Information processing system, information processing method, and program

Abstract

To enable various events occurring within a space to be managed centrally based on a relation between space and time.SOLUTION: An information processing system comprises: an event information storage unit for storing event information that specifies a relation between space and time to which an event in a target space corresponds; and an event processing unit for changing the corresponding event information so that the relation between space and time for the event is changed for management according to a change over time of the space to which the event corresponds.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an information processing system, an information processing method, and a program.

Background Art

[0002] There is known a technique that enables estimation of the number of users present in each area of a facility by associating information indicating the entry and exit of users with information indicating the user ID and linking it with information indicating the area within the facility exclusively occupied by the user's department (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] The technique described in Patent Document 1 is configured to manage information on the movement of a specific person in space by creating a database of a single relationship based on the user and the usage status of the area within the facility. In space, generally, in addition to the movement of people, various events occur, such as the movement of mobile devices and the exclusive occupation of space parts due to the arrangement of furniture, equipment, etc. Further, such events can change over time. Considering such a situation, it would be preferable if events occurring in the space to be managed (target space) could be managed uniformly based on the relationship between the space definition and the time change, as this would enable efficient management of various events.

[0005] An object of the present invention is to enable unified management of various events in space based on the relationship between space and time change in consideration of the above-described problems.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] One aspect of the present invention for solving the above-described problems is an information processing system including an event information storage unit that stores event information defining a relationship between space and time corresponding to an event in a target space, and an event processing unit that changes corresponding event information so that the relationship between space and time for the event is changed for management according to a temporal change in the space corresponding to the event.

[0007] One aspect of the present invention is an information processing method in an information processing system, the method including an event information storage step of storing, in an event information storage unit, event information defining a relationship between space and time corresponding to an event in a target space, and an event processing step of changing, in an event processing unit, corresponding event information so that the relationship between space and time for the event is changed for management according to a temporal change in the space corresponding to the event.

[0008] One aspect of the present invention is a program for causing a computer in an information processing system to function as an event information storage unit that stores event information defining a relationship between space and time corresponding to an event in a target space, and an event processing unit that changes corresponding event information so that the relationship between space and time for the event is changed for management according to a temporal change in the space corresponding to the event.

Advantages of the Invention

[0009] According to the present invention, there is an effect that various events in a space can be managed uniformly based on the relationship between space and time.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0010]

Figure 1

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Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[0011] FIG. 1 shows a conceptual configuration of the space-time management system (an example of an information processing system) of this embodiment. In the space-time management system of this embodiment, the space-time management device 100 performs management related to space-time on the target space 10. That is, the space-time management device 100 manages various events occurring in the target space 10 using information defined by space and time. Note that the "management" by the space-time management device 100 may also include controlling events in the target space 10. Note that the "occurrence" of an event here includes not only the dynamic changes of events such as the movement of people or autonomous mobile bodies, the operation of lighting, air conditioning devices, etc., but also the definition of fixed content (e.g., dangerous areas) for specific spatial parts in the target space 10. That is, the events in this embodiment may include not only those that exist dynamically but also those that exist statically. In the following description, the event itself is also referred to as an event, and the information that defines the event by time and space is also referred to as event information.

[0012] The target space 10 can be decomposed, for example, into management target-specific spaces 11 for a plurality of different management targets. In the figure, five management target-specific spaces 11 (11-1 to 11-5) are shown as an example. Although not shown in the figure, each of the management target-specific spaces 11 may be provided with a corresponding management system. Also, in the figure, an example is shown in which the target space 10 includes a real space 10A and a virtual space 10B. The real space 10A includes management target-specific spaces 11-1 to 11-4, and the virtual space 10B includes management target-specific space 11-5. In the figure, an example is shown in which a plurality of management target-specific spaces 11 are included in the real space 10A and one management target-specific space 11 is included in the virtual space 10B, but the number of management target-specific spaces 11 included in the virtual space 10B may also be plural.

[0013] Specifically, the management target-specific space 11-1 is a space in the real space 10A where the building structure is the management target. The building structure may be, for example, the partition of a building. The building structure corresponding to the management target-specific space 11-1 may be defined, for example, by a map of the building stored in a building management system (not shown). In this case, the building management system may associate information defined, for example, as a dangerous area that is dangerous for the movement of an autonomous mobile body or a crowded area where people and autonomous mobile bodies tend to be crowded, with the map for a specific spatial area (spatial part) formed under the building structure.

[0014] The space 11-2 for each management target is a space to be managed by an air conditioner provided in the real space 10A. The air conditioner existing in the space 11-2 for each management target may be controlled by, for example, an air conditioning management system (not shown) provided corresponding to the real space 10A.

[0015] The space 11-3 for each management target is a space to be managed by a lighting device provided in the real space 10A. The lighting device existing in the space 11-3 for each management target may be managed by, for example, a lighting management system (not shown) provided corresponding to the real space 10A.

[0016] The space 11-4 for each management target is a space to be managed by an autonomous mobile body existing in the real space 10A. The autonomous mobile body existing in the space 11-5 for each management target may be managed by, for example, an autonomous mobile body management system (not shown) provided corresponding to the real space 10A.

[0017] The space 11-5 for each management target is a space constructed as a digital twin as a virtual space 10B corresponding to the target space 10. In the virtual space 10B as a digital twin, for example, a user as a person can exist as an avatar. The virtual space 10B as a digital twin may be managed by a virtual space management system (not shown).

[0018] In addition, among the spaces 11 for each management target, in addition to the above examples, for example, a space for managing a person existing in the real space 10A, a space for managing other facilities (such as an elevator, etc.) other than air conditioning and lighting, a space for managing static objects such as furniture and fixtures, etc. may also be included. In the case of the space 11 for each management target for managing a person, management regarding the person may be performed by, for example, a schedule management system for managing the schedule of the person in the real space 10A.

[0019] Note that the specific example of the space as the target space 10 is not particularly limited. The target space 10 may be, for example, a space corresponding to the inside of a building. Also, the target space 10 may be a space including a building and the outdoor area around it, a commercial facility, a leisure facility, a public facility, a park, etc., or a block within a predetermined range.

[0020] The spatio-temporal management device 100 manages each of various events (events) occurring in the target space 10 with event information in a format defined by time and space. In the correspondence with the target space 10 illustrated in FIG. 1, each event occurring in each of the spaces 11 for different management targets is managed by events in a common format. That is, the spatio-temporal management device 100 in the present embodiment can uniformly manage various events occurring in the target space 10 by event information in a common format regardless of the difference in the types of management targets for each of the spaces 11 for different management targets. Also, the management by such a spatio-temporal management device 100 can be regarded as integrating and managing the spaces 11 for different management targets that individually exist in the target space 10. The spatio-temporal management device 100 may be configured to perform control of building structures, air conditioning, lighting, autonomous mobile bodies, avatars in the virtual space 10B, etc. by cooperating with a management system corresponding to each of the spaces 11 for different management targets.

[0021] With reference to FIG. 2, a specific example of the procedure for event registration in the spatio-temporal management system will be described. The spatio-temporal management device 100 is communicably connected to an external management system 20. The external management system 20 may be a system that performs management corresponding to any one of the spaces 11 for different management targets in FIG. 1, for example. Specifically, if it is the space 11-4 for different management targets that manages autonomous mobile bodies, the management system that manages autonomous mobile bodies corresponds to the external management system 20. When enabling the Event (Occurrence) under its own management to be managed by the Space-Time Management Device 100, the External Management System 20 performs event registration for registering the event information of the target event in the Space-Time Management Device 100 (Step S10). As event registration, the External Management System 20 transmits, for example, registration information indicating the content of the event (occurrence) to be registered to the Space-Time Management Device 100.

[0022] The Space-Time Management Device 100 generates event information 30 based on the registration information received from the External Management System 20 (Step S12). The event information is in a format including, for example, event type information, area information, schedule information, and metadata. The event type information is information indicating the type of the corresponding event. The area information is information indicating the area (spatial region) related to the corresponding event. The schedule information is information regarding the time of the corresponding event. The metadata is information describing various attributes of the target event.

[0023] The Space-Time Management Device 100 performs determination of the type of the event indicated in the received registration information, and generates event type information indicating the determined event type.

[0024] Also, the Space-Time Management Device 100 converts the information indicating the area corresponding to the corresponding event, which is included in the received registration information, from the format (format) corresponding to the External Management System 20 to the format corresponding to the event information to generate area information.

[0025] Also, the Space-Time Management Device 100 generates a timestamp based on the information regarding the time of the corresponding event included in the received registration information, and associates the generated timestamp with, for example, the spatial region indicated in the area information. That is, the timestamp associated with the spatial region in the area information may be used as the schedule information. That is, the event information can define the relationship between space and time for the corresponding event based on the area information and the schedule information. As a specific example, in the event information of a movement event corresponding to an autonomous mobile body, regarding the space area corresponding to the movement route indicated by the area information, the time occupied by the autonomous mobile body is indicated by the schedule information, and thus the relationship between space and time is defined.

[0026] In addition, the spatio-temporal management device 100 generates metadata by attaching information indicating the attributes of the corresponding event included in the received registration information.

[0027] The spatio-temporal management device 100 performs a process (event registration process) corresponding to the registration of the generated event information (step S14). As the event registration process, the spatio-temporal management device 100 determines whether there is a spatio-temporal overlap between the generated event information and the event information already stored (registered) in the event information storage unit 131. If there is no overlap with other event information, the spatio-temporal management device 100 may newly store the generated event information in the event information storage unit 131. The event information storage unit 131 stores the registered event information as a database. On the other hand, if there is an overlap with other event information, the spatio-temporal management device 100 changes at least one of the generated event information and the other event information with which there is an overlap so that the overlap is avoided, and then newly stores the generated event in the event information storage unit 131. At this time, if other event information is changed, the spatio-temporal management device 100 updates the other event information stored in the event information storage unit 131 to the changed content.

[0028] Figure 3 shows an example of the functional configuration of the spatio-temporal management device 100. As hardware, the spatio-temporal management device 100 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit), a ROM (Read Only Memory), a RAM (Random Access Memory), a storage device such as an HDD (Hard Disk Drive) or an SSD (Solid State Drive), and the like. The functions of the spatio-temporal management device 100 shown in the figure are realized by the CPU provided in the spatio-temporal management device 100 executing a program.

[0029] The spatio-temporal management device 100 in FIG. 3 includes a communication unit 101, a control unit 102, and a storage unit 103. The communication unit 101 is communicably connected to various devices shown in FIG. 2 via a network (wireless / wired).

[0030] The control unit 102 executes various controls in the spatio-temporal management device 100. The control unit 102 includes an event processing unit 121 (an example of an event processing unit). The event processing unit 121 manages events in the target space 10 by processing the event information stored in the event information storage unit 131. Further, the event processing unit 121 can generate event information based on the defined content of the specified event and store (register) the generated event information in the event information storage unit 131. The processes in steps S12 and S14 in FIG. 2 may be executed by the event processing unit 121.

[0031] The storage unit 103 stores various types of information corresponding to the spatio-temporal management device 100. The storage unit 103 in the figure includes an event information storage unit 131. The event information storage unit 131 stores events. An event is information used by the spatio-temporal management device 100 for spatio-temporal management and is information in which a description defining a predetermined event in the target space 10 is made. The event information storage unit 131 stores event information corresponding to each event in the target space 10.

[0032] Figure 4 shows an example of the structure of event information corresponding to one event. One piece of event information has fields for event type information, area information, schedule information, and metadata.

[0033] The field of event type information stores event type information indicating the type of the corresponding event. The types of events may be classified, for example, into events that define areas in the target space 10, events that control the movement of autonomous mobile bodies, events that guide the movement of users (non-autonomous movement), events that represent objects such as furniture and fixtures themselves, and events that detect predetermined matters such as congestion situations and disaster situations in specific areas in the target space. Also, the event type may be configured to indicate the management target type corresponding to the management target-specific space 11 described in FIG. 1.

[0034] The field of area information stores area information (an example of spatial region information) corresponding to the event. The area information is information described regarding the region (spatial region) within the target space 10 to which the corresponding event corresponds. Also, the field of area information may store information indicating which of the management target-specific spaces 11 described in FIG. 1 the corresponding event is. As a specific example, when the event is one that defines a spatial region in the target space 10 where an autonomous mobile body can pass, the area information has a description content indicating the spatial region where the autonomous mobile body can pass. The spatial region indicated by the area information may be represented, for example, by the coordinates of the corresponding space. The spatial region described by the area information may be a planar (two-dimensional) region in the target space 10 or a region as a three-dimensional space.

[0035] In addition, the area information may also define the shape of the spatial region as the corresponding three-dimensional space. Specifically, the shape of the spatial region in the area information may be defined by coordinates, or may be defined by a solid figure shape such as a rectangular parallelepiped or a sphere, or may be defined by a shape in which one or more cubes are stacked like a voxel format, or may be defined by a complex shape by 3D data. Further, depending on the area information, the shape of the spatial region may be defined as changing according to the passage of time with information such as metadata as a condition (trigger).

[0036] The field of schedule information stores schedule information about the corresponding event. As a specific example, when the event defines a combination of a spatial region where an autonomous mobile object can pass and a time zone within the target space, the schedule information has a description content indicating the time zone in which the autonomous mobile object can pass.

[0037] Note that in addition to dynamic events that change over time, there may also be static events that do not change over time. Examples of dynamic events include, for example, "the moving position of an autonomous mobile object that changes according to the passage of time", "a reservation for using a rental target space during a time zone", "the congestion rate of a certain space during a certain time zone", and the like. Examples of static events include, for example, "(fixed) drivable area of an autonomous mobile object", "(fixed) prohibited entry area (location) of an autonomous mobile object", "temporary stop prohibited area of an autonomous mobile object", and "rental usage fee per hour of an area". The schedule information corresponding to a dynamic event may be one that indicates a time stamp corresponding to the change according to the passage of time of the corresponding event. On the other hand, the schedule information corresponding to a static event may be such that it defines that there is no change according to the passage of time for the corresponding event.

[0038] Metadata is information that describes various attributes about a target event. In the figure, an example of the definition content of metadata items included in the metadata is shown. In the figure, as metadata items, event ID, space occupancy availability, priority, pre-event, post-event, related event, presence or absence of movement, moving entity, starting point, arrival point, presence or absence of area change, space definition, and state reference destination are listed. Note that the metadata may include metadata items used for managing corresponding events among the above metadata items. Also, the metadata may include metadata items other than the above according to the definition of the corresponding event.

[0039] The metadata of the event ID is an identifier that uniquely indicates the corresponding event.

[0040] The metadata of space occupancy availability indicates whether the space area defined by the area information of the corresponding event can occupy the space area of other events by excluding it. When the metadata of space occupancy availability indicates "yes", the space area of the corresponding event is not allowed to overlap with the space area of other events at the same time. When the metadata of space occupancy availability indicates "no", the space area of the corresponding event is allowed to overlap with the space area of other events at the same time.

[0041] The metadata of priority indicates the priority regarding space occupancy. For example, when the metadata of space occupancy availability of the event indicates "yes" and the metadata of space occupancy availability of other overlapping events also indicates "yes", the event with the highest priority can occupy the space area by excluding other events.

[0042] The metadata of the pre-event is described when a pre-event (pre-event) that should be processed first to generate the corresponding event is defined, and it indicates the event ID of the pre-event. The metadata of a post-event is described when there is an event (post-event) to be processed following the corresponding event, and indicates the event ID of the post-event. The metadata of a related event is described when there is another event (related event) highly relevant to the corresponding event, and indicates the event ID of the related event.

[0043] The metadata of movement presence / absence indicates whether the corresponding event involves the movement of a moving object such as a user or an autonomous mobile body. Here, "movement" can distinguish between "capable of autonomous movement (like a service robot)", "not capable of autonomous movement but capable of changing location (like furniture)", and "not moving".

[0044] The metadata of the moving entity indicates what the moving entity is when the metadata of movement presence / absence of the corresponding event indicates "movement exists". The moving entity may be, for example, an autonomous mobile body moving in the real space or virtual space, a person (user) moving in the real space, or an avatar moving in the virtual space. When the moving entity is an autonomous mobile body, the event processing unit 121 executes processing related to the autonomous movement of the target autonomous mobile body based on the corresponding event.

[0045] The metadata of the starting point indicates the starting point defined for the corresponding movement when the metadata of movement presence / absence indicates "movement exists". The starting point may be indicated, for example, as coordinates within the target space 10. The metadata of the arrival point indicates the arrival point defined for the corresponding movement when the metadata of movement presence / absence indicates "movement exists". The arrival point may be indicated, for example, as coordinates within the target space 10. For example, when the corresponding event information describes the movement of a certain autonomous mobile body, if the pre-event or post-event also describes the movement of the same autonomous mobile body, the arrival point of the preceding event and the starting point of the next event may be set to indicate the same coordinates.

[0046] The metadata indicating whether there is an area change indicates whether the spatial area described in the area information of the corresponding event information can be changed.

[0047] The metadata of the space definition indicates the definition of the spatial area indicated by the area information in which the corresponding event information is stored. For example, depending on the metadata of the space definition, it can indicate that the corresponding spatial area is an area where an autonomous mobile body can pass or an area where an autonomous mobile body is prohibited from passing. In addition, the metadata of the space definition may include data indicating the characteristics of the specific spatial area. For example, it may be a temperature value, an illuminance value, etc. at a specific point in that space. These values may be measured values, values calculated by simulation, etc., or values (threshold values) described as conditions. By comparing, calculating, and performing conditional branching on these metadata, it may be reflected in the control across spaces for each management target.

[0048] The metadata of the state reference destination indicates the reference destination when the corresponding event information needs to refer to a predetermined state. Specifically, the metadata of the state reference destination indicates a reference destination such as a database that stores sensing results when the corresponding event information is defined as indicating a sensing result, for example.

[0049] Referring to the flowchart of FIG. 5, an example of the processing procedure in response to the registration of an event in the spatio-temporal management system of the present embodiment will be described. Step S100: In the spatio-temporal management device 100, the event processing unit 121 generates event type information indicating the type of the corresponding event based on the information specifying the input event type.

[0050] Step S102: The event processing unit 121 generates area information based on the information corresponding to the input area definition.

[0051] Step S104: The event processing unit 121 generates schedule information based on information regarding the time specified corresponding to the target event. Note that the process of step S104 may be omitted, for example, when the target event simply defines a spatial region and no definition regarding time is required.

[0052] Step S106: The event processing unit 121 generates metadata based on the data for each item of the metadata input corresponding to the target event.

[0053] Step S108: The event processing unit 121 generates event information including the event type information generated in step S100, the area information generated in step S102, the schedule information generated in step S104, and the metadata generated in step S106. The event processing unit 121 stores the generated event information in the event information storage unit 131.

[0054] Step S110: The event processing unit 121 determines whether there is an overlap (interference) with other events defined by other registered event information regarding the event defined by the newly generated event information (new event information) in step S108. Here, the other registered event information is the event information stored in the event information storage unit 131. As a specific example of overlap, when the event defined by the new event information is a movement event that defines the movement of an autonomous mobile body, the movement of the space by the autonomous mobile body defined by the new event information overlaps with the movement of the space by other registered movement events, or overlaps with an exclusive area defined as an event by an area event.

[0055] Step S112: The event processing unit 121 determines whether the result of the determination in step S110 indicates an overlap.

[0056] Step S114: If it is determined in step S112 that there is no duplication, the event processing unit 121 newly registers the new event information. That is, the event processing unit 121 newly stores the new event information in the event information storage unit 131.

[0057] Step S116: On the other hand, if it is determined in step S112 that there is duplication, the event processing unit 121 determines the event information to be the object of change for resolving the duplication from among the new event information and the event information of the registered other events that are in a duplicating relationship with the new event information. At this time, the event processing unit 121 refers to information such as the priority, presence or absence of movement, and presence or absence of area change in the new event information and the other event information, and may determine the event information that is more changeable or the event information with lower priority as the object of change without changing the event information. Also, in step S116, each of the new event information and the other event information may be determined as the object of change.

[0058] Step S118: The event processing unit 121 changes the event information determined to be the object of change in step S116 so that the duplication is resolved. Specific examples of the change of the event information for resolving such duplication will be described later.

[0059] Step S120: The event processing unit 121 determines whether or not the event information changed in step S118 includes the event information of the registered other events.

[0060] Step S122: If it is determined in step S120 that the event information of the other events is included, the event processing unit 121 updates the event information of the other events stored in the event information storage unit 131 according to the content changed in step S118. After the process of step S122, the process proceeds to step S114, and the new event information is registered. Note that in this case, the new event information to be registered may have been changed in step S118.

[0061] On the other hand, when it is determined in step S120 that the registered other event information is not included, the event processing unit 121 skips step S122 and proceeds to the process of step S114. That is, in this case, the new event information changed in step S118 is registered.

[0062] Note that after the external management system 20 executes the process of generating event information up to steps S100 to S108, the generated event information may be transmitted to the spatio-temporal management device 100, and the spatio-temporal management device 100 may execute the processes after step S110 in response to the reception of the event information, so as to register the event information.

[0063] As described above, in the present embodiment, in order to make the format as event information common among various events, for example, format conversion is performed to convert the format corresponding to the external management system into the format corresponding to the event information (event-corresponding format).

[0064] FIG. 6 shows an example of format conversion. The map MP1-1 in the figure is an example of a map corresponding to a certain building existing in the target space 10. The diagram represented in the map MP1-1 corresponds to the line representation of the map in the external management system and the virtual wall on the map of the robot travel management system. In the figure, for the sake of convenience, a two-dimensional map of the inside of the building as seen from the plane is shown, but the map MP1-1 may be a three-dimensional map. In map MP1-1, walls, partitions, etc. inside the building are shown linearly. When generating the structure inside the building shown in map MP1-1 as area information, the event processing unit 121 of the spatio-temporal management device 100 performs format conversion into the area format defined in the present invention, as shown in map MP1-2 of the same figure. That is, the event processing unit 121 converts the structure inside the building shown by lines in map MP1-1 into a spatial range (i.e., an area) having an area and a volume. By converting the space represented by lines in this way into an area, the structural space inside the building can be treated as area information in an event.

[0065] Also, FIG. 7 shows another example of format conversion. Map MP2-1 in the same figure shows the movement route information of one autonomous mobile body managed by an external system. The movement route information managed by the external management system is represented by waypoints WP1, WP2, and WP3 as shown in the same figure. Waypoint WP1 indicates the starting point, waypoint WP3 indicates the arrival point (destination), and waypoint WP2 indicates the relay point.

[0066] The event processing unit 121 converts the movement route by waypoints shown in map MP2-1 into a movement route RT1 by a ribbon-shaped area having a predetermined width, as shown in map MP2-2. By converting the movement route RT1 into the form of an area in this way, in the event that defines the movement of the autonomous mobile body, the movement route of the autonomous mobile body can be treated as area information represented by area and volume. The width of the converted movement route may be set based on, for example, the maximum width when the corresponding autonomous mobile body is viewed from the front. In this case, the width of the converted movement route may be a width obtained by adding a margin width for safety purposes, for example, to avoid contact with people and objects around, to the maximum width when the autonomous mobile body is viewed from the front. Alternatively, for the width of the converted movement route, information on both the maximum width and the width obtained by adding the margin width may be adopted.

[0067] The format conversion of the area information of the movement path of such an autonomous mobile body may also be applied to an event that causes an avatar to move in a planned manner in the virtual space 10B.

[0068] By processing the event generated as described above and stored in the event information storage unit 131, the space-time management device 100 of the present embodiment can appropriately perform various controls in the target space 10 regardless of whether the target space 10 is the real space or the virtual space.

[0069] With reference to FIGS. 8 and 9, as an example of space-time management by the space-time management device 100, event control (space-time management) in the case of changing (modifying) the movement path when moving a moving object will be described. The event control described below may target either the real space 10A or the virtual space 10B in the target space 10. Also, the control of the moving object here may be the movement control of an autonomous mobile body in the real space, or may be the movement guidance of a user (human), etc. Further, the control of the moving object here may be the movement control of an avatar in the virtual space 10B, or the guidance of the movement path for the avatar corresponding to the user, etc. In the following description, the case of changing the movement path of an autonomous mobile body in the real space will be taken as an example.

[0070] In FIG. 8, the map MP3-1 shows a movement path RT2 in the target space 10 indicated by the area information of event information (movement event information) that defines the movement of one autonomous mobile body as an event (movement event). The event processing unit 121 is configured to determine the interference situation between the movement route RT2 indicated by the current movement event information and the event (event) indicated by other event information as the movement control of the autonomous mobile body based on the movement event information. Therefore, the event processing unit 121 searches for event information of an event (event) that overlaps (interferes) with the combination of, for example, the movement route indicated by the movement event information and the time (movement time) when the movement along the movement route is performed, from among the event information stored in the event information storage unit 131. Here, the case where three events corresponding to each of the maps MP3-2, MP3-3, and MP3-4 in FIG. 8 are searched is taken as an example. In the map MP3-2, a space area (movable area AR1) where the autonomous mobile body can move is shown in the same target space 10 as the target of the movement event. That is, the map MP3-2 shows the content of the event information that defines the movable area AR1 in the same target space 10 as the target of the movement event information, as area event information that defines an event (area event) as a space area.

[0071] Note that the area event information may or may not include schedule information. The area event information that does not include schedule information is set so that the definition of the space area indicated by the area information is constantly valid. The area event information that includes schedule information is set so that the definition of the space area indicated by the area information is valid only within the time indicated by the schedule information.

[0072] In the map MP3-3, a space area (prohibited entry area AR2) where entry of the autonomous mobile body is prohibited is shown in the same target space 10 as the target of the movement event information. That is, the map MP3-3 shows the content of the area event that defines the prohibited entry area AR2 in the same target space 10 as the target of the movement event.

[0073] Map MP3-4 shows a space area (temporary stop prohibited area AR3) where the autonomous mobile body is prohibited from making a temporary stop in the same target space 10 as that targeted by the movement event. That is, map MP3-4 shows the content of the area event that defines the temporary stop prohibited area AR3 in the same target space 10 as that targeted by the movement event.

[0074] Also, map MP3-5 in FIG. 9 shows a reservation area AR5 set in a time zone that overlaps with the movement time indicated by the corresponding movement event information in the same target space 10 as that targeted by the movement event. In the time zone when the reservation area AR5 is valid, entry of the autonomous mobile body into the reservation area AR5 is prohibited based on metadata such as whether space can be occupied and priority.

[0075] The event processing unit 121 collates the movement route RT1 defined by the movement event information as shown in map MP2-2 with the movable area AR1, the entry prohibited area AR2, the temporary stop prohibited area AR3, and the reservation area AR5. Map MP3-6 in FIG. 10 shows the result of collating the movement route RT2 with the movable area AR1, the entry prohibited area AR2, the temporary stop prohibited area AR3, and the reservation area AR5. As can be seen from map MP3-6, the area as the current movement route RT2 exists within the movable area AR1 and does not overlap with the entry prohibited area AR2, but partially overlaps with the reservation area AR5.

[0076] Also, the time schedule table in FIG. 10 shows an example of the state where the schedule of the movement route RT2 is collated with the schedules of the movable area AR1, the entry prohibited area AR2, the temporary stop prohibited area AR3, and the reservation area AR5 based on the schedule information. The movable area AR1, the entry prohibited area AR2, and the temporary stop prohibited area AR3 are each defined as areas that exist constantly without temporal regulations by schedule information as events. On the other hand, for the reservation area AR5, the time period is determined by the schedule information as an event. Specifically, in the figure, the reservation area AR5 is set during the time period from time t1 to t4. Also, the movement route RT1 of the autonomous mobile body is determined to be during the time period from time t2 to t3 according to the schedule information. As can be understood from the figure, the time period from time t2 to t3 when the autonomous mobile body moves along the movement route RT1 overlaps with the periods during which the entry prohibited area AR2, the stop prohibited area AR3, and the reservation area AR5 are set.

[0077] Therefore, for the movement route RT2, the event processing unit 121 searches for a route that does not overlap with the reservation area AR5 and changes to the searched route as exemplified in the map MP3-7 of FIG. 9. The event processing unit 121 updates the area information of the movement event information as shown for the changed movement route RT2.

[0078] In this way, based on the time schedule, the event processing unit 121 can appropriately perform space-time management by adjusting the temporal and spatial overlap between events. The event processing unit 121 may notify the external management system that manages the target in the corresponding management target-specific space 11 of the updated movement route RT2. At this time, the event processing unit 121 may notify after converting the movement route RT2 into a format corresponding to the external management system of the notification destination (for example, a format using waypoints).

[0079] Referring to FIG. 11, as another example of space control by the space-time management device 100, a case of performing deformation according to the usage status of the space to be used will be described. The space control in this example may target either the real space or the virtual space.

[0080] The map MP4-1 in FIG. 11 shows an example of setting a rental area in a certain building within the target space 10. In the figure, an example in which three rental areas AR11, AR12, and AR13 are set is shown. The rental areas AR11, AR12, and AR13 are each defined by the area information of the corresponding area event information as being an event of renting space (being a rental area). Also, the event type information in the area event information of the rental areas AR11, AR12, and AR13 each indicates that it is a rental event of renting a certain range of space (usage space) for use. Also, the metadata of the area event information of the rental areas AR11, AR12, and AR13 may include items of a rental fee system. Depending on the rental fee system, for example, the fee per unit time or the fee per unit area (or unit volume) may be indicated. The rental areas AR11, AR12, and AR13 each have a different fee system.

[0081] Also, in the space control of this example, corresponding to the rental of the usage space by the user, an event (rental event) defined for the rental of the usage space is provided. In the rental event information in this case, the event type information indicates that it is a rental event, and it is described that the area information is defined as the user space according to the arrangement of the position sensors used by the user to occupy the usage space. Also, the schedule information in the rental event information in this case indicates the time when the user rents the usage space. Also, the metadata of the presence or absence of area change in the metadata of the rental event information in this case indicates "there is a change". That is, in the rental event in this case, regarding the rental use area, changes in size (area, volume) and movement are allowed according to the usage situation of the user. Also, the metadata in the rental event information may include information indicating a list of users.

[0082] In FIG. 11, map MP4-2 shows a state in which the usage space BD-1 initially set at the start is superimposed on rental areas AR11, AR12, and AR13. In this case, the usage space has a rectangular planar shape, and the position and size (e.g., the area in the planar direction) of usage space BD are determined by the positions within the target space 10 detected by position sensors Sn1 to Sn4 installed corresponding to each vertex of the rectangle. The position sensors Sn1 to Sn4 may be included in one of the facilities 30A in correspondence with the real space. The spatio-temporal management device 100 may recognize the position and size of the usage space BD in the target space 10 by acquiring position information indicating the positions measured by each of the position sensors Sn1 to Sn4.

[0083] Note that in the above example, the shape of the usage space BD-1 is specified from the positions detected by the four position sensors Sn1 to Sn, but the number of position sensors is not limited to four. Also, the shape of the usage space BD-1 may be specified by other methods. Further, the shape of the usage space BD-1 may be arbitrarily set, not by a rectangle, but by, for example, other polygons or circles.

[0084] When the user is using the usage space BD-1, there may be a need to change the size or position of the usage space BD-1. Here, specifically, an example is given where, due to an increase in the number of users using the usage space BD-1, there is a need to expand the size (an example of the exclusive range) of the usage space BD-1. In this case, the user sets an expanded usage space BD-2 with the usage space BD-1 expanded to the required size and relocates the position sensors Sn1 - Sn4 corresponding to the usage space BD-2.

[0085] FIG. 11 map MP4-3 shows the usage space BD-2 obtained as a result of the expansion performed as described above. In map MP4-3, the expanded usage space BD-2 is set to straddle the rental area AR12 and the rental area AR13. The space-time management device 100 updates the position and size of the usage space BD that it manages by acquiring position information indicating the positions measured by each of the position sensors Sn1 to Sn4 rearranged corresponding to the usage space BD of the map MP4-3.

[0086] Moreover, in this case, the space-time management device 100 may calculate a fee according to the result of using the usage space BD (BD-1, BD-2). Specifically, the event processing unit 121 of the space-time management device 100 uses the occupancy rate of the rental area AR12 in the usage space BD-1 before expansion shown in the map MP4-2, the rental time in the state of the usage space BD-1 before expansion, and the fee system indicated by the corresponding metadata to calculate the fee (first unit fee) corresponding to the rental of the usage space BD-1 before expansion. Also, the event processing unit 121 uses the occupancy rates of the rental areas AR12 and AR13 in the usage space BD-2 after expansion shown in the map MP4-3, the rental time in the state of the usage space BD-2 after expansion, and the fee system indicated by the corresponding metadata to calculate the fee (second unit fee) corresponding to the rental of the usage space BD-2 after expansion. That is, when the position or size of the usage space BD is changed according to the use of the usage space BD (BD-1, BD-2), the event processing unit 121 calculates the unit fee for each usage space BD with different positions and sizes. The event processing unit 121 calculates the fee corresponding to the use of the usage space BD by adding up the calculated unit fees. The event processing unit 121 may transmit the calculated fee to a server or terminal of a vendor or the like that provides a space rental service. The vendor that provides the space rental service may be configured to perform processing corresponding to the settlement based on the received fee.

[0087] FIG. 12 shows a time schedule table when the usage spaces BD (BD-1, BD-2) are used as described above. In this figure, it is shown that the pre-expanded usage space BD-1 was used during the period from time t11 to t12, and the post-expanded usage space BD-2 was used during the period from time t12 to t13. Also, in this figure, it is shown that the occupancy rate of the rental area in the usage space BD-2 used during the period from time t12 to t13 is 70% for the rental area AR12 and 30% for the rental area AR13. Further, in this figure, the charges for each of the rental areas AR11, AR12, and AR13 (charges according to unit time and unit area) are shown. The event processing unit 121 can calculate the charges using the usage time of the rental areas used as the usage spaces BD-1 and BD-2 shown in such a time schedule table and the areas of the rental areas included in the usage spaces BD-1 and BD-2.

[0088] Each of the cases described with reference to FIGS. 8 to 13 is merely an example, and the content defined by the event information and the processing according to the event information can be considered in various ways.

[0089] In this embodiment, when generating a movement event, when planning, changing, etc. the movement route of the autonomous mobile body, an optimal movement route may be estimated based on the past performance of the movement events. For this purpose, for example, movement events used for the movement of the autonomous mobile body so far may be input as learning data, and a movement route estimation model may be constructed to learn an optimal movement route based on the input learning data. For example, the movement route estimation model may estimate the time required for the movement of the autonomous mobile body (movement time) for each candidate movement route based on the congestion level, presence or absence of danger, etc. in the target space, and output the candidate with the shortest estimated movement time as the estimation result of the movement route. The event processing unit 121 may use the movement route estimation model constructed as described above to plan, change, etc. the movement route.

[0090] Note that the spatio-temporal management device 100 may be configured to be distributed among, for example, a plurality of devices and servers.

[0091] Note that a program for realizing the functions of the above-described spatio-temporal management device 100 or the like may be recorded on a computer-readable recording medium, and the program recorded on this recording medium may be read into a computer system and executed to perform the processing as the above-described spatio-temporal management device 100 or the like. Here, "reading the program recorded on the recording medium into the computer system and executing it" includes installing the program in the computer system. The "computer system" as used herein is assumed to include hardware such as an OS and peripheral devices. Further, the "computer system" may include a plurality of computer devices connected via a network including a communication line such as the Internet, WAN, LAN, or dedicated line. Also, the "computer-readable recording medium" refers to a portable medium such as a flexible disk, magneto-optical disk, ROM, CD-ROM, or a storage device such as an HDD or SSD built into the computer system. Thus, the recording medium storing the program may be a non-transitory recording medium such as a CD-ROM. Also, the recording medium includes an internal or external recording medium provided so as to be accessible from a distribution server for distributing the program. The code of the program stored in the recording medium of the distribution server may be different from the code of the program executable on the terminal device. That is, as long as it can be downloaded from the distribution server and installed in a form executable on the terminal device, the form stored in the distribution server does not matter. Note that the program may be divided into a plurality of parts, downloaded at different timings, and then combined on the terminal device, or the distribution servers for distributing the respective divided programs may be different. Furthermore, the "computer-readable recording medium" is assumed to include a volatile memory (RAM) inside a computer system serving as a server or a client when a program is transmitted via a network, which holds the program for a certain period of time. Also, the above program may be for realizing a part of the above-described functions. Further, it may be a so-called difference file (difference program) that can realize the above-described functions in combination with a program already recorded in the computer system.

[0092] There are 17 "Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)" adopted at the United Nations Summit in September 2015. The display control system according to the present embodiment can contribute to the achievement of, for example, the goal of "9. Build the foundation for industry and technological innovation" among these 17 SDG goals.

Description of Reference Numerals

[0093] 10 Target space, 10A Real space, 10B Virtual space, 11 Space for each management target, 11-1 Space for each management target, 11-2 Space for each management target, 11-3 Space for each management target, 11-4 Space for each management target, 11-5 Space for each management target, 20 External management system, 30 Event information, 40 Terminal, 100 Space-time management device, 101 Communication unit, 102 Control unit, 103 Storage unit, 121 Event processing unit, 131 Event information storage unit

Claims

1. An event information storage unit that stores event information defining the relationship between space and time corresponding to an event in a target space, An event processing unit that changes the corresponding event information so that the relationship between space and time for the event is changed for management according to the temporal change of the space corresponding to the event An information processing system comprising.

2. The event information includes area information indicating a space area exclusively occupied according to the event, and schedule information indicating the time associated with the space area The information processing system according to claim 1.

3. The event information further includes attribute information indicating a predetermined attribute regarding the event The information processing system according to claim 1.

4. When duplication occurs such that a specific event and another event exclusively occupy the same space at the same time, the event processing unit changes at least one of the event information of the specific event and the event information of the other event so that the duplication is resolved The information processing system according to claim 1 or 2.

5. The event processing unit changes the exclusive range of the specific space area corresponding to the event information regarding a specific space area defined in the target space under temporal change The information processing system prior to claim 1 or 2.

6. An information processing method in an information processing system, comprising: An event information storage step in which an event information storage unit stores event information defining the relationship between space and time corresponding to an event in a target space; An event processing step in which an event processing unit changes the corresponding event information so that the relationship between space and time for the event is changed for management according to the temporal change of the space corresponding to the event An information processing method comprising.

7. A program for causing a computer in an information processing system to function as An event information storage unit that stores event information defining the relationship between space and time corresponding to an event in a target space, An event processing unit that changes the corresponding event information so that the relationship between space and time for the event is changed for management according to the temporal change of the space corresponding to the event ​

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