Evaluation system, method, and program

Abstract

To provide an evaluation system that can evaluate locations suitable for viewing an object.SOLUTION: An evaluation system comprises a virtual space generation unit, an image acquisition unit, and an evaluation unit. The virtual space generation unit generates a virtual space corresponding to a real space, where an object to be viewed is reproduced. The image acquisition unit captures an image of a situation when looking at a direction of the object from a location to be evaluated in the virtual space. The evaluation unit evaluates the location from which the image was captured, according to properties of the object.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to an evaluation system, an evaluation method, and an evaluation program for evaluating a viewing location of an object. [Background technology]

[0002] Digital twins are being used to represent various objects, such as buildings, that exist in the real world in a virtual space. By using digital twins, it becomes possible to consider various events that may occur in the real world in the digital space.

[0003] Patent Document 1 describes a design support system that performs design in a virtual space that corresponds to real space. The system described in Patent Document 1 uses a digital twin to recreate a city (region) in real space in a virtual space, and considers the construction or renovation of buildings, etc. within that virtual space. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2024-039429 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] In urban development, attention tends to be focused on buildings and other structures, as well as facilities such as parks, but the appeal of a city often cannot be measured by these actual structures and facilities alone. For example, the presence of places where you can view objects such as fireworks, the night sky, and symbols of the city can also be said to be factors that make a city attractive.

[0006] Therefore, an object of the present disclosure is to provide an evaluation system, an evaluation method, and an evaluation program that can evaluate preferred locations for viewing objects. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] The evaluation system according to the present disclosure is characterized by comprising a virtual space generation unit that generates a virtual space corresponding to real space, reproducing the object to be appreciated, an image acquisition unit that captures an image in the virtual space when viewed in the direction of the object from a location to be evaluated, and an evaluation unit that evaluates the location where the image was captured depending on the properties of the object.

[0008] The evaluation method according to the present disclosure is characterized by generating a virtual space corresponding to real space that reproduces the object to be appreciated, capturing an image in the virtual space when looking in the direction of the object from a location to be evaluated, and evaluating the location where the image was captured depending on the properties of the object.

[0009] The evaluation program according to the present disclosure is characterized in that it causes a computer to execute a virtual space generation process that generates a virtual space corresponding to real space, reproducing the object to be viewed, an image acquisition process that captures an image in the virtual space when viewed in the direction of the object from a location to be evaluated, and an evaluation process that evaluates the location where the image was captured depending on the properties of the object. [Effects of the Invention]

[0010] According to the present disclosure, it is possible to evaluate preferred locations for viewing an object. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0011] [Figure 1] 1 is an explanatory diagram illustrating a configuration example of an embodiment of an evaluation system of the present disclosure. [Figure 2] 10 is a flowchart illustrating an example of the operation of the evaluation system of the present disclosure. [Figure 3] FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating an overview of an evaluation system according to the present disclosure. [Figure 4] FIG. 1 is a schematic block diagram illustrating the configuration of a computer according to at least one embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0012] First, a specific example of a situation assumed in this disclosure will be described. In urban development, as the construction of buildings such as high-rise buildings progresses, convenience increases, but the current situation is that it becomes more difficult to view objects such as fireworks, the night sky, meteor showers, and city symbols through gaps in the buildings. Furthermore, even in places where these objects can be seen through gaps, the surrounding environment may affect the location, making it unsuitable for viewing the objects.

[0013] For example, a preferable location for viewing fireworks is one that is free of buildings obstructing the view, is close to the location where the fireworks are launched, and has a dark surrounding environment. However, it is difficult to know such environmental information in advance, and it is usually only possible to know the actual situation once one has actually visited the location. Therefore, the present disclosure allows for the recommendation of such locations by evaluating in advance the preferred locations for viewing each object.

[0014] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present disclosure will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0015] 1 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of the configuration of an embodiment of an evaluation system according to the present disclosure. The evaluation system 100 of this embodiment includes a storage unit 10, a virtual space generation unit 20, an image acquisition unit 30, an evaluation unit 40, and an evaluation result output unit 50.

[0016] The storage unit 10 stores various information used for processing by the evaluation system 100. In this embodiment, the evaluation unit 40, which will be described later, evaluates a place in the virtual space that is preferable for viewing an object. For this purpose, the storage unit 10 may store a model representing the virtual space including the place to be evaluated, or information that has been animated in 3D (three dimensions) based on the model.

[0017] Note that models representing virtual spaces and aspects of 3D animation representing virtual spaces are widely known, and therefore detailed explanations will be omitted here. The storage unit 10 is realized by, for example, a magnetic disk.

[0018] The virtual space generation unit 20 generates a virtual space to be used for evaluation. The method by which the virtual space generation unit 20 generates the virtual space is arbitrary. For example, the virtual space generation unit 20 may generate a 3D animation that is the virtual space from a model stored in the storage unit 10, or may output the 3D animation stored in the storage unit 10 itself. For example, if the evaluation is performed at night, the virtual space generation unit 20 may generate a virtual space that corresponds to the nighttime situation.

[0019] In this case, the virtual space generation unit 20 generates a virtual space corresponding to the real space, reproducing the object to be appreciated. For example, if fireworks are assumed to be the object to be appreciated, the virtual space generation unit 20 may generate a virtual space in which fireworks are reproduced at a location where they are expected to be launched. Also, for example, if there are candidate construction locations for a building that will be a symbol of the town, the virtual space generation unit 20 may generate a virtual space in which the building is reproduced at that candidate location.

[0020] If the object to be appreciated already exists in the generated virtual space, virtual space generation unit 20 does not need to recreate a new object. For example, if the object to be appreciated is a night sky, it is considered to already exist in the virtual space, so virtual space generation unit 20 does not need to recreate a new object representing the night sky.

[0021] Furthermore, the virtual space generation unit 20 may generate a virtual space in which the amount of light emitted by an artificial object corresponding to the real space is changed. The light emitted by an artificial object refers to light whose amount can be changed according to control, such as the light inside a building or the light from an electric lamp. The method of determining the amount of light whose amount is changed is arbitrary, and may be determined according to an instruction from a user or the like.

[0022] The image acquisition unit 30 captures an image in a visible direction in a virtual space including a location to be evaluated. Specifically, the image acquisition unit 30 captures an image in the generated virtual space when looking from the location to be evaluated in the direction of an object to be appreciated.

[0023] Any method may be used to determine the location where the image acquisition unit 30 will capture an image. For example, the image acquisition unit 30 may capture an image from any location within a predetermined range from a certain position, or may capture an image along a predetermined route.

[0024] The method for acquiring images in the virtual space is also arbitrary. For example, the image acquisition unit 30 may place a virtual agent of the assumed user at multiple locations in the virtual space to be evaluated, and capture images that can be seen through the virtual agent at each location.

[0025] Furthermore, the image acquisition section 30 may acquire, together with capturing an image, information indicating the location where the image was captured and the surrounding conditions of that location (hereinafter referred to as environmental information).

[0026] The evaluation unit 40 evaluates the location where the image was captured according to the properties of the reproduced object. There are several possible methods for evaluating the location. For example, the evaluation unit 40 may give a higher evaluation to a location where an image was captured in which the object is easier to see, or may give a higher evaluation to a location closer to the object.

[0027] Additionally, in the case of an object floating in the air, the evaluation unit 40 may give a higher evaluation to a location where an image with fewer obstructions has been captured.

[0028] For example, suppose the attractiveness of a reproduced object changes depending on the surrounding conditions of the location where the image was taken. In this case, the evaluation unit 40 may evaluate the location based on the surrounding conditions of the location where the image was taken. An example of an object whose attractiveness changes depending on the surrounding conditions is fireworks that are launched at night. This can be said to be an object whose appearance changes depending on the surrounding brightness.

[0029] The human eye has the property that it becomes easier to see the night sky in darker places because the eyes become accustomed to it (a property known as "dark adaptation"). This means that it is easier to observe fireworks in darker surroundings. Therefore, in this case, the evaluation unit 40 may give a higher evaluation to locations where images with darker surroundings are captured. Other examples of objects similar to fireworks include the night sky (starry sky) and meteor showers.

[0030] In the case of the night sky, the more unobstructed the view of the sky, the wider the area that can be seen. Therefore, in this case, the evaluation unit 40 may evaluate the location so that the higher the evaluation score, the more the image that has fewer obstructions to the sky is captured.

[0031] In this way, the evaluation unit 40 may evaluate the location where the image was captured for a plurality of evaluation items. In this case, the evaluation unit 40 may make a final evaluation based on a plurality of evaluation contents. For example, the evaluation unit 40 may take the average of the sum of the evaluation contents as the final evaluation, or, when there are N types of evaluation items i, may make a final evaluation according to the weighting assigned to each evaluation item, as exemplified in the following formula 1. Note that x i indicates the weight according to the evaluation item.

[0032] Evaluation result = Σx i Evaluation result i / N (Equation 1)

[0033] The evaluation unit 40 may also evaluate the location where the image was taken by further using environmental information acquired together with the captured image. The evaluation unit 40 may evaluate the location where the image was taken by using information indicating, for example, the ease of access to the location, the ease of movement, the location where the target user has visited, etc.

[0034] As a method for evaluating ease of access, the evaluation unit 40 may determine that the shorter the distance from a public transportation station or stop, the easier the access. As a method for evaluating ease of travel, the evaluation unit 40 may determine that the fewer the number of turns on the route to the location, the easier the travel. As a method for evaluation based on visit history, the evaluation unit 40 may give a higher evaluation to locations with a higher visit history.

[0035] Additionally, the evaluation unit 40 may be configured to lower the evaluation of a place where people tend to gather (i.e., where there are many people), or to lower the evaluation of a place where the surrounding area is small, because a place with few people and large surrounding area can be said to be a more suitable place for viewing.

[0036] Furthermore, the evaluation unit 40 may evaluate the location where the image was captured taking into account real-time information. Specifically, the evaluation unit 40 may evaluate the location according to the difficulty of traveling to the location where the image was captured, such as the distance to the destination, the congestion status of the travel route, and the expected congestion status upon arrival. For example, the evaluation unit 40 may lower the evaluation the more congested the travel route to the location, or the lower the evaluation the more congestion is expected upon arrival.

[0037] By conducting such evaluations, local governments will be able to consider measures such as improving traffic conditions, improving viewing areas, and removing unnecessary buildings and trees.

[0038] Furthermore, if the virtual space generation unit 20 generates a virtual space in which the amount of light emitted by artificial objects is changed, the evaluation unit 40 may evaluate images captured within the generated virtual space. For example, if the amount of light can be changed when fireworks or illuminations are displayed, it would be possible to generate a more favorable environment for viewing these events. By generating such a virtual space and evaluating the location where the image was captured, it would also be possible to verify a compatible environment.

[0039] In this case, for example, the government can increase the number of places suitable for viewing by controlling the on / off of lights within a limited budget, and it becomes possible to verify such cost-effectiveness. Verification of the cost-effectiveness may be performed, for example, by solving an optimization problem. Taking such measures can also increase citizen satisfaction.

[0040] The evaluation result output unit 50 outputs the evaluation results obtained by the evaluation unit 40. The evaluation results may be output in any manner. For example, the evaluation result output unit 50 may output an image in which the places with higher evaluations are superimposed in a virtual space, or may display a list of places according to the ranking of the evaluations.

[0041] The virtual space generation unit 20, image acquisition unit 30, evaluation unit 40, and evaluation result output unit 50 are realized by a computer processor (e.g., a CPU (Central Processing Unit), a GPU (Graphics Processing Unit)) that operates according to a program (evaluation program). For example, the program may be stored in the storage unit 10 of the evaluation system 100, and the processor may read the program and operate as the virtual space generation unit 20, image acquisition unit 30, evaluation unit 40, and evaluation result output unit 50 according to the program.

[0042] Each function of the evaluation system 100 may be provided in the form of SaaS (Software as a Service). The virtual space generation unit 20, the image acquisition unit 30, the evaluation unit 40, and the evaluation result output unit 50 may each be realized by dedicated hardware.

[0043] Furthermore, some or all of the components of each device may be realized by general-purpose or dedicated circuits, processors, etc., or a combination of these. These may be configured by a single chip, or by multiple chips connected via a bus. Some or all of the components of each device may be realized by a combination of the above-mentioned circuits, etc., and programs.

[0044] Furthermore, when some or all of the components of the evaluation system 100 are realized by multiple information processing devices, circuits, etc., the multiple information processing devices, circuits, etc. may be centrally or decentralized. For example, the information processing devices, circuits, etc. may be realized as a client-server system, a cloud computing system, or the like, in a form in which each device is connected via a communication network.

[0045] Next, a description will be given of an example of the operation of the evaluation system 100 of this embodiment. Fig. 2 is a flowchart showing an example of the operation of the evaluation system 100 of this embodiment.

[0046] The virtual space generation unit 20 generates a virtual space that reproduces an object to be appreciated (step S11). The image acquisition unit 30 captures an image in the virtual space when viewed from a location to be evaluated in the direction of the object (step S12). The evaluation unit 40 then evaluates the location where the image was captured according to the properties of the object (step S13).

[0047] As described above, in this embodiment, the virtual space generation unit 20 generates a virtual space that reproduces an object to be viewed, and the image acquisition unit 30 captures an image in the virtual space when viewed in the direction of the object from a location to be evaluated. The evaluation unit 40 then evaluates the location where the image was captured according to the properties of the object. Thus, it is possible to evaluate a location that is suitable for viewing the object.

[0048] Next, an overview of the present disclosure will be described. Fig. 3 is a block diagram showing an overview of an evaluation system of the present disclosure. An evaluation system 80 (e.g., evaluation system 100) according to the present disclosure includes a virtual space generation unit 81 (e.g., virtual space generation unit 20) that generates a virtual space corresponding to real space, reproducing an object to be appreciated (e.g., fireworks, a night sky, a meteor shower, etc.), an image acquisition unit 82 (e.g., image acquisition unit 30) that captures an image in the virtual space when viewed in the direction of the object from a location to be evaluated, and an evaluation unit 83 (e.g., evaluation unit 40) that evaluates the location where the image was captured in accordance with the properties of the object.

[0049] Such a configuration allows evaluation of preferred locations for viewing the object.

[0050] Furthermore, the evaluation unit 83 may give a higher evaluation to a location where an image with darker surrounding brightness is captured (for example, when the object is fireworks, a night sky, a meteor shower, or the like).

[0051] At this time, the virtual space generation unit 81 may generate a virtual space in which the amount of light (for example, lights from buildings, lights from street lamps, etc.) emitted by artificial objects corresponding to the real space is changed. Then, the evaluation unit 83 may evaluate an image captured in such a virtual space.

[0052] Furthermore, the evaluation unit 83 may give a higher evaluation to a location where an image with fewer obstructions has been captured.

[0053] Furthermore, the evaluation unit 83 may evaluate the location where the image was taken by further using environmental information that is acquired together with the image and indicates the situation of the location where the image was taken.

[0054] Furthermore, the evaluation unit 83 may evaluate the location where the image was captured depending on the difficulty of moving to that location.

[0055] Furthermore, the evaluation unit 83 may give a higher evaluation to a location that has been visited by the target user more frequently.

[0056] 4 is a schematic block diagram showing the configuration of a computer according to at least one embodiment. The computer 1000 includes a processor 1001, a main memory device 1002, an auxiliary memory device 1003, and an interface 1004. The computer 1000 may also be connected to a computer that executes a mathematical programming solver, an annealing machine, a simulator, or the like.

[0057] The above-described evaluation system 80 is implemented in a computer 1000. The operations of the above-described processing units are stored in the form of a program (evaluation program) in an auxiliary storage device 1003. The processor 1001 reads the program from the auxiliary storage device 1003, loads it into the main storage device 1002, and executes the above-described processing in accordance with the program.

[0058] In at least one embodiment, the auxiliary storage device 1003 is an example of a non-transitory tangible medium. Other examples of non-transitory tangible media include a magnetic disk, a magneto-optical disk, a CD-ROM (Compact Disc Read-only memory), a DVD-ROM (Read-only memory), and a semiconductor memory connected via the interface 1004. In addition, when this program is distributed to the computer 1000 via a communication line, the computer 1000 that receives the program may load the program into the main storage device 1002 and execute the above processing.

[0059] The program may also be a program for realizing part of the above-described functions. Furthermore, the program may be a so-called differential file (differential program) that realizes the above-described functions in combination with another program already stored in the auxiliary storage device 1003.

[0060] Some or all of the above-described embodiments can be described as, but are not limited to, the following supplementary notes.

[0061] (Appendix 1) A virtual space generation unit that generates a virtual space corresponding to a real space, reproducing an object to be appreciated; an image acquisition unit that captures an image of the virtual space when viewed from a location to be evaluated in the direction of the object; an evaluation unit that evaluates the location where the image was captured according to the property of the object; An evaluation system characterized by:

[0062] (Note 2) The evaluation unit assigns a higher evaluation to locations where images with darker surroundings are captured. The evaluation system described in Appendix 1.

[0063] (Appendix 3) The virtual space generation unit generates a virtual space in which the amount of light emitted by artificial objects corresponding to the real space is changed, The evaluation unit evaluates the image captured in the virtual space. The evaluation system described in Appendix 2.

[0064] (Note 4) The evaluation unit assigns a higher evaluation to locations where images are captured with fewer obstructions. 10. The evaluation system of any one of appendices 1 to 3.

[0065] (Supplementary Note 5) The evaluation unit evaluates the location where the image was captured by further using environmental information that is acquired together with the captured image and indicates the situation of the location where the image was captured. 10. The rating system of any one of appendices 1 to 4.

[0066] (Supplementary Note 6) The evaluation unit evaluates the location where the image was captured according to the difficulty of moving to the location. 10. The evaluation system of any one of appendices 1 to 5.

[0067] (Note 7) The evaluation unit assigns a higher rating to locations that have been visited by the target user. 10. The rating system of any one of appendices 1 to 6.

[0068] (Appendix 8) A virtual space corresponding to the real space is generated, reproducing the object to be appreciated. capturing an image in the virtual space when viewed from a location to be evaluated in the direction of the object; Evaluating the location where the image was taken according to the nature of the object. An evaluation method characterized by:

[0069] (Note 9) The darker the surroundings, the higher the rating. Evaluation method described in Appendix 8.

[0070] (Appendix 10) To the computer, A virtual space generation process that generates a virtual space that reproduces the object to be appreciated and corresponds to the real space; an image acquisition process for capturing an image of the virtual space when viewed from a location to be evaluated in the direction of the object; and an evaluation process for evaluating the location where the image was taken depending on the nature of the object; An evaluation program for executing the above.

[0071] (Appendix 11) To the computer, In the evaluation process, the location where the image is captured with darker surroundings is given a higher evaluation. The evaluation program described in Appendix 10.

[0072] Although the present invention has been described above with reference to the embodiments and examples, the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments and examples. Various modifications that can be understood by those skilled in the art can be made to the configuration and details of the present invention within the scope of the present invention. [Explanation of symbols]

[0073] 10 Storage section 20 Virtual space generation unit 30 Image acquisition unit 40 Evaluation Department 50 Evaluation result output section 100 rating system

Claims

1. a virtual space generation unit that generates a virtual space that reproduces an object to be appreciated and corresponds to a real space; an image acquisition unit that captures an image of the virtual space when viewed from a location to be evaluated in the direction of the object; an evaluation unit that evaluates the location where the image was captured according to the property of the object; An evaluation system characterized by:

2. The evaluation unit assigns a higher evaluation to a location where an image with darker surroundings is captured. The evaluation system according to claim 1 .

3. the virtual space generation unit generates a virtual space in which the amount of light emitted by an artificial object corresponding to the real space is changed; The evaluation unit evaluates the image captured in the virtual space. The evaluation system according to claim 2 .

4. The evaluation unit assigns a higher evaluation to a location where an image with fewer obstructions is captured. The evaluation system according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

5. The evaluation unit further uses environmental information, acquired together with the captured image, that indicates the situation of the place where the image was captured, to evaluate the place where the image was captured. The evaluation system according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

6. The evaluation unit evaluates the location where the image was captured according to the difficulty of moving to the location. The evaluation system according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

7. The evaluation unit assigns a higher evaluation to locations that have been visited by the target user. The evaluation system according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

8. A virtual space that corresponds to the real world is generated, reproducing the object to be appreciated. capturing an image in the virtual space when viewed from a location to be evaluated in the direction of the object; Evaluating the location where the image was taken according to the nature of the object. An evaluation method characterized by:

9. The darker the surroundings, the higher the rating. The evaluation method according to claim 8.

10. On the computer, A virtual space generation process that generates a virtual space that reproduces the object to be appreciated and corresponds to the real space; an image acquisition process for capturing an image of the virtual space when viewed from a location to be evaluated in the direction of the object; and an evaluation process for evaluating the location where the image was taken depending on the nature of the object; An evaluation program for executing the above.

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