Communication assistance method, communication assistance device, and computer program

Abstract

A first spatial information reception unit 32 of a server 30 acquires setting information of an environment of a first space used by a first user. A second spatial information reception unit 34 of the server 30 acquires setting information of an environment of a second space used by a second user. An assessment unit 36 of the server 30 assesses whether or not the setting information of the environment of the first space and the setting information of the environment of the second space satisfy a predetermined condition. A control information output unit 40 of the server 30 provides information for assisting communication with others to at least one among the first user and the second user on the basis of the result of the assessment by the assessment unit 36.

Description

Communication support method, communication support device, and computer program

[0001] The present disclosure relates to data processing technology, and more particularly to a communication support method, a communication support device, and a computer program.

[0002] As a technology for supporting active communication between users, for example, Patent Document 1 describes a technology that predicts the degree of active communication between users based on the relative positions of multiple users and determines the environmental pattern of the space based on the prediction results.

[0003] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2021-022072

[0004] When pursuing well-being in human interactions, there are cases where it is necessary to act with consideration for others. However, as in Patent Document 1, simply considering the relative positions of each other makes it difficult to provide an opportunity for communication while taking into consideration the situation of the other person. One objective of the present disclosure is to provide a technology that supports communication between people based on spatial environment settings.

[0005] In order to solve the above problem, a communication support method of one aspect of the present disclosure includes an information processing device that acquires setting information for the environment of a first space used by a first user, acquires setting information for the environment of a second space used by a second user, determines whether the setting information for the environment of the first space and the setting information for the environment of the second space satisfy predetermined conditions, and provides information to at least one of the first user and the second user that supports communication with others based on the result of the determination.

[0006] Another aspect of the present disclosure is a communication support device including: a first space information acquisition unit that acquires setting information for an environment of a first space used by a first user; a second space information acquisition unit that acquires setting information for an environment of a second space used by a second user; a determination unit that determines whether the setting information for the environment of the first space and the setting information for the environment of the second space satisfy a predetermined condition; and a communication support unit that provides, based on a result of the determination by the determination unit, information to support communication with others to at least one of the first user and the second user.

[0007] Any combination of the above components, or any conversion of the expression of the present disclosure between a system, a computer program, a recording medium on which a computer program is recorded, etc., is also valid as an aspect of the present disclosure.

[0008] According to the technology of the present disclosure, communication between people can be supported based on spatial environment settings.

[0009] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing the configuration of a spatial environment setting system according to a first embodiment; FIG. 2 is a flowchart showing the operation of a server according to the first embodiment; FIG. 3 is a diagram showing examples of first spatial environment setting information and second spatial environment setting information; FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing the operation of a server according to a second embodiment; FIG. 5 is a diagram showing examples of first spatial environment setting information and second spatial environment setting information.

[0010] The subject of the device or method disclosed herein includes a computer. The computer executes a program to realize the functions of the subject of the device or method disclosed herein. The computer includes, as its main hardware configuration, a processor that operates according to the program. The type of processor is not important as long as it can realize the functions by executing the program. The processor is composed of one or more electronic circuits, including a semiconductor integrated circuit (IC) or a large-scale integration (LSI). The electronic circuits may be integrated into a single chip or may be provided on multiple chips. The multiple chips may be integrated into a single device or may be provided on multiple devices. The program may be recorded on a non-transitory recording medium such as a computer-readable read-only memory (ROM), an optical disk, or a hard disk drive, or on a temporary storage medium such as a computer-readable random access memory (RAM). The program may be stored in advance on a recording medium, or may be supplied to a recording medium or storage medium via a wide area communication network including the Internet.

[0011] In social life, where people interact with each other, there are cases where it is necessary to act with consideration for others when pursuing well-being. For example, if a second user speaks to a first user while the first user is concentrating on a task, there is a risk that the first user will be interrupted. Therefore, it is desirable to provide opportunities for communication while taking into consideration the situation of each user.

[0012] Therefore, in the embodiment, a technology is proposed for providing an opportunity for communication while taking into consideration the circumstances of each of multiple users. For example, in the spatial environment setting system 10 of the embodiment, when the spatial environment setting of a space of a first user and the spatial environment setting of a space of a second user match, information for encouraging communication with others is provided to at least one of the first user and the second user. The others include the second user from the perspective of the first user and the first user from the perspective of the second user. The parameters of the spatial environment setting may include at least one of the color temperature and brightness of lighting, the type and volume of audio, the type and intensity of aroma, the set temperature and set time of an air conditioner, and the humidity setting of an air purifier.

[0013] In the embodiment, a first user uses a first space (an office space or a room) and, for example, works in the first space. A second user uses a second space (an office space or a room) different from the first space and, for example, works in the second space. The first space and the second space may be separated enough to allow different spatial environments to be set, and may be defined as the same space in terms of floor plan. Furthermore, the first space and the second space may be spaces on different floors in the same building, or may be spaces in different buildings.

[0014] <First Embodiment> Fig. 1 shows the configuration of a spatial environment setting system 10 according to a first embodiment. The spatial environment setting system 10 is an information processing system in which a plurality of devices operate in cooperation with one another, and can also be considered a communication support system. The spatial environment setting system 10 includes output devices 12a, 12b, and 12c, input devices 14 and 20, a spatial information storage unit 26, and a server 30. The devices in the spatial environment setting system 10 are connected to one another via a communication network, such as a LAN, a WAN, or the Internet.

[0015] 1 includes a block diagram showing the functional blocks of each device in the spatial environment setting system 10. Each block shown in the block diagram in this specification can be realized in hardware terms by computer processors (e.g., CPUs), memory, and other elements, electronic circuits, and mechanical devices, and in software terms by computer programs, etc., but the functional blocks shown here are realized by the cooperation of these elements. Therefore, those skilled in the art will understand that these functional blocks can be realized in various ways by combining hardware and software.

[0016] Each of the output devices 12a, 12b, and 12c is an electrical device (such as a home appliance) that is installed in a space used by a user and serves as a space environment adjustment device that adjusts the environment of the space. The output devices 12a, 12b, and 12c are also collectively referred to as "output device 12."

[0017] In the first embodiment, the output device 12a is a lighting device that outputs light with a color temperature and brightness specified by the control information. The output device 12b is an audio device that outputs a type of sound specified by the control information at a specified volume. The output device 12c is an aroma diffuser that diffuses an aroma of a type and intensity specified by the control information. The output device 12 may include devices other than lighting devices, audio devices, and aroma diffusers, such as an air conditioner, a circulator, or an air purifier. In the first embodiment, the output devices 12a, 12b, and 12c are installed in both the first space and the second space.

[0018] The input device 14 accepts operations by a first user inputted into an operation unit (e.g., hard keys or soft keys) not shown. The operations by the first user are operations for setting the spatial environment of the first space and for specifying the operation modes of each output device 12 installed in the first space. The input device 20 accepts operations by a second user inputted into an operation unit (e.g., not shown). The operations by the second user are operations for setting the spatial environment of the second space and for specifying the operation modes of each output device 12 installed in the second space. The input device 14 and the input device 20 may be remote control devices or general-purpose information terminals (e.g., PCs, tablet terminals, smartphones).

[0019] The input device 14 includes a first space environment setting unit 16 and an information presentation unit 18. The first space environment setting unit 16 transmits first space environment setting information that specifies the operation mode of each output device 12 in the first space to the server 30 in response to an operation by the first user. The first space environment setting unit 16 may transmit the first space environment setting information to the server 30 in response to a request from the server 30. The information presentation unit 18 receives control information (display control information) transmitted from the server 30 and displays information specified by the control information on a display unit (not shown) (for example, a liquid crystal display or an organic EL display).

[0020] The input device 20 includes a second space environment setting unit 22 and an information presenting unit 24. The second space environment setting unit 22 transmits second space environment setting information that specifies the operation mode of each output device 12 in the second space to the server 30 in response to an operation by the second user. The second space environment setting unit 22 may transmit the second space environment setting information to the server 30 in response to a request from the server 30. The information presenting unit 24 receives control information (display control information) transmitted from the server 30 and displays information specified by the control information on a display unit (not shown).

[0021] Each of the first space environment setting information and the second space environment setting information includes multiple setting items (parameters), such as color temperature, brightness, sound type, volume, aroma type, and aroma intensity. The color temperature specifies the type of light to be output from the output device 12a (lighting device), and the brightness specifies the intensity of the light to be output from the output device 12a (lighting device). The sound type specifies the type of audio to be output from the output device 12b (acoustic device), and the volume specifies the intensity of the audio to be output from the output device 12b (acoustic device). The aroma type specifies the type of aroma to be diffused from the output device 12c (aroma diffuser), and the aroma intensity specifies the intensity of the aroma to be diffused from the output device 12c (aroma diffuser).

[0022] The space information storage unit 26 stores space environment setting information for each of a plurality of spaces used by a plurality of users. In the first embodiment, the space information storage unit 26 stores first space environment setting information transmitted from the input device 14 and second space environment setting information transmitted from the input device 20.

[0023] The server 30 is an information processing device that executes processing to support communication between multiple users, and can also be considered a communication support device. The server 30 is assumed to be a server installed in the cloud, but as a variant, it may be a home server installed in a user's home. Furthermore, the functions of the server 30 may be incorporated into equipment (e.g., a HEMS controller) installed in the user's home. Furthermore, the server 30 may include a spatial information storage unit 26.

[0024] The server 30 includes a first spatial information receiving unit 32, a second spatial information receiving unit 34, a determining unit 36, a deciding unit 38, and a control information output unit 40. A computer program implementing the functions of these multiple functional blocks may be installed in the storage of the server 30. The processor of the server 30 may perform the functions of these multiple functional blocks by reading this computer program into main memory and executing it.

[0025] The first spatial information receiving unit 32 receives the first spatial environment setting information transmitted from the input device 14. The second spatial information receiving unit 34 receives the second spatial environment setting information transmitted from the input device 20. The determination unit 36 ​​determines whether the first spatial environment setting information received by the first spatial information receiving unit 32 and the second spatial environment setting information received by the second spatial information receiving unit 34 satisfy a predetermined condition. In the first embodiment, the determination unit 36 ​​determines whether the first spatial environment setting information and the second spatial environment setting information match.

[0026] The determination unit 38 and the control information output unit 40 function as a communication support unit that provides information to support communication with others (hereinafter also referred to as "communication support information") to at least one of the first user and the second user based on the result of the determination by the determination unit 36. The communication support information can also be said to be information that promotes communication with others.

[0027] When the determination unit 36 ​​determines that the first spatial environment setting information and the second spatial environment setting information match, the determination unit 38 determines to provide communication support information to at least one of the first user and the second user. Furthermore, the determination unit 38 determines the content of the communication support information.

[0028] The control information output unit 40, which can also be called an equipment control unit, transmits control information based on the content of the communication support information determined by the determination unit 38 to at least one of the input device 14, input device 20, output device 12a, output device 12b, and output device 12c.

[0029] For example, the control information sent to the input device 14 may be display control information instructing the display of a message for a first user. Furthermore, the control information sent to the input device 20 may be display control information instructing the display of a message for a second user. The control information sent to the output device 12a (lighting equipment) may include designation of the color temperature and brightness of the lighting. The control information sent to the output device 12b (audio equipment) may include designation of the type and volume of the output sound. The control information sent to the output device 12c (aroma diffuser) may include designation of the type and intensity of the aroma to be diffused.

[0030] 2 is a flowchart showing the operation of the server 30 according to the first embodiment. The operation of the spatial environment setting system 10 according to the first embodiment will be described below with reference to FIG.

[0031] A first user inputs information specifying the operation modes of each output device 12 in the first space to the input device 14. The first space environment setting unit 16 of the input device 14 transmits the first space environment setting information indicating the operation modes of each output device 12 specified by the first user to the server 30. A second user inputs information specifying the operation modes of each output device 12 in the second space to the input device 20. The second space environment setting unit 22 of the input device 20 transmits the second space environment setting information indicating the operation modes of each output device 12 specified by the second user to the server 30.

[0032] The first spatial information receiving unit 32 of the server 30 acquires the first spatial environment setting information transmitted from the input device 14 (S10). The first spatial information receiving unit 32 stores the first spatial environment setting information transmitted from the input device 14 in the spatial information storage unit 26 and passes it to the determination unit 36. The control information output unit 40 of the server 30 transmits control information specifying the operation mode indicated by the first spatial environment setting information acquired by the first spatial information receiving unit 32 to each output device 12 in the first space.

[0033] The second space information receiving unit 34 of the server 30 acquires the second space environment setting information transmitted from the input device 20 (S11). The second space information receiving unit 34 stores the second space environment setting information transmitted from the input device 20 in the space information storage unit 26 and passes it to the determination unit 36. The control information output unit 40 transmits control information specifying the operation mode indicated by the second space environment setting information acquired by the second space information receiving unit 34 to each output device 12 in the second space.

[0034] The processing of S10 and the processing of S11 may be executed in reverse order or may be executed in parallel. When the first spatial information receiving unit 32 receives the second spatial environment setting information, it may acquire the latest first spatial environment setting information stored in the spatial information storage unit 26 and pass it to the determination unit 36. When the second spatial information receiving unit 34 receives the first spatial environment setting information, it may acquire the latest second spatial environment setting information stored in the spatial information storage unit 26 and pass it to the determination unit 36.

[0035] The determination unit 36 ​​of the server 30 determines whether the first spatial environment setting information passed from the first spatial information receiving unit 32 matches the second spatial environment setting information passed from the second spatial information receiving unit 34 (S12).

[0036] 3 shows examples of the first spatial environment setting information and the second spatial environment setting information. In S12, the determination unit 36 ​​may determine that the first spatial environment setting information and the second spatial environment setting information match when the values ​​of multiple parameters specified in the first spatial environment setting information and the values ​​of multiple parameters specified in the second spatial environment setting information completely match, as shown in FIG. 3. Alternatively, the determination unit 36 ​​may determine that the first spatial environment setting information and the second spatial environment setting information match when the values ​​of at least two parameters match between the first spatial environment setting information and the second spatial environment setting information.

[0037] Furthermore, the space information storage unit 26 may store the environment setting information history of the first user (typically, a plurality of pieces of first space environment setting information previously set) and the environment setting information history of the second user (typically, a plurality of pieces of second space environment setting information previously set). The determination unit 36 ​​may identify parameter values ​​habitually set by the first user based on the environment setting information history of the first user, and may identify parameter values ​​habitually set by the second user based on the environment setting information history of the second user. The habitually set parameter values ​​may also be referred to as parameter values ​​that are customarily set, and will hereinafter also be referred to as "habitual parameter values."

[0038] The determination unit 36 ​​may compare the habit parameter values ​​of the first user with the habit parameter values ​​of the second user, and if the two match, determine that the first space environment setting information and the second space environment setting information match. Alternatively, the determination unit 36 ​​may determine that the first space environment setting information and the second space environment setting information match if at least one parameter value matches between the habit parameter values ​​of the first user and the habit parameter values ​​of the second user.

[0039] Habitual parameter values ​​refer to spatial environment setting information that each user habitually sets frequently over a given period of time, whether consciously or unconsciously. Habitual parameter values ​​are easily influenced by each user's habits and preferences. Therefore, using the degree of similarity of habitual parameter values ​​allows for judgment that takes into account the similarity of personal attributes, thereby promoting better communication between users.

[0040] When acquiring the habit parameter value, the determination unit 36 ​​may acquire the spatial environment setting information history of the first user over a certain period from the input device 14, or may acquire the spatial environment setting information history of the second user over a certain period from the input device 20. The determination unit 36 ​​may detect, from the spatial environment setting information history of the first user over a certain period, a parameter value (e.g., a color temperature of 3000 K) whose number of settings over the certain period exceeds a predetermined threshold as the habit parameter value of the first user. Furthermore, the determination unit 36 ​​may detect, from the spatial environment setting information history of the second user over a certain period, a parameter value whose number of settings over the certain period exceeds a predetermined threshold as the habit parameter value of the second user. The habit parameter value may include a parameter value representing the type of environmental setting content (e.g., color temperature, type of music, type of aroma, etc.). These parameter values ​​are more likely to reflect the user's habits than parameter values ​​representing the intensity of the environmental setting content (e.g., brightness, volume, aroma intensity, etc.).

[0041] The spatial environment setting information also includes parameters related to the type of content and parameters related to the intensity of the content. The parameters related to the type of content can also be considered parameters related to the quality of the content, and include, for example, the color temperature of the lighting, the genre of music, and the type of aroma. The parameters related to the intensity of the content can also be considered parameters related to the amount of content, and include, for example, the brightness of the lighting, the volume of the music, and the intensity of the aroma.

[0042] Each of the first spatial environment setting information and the second spatial environment setting information may include a plurality of parameters of different categories. The plurality of parameters may include, as a first category parameter, a parameter indicating a spatial setting condition necessary for a user to perform a task or an action (hereinafter also referred to as a "functional parameter"). The plurality of parameters may also include, as a second category parameter, a parameter indicating a spatial setting condition that is not necessary for a user to perform a task or an action but is likely to be significantly influenced by the user's preferences (hereinafter also referred to as an "emotional parameter").

[0043] In this case, the determination unit 36 ​​may prioritize emotional parameters over functional parameters and determine whether the values ​​of the emotional parameters match. The determination unit 36 ​​may determine that the first spatial environment setting information and the second spatial environment setting information match if the values ​​of the emotional parameters match even if the values ​​of the functional parameters do not match. The determination unit 36 ​​may also determine that the first spatial environment setting information and the second spatial environment setting information match if the values ​​of at least one emotional parameter match. Since the values ​​of the emotional parameters are presumed to be significantly influenced by the preferences of users, encouraging communication based on the match in the parameter values ​​can further promote communication between users.

[0044] 4 also shows examples of the first spatial environment setting information and the second spatial environment setting information. In S12, as shown in FIG. 4, the determination unit 36 ​​may determine that the first spatial environment setting information and the second spatial environment setting information match when the value of a parameter related to the type of content specified in the first spatial environment setting information exactly matches the value of a parameter related to the type of content specified in the second spatial environment setting information, even if the value of a parameter related to the strength of the content among the multiple parameters specified in the first spatial environment setting information is different from the value of a parameter related to the strength of the content among the multiple parameters specified in the second spatial environment setting information.

[0045] Alternatively, the determination unit 36 ​​may determine that the first spatial environment setting information and the second spatial environment setting information match when the values ​​of at least two parameters related to the type of content match between the first spatial environment setting information and the second spatial environment setting information, regardless of whether the values ​​of parameters related to the intensity of the content match between the first spatial environment setting information and the second spatial environment setting information.

[0046] In this way, when determining whether the first spatial environment setting information and the second spatial environment setting information match, parameters related to the intensity of the content to be set may be excluded from the matching conditions. This is because parameters related to the intensity of the content are more likely to be finely adjusted for each individual and have a lower priority as a matching condition than parameters related to the type of content. In other words, it is believed that performing a match determination using only parameters related to the type of content can more accurately detect whether the first user and the second user are in the same situation.

[0047] 2 , if it is determined that the first spatial environment setting information and the second spatial environment setting information match (Y in S12), the determination unit 38 of the server 30 determines a communication promotion method for the first user and the second user (S13). In S13, the determination unit 38 may generate, as communication support information for the first user, information that encourages communication with the second user. At the same time, the determination unit 38 may generate, as communication support information for the second user, information that encourages communication with the first user.

[0048] The control information output unit 40 of the server 30 transmits control information based on the communication promotion method determined by the determination unit 38 to both the information terminal of the first user and the information terminal of the second user (S14). In the first embodiment, the control information output unit 40 transmits control information instructing the display of communication support information for the first user to the input device 14, and transmits control information instructing the display of communication support information for the second user to the input device 20. If it is determined that the first space environment setting information and the second space environment setting information do not match (N in S12), the processes of S13 and S14 are skipped.

[0049] The communication support information for the first user may be a message such as "Would you like to talk to the second user (Mr. X)?" The information presenting unit 18 of the input device 14 displays the communication support information for the first user on a display unit (not shown) of the input device 14. The communication support information for the second user may also be a message such as "Would you like to talk to the first user (Mr. Y)?" The information presenting unit 24 of the input device 20 displays the communication support information for the second user on a display unit (not shown) of the input device 20. The communication support information may include text and images. The communication support information may also include audio information that is output from the speakers of the input device 14 and the input device 20 and that encourages communication with others.

[0050] The spatial environment setting system 10 of the first embodiment can provide the first user and the second user with an opportunity to communicate with others at a time when the state of the first user and the state of the second user are likely to coincide. For example, the spatial environment setting system 10 can support the first user and the second user to engage in an activity or rest together when they are in the same state.

[0051] A modified example will be described. A task label of a first user may be associated with the first space environment setting information. A task label of a second user may be associated with the second space environment setting information. The task label represents the state or behavior of each user, in other words, indicates the task or context (situation) that each user is currently performing. For example, at least one of work, rest, cooking, eating, sleeping, and relaxation may be set as the value of the task label.

[0052] The first user (second user) may select a task label value that matches their own state or behavior using the input device 14 (input device 20), and the input device 14 (input device 20) may transmit data associating the selected task label value with spatial environment setting information pre-associated with the task label value to the server 30. Alternatively, the first user (second user) may register in advance in the server 30 a correspondence between multiple parameter values ​​of the first spatial environment setting information (second spatial environment setting information). In this case, the determination unit 36 ​​of the server 30 may automatically acquire the task label value pre-associated with the multiple parameter values ​​of the first spatial environment setting information (second spatial environment setting information) transmitted from the input device 14 (input device 20).

[0053] The determination unit 36 ​​of the server 30 may further determine whether the value of the task label associated with the first space environment setting information is suitable for providing communication support information. The determination unit 36 ​​may further determine whether the value of the task label associated with the second space environment setting information is suitable for providing communication support information. Task label values ​​suitable for providing communication support information may be "rest" and "relax." On the other hand, task label values ​​incompatible with providing communication support information may be values ​​other than "rest" and "relax" (e.g., work, cooking, eating, sleeping, etc.).

[0054] The determination unit 38 of the server 30 may determine to provide the communication support information only to the first user when the value of the task label associated with the first space environment setting information is suitable for providing the communication support information while the value of the task label associated with the second space environment setting information is unsuitable for providing the communication support information. The control information output unit 40 of the server 30 may transmit the communication support information to the input device 14 while suppressing transmission of the communication support information to the input device 20.

[0055] Furthermore, when the value of the task label associated with the second space environment setting information is suitable for providing the communication support information, but the value of the task label associated with the first space environment setting information is unsuitable for providing the communication support information, the determination unit 38 may determine to provide the communication support information only to the second user. The control information output unit 40 may transmit the communication support information to the input device 20, but may suppress transmission of the communication support information to the input device 14. According to this modification, it is possible to appropriately limit the users to whom the communication support information is to be provided, depending on the state or behavior of each user.

[0056] Another modified example will be described. In the first embodiment described above, the server 30 provided communication support information to at least one of the first user and the second user when the first spatial environment setting information and the second spatial environment setting information match. As a modified example, the server 30 may provide communication support information to at least one of the first user and the second user (typically, both the first user and the second user) when the first spatial environment setting information and the second spatial environment setting information do not match. Even in this modified example, the first user and the second user can be supported in communicating with others. For example, it is possible to encourage communication with others with whom communication is not normally possible due to timing conflicts, such as breaks.

[0057] In the first embodiment described above, the control information output unit 40 of the server 30 provides the communication support information to the input device 14 and the input device 20. However, as a modification, the control information output unit 40 may provide the communication support information to an output device 12 installed in a space used by the support target user.

[0058] For example, the communication support information may be to flash a light in a predetermined manner to encourage communication with others. In this case, the control information output unit 40 may transmit a control signal instructing the light to flash in the above manner to the output device 12a (lighting device) in the first space and / or the second space. Alternatively, the communication support information may be audio that encourages communication with others. In this case, the control information output unit 40 may transmit a control signal instructing the output device 12b (audio device) in the first space and / or the second space to output the above audio.

[0059] Second Embodiment A second embodiment of the present disclosure will be described, focusing on differences from the first embodiment. Components of the second embodiment that are the same as or equivalent to those of the first embodiment will be assigned the same reference numerals as those of the first embodiment, and descriptions that overlap with those of the first embodiment will be omitted as appropriate.

[0060] The configuration of the spatial environment setting system 10 of the second embodiment is similar to the configuration of the spatial environment setting system 10 of the first embodiment shown in Fig. 1. Furthermore, the functional blocks included in the server 30 of the second embodiment are similar to the functional blocks included in the server 30 of the first embodiment shown in Fig. 1.

[0061] In the second embodiment, similar to the modified example of the first embodiment, a task label representing a state or action of a first user is associated with the first space environment setting information. Also, a task label representing a state or action of a second user is associated with the second space environment setting information. At least one of work, rest, cooking, eating, sleeping, and relaxation may be set as the value of the task label.

[0062] 5 is a flowchart showing the operation of the server 30 according to the second embodiment. The processes in S20 and S21 are the same as the processes in S10 and S11 in FIG. 2 described in the first embodiment, and therefore will not be described again.

[0063] The determination unit 36 ​​of the server 30 determines whether the first spatial environment setting information and the second spatial environment setting information match, as in the first embodiment. In addition, in the second embodiment, the determination unit 36 ​​further determines whether the value of the task label associated with the first spatial environment setting information and the value of the task label associated with the second spatial environment setting information match.

[0064] 6 shows examples of the first spatial environment setting information and the second spatial environment setting information. In the example of FIG. 6, the determination unit 36 ​​determines that the first spatial environment setting information and the second spatial environment setting information match. The determination unit 36 ​​also determines that the value of the task label associated with the first spatial environment setting information (relax) and the value of the task label associated with the second spatial environment setting information (cooking) do not match.

[0065] If it is determined that the first spatial environment setting information and the second spatial environment setting information match (Y in S22) and if it is determined that the value of the task label associated with the first spatial environment setting information and the value of the task label associated with the second spatial environment setting information match (Y in S23), the determination unit 38 of the server 30 determines a communication promotion method for the first user and the second user (S24), similar to S13 in Fig. 2. The control information output unit 40 of the server 30 transmits control information based on the communication promotion method determined by the determination unit 38 to both the information terminal of the first user and the information terminal of the second user (S25).

[0066] Even if the first spatial environment setting information and the second spatial environment setting information match (Y in S22), if the value of the task label associated with the first spatial environment setting information and the value of the task label associated with the second spatial environment setting information do not match (N in S23), the processes of S24 and S25 are skipped. That is, the decision unit 38 decides to suppress the provision of communication support information to both the first user and the second user. If the first spatial environment setting information and the second spatial environment setting information do not match (N in S22), the processes from S23 onwards are skipped. That is, in this case too, the decision unit 38 decides to suppress the provision of communication support information to both the first user and the second user.

[0067] The spatial environment setting system 10 of the second embodiment also achieves the same effects as the spatial environment setting system 10 of the first embodiment. Furthermore, the spatial environment setting system 10 of the second embodiment can prevent the first user or the second user from being prompted to communicate with others at a time that is undesirable for the first user or the second user.

[0068] The present disclosure has been described above based on the first and second embodiments. The embodiments are merely examples, and it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various modifications are possible in the combination of each component or each treatment process of the embodiments, and that such modifications are also within the scope of the present disclosure.

[0069] Any combination of the above-described embodiments and multiple modifications is also useful as an embodiment of the present disclosure. A new embodiment resulting from a combination combines the effects of the combined embodiments and modifications. It will also be understood by those skilled in the art that the functions to be performed by each component recited in the claims can be realized by each component shown in the embodiments and modifications, either alone or in combination.

[0070] <Supplementary Notes> The above embodiments and variations disclose the following technologies. [Technology 1] A communication support method in which an information processing device: acquires setting information for an environment of a first space used by a first user; acquires setting information for an environment of a second space used by a second user; determines whether the setting information for the environment of the first space and the setting information for the environment of the second space satisfy a predetermined condition; and provides, based on the result of the determination, information to support communication with others to at least one of the first user and the second user. This communication support method can provide at least one of the first user and the second user with an opportunity to communicate with others at an appropriate timing that matches the state of the first user and the state of the second user. [Technology 2] The communication support method described in Technology 1, in which, if the setting information for the environment of the first space and the setting information for the environment of the second space match, the information to support communication is provided to at least one of the first user and the second user. According to this communication assistance method, it is possible to provide at least one of the first user and the second user with an opportunity to communicate with others at a timing when the state of the first user and the state of the second user are likely to match. [Technology 3] The communication assistance method according to Technology 2, wherein the setting information of the environment of the first space and the setting information of the environment of the second space each include a parameter related to type and a parameter related to intensity, and the setting information of the environment of the first space and the setting information of the environment of the second space are determined to match even if the values ​​of the parameter related to intensity are different, as long as the values ​​of the parameter related to type match. According to this communication assistance method, it is possible to accurately determine that the state of the first user and the state of the second user match.[Technology 4] The communication assistance method described in Technology 2, wherein even if the setting information for the environment of the first space matches the setting information for the environment of the second space, if the state or behavior of the first user associated with the setting information for the environment of the first space does not match the state or behavior of the second user associated with the setting information for the environment of the second space, the communication assistance method suppresses providing the communication assistance information to both the first user and the second user. This communication assistance method can suppress providing an opportunity to communicate with others at an undesirable timing. [Technology 5] The communication assistance method described in Technology 1, wherein, if the state or behavior of the first user associated with the setting information for the environment of the first space is suitable for providing the communication assistance information, but the state or behavior of the second user associated with the setting information for the environment of the second space is incompatible with providing the communication assistance information, the communication assistance information is provided only to the first user. This communication assistance method can appropriately limit users to whom communication assistance information is provided, depending on the state or behavior of each user. [Technology 6] A communication support device comprising: a first space information acquisition unit that acquires setting information of an environment of a first space used by a first user; a second space information acquisition unit that acquires setting information of an environment of a second space used by a second user; a determination unit that determines whether the setting information of the environment of the first space and the setting information of the environment of the second space satisfy a predetermined condition; and a communication support unit that provides information to at least one of the first user and the second user to support communication with others based on a result of the determination by the determination unit. This communication support device can provide at least one of the first user and the second user with an opportunity to communicate with others at an appropriate timing that is suited to the state of the first user and the state of the second user.[Technology 7] A computer program for causing an information processing device to execute the following: acquire setting information of an environment of a first space used by a first user, acquire setting information of an environment of a second space used by a second user, determine whether the setting information of the environment of the first space and the setting information of the environment of the second space satisfy a predetermined condition, and provide information to at least one of the first user and the second user to support communication with others based on the result of the determination. This computer program can provide at least one of the first user and the second user with an opportunity to communicate with others at an appropriate timing in accordance with the state of the first user and the state of the second user.

[0071] The technology of the present disclosure can be applied to an information processing device or an information processing system.

[0072] REFERENCE SIGNS LIST 10 spatial environment setting system, 12 output device, 14 input device, 20 input device, 26 spatial information storage unit, 30 server, 32 first spatial information receiving unit, 34 second spatial information receiving unit, 36 determination unit, 38 decision unit, 40 control information output unit.

Claims

1. A communication support method in which an information processing device acquires setting information for the environment of a first space used by a first user, acquires setting information for the environment of a second space used by a second user, determines whether the setting information for the environment of the first space and the setting information for the environment of the second space satisfy predetermined conditions, and provides information to at least one of the first user and the second user to support communication with others based on the result of the determination.

2. The communication support method according to claim 1, wherein, when the setting information of the environment of the first space matches the setting information of the environment of the second space, information to support the communication is provided to at least one of the first user and the second user.

3. The communication support method of claim 2, wherein the environmental setting information of the first space and the environmental setting information of the second space each include a parameter related to type and a parameter related to intensity, and even if the value of the parameter related to intensity is different, if the value of the parameter related to type is the same, it is determined that the environmental setting information of the first space and the environmental setting information of the second space are the same.

4. A communication support method as described in claim 2, wherein even if the setting information of the environment of the first space matches the setting information of the environment of the second space, if the state or behavior of the first user associated with the setting information of the environment of the first space does not match the state or behavior of the second user associated with the setting information of the environment of the second space, providing information to support the communication to both the first user and the second user is suppressed.

5. A communication support method as described in claim 1, wherein, if the state or behavior of the first user associated with the setting information of the environment of the first space is suitable for providing information to support the communication, while the state or behavior of the second user associated with the setting information of the environment of the second space is incompatible with providing information to support the communication, the information to support the communication is provided only to the first user.

6. A communication support device comprising: a first space information acquisition unit that acquires setting information of the environment of a first space used by a first user; a second space information acquisition unit that acquires setting information of the environment of a second space used by a second user; a judgment unit that judges whether the setting information of the environment of the first space and the setting information of the environment of the second space satisfy predetermined conditions; and a communication support unit that provides information to at least one of the first user and the second user that assists communication with others based on the result of the judgment by the judgment unit.

7. A computer program for causing an information processing device to perform the following: acquire setting information for the environment of a first space used by a first user; acquire setting information for the environment of a second space used by a second user; determine whether the setting information for the environment of the first space and the setting information for the environment of the second space satisfy predetermined conditions; and, based on the result of the determination, provide information to at least one of the first user and the second user that supports communication with others.

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