Setting a location recommendation method and setting a location recommendation system

Abstract

A method for recommending an installation location recommends an installation location for a sensor to be installed in a facility. The sensor is configured to wirelessly communicate with a server via a communication network. The method comprises the following steps: obtaining data indicating a movement trajectory of a radio wave obstacle (80, 50) moving in the facility; calculating, by a computer, a stopping position of the radio wave obstacle (80, 50) in the facility based on the data; calculating, by a computer, non-recommended installation locations that are not recommended as installation locations for the sensor based on the calculated stopping positions of the radio wave obstacle (80, 50); and calculating, by the computer, a recommended installation location for the sensor in a manner that excludes the non-recommended installation locations.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The invention relates to a setting location recommendation method and a setting location recommendation system. Background Art

[0002] International Publication No. 2020 / 121444 (Patent Document 1) discloses a candidate installation position display device that displays information indicating candidate installation positions of sensors that transmit measurement data to a data collection device via multi-hop communication.

[0003] The setting candidate position display device described in patent document 1 comprises: a storage unit which stores position information of obstacles in a warehouse that attenuate radio waves used in multi-hop communication; and a setting candidate position selection unit which selects, from the settable positions of the sensor in the warehouse, a greater number of settable positions that are closer to the obstacles as candidate setting positions for the sensor based on the position information of the obstacles.

[0004] Prior art literature

[0005] Patent Literature

[0006] Patent Document 1: International Publication No. 2020 / 121444 Summary of the Invention

[0007] Problems to be solved by the invention

[0008] Patent Document 1 displays a greater number of candidate installation positions as the distance to an obstacle that attenuates radio waves, such as a metal structure, increases, thereby suggesting appropriate installation positions for the sensor without placing a heavy burden on the user.

[0009] However, some obstacles that can cause radio wave obstruction include those that can move within a facility, such as humans or mobile robots. In such cases, it is difficult to determine the location of the obstacle, making it difficult to select candidate sensor installation locations.

[0010] The present invention is made to solve this problem, and an object of the present invention is to provide a setting location recommendation method and a setting location recommendation system that can recommend to users the setting location of a sensor suitable for wireless communication in consideration of radio wave obstacles that can be moved within a facility.

[0011] Means for solving problems

[0012] The installation location recommendation method of the present invention recommends installation locations for sensors to be installed within a facility. The sensor is configured to wirelessly communicate with a server via a communication network. The installation location recommendation method comprises the following steps: obtaining data representing the movement trajectory of a radio wave obstruction moving within the facility; calculating, using a computer, the stopping position of the radio wave obstruction within the facility based on the data; calculating, using the computer, non-recommended installation locations that are not recommended as sensor installation locations based on the calculated stopping position of the radio wave obstruction; and finally calculating, using the computer, the recommended installation location for the sensor, excluding the non-recommended installation locations.

[0013] A location recommendation system of the present invention recommends locations for sensors to be installed within a facility. The sensor is configured to wirelessly communicate with a management server via a communication network. The location recommendation system includes a processor and a memory storing a program executed by the processor. In accordance with the program, the processor obtains data representing the movement trajectory of a radio wave obstruction moving within the facility and calculates the stopping position of the radio wave obstruction within the facility based on the obtained data. The processor also calculates non-recommended locations that are not recommended as sensor locations based on the calculated stopping position of the radio wave obstruction, and calculates the recommended sensor location by excluding the non-recommended locations.

[0014] Effects of the Invention

[0015] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide an installation location recommendation method and an installation location recommendation system capable of recommending to a user an installation location of a sensor suitable for wireless communication in consideration of radio wave obstacles that can be moved within a facility. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0016] Figure 1 This is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of an air environment management system.

[0017] Figure 2 This is an overall structural diagram of the installation location recommendation system of this embodiment.

[0018] Figure 3 It is a diagram showing the hardware structure of the server.

[0019] Figure 4 This is a flowchart illustrating the processing steps of the installation location recommendation method according to this embodiment.

[0020] Figure 5 This is a diagram showing an example of a flow chart.

[0021] Figure 6 This is a diagram showing an example of a movement map.

[0022] Figure 7 This is a diagram showing an example of a non-recommended installation position of a sensor.

[0023] Figure 8 This is a flowchart illustrating the processing steps of the installation location recommendation method according to a modified example of the present embodiment.

[0024] Figure 9 This is a diagram showing an example of a congestion degree map. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0025] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the drawings, the same or corresponding parts are denoted by the same reference numerals and their description will be omitted.

[0026] <Structure of the Air Environment Management System>

[0027] The installation location recommendation system of this embodiment is a system that recommends to users the appropriate installation location of a sensor for measuring the air environment in a facility. Figure 1 The air environment management system 200 is shown.

[0028] Figure 1 FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a schematic structure of an air environment management system 200 for managing the air environment within a facility. Figure 1 As shown, a sensor 210 for measuring the air environment is installed in the facility. The sensor 210 is, for example, a thermometer and hygrometer for measuring the temperature and humidity in the facility, or a CO2 concentration meter for measuring the CO2 concentration in the facility.

[0029] Sensor 210 is communicatively connected to a management server (cloud server) 230, which manages the air environment within the facility, via gateway 220 and a network NW (typically the Internet). Sensor 210 transmits air environment measurement data, such as temperature, humidity, and CO2 concentration, to management server 230 via gateway 220 and network NW. Management server 230 remotely controls air conditioning equipment 240 installed in the facility based on the measurement data from sensor 210 to maintain the air environment within the facility within a predetermined appropriate range.

[0030] In order to provide a comfortable air environment for people using the facility through remote control of the air conditioning equipment 240, it is necessary to install sensors 210 for measuring the air environment in areas of the facility frequented by a large number of people 80. In such areas, it is necessary to install sensors 210 at a height where people 80 experience the air environment (approximately 120 cm to 150 cm above the ground).

[0031] On the other hand, when sensor 210 wirelessly communicates with management server 230 via gateway 220 and network NW, obstacles that may hinder wireless communication include people 80 or mobile robots 50 within the facility. This is because these obstacles contain substances (such as water and metal) that attenuate the radio waves used in wireless communication. To ensure stable wireless communication, it is preferable to install sensor 210 away from radio wave obstacles. However, since people 80 and mobile robots 50 can move within the facility, there is a problem of difficulty in determining the location of radio wave obstacles.

[0032] The installation location recommendation system and installation location recommendation method of this embodiment determine the installation location of sensor 210 suitable for wireless communication, taking into account radio wave obstacles that can move within a facility, and recommend the determined installation location of sensor 210 to the user of air environment management system 200. The following describes the installation location recommendation system and installation location recommendation method of this embodiment using the example of determining the installation location of sensor 210 for measuring the air environment within a commercial facility (e.g., a shopping mall).

[0033] <Structure of Setting Location Recommendation System>

[0034] Figure 2 1 is an overall configuration diagram of the installation location recommendation system 100 according to this embodiment.

[0035] like Figure 2 As shown, there are servers 10, 20, 30, wireless communication devices 40, 60, and a camera 62. The servers 10, 20, 30 are connected to each other via a communication network NW so as to be able to communicate with each other.

[0036] Server 20 manages mobile robots 50 located within the facility. Mobile robots 50 are, for example, autonomous vacuum cleaners (i.e., cleaning robots), autonomous transport robots, or autonomous guidance robots that respond to inquiries from shoppers. Mobile robots 50 are equipped with batteries and can move within the facility using the power stored in the batteries.

[0037] The mobile robot 50 is equipped with a wireless communication device 52. The wireless communication device 52 transmits a signal for detecting the position of the mobile robot 50 using, for example, a communication method based on the BLE (Bluetooth Low Energy; "Bluetooth" is a registered trademark) communication standard. Alternatively, a communication method based on, for example, the UWB (UltraWide Band) communication standard may be used instead of the BLE communication standard. Alternatively, the wireless communication device 52 transmits an ID (identification) for identifying the mobile robot 50, a signal indicating the operating status of the mobile robot 50, and the like to the server 20 using a communication method based on a wireless communication standard such as LTE (Long Term Evolution).

[0038] Multiple wireless communication devices 40 are installed, for example, at appropriate intervals on the ceiling 45 of the facility. They receive signals generated by the mobile robot 50 using a communication method based on the same communication standard as the wireless communication device 52 of the mobile robot 50 and detect the reception strength. The position of the mobile robot 50 within the facility can be determined based on the reception strength of each wireless communication device 40. The wireless communication device 40 outputs the reception strength of the signal received from the mobile robot 50 to the server 20. The wireless communication device 40 may also be installed on a wall.

[0039] The server 20 receives the reception strength of the signal received by the wireless communication device 40 from the wireless communication device 40, and measures the position of the mobile robot 50 within the facility based on the reception strength of each wireless communication device 40. The server 20 then generates movement data representing the movement path of the mobile robot 50 based on the position of the mobile robot 50, and transmits the generated movement data to the server 10 via the communication network NW.

[0040] Server 30 monitors the movements of people (shoppers, employees, etc.) within the facility. Multiple wireless communication devices 60 and cameras 62, installed on ceiling 45, are connected to server 30 for communication. These wireless communication devices 60 and cameras 62 are installed on ceiling 45 at appropriate intervals to detect the movements of people 80 within the facility. Wireless communication devices 60 and cameras 62 may also be installed on the walls.

[0041] Specifically, a shopping cart 70 used by a shopper is equipped with a wireless communication device 72. Like the wireless communication device 52, the wireless communication device 72 transmits a signal for detecting the location of the shopping cart 70 using a communication method based on the BLE communication standard or the UWB communication standard.

[0042] Wireless communication device 60 uses a communication method based on the same communication standard as wireless communication device 72 in shopping cart 70 to receive signals from shopping cart 70 and detect their reception strength. Wireless communication device 60 outputs the reception strength of the signal received from shopping cart 70 to server 30. Camera 62 captures the interior of the facility and outputs the captured image (moving image) to server 30. The captured image includes an image of a person 80 passing through the facility.

[0043] Server 30 receives the reception strength of the signal received by wireless communication device 60 from wireless communication device 60 and measures the location of shopping cart 70 within the facility based on the reception strength of each wireless communication device 60. Server 30 generates movement path data representing the movement path of people within the facility based on the location information of shopping cart 70 and the captured image (moving image) from camera 62. Server 30 transmits the generated movement path data to server 10 via communication network NW.

[0044] The server 10 obtains the movement data of the mobile robot 50 from the server 20 and the movement line data of the person from the server 30. The server 10 uses the obtained data to obtain a suitable air environment management system (see Figure 1 )'s management server for wireless communication.

[0045] In this embodiment, the server 20 that manages the mobile robot 50, the server 30 that monitors the movement of people within the facility, and the server 30 that determines the installation location of the sensor are configured as separate units. However, this is not limiting. For example, any two of the servers 10, 20, and 30 may be integrated, or all of the servers 10, 20, and 30 may be integrated.

[0046] In this embodiment, the management server and servers 10, 20, and 30 are configured as separate entities, but the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, the management server and at least two of the servers 10, 20, and 30 may be integrated, or the management server and all of the servers 10, 20, and 30 may be integrated.

[0047] Figure 3 1 is a diagram showing the hardware structure of the servers 10, 20, and 30. Figure 3As shown, the server 10 includes, as its main components, a processor 11 for executing programs, a ROM (Read Only Memory) 12 for non-volatile data storage, a RAM (Random Access Memory) 13 for volatile data generated by the processor 11 executing programs or data input via an input device, an HDD (Hard Disk Drive) 14 for non-volatile data storage, a communication interface 15, and a display 16. These components are interconnected via a data bus 17.

[0048] The communication IF 15 is an interface for communicating with the servers 20 and 30 and the management server. The server 10 may include another nonvolatile storage device in place of the HDD 14 or in addition to the HDD 14 .

[0049] The processing in the server 10 is implemented by various hardware and software executed by the processor. This software is sometimes pre-stored in the HDD 14. Alternatively, the software is sometimes stored on other storage media and circulated as a program product. Alternatively, the software is sometimes provided as a program product that can be downloaded by an information provider connected to an external communication network. This software is read from the storage medium by a reader or downloaded via the communication interface 15, etc., and then temporarily stored in the HDD 14. The software is read from the HDD 14 by the processor 11 and stored in the RAM 13 as an executable program. The processor 11 executes this program.

[0050] The server 20 includes a processor 21, a ROM 22, a RAM 23, an HDD 24, and a communication interface 25 as its main components. These components are interconnected via a data bus 26. The communication interface 25 is an interface for communicating with the server 10, the mobile robot 50, and the wireless communication device 40. The HDD 24 stores information on the mobile robot 50, facility information, the location of the mobile robot 50, its movement trajectory, and other data. Furthermore, the HDD 24 stores various databases used to manage the mobile robot 50.

[0051] The server 30 includes a processor 31, a ROM 32, a RAM 33, a HDD 34, and a communication interface 35 as its main components. These components are interconnected via a data bus 36. The communication interface 35 is an interface for communicating with the server 10, the wireless communication device 60, and the camera 62. The HDD 34 stores information such as the location and movement of a person 80 and a shopping cart 70.

[0052] <Recommended method for setting location>

[0053] Then, Figure 2 The following describes a method for recommending a setting location by the setting location recommendation system shown.

[0054] Figure 4 This is a flowchart illustrating the processing steps of the installation location recommendation method according to this embodiment.

[0055] like Figure 4 As shown, the setting position recommendation method of this embodiment mainly includes the steps of obtaining the movement line data of a person (S10), obtaining the movement data of the mobile robot 50 (S20), calculating the non-recommended setting position that is not recommended as the setting position of the sensor (S30), and outputting the recommended setting position that is recommended as the setting position of the sensor (S40).

[0056] First, a step of acquiring movement line data of a person is performed ( S10 ). The movement line data of a person is generated by the server 30 .

[0057] Specifically, server 30 measures the positions of people and shopping carts 70 within the facility at a predetermined sampling period. Known image analysis techniques can be used to measure the positions of people based on images captured by multiple cameras 62. Furthermore, the position of shopping cart 70 can be measured based on the reception strength of multiple wireless communication devices 60.

[0058] Server 30 detects the movement trajectory of people based on the measurement results of the positions of people and shopping cart 70. Server 30 uses the detected movement trajectory of people to create a flow chart showing the flow of people within the facility. Server 30 stores the created flow chart in HDD 34. The flow chart corresponds to one embodiment of "flow data."

[0059] Figure 5 This is a diagram showing an example of a dynamic line diagram. Figure 5 , a schematic diagram of a floor plan of a facility viewed from the ceiling is shown. Figure 5 As shown, the facility is equipped with multiple entrances and exits, multiple stores, store warehouses, shopping customer passages for shoppers, employee passages for employees, machine rooms, lounges, toilets, and elevators EV1 to EV4.

[0060] Figure 5 The line L1 shown in FIG. 1 represents the movement trajectory (movement line) of a person or a shopping cart 70. The line L1 represents the movement of a person between facilities such as an entrance, an elevator, and a store through a passage.

[0061] Figure 5 The mark M1 shown in FIG indicates the position where the movement of the person stops. The stop position is detected under the condition that the position of the person or the shopping cart 70 does not change within a plurality of sampling periods (for example, several minutes). Figure 5In the example of FIG, a plurality of marks M1 are located around guide plates and pillars used for guidance within the facility, indicating that a plurality of people are standing in these areas.

[0062] Server 30 creates the aforementioned traffic map at predetermined intervals (e.g., daily). HDD 34 stores multiple traffic maps created at predetermined intervals. Server 30 transmits the multiple traffic maps stored in HDD 34 to server 10. These multiple traffic maps may include, for example, traffic maps for a week or a month.

[0063] return Figure 4 Next, a step ( S20 ) of acquiring movement data of the mobile robot 50 is performed. The movement data of the mobile robot 50 is generated by the server 20 .

[0064] Specifically, the server 20 measures the position of the mobile robot 50 in the facility at a predetermined sampling period. The position of the mobile robot 50 can be measured based on the reception strength of the plurality of wireless communication devices 40 .

[0065] The server 20 detects the stopping position of the mobile robot 50 based on the position measurement results of the mobile robot 50. The server 20 creates a movement map showing the stopping positions of the mobile robot 50 within the facility based on the detected stopping positions. The server 20 stores the created movement map in the HDD 24. The movement map corresponds to one embodiment of "movement data."

[0066] Figure 6 is a diagram showing an example of a moving graph. Figure 6 In FIG, a plan view of the floors in the facility viewed from the ceiling is schematically shown. Figure 5 Same floor plan shown.

[0067] Figure 6 The marks M2 and M3 shown in the figure represent the stop positions of the mobile robot 50. The mark M2 represents the waiting place where the mobile robot 50 is waiting during the operation stop. The mark M3 represents the stop position of the mobile robot 50 after moving from the waiting place. The marks M2 and M3 can be classified according to the length of the stop time. Figure 6 In the example shown in FIG. 1 , a waiting area for the mobile robot 50 is provided at a corner portion of a floor or around a guide plate, and the mobile robot 50 moves from the waiting area to a column and stops.

[0068] The server 30 creates the aforementioned movement map at predetermined intervals (e.g., daily). The HDD 24 stores a plurality of movement maps created at predetermined intervals. The server 30 transmits the plurality of movement maps stored in the HDD 24 to the server 10. The plurality of movement maps may include, for example, movement maps for a week or a month.

[0069] return Figure 4 Next, a step of calculating a non-recommended installation position is performed (S30). The non-recommended installation position is calculated by the server 10. The server 10 calculates the non-recommended installation position of the sensor 210 based on the human movement data obtained in S10 and the movement data of the mobile robot 50 obtained in S20.

[0070] Initially, the server 10 calculates the area in the facility where the movement of people stops for a predetermined time or longer based on the movement data of people (movement map). Specifically, the server 10 extracts the stopping position of the person indicated by the mark M1 from each of the plurality of movement maps sent by the server 30. In the plurality of movement maps, as shown in FIG. Figure 5 As shown, there is a motion diagram showing one or more stop positions. The stop position indicates a position where the movement of a person stops continuously for a plurality of sampling periods.

[0071] The server 10 compares the stop locations extracted from each movement diagram and detects stop locations that match between at least two or more of a predetermined number of movement diagrams. The server 10 determines that these detected stop locations are locations where the person's movement is continuously stopped on a regular basis. Therefore, the server 10 calculates these detected stop locations as areas where the person's movement is continuously stopped.

[0072] Next, the server 10 calculates the area within the facility where the movement of the mobile robot 50 has been stopped for a predetermined time or longer based on the movement data (movement map) of the mobile robot 50. Specifically, the server 10 extracts the stop positions of the mobile robot 50 indicated by the markers M2 and M3 from the plurality of movement maps sent from the server 20. In the plurality of movement maps, as shown in FIG. Figure 6 As shown, there is a movement map showing one or more stop positions. The stop position includes a standby location of the mobile robot 50 and a stop position where the mobile robot 50 stops after moving from the standby location.

[0073] The server 10 compares the stop positions extracted from each movement map and detects a stop position that matches at least two or more of a predetermined number of movement maps. The server 10 can determine that the detected stop position is a location where the mobile robot 50 is continuously stopped on a regular basis. Therefore, the server 10 calculates the detected stop position as the area where the mobile robot 50 is continuously stopped.

[0074] Next, the server 10 calculates a non-recommended installation location based on the area where the person's movement has been continuously stopped and the area where the mobile robot 50 has been continuously stopped. Specifically, the server 10 calculates an area corresponding to at least one of the area where the person's movement has been continuously stopped and the area where the mobile robot 50 has been continuously stopped as a non-recommended installation location.

[0075] As described above, humans and mobile robots 50 become obstacles to wireless communication between sensor 210 and management server 230. Therefore, areas where humans or mobile robots 50 remain stationary are determined to be areas where wireless communication is difficult. Consequently, if sensor 210 is installed in such areas, wireless communication between sensor 210 and management server 230 cannot be established, potentially causing problems with management server 230's management of the facility's air environment.

[0076] Therefore, the server 10 calculates the area where the person or the mobile robot 50 continues to stop as a non-recommended installation position where the sensor 210 is not recommended to be installed. Figure 7 This is a diagram showing an example of a non-recommended installation position of the sensor 210 . Figure 7 The non-recommended settings shown are based on Figure 5 The dynamic line diagram shown and Figure 6 The movement diagram shown is calculated. Figure 7 In FIG, a plan view of the floors in the facility viewed from the ceiling is schematically shown. Figure 5 and Figure 6 Same floor plan shown.

[0077] Figure 7 The area AR1 shown in FIG. 1 represents a non-recommended installation position of the sensor 210. Each area AR1 is set to include a stop position of a person shown by a mark M1 and / or a stop position of the mobile robot 50 shown by marks M2 and M3.

[0078] return Figure 4 Finally, the step of outputting the recommended installation location is performed (S40). The server 10 generates and outputs data indicating the recommended installation location based on the non-recommended installation location calculated in S30. Specifically, the server 10 sets the area within the facility excluding the non-recommended installation location as the recommended installation location. Figure 7 In the example, areas of the floor other than area AR1 indicating non-recommended installation locations are set as recommended installation locations. By excluding non-recommended installation locations in this way, users can be encouraged to avoid installing the sensor 210 in areas where wireless communication is likely to be obstructed.

[0079] The server 10 transmits data indicating the recommended installation position to the management server 230 via the communication network NW. The management server 230 displays the data received from the server 10 on its display. Alternatively, the server 10 may display data indicating the recommended installation position on its own display 16.

[0080] As described above, in this embodiment, the movement trajectories of radio wave obstructions (people and mobile robots) within the facility are taken into consideration to determine sensor installation locations suitable for wireless communication. This allows sensors to be installed in locations less susceptible to radio wave obstructions, thereby enabling stable wireless communication between the sensors and the management server.

[0081] <Modifications of this embodiment>

[0082] In the above embodiment, from the human movement line data ( Figure 5 ) to calculate the non-recommended installation position of the sensor, but the person's stopping position can also be extracted from the congestion data indicating the degree of congestion in the facility.

[0083] Figure 8 This is a flowchart illustrating the processing steps of the installation location recommendation method according to a modified example of the present embodiment. Figure 8 The flowchart shown is Figure 4 The step ( S10 ) of acquiring the movement line data of people in the flowchart shown is replaced with the step ( S11 ) of acquiring the congestion degree data. The congestion degree data is generated by the server 30 .

[0084] Specifically, server 30 measures the positions of people and shopping carts 70 within the facility at a predetermined sampling period. Known image analysis techniques can be used to measure the positions of people based on images captured by multiple cameras 62. The position of shopping cart 70 can also be measured based on the reception strength of multiple wireless communication devices 60.

[0085] The server 30 calculates the congestion level within the facility based on the measurement results of the positions of people and shopping carts 70. For example, the congestion level can be calculated based on the total number of people and shopping carts 70 per unit area on a floor. The server 30 uses the calculated congestion level to create a congestion level map indicating the congestion level within the facility. The server 30 stores the created congestion level map in the HDD 34. The congestion level map corresponds to one embodiment of "congestion level data."

[0086] Figure 9 is a diagram showing an example of a congestion degree map. Figure 9 , a plan view of the floors within the facility viewed from the ceiling is schematically shown. Figure 9 The floor plan shown is similar to Figures 5 to 7 Same floor plan shown.

[0087] Figure 9The congestion map shown uses color to represent the degree of congestion per unit area. A color bar B1, indicating the range of colors assigned according to the degree of congestion, is shown in the upper right corner of the map. The color bar B1 is divided into multiple segments between the maximum and minimum congestion levels, with each segment assigned a different color. The congestion map is displayed using color-coded information based on the degree of congestion, as shown in this color bar B1. In this map, areas with high congestion levels indicate that many people are standing and movement has stopped.

[0088] The server 30 creates the above-described congestion degree map at predetermined intervals (e.g., daily). The HDD 34 stores a plurality of congestion degree maps created for predetermined intervals. The server 30 transmits the plurality of congestion degree maps stored in the HDD 34 to the server 10. The plurality of congestion degree maps may include, for example, a weekly or monthly traffic map.

[0089] In the step of calculating a non-recommended installation position ( S30 ), the server 10 calculates a non-recommended installation position of the sensor 210 based on the congestion data acquired in S11 and the movement data of the mobile robot 50 acquired in S20 .

[0090] Initially, the server 10 calculates areas within the facility where human movement has stopped for a predetermined time or longer based on the congestion data (congestion map). Specifically, the server 10 extracts areas where the congestion exceeds a predetermined threshold from each of the multiple congestion maps sent by the server 30. Figure 8 As shown, there is a congestion map showing an area where the congestion exceeds a threshold value. This area represents a location where the movement of people has been continuously stopped for multiple sampling periods.

[0091] The server 10 compares the stop locations extracted from the congestion maps and detects stop locations that match between at least two or more of the predetermined number of congestion maps. The server 10 determines that the detected stop locations are locations where the person's movement is continuously stopped on a regular basis. Therefore, the server 10 calculates the detected stop locations as areas where the person's movement is continuously stopped.

[0092] Next, the server 10 calculates areas within the facility where the movement of the mobile robot 50 has been continuously stopped for a predetermined period of time or longer based on the movement data (movement map) of the mobile robot 50. The server 10 then calculates the areas where a person or the mobile robot 50 has been continuously stopped as non-recommended locations where sensor installation is not recommended.

[0093] In this modification, the movement trajectory of radio wave obstacles (people and mobile robots) moving within the facility is also taken into consideration to determine the installation position of the sensor suitable for wireless communication. Therefore, in this modification, the same effect as the above-mentioned embodiment can be obtained.

[0094] Furthermore, in the above-described embodiment and modified examples, commercial facilities are exemplified as facilities where sensors are installed. However, the installation location recommendation method and installation location recommendation system of the present invention can also be applied to other facilities such as offices and public facilities.

[0095] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, humans and mobile robots are exemplified as radio wave obstructions that can move within a facility. However, mobile radio wave obstructions are not limited to these. Furthermore, in facilities where only humans are present as radio wave obstructions, non-recommended sensor locations can be calculated based on human movement data or congestion data. In facilities where only mobile robots are present as radio wave obstructions, non-recommended sensor locations can be calculated based on the movement data of the mobile robots.

[0096] It should be understood that the embodiments disclosed herein are illustrative in all respects and are not restrictive. The technical scope of the present invention is not indicated by the description of the embodiments described above, but by the claims, and is intended to include all modifications within the meaning and scope equivalent to the claims.

[0097] Description of labels

[0098] 10, 20, 30: server; 11, 21, 31: processor; 12, 22, 32: ROM; 13, 23, 33: RAM; 14, 24, 34: HDD; 15, 25, 35: communication IF; 16: display; 17, 26, 36: data bus; 40, 52, 60, 72: wireless communication device; 50: mobile robot; 62: camera; 70: shopping cart; 80: person; 100: setting location recommendation system; 200: setting location recommendation system; 210: sensor; 220: gateway; 230: management server; 240: air conditioning equipment; AR1: area; M1~M3: markers; L1: line; NW: communication network.

Claims

1. A method for recommending an installation location of a sensor to be installed in a facility, wherein: The sensor is configured to communicate wirelessly with the server via a communication network. The method for setting a location recommendation has the following steps: acquiring data indicating a movement trajectory of a radio wave obstruction moving within the facility; Calculating the stopping position of the radio wave obstacle within the facility by a computer based on the data; Based on the calculated stop position of the radio wave obstacle, a non-recommended installation position that is not recommended as the installation position of the sensor is calculated by the computer, wherein the step of calculating the non-recommended installation position includes the following steps: calculating the non-recommended installation position so as to include the stop position of the radio wave obstacle; and The computer calculates the recommended installation position of the sensor in such a manner as to exclude the non-recommended installation position.

2. The method for recommending a setting location according to claim 1, wherein: The radio wave obstruction includes people using the facility. The step of obtaining data indicating the movement trajectory of the radio wave obstacle includes the following steps: obtaining movement line data of the person in the facility, The step of calculating the stopping position of the radio wave obstacle includes the following steps: calculating the stopping position of the person according to the movement line data.

3. The method for recommending a setting location according to claim 1, wherein: The radio wave obstruction includes people using the facility. The step of obtaining data indicating the movement trajectory of the radio wave obstacle includes the following steps: obtaining congestion data indicating the congestion level in the facility; The step of calculating the stopping position of the radio wave obstacle includes the following steps: calculating the stopping position of the person based on the congestion degree data.

4. The method for recommending a setting location according to claim 1, wherein: The radio wave obstacle includes a mobile robot moving within the facility, The step of obtaining data indicating the movement trajectory of the radio wave obstacle includes the following steps: obtaining movement data of the mobile robot within the facility, The step of calculating the stopping position of the radio wave obstacle includes the following steps: calculating the stopping position of the mobile robot based on the movement data.

5. The method for recommending a setting location according to claim 1, wherein: The sensors include sensors for measuring the air environment in the facility.

6. A system for recommending installation locations of sensors to be installed in a facility, wherein: The sensor is configured to communicate wirelessly with the management server via a communication network. The setting location recommendation system has: processor; and a memory storing a program executed by the processor, The processor obtains data indicating a movement trajectory of a radio wave obstacle moving within the facility in accordance with the program, calculates a stopping position of the radio wave obstacle within the facility based on the obtained data, calculates a non-recommended setting position that is not recommended as a setting position for the sensor based on the calculated stopping position of the radio wave obstacle, and calculates a recommended setting position for the sensor by excluding the non-recommended setting position, wherein the processor calculates the non-recommended setting position by including the stopping position of the radio wave obstacle.

7. The installation location recommendation system according to claim 6, wherein: The radio wave obstruction includes people using the facility. The processor obtains movement line data of the person in the facility, calculates a stopping position of the person based on the obtained movement line data, and calculates the non-recommended installation position based on the calculated stopping position of the person.

8. The installation location recommendation system according to claim 6, wherein: The radio wave obstruction includes people using the facility. The processor acquires congestion level data indicating a degree of congestion in the facility, calculates a stopping position of the person based on the acquired congestion level data, and calculates the non-recommended installation position based on the calculated stopping position of the person.

9. The installation location recommendation system according to claim 6, wherein: The radio wave obstacle includes a mobile robot moving within the facility, The processor obtains movement data of the mobile robot in the facility, calculates a stop position of the mobile robot based on the obtained movement data, and calculates the non-recommended installation position based on the calculated stop position of the mobile robot.

10. The installation location recommendation system according to claim 6, wherein: The sensors include sensors for measuring the air environment in the facility.

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