I n this po,per. we describe a, system th,at provides a '.work-a

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In this paper, we propose the virtual ofice environment which integrates the natural communication and the secure private space. The features of this system are described below. 1) This system has virtual shared room which is based on the idea of 9hared Room Metaphor". 30 graphics on SGI workstation is used-for this system. It uses Ethemet(TCP/IP) for signal connection and FDDI(UDP/IP) for continuous media(i.e., realtimd audio/video streams). 2) This system realizes the field of view of human being to support natural communication between members by using OUTUAround View" technique. 3) Yound Effect" are also used to help users feel the presence of other members. For instance, members hear the opening-sound of the door when someone logs in OUT system and the sound of footsteps when someone is wall&g around OUT viutual room. 4) Sometimes this system avoids unlimited flow of awareness. A person concentrating his/her work may not want to perceive ezcessive awareness of others. To support such situation, we define uAwareness Space" which restn'cts the field where other member5 awareness is transmitted. Awareness Space changes in size with the degree of concentration which is measured through two factors; the movement of a chair and the frequency of keyboard typing. 5) Weadphone Metaphor"; a picture of headphone is attached above his/her image and changed it's color depending on the degree of concentration. The view of this headphone enables other members to recognize his/her state and it can be a criterion he is available to communicate or not.