Map-Based Communication Interface for Casual Telework Interaction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing communication methods, such as online meetings, limit the number of participants and time, making it difficult to achieve casual online communication, especially with the decline in face-to-face interactions due to telework.
Innovation Solution
A communication method that displays a map image associating users with predetermined positions, allowing users to select positions on the map to access information from other users, including voice and text data, enabling casual online interactions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If online meeting methods are used, then structured communication can be achieved, but the number of participants and time are limited, preventing sufficient communication
Solution Approach 1:
The communication system segments the virtual space into multiple regions (first region for private messages, second region for group chats, third region for notifications) and segments user interaction into discrete selectable positions on a map interface. This segmentation allows simultaneous access to multiple communication channels without limiting participant numbers or time, resolving the contradiction between structured communication reliability and communication flexibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a spatial dimension (map interface with positions and regions) to the traditional linear communication interface. Users can navigate and select different communication contexts by moving to different positions on the map, enabling simultaneous access to multiple communication streams. This dimensional transformation allows unlimited participants and extended communication time while maintaining structured organization.
2Ease of operation
If telework is implemented, then work flexibility is improved, but opportunities for incidental meetings and daily conversations are lost
Solution Approach 1:
The system preliminarily establishes a virtual office map with designated positions for different communication functions before interaction begins. Private message positions, group chat positions, and notification positions are pre-configured in the virtual space. This preliminary spatial arrangement enables users to immediately access casual communication channels upon entering the virtual office, compensating for the loss of incidental meeting opportunities in telework environments.
Solution Approach 2:
The map interface acts as an intermediary between the user and communication channels. Instead of directly accessing communication features through traditional menus or buttons, users interact with the map interface by selecting positions, which then mediates the connection to appropriate communication streams. This intermediary layer recreates the spontaneous nature of office hallway conversations by allowing users to casually navigate to different map positions and initiate communications.
3Device complexity
If traditional communication interfaces are used, then simple interaction is achieved, but spontaneous conversations and incidental information acquisition are difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The map interface serves multiple functions simultaneously: it displays user locations, provides navigation to different communication channels, enables selection of communication partners, and presents information about other users. This multi-functional design maintains interface simplicity while enabling spontaneous conversations and incidental information acquisition, as the same visual interface supports both structured and casual communication needs.
Data Source
AI summary
A communication apparatus according to the present invention includes: a map display unit configured to output a map image on which another user is associated with a predetermined position so as to display to a target user; a selection accepting unit configured to accept selection of a position by the target user on the map image; and an output unit configured to acquire information sent by the other user associated with the position on the map image selected by the target user, and output to the target user.