JP7652175B2 - Information transmission system and information transmission method - Google Patents

Description

This disclosure relates to technology for transmitting information between distant areas.

Patent Document 1 discloses a fixed communication terminal that aims to promote smooth communication between people in remote locations. For example, information on daily activities is constantly transmitted in both directions between an elderly person and a person watching over the elderly person.

Other known technologies related to information transmission are disclosed in Patent Documents 2, 3, 4, 5, and 6.

JP 2006-085390 A JP 2015-069297 A JP 2007-136037 A JP 2004-070744 A JP 2021-162989 A JP 2010-204965 A

It is hoped that this will promote communication between people.

One objective of this disclosure is to provide technology that promotes communication between people.

The first aspect relates to an information transmission system for transmitting information between a first area and a second area.
The information delivery system includes one or more processors.
The one or more processors detect a first action of a first person in the first area based on information obtained by a first sensor installed in the first area.
Additionally, the one or more processors detect a second action of a second person in the second area based on information obtained by a second sensor installed in the second area.
When the first action and the second action are the same predetermined action and are performed synchronously, one or more processors execute a synchronization occurrence notification process to notify both the first person and the second person of the occurrence of the synchronization.

A second aspect relates to a computer-implemented information transfer method for transferring information between a first area and a second area.
The method of information transmission is as follows:
Detecting a first action of a first person in the first area based on information obtained by a first sensor installed in the first area;
detecting a second action of a second person in the second area based on information obtained by a second sensor installed in the second area;
and executing a synchronization occurrence notification process for notifying both the first person and the second person of the occurrence of the synchronization when the first action and the second action are the same predetermined action and are performed synchronously.

According to the present disclosure, when the first action and the second action are the same predetermined action and are performed in synchronization, the occurrence of synchronization is notified to both the first person and the second person. The first person and the second person who become aware of the occurrence of synchronization can use this as an opportunity to easily start communication. In other words, the synchronization occurrence notification process increases the likelihood that the first person and the second person will start communication. In other words, the synchronization occurrence notification process promotes communication. Furthermore, the synchronization occurrence notification process also increases a sense of solidarity.

FIG. 1 is a conceptual diagram for explaining an overview of information transmission according to an embodiment. 1A to 1C are conceptual diagrams showing various examples of correspondence between actions and reactions in an embodiment. 1A to 1C are conceptual diagrams showing various examples of correspondence between actions and reactions in an embodiment. 1 is a block diagram showing a configuration example of an information transmission system according to an embodiment; FIG. 2 is a conceptual diagram for explaining an overview of an information transmission process according to the first embodiment. FIG. 11 is a conceptual diagram for explaining an overview of an information transmission process according to a second embodiment. FIG. 13 is a conceptual diagram for explaining an overview of an information transmission process according to a third embodiment. FIG. 13 is a block diagram showing a configuration example of an information transmission system according to a third embodiment. FIG. 13 is a conceptual diagram for explaining an overview of an information transmission process according to a fourth embodiment. FIG. 13 is a conceptual diagram for explaining an overview of an information transmission process according to a fifth embodiment.

An embodiment of the present disclosure will be described with reference to the attached drawings.

1. Overview This disclosure proposes a new form of information transmission. Information transmission can be considered as a type of mobility, similar to "people's movement" and "vehicle movement." In other words, this disclosure proposes a new form of "information movement (InfoMobility)."

As an example, consider the transmission of information about "human presence" (Telepresence). For example, there may be a need to communicate one's presence to someone in a distant location, or a need to feel the presence of someone in a distant location. There may also be a need for people in distant locations to feel each other's presence. However, in the past, in order to transmit information to someone in a distant location, it was necessary to launch an app such as a phone or email each time. It would be desirable to transmit information about "human presence" without using a phone or email.

Figure 1 is a conceptual diagram for explaining an overview of information transmission according to this embodiment. Here, we consider two people, a first person P-1 and a second person P-2, who are in separate locations. The same applies to cases involving three or more people. Typically, the first person P-1 and the second person P-2 are acquaintances.

The first area AR-1 is an area used by the first person P-1. The second area AR-2 is an area used by the second person P-2. The first area AR-1 and the second area AR-2 are separated from each other. Each area is not particularly limited, but examples include a room, a house, a building, an office, a garden, etc. Note that the first person P-1 may be present in the first area AR-1 at times, but does not need to be present there all the time. Similarly, the second person P-2 may be present in the second area AR-2 at times, but does not need to be present there all the time.

Let us consider a case where a certain action (movement) is performed by a first person P-1 who is present in the first area AR-1. According to this embodiment, when the action by the first person P-1 is a predetermined action, a "change" that can be recognized by the second person P-2 automatically occurs in the second area AR-2. This "change" is hereinafter referred to as a "reaction." In other words, when the first person P-1 performs a predetermined action in the first area AR-1, a reaction automatically occurs in the distant second area AR-2 in response to the predetermined action.

For example, when the specified action is "turning on the light in the room," the reaction is "a lamp such as an LED lighting up." As another example, when the specified action is "opening a door," the reaction is "a sound being made." As yet another example, when the specified action is "walking through the room," the reaction is "fabric such as curtains swaying." Figures 2 and 3 show various examples of the correspondence between specified actions and reactions. As shown in Figures 2 and 3, reactions can be realized in various forms, such as light, vibration, sound, wind, temperature/heat, silhouettes, touch, scent, and switches turning on/off. The form of the reaction is arbitrary as long as it can be recognized by humans.

In this way, according to this embodiment, in response to a specific action of the first person P-1 in the first area AR-1, a reaction that can be recognized by the second person P-2 automatically occurs in the second area AR-2. This allows the second person P-2 to casually feel the presence of the first person P-1 who is in a distant location. In other words, it becomes possible to suddenly feel the other person's presence even if you are not talking to them directly. This embodiment can also be said to convey a "presence" or "atmosphere."

The content of the reaction may be the same as or similar to the content of the specified action. For example, when the specified action is "turning on the lights in the room," the reaction may be "a lamp such as an LED lighting up." In this case, the second person P-2 can "directly" know the content of the action of the first person P-1. Furthermore, the first person P-1 and the second person P-2 can share the same experience in separate locations.

The content of the reaction can be of a different type than the content of the specified action. Since there is no need to match actions and reactions, there are fewer constraints, the design possibilities are broader, and the system is easier to implement.

The content of the reaction may be set to be reminiscent of the content of a specified action. For example, when the action is "walking in a room," the reaction may be "the swaying of fabric such as curtains." In this case, the second person P-2 can "indirectly" know the content of the action of the first person P-1. Furthermore, since there is no need to match actions and reactions, there are fewer constraints, the scope of design is broadened, and the system is easier to implement.

In addition, according to this embodiment, there is no need to start communication methods such as telephone, email, or video conference every time to transmit information. The presence and atmosphere are automatically transmitted without starting such communication methods.

The following describes the information transmission system for realizing the information transmission according to this embodiment.

2. Information Transmission System Fig. 4 is a block diagram showing a configuration example of an information transmission system 1 according to this embodiment. The information transmission system 1 transmits information between a first area AR-1 and a second area AR-2. The information transmission system 1 includes an ith sensor 10-i and an ith notification device 20-i installed in an ith area AR-i (i = 1, 2).

The i-th sensor 10-i is a sensor used to detect the action of the i-th person P-i in the i-th area AR-i. Any type of sensor can be used as long as it can detect an action. For example, the i-th sensor 10-i may be a camera, a door opening/closing sensor, a contact sensor, a weight sensor, a temperature sensor, a switch ON/OFF sensor, etc. Multiple types of the i-th sensor 10-i may be installed in the i-th area AR-i to detect various actions.

The i-th notification device 20-i is a device for generating a reaction in the i-th area AR-i. As described above, the reaction can be realized in various forms, such as light, vibration, sound, wind, temperature/heat, silhouette, touch, scent, ON/OFF switch, etc. The type of the i-th notification device 20-i is not important as long as it can realize such a reaction. For example, the i-th notification device 20-i may be a light source (e.g., LED, electric light), a display, a vibration device, a haptic device, a speaker, a wind generator, a heat source, a projection device, a scent generator, an electrical device, etc. Multiple types of the i-th notification device 20-i may be installed in the i-th area AR-i to realize various reactions.

The information transmission system 1 further includes a control system 100 that controls the information transmission. The control system 100 is capable of communicating with the i-th sensor 10-i and the i-th notification device 20-i. The control system 100 may be installed outside the i-th area AR-i, or may be installed inside the i-th area AR-i. The control system 100 may be configured with one or more servers. The multiple servers may perform distributed processing.

More specifically, the control system 100 includes one or more processors 110 (hereinafter simply referred to as processor 110) and one or more storage devices 120 (hereinafter simply referred to as storage devices 120). The processor 110 executes various processes. For example, the processor 110 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit). The storage device 120 stores various information. Examples of the storage device 120 include a volatile memory, a non-volatile memory, a HDD (Hard Disk Drive), and an SSD (Solid State Drive).

The control program 130 is a computer program executed by the processor 110. The functions of the control system 100 are realized by the processor 110 executing the control program 130. The control program 130 is stored in the storage device 120. Alternatively, the control program 130 may be recorded on a computer-readable recording medium.

The processor 110 communicates with the ith sensor 10-i and acquires the ith sensor detection information SEN-i obtained by the ith sensor 10-i. For example, the ith sensor detection information SEN-i includes an image or video captured by a camera. As another example, the ith sensor detection information SEN-i may include a physical quantity (e.g., weight, temperature, etc.) detected by the ith sensor 10-i. As yet another example, it may include information suggesting the action of the ith person P-i (e.g., door opening/closing, switch ON/OFF). The processor 110 detects the action of the ith person P-i in the ith area AR-i based on the ith sensor detection information SEN-i.

The processor 110 generates a reaction when the detected action is a specified action. The correspondence information 140 indicates the correspondence between the specified action and the reaction (see Figures 2 and 3). This correspondence information 140 is created in advance by a system designer and provided to the control system 100. The correspondence information 140 is stored in the storage device 120. The processor 110 determines whether the detected action is a specified action based on the correspondence information 140. If the detected action is a specified action, the processor 110 determines the content of the reaction associated with the specified action based on the correspondence information 140.

In the following explanation, "j" means either "1" or "2" other than "i". In other words, if "i" is "1", then "j" is "2". If "i" is "2", then "j" is "1".

The processor 110 selects the jth notification device 20-j that is capable of implementing a reaction associated with a predetermined reaction. The processor 110 then causes the jth notification device 20-j to execute the reaction. More specifically, the jth instruction information INS-j is information that instructs the jth notification device 20-j to execute a reaction. The processor 110 communicates with the jth notification device 20-j and transmits the jth instruction information INS-j to the jth notification device 20-j. The jth notification device 20-j installed in the jth area AR-j executes a reaction in accordance with the jth instruction information INS-j.

In this way, in response to a predetermined action performed in the i-th area AR-i, the processor 110 causes the j-th notification device 20-j in the j-th area AR-j to execute a reaction associated with the predetermined action. This makes it possible to convey a sense of presence and atmosphere.

The management information 150 is information used to manage the information transmission service. For example, the management information 150 includes user information on a first person P-1 and a second person P-2 who are users of the information transmission service. The user information may include a user ID, name, contact information, etc. The management information 150 is stored in the storage device 120. Examples of the use of the management information 150 will be described later.

Various embodiments related to information transmission are described below.

3. First Embodiment FIG. 5 is a conceptual diagram for explaining an overview of information transmission processing according to a first embodiment.

The action performed by the first person P-1 in the first area AR-1 is hereinafter referred to as the "first action." The first action is detected based on the first sensor detection information SEN-1 obtained by the first sensor 10-1. If the first action is a first predetermined action, a "first reaction" associated with the first predetermined action is executed by the second notification device 20-2 in the second area AR-2. The content of the first reaction may be the same as or of the same type as the content of the first predetermined action. The content of the first reaction may be of a different type from the content of the first predetermined action. The content of the first reaction may be set to be reminiscent of the content of the first predetermined action.

The action performed by the second person P-2 in the second area AR-2 is hereinafter referred to as the "second action." The second action is detected based on the second sensor detection information SEN-2 obtained by the second sensor 10-2. If the second action is a second predetermined action, a "second reaction" associated with the second predetermined action is executed by the first notification device 20-1 in the first area AR-1. The content of the second reaction may be the same as or of the same type as the content of the second predetermined action. The content of the second reaction may be of a different type from the content of the second predetermined action. The content of the second reaction may be set to be reminiscent of the content of the second predetermined action.

4. Second embodiment Fig. 6 is a conceptual diagram for explaining an overview of an information transmission process according to a second embodiment. Descriptions that overlap with those of the second embodiment explained in Fig. 5 will be omitted as appropriate.

The second person P-2 recognizes the first reaction performed in the second area AR-2 and performs a second action in response (reply) to it. If the second action is a second specified action in response to the first reaction, the second reaction is performed in the first area AR-1. For example, the first person P-1 walks in the first area AR-1 (first action), and a silhouette is displayed in the second area AR-2 (first reaction). Furthermore, the second person P-2, seeing the silhouette, waves his hand (second action), and a lamp lights up in the first area AR-1 (second reaction).

Similarly, the first person P-1 may recognize the second reaction performed in the first area AR-1 and perform a first action in response thereto. If the first action is a first predetermined action in response to the second reaction, the first reaction is performed in the second area AR-2.

According to the second embodiment, the other person's reaction to one's own actions is also conveyed. This improves interactivity and enhances the sense of solidarity.

5. Third embodiment 5-1. Overview There are cases where a first person P-1 and a second person P-2 who are in different locations perform the same action (e.g. opening the refrigerator, turning on the television, etc.) at the same time. If they could know this fact from each other, it would be a great opportunity to start communication (e.g. calling, e-mail, chatting). Therefore, in the third embodiment, we propose an information transmission process that can promote communication.

Figure 7 is a conceptual diagram for explaining an overview of the information transmission process according to the third embodiment. The first action is an action performed by a first person P-1 in a first area AR-1. The second action is an action performed by a second person P-2 in a second area AR-2. In the following explanation, "synchronized occurrence" means that the first action and the second action are the same predetermined action (e.g. opening the refrigerator, turning on the television, etc.) and are performed synchronously. The first action and the second action being performed synchronously means that the first action and the second action are performed at the same timing or almost the same timing. In other words, the first action and the second action being performed synchronously means that both the first action and the second action are performed within a period of about a few seconds.

When a synchronization occurs, the information transmission system 1 notifies both the first person P-1 and the second person P-2 of the occurrence of the synchronization. This process is hereinafter referred to as the "synchronization occurrence notification process." The synchronization occurrence notification process may be performed by using the i-th notification device 20-i, or by using a dedicated device. For example, the occurrence of a synchronization is notified by means of light, sound, vibration, etc.

The synchronization occurrence notification process allows both the first person P-1 and the second person P-2 to know that a synchronization has occurred. Once the first person P-1 and the second person P-2 know that a synchronization has occurred, it becomes easier for them to start communication (e.g. calls, emails, chats) using this as an opportunity. In other words, the synchronization occurrence notification process increases the likelihood that the first person P-1 and the second person P-2 will start communicating. In other words, the synchronization occurrence notification process promotes communication. The synchronization occurrence notification process also increases the sense of solidarity.

5-2. Configuration Example Fig. 8 is a block diagram showing a configuration example of the information transmission system 1 according to the third embodiment. Description of the same configuration as that shown in Fig. 4 will be omitted as appropriate.

The information transmission system 1 includes an ith synchronic occurrence notification device 30-i (i=1, 2) installed in an ith area AR-i. The ith synchronic occurrence notification device 30-i is used to notify an ith person P-i of a synchronic occurrence. For example, the ith synchronic occurrence notification device 30-i may be a light source (e.g., LED, electric light), a display, a vibration device, a haptic device, a speaker, etc. The ith synchronic occurrence notification device 30-i may be common to the ith notification device 20-i. The processor 110 of the control system 100 is capable of communicating with the ith synchronic occurrence notification device 30-i.

The information transmission system 1 may further include an ith dialogue device 40-i installed in the ith area AR-i. The ith dialogue device 40-i is a device used by the ith person P-i for dialogue. Examples of the ith dialogue device 40-i include a smartphone, a tablet, a smart speaker, a personal computer, etc. The processor 110 of the control system 100 is capable of communicating with the ith dialogue device 40-i. The ith dialogue device 40-i is used in the dialogue promotion process described below (see Section 5-4).

The information transmission system 1 may further include an ith projection device 50-i installed in the ith area AR-i. The ith projection device 50-i can project images and videos into the ith area AR-i. The processor 110 of the control system 100 can communicate with the ith projection device 50-i. The ith projection device 50-i is used in the synchronous projection process described below (see Section 5-5).

5-3. Synchronization Occurrence Notification Processor 110 detects a first action of a first person P-1 in a first area AR-1 based on first sensor detection information SEN-1 obtained by first sensor 10-1. Processor 110 also detects a second action of a second person P-2 in a second area AR-2 based on second sensor detection information SEN-2 obtained by second sensor 10-2. Furthermore, processor 110 determines whether or not the first action and the second action are the same predetermined action and have been performed synchronously. The predetermined action is, for example, registered in advance in correspondence information 140.

When the first action and the second action are the same specified action and are performed synchronously, the processor 110 determines that a synchronization has occurred and executes a synchronization occurrence notification process. Specifically, the processor 110 issues instructions to the first synchronization occurrence notification device 30-1 and the second synchronization occurrence notification device 30-2, and activates both the first synchronization occurrence notification device 30-1 and the second synchronization occurrence notification device 30-2. This makes it possible to notify both the first person P-1 and the second person P-2 of the synchronization occurrence.

5-4. Dialogue Promotion Process The processor 110 may execute a dialogue promotion process in conjunction with the above-mentioned synchrony occurrence notification process. Specifically, in the dialogue promotion process, the processor 110 issues an instruction to the first dialogue device 40-1 and the second dialogue device 40-2, and automatically connects the first dialogue device 40-1 and the second dialogue device 40-2 so that they can communicate with each other. If the i-th dialogue device 40-i is OFF, the processor 110 may remotely start the i-th dialogue device 40-i. By automatically connecting the first dialogue device 40-1 and the second dialogue device 40-2 in conjunction with the synchrony occurrence notification process, the first person P-1 and the second person P-2 can immediately start dialogue. In other words, dialogue is promoted.

Alternatively, taking into consideration the convenience of the first person P-1 and the second person P-2, the processor 110 may first inquire of the first person P-1 and the second person P-2 about their intention to start a dialogue. Specifically, the processor 110, in conjunction with the synchronicity occurrence notification process, transmits a "dialogue start inquiry" requesting approval to start a dialogue to the i-th dialogue device 40-i. The i-th dialogue device 40-i notifies the i-th person P-i of the dialogue start inquiry. If the i-th person P-i approves the start of a dialogue, the processor 110 operates the i-th dialogue device 40-i to input the i-th approval intention information. The i-th dialogue device 40-i sends the input i-th approval intention information to the control system 100. If the processor 110 receives the i-th approval intention information within a certain time from the dialogue start inquiry, the processor 110 determines that the start of a dialogue has been approved by the i-th person P-i. Then, when the start of dialogue is approved by both the first person P-1 and the second person P-2, the processor 110 issues an instruction to the first dialogue device 40-1 and the second dialogue device 40-2, and automatically connects the first dialogue device 40-1 and the second dialogue device 40-2 so that they can communicate with each other. This also has the effect of promoting dialogue.

As described above, the synchronicity occurrence notification process enhances a sense of community. In order to further enhance the sense of community, a "synchronous projection process" for projecting an image of the other person may be executed in conjunction with the synchronicity occurrence notification process.

More specifically, the i-th sensor 10-i installed in the i-th area AR-i includes the i-th camera that captures the i-th person P-i. The i-th sensor detection information SEN-i includes the image captured by the i-th camera.

In the synchronous projection process, the processor 110 projects at least a portion of the image of the first person P-1 captured by the first camera onto the second area AR-2. For this purpose, the second projection device 50-2 installed in the second area AR-2 is used. The processor 110 transmits at least a portion of the image of the first person P-1 to the second projection device 50-2 and instructs the second projection device 50-2 to project the image. By looking at the first person P-1 projected onto the second area AR-2, the second person P-2 can more clearly recognize that the first person P-1 is performing the same action as him/her. This further enhances the sense of solidarity.

Similarly, the processor 110 projects at least a portion of the image of the second person P-2 captured by the second camera onto the first area AR-1. For this purpose, the first projection device 50-1 installed in the first area AR-1 is used. The processor 110 transmits at least a portion of the image of the second person P-2 to the first projection device 50-1 and instructs the first projection device 50-1 to project the image. By looking at the second person P-2 projected onto the first area AR-1, the first person P-1 can more clearly recognize that the second person P-2 is performing the same action as him/her. This further enhances the sense of solidarity.

The first action position is a position where the first action (predetermined action) is performed by the first person P-1. The second action position is a position where the second action (predetermined action) is performed by the second person P-2. In the synchronous projection process, the processor 110 may project at least a part of the image of the first person P-1 onto the second action position in the second area AR-2. Similarly, the processor 110 may project at least a part of the image of the second person P-2 onto the first action position in the first area AR-1. For example, consider a case where the predetermined action is "opening a refrigerator." When the first person P-1 opens the refrigerator in the first area AR-1, an image of the second person P-2 opening the refrigerator is projected onto the position of the refrigerator (first action position). Similarly, when the second person P-2 opens the refrigerator in the second area AR-2, an image of the first person P-1 opening the refrigerator is projected onto the position of the refrigerator (second action position). By projecting an image superimposed on the action position in this way, the synchronous projection process becomes more effective.

5-6. Synchronized Points Points may be given to each user (first person P-1, second person P-2) of the information transmission service. In this case, the processor 110 also manages the points given to each user. The management information 150 also includes information on the points given to each user.

One example of points is synchro points that are awarded each time a synchro occurs. In conjunction with the synchro occurrence notification process, the processor 110 increases the synchro points of the first person P-1 and the second person P-2. As the number of synchro occurrences increases, the synchro points also increase.

The processor 110 may dynamically change the method of notifying the occurrence of a synchro depending on the synchro points. For example, as the synchro points increase, the method of notifying the occurrence of a synchro becomes more elaborate. As another example, as the synchro points increase, the variety of the method of notifying the occurrence of a synchro may increase. This creates a game-like element and also increases motivation to increase the synchro points. As a result, synchro occurrences are encouraged, which in turn further promotes communication.

9 is a conceptual diagram for explaining an overview of an information transmission process according to a fourth embodiment. As an example, consider a case where a predetermined action is "going to bed" and a reaction associated with the predetermined action is "turning on a lamp."

According to the first and second embodiments described above, when the first person P-1 in the first area AR-1 goes to sleep, the lamp in the second area AR-2 lights up. However, depending on the state of the second person P-2, it may not be appropriate to light the lamp (reaction). For example, if the second person P-2 is not present in the second area AR-2, turning on the lamp would be a waste of electricity. As another example, if the second person P-2 is sleeping in the second area AR-2, turning on the lamp may disturb the second person P-2's sleep.

Therefore, in the fourth embodiment, a reaction is executed conditionally. Specifically, when the action performed by the first person P-1 is a predetermined action, the processor 110 first recognizes the state of the second person P-2 based on the second sensor detection information SEN-2 obtained by the second sensor 10-2.

For example, the processor 110 determines whether or not a second person P-2 is present in the second area AR-2 based on the second sensor detection information SEN-2.

As another example, the processor 110 may determine whether a second person P-2 in the second area AR-2 is awake or asleep based on the second sensor detection information SEN-2. There are various possible methods for determining whether a person is awake or asleep. For example, if a person is present in a bedroom and the bedroom lights are turned off, the person is determined to have gone to sleep. As another example, if a person is present in the bedroom and the bedroom door is not opened or closed for a certain period of time, the person is determined to have gone to sleep.

Then, the processor 110 determines whether or not the reaction permission condition is met based on the state of the second person P-2. For example, the reaction permission condition includes the second person P-2 being present in the second area AR-2. As another example, the reaction permission condition may include the second person P-2 in the second area AR-2 being awake and not asleep. As yet another example, the reaction permission condition may include the second person P-2 explicitly allowing the reaction.

If the reaction permission condition is met, the processor 110 causes the second notification device 20-2 in the second area AR-2 to execute a reaction. On the other hand, if the reaction permission condition is not met, the processor 110 prohibits (refrains from) causing the second notification device 20-2 to execute a reaction. This prevents unnecessary or excessive reactions. As a result, waste of power is prevented, and the second person P-2 is prevented from feeling annoyed.

7. Fifth embodiment FIG. 10 is a conceptual diagram for explaining an overview of the information transmission process according to the fifth embodiment. In the fifth embodiment, the predetermined action is "watering a plant", and the reaction is also "watering a plant". That is, when the first person P-1 waters the first plant in the first area AR-1, water is automatically supplied to the second plant in the distant second area AR-2. Similarly, when the second person P-2 waters the second plant in the second area AR-2, water is automatically supplied to the first plant in the distant first area AR-1. The first plant and the second plant may be of the same species or different species.

More specifically, the i-th notification device 20-i installed in the i-th area AR-i includes the i-th automatic watering device 21-i. The i-th automatic watering device 21-i supplies water to the i-th plant in the i-th area AR-i. The i-th automatic watering device 21-i is realized, for example, by a water tank and a water supply pump.

The ith sensor 10-i installed in the ith area AR-i includes the ith water supply amount sensor 11-i. The ith water supply amount sensor 11-i is installed in the ith plant in the ith area AR-i and detects the ith amount of water supplied to the ith plant. The ith sensor detection information SEN-i obtained by the ith sensor 10-i includes the ith amount of water supplied to the ith plant in the ith area AR-i.

For example, a first person P-1 in a first area AR-1 waters a first plant (predetermined action). Based on the first sensor detection information SEN-1, the processor 110 detects that water has been supplied to the first plant in the first area AR-1. In response, the processor 110 issues an instruction to the second automatic watering device 21-2 in the second area AR-2 to supply water to a second plant in the second area AR-2 (reaction).

The ratio between the first water supply amount to the first plant and the second water supply amount to the second plant may be determined in advance. For example, if the appropriate water supply amount to the first plant per day is X and the appropriate water supply amount to the second plant per day is Y, the ratio between the first water supply amount and the second water supply amount is X:Y. The processor 110 acquires information on the first water supply amount from the first sensor detection information SEN-1, and calculates the second water supply amount based on the first water supply amount and the ratio. The processor 110 then instructs the second automatic watering device 21-2 in the second area AR-2 to supply the second water supply amount to the second plant. This makes it possible to supply water to the second plant neither too much nor too little.

If the first person P-1 overwaters the first plant, there is a risk that the second amount of water supplied to the second plant will be excessive in response. Therefore, the processor 110 may monitor the second amount of water supplied to the second plant based on the second sensor detection information SEN-2. When the second amount of water supplied reaches the appropriate amount of water supplied Y per day, the processor 110 may stop issuing a water supply instruction to the second automatic watering device 21-2. In other words, when the second amount of water supplied reaches the appropriate amount of water supplied Y per day, the processor 110 may stop executing the reaction. This prevents excessive water from being supplied to the second plant.

The same is true in the opposite direction, i.e. when a second person P-2 waters a second plant.

The reaction may include watering the plant as well as fluttering the plant.

The fifth embodiment can be applied to things other than "watering plants." For example, the fifth embodiment can also be applied to "feeding animals." Examples of animals include dogs, cats, birds, and goldfish. In a higher conceptualization, the fifth embodiment can be applied to "raising living things." In the above explanation, "plants" can be replaced with "living things," "water" can be replaced with "substances necessary for the life activities of living things," and "amount of water supplied" can be replaced with "amount of material supplied." The information transmission system 1 can also be referred to as an "living thing raising system."

According to the fifth embodiment, people who are far apart can connect with each other through raising creatures. For example, a first person P-1 can have the sense that he is raising a first creature in a first area AR-1 while also raising a second creature in a distant second area AR-2. A second person P-2 can have the sense that the first person P-1 is raising the second creature for him. In the case of a two-way relationship, both people can be involved in caring for each other's creatures, which can further strengthen the sense of connection.

8. Sixth Embodiment Two or more of the above-described first to fifth embodiments can be combined as long as no contradiction occurs.

REFERENCE SIGNS LIST 1 Information transmission system 10 Sensor 20 Notification device 30 Synchronization occurrence notification device 40 Interaction device 50 Projection device 100 Control system 110 Processor 120 Storage device 130 Control program 140 Correspondence information 150 Management information SEN Sensor detection information INS Instruction information

Claims (10)

An information transmission system for transmitting information between a first area and a second area,
One or more processors;
The one or more processors:
Detecting a first action of a first person in the first area based on information obtained by a first sensor installed in the first area;
detecting a second action of a second person in the second area based on information obtained by a second sensor installed in the second area;
executing a synchronization occurrence notification process for notifying both the first person and the second person of the occurrence of a synchronization when the first action and the second action are the same predetermined action and are performed synchronously;
a first dialogue device used by the first person for dialogue is installed in the first area;
a second dialogue device used by the second person for dialogue is installed in the second area;
The one or more processors further include:
In conjunction with the synchronization occurrence notification process, requesting approval for starting a dialogue from both the first person and the second person;
and if the start of the dialogue is approved by both the first person and the second person, connecting the first dialogue device and the second dialogue device so that they can communicate with each other. An information transmission system for transmitting information between a first area and a second area,
One or more processors;
The one or more processors:
Detecting a first action of a first person in the first area based on information obtained by a first sensor installed in the first area;
detecting a second action of a second person in the second area based on information obtained by a second sensor installed in the second area;
executing a synchronization occurrence notification process for notifying both the first person and the second person of the occurrence of a synchronization when the first action and the second action are the same predetermined action and are performed synchronously;
The one or more processors further include:
managing synchronization points assigned to each of the first person and the second person;
and increasing the synchronization points of the first person and the second person in conjunction with the synchronization occurrence notification process. 3. The information transmission system according to claim 2 ,
The one or more processors further dynamically change a method of notifying the occurrence of synchronization depending on the synchronization point. An information transmission system for transmitting information between a first area and a second area,
One or more processors;
The one or more processors:
Detecting a first action of a first person in the first area based on information obtained by a first sensor installed in the first area;
detecting a second action of a second person in the second area based on information obtained by a second sensor installed in the second area;
executing a synchronization occurrence notification process for notifying both the first person and the second person of the occurrence of a synchronization when the first action and the second action are the same predetermined action and are performed synchronously;
the first sensor includes a first camera installed in the first area and configured to capture an image of the first person;
the second sensor includes a second camera installed in the second area and configured to capture an image of the second person;
The one or more processors further execute a synchronous projection process in conjunction with the synchronous occurrence notification process,
In the synchronous projection process, the one or more processors
projecting an image of at least a part of the first person captured by the first camera onto the second area;
an image of at least a part of the second person captured by the second camera is projected onto the first area. 5. The information transmission system according to claim 4 ,
a first action position is a position where the first action is performed by the first person;
a second action position is a position where the second action is performed by the second person;
In the synchronous projection process, the one or more processors
projecting the image of the at least a portion of the first person at the second action position within the second area;
and projecting the image of the at least a portion of the second person at the first action position within the first area. An information transmission system for transmitting information between a first area and a second area,
One or more processors;
The one or more processors:
Detecting a first action of a first person in the first area based on information obtained by a first sensor installed in the first area;
detecting a second action of a second person in the second area based on information obtained by a second sensor installed in the second area;
executing a synchronization occurrence notification process for notifying both the first person and the second person of the occurrence of a synchronization when the first action and the second action are the same predetermined action and are performed synchronously;
The one or more processors further include:
When the first action is a first predetermined action, a second notification device installed in the second area is caused to execute a first reaction associated with the first predetermined action. 7. An information transmission system according to claim 6 ,
An information transmission system, wherein the content of the first reaction is set to be associated with the content of the first predetermined action. 7. An information transmission system according to claim 6 ,
The one or more processors further include:
When the second action is a second predetermined action responding to the first reaction, the information transmission system causes a first notification device installed in the first area to execute a second reaction associated with the second predetermined action. An information transmission system for transmitting information between a first area and a second area,
One or more processors;
The one or more processors:
Detecting a first action of a first person in the first area based on information obtained by a first sensor installed in the first area;
detecting a second action of a second person in the second area based on information obtained by a second sensor installed in the second area;
executing a synchronization occurrence notification process for notifying both the first person and the second person of the occurrence of a synchronization when the first action and the second action are the same predetermined action and are performed synchronously;
The one or more processors further include:
If the first action is a first predetermined action, a state of the second person is recognized based on the information obtained by the second sensor;
determining whether a reaction permission condition is satisfied based on the state of the second person;
when the reaction permission condition is satisfied, causing a second notification device installed in the second area to execute a first reaction associated with the first action;
When the reaction permission condition is not satisfied, the second notification device is prohibited from executing the first reaction. The information transmission system according to claim 9 ,
The reaction permission condition includes the second person being present in the second area or the second person being awake in the second area.

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