to be placed on chairs; they may also be placed on other furniture (such as panels, tables, stands, etc.). Furthermore, speakers may be independently placed in the space above the user, such as the ceiling, or in the space below the user, such as the floor.

[0090] The canopy portion 38 does not necessarily have to be placed on a chair; it may be placed on other furniture (such as panels, tables, stands, etc.). Furthermore, the canopy portion may be independently placed in the space above the user, such as the ceiling.

[0091] The cover portion 54 does not necessarily have to be placed on the center unit; it may be placed on other fixtures (such as panels, chairs, tables, stands, etc.). Alternatively, the cover portion may be placed independently in the space above the user, such as the ceiling.

[0092] In the above embodiment, a chair with a panel 30 was described as an example of a fixture with a panel, but the fixture with a panel does not necessarily have to be a chair. For example, other examples of fixtures with panels include desks or tables with panels. Furthermore, other examples of fixtures with panels include fixture stands equipped with board panels or display panels that can be written on. In these cases, it is preferable that the panel be made of a sound-absorbing material from the viewpoint of suppressing sound leakage.

[0093] <Variations in the use of the chair with panel, center unit, and display device> The above-mentioned panel-equipped chair 30, center unit 50, and display device 70 do not necessarily need to be used together. Furthermore, they may be used for purposes other than online meetings.

[0094] For example, as shown in Figure 6, multiple chairs with panels 30 may be arranged around the center unit 50, and the panel 36 of each chair 30 may be positioned to face the center unit 50. In this case, the worker P sits in the chair with a panel 30 with their back to the center unit 50 and facing outwards towards the center unit 50. In the example shown in Figure 6, the display device 70 may be omitted.

[0095] This arrangement is suitable for each worker P to perform their individual tasks. Each worker P may use a computer or other device to conduct online meetings, or they may perform tasks that do not involve online meetings. Even in this case, since the back of each worker P is partitioned by panel 36, it is easy to create a space where each worker P can concentrate on their work.

[0096] The configuration shown in Figure 3 may be referred to as the online meeting mode, and the configuration shown in Figure 6 may be referred to as the individual work mode.

[0097] For example, as shown in Figure 7, multiple workers P may stand and gather around the center unit 50. The workers P gathered around the center unit 50 may hold an online meeting, or they may hold a meeting only among themselves. If an online meeting is held, each worker P may wear headphones or in-ear headphones to participate in the online meeting, or a speaker may be installed on the center unit 50. A display device 70 may or may not be placed around the center unit 50. If a display device 70 is not placed, external participants Pe may participate in the online meeting using only their voice. In this case, a meeting can be easily held using the center unit 50 without having to move the chairs with panels 30.

[0098] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 8, for example, the display device 70 may be omitted in the arrangement example shown in Figure 3. In the example shown in Figure 8, an online meeting may be held, or a meeting may be held only among the workers P around the center unit 50. External participants Pe may be displayed on the monitor of a personal computer held by the workers P, or they may participate in the online meeting using only their voice.

[0099] As shown in Figure 9, the center unit 50 may be omitted in the example shown in Figure 8. The worker P seated in the chair with panel 30 may conduct an online meeting, or the worker P seated in the chair with panel 30 may conduct a meeting alone. If an online meeting is held, the computer owned by the worker P seated in the chair with panel 30 may be used as the online meeting terminal 60 for the online meeting.

[0100] Furthermore, the components described in the above embodiments and each of the modified examples can be combined as appropriate, as long as they do not contradict each other.

[0101] This disclosure discloses the following aspects:

[0102] The first embodiment is an online meeting space construction system to be placed in a shared workspace where multiple employees work, comprising: a plurality of panel-equipped furniture units having movable furniture and panels that shield a portion of the furniture horizontally, with the panels integrated with the furniture so as to be movable together with the furniture; and a camera unit having a camera for photographing employees using at least one of the plurality of panel-equipped furniture units, wherein the plurality of panel-equipped furniture units can be arranged in at least a portion of the shared workspace so as to be able to construct a space for conducting online meetings using the panels.

[0103] According to the online meeting space construction system of the first embodiment, by moving multiple panel-equipped furniture, a space for conducting online meetings can be constructed in at least a portion of the shared workspace, depending on the participants in the online meeting, the usage status of the shared workspace, etc. In this case, by dividing the shared workspace with panels, the online meeting space in the shared workspace can be separated from the surrounding space, and the panels can suppress sound leakage into the surrounding space. Furthermore, by making it possible to observe the surrounding space through the panels, it is possible to create a partially partitioned online meeting space while feeling the atmosphere of the surrounding shared workspace. This makes it possible to provide an online meeting space construction system suitable for conducting online meetings between participants inside the shared workspace and participants outside the shared workspace.

[0104] A second embodiment is an online meeting space construction system according to the first embodiment, wherein the panel-equipped furniture further includes a speaker integrated with the furniture so as to be movable together with the furniture. As a result, the audio during the online meeting is played back by the speaker for each worker using the panel-equipped furniture, thus preventing the playback volume from becoming too loud.

[0105] A third embodiment is an online meeting space construction system according to the first embodiment, further comprising a directional speaker that is directional to the workers using the furniture. In this case, since the audio during the online meeting is played back by the directional speaker for each worker using the panel-equipped furniture, sound leakage into the surrounding space can be suppressed.

[0106] A fourth aspect is an online meeting space construction system relating to any one of the first to third aspects, further comprising a display device that displays images of external participants joining the online meeting from outside the shared workspace. In this case, since images of external participants are displayed on the display device, a more immersive meeting space can be constructed.

[0107] The fifth aspect is an online meeting space construction system according to the fourth aspect, wherein the display device includes a projector device that projects an image onto a projection medium. This allows a large image to be displayed in the online meeting space.

[0108] The sixth aspect is an online meeting space construction system relating to any one of the first to fifth aspects, wherein the camera is a wide-angle camera that images at least two of a plurality of panel-equipped furniture located around the camera unit. In this case, the camera unit images at least two panel-equipped furniture around the camera unit, and the captured images can be provided to external participants. External participants can easily get a feel for the atmosphere of the shared workspace.

[0109] The seventh embodiment is an online meeting space construction system relating to any one of the first to sixth embodiments, wherein the camera unit is a unit that integrates the camera, microphone, and online meeting terminal device. In this case, an online meeting space can be constructed by arbitrarily arranging some or all of a plurality of panel-equipped furniture around the camera unit. Therefore, it is easy to construct various types of online meeting spaces.

[0110] The eighth aspect is an online meeting space construction system according to any one of the first to seventh aspects, further comprising a cover portion located above the camera. This allows sound leakage to be suppressed by the cover portion.

[0111] The ninth aspect is an online meeting space construction system according to any one of the first to eighth aspects, further comprising a microphone. In this case, the microphone can collect sound from the online meeting space and suppress noise from the surrounding space.

[0112] The tenth embodiment is an online meeting space construction system relating to any one of the first to ninth embodiments, wherein the furniture is a chair, and the panel is fixed to the back of the chair. This allows the area behind the person sitting in the chair to be partitioned off by the panel.

[0113] The eleventh embodiment is an online meeting space construction system relating to any one of the first to tenth embodiments, further comprising an overhang located above the workers using the furniture, thereby suppressing sound leakage from above the workers.

[0114] The twelfth embodiment is an online meeting space construction system relating to any one of the first to eleventh embodiments, wherein the panel-equipped furniture has casters that allow it to move on the floor while being supported. This makes it easy to move the panel-equipped furniture and allows for the easy construction of various online meeting space construction systems.

[0115] The above description is illustrative in all respects, and the invention is not limited thereto. It is understood that countless variations not illustrated can be conceivable without falling outside the scope of this invention. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0116] 10. Shared workspace 10S Online Meeting Space 20 Online Meeting Space Construction System 30. Chairs with panels (fixtures with panels) 32 chairs 35 Caster 36 panels 38 Eaves 40 speakers 50 Center Unit 54 Covering part 56 Cameras 58 Mike 60 online meeting terminals 70 Display device 72 Projector equipment 74 Transparent Screen P: Staff (Pa: Participating staff, Pb: Non-participating staff) Pe External Participant

Claims

1. A chair and A panel fixed and positioned behind the aforementioned chair, Equipped with, The aforementioned panel is Having a plate-like portion extending along a plane in the vertical direction, it functions as a partition to create a space for conducting online meetings in at least a portion of a shared workspace, and has a speaker supported by the panel. The speaker is a directional speaker having directionality in the direction of sound output, and outputs sound towards the space on the inner side of the panel for conducting online meetings. The panel is made of sound-absorbing material and has an overhang at its upper end that is positioned above the head of the person sitting in the chair, in order to suppress sound leakage from the space for conducting online meetings to the shared workspace, as part of an online meeting space construction system.

2. An online meeting space construction system according to claim 1, An online meeting space construction system further comprising a display device that displays images of external participants joining an online meeting from outside the shared workspace.

Images