JP2022163270A - Communication support device and communication support program - Google Patents

Abstract

To improve convenience when communication between users is performed.SOLUTION: A communication support device 1 enables a video of a first user using a first terminal T1 to be displayed on a second terminal T2, as well as, a video of a second user using the second terminal T2 to be displayed on the first terminal T1 so as to support communication between the first user and the second user. The communication support device 1 includes: a communication unit 11 that executes main communication processing of receiving image information of the video acquired by the first terminal T1 from the first terminal T1 and transmitting the received image information to the second terminal T2; and a date and time setting unit 12 that sets a scheduled date and time when communication is to be executed. The communication unit 11 acquires the start time to start communication on the basis of the scheduled date and time that are set by the date and time setting unit 12, and automatically starts the main communication processing at the timing corresponding to the acquired start time.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

The present disclosure relates to a communication assistance device and a communication assistance program.

2. Description of the Related Art A technology is known that supports communication between users by exchanging videos of users with each other between a plurality of terminals. For example, Japanese Laid-Open Patent Publication No. 2002-200000 discloses a technique that allows users to send and receive images of users and to transmit melodies to terminals of other parties.

JP-A-2004-349934

In the technique described above, video transmission/reception is started when a call is made from one terminal to another terminal. For this reason, even when communication between users is planned in advance, it is necessary to perform a calling operation, which may be troublesome for the user.

Therefore, a communication support device and a communication support program according to the present disclosure aim to improve convenience when communicating between users.

A communication support device (1) according to an aspect of the present disclosure can display a video of a first user who uses a first terminal (T1) on a second terminal (T2), and uses the second terminal (T2) A communication support device (1) for supporting communication between a first user and a second user by enabling a first terminal (T1) to display an image of a second user who communicates with a communication unit (11) that executes main communication processing for receiving video information of a video acquired by (T1) from the first terminal (T1) and transmitting the received video information to the second terminal (T2); A date and time setting unit (12) for setting a scheduled date and time to be executed, and a communication unit (11) sets a start time to start communication based on the scheduled date and time set by the date and time setting unit (12). The main communication process is automatically started at the timing according to the obtained start time.

A communication support program according to one aspect of the present disclosure can display a video of a first user using a first terminal (T1) on a second terminal (T2), and a second terminal (T2) using a second terminal (T2) A communication support program that causes a computer (10) to execute processing for supporting communication between a first user and a second user by enabling display of a user's video on a first terminal (T1), , the computer (10) receives from the first terminal (T1) the video information of the video acquired by the first terminal (T1) and executes main communication processing for transmitting the received video information to the second terminal (T2). and a date and time setting unit (12) for setting the scheduled date and time at which the communication should be performed, and the communication unit (11) operates at the scheduled date and time set by the date and time setting unit (12). Based on this, the start time to start communication is acquired, and the main communication process is automatically started at the timing corresponding to the acquired start time.

According to at least one of the communication support device (1) and the communication support program, the first user and the second user can communicate while viewing each other's images. Specifically, at a timing corresponding to the start time of communication, the main communication process for transmitting the image of the first user or the like acquired by the first terminal (T1) to the second terminal (T2) is automatically started. be. Therefore, since each user does not necessarily need to perform an operation to start communication, it is possible to improve the convenience of communication between users.

In the communication support device (1) according to one aspect of the present disclosure, the communication section (11) may automatically start the main communication process at a time before the start time. According to this, since the main communication process can be started before the communication start time arrives, it is possible to avoid a situation where the main communication process has not started even when the start time has come.

In the communication support device (1) according to one aspect of the present disclosure, the communication unit (11) transmits display start information for starting display of video on the first terminal (T1) or the second terminal (T2) at the start time You may transmit to the outside at the timing according to. According to this, it is possible not only to transmit and receive the image information but also to display the image information on the display of the terminal or the like at the timing according to the start time of the communication. Therefore, even if the user forgets the scheduled date and time of communication, for example, the display of the video can be started, so that the convenience of communication between users can be improved.

In the communication support device (1) according to one aspect of the present disclosure, the communication unit (11) is a first detection device capable of detecting the first user near the first terminal (T1) at a timing corresponding to the start time. From (T13), when the first detection information, which is information relating to the detection of the first user, is received, the first display is display start information for causing the first terminal (T1) to start displaying an image. You may transmit start information outside. According to this, the image of the second user is displayed on the first terminal (T1) only when the first user is detected near the first terminal (T1). It is possible to avoid a situation in which the image of the second user is displayed on the first terminal (T1) when the first user is not nearby.

In the communication support device (1) according to one aspect of the present disclosure, the communication unit (11), when not receiving the first detection information at a timing corresponding to the start time, is information about the fact that the first user is not detected. Certain first non-detection information may be transmitted to the outside. According to this, for example, when the first user is not in the vicinity of the first terminal (T1), it is possible to notify the first user that the scheduled date and time for communication has arrived.

In the communication support device (1) according to one aspect of the present disclosure, the communication unit (11) is a second detection device capable of detecting a second user near the second terminal (T2) at a timing corresponding to the start time. Second display, which is display start information for causing the second terminal (T2) to start displaying an image when the second detection information, which is information about the detection of the second user, is received from (T23) You may transmit start information outside. According to this, the image of the first user is displayed on the second terminal (T2) only when the second user is detected near the second terminal (T2). It is possible to avoid a situation in which the image of the first user is displayed on the second terminal (T2) when the second user is not nearby.

In the communication support device (1) according to one aspect of the present disclosure, the communication unit (11), when not receiving the second detection information at a timing corresponding to the start time, is information about the fact that the second user is not detected. Some second non-detection information may be sent to the outside. According to this, for example, when the second user is not in the vicinity of the second terminal (T2), it is possible to notify the second user that the scheduled date and time for communication has arrived.

In the communication support device (1) according to one aspect of the present disclosure, the communication unit (11) communicates with a third terminal (T3) used by a third user other than the first user and the second user. You may perform the sub-communication process which communicates. According to this, since it becomes possible to inform the third user of the state of communication between the first user and the second user, it is possible to improve the convenience of communication between the users.

In the communication support device (1) according to one aspect of the present disclosure, the communication unit (11) may automatically start the secondary communication process at a timing according to the acquired start time. According to this, since the third user does not necessarily need to perform an operation to start communication, it is possible to improve convenience when communicating between users.

A communication support device (1) according to one aspect of the present disclosure includes an information recording unit (13) that records communication information that is information about communication performed between a first user and a second user, and a communication unit (11) may automatically start a record transmission process for transmitting the communication information recorded by the information recording unit (13) to the third terminal (T3). According to this, since it is possible to inform the third user of the state of communication between the first user and the second user as a post-event report, the convenience of communication between the users is improved. can be made

It should be noted that the reference numerals in parentheses above indicate the reference numerals of the constituent elements in the embodiment described later as an example of the present disclosure, and are not intended to limit the present disclosure to the aspect of the embodiment.

Thus, the communication support device and the communication support program according to the present disclosure can improve convenience when communicating between users.

FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a communication support device according to this embodiment. FIG. 2 is a flowchart showing communication support processing executed by the communication support device.

Exemplary embodiments are described below with reference to the drawings. In addition, the same reference numerals are given to the same or corresponding parts in each figure, and overlapping explanations are omitted.

[overall structure]
FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a communication support device 1 according to this embodiment. As shown in FIG. 1, a communication support device 1 is a device that supports communication between users by exchanging images of users with each other between a plurality of terminals. Specifically, the communication support device 1 can display the image of the first user using the first terminal T1 on the second terminal T2, and display the image of the second user using the second terminal T2 on the first terminal. By enabling display on T1, communication between the first user and the second user is supported. By using the communication support device 1, the first user and the second user can smoothly communicate (face-to-face communication through terminals) while viewing each other's images. The communication support device 1 can also be used as, for example, a video conference system, a web conference tool, or alternative means thereof.

As a more specific example, the communication support device 1 is used, for example, to support communication between a first user who is a sports instructor and a second user who is a student who receives guidance from the instructor. may be Alternatively, the communication support device 1 may be used to support communication between users regarding medical care or education.

Here, "communication" means conveying thoughts, feelings, intentions, or the like to the other party using means such as words or gestures. For example, as a specific mode of communication, transmitting information to the other party by enabling the other party to view one's own image or voice can be mentioned.

A "first user who uses the first terminal T1" means a user who intends to perform communication by the communication support device 1 using the first terminal T1. Therefore, the first user may own the first terminal T1, or may be in a state in which the first terminal T1 is temporarily available (for example, in a state of being borrowed). Similarly, "the second user who uses the second terminal T2" means a user who intends to communicate with the communication support device 1 using the second terminal T2. Therefore, the second user may own the second terminal T2, or may be in a state in which the second terminal T2 is temporarily available (for example, in a state of being borrowed).

The communication support device 1 is composed of a computer 10 (server) capable of communicating with other devices such as a first terminal T1, a second terminal T2, and a third terminal T3, which will be described later, via a network, for example. The communication support device 1 has a control arithmetic device, a storage device, and an input/output device as a physical configuration. The control arithmetic device is composed of a controller such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit), for example, and performs arithmetic processing and controls the storage device and the input/output device. The storage device has, for example, a main storage device and an auxiliary storage device. The main storage device is composed of, for example, a RAM (Random Access Memory). Also, the auxiliary storage device is composed of, for example, a ROM (Read Only Memory). The input/output device has, for example, an input device that receives data from the outside and transmits it to the storage device, and an output device that outputs to the outside the results of calculations performed by the control calculation unit and stored in the storage device. there is

The communication support device 1 executes a predetermined process by, for example, reading a program stored in ROM into RAM and executing the program read into RAM by CPU. Specifically, the communication support device 1 reads the communication support program stored in the ROM into the RAM, and causes the CPU to execute the communication support program read into the RAM, thereby executing processing described later. The computer 10 constituting the communication support device 1 may have a physical configuration different from the configuration described above.

First, the first terminal T1, the second terminal T2, and the third terminal T3 will be described. The first terminal T1, the second terminal T2, and the third terminal T3 are provided with a control arithmetic device, a storage device, and an input/output device as physical configurations. The control arithmetic device is composed of a controller such as a CPU, for example, and performs arithmetic processing and controls the storage device and the input/output device. The storage device has, for example, a main storage device and an auxiliary storage device. The main memory is composed of RAM, for example. Also, the auxiliary storage device is composed of, for example, a ROM. The input/output device has, for example, an input device that receives data from the outside and transmits it to the storage device, and an output device that outputs to the outside the results of calculations performed by the control calculation unit and stored in the storage device. there is The first terminal T1, the second terminal T2, and the third terminal T3, for example, load a program stored in the ROM into the RAM, and execute the program loaded into the RAM by the CPU, thereby executing a predetermined process. do.

The first terminal T1, the second terminal T2, and the third terminal T3 are configured to be capable of wireless or wired communication with another device such as the communication support device 1 or the like. The first terminal T1, the second terminal T2, and the third terminal T3 may be, for example, smart phones, tablets, notebook computers, desktop computers, and the like. Here, a notebook computer is illustrated as the first terminal T1 and the second terminal T2, and a smart phone is illustrated as the third terminal T3.

The input device of the first terminal T1 includes at least a camera T11 that captures an image in a predetermined direction, and may also include buttons for inputting character data and a microphone for inputting voice data. The output device of the first terminal T1 includes at least a display T12 for displaying images, and may also include a speaker for outputting audio.

The input device of the first terminal T1 also includes a first sensing device T13. The first detection device T13 is a device that detects that the first user is present near the first terminal T1. “Near the first terminal T1” means the periphery (near) the first terminal T1, and more specifically, it may be an area where the display of the display T12 of the first terminal T1 can be visually recognized, preferably the first terminal T1. The area may be within 10 m from the first terminal T1, more preferably within 5 m from the first terminal T1. The first detection device T13 may be configured by, for example, an imaging device or an infrared sensor. In addition, when the first detection device T13 is configured by an imaging device, the first detection device T13 may be also used by the camera T11 described above.

When the first detection device T13 detects the first user near the first terminal T1, the first detection device T13 transmits first detection information, which is information regarding the detection of the first user, to the communication support device 1 . The first detection device T13 may transmit the first detection information to the communication support device 1 only when the first user is detected at a predetermined timing. The first detection device T13 does not transmit the first detection information to the communication support device 1 when the first user is not detected near the first terminal T1. At this time, the first detection device T13 may transmit to the communication support device 1 first absence information indicating that the first user is not detected near the first terminal T1.

When the first terminal T1 receives first non-detection information, which will be described later, from the communication support device 1, the first terminal T1 performs an operation according to the received first non-detection information. For example, when the first terminal T1 receives the first non-detection information from the communication support device 1, the first terminal T1 may notify the first user visually or audibly. The notification given to the first user may be notification for notifying that the communication start time has arrived (or will arrive soon).

The input device of the second terminal T2 includes at least a camera T21 that captures an image in a predetermined direction, and may also include buttons for inputting character data and a microphone for inputting voice data. The output device of the second terminal T2 includes at least a display T22 for displaying images, and may also include a speaker for outputting audio.

Also, the input device of the second terminal T2 includes a second detection device T23. The second detection device T23 is a device that detects that the second user is present near the second terminal T2. The “near the second terminal T2” is the periphery (near) the second terminal T2, and more specifically, it may be an area where the display of the display T22 of the second terminal T2 can be visually recognized. The distance from the second terminal T2 may be within 10 m, more preferably within 5 m from the second terminal T2. The second detection device T23 may be configured by, for example, an imaging device or an infrared sensor. In addition, when the second detection device T23 is configured by an imaging device, the second detection device T23 may be also used by the camera T21 described above.

When the second detection device T23 detects the second user near the second terminal T2, the second detection device T23 transmits second detection information, which is information regarding the detection of the second user, to the communication support device 1. FIG. The second detection device T23 may transmit the second detection information to the communication support device 1 only when the second user is detected at a predetermined timing. The second detection device T23 does not transmit the second detection information to the communication support device 1 when the second user is not detected near the second terminal T2. At this time, the second detection device T23 may transmit to the communication support device 1 second absence information indicating that the second user is not detected near the second terminal T2.

When the second terminal T2 receives second non-detection information, which will be described later, from the communication support device 1, the second terminal T2 performs an operation according to the received second non-detection information. For example, when the second terminal T2 receives the second non-detection information from the communication support device 1, the second terminal T2 may notify the second user visually or audibly. The notification given to the second user may be a notification that the communication start time has arrived (or will arrive soon).

Each of the first terminal T1 and the second terminal T2 may be configured by a single terminal (equipment), or may be configured as a set of a plurality of terminals (equipment). In other words, the first terminal T1 can be said to be "a first user-side terminal comprising one or more terminals (equipment)". Similarly, the second terminal T2 can be said to be "a second user-side terminal consisting of one or more terminals (equipment)". For example, in the first terminal T1, at least one of the camera T11, the display T12, and the first detection device T13 may be configured as a separate body separated from the main body of the first terminal T1. Similarly, in the second terminal T2, at least one of the camera T21, the display T22, and the second detection device T23 may be configured as a separate body separated from the main body of the second terminal T2. As an example, the camera T11 (camera T21) may be a built-in camera installed in a notebook computer that is the main body of the first terminal T1 (second terminal T2). The display T12 (display T22) may be a television capable of communicating (for example, HDMI (registered trademark) communication) with a notebook computer that is the main body of the first terminal T1 (second terminal T2). The first detection device T13 (second detection device T23) is an IoT (Internet of Things) device capable of wireless or wired communication with a notebook computer that is the main body of the first terminal T1 (second terminal T2). may

The third terminal T3 is a terminal used by a third user who is different from the first user and the second user. A third user using the third terminal T3 can use the third terminal T3 to participate in communication between the first user and the second user. "Participate in communication" means that the image of the first user using the first terminal T1 or the image of the second user using the second terminal T2 can be acquired and displayed on the display T32 of the third terminal T3. It may be to acquire voice information, and information indicating the content of communication executed between the first user and the second user (communication information described later) after the fact It may be to acquire.

A “third user who uses the third terminal T3” means a user who intends to participate in communication by the communication support device 1 using the third terminal T3. The third user may be a related person of the second user, for example, the third user may be a relative (child, grandchild, etc.) of the second user. In this case, in communication by the communication support device 1, it may be assumed that the second user receives watch over or advice from the third user. The third user may own the third terminal T3, or may be in a state in which the third terminal T3 is temporarily available (for example, in a state of being borrowed).

The input device of the third terminal T3 includes at least a camera T31 that captures an image in a predetermined direction, and may also include buttons for inputting character data, a microphone for inputting voice data, and the like. The output device of the third terminal T3 includes at least a display T32 for displaying images, and may also include a speaker for outputting audio. As with the first terminal T1 and the second terminal T2, the third terminal T3 may be configured by a single terminal (equipment), or may be configured as a set of multiple terminals (equipment). may In other words, the third terminal T3 can be said to be "a third user-side terminal comprising one or more terminals (equipment)".

Next, functions of the communication support device 1 will be described. The computer 10 of the communication support device 1 functionally includes a communication section 11 , a date and time setting section 12 , an information recording section 13 and a clock section 14 .

The communication unit 11 executes main communication processing. The "main communication process" is a process of receiving video information of a video acquired by the first terminal T1 from the first terminal T1 and transmitting the received video information to the second terminal T2. In this case, the first terminal T1 may acquire an image (image information) using the camera T11. Also, the first user may appear in this video. The communication unit 11 can perform main communication processing in real time. Specifically, the communication unit 11 receives the image information of the image acquired by the first terminal T1 from the first terminal T1 and transmits the received image information to the second terminal T2 within several seconds (for example, , within 1 second). Note that the main communication process may be an essential process (a process that is always executed) in communication by the communication support device 1 .

The main communication process may include a process of receiving video information of the video acquired by the second terminal T2 from the second terminal T2 and transmitting the received video information to the first terminal T1. In this case, the second terminal T2 may acquire an image (image information) using the camera T21. Also, the second user may appear in this video. The communication unit 11 can also perform such main communication processing in real time. Specifically, the communication unit 11 receives the image information of the image acquired by the second terminal T2 from the second terminal T2 and transmits the received image information to the first terminal T1 within several seconds (for example, , within 1 second).

The communication unit 11 acquires the start time to start communication based on the scheduled date and time set by the date and time setting unit 12, which will be described later. "Scheduled date and time" means the time range within which communication is scheduled to be executed (range from a certain date and time (date and time) to another date and time (year, month, day and time) after that). be. For example, the communication unit 11 acquires the first date and time in the time range related to the set scheduled date and time as the start time.

The communication unit 11 automatically starts the main communication process at a timing according to the acquired start time. The “timing corresponding to the start time” may be the same time as the start time, a time before the start time, or a time after the start time. If the timing corresponding to the start time is earlier than the start time, the timing may be, for example, several minutes before the start time (5 minutes, 3 minutes, 1 minute, etc.). , several seconds before the start time (10 seconds, 5 seconds, 3 seconds, etc.). When the timing corresponding to the start time is later than the start time, the timing may be, for example, several minutes after the start time (5 minutes, 3 minutes, 1 minute, etc.). , several seconds after the start time (10 seconds, 5 seconds, 3 seconds, etc.). When the communication unit 11 receives the timing determination method information specifying the timing determination method according to the start time from the first terminal T1 or the second terminal T2, the communication unit 11 determines the start time according to the determination method specified by the timing determination method information. You may decide the timing according to time.

Also, "automatically start" means that the process is started without a final instruction to start the process. In other words, it may be set in advance to start processing when various conditions are met. The processing is automatically started. When the communication unit 11 automatically starts the main communication processing, the communication unit 11 sends a main communication processing start instruction to at least one of the first terminal T1 and the second terminal T2 to start the main communication processing. Send orders. The main communication processing start command may include an application start command for starting a required application.

The communication unit 11 transmits the display start information to the outside at a timing corresponding to the start time. “Display start information” is information for starting display of video on the first terminal T1 or the second terminal T2. Specifically, the display start information may be information for activating (starting display) the display T12 of the first terminal T1 or the display T22 of the second terminal T2. The display start information includes first display start information for causing the first terminal T1 to start displaying an image, and second display start information for causing the second terminal T2 to start displaying an image. "External" may be the first terminal T1 or the second terminal T2, or may be another device that operates the first terminal T1 or the second terminal T2.

For example, the communication unit 11 may transmit the first display start information to the first terminal T1, and the first terminal T1 may activate the display T12 based on the received first display start information. Note that the first terminal T1 may activate the display T12 by controlling an infrared remote controller included in the first terminal T1 to irradiate the display T12 with infrared light based on the first display start information. Alternatively, the first terminal T1 activates the display T12 by controlling the physical mechanism included in the first terminal T1 and pressing the physical button of the display T12 based on the first display start information. good too. These infrared remote controls or physical mechanisms may be IoT devices attached to the display T12.

Similarly, the communication unit 11 may transmit the second display start information to the second terminal T2, and the second terminal T2 may activate the display T22 based on the received second display start information. The second terminal T2 may activate the display T22 by controlling an infrared remote controller included in the second terminal T2 to irradiate the display T22 with infrared light based on the second display start information. Alternatively, the second terminal T2 activates the display T22 by controlling the physical mechanism included in the second terminal T2 and pressing the physical button of the display T22 based on the second display start information. good too. These infrared remote controls or physical mechanisms may be IoT devices attached to the display T22.

When receiving the first detection information from the first detection device T13 at a timing corresponding to the start time, the communication unit 11 transmits the first display start information to the outside. At this time, the communication unit 11 may transmit the first display start information to the first terminal T1.

On the other hand, the communication unit 11 transmits the first non-detection information to the outside when the first detection information is not received from the first detection device T13 at the timing according to the start time. The "first non-detection information" is information regarding the fact that the first user is not detected in the vicinity of the first terminal T1. At this time, the communication unit 11 may transmit the first non-detection information to the first terminal T1. In addition, when the communication unit 11 does not receive the first detection information from the first detection device T13 at the timing according to the start time and receives the first absence information from the first detection device T13, The first non-detection information may be transmitted to the outside (for example, the first terminal T1).

When the communication unit 11 receives the second detection information from the second detection device T23 at a timing corresponding to the start time, the communication unit 11 transmits the second display start information to the outside. At this time, the communication unit 11 may transmit the second display start information to the second terminal T2.

On the other hand, if the communication unit 11 does not receive the second detection information from the second detection device T23 at the timing corresponding to the start time, it transmits the second non-detection information to the outside. "Second non-detection information" is information relating to the fact that the second user is not detected in the vicinity of second terminal T2. At this time, the communication unit 11 may transmit the second non-detection information to the second terminal T2. In addition, when the communication unit 11 does not receive the second detection information from the second detection device T23 at the timing according to the start time and receives the second absence information from the second detection device T23, The second non-detection information may be transmitted to the outside (for example, second terminal T2).

The communication unit 11 executes secondary communication processing. The "secondary communication process" is a process of communicating with the third terminal T3. Specifically, the sub-communication processing is performed by connecting the third user using the third terminal T3 to communication between the first user using the first terminal T1 and the second user using the second terminal T2. This is the process of communicating for participation. The secondary communication process may be a process of acquiring video information of video in communication between the first user and the second user (video information transmitted and received in the main communication process) and transmitting it to the third terminal T3. It may be a process of acquiring voice information related to the communication and transmitting it to the third terminal T3. The communication unit 11 may automatically start the secondary communication process at a timing according to the acquired start time. Note that the secondary communication process may not be an essential process (a process that is always executed) in communication by the communication support device 1, but may be a process that is arbitrarily set as necessary. Further, the secondary communication process may or may not be executed at the same time as the main communication process is executed by the communication support device 1 . For example, when communication by the communication support device 1 (for example, a sports lesson given by a first user to a second user, etc.) is scheduled for a total of 10 times, the third user participates in 3 of them. Both the main communication process and the sub-communication process may be executed for the remaining seven times, and only the main communication process may be executed without the third user participating in the remaining seven times.

Further, the communication unit 11 may transmit the start time arrival information to the third terminal T3 at a timing corresponding to the start time. "Start time arrival information" is information for notifying the third user that the acquired start time has arrived (or will arrive soon), or that the timing has come according to the acquired start time. be. For example, the start time arrival information may be information that causes the third terminal T3 to operate to visually or audibly notify the third user.

The communication unit 11 automatically starts the record transmission process. The "record transmission process" is a process of transmitting communication information recorded by the information recording unit 13, which will be described later, to the third terminal T3. "Communication information" is information related to communication performed between the first user and the second user. The communication information may be, for example, video-recorded information of the content of the communication performed between the first user and the second user. It may be information that summarizes the contents of the numerically or linguistically. The communication unit 11 acquires the end time to end the communication based on the scheduled date and time set by the date and time setting unit 12, which will be described later, and automatically starts the recording transmission process at the timing corresponding to the acquired end time. may For example, the communication unit 11 may acquire the last date and time of the time range related to the set scheduled date and time as the end time. The “timing corresponding to the end time” may be the same time as the end time, a time before the end time, or a time after the end time.

The date and time setting unit 12 sets a scheduled date and time for communication between the first user and the second user. The date and time setting unit 12 may set the scheduled date and time according to the desire of the first user, and may set the scheduled date and time according to the desire of the second user. Specifically, the date and time setting unit 12 may set the scheduled date and time based on the desired date and time information received from the first terminal T1, and set the scheduled date and time based on the desired date and time information received from the second terminal T2. You may The 'desired date and time information' is information relating to the date and time desired by the first user or the second user as the scheduled date and time at which the communication should be executed. Alternatively, the date and time setting unit 12 may set the scheduled date and time according to preset conditions. For example, the date and time setting unit 12 may set the scheduled date and time so as to fall within a time range from the same time on a preset day of the week over a predetermined period of time.

The information recording unit 13 records communication information, which is information about communication performed between the first user and the second user. The information recording unit 13 may record communication information in a storage device provided in the communication support device 1 . Alternatively, the information recording unit 13 may record the communication information in a storage device provided outside the communication support device 1 . If the storage device is provided outside the communication support device 1, the information recording unit 13 may access the storage device via, for example, a network to record and read communication information.

The clock unit 14 acquires current time information. Based on the acquired current time information, the clock unit 14 determines, for example, whether or not the start time acquired by the communication unit 11 has arrived, or whether the timing corresponding to the start time acquired by the communication unit 11 has arrived. Whether or not.

[Communication support processing]
Communication support processing executed by the communication support device 1 will be described. FIG. 2 is a flow chart showing communication support processing executed by the communication support device 1. As shown in FIG. The communication support process shown in FIG. 2 can display the image of the first user using the first terminal T1 on the second terminal T2, and display the image of the second user using the second terminal T2 on the first terminal T1. This is a process of supporting communication between the first user and the second user by enabling the display of the first user and the second user.

In step S10, the date and time setting unit 12 of the communication support device 1 sets a scheduled date and time for communication between the first user and the second user. For example, the date and time setting unit 12 may set the scheduled date and time based on the desired date and time information received from the first terminal T1, or may set the scheduled date and time based on the desired date and time information received from the second terminal T2. good. After that, the communication support process proceeds to step S12.

In step S<b>12 , the communication unit 11 of the communication support device 1 acquires the start time to start communication based on the scheduled date and time set by the date and time setting unit 12 . For example, the communication unit 11 acquires the first date and time in the time range related to the set scheduled date and time as the start time. After that, the communication support process proceeds to step S14.

In step S14, the timer 14 of the communication support device 1 acquires current time information. Based on the acquired current time information, the clock unit 14 determines whether or not the timing corresponding to the start time acquired by the communication unit 11 has come. If the timer unit 14 determines that the timing corresponds to the start time (step S14: YES), the communication support process proceeds to step S16. On the other hand, if the timing unit 14 does not determine that the timing corresponds to the start time (step S14: NO), the communication support process repeats step S14.

In step S16, the communication unit 11 of the communication support device 1 transmits a main communication processing start command to the first terminal T1 and the second terminal T2. After that, the communication support process proceeds to step S18.

In step S18, the communication unit 11 of the communication support device 1 automatically executes (starts) main communication processing. Specifically, the communication unit 11 receives the video information (first video information) of the video (first video) acquired by the first terminal T1 from the first terminal T1, and transmits the received video information to the second terminal T2. , receives the image information (second image information) of the image (second image) acquired by the second terminal T2 from the second terminal T2, and transmits the received image information to the first terminal T1. The communication unit 11 performs main communication processing in real time. When the main communication process is executed, the image acquired by the camera T11 of the first terminal T1 becomes a state in which it can be displayed on the display T22 of the second terminal T2 (a state in which it is displayed when the display T22 is activated). , the image acquired by the camera T21 of the second terminal T2 can be displayed on the display T12 of the first terminal T1 (the display is displayed when the display T12 is activated). Here, it is assumed that the display T12 and the display T22 are not activated at this time. After that, the communication support process proceeds to step S20.

In step S20, the communication unit 11 of the communication support device 1 automatically executes (starts) secondary communication processing. For example, the communication unit 11 transmits video information of video in communication between the first user and the second user (video information transmitted and received in the main communication process) to the third terminal T3. The communication unit 11 performs sub-communication processing in real time. When the secondary communication process is executed, the image acquired by the camera T11 of the first terminal T1 and the image acquired by the camera T21 of the second terminal T2 can be displayed on the display T32 of the third terminal T3. (The state is displayed when the display T32 is activated). Here, it is assumed that the display T32 is activated at this time. After that, the communication support process proceeds to step S22.

In step S22, the communication unit 11 of the communication support device 1 determines whether or not the first detection information has been received from the first detection device T13 of the first terminal T1. If the communication unit 11 determines that the first detection information has been received (step S22: YES), the communication support process proceeds to step S24. On the other hand, if the communication unit 11 does not determine that the first detection information has been received (step S22: NO), the communication support process proceeds to step S26.

In step S24, the communication unit 11 of the communication support device 1 transmits the first display start information to the first terminal T1. When the first display start information is transmitted to the first terminal T1, the display T12 of the first terminal T1 is activated, and the image captured by the camera T21 of the second terminal T2 is displayed on the display T12 of the first terminal T1. be done. After that, the communication support process proceeds to step S28.

In step S26, the communication unit 11 of the communication support device 1 transmits the first non-detection information to the first terminal T1. When the first non-detection information is transmitted to the first terminal T1, the first terminal T1 makes a visual or auditory notification that the communication start time has arrived (or will arrive soon). conduct. Here, it is assumed that the first user activates the display T12 of the first terminal T1 in response to the notification made by the first terminal T1. After that, the communication support process proceeds to step S28.

In step S28, the communication unit 11 of the communication support device 1 determines whether or not the second detection information has been received from the second detection device T23 of the second terminal T2. If the communication unit 11 determines that the second detection information has been received (step S28: YES), the communication support process proceeds to step S30. On the other hand, if the communication unit 11 does not determine that the second detection information has been received (step S28: NO), the communication support process proceeds to step S32.

In step S30, the communication unit 11 of the communication support device 1 transmits the second display start information to the second terminal T2. When the second display start information is transmitted to the second terminal T2, the display T22 of the second terminal T2 is activated, and the image captured by the camera T11 of the first terminal T1 is displayed on the display T22 of the second terminal T2. be done. After that, the communication support process proceeds to step S34.

In step S32, the communication unit 11 of the communication support device 1 transmits the second non-detection information to the second terminal T2. When the second non-detection information is transmitted to the second terminal T2, the second terminal T2 makes a visual or auditory notification that the communication start time has arrived (or will arrive soon). conduct. Here, it is assumed that the second user activates the display T22 of the second terminal T2 in response to the notification made by the second terminal T2. After that, the communication support process proceeds to step S34.

In step S34, the information recording unit 13 of the communication support device 1 stores the communication information, which is information about the communication executed between the first user and the second user (information about the main communication process), for example, in the communication support device 1. recorded in a storage device provided in the After that, the communication support process proceeds to step S36.

In step S36, the communication unit 11 of the communication support device 1 automatically executes (starts) the record transmission process. For example, the communication unit 11 records the content of the communication performed between the first user and the second user, or the content of the communication performed between the first user and the second user. is numerically or linguistically summarized to the third terminal T3 after the communication between the first user and the second user is completed. With the above, the communication support processing ends.

[Communication support program]
A communication support program for causing the computer 10 to function as the communication support device 1 will be described. The communication support program enables the image of the first user using the first terminal T1 to be displayed on the second terminal T2 and the image of the second user using the second terminal T2 to be displayed on the first terminal T1. This is a program that causes the computer 10 to execute processing for supporting communication between the first user and the second user.

The communication support program has a main module, a communication module, a date and time setting module, an information recording module, and a clock module. The main module is a part that controls the computer 10 in an integrated manner. The functions realized by executing the communication module, the date/time setting module, the information recording module, and the timing module are the same as the functions of the communication unit 11, the date/time setting unit 12, the information recording unit 13, and the timing unit 14. It is the same. It should be noted that the communication support program may not include some of the modules described above other than the main module.

[Action and effect]
As described above, the communication support device 1 can display the image of the first user using the first terminal T1 on the second terminal T2, and display the image of the second user using the second terminal T2 on the first terminal T2. A communication support device 1 for supporting communication between a first user and a second user by enabling display on a terminal T1, wherein video information of a video acquired by the first terminal T1 is displayed on the first terminal T1. and a communication unit 11 for executing main communication processing for transmitting the received video information to the second terminal T2, and a date and time setting unit 12 for setting the scheduled date and time when communication should be performed. , based on the scheduled date and time set by the date and time setting unit 12, the start time to start communication is acquired, and the main communication processing is automatically started at the timing corresponding to the acquired start time.

The communication support program enables the image of the first user using the first terminal T1 to be displayed on the second terminal T2 and the image of the second user using the second terminal T2 to be displayed on the first terminal T1. By doing so, the communication support program causes the computer 10 to execute processing for supporting communication between the first user and the second user, and the computer 10 receives the image information of the image acquired by the first terminal T1. A communication unit 11 that receives video information from the first terminal T1 and executes main communication processing for transmitting the received video information to the second terminal T2, and a date and time setting unit 12 that sets the scheduled date and time at which communication should be performed. , the communication unit 11 acquires the start time to start communication based on the scheduled date and time set by the date and time setting unit 12, and automatically starts the main communication process at the timing corresponding to the acquired start time.

According to at least one of the communication support device 1 and the communication support program, the first user and the second user can communicate while viewing each other's images. Specifically, the main communication process for transmitting the image of the first user or the like acquired by the first terminal T1 to the second terminal T2 is automatically started at the timing according to the communication start time. Therefore, since each user does not necessarily need to perform an operation to start communication, it is possible to improve the convenience of communication between users.

In the communication support device 1, the communication unit 11 automatically starts the main communication process at a time before the start time. According to this, since the main communication process can be started before the communication start time arrives, it is possible to avoid a situation where the main communication process has not started even when the start time has come.

In the communication support device 1, the communication unit 11 externally transmits display start information for starting display of video on the first terminal T1 or the second terminal T2 at a timing corresponding to the start time. According to this, it is possible not only to transmit and receive the image information but also to display the image information on the display of the terminal or the like at the timing according to the start time of the communication. Therefore, even if the user forgets the scheduled date and time of communication, for example, the display of the video can be started, so that the convenience of communication between users can be improved.

In the communication support device 1, the communication unit 11 receives information about the detection of the first user from the first detection device T13 capable of detecting the first user in the vicinity of the first terminal T1 at the timing corresponding to the start time. When the first detection information is received, the first display start information, which is display start information for causing the first terminal T1 to start displaying an image, is transmitted to the outside. According to this, the image of the second user is displayed on the first terminal T1 only when the first user is detected near the first terminal T1. It is possible to avoid a situation in which the image of the second user is displayed on the first terminal T1 when the second user is not there.

In the communication support device 1, when the communication unit 11 does not receive the first detection information at the timing according to the start time, it transmits the first non-detection information, which is information regarding the non-detection of the first user, to the outside. . According to this, for example, when the first user is not in the vicinity of the first terminal T1, it is possible to notify the first user that the scheduled date and time for communication has arrived.

In the communication support device 1, the communication unit 11 receives information about the detection of the second user from the second detection device T23 capable of detecting the second user in the vicinity of the second terminal T2 at the timing corresponding to the start time. is received, the second display start information, which is display start information for causing the second terminal T2 to start displaying an image, is transmitted to the outside. According to this, the image of the first user is displayed on the second terminal T2 only when the second user is detected near the second terminal T2. It is possible to avoid a situation in which the image of the first user is displayed on the second terminal T2 when the first user is not there.

In the communication support device 1, when the second detection information is not received at the timing according to the start time, the communication unit 11 externally transmits the second non-detection information, which is information regarding the non-detection of the second user. . According to this, for example, when the second user is not in the vicinity of the second terminal T2, it is possible to notify the second user that the scheduled date and time for communication has arrived.

In the communication support device 1, the communication unit 11 executes secondary communication processing for communicating with the third terminal T3 used by a third user other than the first and second users. According to this, since it becomes possible to inform the third user of the state of communication between the first user and the second user, it is possible to improve the convenience of communication between the users.

In the communication support device 1, the communication unit 11 automatically starts the secondary communication process at a timing according to the acquired start time. According to this, since the third user does not necessarily need to perform an operation to start communication, it is possible to improve convenience when communicating between users.

The communication support device 1 includes an information recording unit 13 that records communication information, which is information about communication performed between the first user and the second user. A record transmission process for transmitting the communication information to the third terminal T3 is automatically started. According to this, since it is possible to inform the third user of the state of communication between the first user and the second user as a post-event report, the convenience of communication between the users is improved. can be made

[Modification]
The above-described embodiments can be implemented in various forms modified or improved based on the knowledge of those skilled in the art.

For example, in the above-described embodiment, the communication support device 1 can display the image of the first user using the first terminal T1 on the second terminal T2, and display the image of the second user using the second terminal T2. It can be displayed on the first terminal T1. In other words, the communication supported by the communication support device 1 involves bidirectional transfer of images between the first user and the second user. However, if the image of the first user using the first terminal T1 can be displayed on the second terminal T2, the communication support device 1 can display the image of the second user using the second terminal T2 on the first terminal T1. It does not have to be displayable. In other words, the communication supported by the communication support device 1 may involve unidirectional video transfer between the first user and the second user.

Also, in the above-described embodiment, the first terminal T1 and the first user who uses the first terminal T1 are singular. However, there may be a plurality of first terminals T1 and a plurality of first users using the first terminals T1. In other words, there may be multiple first terminals T1 and multiple first users using each first terminal T1. Similarly, each of the second terminal T2 and the second user using the second terminal T2 is singular. However, there may be a plurality of second terminals T2 and a plurality of second users using the second terminals T2. In other words, there may be multiple second terminals T2 and multiple second users using each of the second terminals T2. Similarly, each of the third terminal T3 and the third user who uses the third terminal T3 is singular. However, there may be multiple third terminals T3 and multiple third users using the third terminal T3. In other words, there may be multiple third terminals T3 and multiple third users using each third terminal T3.

Also, in the above-described embodiment, the order of each step of the communication support process is not necessarily limited to the order shown in FIG. For example, regarding steps S18 and S20, steps S18 and S20 may be started at the same time, or step S20 may be started first. Further, regarding steps S22 to S26 and steps S28 to S32, steps S22 to S26 and steps S28 to S32 may be started simultaneously, or steps S28 to S32 may be started first. . Further, regarding steps S16 to S20 and steps S22 to S32, steps S16 to S20 and steps S22 to S32 may be started simultaneously, or steps S22 to S32 may be started first. .

Moreover, in the embodiment described above, the date and time setting unit 12 may set the scheduled date and time according to the desire of the third user. Specifically, the date and time setting unit 12 may set the scheduled date and time based on the desired date and time information received from the third terminal T3. In this case, for example, instead of the second user, a third user who is a relative of the second user can make a lesson reservation or the like. At this time, the "desired date and time information" may be information related to the date and time desired by the third user as the scheduled date and time at which the communication should be executed.

1 Communication support device 10 Computer 11 Communication unit 12 Date and time setting unit 13 Information recording unit 14 Clock unit T1 First terminal T2 Second terminal T3 Third terminal T11, T21, T31 Cameras T12, T22, T32 Display T13 First detection device T23 Second detector

Claims (11)

By enabling the image of the first user using the first terminal to be displayed on the second terminal and the image of the second user using the second terminal to be displayed on the first terminal, the first user and a communication support device for supporting communication between the second user,
a communication unit that receives video information of a video acquired by the first terminal from the first terminal and executes a main communication process of transmitting the received video information to the second terminal;
a date and time setting unit that sets a scheduled date and time to execute the communication,
The communication unit
Acquiring a start time to start the communication based on the scheduled date and time set by the date and time setting unit;
A communication support device for automatically starting the main communication process at a timing corresponding to the acquired start time. 2. The communication support device according to claim 1, wherein said communication unit automatically starts said main communication process at a time before said start time. The communication support according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the communication unit externally transmits display start information for causing the first terminal or the second terminal to start displaying an image at a timing corresponding to the start time. Device. The communication unit, at a timing corresponding to the start time, from a first detection device capable of detecting the first user in the vicinity of the first terminal, a first 4. The communication support device according to claim 3, wherein when detection information is received, first display start information, which is said display start information for causing said first terminal to start displaying an image, is transmitted to the outside. 3. The communication unit, when the first detection information is not received at a timing corresponding to the start time, transmits to the outside first non-detection information that is information relating to non-detection of the first user. 5. The communication support device according to 4. The communication unit receives, at a timing corresponding to the start time, a second detection device capable of detecting the second user in the vicinity of the second terminal, which is information related to detection of the second user. The second display start information, which is the display start information for causing the second terminal to start displaying the video, is transmitted to the outside when the detection information is received. communication support device. 3. The communication unit, when the second detection information is not received at a timing corresponding to the start time, transmits to the outside second non-detection information that is information regarding that the second user is not detected. 7. The communication support device according to 6. 8. The communication unit according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the communication unit executes secondary communication processing for communicating with a third terminal used by a third user other than the first user and the second user. The communication support device according to the item. 9. The communication support device according to claim 8, wherein said communication unit automatically starts said secondary communication process at a timing according to said acquired start time. an information recording unit that records communication information, which is information about the communication performed between the first user and the second user;
10. The communication support device according to claim 8, wherein said communication unit automatically starts record transmission processing for transmitting said communication information recorded by said information recording unit to said third terminal. By enabling the image of the first user using the first terminal to be displayed on the second terminal and the image of the second user using the second terminal to be displayed on the first terminal, the first user A communication support program that causes a computer to execute a process for supporting communication between and the second user,
the computer,
a communication unit that receives video information of a video acquired by the first terminal from the first terminal and executes a main communication process of transmitting the received video information to the second terminal;
and a date and time setting unit that sets the scheduled date and time at which the communication should be executed,
The communication unit
Acquiring a start time to start the communication based on the scheduled date and time set by the date and time setting unit;
A communication support program for automatically starting the main communication process at a timing corresponding to the acquired start time.

Images