Space proposing method, program and space proposing system

Abstract

To provide a space offering method capable of proposing the number of seats to be placed in multiple areas included in a space.SOLUTION: A space proposing method includes: a first obtaining step S24 of obtaining use result information on multiple areas included in a space; a second obtaining step S25 of obtaining evaluation information on an evaluation for use of the space by multiple workers; first deciding steps S26 and S27 of deciding, based on the obtained use result information and the obtained evaluation information, the number of workers recommended for use of the area for each of the multiple areas for each predetermined time period; a second deciding step S28 of deciding, based on the maximum value of the number of workers decided for the area for each predetermined time period, the necessary number of seats in the area for each of the multiple areas; and an outputting step S29 of outputting proposal information for proposing the decided necessary number of seats for each of the multiple areas.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a space proposal method, a program, and a space proposal system. [Background technology]

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses an office design support system that makes it possible to estimate the required office floor space without requiring detailed corporate information such as corporate organization, and that also enables office design that corresponds to the latest office formats. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2002-007493 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] The present invention provides a space proposal method and the like that can propose the number of seats to be installed in multiple areas included in a space. [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] A space proposal method according to one embodiment of the present invention is a space proposal method executed by a computer, and includes: a first acquisition step of acquiring usage history information indicating which of multiple areas included in the space have been used by multiple workers working in the space for each specified period; a second acquisition step of acquiring evaluation information indicating the evaluations of the multiple workers regarding their use of the space; a first determination step of determining, for each specified period, the number of workers who are recommended to use each of the multiple areas based on the acquired usage history information and the acquired evaluation information; a second determination step of determining, for each of the multiple areas, the number of seats required for that area based on the maximum number of workers determined for that area for each specified period; and an output step of outputting presentation information to present the determined number of seats required for each of the multiple areas.

[0006] A program according to one aspect of the present invention is a program for causing the computer to execute the space proposal method.

[0007] A space proposal system according to one aspect of the present invention includes an acquisition unit that acquires usage history information indicating which of multiple areas included in a space have been used by multiple workers working in the space for each specified period, and evaluation information indicating the multiple workers' evaluations of their use of the space; an analysis unit that determines, for each specified period, the number of workers who are recommended to use each of the multiple areas based on the acquired usage history information and the acquired evaluation information; a determination unit that determines, for each of the multiple areas, the number of seats required for that area based on the maximum number of workers determined for that area for each specified period; and an output unit that outputs presentation information to present the determined number of seats required for each of the multiple areas. [Effects of the Invention]

[0008] The space proposal system etc. of the present invention can propose the number of seats to be installed in multiple areas included in a space. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0009] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a functional configuration of a space proposal system according to an embodiment. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of a space where multiple workers work. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is a sequence diagram showing an example of the operation of acquiring position information and evaluation information in the space proposal system according to the embodiment. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a diagram showing the usage status of a plurality of areas on a certain day. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 is a sequence diagram of example 1 of the proposal operation of the space proposal system according to the embodiment. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating an example of the usage record information. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating an example of a regression model. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a diagram showing an example of the results of tallying the partial regression coefficients. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is a diagram showing an example of a display screen of the required number of seats. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a sequence diagram of example 2 of the proposal operation of the space proposal system according to the embodiment. [Figure 11] FIG. 11 is a diagram showing an example of a display screen of the layout change proposal. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0010] Hereinafter, the embodiments will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. Note that the embodiments described below are all comprehensive or specific examples. The numerical values, shapes, materials, components, component placement and connection forms, steps, and step order shown in the following embodiments are merely examples and are not intended to limit the present invention. Furthermore, among the components in the following embodiments, components not recited in independent claims will be described as optional components.

[0011] It should be noted that the drawings are schematic diagrams and are not necessarily strict illustrations. In addition, in the drawings, substantially the same components are denoted by the same reference numerals, and overlapping descriptions may be omitted or simplified.

[0012] (Embodiment) [composition] First, the configuration of the space proposal system according to the embodiment will be described below. Fig. 1 is a block diagram showing the functional configuration of the space proposal system according to the embodiment.

[0013] The space proposal system 10 is a system that can make proposals such as changing the number of seats in a space where multiple workers work. The space here is, for example, an office space (indoor space) where multiple workers work in a free address system. Figure 2 is a diagram showing an example of a space where multiple workers work.

[0014] The space 70 shown in FIG. 2 includes, for example, three areas: an office area for general business, a concentration area where people can concentrate more on their work than in the office area, and a web conference area for holding web conferences. The office area has 40 seats, the concentration area has 8 seats, and the web conference area has 8 seats. Note that the space 70 may also include an open discussion area, a conference room area, and a break area. Any area may be included in the space 70.

[0015] The space proposal system 10 is realized by, for example, one or more server devices (cloud servers). Specifically, the space proposal system 10 includes a communication unit 11, an information processing unit 12, and a storage unit 13.

[0016] The communication unit 11 is a communication module (communication circuit) that enables the space proposal system 10 to communicate with a plurality of mobile terminals 20, an information terminal 40, and the like via a wide area communication network such as the Internet. The communication performed by the communication unit 11 is, for example, wired communication, but may also be wireless communication. There is no particular limitation on the communication standard used for the communication.

[0017] The information processing unit 12 performs information processing to make suggestions regarding the space 70, such as changing the number of seats. The information processing unit 12 is realized, for example, by a microcomputer, but may also be realized by a processor. The information processing unit 12 includes, as functional components, an acquisition unit 14, a generation unit 15, an analysis unit 16, a determination unit 17, and an output unit 18. The functions of the acquisition unit 14, the generation unit 15, the analysis unit 16, the determination unit 17, and the output unit 18 are realized, for example, by the microcomputer or processor constituting the information processing unit 12 executing a computer program stored in the storage unit 13.

[0018] The storage unit 13 is a storage device that stores information necessary for the above information processing, computer programs executed by the information processing unit 12, etc. The storage unit 13 is realized by, for example, an HDD (Hard Disk Drive), but may also be realized by a semiconductor memory or the like.

[0019] 1 also shows a plurality of mobile terminals 20, a positioning system 30, and an information terminal 40 in addition to the space proposal system 10. These terminals and systems will be described below.

[0020] The mobile terminal 20 is an information terminal carried (possessed) by a worker located in the space 70. The mobile terminal 20 measures the position (coordinates) of the worker carrying the mobile terminal 20 in the workplace, and transmits position information indicating the measured position to the space proposal system 10. The mobile terminal 20 is, for example, a smartphone, but may also be a tablet terminal or a communication terminal dedicated to positioning.

[0021] The positioning system 30 is a system configured by a plurality of communication terminals 31 installed in a space 70. Each of the plurality of communication terminals 31 functions as a beacon transmitter. That is, each of the plurality of communication terminals 31 emits a beacon signal including identification information of the communication terminal 31.

[0022] The information terminal 40 is an information terminal used by a user who wishes to receive proposals regarding the space 70 from the space proposal system 10. The user is, for example, a manager of the space 70 (such as a human resources officer), but may also be a space designer (in other words, a planner). The information terminal 40 is, for example, a personal computer, but may also be a smartphone or a tablet terminal.

[0023] [Information acquisition behavior] The space proposal system 10 acquires location information and evaluation information from a mobile terminal 20 carried by a worker located in the space 70. The operation of acquiring location information and evaluation information will be described below. FIG. 3 is a sequence diagram showing an example of the operation of acquiring location information and evaluation information. Note that FIG. 3 shows an example of the operation of acquiring location information and evaluation information for a first predetermined period, such as one day.

[0024] A plurality of communication terminals 31 (beacon transmitters) are distributed in the space 70. The mobile terminal 20 carried by each of the plurality of workers receives a beacon signal from each of the plurality of communication terminals 31 (S11), and generates location information indicating the current location (coordinates) of the mobile terminal 20 based on the received beacon signal (S12).

[0025] Specifically, the mobile terminal 20 measures the received signal strength of the received beacon signal, and calculates the distance between the mobile terminal 20 and each of the multiple communication terminals 31 based on the measured received signal strength. The mobile terminal 20 can generate location information indicating the current location of the mobile terminal 20 (the worker who carries the mobile terminal 20) by three-point positioning based on the distance between the mobile terminal 20 and each of the multiple communication terminals 31 and the installation location information of each of the multiple communication terminals 31 pre-stored (registered) in the mobile terminal 20. The mobile terminal 20 may also generate location information for the mobile terminal 20 by one-point positioning based on the distance to one communication terminal 31 and the installation location information of the one communication terminal 31. The location information includes a worker ID for distinguishing between multiple workers.

[0026] The mobile terminal 20 transmits the generated position information to the space proposal system 10 (S13). The communication unit 11 of the space proposal system 10 receives the position information, and the information processing unit 12 stores the received position information in the storage unit 13 (S14).

[0027] The processing of steps S11 to S14 is repeated at predetermined time intervals. As a result, the storage unit 13 of the space proposal system 10 stores time-series data of the location information of each of the multiple mobile terminals 20. In other words, the storage unit 13 stores time-series data of the location information of multiple workers. The time-series data of the location information can be rephrased as flow line information or movement trajectories.

[0028] At the end of each day, each of the multiple workers inputs their evaluation of the space 70 into the mobile terminal 20. That is, the evaluations of the multiple workers regarding their use of the space 70 are input into the multiple mobile terminals 20 that the multiple workers possess. In other words, the evaluation here is the level of satisfaction with the space 70 on that day. The evaluation is made, for example, on an 11-point scale from 0 to 10 points.

[0029] The mobile terminal 20 accepts the input of the evaluation (S15) and transmits evaluation information indicating the input evaluation (score) to the space proposal system 10 (S16). As a result, the storage unit 13 of the space proposal system 10 stores the evaluation information of each of the multiple workers (S17). The evaluation information includes a worker ID. The worker ID is used to distinguish between the multiple workers and to link the location information and the evaluation information.

[0030] According to the information acquisition operation of the space proposal system 10 as described above, the memory unit 13 of the space proposal system 10 stores time series data of the location information of each of the multiple workers and evaluation information of each of the multiple workers.

[0031] [Example of proposed behavior 1] The storage unit 13 of the space proposal system 10 further stores layout information indicating the layout (floor plan) of the space 70, and the layout information specifies the coordinate ranges of each of the multiple areas included in the space 70. The information processing unit 12 of the space proposal system 10 can identify the usage status of the multiple areas by comparing time-series data of the location information of multiple workers with the coordinate ranges of the multiple areas. Figure 4 is a diagram showing the usage status of the multiple areas on a certain day.

[0032] In the example of Figure 4, the concentration area is full in the morning and evening, and the web conference area is full in the afternoon. In other words, there are insufficient seats in the concentration area and web conference area. In addition, the maximum number of workers using the work area is 26, so there are excess seats in the work area.

[0033] In such a situation, when the concentration area is full, workers have no choice but to work in the office area even if they would like to work in the concentration area, which is likely to make them feel dissatisfied (and their evaluation information will be lowered).

[0034] Furthermore, when the web conference area is full, workers have no choice but to hold web conferences in the office area. If a worker holds a web conference in the office area, the sound generated by the web conference will become a noise for other workers using the office area, which is likely to dissatisfy other users (leading to a lower rating for the evaluation information).

[0035] In this way, when the space 70 is not being used effectively, the space proposal system 10 can propose the number of seats in each of a plurality of areas that is considered to enable more effective use of the space 70. Below, a first example of the proposed operation of the space proposal system 10 will be described. Figure 5 is a sequence diagram of the first example of the proposed operation.

[0036] In the following explanation, it is assumed that the acquisition operation of Figure 4 is performed daily, and thus the time series data of location information and evaluation information are stored in the memory unit 13 for a second predetermined period (e.g., one month) that is longer than the first predetermined period (e.g., one day).

[0037] A user such as a manager of the space 70 performs a predetermined operation on the information terminal 40, and the information terminal 40 transmits request information for a proposal regarding the space 70 to the space proposal system 10 based on the predetermined operation (S21).

[0038] The communication unit 11 of the space proposal system 10 receives the request information. When the request information is received, the acquisition unit 14 acquires time-series data of the position information of a plurality of workers and layout information from the storage unit 13 (S22).

[0039] The generating unit 15 generates usage history information based on the acquired time-series data of the position information and the acquired layout information (S23). Fig. 6 is a diagram showing an example of usage history information.

[0040] In step S23, the generation unit 15 compares the time-series data of the acquired location information with the acquired layout information (coordinate ranges of multiple areas). Through this comparison, the generation unit 15 identifies the area that the worker used for the longest time in each of the morning, afternoon, and evening time slots of a day. The morning time slot is, for example, 9:00 to 12:00, the afternoon time slot is, for example, 12:00 to 16:00, and the evening time slot is, for example, 16:00 to 20:00.

[0041] The generation unit 15 performs such processing on a plurality of workers and information (data) for the second predetermined period, thereby generating usage history information such as that shown in Fig. 6. The usage history information can be said to be information that indicates, for each time period, which of a plurality of areas included in the space 70 the plurality of workers working in the space 70 have used.

[0042] The acquisition unit 14 acquires the generated usage history information (S24), and further acquires evaluation information of multiple users from the storage unit 13 (S25). As shown in Fig. 6, the evaluation information (satisfaction score for each day) can be linked to the usage history information.

[0043] Next, based on the acquired usage history information and the acquired evaluation information, the analysis unit 16 analyzes, for each time period, which areas used by multiple workers will result in a higher evaluation indicated by the evaluation information (S26). The analysis unit 16 creates a regression model for each worker, with the usage history information as an explanatory variable and the evaluation information as a target variable. In other words, the analysis unit 16 performs multiple regression analysis for each worker. FIG. 7 is a diagram showing an example of the regression model.

[0044] The left side of Figure 7 shows the regression models (regression equations) for workers A and B. y is the score indicated by the evaluation information, and xij is xij=1 if area j is used in time slot i, and xij=0 if not. Also, morning time slot: i=1, afternoon time slot: i=2, evening time slot: i=3, and office area: j=1, concentration area: j=2, and web conference area: j=3.

[0045] In such a regression model, the larger the partial regression coefficient multiplied by xij (the more positive the number), the more satisfied the worker is by using area i in time period i (the higher the evaluation).The smaller the partial regression coefficient for xij (the more negative the number), the more dissatisfied the worker is by using area i in time period i (the lower the evaluation).

[0046] As shown in the table on the right side of Figure 7, it is thought that Worker A's satisfaction will increase by using the concentrated area in the morning, by using the web conference area in the afternoon, and by using the concentrated area in the evening. In other words, it is recommended that Worker A use the concentrated area in the morning, the web conference area in the afternoon, and the concentrated area in the evening.

[0047] Similarly, it is thought that Worker B's satisfaction will increase if he uses the web conference area during the daytime, and if he uses the concentrated area in the evening. In other words, it is recommended that Worker B use the web conference area during the daytime, and the concentrated area in the evening.

[0048] The analysis unit 16 performs this analysis for all workers, and based on the analysis results, determines the number of workers recommended to use each of a plurality of areas for each time period (S27). The analysis unit 16 counts the number of partial regression coefficients for xij that are equal to or greater than a threshold value among the partial regression coefficients for xij for the regression models calculated for all workers. The threshold value is, for example, 1. Fig. 8 is a diagram showing an example of the counting results of the partial regression coefficients.

[0049] The number of partial regression coefficients for xij shown in (a) of Figure 8 that are equal to or greater than a threshold value can be considered to be the number of workers recommended to use area j in time period i. Therefore, the tabulation result of the partial regression coefficients in (a) of Figure 8 can be considered to be the number of workers recommended to use each of multiple areas in each time period, as shown in (b) of Figure 8. In other words, by tabulating the number of partial regression coefficients for xij that are equal to or greater than a threshold value, the analysis unit 16 can determine, for each time period, the number of workers recommended to use each of multiple areas.

[0050] Next, the determination unit 17 determines the number of seats required for each of the multiple areas based on the maximum number of workers for each time period determined for that area (S28). As shown in (c) of FIG. 8, for example, the numbers of workers determined for the morning time period, the afternoon time period, and the evening time period are 6, 8, and 5, respectively, so the maximum number is 8. Therefore, the determination unit 17 determines the number of seats required for the work area to be 8. Note that the number of seats required may be equal to or greater than the maximum number of people, and may be determined to be 8 or more. The determination unit 17 may determine the number of seats required, for example, by adding 1 seat to the maximum number of people, to allow for some leeway. Furthermore, if an upper limit is set on the number of seats that can be installed in each area and the maximum number of people exceeds the upper limit, the determination unit 17 may determine the number of seats required to be equal to the upper limit. In other words, the number of seats required may be less than the maximum number of people.

[0051] Similarly, the determination unit 17 determines the number of seats required in the concentration area to be 10 seats, and the number of seats required in the web conference area to be 12 seats.

[0052] Next, the output unit 18 communicates with the information terminal 40 using the communication unit 11 to output (transmit) to the information terminal 40 presentation information for presenting the required number of seats in each of the determined multiple areas (S29).

[0053] The information terminal 40 receives the presentation information and displays the required number of seats on a display unit provided in the information terminal 40 based on the received presentation information (S30). Fig. 9 is a diagram showing an example of a display screen for the required number of seats.

[0054] 9, the display screen may display the number of seats that are insufficient relative to the current number of seats, instead of or in addition to the required number of seats. In other words, the presented information may be information that directly presents the required number of seats, or information that indirectly presents the required number of seats.

[0055] As described above, the space proposal system 10 can propose the required number of seats in each of multiple areas, which is thought to enable more effective use of the space 70 and improve the satisfaction of multiple workers.

[0056] [Example of proposed behavior 2] The presented information may include a proposed change to the seat layout in the space 70, and the proposed change to the layout may be displayed on the display unit of the information terminal 40 that has received the presented information. Hereinafter, a second example of the proposed operation of the space proposal system 10 will be described. Fig. 10 is a sequence diagram of the second example of the proposed operation.

[0057] In the following explanation of example 2 of the proposed operation, the information terminal 40 used by the designer who designs the proposed changes to the seating layout will be referred to as information terminal 40a, and the information terminal 40 used by the manager of space 70 who receives the proposed changes to the layout will be referred to as information terminal 40b.

[0058] The designer performs a predetermined operation on the information terminal 40a. Based on the predetermined operation, the information terminal 40a transmits request information for a proposal regarding the space 70 to the space proposal system 10 (S21).

[0059] The communication unit 11 of the space proposal system 10 receives the request information. The information processing unit 12 determines the number of seats required based on the received request information (S22 to S28).

[0060] The output unit 18 communicates with the information terminal 40a using the communication unit 11, and outputs (transmits) to the information terminal 40a presentation information for presenting the number of seats required in each of the determined multiple areas (S29).

[0061] The information terminal 40a receives the presentation information and displays the required number of seats on a display unit provided in the information terminal 40 based on the received presentation information (S30). The above-described processing of steps S21 to S30 is the same as in example 1 of the proposed operation.

[0062] The designer uses the information terminal 40a to create a proposed change to the seating layout in the space 70 (e.g., a drawing or CAD data) in consideration of the required number of seats displayed in step S30 (S31). The information terminal 40a transmits the created layout change proposal to the space proposal system 10 (S32).

[0063] The communication unit 11 of the space proposal system 10 receives the layout change proposal. The information processing unit 12 stores the received layout change proposal in the storage unit 13 (S33).

[0064] Thereafter, the manager of the space 70 performs a predetermined operation on the information terminal 40b. Based on the predetermined operation, the information terminal 40b transmits proposal request information regarding the space 70 to the space proposal system 10 (S34).

[0065] The communication unit 11 of the space proposal system 10 receives the request information. The output unit 18 reads out the layout change proposal from the storage unit 13 based on the received request information, and outputs (transmits) the presentation information including the read out layout change proposal to the information terminal 40b (S35).

[0066] The information terminal 40b receives the presentation information and displays the proposed layout change (which is also information indicating the required number of seats) on the display unit provided in the information terminal 40b based on the received presentation information (S36). Fig. 11 is a diagram showing an example of a display screen of the proposed layout change.

[0067] As described above, the presentation information may include proposed layout changes, and the space proposal system 10 can propose changes to the seat layout in the space 70 by outputting the presentation information including the proposed layout changes to the information terminal 40.

[0068] [Modifications regarding usage history information] In the above embodiment, time-series data of the worker's location information was used to generate usage history information (in other words, to identify the area where the worker spent the longest time in each of the morning, afternoon, and evening time slots). The worker's location information was generated by having the mobile terminal 20 carried by the worker receive a beacon signal emitted by a communication terminal installed in the space and measuring the received signal strength of the received beacon signal. However, the worker's location information can also be generated by having the communication terminal receive a beacon signal emitted by the mobile terminal 20 and measure the received signal strength of the beacon signal received by the communication terminal. In other words, in the above embodiment, a configuration in which the relationship between transmission and reception of beacon signals is reversed may be adopted to generate the worker's location information. The location information may be generated based on the communication status between the mobile terminal 20 carried by the worker and multiple communication terminals installed in the space 70.

[0069] Furthermore, the usage history information may be generated based on information other than the location information generated by the mobile terminal 20. For example, there may be a case where workers' entry and exit from each of a plurality of areas is performed by reading an ID card, and the history information of the workers' entry and exit from each of the plurality of areas is managed by an entry / exit management system (not shown). In such a case, the usage history information may be generated based on the entry and exit history information. The acquisition unit 14 of the space proposal system 10 acquires the entry and exit history information by communicating with the entry / exit management system, and the generation unit 15 can generate the usage history information based on the acquired entry and exit history information and the acquired layout information.

[0070] The usage history information may also be generated by a worker's self-reporting. For example, at the end of the day, the worker inputs to the mobile terminal 20 the area in which the worker spent the longest time in each of the morning, afternoon, and evening time slots on that day, in addition to the worker's evaluation of the space 70. The generation unit 15 can generate the usage history information based on the input results.

[0071] Furthermore, it has been explained that the usage history information is information that indicates which areas multiple workers used for each time period (a period shorter than one day). However, the usage history information may also be information that indicates which areas multiple workers used for each day of the week (each day). The usage history information may be information that indicates which areas multiple workers used for each predetermined period.

[0072] [Modifications regarding evaluation information] In the above embodiment, it has been described that the evaluation information is input at the end of each day. In other words, it has been described that the evaluation information is input once a day. However, the evaluation information may be input for each of the morning time slot, the afternoon time slot, and the evening time slot. Furthermore, the evaluation information may be input every hour or for each day of the week. In this way, the input frequency of the evaluation information is not particularly limited.

[0073] [Variations related to analysis] In the above embodiment, multiple regression analysis is used in the analysis of the usage history information linked to the evaluation information. However, instead of multiple regression analysis, a machine learning model may be used. For example, this machine learning model is constructed using the usage history information linked to the evaluation information as learning data, and can output evaluation information using the usage history information (xij) as input. The determination unit 17 may determine the number of workers recommended to use area j in time period i by tallying the number of SHAP (SHapley Additive exPlanations) values for xij in the machine learning model that are equal to or greater than a threshold. The SHAP value is a parameter indicating the degree of contribution of xij to the evaluation information.

[0074] [Effects, etc.] Hereinafter, examples of inventions that can be obtained from the disclosure of this specification will be given, and the effects and the like that can be obtained from the exemplified inventions will be explained.

[0075] Invention 1 is a space proposal method executed by a computer, the space proposal method including: a first acquisition step S24 of acquiring usage history information indicating which of multiple areas included in space 70 have been used by multiple workers working in space 70 for each predetermined period; a second acquisition step S25 of acquiring evaluation information indicating the evaluations of the multiple workers regarding their use of space 70; first determination steps S26, S27 of determining, for each predetermined period, the number of workers recommended to use each of the multiple areas based on the acquired usage history information and the acquired evaluation information; a second determination step S28 of determining, for each of the multiple areas, the number of seats required for that area based on the maximum number of workers determined for that area for each predetermined period; and an output step S29 (or S35) of outputting presentation information for presenting the determined number of seats required for each of the multiple areas.

[0076] Such a space proposal method can propose the number of seats to be installed in multiple areas included in the space 70. By proposing the number of seats, the space proposal method can improve the evaluation (satisfaction) of multiple workers working in the space 70.

[0077] Invention 2 is the space proposal method of Invention 1, in which the presented information includes a proposed change to the seating layout in space 70, which is determined based on the determined number of required seats.

[0078] Such a space proposal method can propose changes to the seating layout in the space 70.

[0079] Invention 3 is a space proposal method according to Invention 1 or 2, in which in the second determination step S28, for each of a plurality of areas, the maximum number of workers determined for that area per specified period is determined as the required number of seats for that area.

[0080] Such a space proposal method can determine, for each of a plurality of areas, the maximum number of workers determined for that area per predetermined period as the required number of seats for that area.

[0081] Invention 4 is the space proposal method of any of Inventions 1 to 3, in which, in the output step S29 (or S35), when the computer receives request information for a proposal regarding the space 70 from the information terminal 40, the computer outputs the presentation information to the information terminal 40.

[0082] Such a space proposal method can propose the number of seats to be installed in multiple areas included in the space 70 in response to a request from the user of the information terminal 40.

[0083] Invention 5 is a space proposal method according to any one of Inventions 1 to 4, further including a third acquisition step S22 of acquiring time series data of location information in the space 70 of each of the multiple workers, the data being generated based on the communication status between the multiple mobile terminals 20 carried by the multiple workers and the multiple communication terminals 31 installed in the space 70, and a generation step S23 of generating usage history information based on the acquired time series data of location information, and in the first acquisition step S24, the generated usage history information is acquired.

[0084] Such a space proposal method can generate usage history information based on time series data of location information generated based on the communication status between the mobile terminal 20 and multiple communication terminals 31 installed in the space 70.

[0085] Invention 6 is the space suggestion method according to any one of Inventions 1 to 5, in which the evaluations of the use of the space 70 by the multiple workers are input to multiple mobile terminals 20 carried by the multiple workers.

[0086] Such a space proposal method can acquire evaluation information indicating the evaluation input to the mobile terminal 20.

[0087] Invention 7 is a space proposal method of any of Inventions 1 to 6, in which, in the first decision steps S26 and S27, based on the acquired usage history information and the acquired evaluation information, an analysis is performed for each predetermined period to determine which areas multiple workers should use to obtain a higher evaluation as indicated by the evaluation information, and based on the analysis results, the number of workers recommended to use each of the multiple areas is determined for each predetermined period.

[0088] Such a space proposal method can determine the required number of seats by analyzing the relevance of usage history information and evaluation information.

[0089] Invention 8 is a program for causing a computer to execute the space proposal method of any one of Inventions 1 to 7.

[0090] According to such a program, the computer can propose the number of seats to be installed in multiple areas included in the space 70. By proposing the number of seats, the computer can improve the evaluation (satisfaction) of multiple workers working in the space 70.

[0091] Invention 9 is a space proposal system 10 comprising an acquisition unit 14 that acquires usage history information indicating which of multiple areas included in space 70 have been used by multiple workers working in space 70 for each specified period, and evaluation information indicating the multiple workers' evaluations of their use of space 70; an analysis unit 16 that determines, for each specified period, the number of workers recommended to use each of the multiple areas based on the acquired usage history information and the acquired evaluation information; a determination unit 17 that determines, for each of the multiple areas, the number of seats required for that area based on the maximum number of workers determined for that area for each specified period; and an output unit 18 that outputs presentation information to present the determined number of seats required for each of the multiple areas.

[0092] Such a space proposal system 10 can propose the number of seats to be installed in multiple areas included in the space 70. By proposing the number of seats, the space proposal system 10 can improve the evaluation (satisfaction) of multiple workers working in the space 70.

[0093] (Other embodiments) Although the embodiments have been described above, the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments.

[0094] For example, in the above embodiment, the space is an office space, but the space proposal system may propose the required number of seats in a plurality of areas included in a space other than the office space.

[0095] In the above embodiment, it has been explained that the space proposal system may be realized by a single server device or by multiple server devices. As such, the "system" in this specification may be configured by a single device or by multiple devices. When a system is configured by multiple devices, the components (especially functional components) of the system may be allocated in any way to the multiple devices.

[0096] Furthermore, the method of communication between the devices in the above-described embodiment is not particularly limited. Furthermore, a relay device (such as a broadband router, not shown) may be involved in the communication between the devices.

[0097] In the above-described embodiment, the processing performed by a specific processing unit may be performed by another processing unit. The order of multiple processing operations may be changed, or multiple processing operations may be performed in parallel.

[0098] In the above-described embodiments, each component may be realized by executing a software program suitable for that component, or by a program execution unit such as a CPU or processor reading and executing a software program recorded on a recording medium such as a hard disk or semiconductor memory.

[0099] Furthermore, each component may be realized by hardware. For example, each component may be a circuit (or integrated circuit). These circuits may form a single circuit as a whole, or each may be a separate circuit. Furthermore, each of these circuits may be a general-purpose circuit or a dedicated circuit.

[0100] Furthermore, the general or specific aspects of the present invention may be realized as a system, an apparatus, a method, an integrated circuit, a computer program, or a computer-readable recording medium such as a CD-ROM, or as any combination of a system, an apparatus, a method, an integrated circuit, a computer program, and a recording medium.

[0101] For example, the present invention may be realized as a space proposal method executed by a computer such as the space proposal system of the above-described embodiment, or as a program (computer program product) for causing a computer to execute the space proposal method. Furthermore, the present invention may be realized as a computer-readable non-transitory recording medium on which such a program is recorded.

[0102] In addition, the present invention also includes forms obtained by applying various modifications to each embodiment that a person skilled in the art would think of, or forms realized by arbitrarily combining the components and functions of each embodiment within the scope of the present invention. [Explanation of symbols]

[0103] 10. Spatial Proposal System 11 Communications Department 12 Information Processing Department 13 Storage section 14 Acquisition Department 15 Generation part 16 Analysis Department 17 Decision Section 18 Output section 20 Mobile devices 30 Positioning System 31 Communication terminal 40 Information terminal

Claims

1. 1. A computer-implemented method for spatial proposals, comprising: a first acquisition step of acquiring usage history information indicating which areas among a plurality of areas included in the space have been used by a plurality of workers working in the space for each predetermined period of time; a second acquisition step of acquiring evaluation information indicating evaluations of the plurality of workers regarding the use of the space; a first determination step of determining, for each of the plurality of areas, the number of workers recommended to use the area for each of the predetermined periods based on the acquired usage history information and the acquired evaluation information; a second determination step of determining the number of seats required for each of the plurality of areas based on the maximum number of workers for each predetermined period determined for that area; and an output step of outputting presentation information for presenting the required number of seats in each of the determined plurality of areas. Space proposal method.

2. The presented information includes a proposed change to the seat layout in the space, which is determined based on the determined number of required seats. The space proposal method according to claim 1 .

3. In the second determination step, for each of the plurality of areas, the maximum value of the number of workers determined for that area per predetermined period is determined as the number of seats required for that area. The space proposal method according to claim 1 .

4. In the output step, when the computer receives request information for a proposal regarding the space from an information terminal, the computer outputs the presentation information to the information terminal. The spatial proposal method according to claim 1 .

5. The space proposal method further includes: a third acquisition step of acquiring time series data of position information of each of the plurality of workers in the space, the time series data being generated based on communication states between a plurality of mobile devices carried by the plurality of workers and a plurality of communication terminals installed in the space; generating the usage history information based on the acquired time-series data of the location information, In the first acquisition step, the generated usage history information is acquired. The space proposal method according to claim 1 .

6. The evaluations of the plurality of workers regarding the use of the space are input to a plurality of mobile devices carried by the plurality of workers. The space proposal method according to claim 1 .

7. In the first determining step, Based on the acquired usage history information and the acquired evaluation information, an analysis is performed for each predetermined period to determine which area the plurality of workers use to increase the evaluation indicated by the evaluation information; Based on the analysis results, the number of workers recommended to use each of the plurality of areas is determined for each of the predetermined periods. The space proposal method according to claim 1 .

8. A program for causing the computer to execute the space proposal method according to any one of claims 1 to 7.

9. an acquisition unit that acquires usage history information indicating which areas of a plurality of areas included in a space have been used by a plurality of workers working in the space for each predetermined period, and evaluation information indicating evaluations of the use of the space by the plurality of workers; an analysis unit that determines, for each of the plurality of areas, the number of workers who are recommended to use the area for each of the predetermined periods based on the acquired usage history information and the acquired evaluation information; a determination unit that determines the number of seats required for each of the plurality of areas based on the maximum number of workers determined for each area for each predetermined period; an output unit that outputs presentation information for presenting the required number of seats in each of the determined areas; Space proposal system.

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