Acoustic characteristic evaluation method, program, and acoustic characteristic evaluation system

Abstract

To provide an acoustic characteristic evaluation method capable of easily evaluating the acoustic properties in a room.SOLUTION: The acoustic characteristic evaluation method includes: calculation steps S14, S15 of calculating direct sound energy arriving at least at one target area from the target area and the first other area in the multiple areas, and indirect sound energy arriving indirectly from second other areas in the target area based on the evaluation parameters set for each of the multiple areas; evaluation steps S18, S19 of evaluating the acoustic property in the target area based on the calculated direct sound energy and the calculated indirect sound energy; and an output step S20 of outputting information regarding the results of the evaluation.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an acoustic characteristic evaluation method, a program, and an acoustic characteristic evaluation system.

Background Art

[0002] Techniques for evaluating the audibility of sound in an indoor space have been proposed. Patent Document 1 discloses an indoor environmental sound evaluation method that can objectively evaluate the preference of environmental sound in a building's interior with accuracy close to human perception.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] The present invention provides an acoustic characteristic evaluation method and the like that can simply evaluate the acoustic characteristics in an indoor space.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0005] An acoustic characteristic evaluation method according to an aspect of the present invention is an acoustic characteristic evaluation method executed by a computer system, including: a first setting step of setting a plurality of areas with different usage purposes for a virtual indoor space; a second setting step of setting evaluation parameters for each of the plurality of areas; a calculation step of calculating, based on the evaluation parameters set for each of the plurality of areas, the energy of direct sound directly arriving at a target area, which is at least one of the plurality of areas, from the target area and a first other area, and the energy of indirect sound indirectly arriving at the target area from a second other area; an evaluation step of evaluating the acoustic characteristics in the target area based on the calculated energy of the direct sound and the calculated energy of the indirect sound; and an output step of outputting information regarding the result of the evaluation.

[0006] A program according to an aspect of the present invention is a program for causing the computer system to execute the acoustic characteristic evaluation method.

[0007] An acoustic characteristic evaluation system according to an aspect of the present invention includes: a setting unit that sets a plurality of areas with different usage purposes for a virtual indoor space and sets evaluation parameters for each of the plurality of areas; an evaluation unit that calculates, based on the evaluation parameters set for each of the plurality of areas, the energy of direct sound directly arriving at a target area, which is at least one of the plurality of areas, from the target area and a first other area, and the energy of indirect sound indirectly arriving at the target area from a second other area, and evaluates the acoustic characteristics in the target area based on the calculated energy of the direct sound and the calculated energy of the indirect sound; and an output unit that outputs information regarding the result of the evaluation.

Effects of the Invention

[0008] The acoustic characteristic evaluation method and the like according to an aspect of the present invention can easily evaluate the acoustic characteristics in an indoor space.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0009]

Figure 1

Figure 2

Figure 3

Figure 4

Figure 5

Figure 6

Figure 7

Figure 8

Figure 9

Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[0010] Hereinafter, the embodiments will be specifically described with reference to the drawings. Note that all of the embodiments described below show comprehensive or specific examples. The numerical values, shapes, materials, components, arrangement positions and connection forms of the components, steps, order of steps, etc. shown in the following embodiments are merely examples and are not intended to limit the present invention. In addition, among the components in the following embodiments, the components not described in the independent claims are described as optional components.

[0011] Note that each figure is a schematic diagram and is not necessarily drawn precisely. Also, in each figure, the same reference numerals are given to substantially the same configurations, and duplicate explanations may be omitted or simplified.

[0012] (Embodiment) [Configuration] First, the configuration of the acoustic characteristic evaluation system according to the embodiment will be described. FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing the functional configuration of the acoustic characteristic evaluation system according to the embodiment.

[0013] The acoustic characteristic evaluation system 10 is a system that can simply evaluate (simulate) the acoustic characteristics in the indoor space in order to design the indoor space. The acoustic characteristics here have a broad meaning. The acoustic characteristic evaluation system 10 is used, for example, for the preliminary design of the indoor space in a newly constructed building, or for the preliminary design when renewing (refurbishing) the indoor space in an existing building. The indoor space may be, for example, an office space, but may also be other indoor spaces such as spaces in a house.

[0014] For example, when the indoor space is a relatively open office space with few walls (partitions) and is divided into a plurality of areas for each purpose of use without using walls, it is considered that the main factors that interfere with the work of employees are the voices of other employees (people) and background noise such as the operating sound of air conditioning equipment.

[0015] Therefore, the acoustic characteristic evaluation system 10 evaluates, for example, the intelligibility of human voices. The intelligibility of human voices is an index indicating whether what the person is saying can be understood, in other words, clarity. That is, the acoustic characteristic evaluation system 10 evaluates whether voices from other areas are difficult to hear in the work area of the office space and whether one can concentrate on work (the intelligibility of voices is low). Specifically, the acoustic characteristic evaluation system 10 includes an evaluation device 20 and a server system 30.

[0016] The evaluation device 20 is a device used to evaluate acoustic characteristics. The evaluation device 20 is realized, for example, by a personal computer or a tablet terminal installed with a predetermined application program. Specifically, the evaluation device 20 includes a communication unit 21, an information processing unit 22, a storage unit 23, an operation reception unit 24, and a display unit 25.

[0017] The communication unit 21 is a communication module (communication circuit) for the evaluation device 20 to communicate with the server system 30. The communication performed by the communication unit 21 is, for example, wired communication, but may also be wireless communication. The communication standard used for communication is not particularly limited either.

[0018] The information processing unit 22 performs information processing for evaluating acoustic characteristics. The information processing unit 22 is realized by, for example, a microcomputer, but may also be realized by a processor. The information processing unit 22 has, as functional components, a setting unit 22a, an evaluation unit 22b, and an output unit 22c. The functions of the setting unit 22a, the evaluation unit 22b, and the output unit 22c are realized, for example, by a microcomputer or a processor constituting the information processing unit 22 executing a computer program stored in the storage unit 23. The detailed functions of each of the setting unit 22a, the evaluation unit 22b, and the output unit 22c will be described later.

[0019] The storage unit 23 is a storage device in which information necessary for evaluating acoustic characteristics is stored. The information necessary for evaluating acoustic characteristics includes a computer program (the above-mentioned predetermined application program) executed by the information processing unit 22. The storage unit 23 is realized by, for example, an HDD (Hard Disk Drive), but may also be realized by a semiconductor memory or the like.

[0020] The operation reception unit 24 receives a user's operation related to the evaluation of acoustic characteristics. The user is, for example, a designer of an indoor space or the like. The operation reception unit 24 is realized by at least one of devices such as a keyboard, a mouse, and a touch panel.

[0021] The display unit 25 displays a display screen related to the evaluation of acoustic characteristics. The display unit 25 is realized by a display panel such as a liquid crystal panel or an organic EL (Electro-Luminescence) panel.

[0022] The server system 30 is a system used to evaluate acoustic characteristics and is realized by one or more server devices (cloud servers). Specifically, the server system 30 includes a communication unit 31, an information processing unit 32, and a storage unit 33.

[0023] The communication unit 31 is a communication module (communication circuit) for the server system 30 to communicate with the evaluation device 20. The communication performed by the communication unit 31 is, for example, wired communication, but may also be wireless communication. The communication standard used for communication is not particularly limited either.

[0024] The information processing unit 32 performs information processing for evaluating acoustic characteristics. The information processing unit 32 is realized by, for example, a microcomputer, but may also be realized by a processor. As functional components, the information processing unit 32 has a setting unit 32a, an evaluation unit 32b, and an output unit 32c. The functions of the setting unit 32a, the evaluation unit 32b, and the output unit 32c are realized, for example, by a microcomputer or a processor constituting the information processing unit 32 executing a computer program stored in the storage unit 33. The detailed functions of each of the setting unit 32a, the evaluation unit 32b, and the output unit 32c will be described later.

[0025] The storage unit 33 is a storage device in which information necessary for evaluating acoustic characteristics is stored. The information necessary for evaluating acoustic characteristics includes a computer program executed by the information processing unit 32 and the like. The storage unit 33 is realized by, for example, an HDD (Hard Disk Drive), but may also be realized by a semiconductor memory or the like.

[0026] [Example of virtual space] An example of a virtual indoor space (hereinafter also referred to as a virtual space) that is the subject of evaluation (simulation) of acoustic characteristics will be described. The acoustic characteristic evaluation system 10 can evaluate acoustic characteristics, for example, in a virtual space as shown in FIG. 2. FIG. 2 is a plan view showing an example of the virtual space. The virtual space is, for example, a space corresponding to a rough layout plan of an actual indoor space. The virtual space may be created by simplifying map data or BIM (Building Information Modeling) data of an actual indoor space, etc.

[0027] As shown in FIG. 2, the virtual space is divided into a plurality of areas. In the example of FIG. 2, the virtual space is divided into 16 areas of 4×4 in plan view. Hereinafter, the 16 areas will be distinguished as area 1 to area 16. Note that one area has a side length of about several meters to several tens of meters (for example, 3 m, etc., 1 m or more and 20 m or less), and is larger than the mesh used for general acoustic characteristic simulation.

[0028] The usage purpose is determined for each of the 16 areas. In other words, the usage purpose can be set for each of the 16 areas. In the example of FIG. 2, three areas, area 1, area 9, and area 13, are provided for meetings, nine areas, area 2 to area 4, area 10 to area 12, and area 14 to area 16, are provided for work, and four areas, area 5 to area 8, are provided as corridors.

[0029] [Example 1 of the evaluation operation of acoustic characteristics] The acoustic characteristic evaluation system 10 can simply evaluate the acoustic characteristics in the virtual space by setting only a relatively small number of evaluation parameters for the virtual space as shown in FIG. 2. Hereinafter, Example 1 of the evaluation operation of acoustic characteristics will be described. FIG. 3 is a flowchart of Example 1 of the evaluation operation of acoustic characteristics.

[0030] The user performs operations for making various settings (inputting various information) on the virtual space, and the operation reception unit 24 of the evaluation device 20 receives such operations (S11).

[0031] Based on the received operations, the setting unit 22a makes various settings (S12). Specifically, the setting unit 22a makes settings such as the setting of a plurality of areas, the setting of the presence or absence of direct sound shielding between areas, the setting of the area between adjacent areas, and the setting of evaluation parameters in each of the plurality of areas. The evaluation parameters include, for example, only three parameters: sound absorption rate, ambient noise level, and voice level. Note that the setting of the presence or absence of direct sound shielding between areas and the setting of the area between adjacent areas can be considered as settings of a plurality of areas or settings of evaluation parameters.

[0032] First, the setting of a plurality of areas will be described. As described with reference to FIG. 2 above, the setting unit 22a sets a plurality of areas for the virtual space. Specifically, the setting unit 22a sets the shape and size of the plurality of areas, the arrangement of the plurality of areas, and the purpose of use of the plurality of areas, etc. As a result, as described in FIG. 2 above, for example, n areas (n = 16 in FIG. 2) from area 1 to area n are set in the virtual space, and the purpose of use is set for each of areas 1 to n. The purpose of use is selected, for example, from among the options prepared in advance.

[0033] Although FIG. 2 is a plan view of the virtual space (a view seen two-dimensionally), the area setting in step S11 is performed three-dimensionally. That is, in step S11, for each of areas 1 to n, the floor area of the area and the height from the floor to the ceiling of the area are set (defined). In other words, in step S11, it can be considered that the volume of each of areas 1 to n is set (defined).

[0034] Next, the setting of the presence or absence of direct sound shielding between areas will be described. In step S11, the user performs an operation of designating a direct sound shielding location (a location with a partition such as a wall) with respect to the virtual space in FIG. 2, for example. In step S12, the setting unit 22a sets a parameter c ij indicating the presence or absence of direct sound shielding based on the designated shielding location. i and j are area numbers, and when c ij = 1, it means that direct sound reaches from area j to area i, and when c ij = 0, it means that direct sound does not reach from area j to area i.

[0035] In FIG. 2, the shielding location by the user is indicated by a thick line. The setting unit 22a sets, for example, that direct sound reaches (c ij = 1) when the line segment connecting the center point of area j and the center point of area i does not intersect the shielding location, and sets that direct sound does not reach (c ij = 0) when the line segment connecting the center point of area j and the center point of area i intersects the shielding location. In the example of FIG. 2, since direct sound reaches from area 1 to areas 2 to 4, c 21 = c 31 = c 41 = 1 is set (see the solid arrows in FIG. 2). On the other hand, since direct sound does not reach from area 1 to area 5, c 51 = 0 is set (see the dashed arrow in FIG. 2).

[0036] Next, the setting of the area between adjacent areas will be described. The area between adjacent areas means the unshielded area (the area through which sound passes) between adjacent areas, and is represented by the parameter F ij [m 2 . i and j are area numbers. For example, F 12 means the unshielded area between area 1 and area 2. Since area 1 and area 3 are not adjacent, F 13 becomes 0.

[0037] Next, the setting of the sound absorption rate will be described. The sound absorption rate of the area is set based on the material provided on the floor, wall, or ceiling of the area, etc., and the area of the location where the material is provided. For example, if Area 1 is a cube with dimensions of 3[m]×3[m]×3[m], in step S11, the user inputs that sound-absorbing materials with a sound absorption rate of 0.5 are provided on the floor and ceiling of Area 1. The setting unit sets the sound absorption rate of Area 1 to 0.5×(18 / 54) since sound-absorbing materials with a sound absorption rate of 0.5 are provided on 9×2 = 18[m 2 out of the surface area of 54[m 2 of Area 1. In step S12, the setting unit 22a sets the sound absorption rate for each of the n areas.

[0038] Next, the setting of the ambient noise level will be described. In step S11, the user selects, for each of Areas 1 to n, the ambient noise level in the area from among the prepared options. As options, for example, three levels of low level, medium level, and high level are prepared, but four or more detailed options may be prepared. The storage unit 23 stores ambient noise level information in which the options are associated with the numerical values of the ambient noise level (such as 30 dB), and the selection result of the option can be converted into the ambient noise level. Note that in step S11, the user may input the numerical value of the ambient noise.

[0039] Next, the setting of the voice level will be described. The voice level can be regarded as the noise level and can be considered as the amount of conversation in an office space. In step S11, the user selects, for each of Areas 1 to n, the voice level in the area from among the prepared options. As options, for example, three levels of low level, medium level, and high level are prepared, but four or more detailed options may be prepared. The storage unit 23 stores voice level information in which the options are associated with the numerical values of the voice level (such as 50 dB), and the selection result of the option can be converted into the voice level. Note that in step S11, the user may input the numerical value of the voice level.

[0040] Note that the sound absorption rate, background noise level, and voice level are set for each frequency. For example, when performing the evaluation of one-octave bands as in Example 1 of this evaluation operation, the sound absorption rate, background noise level, and voice level are set for each of a plurality of frequencies. When performing the evaluation limited to a specific frequency band, the sound absorption rate, background noise level, and voice level may be set only for the specific frequency. Hereinafter, using k as the frequency, the sound absorption rate of area i is α i,k , the background noise level of area i is N i,k、 , and the voice level of area i is W i,k are described as such.

[0041] After performing the various settings as described above, the evaluation unit 22b converts the voice level W i,k (i = 1, 2, ··· n) in each of areas 1 to n from the sound pressure level to energy (S13). That is, the evaluation unit 22b converts the voice level W i,k from the decibel value to the watt value. The following formula is for converting the voice level Ls to the energy Es, and the evaluation unit 22b, for example, substitutes the voice level W i,k [dB] into Ls of the following formula to obtain the converted W i,k [W]. Note that Wm is a constant and may be 0.

[0042]

Equation

[0043] Next, the evaluation unit 22b calculates the direct sound energy Ed i,k in each of areas 1 to n based on the voice energy W ij generated in areas 1 to n and the above-mentioned parameter c i,k (S14). For example, based on the above-mentioned parameter c ij , when direct sound from areas 2 to 4 reaches area 1 and no direct sound reaches from other areas, the direct sound energy in area 1 is W 1,kand W, each corrected for attenuation based on the following formula (i.e., the distance r between areas). 2,k W 3,k and W 4,k The sum of these is obtained. Note that Q is a constant, and in a normal case where sound spreads omnidirectionally, Q is 1.

[0044] [Number]

[0045] Note that the direct sound energy Ed in steps S13 and S14 i,k is calculated for each of a plurality of frequencies. When evaluating in 1-octave bands, for example, the direct sound energy is calculated for five frequencies: 250 Hz, 500 Hz, 1 kHz, 2 kHz, and 4 kHz. That is, k is either 250 Hz, 500 Hz, 1 kHz, 2 kHz, or 4 kHz.

[0046] Next, the evaluation unit 22b calculates the indirect sound energy Es in each of areas 1 to n (S15) based on the sound energy W i,k generated in areas 1 to n and the following formula (backward difference equation) showing the balance of indirect sound energy. i,k The initial value of the indirect sound energy Es i,k is 0, and dt is, for example, 10 ms.

[0047] [Number]

[0048] In this formula, the V vector is a vector with the volumes of areas 1 to n as elements. The volumes of areas 1 to n are calculated based on the floor area of the area and the height from the floor to the ceiling of the area, which are set by the setting unit 22a. The S vector is a vector with the surface areas of areas 1 to n as elements. The surface areas of areas 1 to n are calculated based on the floor area of the area and the height from the floor to the ceiling of the area, which are set by the setting unit 22a. α k The vector is the sound absorption rate α of areas 1 to n i,k as elements. As described above, the sound absorption rate α of areas 1 to n i,k is set by the setting unit 22a. F ij is the area between adjacent areas described above and is set by the setting unit 22a.

[0049] Note that in step S15, the indirect sound energy Es i,k is calculated for each of a plurality of frequencies, similar to the direct sound energy Ed i,k .

[0050] Next, the evaluation unit 22b calculates the total energy E i,k of the direct sound energy Ed i,k and the indirect sound energy Es i,k in each of the plurality of areas 1 to n (S16). The energy E i,k is calculated for each frequency according to the formula E i,k = Ed i,k + Es i,k .

[0051] Next, the evaluation unit 22b converts the energy E i,k in each of the areas 1 to n into the sound pressure L i (S17). The following formula is for converting energy into sound pressure level. As represented by Σ in the following formula, the energy for each frequency is added (integrated) and then converted into the sound pressure L i .

[0052]

Equation

[0053] Next, the evaluation unit 22b calculates the comprehensibility of the voice in each of areas 1 to n (S18). Specifically, the evaluation unit 22b weights and averages the ambient noise levels N i,k for each frequency in each of areas 1 to n to calculate the ambient noise level N i , and calculates the SN ratio of L i with respect to the ambient noise level N i in each of areas 1 to n, and converts the SN ratio into comprehensibility according to the curve in FIG. 4. In the weighted average, the weight for the ambient noise level N i,k is determined according to, for example, the ratio of the energy W i,k [W] of the voice level obtained in step S13 above.

[0054] FIG. 4 is a diagram showing the relationship between the SN ratio and the comprehensibility. The comprehensibility is an example of an evaluation value (simulation value) of acoustic characteristics. Note that the SN ratio itself may be used as an evaluation value.

[0055] Next, the evaluation unit 22b determines whether the comprehensibility in each of areas 1 to n satisfies a predetermined condition (S19). As described above, a usage purpose is set for each of areas 1 to n, and the predetermined condition varies according to the usage purpose set for each of areas 1 to n. The determination condition information in which the usage purpose and the predetermined condition are associated is stored in the storage unit 23, and the predetermined condition can be specified from the usage purpose. The predetermined condition is, for example, set in advance such that it is 50% or less for an area for meetings and 30% or less for an office area. Depending on the area, the predetermined condition may be set as no condition (no restriction). The predetermined condition may be changed by the user through an operation by the user to the operation reception unit 24 or the like.

[0056] Next, the output unit 22c outputs the determination result (S20). For example, the output unit 22c outputs the determination result (visualizes it) by outputting determination result information for displaying the determination result to the display unit 25. FIG. 5 is a diagram showing a first example of the display screen of the determination result.

[0057] In the example of FIG. 5, the determination results of each of the areas 1 to n are shown. The area described as OK is the area determined to satisfy the predetermined conditions, and the area described as NG is the area determined not to satisfy the predetermined conditions. For the area determined as NG, the target value of the degree of understanding (for example, the upper limit value of the predetermined conditions) for satisfying the predetermined conditions is displayed. In this way, when it is determined that the degree of understanding (evaluation value) does not satisfy the predetermined conditions, the output unit 22c may output the target value of the degree of understanding for satisfying the predetermined conditions.

[0058] Further, FIG. 6 is a diagram showing a second example of the display screen of the determination result. In the example of FIG. 6, for the area determined as NG, the difference between the calculated degree of understanding and the target value of the degree of understanding for satisfying the predetermined conditions is displayed. In this way, when it is determined that the degree of understanding does not satisfy the predetermined conditions, the output unit 22c may output the difference between the calculated degree of understanding and the target value of the degree of understanding for satisfying the predetermined conditions.

[0059] Further, FIG. 7 is a diagram showing a third example of the display screen of the determination result. In the example of FIG. 7, for the area determined as NG, the design countermeasure plan for obtaining the degree of understanding that satisfies the predetermined conditions is displayed. In this way, when it is determined that the degree of understanding does not satisfy the predetermined conditions, the output unit 22c may output the design countermeasure plan for obtaining the degree of understanding that satisfies the predetermined conditions.

[0060] Note that in step S20, a display screen combining two or more of the display contents in FIGS. 5 to 7 may be displayed. For example, in step S20, the target value of the degree of understanding for satisfying the predetermined conditions and the design countermeasure plan may be displayed.

[0061] As described above, the acoustic characteristic evaluation system 10 divides a virtual indoor space into a plurality of areas on the order of several meters 2 ~ several hundred meters 2 in plan view, and can easily evaluate the acoustic characteristics in each of the plurality of areas by setting a small number of evaluation parameters such as the sound absorption rate, the sound pressure level of speech, and the sound pressure level of background noise.

[0062] In addition, since the predetermined requirements used in the determination in step S19 are determined according to the purpose of use of the area, the acoustic characteristic evaluation system 10 can realize (support) the acoustic design of the indoor space according to the purpose of use.

[0063] Note that in the above Example 1 of the evaluation operation, all of areas 1 to n were the evaluation targets, and it was determined whether or not predetermined conditions were satisfied in all of areas 1 to n. However, the acoustic characteristic evaluation system 10 may evaluate a target area that is at least a part of areas 1 to n, and determine whether or not predetermined conditions are satisfied in the target area. The target area is specified by the user, for example, by the user's operation on the operation reception unit 24 or the like.

[0064] [Example 2 of the evaluation operation of acoustic characteristics] In the above Example 1 of the evaluation operation, an example in which the acoustic characteristics are evaluated by the evaluation device 20 alone in which a predetermined application program is installed was described. Here, the processing for evaluating the acoustic characteristics may be shared by the evaluation device 20 and the server system 30, and part or all of the processing described as being executed by the evaluation device 20 in the above Example 1 of the evaluation operation may be executed by the server system 30.

[0065] Hereinafter, an example (Example 2 of the evaluation operation of acoustic characteristics) in which the server system 30 executes the substantial information processing for evaluating the acoustic characteristics and the evaluation device 20 is used as a user interface will be described. FIG. 8 is a sequence diagram of Example 2 of the evaluation operation of acoustic characteristics.

[0066] The user performs an operation for making various settings (inputting various information) for the virtual space, and the operation reception unit 24 of the evaluation device 20 receives such an operation (S31). The information processing unit 22 transmits setting information indicating the content of the settings determined by the received operation to the server system 30 using the communication unit 21 (S32).

[0067] The communication unit 31 of the server system 30 receives the setting information. The setting unit 32a makes settings based on the setting information in the same manner as the process of step S12 in Example 1 of the above evaluation operation (S33). Further, the evaluation unit 32b performs the same processes as the processes of steps S13 to S19 in Example 1 of the above evaluation operation (S34 to S40).

[0068] After the determination process in step S40, the output unit 32c outputs the determination result (S41). Specifically, the output unit 32c outputs (transmits) determination result information for displaying the determination result to the evaluation device 20 using the communication unit 31.

[0069] The communication unit 21 of the evaluation device 20 receives the determination result information. The information processing unit 22 displays (visualizes) the received determination result information on the display unit 25 (S42). As a result, a determination result display screen as shown in FIG. 5 is displayed on the display unit 25.

[0070] As described above, the acoustic characteristic evaluation system 10 can also evaluate the acoustic characteristics in each of a plurality of areas by the server system 30 executing substantial information processing.

[0071] In addition, also in Example 2 of the above evaluation operation, it is not necessary for all of Areas 1 to n to be evaluation targets, and at least a part of Areas 1 to n may be evaluation targets (target areas).

[0072] [Determination of Design Countermeasure Plan] Regarding how to determine the design countermeasure plan when displaying the design countermeasure plan in step S20 of Example 1 of the above evaluation operation and step S42 of Example 2 of the above evaluation operation, an explanation will be given.

[0073] For example, as candidates for design countermeasures, layout changes, addition of partitions, addition of sound-absorbing materials, and addition of speakers for sound masking are prepared in advance. Layout changes mean, for example, changing the layout of the meeting (conference) area, the work area, and the corridor in the indoor space of FIG. 2. FIG. 9 is a diagram showing an example of a layout change. The addition of speakers for sound masking means a countermeasure to reduce the intelligibility by increasing the ambient noise level.

[0074] For example, regarding layout changes, there are two countermeasures: leaving the current state or changing to the layout of FIG. 9. Regarding the addition of partitions, there are two countermeasures: not adding partitions or adding a partition with a height of 6 m between the corridor and the work area. Also, regarding sound-absorbing materials, there are three countermeasures: not adding sound-absorbing materials, adding sound-absorbing materials with a sound absorption rate of 0.1, or adding sound-absorbing materials with a sound absorption rate of 0.2. Regarding the addition of speakers, there are three countermeasures: not adding speakers, adding one speaker, or adding two speakers. As countermeasures combined from these, 2×2×3×3 = 36 patterns can be considered.

[0075] The information processing unit 22 (or the information processing unit 32) calculates the signal-to-noise ratio (SN ratio) of the work area when implementing these 36 patterns of countermeasures (a plurality of predetermined countermeasure patterns) according to the flowchart of FIG. 3 above, and extracts one or more patterns that satisfy the constraint condition that the SN ratio decreases by a predetermined value (for example, 10 dB) or more in all of the work areas.

[0076] Next, the information processing unit 22 (or the information processing unit 32) determines, as a design countermeasure plan to be presented to the user, the pattern with the lowest cost (countermeasure cost) among the extracted patterns. The cost is calculated, for example, based on the following formula.

[0077]

Equation

[0078] In the above evaluation function, cost i has four types: cost1 to cost4. Specifically, cost1 is the cost for layout change, cost2 is the cost for adding partitions, cost3 is the cost for adding sound-absorbing materials, and cost4 is the cost for adding speakers. The storage unit 23 (or storage unit 33) stores in advance cost information indicating the costs (countermeasure costs) necessary for taking these measures. The information processing unit 22 (or information processing unit 32) can calculate the cost of the countermeasure content of the extracted pattern based on the countermeasure content of the extracted pattern, the cost information, and the above evaluation function.

[0079] Note that according to the measure of adding speakers (the measure of introducing sound masking), the SNR is likely to satisfy the above constraint conditions, but it is considered that the discomfort of the people located in the work area increases due to the increase in the ambient noise level. Therefore, in the above evaluation function, the increase in the ambient noise level (the increase in discomfort) is treated as an increase in cost. Specifically, N j : the cost of the ambient noise level in area j, n: the weighting coefficient for the ambient noise level.

[0080] Note that such a method for determining the setting countermeasure plan is an example, and the design countermeasure plan may be determined using other determination methods (for example, other existing determination methods).

[0081] [Effects, etc.] Hereinafter, the invention obtained from the disclosure of this specification will be exemplified, and the effects, etc. obtained from the exemplified invention will be described.

[0082] Invention 1 is a method for evaluating acoustic characteristics executed by a computer system, including a first setting step S12 (or S33) of setting a plurality of areas with different usage purposes for a virtual indoor space, a second setting step S12 (or S33) of setting evaluation parameters for each of the plurality of areas, and based on the evaluation parameters set for each of the plurality of areas, a calculation step S14, S15 (or S35, S36) of calculating the energy of direct sound directly arriving at a target area, which is at least one of the plurality of areas, from the target area and a first other area, and the energy of indirect sound indirectly arriving at the target area from a second other area, an evaluation step S18, S19 (or S39, S40) of evaluating the acoustic characteristics in the target area based on the calculated direct sound energy and the calculated indirect sound energy, and an output step S20 (or S41) of outputting information regarding the result of the evaluation.

[0083] Such a method for evaluating acoustic characteristics can simply evaluate the acoustic characteristics in the target area of an indoor space.

[0084] In Invention 2, in the first setting step S12 (or S33), the shape and size of each of the plurality of areas and the positional relationship of the plurality of areas are set, and the evaluation parameters set in the second setting step S12 (or S33) include the sound absorption rate of each of the plurality of areas and the sound pressure level of the sound generated in each of the plurality of areas, which is the method for evaluating acoustic characteristics of Invention 1.

[0085] Such a method for evaluating acoustic characteristics can simply evaluate the acoustic characteristics in the target area by using the sound absorption rate of each of the plurality of areas and the sound pressure level of the sound generated in each of the plurality of areas as evaluation parameters.

[0086] In Invention 3, in the calculation steps S14 and S15 (or S35 and S36), the energy of direct sound is calculated based on the sound pressure levels of the voices set in the target area and the first other area, and based on the shape and size of each of the plurality of areas, the positional relationship of the plurality of areas, the sound absorption rate of each of the plurality of areas, and the sound pressure levels of the voices generated in the plurality of areas, the energy of indirect sound is calculated. This is the acoustic characteristic evaluation method of Invention 2.

[0087] Such an acoustic characteristic evaluation method can individually calculate the energy of direct sound and the energy of indirect sound in the target area by using the sound absorption rate of each of the plurality of areas and the sound pressure levels of the voices generated in each of the plurality of areas.

[0088] In Invention 4, the evaluation parameter set in the second setting step S12 (or S33) includes the sound pressure level of background noise in the target area. In the evaluation steps S18 and S19 (or S39 and S40), the calculated energy of direct sound and the total energy of the calculated indirect sound are converted into sound pressure levels, and based on the sound pressure level obtained by the conversion and the sound pressure level of background noise, an evaluation value of the acoustic characteristics in the target area is calculated. This is the acoustic characteristic evaluation method of Invention 3. The evaluation value is the signal-to-noise ratio or the intelligibility.

[0089] Such an acoustic characteristic evaluation method can calculate the evaluation value in the target area by using the sound absorption rate of each of the plurality of areas, the sound pressure levels of the voices generated in each of the plurality of areas, and the background noise in the target area.

[0090] In Invention 5, in the evaluation steps S18 and S19 (or S39 and S40), it is determined whether the calculated evaluation value satisfies a predetermined condition determined according to the usage purpose of the target area. In the output step S20 (or S41), information indicating the result of the determination is output as information regarding the result of the evaluation. This is the acoustic characteristic evaluation method of Invention 4.

[0091] Such an acoustic characteristic evaluation method can present to the user a determination result as to whether an evaluation value in a target area satisfies a predetermined requirement.

[0092] In Invention 6, in the output step S20 (or S41), when it is determined that the evaluation value does not satisfy a predetermined condition, a target value of the evaluation value for satisfying the predetermined condition is output, which is the acoustic characteristic evaluation method of Invention 5.

[0093] Such an acoustic characteristic evaluation method can present to the user a target value of the evaluation value for satisfying a predetermined condition in a target area.

[0094] In Invention 7, in the output step S20 (or S41), when it is determined that the evaluation value does not satisfy a predetermined condition, a difference between the evaluation value and a target value for satisfying the predetermined condition is output, which is the acoustic characteristic evaluation method of Invention 5.

[0095] Such an acoustic characteristic evaluation method can present to the user a difference between the evaluation value and the target value in a target area.

[0096] In Invention 8, in the output step S20 (or S41), when it is determined that the evaluation value does not satisfy a predetermined condition, a design countermeasure plan for obtaining an evaluation value that satisfies the predetermined condition is output, which is the acoustic characteristic evaluation method of Invention 5.

[0097] Such an acoustic characteristic evaluation method can present to the user a design countermeasure plan for obtaining an evaluation value that satisfies a predetermined condition in a target area.

[0098] In Invention 9, in the evaluation steps S18, S19 (or S39, S40), as the evaluation value, the intelligibility of human speech is calculated, which is the acoustic characteristic evaluation method according to any one of Inventions 4 to 8.

[0099] Such an acoustic characteristic evaluation method can calculate the intelligibility of human speech in a target area.

[0100] The invention 10 is a program for causing a computer system to execute any one of the acoustic characteristic evaluation methods of inventions 1 to 9.

[0101] According to such a program, the computer system can easily evaluate the acoustic characteristics in the target area of the indoor space.

[0102] The invention 11 includes a setting unit 22a (or setting unit 32a) that sets a plurality of areas with different usage purposes for a virtual indoor space and sets evaluation parameters for each of the plurality of areas, and based on the evaluation parameters set for each of the plurality of areas, for at least one target area among the plurality of areas, calculates the energy of the direct sound directly arriving from the target area and the first other area, and the energy of the indirect sound indirectly arriving from the second other area to the target area, and based on the calculated energy of the direct sound and the calculated energy of the indirect sound, an evaluation unit 22b (or evaluation unit 32b) that evaluates the acoustic characteristics in the target area, and an output unit 22c (or output unit 32c) that outputs information regarding the result of the evaluation, and is an acoustic characteristic evaluation system 10.

[0103] Such an acoustic characteristic evaluation system 10 can easily evaluate the acoustic characteristics in the target area of the indoor space.

[0104] (Other embodiments) Although the embodiments have been described above, the present invention is not limited to the above embodiments.

[0105] For example, the display screen disclosed in the above embodiment and the operations on the display screen are examples, and in an information processing system, other display screens having the same functions and other operations performed for the same purpose may be adopted. For example, the selection of the icon or object in the above embodiment may be performed based on a click operation or a tap operation.

[0106] In the above-described embodiment, systems such as the acoustic characteristic evaluation system and the server system are realized by a plurality of devices, but may also be realized as a single device. Thus, the systems in this specification may be configured by a single device or may be configured by a plurality of devices. When the system is realized by a plurality of devices, the components included in the system may be distributed among the plurality of devices in any manner.

[0107] Further, the communication method between the devices in the above-described embodiment is not particularly limited. Also, in the communication between the devices, a relay device (for example, a wireless router or the like) not shown may be interposed.

[0108] Also, in the above-described embodiment, the processing executed by a specific processing unit may be executed by another processing unit. Also, the order of a plurality of processes may be changed, or a plurality of processes may be executed in parallel.

[0109] Also, in the above-described embodiment, each component may be realized by executing a software program suitable for each component. Each component may be realized by a program execution unit such as a CPU or a processor reading and executing a software program recorded on a recording medium such as a hard disk or a semiconductor memory.

[0110] Also, each component may be realized by hardware. For example, each component may be a circuit (or an integrated circuit). These circuits may constitute one circuit as a whole or may be separate circuits respectively. Also, these circuits may be general-purpose circuits or dedicated circuits respectively.

[0111] Also, the general or specific aspects of the present invention may be realized by a system, a device, a method, an integrated circuit, a computer program, or a recording medium such as a computer-readable CD-ROM. Also, they may be realized by any combination of a system, a device, a method, an integrated circuit, a computer program, and a recording medium.

[0112] For example, the present invention may be implemented as an evaluation device or a server system. The present invention may be implemented as an acoustic characteristic evaluation method executed by a computer system (acoustic characteristic evaluation system). The present invention may be implemented as a program for causing a computer to execute such an acoustic characteristic evaluation method. The present invention may be implemented as a computer-readable non-transitory recording medium on which such a program is recorded.

[0113] In addition, forms obtained by applying various modifications conceivable by those skilled in the art to each embodiment, or forms realized by arbitrarily combining the components and functions in each embodiment without departing from the spirit of the present invention are also included in the present invention.

Description of Reference Numerals

[0114] 10 Acoustic characteristic evaluation system 20 Evaluation device 21, 31 Communication unit 22, 32 Information processing unit 22a, 32a Setting unit 22b, 32b Evaluation unit 22c, 32c Output unit 23, 33 Storage unit 24 Operation reception unit 25 Display unit 30 Server system

Claims

1. An acoustic characteristic evaluation method executed by a computer system, comprising: a first setting step of setting a plurality of areas with different usage purposes for a virtual indoor space; a second setting step of setting evaluation parameters for each of the plurality of areas; a calculation step of calculating, based on the evaluation parameters set for each of the plurality of areas, the energy of direct sound directly arriving at a target area that is at least one of the plurality of areas from the target area and a first other area, and the energy of indirect sound indirectly arriving at the target area from a second other area; an evaluation step of evaluating the acoustic characteristics in the target area based on the calculated energy of the direct sound and the calculated energy of the indirect sound; and an output step of outputting information regarding the result of the evaluation. An acoustic characteristic evaluation method.

2. In the first setting step, the shape and size of each of the plurality of areas, and the positional relationship of the plurality of areas are set. The evaluation parameters set in the second setting step include the sound absorption rate of each of the plurality of areas and the sound pressure level of the sound generated in each of the plurality of areas. The acoustic characteristic evaluation method according to Claim 1.

3. In the calculation step, the energy of the direct sound is calculated based on the sound pressure level of the sound set for the target area and the first other area, and the energy of the indirect sound is calculated based on the shape and size of each of the plurality of areas, the positional relationship of the plurality of areas, the sound absorption rate of each of the plurality of areas, and the sound pressure level of the sound generated in the plurality of areas. The acoustic characteristic evaluation method according to Claim 2.

4. The evaluation parameters set in the second setting step include the sound pressure level of background noise in the target area. In the evaluation step, the energy obtained by summing the calculated energy of the direct sound and the calculated energy of the indirect sound is converted into a sound pressure level, and an evaluation value of the acoustic characteristics in the target area is calculated based on the sound pressure level obtained by the conversion and the sound pressure level of the background noise. The acoustic characteristic evaluation method according to Claim 3.

5. In the evaluation step, it is determined whether or not the calculated evaluation value satisfies a predetermined condition determined according to the purpose of use of the target area. In the output step, as information regarding the result of the evaluation, information indicating the result of the determination is output. The acoustic characteristic evaluation method according to claim 4.

6. In the output step, when it is determined that the evaluation value does not satisfy the predetermined condition, a target value of the evaluation value for satisfying the predetermined condition is output. The acoustic characteristic evaluation method according to claim 5.

7. In the output step, when it is determined that the evaluation value does not satisfy the predetermined condition, a difference between the evaluation value and a target value for satisfying the predetermined condition is output. The acoustic characteristic evaluation method according to claim 5.

8. In the output step, when it is determined that the evaluation value does not satisfy the predetermined condition, a design countermeasure plan for obtaining the evaluation value that satisfies the predetermined condition is output. The acoustic characteristic evaluation method according to claim 5.

9. In the evaluation step, as the evaluation value, the intelligibility of human speech is calculated. The acoustic characteristic evaluation method according to claim 4.

10. A program for causing the computer system to execute the acoustic characteristic evaluation method according to any one of claims 1 to 9.

11. A setting unit that sets a plurality of areas with different purposes of use for a virtual indoor space and sets evaluation parameters for each of the plurality of areas; Based on the evaluation parameters set for each of the plurality of areas, the energy of direct sound directly arriving at a target area, which is at least one of the plurality of areas, from the target area and a first other area, and the energy of indirect sound indirectly arriving at the target area from a second other area are calculated, and based on the calculated energy of the direct sound and the calculated energy of the indirect sound, an evaluation unit that evaluates the acoustic characteristics in the target area; An output unit that outputs information regarding the result of the evaluation. An acoustic characteristic evaluation system.

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