Area evaluation program and area evaluation device

Abstract

To provide an area evaluation program for executing an evaluation taking into consideration of walking and public transportation.SOLUTION: An area evaluation program causes a computer to function as: an acquisition unit for acquiring information relating to an area; a first setting unit for setting a plurality of first reference points T for the area; a second setting unit for setting a plurality of second reference points B according to boarding and alighting positions of public transportation in the area; a first calculation unit for calculating a time distance by walking as a first time distance for each of the first reference points T; a second calculation unit for calculating a time distance by the public transportation as a second time distance for each of the second reference points B along a route connecting the boarding and alighting positions of the public transportation; and an evaluation unit for evaluating accessibility to facilities included in the area using the first time distance and the second time distance.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 6

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to an area evaluation program and an area evaluation device. [Background technology]

[0002] Urban planning and the like are carried out using various methods (for example, Patent Document 1). For example, a walkability index is used as an evaluation index in urban planning and the like. For example, the Portland Plan and the Melbourne Plan use a walkability index to evaluate urban plans. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2023-113846 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] However, the walkability index only indicates accessibility by foot, and as a means of transportation it is limited to walking, so it was not possible to evaluate the public transportation that people use on a daily basis.

[0005] In view of the above-mentioned problems, the present disclosure aims to provide an area evaluation program and an area evaluation device that can perform evaluation taking into account walking and public transportation. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] In order to solve the above problem, the program according to the first aspect of the present disclosure causes a computer to function as an acquisition unit that acquires information about areas where public transportation is available or where public transportation can be set, a first setting unit that sets multiple first reference points for the area, a second setting unit that sets multiple second reference points in the area based on the boarding and disembarking locations of the public transportation, a first calculation unit that calculates the walking distance between each of the first reference points as a first time distance, a second calculation unit that calculates the public transportation distance between each of the second reference points along a route connecting the boarding and disembarking locations of the public transportation as a second time distance, and an evaluation unit that uses the first time distance and the second time distance to evaluate the accessibility of facilities included in the area.

[0007] In addition, in a second aspect of the present disclosure, the first setting unit divides the area into a plurality of sections, sets the first reference point in each of the sections, and the evaluation unit evaluates the facility for each of the sections.

[0008] In addition, in a third aspect of the present disclosure, the second calculation unit calculates the second time distance based on the distance of the public transportation route between the second reference points and the speed of the public transportation between the second reference points.

[0009] In addition, in a fourth aspect of the present disclosure, the second calculation unit calculates the second time distance using the speed according to the type of route.

[0010] In addition, in a fifth aspect of the present disclosure, the evaluation unit performs the evaluation of the accessibility using the facility as a reference such that the longer the time distance to the facility, the lower the evaluation value.

[0011] In addition, in a sixth aspect of the present disclosure, the evaluation unit sets the evaluation value using a Gaussian function with a time distance as a variable.

[0012] In addition, in a seventh aspect of the present disclosure, the area includes a plurality of the facilities, and the evaluation unit combines the accessibility evaluations for each of the facilities to calculate a combined evaluation result for the area.

[0013] In addition, in an eighth aspect of the present disclosure, the computer is further caused to function as a generation unit that generates a map displaying the evaluation result by the evaluation unit for the area.

[0014] In addition, an area evaluation device according to a ninth aspect of the present disclosure includes an acquisition unit that acquires information regarding areas where public transportation is available or where public transportation can be set, a first setting unit that sets a plurality of first reference points for the area, a second setting unit that sets a plurality of second reference points in the area based on the boarding and disembarking locations of the public transportation, a first calculation unit that calculates the walking distance between each of the first reference points as a first time distance, a second calculation unit that calculates the public transportation distance between each of the second reference points along a route connecting the boarding and disembarking locations of the public transportation as a second time distance, and an evaluation unit that uses the first time distance and the second time distance to evaluate the accessibility of facilities included in the area. [Effects of the Invention]

[0015] According to the area evaluation program and area evaluation device of the present disclosure, evaluation can be performed taking into account walking and public transportation. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0016] [Figure 1] 1 is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of the overall configuration of an area evaluation system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of a hardware configuration of the server device of FIG. [Figure 3] 2 is a block diagram showing an example of various functions in the server device 2 of FIG. 1. FIG. [Figure 4]4 is a diagram showing an example of gridding in the first setting unit of FIG. 3. FIG. [Figure 5] 4 is a diagram showing an example of setting a second reference point in the second setting unit in FIG. 3. FIG. [Figure 6] This is a diagram that superimposes the walking network in Figure 4 and the train network in Figure 5. [Figure 7] 4 is a diagram showing an example of data associating routes with corresponding speeds in a second calculation unit in FIG. 3. FIG. [Figure 8] FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of a case where an individual evaluation is performed on a walking network in the evaluation unit of FIG. 3. [Figure 9] FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of a case where the evaluation unit in FIG. 3 performs individual evaluations on a walking network and a train network. [Figure 10] FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of a map generated by the generating unit in FIG. 3. [Figure 11] FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of a map generated by the generating unit in FIG. 3. [Figure 12] 2 is a flowchart showing an example of a processing flow of the server device of FIG. 1. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0017] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present disclosure will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. To facilitate understanding of the description, the same components and steps in each drawing will be denoted by the same reference numerals as much as possible, and redundant description will be omitted.

[0018] <Overall structure> FIG. 1 is an overall configuration diagram of an area evaluation system 1 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. The area evaluation system 1 is a device that performs evaluation on a specified area (region). Specifically, the area evaluation system 1 performs an evaluation on the accessibility of the area. The accessibility evaluation is an accessibility index, which is an evaluation index that measures the convenience of living in a certain area by walking or using public transportation (public transportation means). In other words, the accessibility evaluation is an evaluation that indexes the ease of access to facilities. In other words, the accessibility evaluation can also be said to be an index that indicates how many facilities are concentrated within a walking distance or other travel distance from a certain point. In this embodiment, a case where the public transportation is a train will be described as an example.

[0019] The area evaluation system 1 includes a server device 2 and a user terminal 3. The server device 2 and the user terminal 3 are capable of communicating with each other via a network NT.

[0020] The server device 2 is an area evaluation device, and is an information processing device (computer) that evaluates an area designated by a user.

[0021] The user terminal 3 is a terminal device and an information processing device (computer) used by a user. The user terminal 3 is, for example, a personal computer, a smartphone, a tablet, etc. In this embodiment, the user terminal 3 is a personal computer as an example.

[0022] <Hardware configuration> FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of a hardware configuration of the server device 2. As shown in FIG.

[0023] 2, the server device 2 includes a control device 10, a communication device 11, and a storage device 12. The control device 10 mainly includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 15 and a memory 16.

[0024] In the control device 10, the CPU 15 executes a predetermined program (area evaluation program) stored in the memory 16 or the storage device 12, etc., thereby functioning as various functional components described below. The memory 16 is a computer-readable storage medium, and may be composed of at least one of, for example, a random access memory (RAM), a read-only memory (ROM), an erasable program read-only memory (EPROM), an electrically erasable program read-only memory (EEPROM), etc. The memory 16 can store various types of data, such as programs required to execute processing in the server device 2.

[0025] The communication device 11 is configured with a communication interface for communicating with an external device, etc. The communication device 11 transmits and receives various types of information to and from the user terminal 3, for example.

[0026] The storage device 12 is a computer-readable instruction recording medium, and is configured, for example, with a hard disk, a solid state drive, etc. The storage device 12 stores various programs and information required for executing processes in the control device 10, as well as information on the processing results.

[0027] The server device 2 can be realized using an information processing device such as a dedicated or general-purpose computer. The server device 2 may be configured with a single information processing device or multiple information processing devices. FIG. 2 shows only a portion of the main hardware configuration of the server device 2, and the server device 2 may include other components such as an operation device and a display device. The hardware configuration of the user terminal 3 may also be similar to that of the server device 2. For example, the user terminal 3 includes a control device (CPU and memory), a communication device, a storage device, an operation device, and a display device. <Functional configuration> 3 is a block diagram showing an example of various functions in the server device 2. Various processes are executed by the functions in each block.

[0028] As shown in FIG. 3, the server device 2 has, as its functional configuration, an acquisition unit 21, a first setting unit 22, a second setting unit 23, a first calculation unit 24, a second calculation unit 25, an evaluation unit 26, and a generation unit 27 as its main components.

[0029] The acquisition unit 21 acquires information about an area. An area is a region where public transportation is available or where public transportation can be set up. In this embodiment, a case will be described in which an area where trains already run (where stations are located) is specified. Specifically, the acquisition unit 21 acquires area specification information. When a user specifies an area using the user terminal 3, the acquisition unit 21 acquires the specified area as specification information. An area may be a predefined range such as a prefecture or city, town, or village, or may be a range arbitrarily selected by the user. For example, an area is specified as "Matsumoto City, Nagano Prefecture." Note that in this embodiment, a case will be taken as an example in which "Matsumoto City" in Nagano Prefecture and its surrounding districts ("Shiojiri City," "Azumino City," "Yamagata Village," and "Asahi Village") are specified. Note that the area collectively including "Matsumoto City" in Nagano Prefecture and its surrounding districts will be referred to as the "Matsumoto City area." The area acquired by the acquisition unit 21 will be the target area for evaluation, which will be described later.

[0030] The acquisition unit 21 also acquires map information of the target area. For example, map information may be stored in the server device 2, and the acquisition unit 21 may acquire the map information of the target area, or the acquisition unit 21 may acquire the map information of the target area from map information stored in another device. It is preferable that the acquisition unit 21 acquires the latest map information.

[0031] Map information includes information about maps, information about public transportation in the target area, and information about facilities in the target area. Map information is floor plan (map) information showing the region of the target area. Public transportation information is information about public transportation in the target area, and if the public transportation is a train, for example, it is information such as route map information, station information, and route type information. Facility information is facility information such as the location, type, and name of facilities in the target area. Facilities (amenities) are facilities that people use in their daily lives, and include various facilities such as supermarkets, convenience stores, drugstores, hospitals (medical facilities), restaurants, cafes, large commercial facilities, entertainment facilities, public facilities, bookstores, hotels, parks, schools, banks, and post offices. Types of facilities are, for example, set in advance.

[0032] The first setting unit 22 sets a plurality of first reference points T for a target area (a predetermined area). That is, the first setting unit 22 sets a plurality of first reference points T on the map of the target area acquired by the acquisition unit 21.

[0033] Specifically, the first setting unit 22 divides the target area into a plurality of sections G. That is, the first setting unit 22 grids the target area. FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating an example of gridding. FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating an example of a portion of the target area when gridded. As shown in FIG. 4, the first setting unit 22 divides the target area into square sections G in a lattice pattern. The length of one side of each section G is set in advance, for example, approximately 125 m. The first setting unit 22 grids the entire target area. Then, the first setting unit 22 sets a first reference point T at the center of each section G. In this manner, a plurality of first reference points T are set in the target area. Note that in the example of FIG. 4, the first reference points T are set at intervals equal to the length of one side of the section G. Note that FIG. 4 shows a portion of the gridding, showing 16 sections G and 16 first reference points T.

[0034] The first setting unit 22 also connects adjacent first reference points T. In FIG. 4, the connections are indicated by dotted arrows. Specifically, the first reference point T of a certain section G is connected to the first reference points T of each of the eight surrounding sections G whose sides or corners contact the section G. This connects the first reference points T to form a network. The network connecting adjacent first reference points T is referred to as the "walking network NW1."

[0035] Returning to FIG. 3 , the second setting unit 23 sets a plurality of second reference points B in the target area based on boarding and alighting positions of public transportation. In this embodiment, the public transportation is a train, and therefore the boarding and alighting positions are stations. It is also possible to apply public transportation other than trains. For example, if the public transportation is a bus, the boarding and alighting positions are the positions of bus stops.

[0036] The second setting unit 23 identifies the position of a train station on a map of the target area. Then, the second setting unit 23 sets the position of the train station as a second reference point B. If the target area includes multiple stations, a second reference point B is set corresponding to each station.

[0037] Fig. 5 is a diagram showing an example of setting the second reference point B. As shown in Fig. 5, the second setting unit 23 sets the second reference point B for the position of a train station. The example in Fig. 5 shows a case where the second reference point B is set for each of seven stations.

[0038] Furthermore, the second setting unit 23 connects the second reference points B along the train route (railroad tracks). That is, the second reference points B are connected along the route connecting the boarding and disembarking locations (stations) of public transportation (trains, etc.). In FIG. 5, the connections are indicated by solid arrows. In this way, the second reference points B are connected to form a network. The network connecting adjacent second reference points B along the route is referred to as the "train network NW2." Note that the train network NW2 may also be a public transportation network.

[0039] FIG. 6 is a diagram showing an example of the pedestrian network NW1 of FIG. 4 and the train network NW2 of FIG. 5 superimposed on a map. The pedestrian network NW1 and the train network NW2 are set for the same target area, so they can be superimposed. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 6, the center of each second reference point B is located within the range of one of the sections G. Therefore, the second reference point B is associated with the section G in which the second reference point B is located.

[0040] In this way, the target area is gridded, and a walking network NW1 and a train network NW2 are set. A map of the target area, "Matsumoto City and other areas," is gridded, and a walking network NW1 and a train network NW2 are set. The network obtained by combining the walking network NW1 and the train network NW2 becomes the "composite network NW3."

[0041] Returning to FIG. 3, the first calculation unit 24 calculates the time distance between each first reference point T in the walking network NW1. The time distance is the time required to travel a section by a predetermined means of transportation. In other words, the time distance indicates distance in terms of time. Specifically, the first calculation unit 24 calculates the time distance by walking between each of the first reference points T. The time distance by walking is referred to as the "first time distance."

[0042] Specifically, the first calculation unit 24 calculates a first time distance between each of the adjacent first reference points T connected by the first setting unit 22. The first calculation unit 24 calculates the first time distance by dividing the distance between the first reference points T by the speed of movement between the first reference points T. The speed of movement between the first reference points T is a walking speed, which is set in advance as, for example, an average walking speed. For example, if the distance between the first reference points T is d1, the walking speed of movement between the first reference points T is v1, and the first time distance is w1, the first time distance is calculated as w1 = d1 / v1. The walking speed is, for example, 80 m / min. The first calculation unit 24 applies the above formula to each of the adjacent first reference points T to calculate the corresponding first time distance.

[0043] As described above, the first calculation unit 24 sets a first time distance between each of the adjacent first reference points T. In this way, the first time distance is set for the pedestrian network NW1. Specifically, the first time distance is set between each of the first reference points T that constitute the pedestrian network NW1.

[0044] The second calculation unit 25 calculates the time distance between each second reference point B in the train network NW2. Specifically, the second calculation unit 25 calculates the time distance by public transportation for each of the second reference points B along the route of the public transportation. The time distance by public transportation is referred to as a "second time distance." In this embodiment, the second calculation unit 25 calculates the time distance by train as the second time distance.

[0045] Specifically, the second calculation unit 25 calculates the second time distance for each of the second reference points B connected by the second setting unit 23 (i.e., between the second reference points B along the route). The second calculation unit 25 calculates the second time distance by dividing the distance between the second reference points B by the speed of movement between the second reference points B. The speed of movement between the second reference points B is the speed of the train. The speed of the train is set in advance as, for example, the average speed of the train between the second reference points B. For example, if the distance between the second reference points B is d2, the speed of movement between the second reference points B is v2, and the second time distance is w2, the second time distance is calculated as w2 = d2 / v2.

[0046] Specifically, the distance between the second reference points B is the distance of the route of public transportation (train) between adjacent second reference points B. In other words, the distance between the second reference points B is the distance along the railway line from the position of the station corresponding to one second reference point B to the position of the station corresponding to the other second reference point B. The second calculation unit 25 calculates the second time distance using the distance along the railway line corresponding to the second reference points B to be calculated.

[0047] Furthermore, the speed of travel between the second reference points B depends on the type of line. FIG. 7 is an example of data showing lines and corresponding speeds. FIG. 7 shows four types of lines as examples: the Chuo Line, the Shinonoi Line, the Oito Line, and the Kamikochi Line. FIG. 7 also shows speed information corresponding to each line. Table data such as that shown in FIG. 7 is set in advance. The second calculation unit 25 calculates the second time distance using the speed of the line corresponding to the second reference points B to be calculated. Note that the speed may be set according to the actual train speed for each section between the second reference points B. The speed may also be set according to the train type (type), such as a local train, express train, or limited express train. Note that while the above speed (speed according to the type of line, etc.) has been described using a train as an example, it can also be applied to public transportation such as trains (e.g., electric trains), buses, airplanes, and ships.

[0048] 3, the second calculation unit 25 applies the above formula to each of the adjacent second reference points B to calculate the corresponding second time distance. In this way, the second time distance is set for the train network NW2. Specifically, the second time distance is set between each of the second reference points B that constitute the train network NW2.

[0049] The evaluation unit 26 evaluates accessibility based on the walking network NW1, for which a first time distance is set, and the train network NW2, for which a second time distance is set. That is, the evaluation unit 26 evaluates accessibility based on the composite network NW3. Specifically, the evaluation unit 26 evaluates the accessibility of facilities included in the target area. The evaluation of each facility is referred to as an "individual evaluation," and the evaluation obtained by combining the individual evaluations, described below, is referred to as a "composite evaluation."

[0050] The evaluation unit 26 identifies the location of the facility in the target area based on the information about the facility acquired by the acquisition unit 21. Then, using the facility as a reference, the evaluation unit 26 performs an individual evaluation such that the longer the time distance to the facility, the lower the evaluation. Specifically, the evaluation unit 26 performs the individual evaluation using a Gaussian function with the time distance as a variable. The Gaussian function used is, for example, the following formula (1).

[0051]

number

[0052] In formula (1), R(t) is the value of the individual evaluation (evaluation value). The individual evaluation is calculated as a numerical value (score) using formula (1). A is a constant corresponding to the facility. The constant corresponding to the facility is a weighting that is set in advance for the facility. A constant may be set individually for each facility, or may be set according to the type of facility. For example, the constant is set to a higher value for a facility that is used more frequently by people (a facility with higher importance). t is the time distance, and is a variable in formula (1). μ is the mean value in the Gaussian function, and is set to 0 in this embodiment. σ is the standard deviation in the Gaussian function. σ is set in advance. For example, if 3σ=15, evaluation can be performed up to a position where the time distance is 15 minutes, and if 3σ=30, evaluation can be performed up to a position where the time distance is 30 minutes.

[0053] The evaluation unit 26 applies Equation (1) using the facility as a reference and performs an individual evaluation using the time distance to the facility. Specifically, the evaluation unit 26 performs an individual evaluation of the facility for each section G. FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating an example of performing an individual evaluation using the walking network NW1. For example, if a facility F1 is located within the range of section G1 as section G, the location of the facility F1 is considered to be at first reference point T1, which is the first reference point T of section G1, and Equation (1) is applied. Note that the constant (weight) corresponding to the facility F1 is assumed to be A1. When Equation (1) is applied, a Gaussian distribution is formed with the first reference point T1 as its center. In the Gaussian distribution, the vertical axis represents the evaluation value and the horizontal axis represents the time distance. In the Gaussian distribution, the longer the time distance to the facility F1, the lower the evaluation value. The evaluation unit 26 associates an evaluation value with each section using this Gaussian distribution for the facility F1. Specifically, the evaluation unit 26 sets an evaluation value corresponding to the position of the first reference point T of each section G. For example, in the example of FIG. 8, the evaluation unit 26 sets an evaluation value indicated by the Gaussian distribution at the position of the first reference point T1 for the section G1 where the facility F1 is located. That is, the evaluation unit 26 sets an evaluation value A1 for the section G1. Then, the evaluation unit 26 sets an evaluation value indicated by the Gaussian distribution at the position of the first reference point T2 for the section G2 which is the section G adjacent to the section G1 where the facility F1 is located. That is, the evaluation unit 26 sets an evaluation value A2 for the section G2. In this way, the evaluation unit 26 sets evaluation values for the sections G such as section G1 and section G2 surrounding section G1 in correspondence with the facility F1.

[0054] FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating an example of individual evaluation using the walking network NW1 and the train network NW2. For example, if facility F2 is located within the range of section G3, which is section G, the position of facility F2 is considered to be located at first reference point T3, which is the first reference point T of section G3, and equation (1) is applied. Note that the constant (weight) corresponding to facility F2 is assumed to be A3. When equation (1) is applied, a Gaussian distribution centered on the position of first reference point T3 is formed. In the example of FIG. 9, the evaluation unit 26 sets an evaluation value indicated by the Gaussian distribution at the position of the first reference point T3 for section G3, where facility F2 is located. That is, the evaluation unit 26 sets an evaluation value A3 for section G3. Then, for section G4, which is a section G that is close in time distance to section G3, where facility F2 is located, the evaluation unit 26 sets an evaluation value indicated by the Gaussian distribution at the position of first reference point T4. That is, the evaluation unit 26 sets an evaluation value A4 for section G4. In this way, the evaluation unit 26 sets evaluation values for the sections G such as the section G3 and the section G4 surrounding the section G3 in correspondence with the facility F2.

[0055] In the example of FIG. 9, it is assumed that second reference point B1, which serves as second reference point B, is located in section G3 where facility F2 is located. In this case, the evaluation unit 26 regards second reference point B1 as being located at first reference point T3 of section G3. The evaluation unit 26 also regards other second reference points B, such as second reference point B2, as being located at first reference point T of the section G in which they are located. Note that even if the position of each second reference point B is regarded as the position of first reference point T, the time distance between second reference points B is the second time distance calculated by the second calculation unit 25. When processing is performed based on this assumption, as shown in FIG. 9, the evaluation unit 26 sets an evaluation value for section G5, which serves as section G in which second reference point B2, adjacent to second reference point B1 along the railway (train network NW2), is located. Specifically, the evaluation unit 26 sets an evaluation value indicated by the Gaussian distribution at the position of the second reference point B2 of the section G5 (the position of the first reference point T5, which is the first reference point T of the section G5). That is, the evaluation unit 26 sets the evaluation value for the section G5 to A5. In this way, by using the train network NW2, it becomes possible to perform an evaluation corresponding to the second reference point B adjacent along the tracks. Note that, for example, the section G3 (first reference point T3) and the section G5 (first reference point T5) are far apart in time distance in the walking network NW1, but the time distance is short in the train network NW2, so that an evaluation of the facility F2 can be performed for the section G5.

[0056] For example, in FIG. 9, the second reference point B1 and the second reference point B2 are adjacent to each other along the railroad tracks, and therefore an evaluation value is set for each of the sections G3 and G5. However, on the map, the sections G3 and G5 are not directly adjacent, and for example, another section G may be located between them. However, since there is no train station at the location of the other section G, no evaluation value is set for the other section G. In this way, when setting an evaluation value for time distance using the train network NW2, only the section G where a station is located (where the second reference point B is set) is evaluated. In the example of FIG. 9, the area of the sections G surrounding the section G5 that is short in terms of walking distance is evaluated. In other words, the combination of travel by walking and travel by train is also evaluated for time distance. Travel to a certain facility by both walking and train is evaluated using time distance.

[0057] In this way, the evaluation unit 26 performs an individual evaluation for each section G using the time distance with the facility as the reference.

[0058] The target area includes multiple facilities. Therefore, the evaluation unit 26 combines the individual evaluations for each facility and performs a composite evaluation for the target area. Specifically, the evaluation unit 26 adds up the evaluation values set in the individual evaluations for each section G. That is, for a certain section G, the multiple evaluation values individually evaluated for that section G are added up to determine the total evaluation value for that section G. A total evaluation value is calculated for each section G in the target area. In this way, the individual evaluations for each section G are compositely evaluated. The evaluation unit 26 determines the result of the composite evaluation as the composite evaluation result.

[0059] Returning to FIG. 3 , the generation unit 27 generates a map corresponding to the target area. Specifically, the generation unit 27 generates a map of the target area displaying the composite evaluation results by the evaluation unit 26. FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of a map M1 generated by the generation unit 27 using the composite network NW3 (the walking network NW1 and the train network NW2). The generation unit 27 displays each section G with a darker color the higher the evaluation. That is, a section G with a higher evaluation has a darker color, and a section G with a lower evaluation has a lighter color. For example, in FIG. 10 , it can be seen that area Y1 tends to have a low evaluation, and area Y2 tends to have a high evaluation. Note that the method of displaying the evaluation results on the map may be other methods, such as color coding. By mapping the evaluation results by the generation unit 27, it becomes easier to confirm the evaluation results corresponding to the target area. Note that the generation unit 27 may generate a map of the target area displaying the individual evaluations by the evaluation unit 26.

[0060] 11 is a diagram showing an example of a map M2 generated by the generation unit 27 using only the walking network NW1. That is, the map M1 is generated using the combined network NW3 (the walking network NW1 and the train network NW2), and the map M2 is generated using only the walking network NW1 (without using the train network NW2). In the map M2, the evaluation value is low in the area Y3. On the other hand, in the map M1, there are locations in the same area Y3 that are highly evaluated. In the area Y3 of the map M1, the locations with high evaluations correspond to locations where train stations are located. That is, when only the walking network NW1 is used, only walking movement is taken into account, but when the train network NW2 is used, the evaluation can be propagated taking into account train movement.

[0061] <Processing flow> 12 is a flowchart showing an example of the processing flow of the server device 2 according to this embodiment. The processing of each of the following steps is started, for example, when the user selects an area to be evaluated. Note that the order and content of each of the following steps can be changed as appropriate.

[0062] (Step SP10) The acquisition unit 21 acquires area designation information. For example, when the user selects "Matsumoto City and other areas" as the area to be evaluated, the acquisition unit 21 acquires information related to "Matsumoto City and other areas" as area designation information. That is, the target area becomes "Matsumoto City and other areas." Then, the process proceeds to step SP11.

[0063] (Step SP11) The acquisition unit 21 acquires map information of the target area. For example, the acquisition unit 21 acquires map information of the "Matsumoto City and other areas." That is, the acquisition unit 21 acquires information about maps, public transportation, and facilities in the "Matsumoto City and other areas." Then, the process proceeds to step SP12.

[0064] (Step SP12) The first setting unit 22 divides the target area into a plurality of sections G. That is, the first setting unit 22 grids the target area. For example, the "Matsumoto City area" is gridded on the map. Then, the process proceeds to step SP13.

[0065] (Step SP13) The first setting unit 22 sets a first reference point T at the center of each section G. Then, the process proceeds to step SP14.

[0066] (Step SP14) The first setting unit 22 connects adjacent first reference points T. This forms a pedestrian network NW1 corresponding to the "Matsumoto city and other areas." Then, the process proceeds to step SP15.

[0067] (Step SP15) The second setting unit 23 sets a second reference point B at the position of a train station in the target area. For example, the second reference point B is set at the position of a station in the "Matsumoto City etc. area." Then, the processing proceeds to step SP16.

[0068] (Step SP16) The second setting unit 23 connects the second reference points B along the train tracks. This forms a train network NW2 corresponding to the "Matsumoto City and other areas." Then, by combining the walking network NW1 and the train network NW2, a combined network NW3 corresponding to the "Matsumoto City and other areas" is formed. Then, the process proceeds to step SP17.

[0069] (Step SP17) The first calculation unit 24 calculates the time distance (first time distance) between adjacent first reference points T in the walking network NW1. For example, the time distance required to walk from a certain first reference point T to the adjacent first reference point T is calculated. Then, the process proceeds to step SP18.

[0070] (Step SP18) The second calculation unit 25 calculates the time distance (second time distance) between each of the second reference points B that are connected along the tracks in the train network NW2. For example, the time distance when traveling by train from one second reference point B along the tracks to the adjacent second reference point B is calculated. Then, the processing proceeds to step SP19.

[0071] (Step SP19) The evaluation unit 26 performs an individual evaluation for each facility included in the target area. The individual evaluation is performed based on time distance using the walking network NW1 and the train network NW2. Then, the process proceeds to step SP20.

[0072] (Step SP20) The evaluation unit 26 combines the individual evaluations for each facility and performs a combined evaluation for the target area. This results in an evaluation of the overall accessibility of the target area. Then, the process proceeds to step SP21.

[0073] (Step SP21) The generation unit 27 generates a map of the target area displaying the evaluation results. For example, it generates a map of the "Matsumoto City area" displaying the evaluation of accessibility. Then, the process proceeds to step SP22.

[0074] (Step SP22) The generation unit 27 outputs the generated map to the user terminal 3.

[0075] In this way, the accessibility of the area specified by the user is evaluated, and the evaluation results are provided to the user. For example, the user can check the map to see which areas in the target area are highly convenient for living and which are not.

[0076] <Action and effect> As described above, the area evaluation program of this embodiment causes a computer to function as an acquisition unit 21 that acquires information about areas where public transportation is available or where public transportation can be set up, a first setting unit 22 that sets multiple first reference points T for the area, a second setting unit 23 that sets multiple second reference points B in the area based on the boarding and disembarking locations of public transportation, a first calculation unit 24 that calculates the walking distance between each of the first reference points T as a first time distance, a second calculation unit 25 that calculates the time distance by public transportation between each of the second reference points B along the route connecting the boarding and disembarking locations of public transportation as a second time distance, and an evaluation unit 26 that uses the first time distance and the second time distance to evaluate the accessibility of facilities included in the area.

[0077] This configuration makes it possible to evaluate accessibility by taking into account not only walking distance but also the time and distance required for travel by public transportation. For example, it is possible to perform an evaluation taking into account cases where the physical distance is far but the time distance is shorter if public transportation is used.

[0078] In the area evaluation program, the first setting unit 22 divides the area into a plurality of sections G, sets a first reference point T for each section G, and the evaluation unit 26 evaluates the facilities for each section G.

[0079] According to this configuration, by dividing the area into multiple sections G, it becomes possible to evaluate the area for each section G. By setting the size of the section G to be large, it is also possible to reduce the processing load related to the evaluation.

[0080] In addition, in the area evaluation program, the second calculation unit 25 calculates a second time distance based on the distance of the public transportation route between the second reference points B and the speed of the public transportation between the second reference points B.

[0081] According to this configuration, the second time distance is calculated based on the distance and speed of the public transportation route, so that the accuracy of calculating the time distance between the second reference points B can be improved.

[0082] In the area evaluation program, the second calculation unit 25 calculates the second time distance using a speed according to the type of route.

[0083] According to this configuration, the second time distance is calculated based on a speed according to the type of track, so that the accuracy of calculating the time distance between the second reference points B can be improved.

[0084] In the area evaluation program, the evaluation unit 26 performs evaluation of accessibility using a facility as a reference so that the longer the time distance to the facility, the lower the evaluation value.

[0085] According to this configuration, it is possible to evaluate the ease of access to a facility based on the time distance.

[0086] In the area evaluation program, the evaluation unit 26 sets an evaluation value using a Gaussian function with time distance as a variable.

[0087] This configuration makes it possible to evaluate the ease of access to a facility based on the time distance. Also, by setting the standard deviation value of the Gaussian function, it is possible to adjust the range of the time distance used to evaluate the facility.

[0088] In the area evaluation program, an area includes a plurality of facilities, and the evaluation unit 26 combines the accessibility evaluations for each of the facilities to calculate a combined evaluation result for the area.

[0089] According to this configuration, by performing an individual evaluation for each facility and combining the individual evaluations, it is possible to evaluate the accessibility index for the entire area.

[0090] The area evaluation program also causes the computer to function as a generation unit 27 that generates a map displaying the evaluation results by the evaluation unit 26 for the area.

[0091] According to this configuration, by mapping the evaluation results, the evaluation results can be visualized, and the evaluation status of the area can be easily confirmed.

[0092] <Modification> The present disclosure is not limited to the above-described embodiments. In other words, variations of the above-described embodiments, which are appropriately modified by a person skilled in the art, are also included within the scope of the present disclosure as long as they include the features of the present disclosure. Furthermore, the elements of the above-described embodiments and the modifications described below can be combined to the extent technically possible, and such combinations are also included within the scope of the present disclosure as long as they include the features of the present disclosure.

[0093] For example, in the above embodiment, the server device 2 has each function, but each function may be provided in the user terminal 3. Furthermore, each function may be distributed between the server device 2 and the user terminal 3.

[0094] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, an example has been described in which an area where public transportation such as trains is already available is specified, but an area where public transportation such as trains is not available (an area where public transportation can be set) may also be specified. That is, an evaluation may be performed by virtually setting up a public transportation that does not actually exist. That is, an evaluation may be performed using an actually existing public transportation, or by virtually setting up a public transportation that does not actually exist. Note that an evaluation may also be performed by virtually setting up another public transportation for an area where public transportation already exists.

[0095] The server device 2 may also have a proposal function. In this case, the server device 2 further includes a proposal unit. The proposal unit makes a proposal to the user based on the evaluation result of the evaluation unit 26. Specifically, the proposal unit proposes a train operation plan. For example, in FIG. 10 in which the evaluation result of the evaluation unit 26 is reflected, area Y1 tends to have a low evaluation. Therefore, it is assumed that there is little movement of people in area Y1, and proposal information for the operation plan is generated so that the train operation frequency in area Y1 is low. For example, the proposal information for the operation plan is generated so that the lower the evaluation, the lower the train operation frequency. On the other hand, area Y2 tends to have a high evaluation. Therefore, it is assumed that there is a lot of movement of people in area Y2, and proposal information for the operation plan is generated so that the train operation frequency in area Y2 is high. For example, the proposal information for the operation plan is generated so that the higher the evaluation, the higher the train operation frequency.

[0096] It should be noted that the proposal information is not limited to operation plans. For example, the proposal unit may generate proposal information to shorten the business hours of facilities such as restaurants in area Y1. The proposal unit may also generate proposal information to extend the business hours of facilities such as restaurants in area Y2, or may generate proposal information to propose the construction of new facilities. The proposal unit may also generate proposal information to reduce (or increase) the number of public transportation stops in area Y1. The proposal unit may also generate proposal information to increase (or decrease) the number of public transportation stops in area Y2.

[0097] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, the evaluation unit 26 performs an evaluation using existing facilities, but this is not limited to this. For example, the user may set information about facilities planned for construction, and an evaluation may be performed that includes the facilities along with existing facilities. Information about the facilities planned for construction may include, for example, the location, type, and name of the facility. In this way, the impact of facilities that have not yet been built can be reflected in the evaluation. For example, if there are plans to build a shopping mall in the suburbs, the evaluation results for the shopping mall's construction can be confirmed by setting the planned construction site and performing an evaluation.

[0098] In addition, in the above embodiment, an example was given of a case where individual evaluations corresponding to multiple facilities within a target area are combined to perform a composite evaluation, but it is also possible, for example, for a user to select one or more facilities and perform an evaluation using only the selected facilities. [Explanation of symbols]

[0099] 2: Server device (computer) 21: Acquisition section 22:First setting section 23:Second setting section 24:First calculation part 25:Second calculation section 26: Evaluation section B, B1~B2: Second reference point F1, F2: Facilities T, T1~T5: First reference point

Claims

1. Computer, an acquisition unit that acquires information about areas where public transportation is available or where the public transportation can be set; a first setting unit that sets a plurality of first reference points for the area; a second setting unit that sets a plurality of second reference points based on boarding and disembarking positions of the public transportation in the area; a first calculation unit that calculates a walking distance as a first time distance for each of the first reference points; a second calculation unit that calculates a time distance by the public transportation as a second time distance for each of the second reference points along a route connecting the boarding and disembarking positions of the public transportation; an evaluation unit that uses the first time distance and the second time distance to evaluate the accessibility of facilities included in the area; Area assessment program to function as.

2. the first setting unit divides the area into a plurality of sections and sets the first reference point in each of the sections; The evaluation unit evaluates the facility for each of the sections. The area evaluation program of claim 1 .

3. the second calculation unit calculates the second time distance based on a distance of a route of the public transportation facility between the second reference points and a speed of the public transportation facility between the second reference points; 3. The area evaluation program according to claim 1 or 2.

4. the second calculation unit calculates the second time distance using the speed according to the type of route, 4. The area evaluation program according to claim 3.

5. the evaluation unit performs the evaluation on the accessibility using the facility as a reference such that the longer the time distance to the facility, the lower the evaluation value.

3. The area evaluation program according to claim 1 or 2.

6. the evaluation unit sets the evaluation value using a Gaussian function with a time distance as a variable.

6. The area evaluation program according to claim 5.

7. the area includes a plurality of the facilities; the evaluation unit combines the accessibility evaluations for each of the facilities to calculate a combined evaluation result for the area; 3. The area evaluation program according to claim 1 or 2.

8. The computer a generation unit that generates a map displaying the evaluation result by the evaluation unit for the area; 3. The area evaluation program according to claim 1, further functioning as:

9. an acquisition unit that acquires information about an area where public transportation is available or where the public transportation can be set; a first setting unit that sets a plurality of first reference points for the area; a second setting unit that sets a plurality of second reference points based on boarding and disembarking positions of the public transportation in the area; a first calculation unit that calculates a walking distance as a first time distance for each of the first reference points; a second calculation unit that calculates a time distance by the public transportation as a second time distance for each of the second reference points along a route connecting the boarding and disembarking positions of the public transportation; an evaluation unit that uses the first time distance and the second time distance to evaluate the accessibility of facilities included in the area; An area evaluation device comprising:

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