Office sound environment evaluation system, method for evaluating sound environment and program for executing method for evaluating sound environment

Abstract

To provide an office sound environment evaluation device capable of designing an open-plan office with ease.SOLUTION: An office sound environment evaluation device comprises an input unit, a storage unit, a control unit, and an output unit. The input unit receives input of a shape of a room to be evaluated, a plurality of areas to be located in the room, use purposes of the plurality of areas, and positions of the plurality of areas. The storage unit stores an evaluation of impacts related to sound for a combination of each area and use purpose, and an evaluation of impacts related to sound of a distance between the areas. The control unit calculates a distance between the plurality of areas that have been input, determines a combination of the areas, and performs a sound environment evaluation based on the distance between the combinations of the areas and the impact related to the sound of the combinations of the areas.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an office sound environment evaluation system and a design method in an office with an improved overall view of the office by partitioning with low partitions. The office referred to in the present invention is an area for so-called office work and meetings, and is an area where a large number of employees perform various tasks in the same time zone. Offices can be divided into two types: open-plan offices and closed offices, depending on the way they are partitioned by walls or partitions.

[0002] A closed office is a type of office that divides the office with walls or high partitions and is used by a small number of people like private rooms. An open-plan office is an office layout that creates a work space that extends beyond partitions without walls or high partitions.

[0003] Closed offices are a conventionally adopted form, and it has advantages in efficiently using areas by preparing rooms of an appropriate size that can achieve their purpose depending on the application. However, in recent years, open-plan offices with good ventilation have been adopted in order to increase communication among employees.

[0004] Open-plan offices have the advantage of providing a better overall view of the office and making it easier for employees to communicate face-to-face. However, it has been pointed out that there is a problem with the sound environment in that productivity decreases because sounds such as discussions from adjacent areas are easily transmitted.

[0005] For the purpose of predicting the sound environment of offices as described above, an evaluation system has been proposed that inputs building shape, partitions, input data of noise sources, positions of sound sources, and prediction positions, and calculates reflected sound and diffused sound to evaluate sound pressure level and clarity with high accuracy (Patent Document 1).

Prior Art Documents

Patent Document

[0006]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0007] The above Patent Document 1 is a practical evaluation system at the design stage where specific interior finishes of a room and the positions of partitions, etc. are specifically determined. However, there is a problem that it is necessary for the designer himself / herself to perform redesign and re-evaluation according to the evaluation results, and it is difficult to perform an optimal design.

[0008] In addition, the above Patent Document 1 has a problem that since it is necessary to set a sound source and a predicted position, only the acoustic performance at limited sound source positions and predicted positions can be obtained. Furthermore, when it is necessary to comprehensively predict a workplace, it is necessary to set a large number of sound source positions and predicted positions for calculation, resulting in a large calculation load and labor.

[0009] In view of the above problems, the present invention provides an evaluation and design method used for designing a comfortable acoustic environment by zoning areas in the design of the entire interior such as an open-plan office where areas for different uses are adjacent without being partitioned by partitions or the like from the floor to the ceiling.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0010] In an office sound environment evaluation device of the present invention, which includes an input unit, a storage unit, a control unit, and an output unit, the input unit receives input of the shape of a room to be evaluated, a plurality of areas arranged in the room, the uses of the plurality of areas, and the positions of the plurality of areas. The storage unit stores evaluations of the effects on sound according to combinations for each use of the areas and evaluations of the effects on sound according to the distances between areas. The control unit calculates the distances between the plurality of input areas and determines combinations of the areas, and performs a sound environment evaluation based on the distances between the combinations of the areas and the effects on sound of the combinations of the areas.

Advantages of the Invention

[0011] As described above, according to the present invention, by quantifying the loudness of sound and the ease of sound transmission, there is an effect that a person zoning the degree of sound transmission can easily grasp it.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0012]

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[0013] (Embodiment 1) As described above, in recent years, open-plan offices without partitions such as partitions from the floor to the ceiling have been adopted. Open-plan offices may be designed to consider traffic flow and deliberately arrange areas for different uses adjacent to each other in order to activate communication. In addition, in recent years, as a working style that allows employees to choose their working places and times according to their work content and mood, a work style called Activity Based Working (ABW) has spread, and the concept of ABW may also be reflected in open-plan offices.

[0014] In ABW in an open-plan office, for example, areas for different uses such as "concentrated work desks", "meeting areas", "web conference areas", and "rest areas" are often set. Here, the "desk" may be one, or an area may be composed of one "desk".

[0015] Furthermore, open-plan offices may be designed to consider traffic flow and deliberately arrange the aforementioned areas for different uses adjacent to each other in order to activate communication.

[0016] The design of the sound environment in conventional offices has been carried out to achieve the target quietness of the office by reducing noise such as traffic noise generated outdoors and noise generated from air conditioning equipment.

[0017] When an open-plan office is adopted, conversations are likely to occur and communication is activated. However, it may become impossible to ignore the transmission of conversation voices to the workers around. Therefore, at the stage of designing an open-plan office, it is particularly important to evaluate and zone the predicted office sound environment, especially for conversation voices. Here, zoning means partitioning an open-plan office and setting uses for the partitioned areas. Below, what should be considered when designing an open-plan office will be explained.

[0018] (Problems of meetings) In recent years, due to the reform of work styles and the progress of IT technology, more recently, due to the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, work outside the workplace such as telecommuting and satellite work has been promoted. Meetings between those working outside the workplace and those working at the workplace, or meetings between those working outside the workplace, use meetings via telephone or Internet technology (hereinafter referred to as "remote meetings"). Also, in meetings between those working at the workplace, face-to-face meetings (hereinafter referred to as "meetings") are held at the workplace as before.

[0019] When an employee participating in a remote meeting at the workplace uses a speaker, the voice of the other party played from the speaker is often more likely to be transmitted to the surroundings than the voice of the employees at the workplace, and the volume of the voice is more likely to be a problem than in a face-to-face meeting.

[0020] When an employee participating in a remote meeting at the workplace uses an audio device such as a headset to play the voice of the other party near the ear, there is a problem that the voice of the person wearing the headset is likely to be loud because the voice of the other party can be heard loudly near the ear and the voice of oneself can be heard softly because the ear is blocked.

[0021] (Partition) In an open-plan office, partitions may be installed when dividing area from area. The partition in the present invention refers to something that divides areas without reaching from the floor to the ceiling and completely partitioning the space, or something that is arranged around the seats within an area. For example, it refers to something of a height such that employees sitting in their seats cannot see each other's faces, or something of a height exceeding human height but not reaching the ceiling that is installed around the area to be partitioned such as a Web conference area, etc. The partition has the effect of blocking the line of sight, but also has the effect of blocking the transmission of noise and voices to other areas.

[0022] The specifications of the partition can be classified by the height and material of the partition. The height of the partition can be divided into extremely high, high, medium, and low. Also, the material of the partition can be divided into sound-absorbing and reflective.

[0023] It can be said that the effect of the partition in blocking noise and voices is higher for those with a higher height compared to those with a lower height. Also, it can be said that the effect of the partition in blocking noise and voices is higher for those with a sound-absorbing material compared to those with a reflective material.

[0024] It can be said that the more partitions are installed and the higher the height, the higher the effect of blocking noise and voices. However, in an open-plan office, for its purpose, it can be said that the fewer partitions are installed, the better, and also regarding the height of the partition, the lower the height, the better. Therefore, for the installation of the partition, it is advisable to meet the necessary and sufficient conditions.

[0025] (Sound absorption of ceiling, wall, floor) The ceiling, walls, and floor that form the workplace space absorb or reflect noise and voices depending on the finishing material. If the finishes of the ceiling, walls, and floor are made of materials that absorb noise and voices, it can be said that the noise and voices generated within the area are absorbed by the finishing materials of the ceiling, walls, and floor that make up the area, reducing transmission to other areas. Also, if the finishes of the ceiling, walls, and floor are made of materials that reflect, the noise and voices generated within the area will be directly reflected by the structure without being absorbed by the finishing materials of the ceiling, walls, and floor, and will be transmitted to other areas.

[0026] Specifically, if the floor is covered with carpet or rug and these materials are those that absorb noise and voices, it can be said that the noise and voices generated within the area are absorbed by the floor. If the floor is made of tiles that are prone to reflecting sound, it can be said that the noise and voices generated within the area are reflected by the tiles and are likely to be transmitted to other areas.

[0027] Looking at the ceiling, regarding the height of the ceiling, when the ceiling height is high, the path for sound to be reflected and propagated by the ceiling becomes longer, so it can be said that the transmission of sound to adjacent areas is reduced compared to when the ceiling height is low. Regarding the walls as well, if the wall is made of a sound-absorbing material, it can be said that the noise and voices generated in the area near the wall are absorbed by the wall. If the wall is made of a material that is prone to reflecting sound, it can be said that the noise and voices generated in the area near the wall are reflected by the wall and are likely to be transmitted to other areas.

[0028] (Distance between areas) Depending on the distance between areas, the magnitude of the transmitted noise and voices changes. It can be said that when the distance between areas is short, the magnitude of the transmitted noise and voices is large, and when the distance between areas is long, the magnitude of the transmitted noise and voices is small. In the normal usage of an office, if the distance between areas is sufficiently far, the transmitted noise and voices may be negligible.

[0029] (Point of the magnitude of the transmitted noise and voices) This embodiment is characterized by calculating, as a point, the degree of noise and voice transmission based on the relationship between the area to be evaluated and other areas in an open-plan office. Zoning is supported by quantifying, as points, the relationship between the use of the area to be evaluated and the use of other areas, the presence or absence of partitions between the area to be evaluated and other areas, the material of the partitions, the distance between the area to be evaluated and other areas, the materials of the ceiling, walls, and floor finishes of the entire interior to be evaluated, and other items related to the transmission of noise and voice.

[0030] FIG. 1 shows an example of an open-plan office (100). In the open-plan office (100), Area A (110), Area B (120), Area C (130), Area D (140), Area E (150), and Area F (160) are arranged. A partition (210) is arranged between Area A (110) and Area B (120), and a partition (220) is arranged between Area B (120) and Area E (150). Each area has a specific use defined, such as concentrated work, face-to-face meetings, web conferences, and breaks.

[0031] FIG. 2 shows a block diagram of an office sound environment evaluation device (1). The office sound environment evaluation device (1) includes an input unit (10), a storage unit (11), a control unit (12), and an output unit (13).

[0032] (Input Unit) The input unit (10) can input the indoor shape of the open-plan office, the shape of the area, the position of the area, the use of the area, the position of the partition, the height of the partition, the sound absorption performance of the partition, and the materials of the wall, floor, and ceiling finishes. The data input by the input unit (10) can be input by CAD or from other databases.

[0033] (Storage Unit) The storage unit (11) can store characteristics related to sound generation, such as the noise and voice characteristics for each area use, the degree of influence on noise and voice from other areas, the number of people in the area, the conversation volume in the area, and the stay time in the area. In addition, it can store the evaluation of combinations of areas, points based on the evaluation of combinations of areas, partition specifications, points based on partition specifications, the distance between areas, points based on the distance between areas, points based on the material and shape of the finishes of walls, floors, and ceilings, and the comprehensive evaluation based on the accumulation of the given points.

[0034] (Control unit) Based on the use of the area input by the input unit (10), the control unit (12) can determine the combination of areas, calculate the distance between areas, and determine the presence or absence of partitions between areas. Also, based on the determined and calculated results and the data stored in the storage unit, it can perform point evaluations for each combination of areas, point evaluations for each area, and point evaluations for the entire open-plan office.

[0035] (Output unit) The output unit (13) can monitor and output the progress of calculations and operations, the results of calculations and operations, evaluations, etc. in the control unit (12) by voice. The output unit (13) can display the results evaluated and calculated by the control unit (12) at any time according to the data input by the input unit (10). The display content is preferably designed so that those who are zoning using the office sound environment evaluation device (1) or CAD can easily understand the current evaluation status in real time by numbers or colors.

[0036] (Initial settings) The input of the initial settings in this embodiment will be described. The input is performed by the input unit (10). Fig. 3 shows the flowchart of the initial settings.

[0037] In step S110, the shape of the room and the position data related to the shape of the room are input. In step S120, the material and sound absorption rate of the finishing materials of the ceiling, walls, and floor of the room are input.

[0038] In step S130, the shape of the area to be zoned, position data related to the shape of the area, etc. are input. In step S140, the use of the area is input. Examples of the use of the area include a centralized duty desk, meetings, web conferences, breaks, etc., and other uses such as a studio or a printing room can also be mentioned.

[0039] In step S150, the position of the partition to be installed is input. In step S160, the height of the partition to be installed, the material of the partition, and the sound absorption performance are input.

[0040] In step S170, it is confirmed that all the partitions to be installed in the open-plan office (100) have been input. When the input has been made for all the partitions to be installed, it is determined that the input of the initial settings has been completed. If it cannot be determined that the input has been made for all the partitions, the process returns to step S150 to input the data of the remaining partitions to be installed.

[0041] Steps S100 to S180, which are the input of the initial settings, may be performed at the input unit (10), or may be input from a database that does not constitute the office sound environment evaluation device (1) or from CAD.

[0042] (Evaluation of the area) The evaluation of the area in this embodiment will be described. Fig. 4 shows a flowchart of the evaluation of the area. The relationship between the evaluation of the points of this area and the open-plan office is an example where the higher the points, the lower the evaluation as the office sound environment, and the lower the points, the higher the evaluation as the office sound environment.

[0043] In step S210, a combination of the area to be evaluated and other areas is selected. In step S220, the distance between the area to be evaluated and other areas is calculated. In step S230, it is determined whether the distance calculated in step S220 is equal to or less than a predetermined distance. For example, if the distance between the area to be evaluated and other areas is greater than the predetermined distance, it is determined that the influence of noise and voice is negligibly small, and the process returns to step S210 to exclude it from the evaluation target. Then, a combination of other areas is selected and the evaluation is continued.

[0044] In step S240, points are added according to the combination of the use of the area to be evaluated and the use of other areas. Depending on the use of the area, the magnitude of the generated noise and voice, and the degree of influence of noise and voice from other areas are different. Therefore, the points added vary depending on the combination of the uses of the areas. As described above, in the present embodiment, the points are configured to increase as the combination of the area to be evaluated and other areas is less compatible with the transmission of noise and voice. However, it can also be configured to have points that are the opposite.

[0045] Fig. 6 shows examples of parameters such as the magnitude of generated noise and voice and the amount of conversation for each area. This table can be easily created by conducting a hearing survey from employees in advance according to the use of each area. By doing so, a table tailored to the site can be created.

[0046] Fig. 7(a) shows an example of the evaluation of the combination in the uses of the area to be evaluated and other areas. Fig. 7(b) shows an example of the points in the evaluation result of the combination in Fig. 7(a). Area A is an area where little noise and voice are generated. Area B also has the same use as Area A and is an area where little noise and voice are generated. Therefore, it can be said that little noise and voice are generated from Area B. In Area A, work can be concentrated in relation to Area B, and the evaluation is high. However, in Area B, when performing work with a large amount of generated noise and voice, the leakage of the generated noise and voice cannot be ignored, and the evaluation of the combination is low. Conversely, if Area A is an area where operations generating a lot of noise and voices are carried out, such as a conference area, and Area B is an area where little noise and voices are generated, then in Area A, considering the leakage of voices to Pace B, it can be said that meetings cannot be conducted intensively, so the evaluation is low. However, if Area B is an area where a lot of noise and voices are generated, then in Area A, since there is no need to worry about voice leakage, the evaluation is high. As described above, combinations of areas with similar uses result in high evaluations, while combinations of areas with different uses may result in low evaluations.

[0047] The relationship between Area A and Area A with the same use as Area A is "◎", and the point is "1", but the relationship between Area A and Area B is "×", and the point is "4". Here, when the compatibility between the use of the area being evaluated and the area being evaluated is poor, a high point is set. Therefore, when the compatibility between the use of the area being evaluated and the area being evaluated is good, the evaluation becomes high and a low point is given.

[0048] In step S250, points are subtracted according to the distance between the area being evaluated and other areas. Since the magnitude of noise and voices transmitted varies depending on the distance between areas, the points subtracted vary according to the distance between areas.

[0049] Fig. 8 shows the relationship between the distance between the area being evaluated and other areas and the points. Here, according to the distance, it is evaluated in five categories: "adjacent", "proximate", "near", "medium", and "far". When the area being evaluated and another area are adjacent, it can be said that the likelihood of noise and voice leakage is extremely high, so points are not subtracted. However, when the distance between the area being evaluated and another area is far, it can be said that the likelihood of noise and voice leakage is low, so points are subtracted. When the distance is greater than a predetermined value, it is determined that there is no influence between the areas.

[0050] In step S270, it is determined whether there is a partition between the area to be evaluated and other areas. If a partition is arranged between the area to be evaluated and other areas, in step S280, points are subtracted according to the specification of the partition. Since the noise and the volume of the voice transmitted vary depending on the specification of the partition, it is preferable to set the points subtracted according to the specification of the partition.

[0051] Fig. 10 shows the relationship between the specification of the partition, the ease of leakage of noise and conversation voice, and the points. When no partition is installed, the points are not subtracted. However, for example, when a partition is installed between the area to be evaluated and other areas, the points are subtracted according to the specification of the partition.

[0052] In step S290, if there is a shelf or the like that obstructs the transmission of sound between areas due to other factors, points are subtracted according to the degree. Conversely, in an area where audio equipment is often used or office equipment that generates noise such as a copier is often used, points can be added according to the degree.

[0053] In step S295, subtraction and addition of points are performed according to the above steps to determine the evaluation points between areas.

[0054] In step S297, it is confirmed whether the points between all areas have been calculated. If it can be confirmed that the points between all areas have been calculated, the process proceeds to step S299. When the points between all areas have not been calculated, the process returns to step S210.

[0055] (Acoustic environment evaluation) The sound environment evaluation of this embodiment will be described. Fig. 5 shows a flowchart of the sound environment evaluation. In step S310, for example, mathematical processing such as calculating the average value or total value of the evaluation points between areas of each calculated area is performed to calculate the comprehensive evaluation points, which are used as the evaluation points for each area.

[0056] In step S320, the overall evaluation points for the entire room are calculated by calculating the comprehensive evaluation points such as the average value or total value of the evaluation points between areas calculated for each area, and the points considering the average sound absorption rate of the finishing materials for the ceiling, walls, and floor.

[0057] In step S330, the evaluation points calculated in step S320 are displayed on a display or CAD for visualization, and it operates to notify the zoning person of the evaluation results.

[0058] In step S340, the person performing the zoning may change the conditions based on the results of step S330. When the conditions are changed, it returns to step S100 (start of initial setting input) to input the initial settings.

[0059] Returning to Fig. 1, the calculation of the points regarding the layout of the areas in the open plan office in Fig. 1 will be described. Fig. 1 shows that in the open plan office (100), Area A (110), Area B (120), Area C (130), Area D (140), Area E (150), and Area F (160) are arranged. Here, the evaluation is performed by selecting Area A (110) as the target area.

[0060] (Specific example of evaluation) Between Area A (110) and Area B (120) and Area C (130), a partition of Specification A (210) is arranged. Between Area A (110) and Area E (150), a partition of Specification A (210) and a partition of Specification B (220) are arranged.

[0061] The relationships between Area A (110) and Area E (150) are shown as L1, between Area A (110) and Area B (120) as L2, between Area A (110) and Area F (160) as L3, between Area A (110) and Area C (130) as L4, and between Area A (110) and Area D (140) as L5. L1 to L5 each have a distance between Area A (110) and another area. The distance calculation has starting and ending points defined in advance for each area for measuring the distance. Here, as the distances that L1 to L5 have, let L1 be A (m), L2 be B (m), L3 be C (m), L4 be D (m), and L5 be E (m). In the example of FIG. 1, assume that the relationship is L5 < L2 < L4 < L1 < L3. The distances L1 to L5 shall be classified as "adjacent", "proximate", "near", "medium", and "far" according to the distance.

[0062] FIG. 11 shows an example of the display of a display device displayed by the output unit (13) when zoned as in FIG. 1. According to FIG. 1, L1 showing the relationship between Area A (110) and Area E (150) has a distance of A (m), and it can be easily understood that partitions (210) and partitions (220) are installed between Area A (110) and Area E (150).

[0063] Perform a specific evaluation of Area A (110) according to the flowchart. (Input of initial settings) Perform initial settings using CAD. First, input the indoor shape and position data of the office (step S110).

[0064] Next, set the average sound absorption rate in the office. The average sound absorption rate is calculated from the sound absorption rate and area for the ceiling, walls, and floor. Here, set the evaluation as "high", refer to FIG. 9, and set the point as "-1" (step S120). Next, input the use of each area for each area (step S130).

[0065] Next, set the use of the areas determined by zoning (step S140). When installing partitions between areas, set the specifications such as the shape, height, and sound absorption performance of the partitions (step S150). Here, "Specification A" is selected for partition (210), and "Specification B" is selected for partition (220). Referring to FIG. 10, for "Specification A", the ease of leakage is "high" and the point is "-1". Also, for partition (220), the specification is B, the ease of leakage is "medium", and the point is "-2".

[0066] When the initial settings are input, next, calculate the points between the areas. First, select a combination of Area A (110) and Area E (150) (step S210), and calculate the points for the combination of Area A (110) and Area E (150).

[0067] Calculate the distance between Area A (110) and Area E (150) (step S220). If it is determined that the calculated distance corresponds to any of "adjacent", "proximate", "near", or "medium" (step S230), proceed to calculate the points. If it is determined that the distance between Area A (110) and Area E (150) is "far", even if a meeting is held in Area E (150), it can be determined that the sound will not reach Area A (110) and thus can be ignored, without calculating the points, and calculate the points with another area.

[0068] When the distance A between Area A (110) and Area E (150) is determined to be, for example, "medium", the point is "-3" from the table in FIG. 8. The relationship between the distance and the determination results of "adjacent", "proximate", "near", "medium", and "far" can be set as appropriate according to the office situation and the attributes of the staff.

[0069] Add points based on the usage of Area A (110) and Area E (150). Figure 6 shows a table indicating the relationship between parameters such as "loudness of the generated sound" and "conversation volume" for each area. For example, in Area A (110), if it is assumed that there is a lot of text reading work, the loudness of the generated sound is set to "extremely low". Also, in Area A (110), if it is assumed that the work does not require communication with voice, then there is no conversation or very little conversation, so the "conversation volume" is set to "low". In addition, parameters can be set as needed.

[0070] For example, in Area E (150), if it is for the purpose of holding face-to-face meetings, the "loudness of the generated sound" is set to "high". Since it is a face-to-face meeting, the "conversation volume" is set to "high".

[0071] Figure 7(a) shows a table for evaluating combinations for each usage. Combinations for each usage are evaluated in four levels: "◎", "〇", "△", "×" in descending order of evaluation. When evaluating combinations based on Area A (110), assuming that there is little sound generation between the same Areas A, the evaluation is "◎".

[0072] Figure 7(b) shows a table of points for the evaluation of combinations. For the worst combination "×", 4 points are added, for "△", 3 points are added, for "〇", 2 points are added, and for "◎", 1 point is added.

[0073] The combination of Area A (110) and Area E (150) is "×" according to the table in Figure 7(a), and 4 points are assigned when referring to Figure 7(b).

[0074] Figure 8 shows a table of points based on the distance between areas. If the relationship between Area A (110) and Area E (150) is calculated as "close", the points are -2.

[0075] Next, check whether a partition is installed between Area A (110) and Area E (150) (step S260). Between Area A (110) and Area E (150), a partition (210) ("Specification A") and a partition (220) ("Specification B") are installed.

[0076] According to FIG. 10, since the partition (210) is "Specification A", the point is "-1", and since the partition (220) is "Specification B", the point is "-2". Since the partition (210) and the partition (220) are installed on L1, the respective points of the two are integrated, and the points of the two partitions become "-3".

[0077] The evaluation points between areas are calculated by Equation 1 below. The evaluation points between Area A (110) and Area E (150) (hereinafter referred to as "L1P") = the points of the combination between the areas + the distance points between the areas + the points of the partitions between the areas (Equation 1) Then, when calculating with Equation 1, L1P is as follows. L1P = +4 (combination points) - 2 (distance points) - 3 (partition points) = -1 is calculated.

[0078] FIG. 12 shows a table indicating the relationship between the combination points (LP) (L1P to L5P) and the comprehensive evaluation. It can be said that the lower the number of points of LP, the less the influence of noise and voice. When LP is lower than necessary, in order to enhance the effect of the open-plan office, when partitions are installed, an evaluation may be configured to recommend the removal of the partitions.

[0079] Since the point L1P between Area A (110) and Area E (150) is calculated as "-1", referring to the table in FIG. 12, a comprehensive evaluation of "improve as much as possible" can be obtained.

[0080] By the same method, the points of combinations between Area A (110) and other areas can be calculated, and the overall evaluation of Area A (110) can be obtained based on the calculated points.

[0081] Similarly, the points of the combination between Area A (110) and Area B (120) at the closest distance (hereinafter referred to as "L2P") are calculated. L2P = 4 (combination points) - 1 (distance points) - 1 (partition points) = 2 It is calculated as such. According to Figure 12, the point 2 means "must be improved".

[0082] The points of all combinations of Area A (110) (hereinafter referred to as "P(110)") are P(110) = L1P + L2P + L3P + L4P + L5P It is calculated as such. Similarly, the combination points of Area B (120), Area C (30), Area D (140), Area E (150), and Area F (160), P(120), P(130), P(140), P(150), and P(160) can be calculated. And as the overall evaluation points of the entire office P(ALL) = P(110) + P(120) + P(130) + P(140) + P(150) + P(160) It is calculated as such. Based on the calculated P(ALL) and considering the materials and sound absorption rates of the finishing materials for the ceiling, walls, and floor in the room, the sound environment of the entire office can be evaluated. Also, based on the value of P(ALL), the materials of the finishing materials for the ceiling, walls, and floor in the room can be determined. Figure 9 shows an example of the relationship between the average sound absorption rate and points. The average sound absorption rate here is a value considering the respective sound absorption rates of the finishing materials for the ceiling, walls, and floor corresponding to the interior parts, as well as their respective areas, etc. When the average sound absorption rate is extremely low, the points are not subtracted. However, for example, when the average sound absorption rate is extremely high, the points are subtracted by "1.5".

[0083] As described above, in this embodiment, a person performing zoning can quickly know the result of the quality of zoning by linking the result of the comprehensive evaluation with CAD.

[0084] (Embodiment 2) Examples of measuring the distance between area A (170) and area B (180) are shown in FIGS. 13(a) to (c). The distance between areas may be measured and calculated by measuring the distance between predetermined points. The predetermined points can be the center points of the areas or determined by other methods. Since the center points of the areas can be easily determined by CAD, the calculation of the distance between areas can be facilitated.

[0085] FIG. 13(a) shows a state where workers (M) are evenly seated in area A (170) and area B (180). In this case, the measurement of the distance LM between area A (170) and area B (180) can use the starting point 〇1 considering the position of the worker (M) in area A (170), and similarly, the end point O2 considering the position of the worker (M) in area B (180), and the distance between O1 and O2 can be measured as the distance LM.

[0086] FIGS. 13(b) and (c) show a state where workers (M) are unevenly distributed in area A (170) and area B (180). Considering the uneven distribution of the workers (M) in the areas, the starting point O1 and the end point O2 can be set, and the respective distances LS and LL can be measured.

[0087] The measurement of the distance between areas can be determined considering the uneven distribution of the workers, but can also be determined considering other factors. For example, in a conference area, the distance can be measured considering the position of the microphone and the position of the speaker. Also, office equipment resulting from the use of the area can be considered.

[0088] (Other Embodiments) Regarding the layout of areas, a specific usage example of the office sound environment evaluation system is shown. Fig. 14(a) shows an office where Area A (110), Area D (140), and Area B (120) are arranged. In Fig. 14(a), Area D (140) is arranged next to Area A (110), and Area B (120) is arranged next to Area D (140). It can be understood that Area A (110), Area D (140), and Area B (120) are arranged in a substantially straight line.

[0089] Here, the relationship LA1 between Area A (110) and Area D (140) and the relationship LA2 between Area A (110) and Area B (120) are shown. While referring to the necessary conditions here, the respective points LA1P and LA2P can be calculated according to the above Embodiment 1. When it is determined that the calculated points LA1P and LA2P do not meet the zoning conditions required, as shown in Fig. 14(b), for example, the positions of Area D and Area B can be swapped and the points can be recalculated.

[0090] Referring to the combination table in Fig. 7(a), the evaluation of the combination of Area A and Area B is "×". However, for example, if a combination can be made where the distance between Area A and Area B is determined to be "far", there is no need to consider the transmission of noise or voices. Therefore, it is possible to prevent noise and voices from other areas from being transmitted to Area A.

[0091] In this way, by quantifying the transmission of noise and voices, designers can easily perform zoning, and optimization calculations can be performed using a simple computer program.

[0092] (Other Embodiments) Figs. 15(a) and (b) show an example where Area A, Area D, and Area B are arranged, and furthermore, a partition (210) is arranged.

[0093] Here, in order to prevent noise and voices from other areas from leaking into area A, the above formula 1 can be used to calculate where to install the partition (210).

[0094] If the distance between area A and area D is short, it can be qualitatively understood that the partition (210) can be arranged between them. However, according to this embodiment, regarding the effect of the arrangement of the partition (210), the examples of the arrangements in FIGS. 15(a) and 15(b) can be quantified and judged by calculating the points according to formula 1.

[0095] (Other embodiments) Regarding the positions of the areas and partitions, an optimization design can also be performed. In this case, by specifying the areas and partitions for which the positions are to be fixed preferentially and executing an optimization algorithm, the other areas and partitions can be automatically rearranged so that the average evaluation score is the highest.

[0096] (Other embodiments) Regarding the evaluation of the combinations of the two aforementioned areas, it is evaluated according to the combination of the uses of the corresponding areas, and is evaluated from the aspect of the sound environment according to the magnitude of the generated sound and the susceptibility to interference. In addition, points may be added in consideration of factors affecting the sound environment, such as the magnitude of vibration and the frequency with respect to the sound.

[0097] (Other embodiments) The points for the combination of each two areas, the evaluation points for each area, the evaluation points for the entire office, and the results of the evaluation based on the points may be visualized on a drawing such as CAD using colors and numbers. By visualization, it is possible to confirm the combinations with low evaluation points, and it is easy to take measures such as rearrangement to an arbitrary position, addition of partitions, change of specifications, and change of the use of areas so as to increase the evaluation points.

[0098] (Other embodiments) The program for performing the above evaluation and visualization is preferably linked with CAD software. When conditions such as the arrangement of areas and the presence or absence of partitions are changed on the CAD software, the above evaluation flow is immediately executed again, and the effect that the latest evaluation results are always visualized is achieved.

[0099] (Other embodiments) If the designer desires, it can also be configured to perform an optimization design that automatically sets the arrangement of areas so that the overall average evaluation point becomes higher. When performing the optimization design, by specifying the shape of the entire office area, the areas or partitions to be prioritized, and executing the optimization algorithm, it can also be configured to automatically arrange the other areas and partitions so that the average evaluation point becomes the highest.

[0100] (Other embodiments) Since the work area provided by the present invention can be said to be fully considerate of the sound environment, it can be used according to its use without worrying about noise, and thus the effect of improving the efficiency of the entire workplace is achieved.

Explanation of reference numerals

[0101] 1... Office sound environment evaluation device, 10... Input unit, 11... Storage unit, 12... Control unit, 13... Output unit 100... Open plan office 110... Area A, 120... Area B, 130... Area C, 140... Area D, 150... Area E, 160... Area F 210, 220... Partition

Claims

1. In an office sound environment evaluation device including an input unit, a storage unit, a control unit, and an output unit, the input unit receives input of the shape of the room to be evaluated, a plurality of areas arranged in the room, the uses of the plurality of areas, and the positions of the plurality of areas. The storage unit stores an evaluation of the influence on sound by the combination for each use of the areas and an evaluation of the influence on sound by the distance between areas. The control unit calculates the distance between the plurality of input areas and determines the combination of the areas, and performs a sound environment evaluation based on the distance between the combinations of the areas and the influence on sound of the combination of the areas. An office sound environment evaluation device.

2. The input unit receives input of the position and specifications of a partition. The control unit performs an evaluation taking into account the influence of sound transmission of the combination of the areas based on the position of the partition and the specifications of the partition. The office sound environment evaluation device according to claim 1.

3. The input unit is input in conjunction with CAD. The office sound environment evaluation device according to claim 1.

4. In a method for evaluating the sound environment of an area, two areas are selected, and the influence of sound between the areas is evaluated based on the distance between the two areas, the relationship between the uses of the two areas, the presence or absence of a partition between the two areas, and the specifications of the partition.

5. A program for executing the evaluation of the influence of sound according to claim 4.

6. The use of the area is selected from at least two different uses. The sound environment evaluation device according to claim 1.

7. The input unit receives input of the degree of sound absorption in the room. The control unit performs an evaluation taking into account the degree of sound absorption in the room. The sound environment evaluation device according to claim 1.

8. The evaluation of the combination is performed numerically. The sound environment evaluation device according to claim 1.

9. A sound environment evaluation program for evaluating the influence of sound between areas based on the shape of the room to be evaluated, the uses of a plurality of areas arranged in the room, the position information of the plurality of areas, the sound characteristics related to the sound of the area according to the use of the area, and the combination for each use of the area.

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