Simulation method and simulation device

Abstract

To provide a simulation method and simulation device, which enable appropriate simulation of a commercial establishment using service robots.SOLUTION: A simulation device 10 provided herein is configured to output predicted profits Pe of a commercial establishment reflecting a result of an operating simulation involving operating virtual robots R on an establishment layout set by a user, and can display the state of the operating simulation on a display device 90.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a simulation method and a simulation device, and more particularly to a simulation method and a simulation device for simulating a commercial facility that uses a service robot. [Background technology]

[0002] The objective of Patent Document 1 is to provide a method for executing a house design simulation, a recording medium, and a house design device that can reduce sales costs by reducing personnel expenses for sales staff and maintenance expenses for sales offices (

[0005] , Abstract). To achieve this objective, in Patent Document 1 (Abstract and Figure 1), a computer 4 is provided with not only a CPU 4E capable of executing and processing house design simulations, etc., but also an external memory 4D that stores a CD-ROM or the like. Simulation software 2 capable of simulating house design is recorded on the CD-ROM or the like. The simulation software 2 includes a software portion having a procedure for inputting information required for simulating house design, and drawing software that can draw accurate floor plans and front views of a house. A keyboard 4B and a mouse 4C are connected to the computer 4 as well as a display 4A.

[0003] Patent Documents 2 and 3 also disclose configurations that allow simulation of house design or layout design. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] JP 2000-235587 A [Patent Document 2] JP 2004-185054 A [Patent Document 3] JP 2006-331288 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] As described above, Patent Documents 1 to 3 disclose configurations capable of simulating house design or layout design. Meanwhile, with the advancement of robot technology, the introduction of service robots in various commercial facilities is being considered. However, Patent Documents 1 to 3 do not consider the simulation of commercial facilities using service robots.

[0006] The present invention has been made in consideration of the above-mentioned problems, and has an object to provide a simulation method and a simulation device that can suitably simulate a commercial facility that uses service robots. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] The simulation method according to the present invention comprises the steps of: A simulation method for simulating a commercial facility that uses a service robot, comprising the steps of: a management condition input step of receiving, via an input device, input of management conditions including sales conditions and expenditure conditions of the commercial facility; a layout setting step of receiving a facility layout setting via the input device; a robot condition selection step of accepting a selection of specifications and the number of virtual robots via the input device; an operation simulation step in which a computing device executes an operation simulation for operating the virtual robot in the facility layout; a predicted profit calculation step in which the arithmetic device calculates a predicted profit of the commercial facility based on the sales conditions, the expenditure conditions, the facility layout, the specifications and number of the virtual robots, and the results of the operation simulation; an output step of outputting the predicted profit to an output device; The present invention is characterized by comprising:

[0008] According to the present invention, a predicted profit of a commercial facility reflecting the results of an operation simulation in which a virtual robot is operated in a set facility layout is output. This allows a user to decide whether or not to adopt a commercial facility or a robot based on the predicted profit reflecting the results of the operation simulation. Therefore, it is possible to appropriately simulate a commercial facility that uses a service robot from the perspectives of operation and management.

[0009] In the operation simulation step, the state of the operation simulation may be displayed on a display device included in the output device. This allows a user to visually confirm the operation of the virtual robot. Therefore, it is possible to suitably simulate the operation of a commercial facility that uses a service robot.

[0010] When the display device is a head-mounted display, the motion simulation step may display the motion simulation on the head-mounted display as virtual reality, thereby enabling a user to recognize the motion of a virtual robot with a sense of realism.

[0011] In the motion simulation step, in addition to the virtual robot, one or both of a virtual customer and a virtual store clerk may be moved, thereby making it possible to perform a more realistic motion simulation.

[0012] If the commercial facility is a restaurant, the virtual robot may be a floor robot that serves food, clears dishes, guides customers to seats, takes orders, or operates the cash register. This makes it easier to determine whether to use a floor robot or a restaurant that uses a floor robot for serving food, clearing dishes, guides customers to seats, takes orders, or operates the cash register.

[0013] The predicted profit calculation step may calculate the customer turnover frequency of the restaurant based on the results of the operation simulation. The predicted profit calculation step may calculate the predicted profit based on the sales conditions, the expenditure conditions, the store layout, the specifications and number of the virtual robots, and the customer turnover frequency. This makes it possible to determine whether to adopt a restaurant or a floor robot based on the predicted profit that reflects the change in customer turnover frequency due to the introduction of a floor robot.

[0014] The sales conditions may include a customer unit price. In the layout setting step, the number and positions of seats may be selected in response to a user's operational input. Furthermore, in the predicted profit calculation step, predicted sales of the restaurant may be calculated using the customer unit price, the number of seats, and the customer turnover frequency. This makes it possible to determine whether or not to adopt a restaurant or a floor robot based on predicted sales (and predicted profits) that reflect changes in the number of seats or facility layout due to the introduction of a floor robot.

[0015] The management condition input step may accept input of management conditions including sales conditions and expenditure conditions of the commercial facility for both a case where the virtual robot is used and a case where the virtual robot is not used. The sales conditions for a case where the virtual robot is not used may include the frequency of customer turnover. Furthermore, the predicted profit calculation step may calculate the predicted profit based on the sales conditions, the expenditure conditions, and the results of the operation simulation for a case where the virtual robot is used. Furthermore, the predicted profit calculation step may calculate the profit based on the sales and expenditure of the store for a case where the virtual robot is not used.

[0016] This makes it possible to decide whether or not to adopt a restaurant or floor robot based on predicted sales (and predicted profits) that reflect the change in customer turnover frequency that accompanies the introduction of the robot.

[0017] The simulation device according to the present invention is for simulating a commercial facility that uses a service robot, an input device that receives input of management conditions including sales conditions and expenditure conditions of the commercial facility, settings of the facility layout, and selection of specifications and the number of virtual robots from a user; an operation simulation execution unit that performs an operation simulation of operating the virtual robot in the facility layout; a predicted profit calculation unit that calculates a predicted profit of the commercial facility based on the sales condition, the expenditure condition, and the result of the operation simulation; an output device for outputting the predicted profit to the user; The present invention is characterized by comprising:

[0018] A simulation method according to the present invention is a method for simulating a commercial facility that uses a service robot, comprising the steps of: a layout setting step of accepting a setting of a facility layout; A robot condition selection step of accepting selection of specifications and the number of virtual robots; a motion simulation step of performing a motion simulation of operating the virtual robot in the facility layout; Equipped with In the operation simulation step, the state of the operation simulation is displayed on a display device. It is characterized by:

[0019] According to the present invention, a simulation of the operation of a virtual robot and virtual customers in a set facility layout is displayed on a display device. This allows a user to visually confirm the operation of the virtual robot. Therefore, it is possible to appropriately simulate the operation of a commercial facility that uses a service robot.

[0020] The simulation device according to the present invention is for simulating a commercial facility that uses a service robot, an input device that receives settings for a facility layout and selection of specifications and the number of virtual robots from a user; an operation simulation execution unit that performs an operation simulation of operating the virtual robot in the facility layout; a display device for displaying the state of the operation simulation; The present invention is characterized by comprising: Effect of the Invention

[0021] According to the present invention, it is possible to suitably simulate a commercial facility that uses service robots. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0022] [Figure 1] 1 is a schematic configuration diagram of a simulation device according to an embodiment of the present invention; [Diagram 2] FIG. 4 is a diagram showing screen transitions in the simulation device of the embodiment. [Diagram 3] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of a conventional management condition input screen in the embodiment. [Figure 4] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of a new management condition input screen in the embodiment. [Diagram 5] FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of a layout setting screen in the embodiment. [Figure 6] FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of a robot condition input screen in the embodiment. [Figure 7] FIG. 11 is a diagram showing an example of a store / customer condition input screen in the embodiment. [Figure 8] FIG. 4 is a diagram showing a first example of an operation simulation execution screen according to the embodiment. [Figure 9] FIG. 11 is a diagram showing a second example of an operation simulation execution screen according to the embodiment. [Figure 10] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of a management index output screen of the embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0023] A. One Embodiment <A-1. Configuration of This Embodiment> [A-1-1. Overall Configuration] FIG. 1 is a schematic configuration diagram of a simulation device 10 according to an embodiment of the present invention. The simulation device 10 executes a simulation regarding a restaurant (commercial facility) that uses service robots. In the present embodiment, the simulation executed by the simulation device 10 includes an operation simulation that simulates the management indicators of the restaurant and an operation simulation that simulates the operations of each operating entity in the restaurant. Further, the service robot is a floor robot that performs food service, clearing the table, seat guidance, order reception, or cash register handling.

[0024] As shown in FIG. 1, as a hardware configuration, the simulation device 10 includes a personal computer 12 (hereinafter also referred to as "PC12") having an input device 20, a computer main body 22, and an output device 24. The input device 20 receives an operation input from the user. The computer main body 22 is the execution entity of the simulation (operation simulation and operation simulation). The output device 24 outputs the result of the operation simulation and the state of the operation simulation.

[0025] [A-1-2. Input Device 20] The input device 20 receives an operation input from the user and includes, for example, a keyboard and a mouse. The input device 20 receives an input of management conditions Cm including the sales conditions Cs and expenditure conditions Co of the restaurant from the user. Further, the input device 20 receives a setting (or selection) of the layout L of the restaurant (hereinafter also referred to as "restaurant layout L") from the user. In the setting of the layout L, the number of seats Ns (hereinafter referred to as "number of seats Ns") and the position Ps are selected according to the user's operation input to the input device 20. Furthermore, the input device 20 receives a selection of the specifications and number of robots from the user.

[0026] [A-1-3. Computer Main Body 22] (A-1-3-1. Overview of computer main unit 22) As described above, the computer main body 22 is the entity that executes the simulation (the business simulation and the operation simulation). The computer main body 22 has an arithmetic unit 30 and a storage unit 32.

[0027] (A-1-3-2. Arithmetic unit 30) The arithmetic device 30 includes a central processing unit (CPU) and performs various calculations by executing programs stored in the storage device 32. As shown in Fig. 1, the arithmetic device 30 has a management condition setting unit 50, an operation simulation condition setting unit 52, an operation simulation execution unit 54, and a management index calculation unit 56. Each of these units is a functional unit realized by executing the program in the storage device 32.

[0028] The management condition setting unit 50 sets the management conditions Cm used in the management simulation. The management conditions Cm include sales conditions Cs and expenditure conditions Co. Details of the management conditions Cm will be described later with reference to FIG.

[0029] The operation simulation condition setting unit 52 sets operation simulation conditions Cms as conditions for performing an operation simulation. The operation simulation conditions Cms include a store layout L, a robot condition Cr, a store condition Csh, and a customer condition Cg. Details of the operation simulation conditions Cms will be described later with reference to Figs. 5, 6, and 7.

[0030] The operation simulation execution unit 54 executes an operation simulation in a restaurant (commercial facility). In the operation simulation, a virtual robot R, a virtual store clerk Cl, and a virtual customer G are operated in a store layout L. As described above, the virtual robot R is a floor robot that serves food, clears dishes, guides customers to seats, takes orders, and operates the cash register.

[0031] The management index calculation unit 56 calculates the management index Im based on the management conditions Cm, the operation simulation conditions Cms, and the results of the operation simulation. The management index Im includes a predicted profit Pe. The management index calculation unit 56 includes a customer replacement frequency calculation unit 60 and a predicted profit calculation unit 62.

[0032] The customer turnover frequency calculation unit 60 calculates the customer turnover frequency F in the restaurant based on the results of the operation simulation. The predicted profit calculation unit 62 calculates the predicted profit Pe based on the management conditions Cm, the operation simulation conditions Cms, and the results of the operation simulation. Specific methods for calculating the customer turnover frequency F and the predicted profit Pe will be described later.

[0033] (A-1-3-3. Storage device 32) The storage device 32 stores various files (programs and data) used by the arithmetic device 30, and includes a random access memory (hereinafter referred to as "RAM"). As the RAM, a volatile memory such as a register, or a non-volatile memory such as a hard disk drive or a flash memory can be used. The storage device 32 may also include a read-only memory (ROM) in addition to the RAM.

[0034] 1, the storage device 32 has an equipment database 80 (hereinafter referred to as "equipment DB 80"), a robot database 82 (hereinafter referred to as "robot DB 82"), a virtual customer database 84 (hereinafter referred to as "customer DB 84"), and a virtual store clerk database 86 (hereinafter referred to as "store clerk DB 86"). The equipment DB 80 accumulates data (hereinafter also referred to as "equipment data") on general equipment used in restaurants (in other words, equipment that can be used even without a robot). General equipment includes, for example, tables and chairs.

[0035] Robot DB82 stores various types of data related to robots (hereinafter also referred to as "robot data"). Robot data includes, for example, the usage, manufacturer, model, unit price, and maintenance cost of the robot. Customer DB84 stores various types of data related to the virtual customer G used in the operation simulation (hereinafter also referred to as "virtual customer data"). Virtual customer data includes, for example, the behavior pattern of the virtual customer G. Virtual store clerk DB86 stores various types of data related to the virtual store clerk Cl used in the operation simulation (hereinafter also referred to as "virtual store clerk data"). Virtual store clerk data includes, for example, the behavior pattern of the virtual store clerk Cl.

[0036] [A-1-4.Output device 24] Output device 24 outputs the results of the management simulation and the state of the operation simulation. The results of the management simulation include the predicted profit Pe. Output device 24 includes, for example, display device 90. Also, display device 90 includes, for example, a general display and a head-mounted display (HMD). The display device 90 as an HMD displays the state of the operation simulation as virtual reality.

[0037] <A-2.Control in this embodiment> [A-2-1.Overview] As described above, the simulation device 10 of this embodiment executes a simulation related to a restaurant (commercial facility) that uses service robots. Also, the simulation executed by the simulation device 10 includes a management simulation that simulates the management indicators of the restaurant and an operation simulation that simulates the operations of each operating entity in the restaurant.

[0038] [A-2-2.Various screens] (A-2-2-1.Screen transition) Fig. 2 is a diagram showing screen transitions in the simulation device 10 of this embodiment. As shown in Fig. 2, this embodiment has a start screen 110, a conventional management condition input screen 112, a new management condition input screen 114, an operation simulation condition input screen 116, an operation simulation execution screen 118, and a management index output screen 120. The operation simulation condition input screen 116 of this embodiment has a layout setting screen 130, a robot condition input screen 132, and a store / customer condition input screen 134.

[0039] (A-2-2-2. Start screen 110) The start screen 110 displays the title of the simulation, the name of the company providing the simulation device 10, and the like.

[0040] (A-2-2-3. Conventional business condition input screen 112) 3 is a diagram showing an example of a conventional management condition input screen 112 (hereinafter also referred to as "input screen 112") in this embodiment. The input screen 112 is a screen for inputting conventional (in other words, when a robot is not used) management conditions Cm. As shown in FIG. 3, the input screen 112 has a sales condition input field 200, an expenditure condition input field 202, a profit display field 204, an input completion button 206, and a cancel button 208.

[0041] The sales input field 200 is a field for inputting and displaying conventional sales-related conditions (sales conditions Cs). The sales conditions Cs include the number of seats Ns, customer replacement frequency F, customer unit price Pu, and number of business days Nsd. The sales input field 200 also displays sales S based on the number of seats Ns, customer replacement frequency F, customer unit price Pu, and number of business days Nsd. Sales S is calculated based on the following formula (1): S = Ns × F × Pu × Nsd (1)

[0042] In this embodiment, the customer unit price Pu is the unit price per customer. Alternatively, the unit price Pu may be the unit price per group of customers. In this case, the number of seats Ns needs to be defined as the number of tables.

[0043] The expenditure condition input field 202 is a field for inputting and displaying conventional expenditure-related conditions (expenditure conditions Co). Expenditure conditions Co include food cost Pf, labor costs Pe, rent Prp, utility expenses Pu, and other Po. When a numerical value is entered into the food cost rate Rf included in the food cost Pf item, sales S × food cost rate Rf × 0.01 is displayed in the subtotal STf of the food cost Pf. Alternatively, a numerical value may be entered directly into the subtotal STf of the food cost Pf.

[0044] When you enter values ​​for the number of regular employees Nfe, regular employee labor cost Pef, number of part-time employees Nal, and part-time employee labor cost Pp, which are included in the labor cost Pe item, the number of regular employees Nfe x regular employee labor cost Pef + number of part-time employees Np x part-time employee labor cost Pp will be displayed in the subtotal STe of labor cost Pe. Alternatively, you can enter values ​​directly in the subtotal STe of labor cost EP.

[0045] When you enter values ​​for the store area Ash and the area unit price Pua included in the rent Prp item, the store area Ash x area unit price Pua will be displayed in the rent Prp subtotal STrp. Alternatively, you can enter values ​​directly into the rent Prp subtotal STrp.

[0046] In the expenditure input field 202, expenditure O is displayed based on food cost Pf, labor cost Pe, rent Prp, utility cost Pu, and other Po. Expenditure O is calculated based on the following formula (2): O = Pf + Pe + Prp + Pu + Po (2)

[0047] In the profit display field 204, the difference between sales S and expenditure O is displayed as profit P. Conventionally, it is assumed that the management conditions Cm (sales conditions Cs and expenditure conditions Co) input on the management conditions input screen 112 are actual values. In other words, the management conditions Cm (sales conditions Cs and expenditure conditions Co) include management indicators Im (sales S and expenditure level O) as actual values.

[0048] The input completion button 206 is a button for ending input on the conventional management condition input screen 112 and for issuing a command to move to the new management condition input screen 114. The stop button 208 is a button for issuing a command to stop the simulation.

[0049] (A-2-2-4. New business condition input screen 114) FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of a new management condition input screen 114 (hereinafter also referred to as "input screen 114") in this embodiment. The input screen 114 is a screen for inputting new (in other words, when a robot is used) management conditions Cm. As shown in FIG. 4, the input screen 114 has a sales condition input field 300, an expenditure condition input field 302, a predicted profit display field 304, a diversion button 306, an input completion button 308, a back button 310, and a cancel button 312.

[0050] The sales condition input field 300, expenditure condition input field 302, and projected profit display field 304 in Fig. 4 basically have the same items as the sales condition input field 200, expenditure condition input field 202, and profit display field 204 in Fig. 3. However, Fig. 3 relates to conventional (in other words, when a robot is not used) management conditions Cm (equivalent to the management index Im as an actual value). In contrast, Fig. 4 relates to new (in other words, when a robot is used) management conditions Cm. Therefore, the two differ in the following points.

[0051] Regarding the sales condition input field 300, the customer change frequency F when a robot is introduced has not been actually measured. Therefore, the customer change frequency F is not generally entered on the new business condition input screen 114 in FIG. 4. However, in order to simply calculate the predicted profit Pe, it may be possible to enter the customer change frequency F. The predicted sales Se in the sales condition input field 300 is calculated in the same way as the sales S (formula (1)) in FIG. 3.

[0052] The expenditure condition input field 302 in Fig. 4 includes items related to the robot in addition to the items in the expenditure condition input field 202 in Fig. 3. That is, robot depreciation cost Pdr and robot maintenance cost Prm. The robot specifications Rs, number of units Nr, etc. are set on the robot condition input screen 132, so they are not generally entered on the new business condition input screen 114.

[0053] However, to simply calculate the predicted profit Pe, the robot depreciation cost Cdr and the robot maintenance cost Crm may be input. In that case, when values ​​are input for the robot unit price UPr, number of robots Nr, and useful life Le included in the robot depreciation cost Cdr item, UPr x Nr / Le / 12 is displayed in the subtotal STcd of the robot depreciation cost Pdr. Alternatively, values ​​may be input directly into the subtotal STcdr of the robot depreciation cost Pdr. The unit price UPr here includes the cost of the robot itself, as well as the system integrator's design cost, auxiliary equipment (charging device, position determination beacon, etc.). Alternatively, the cost of the robot itself may be the unit price UPr, and the design cost and auxiliary equipment may be separate items.

[0054] The forecast expenditure Oe in the expenditure condition input field 302 is calculated as the sum of food cost Pf, labor cost Pe, rent Prp, utility cost Pu, robot depreciation cost Pdr, robot maintenance cost Prm and other cost Po (Oe=Pf+Pe+Prp+Pu+Pdr+Prm+Po).

[0055] 4, as described above, it is assumed that the customer replacement frequency F in the expenditure condition input field 302, and the robot depreciation cost Pdr and robot maintenance cost Prm in the expenditure condition input field 302 are not basically input. Therefore, the predicted profit Pe is not basically displayed in the predicted profit display field 304. However, in order to simply calculate the predicted profit Pe, when the customer replacement frequency F, the robot depreciation cost Pdr, and the robot maintenance cost Prm are input, the predicted profit Pe is displayed in the predicted profit display field 304. The predicted profit Pe is the difference between the predicted sales Se and the predicted expenditure Oe.

[0056] As described above, since it is assumed that the predicted profit display field 304 will not be used basically, the predicted profit display field 304 may be omitted from the new business condition input screen 114. When the predicted profit display field 304 is omitted, the input items for the customer replacement frequency F, the robot depreciation cost Pdr, and the robot maintenance cost Prm may also be omitted from the new business condition input screen 114.

[0057] The reuse button 306 is a button for instructing reuse of the input contents on the conventional management condition input screen 112 (Fig. 3) on the new management condition input screen 114 (Fig. 4). Therefore, when the user presses the reuse button 306, the input contents on the conventional management condition input screen 112 (Fig. 3) are input to the new management condition input screen 114 (Fig. 4). However, since the result of a later operation simulation is reflected in the customer change frequency F, it is not input even if the reuse button 306 is pressed.

[0058] In addition, when the reuse button 306 is pressed and the input contents of the previous management condition input screen 112 (Figure 3) are entered into the new management condition input screen 114 (Figure 4), the numerical values ​​of each item can be modified by the user.

[0059] The input completion button 308 is a button for ending input on the new management condition input screen 114 and for commanding a transition to the operation simulation condition input screen 116 (layout setting screen 130). The back button 310 is a button for commanding a return to the conventional management condition input screen 112. The stop button 312 is a button for commanding a stop of the simulation.

[0060] (A-2-2-5. Layout setting screen 130) FIG. 5 is a diagram showing an example of a layout setting screen 130 (hereinafter also referred to as "setting screen 130") in this embodiment. The setting screen 130 is a screen for setting a store layout L (facility layout) of a restaurant. As shown in FIG. 5, the setting screen 130 has a floor plan and material selection field 500, a layout field 502, an input completion button 504, a back button 506, and a cancel button 508.

[0061] The floor plan and material selection field 500 (hereinafter also referred to as the "selection field 500") is a field for selecting the floor plan Lr of a restaurant (commercial facility) and the material C of the equipment to be used therein. For example, in the case of FIG. 5, a table set including a table and chairs is shown as material C.

[0062] The layout field 502 is a field for arranging the material C selected in the floor plan and material selection field 500. The material C is arranged by a drag-and-drop operation. That is, a specific material C is selected in the selection field 500 by a drag operation, the material C is moved to a desired position while being dragged, and the position is set by a drop operation.

[0063] The store floor plan Lr in the layout field 502 is set when setting the floor plan Lr is selected in the selection field 500. When setting the floor plan Lr, the arithmetic device 30 requests the setting of the placement space for the robot's charging device (or the waiting position of the robot). If the input completion button 504 is pressed without setting the placement space for the charging device (or the waiting position of the robot), the arithmetic device 30 displays an error message.

[0064] Data related to the floor plan and the material C is read from the facility DB 80. As the layout setting screen 130, for example, those described in Patent Documents 1 to 3 can be used (however, for example, excluding processing related to the arrangement space of the charging device).

[0065] The input completion button 504 is a button for ending input on the layout setting screen 130 and instructing a transition to the robot condition input screen 132. The back button 506 is a button for instructing a return to the new business condition input screen 114. The stop button 508 is a button for instructing a stop of the simulation.

[0066] (A-2-2-6. Robot condition input screen 132) 6 is a diagram showing an example of a robot condition input screen 132 (hereinafter also referred to as "input screen 132") in this embodiment. The input screen 132 is a screen for inputting the robot conditions (robot conditions Cr). As shown in FIG. 6, the input screen 132 has a condition input field 600, an input completion button 602, a back button 604, and a cancel button 606.

[0067] The condition input field 600 has, for each type of robot, a use field 610, a manufacturer field 612, a model field 614, a quantity field 616, a unit price field 618, a maintenance cost field 620, an image display field 622, and a details button 624.

[0068] The purpose column 610 is a column for inputting the purpose of the robot. For example, the purpose can be selected as serving food, clearing food, seating, taking orders, or handling the cash register. The manufacturer column 612 is a column for inputting the manufacturer of the robot. The model column 614 is a column for inputting the model of the robot. The number column 616 is a column for inputting the number of robots. The unit price column 618 is a column for displaying or inputting the unit price of the robot. The maintenance cost column 620 is a column for displaying or inputting the maintenance cost of the robot.

[0069] When an entry is made in the use field 610, the manufacturers are narrowed down in the manufacturer field 612, and only manufacturers corresponding to the entered use can be selected. Furthermore, when the manufacturer field 612 and model field 614 are entered, the unit price field 618 and maintenance cost field 620 are automatically filled in. However, the user can modify the contents entered in the unit price field 618 and maintenance cost field 620. When the manufacturer field 612 and model field 614 are entered without specifying a use, the use field 610 is automatically filled in. Note that data related to the robot is read out from the robot DB 82.

[0070] The image display field 622 is a field for displaying an external image of the robot. The detailed specifications button 624 is a button for issuing a command to display a detailed screen (not shown) for displaying details such as the specifications of the robot.

[0071] In addition to the above, the condition input field 600 may be provided with a useful life field for displaying or inputting the useful life of the robot, an initial cost field for displaying or inputting the initial cost of the robot, and the like.

[0072] The input completion button 602 is a button for ending input on the robot condition input screen 132 and instructing a transition to the store / customer condition input screen 134. The back button 604 is a button for instructing a return to the layout setting screen 130. The stop button 606 is a button for instructing a stop of the simulation.

[0073] (A-2-2-7. Store and customer condition input screen 134) FIG. 7 is a diagram showing an example of a store / customer condition input screen 134 (hereinafter also referred to as "input screen 134") in this embodiment. The input screen 134 is a screen for inputting conditions for store S (store conditions Csh) and conditions for virtual customer G (customer conditions Cg). As shown in FIG. 7, the input screen 134 has a condition input field 700, an input completion button 702, a back button 704, and a cancel button 706.

[0074] The condition input field 700 has a store business type field 710, an average number of people per group field 712, and an appearance frequency field 714. The store business type field 710 is a field for inputting the business type of the store S. For example, a family restaurant, an izakaya, etc. can be selected as the business type. The average seating time Tgave per group is set based on the business type. Alternatively, instead of inputting the business type, the average seating time Tgave itself may be input. The average number of people per group field 712 is a field for inputting the average number of people per group Ngave [persons / group]. The appearance frequency field 714 is a field for inputting the appearance frequency Fg as the number of groups of customers G that occur (visit) per reference time. Note that the appearance frequency Fg may be expressed in terms of the number of people instead of the number of groups. When expressed in terms of the number of people, it is also possible to calculate the appearance frequency Fg based on the customer replacement frequency F and the number of seats Ns inputted in the conventional business condition input screen 112.

[0075] The input completion button 702 is a button for ending input on the store / customer condition input screen 134 and instructing a transition to the operation simulation execution screen 118. The back button 704 is a button for instructing a return to the robot condition input screen 132. The stop button 706 is a button for instructing a stop of the simulation.

[0076] (A-2-2-8. Operation simulation execution screen 118) 8 and 9 are diagrams showing a first example and a second example of the operation simulation execution screen 118 of this embodiment. The operation simulation execution screen 118 is a screen for operating a virtual robot R, a virtual customer G, and a virtual store clerk Cl in a store layout L. The operation simulation execution screen 118 of FIG. 8 (hereinafter also referred to as "operation simulation execution screen 118a") displays the operation simulation in two dimensions. On the other hand, the operation simulation execution screen 118 of FIG. 9 (hereinafter also referred to as "operation simulation execution screen 118b") displays the operation simulation in three dimensions. The operation simulation execution screen 118a includes a plurality of virtual robots R, virtual customers G, and virtual store clerk Cl. The operation simulation execution screen 118b includes only one virtual robot R, and does not include a virtual customer G or a virtual store clerk Cl.

[0077] The specifications and number of virtual robots R displayed on the operation simulation execution screen 118 follow the contents set on the robot condition input screen 132 (FIG. 6). Also, the number Ncl of virtual store clerks Cl displayed on the operation simulation execution screen 118 follows the contents set on the new business condition input screen 114 (FIG. 4). Furthermore, the appearance frequency Fg of virtual customers G, the average number of people per group Ngage, and the average seating time Tgave displayed on the operation simulation execution screen 118 follow the contents set on the store / customer condition input screen 134 (FIG. 7). However, it is also possible to fast-forward the operation simulation using a fast-forward button (not shown).

[0078] The movements of the virtual robot R, the virtual customer G, and the virtual store clerk Cl in the movement simulation will be described later.

[0079] In this embodiment, the time Pd from the start reference time Tst to the end reference time Tgl (hereinafter referred to as "measured time Pd") is measured and used to calculate the customer replacement frequency F. The customer replacement frequency F is the frequency at which customers G are replaced. The unit is defined as "person / unit time", but it may also be defined as "group / unit time". A higher frequency F means that more customers G finish their meals in the same period.

[0080] The start reference time Tst may be, for example, the time when the first customer G arrives. Alternatively, the start reference time Tst may be, for example, the time when the first customer G sits down. The end reference time Tgl may be, for example, the time when the Xth time (X is a predetermined natural number) of clearing of the table is completed. Alternatively, the end reference time Tgl may be, for example, the time when the Xth customer G leaves the store. In this embodiment, the customer replacement frequency F is determined as the quotient obtained by dividing the number of customers in the measurement time Pd by the measurement time Pd.

[0081] Alternatively, the measured time Pd (Pd1) when the number of clerks Cl input on the conventional business condition input screen 114 are operated is calculated, and the measured time Pd (Pd2) when the number of clerks Cl and robots R input on the new business condition input screen 116 are operated is calculated. In this case, the store layout L and the appearance frequency Fg of customers G are common. Then, the current replacement frequency F (Fp) may be calculated based on the ratio of the measured times Pd1 and Pd2 and the conventional replacement frequency F (Fc). In that case, for example, the current replacement frequency Fp is calculated as the conventional replacement frequency Fc × (conventional measurement time Pd1 / current measurement time Pd2).

[0082] (A-2-2-9. Management indicator output screen 120) FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of a management index output screen 120 (hereinafter also referred to as the "output screen 120") of this embodiment. The output screen 120 is a screen that outputs or displays a management index Im. The management index Im includes the same contents as the management conditions Cm of FIG. 3 and FIG. 4. The output screen 120 of this embodiment has a conventional index display field 900 and a new index display field 902. The conventional index display field 900 is a field that displays the management conditions Cm entered in the conventional management conditions input screen 112 (FIG. 3) as the management index Im. That is, it includes a sales field 910, an expenditure field 912, and a profit field 914. The new index display field 902 is a field that displays the management conditions Cm entered in the new management conditions input screen 114 (FIG. 4) and the results of the operation simulation. That is, it includes a forecast sales field 920, a forecast expenditure field 922, and a forecast profit field 924.

[0083] A breakdown button 930 is provided near each of the sales column 910, expenditure column 912, forecast sales column 920, and forecast expenditure column 922. When the breakdown button 930 is pressed, details of the corresponding management indicator Im are displayed. For example, when the breakdown button 930 corresponding to the sales column 910 is pressed, the breakdown of the conventional sales S (see FIG. 3) is displayed.

[0084] [A-2-3. Operation in operation simulation] (A-2-3-1. Overview of operation) In the operation simulation of this embodiment, the operating subjects include a virtual robot R, a virtual customer G, a virtual store clerk Cl, and a virtual management device M. The virtual management device M is a component that can actually be configured as a cloud server, a personal computer, etc., but is not displayed on the simulation execution screen 118. In this embodiment, both the virtual robot R and the virtual store clerk Cl operate based on commands from the virtual management device M. Alternatively, the virtual robot R or the virtual store clerk Cl may be programmed to operate autonomously without commands from the virtual management device M.

[0085] (A-2-3-2. When guiding to seats) A virtual customer G appears at the entrance of the store S with an appearance frequency Fg set on the store / customer condition input screen 134. The appearance of a virtual customer G may be controlled by, for example, a customer management object (not shown). When a new virtual customer G appears at the entrance of the store S, the virtual management device M searches for a seat guide robot or a store clerk Cl that does not have a task at that time. Then, a seat guide signal Sint is transmitted to the seat guide robot or the store clerk Cl that does not have a task at that time. The seat guide signal Sint includes the number of the seat (table) to be guided. However, if the seat is full, the virtual management device M stops transmitting the seat guide signal Sint until a seat becomes available. The seat guide robot or the store clerk Cl that receives the seat guide signal Sint moves to the entrance.

[0086] The seat guide robot or store clerk Cl that has reached the entrance transmits a follow-up request signal Sfreq (corresponding to a message in the real world saying "We will show you to your seat") to the customer G. The seat guide robot or store clerk Cl that has received a response signal Sack to the follow-up request signal Sfreq from the customer G moves to the seat specified by the seat guide signal Sint. At that time, the customer G follows the seat guide robot or store clerk Cl.

[0087] When the virtual customer G reaches the seat specified by the seat guide signal Sint, the seat guide robot or the store clerk Cl transmits a seat arrival signal Srch (corresponding to a message in the real world such as "Please take this seat") to the virtual customer G. Upon receiving the seat arrival signal Srch, the virtual customer G stops at the seat (or table) to which the virtual customer G was guided. The seat guide robot or the store clerk Cl inquires of the virtual management device M about a new task, and takes action in accordance with the new task.

[0088] (A-2-3-3. When ordering) After moving to his / her seat, the virtual customer G randomly selects the order contents. Then, after the order consideration time Poc has passed, the virtual customer G calls the virtual robot R as an order reception robot or the virtual store clerk Cl. In this embodiment, on the premise that each table has a call chime, the virtual customer G sends a call signal Scall to the virtual management device M. The order consideration time Poc is set as a fixed value or a random value.

[0089] The virtual management device M, which has received the call signal Scall, selects an order taking robot or a virtual store clerk Cl that does not currently have a task, and transmits an order taking signal Srord. The order taking robot or virtual store clerk Cl that has received the order taking signal Srord moves to the table specified by the order taking signal Srord. The order taking robot or virtual store clerk Cl that has moved to the table receives an order signal Sorf indicating the order contents from the customer G, and transmits the order contents to the virtual management device M.

[0090] Note that the order acceptance may be performed via a tablet terminal placed at each table. In this case, the order contents are transmitted from the virtual customer G to, for example, the virtual management device M. An order acceptance robot is not required.

[0091] (A-2-3-4. When serving food) Upon receiving the order, the virtual control device M produces the food corresponding to the order at a food receiving reference position Prefcat in or near the kitchen after a cooking time set as a fixed or random value. The virtual control device M also selects a food serving robot or virtual staff member Cl that does not currently have a task, and transmits a food serving signal Scat. Upon receiving the food serving signal Scat, the food serving robot or virtual staff member Cl moves to the food receiving reference position Prefcat. The food is then carried to the table specified by the food serving signal Scat.

[0092] Alternatively, the presence of a virtual waiter Cl near the waiter robot may be used as a condition for placing food on the waiter robot. In this case, the virtual management device M transmits a waiter signal Scat to the pair of the waiter robot and the virtual waiter Cl.

[0093] When the food delivery robot or virtual staff Cl moves to the table indicated by the food delivery signal Scat, the food delivery robot moves the food to the table. If the food delivery robot is not capable of moving the food (dishes) by itself but is designed for the virtual staff Cl to move the food (dishes) to the table, the food delivery robot waits until the virtual staff Cl comes to the table. Also, if the food delivery robot is not capable of moving the food (dishes) by itself but is designed for the customer G to move the food (dishes), the food delivery robot moves the food to the table even if the virtual staff Cl does not come to the table. After finishing serving the food, the food delivery robot or virtual staff Cl sends a food delivery completion signal Scatcomp to the virtual management device M. Upon receiving the food delivery completion signal Scatcomp, the virtual management device M commands the food delivery robot or virtual staff Cl to perform a new task.

[0094] (A-2-3-5. When Customer G leaves and pays the bill) After the food has been delivered, virtual customer G moves to the cash register after meal time Peat, which is set as a fixed or random value. After moving to the cash register, virtual customer G sends a billing request signal Spayreq to the virtual management device M. Upon receiving the billing request signal Spayreq, the virtual management device M selects a cash register robot or virtual store clerk Cl that does not currently have a task, and sends a billing command signal Srecreq. The cash register robot or virtual store clerk Cl that has received the billing command signal Srecreq moves to the cash register. The cash register robot or virtual store clerk Cl that has moved to the cash register performs the billing.

[0095] In the simulation, no actual monetary transfer takes place, so the cashier robot or virtual store clerk Cl moves to the cash register and sends a transaction completion signal Spaycomp to customer G. Upon receiving the transaction completion signal Spaycomp, virtual customer G disappears from the screen. The cashier robot or store clerk Cl also queries the virtual management device M about new tasks and takes actions in accordance with the new tasks.

[0096] In addition, when the cash register - corresponding robot is fixed to the cash register, the cash register - corresponding robot only transmits the accounting - completion signal Spaycomp without moving to the cash register.

[0097] (A - 2 - 3 - 6. When clearing the table) The virtual management device M monitors whether the virtual customer G has left the seat using the position coordinates of the virtual customer G. When the virtual customer G has left the seat, the virtual management device M selects a table - clearing robot or the virtual clerk Cl that has no current task and transmits the table - clearing signal Sclrtbl. However, when the only entity without a current task is the virtual clerk Cl, priority is given to cash - register correspondence over table - clearing. The table - clearing robot or the virtual clerk Cl that has received the table - clearing signal Sclrtbl moves to the table to be cleared. Then, it clears the tableware on the table to be cleared.

[0098] When the table - clearing robot is unable to move the tableware by itself and the virtual clerk Cl clears the tableware, the table - clearing robot waits until the virtual clerk Cl comes to the table. The table - clearing robot or the virtual clerk Cl that has cleared the tableware from the table transmits the table - available signal to the virtual management device M and moves to the table - clearing reference position Prefrtn in the kitchen. The virtual management device M that has received the clearing - completion signal determines whether it had stopped transmitting the seat - guidance signal Sint due to a full - seat state. If it had stopped transmitting the seat - guidance signal due to a full - seat state, the virtual management device M transmits a new seat - guidance signal Sint.

[0099] When the table - clearing robot or the virtual clerk Cl reaches the table - clearing reference position Prefrtn, the tableware is made to disappear from the screen. At the moment when the tableware has disappeared, the table - clearing robot or the virtual clerk Cl transmits the table - clearing completion signal to the virtual management device M. The virtual management device M that has received the table - clearing completion signal gives a new task command to the table - clearing robot or the virtual clerk Cl.

[0100] <A - 3. Effects of this embodiment> According to this embodiment, a predicted profit Pe of a restaurant (commercial facility) reflecting the results of an operation simulation of operating a virtual robot R in a set store layout L (facility layout) is output (FIG. 10). This allows a user to decide whether to adopt a restaurant or a robot based on the predicted profit Pe reflecting the results of the operation simulation. This makes it possible to appropriately simulate a restaurant that uses a service robot from the perspectives of operation and management.

[0101] In the operation simulation execution screen 118 (operation simulation step) of this embodiment, the state of the operation simulation is displayed on the display device 90 included in the output device 24 (FIGS. 8 and 9). This allows the user to visually confirm the operation of the virtual robot R. Therefore, it is possible to suitably simulate the operation of a restaurant (commercial facility) that uses a service robot.

[0102] In this embodiment, the display device 90 may be a head mounted display (HMD). The state of the motion simulation is displayed on the HMD as virtual reality. This allows the user to recognize the motions of the virtual robot R and the virtual customer G with a sense of realism.

[0103] In this embodiment, a virtual customer G and a virtual store clerk Cl are operated in addition to the virtual robot R (FIG. 8). This makes it possible to perform a more realistic operation simulation.

[0104] In this embodiment, the virtual robot R is a floor robot that serves food, clears dishes, guides customers to their seats, takes orders, or operates the cash register. This makes it easier to determine whether to use a floor robot or a restaurant that uses a floor robot for serving food, clearing dishes, guides customers to their seats, takes orders, or operates the cash register.

[0105] In the management index output screen 120 (projected profit calculation step) of this embodiment, the customer replacement frequency F of the restaurant is calculated based on the results of the operation simulation. In addition, the projected profit Pe is calculated based on the sales condition Cs, the expenditure condition Co, the store layout L, the specifications and number of virtual robots R, and the customer replacement frequency F (FIG. 10). This makes it possible to determine whether or not to adopt a restaurant or a floor robot based on the projected profit Pe that reflects the change in customer replacement frequency F due to the introduction of the floor robot.

[0106] In this embodiment, the sales condition Cs includes the customer unit price Pu (FIG. 4). Furthermore, on the layout setting screen 130 (layout setting step), the number of seats Ns and their positions Ps are selected in response to user input (FIG. 5). Furthermore, on the management indicator output screen 120 (projected profit calculation step), the customer unit price Pu, the number of seats Ns, and the customer replacement frequency F are used to calculate the restaurant's projected sales Se (FIG. 10). This makes it possible to determine whether or not to adopt a restaurant or a floor robot based on the projected sales Se (and projected profit Pe) that reflects the change in the number of seats Ns or layout L due to the introduction of a floor robot.

[0107] In this embodiment, the conventional management condition input screen 112 and the new management condition input screen 114 (management condition input step) accept input of management conditions Cm including sales conditions Cs and expenditure conditions Co of a restaurant (commercial facility) for both cases where the virtual robot R is used and where the virtual robot R is not used (FIGS. 3 and 4). The sales conditions Cs when the virtual robot R is not used include the customer replacement frequency F (FIG. 3). The management indicator output screen 120 (projected profit calculation step) calculates the projected profit Pe based on the sales conditions Cs, expenditure conditions Co, and the results of the operation simulation when the virtual robot R is used (FIG. 10). When the virtual robot R is not used, the profit P is calculated based on the sales conditions Cs and expenditure conditions Co (FIG. 10). This makes it possible to determine whether or not to adopt a restaurant based on the projected sales Se (and projected profit Pe) that reflects the change in customer replacement frequency F due to the introduction of the robot R.

[0108] B. Modification Example Note that the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and various configurations can be adopted based on the description in this specification. For example, the following configurations can be employed.

[0109] <B-1. Application Target> The simulation system 10 of the above embodiment was applied to a restaurant (FIGS. 3, 4, 5, etc.). However, for example, from the perspective of simulating a commercial facility that uses service robots, it is not limited to this. For example, the present invention can also be applied to commercial facilities such as retail stores, commercial buildings, and outlet facilities. For example, when applying the present invention to a commercial building or an outlet facility, it is possible to apply the present invention not only to a single store but also to a commercial facility composed of a collection of multiple stores.

[0110] The service robot of the above embodiment was a floor robot in a restaurant (a robot for food delivery, clearing the table, guiding customers to their seats, receiving orders, or handling the cash register). However, for example, from the perspective of simulating a commercial facility that uses service robots, it is not limited to this. For example, the service robot may be a cleaning robot, a path guiding robot, or the like.

[0111] In the simulation device 10 of the above embodiment, a simulation was performed on a service robot (FIG. 2, etc.). However, for example, from the perspective of using a combination of operation simulation and management simulation, it is not limited to this. For example, the present invention can also be applied to the simulation of a work robot that performs operations such as assembly in a factory.

[0112] <B-2. Configuration> [B-2-1. Overall Configuration] In the above embodiment, the simulation device 10 was configured as a single PC 12 (FIG. 1). However, for example, from the perspective of simulating a commercial facility that uses service robots, it is not limited to this. For example, it is also possible to provide a part of the functions of the arithmetic device 30 in the above embodiment in a cloud server.

[0113] [B-2-2. Input Device 20] The input device 20 in the above embodiment assumed a mouse or a keyboard (FIG. 1). However, for example, from the perspective of inputting the management condition Cm or the operation simulation condition Cms, it is not limited to this. For example, in addition to or instead of a mouse or a keyboard, it is also possible to use a microphone (voice input).

[0114] [B-3. Control] [B-3-1. Screen Transition] In the above embodiment, the screen was transitioned in the order shown in FIG. 2. However, for example, from the perspective of using a combination of operation simulation and management simulation, it is not limited to this. For example, it is also possible to configure such that the execution of the operation simulation is essential and the management simulation is executed optionally.

[0115] In the above embodiment, the conventional management condition input screen 112, the new management condition input screen 114, and the management index output screen 120 were provided separately (FIG. 2). However, for example, from the perspective of reflecting the result of the operation simulation in the management index Im, it is not limited to this. For example, a screen such as the management index output screen 120 may be used as the initial screen, and an operation simulation execution button may be arranged therein. In that case, when the simulation execution button is pressed, the operation simulation condition input screen 116 (FIGS. 2, 5 to 7) is displayed. After the operation simulation condition Cms is input on the input screen 116, the process proceeds to the operation simulation execution screen 118 (FIGS. 8 and 9), and after the execution of the operation simulation, it is also possible to return to the initial screen.

[0116] [B-3-2. Management Simulation] In the above embodiment, it is possible to compare the case without a robot (conventional) with the case with a robot (new) (FIG. 10). However, for example, if one focuses on the point that the business simulation and the operation simulation are combined in the case with a robot, it is also possible to configure it so that the case without a robot (conventional) is not input and displayed. Alternatively, it is also possible to configure it so that one can select a mode in which the case without a robot (conventional) is compared with the case with a robot (new) and a mode in which the business simulation is performed only with a robot (new).

[0117] In the above embodiment, the change in customer replacement frequency F due to the introduction of the robot is reflected in the management index Im (FIG. 10). However, from the viewpoint of using the customer replacement frequency F in the management simulation, for example, this is not limited to this. For example, it is also possible to perform a management simulation to calculate the number of robots Nr required to achieve a customer replacement frequency F equal to or greater than the conventional case (without robots). Alternatively, it is also possible to perform a management simulation to calculate the number of robots Nr required to achieve the customer replacement frequency F set by the user.

[0118] [B-3-3. Operation Simulation] In the operation simulation of the above embodiment, two-dimensional display or three-dimensional display (including VR) is possible (FIGS. 8 and 9). However, from the viewpoint of displaying the state of the operation simulation, for example, this is not limited to this. For example, it is also possible to display the state of the operation simulation using augmented reality (AR) or mixed reality (MR).

[0119] In the above embodiment, the state of the operation simulation is displayed (FIGS. 8 and 9). However, from the viewpoint of, for example, reflecting the results of the operation simulation in the management index Im, this is not limited to this. For example, it is also possible to display the management index output screen 120 without displaying the state of the operation simulation. Alternatively, the state of the operation simulation may not be displayed during the management simulation, but may be made displayable at another timing. In particular, when the state of the operation simulation is displayed in VR, it is expected that image processing may take time. In such a case, the display of the operation simulation may be separated from the management simulation, allowing the management simulation to be performed smoothly.

[0120] In the above embodiment, the motion simulation is used in combination with a business simulation (FIG. 2). However, from the viewpoint of displaying the state of the motion simulation in a commercial facility using a service robot, for example, this is not limited to this. For example, it is also possible to perform the motion simulation without the business simulation.

[0121] In the layout setting screen 130 (FIG. 5) of the above embodiment, the materials C are arranged by drag-and-drop operations. However, from the viewpoint of setting a store layout L (facility layout), for example, this is not limited to this. For example, it is possible to prepare a plurality of store layout L patterns in advance and select and use one of them. In that case, each layout pattern is displayed, and a specific layout pattern is selected by a click operation or the like.

[0122] Alternatively, if CAD data relating to the store layout L exists, the store layout L can be set by having the simulation device 10 read the CAD data.

[0123] In the above embodiment, the store layout L, the robot conditions Cr, the store conditions Cs, and the customer conditions Cg are input on the operation simulation condition input screen 116 (FIGS. 2, 5 to 7). However, from the viewpoint of setting the conditions for the operation simulation, for example, this is not limiting.

[0124] For example, the conditions of the virtual clerk Cl may be input on the operation simulation condition input screen 116. As the conditions of the virtual clerk Cl, for example, the attributes of the virtual clerk Cl (veteran, mid-career, young, etc.) may be used. Alternatively, instead of directly inputting the customer conditions Cg, information corresponding to the customer conditions Cg may be obtained from the location of the store S and used.

[0125] In the above embodiment, the setting of the store layout L and the setting of the robot conditions Cr are performed on separate screens (FIGS. 5 and 6). However, from the viewpoint of setting the store layout L and the robot conditions Cr, for example, this is not limited to this. For example, the robot conditions Cr may be input on the layout setting screen 130 by including the robot R in the materials C selectable in the floor plan and material selection field 500 of the layout setting screen 130.

[0126] In the above embodiment, the virtual robot R, virtual customer G, and virtual store clerk Cl are used as the moving subjects (FIG. 8). However, from the viewpoint of simulating efficient movement of a robot in a commercial facility, for example, this is not limited to this. For example, it is possible to omit one or both of the virtual customer G and the virtual store clerk Cl. For example, in the case of a tray-clearing robot, it is also possible to simulate an efficient route by generating meals at each table at a predetermined timing without generating the virtual customer G and the virtual store clerk Cl.

[0127] In the operation simulation of the above embodiment, the virtual management device M controls the virtual robot R and the virtual store clerk Cl, but each of them may operate more autonomously. [Explanation of symbols]

[0128] 10...Simulation device 20...Input device 24...output device 30...arithmetic unit 90...Display device Cl...Virtual store clerk Cm: Business conditions Co: Expenditure conditions Cs: Sales conditions Fg: Customer replacement frequency G…Virtual customer L…Store layout (facility layout) Pe…Predicted profit R: Virtual robot S: Store (commercial facility)

Claims

1. A simulation method for simulating a commercial facility that uses a service robot, comprising the steps of: a management condition input step of receiving, via an input device, input of management conditions including sales conditions and expenditure conditions of the commercial facility; a layout setting step of receiving a facility layout setting via the input device; a robot condition selection step of accepting a selection of specifications and the number of virtual robots via the input device; an operation simulation step in which a computing device executes an operation simulation for operating the virtual robot in the facility layout; a predicted profit calculation step in which the arithmetic device calculates a predicted profit of the commercial facility based on the sales conditions, the expenditure conditions, the facility layout, the specifications and number of the virtual robots, and the results of the operation simulation; an output step of outputting the predicted profit to an output device; A simulation method comprising:

2. 2. The simulation method according to claim 1, In the operation simulation step, the state of the operation simulation is displayed on a display device included in the output device. A simulation method comprising:

3. 3. The simulation method according to claim 2, the display device is a head mounted display, In the operation simulation step, the state of the operation simulation is displayed on the head mounted display as virtual reality. A simulation method comprising:

4. The simulation method according to any one of claims 1 to 3, In the motion simulation step, in addition to the virtual robot, one or both of a virtual customer and a virtual store clerk are caused to move. A simulation method comprising:

5. The simulation method according to any one of claims 1 to 4, The commercial facility is a restaurant, The virtual robot is a floor robot that serves food, clears dishes, guides customers to their seats, takes orders, or operates the cash register. A simulation method comprising:

6. 6. The simulation method according to claim 5, In the predicted profit calculation step, Calculating a customer turnover frequency of the restaurant based on the results of the operation simulation; The predicted profit is calculated based on the sales conditions, the expenditure conditions, the store layout, the specifications and number of the virtual robots, and the customer replacement frequency. A simulation method comprising:

7. 7. The simulation method according to claim 6, The sales terms include a customer unit price, In the layout setting step, the number and positions of seats are selected in response to an operation input by a user; In the predicted profit calculation step, a predicted sales amount of the restaurant is calculated using the customer unit price, the number of seats, and the customer turnover frequency. A simulation method comprising:

8. 8. The simulation method according to claim 6, In the management condition input step, input of management conditions including sales conditions and expenditure conditions of the commercial facility is accepted for each of a case where the virtual robot is used and a case where the virtual robot is not used, and input of management conditions including sales conditions and expenditure conditions of the commercial facility is accepted for each of a case where the virtual robot is used and a case where the virtual robot is not used, the sales condition when the virtual robot is not used includes the customer replacement frequency, In the predicted profit calculation step, Calculating the predicted profit based on the sales conditions, the expenditure conditions, and the results of the operation simulation for the case where the virtual robot is used; Calculate profits based on sales and expenses of the commercial facility without using the virtual robot A simulation method comprising:

9. A simulation device for simulating a commercial facility using a service robot, comprising: an input device that receives input of management conditions including sales conditions and expenditure conditions of the commercial facility, settings of the facility layout, and selection of specifications and the number of virtual robots from a user; an operation simulation execution unit that performs an operation simulation of operating the virtual robot in the facility layout; a predicted profit calculation unit that calculates a predicted profit of the commercial facility based on the sales condition, the expenditure condition, and the result of the operation simulation; an output device for outputting the predicted profit to the user; A simulation device comprising:

10. A simulation method for simulating a commercial facility that uses a service robot, comprising the steps of: a layout setting step of accepting a setting of a facility layout; A robot condition selection step of accepting selection of specifications and the number of virtual robots; a motion simulation step of performing a motion simulation of operating the virtual robot in the facility layout; Equipped with In the operation simulation step, the state of the operation simulation is displayed on a display device. A simulation method comprising:

11. A simulation device for simulating a commercial facility using a service robot, comprising: an input device that receives settings for a facility layout and selection of specifications and the number of virtual robots from a user; an operation simulation execution unit that performs an operation simulation of operating the virtual robot in the facility layout; a display device for displaying the state of the operation simulation; A simulation device comprising:

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