Evaluation method, evaluation device, program, and storage medium

Abstract

This invention provides an evaluation method, evaluation apparatus, program, and storage medium that enable more accurate evaluation of layouts before the actual placement of objects. [Solution] The evaluation method according to the embodiment causes a computer to refer to a first virtual space model in which a plurality of virtual objects are arranged. In the first virtual space model, the plurality of virtual objects are accessible to the user and are movable. The evaluation method causes the computer to refer to a checklist that includes a plurality of evaluation items relating to the first virtual space model. The evaluation method causes the computer to calculate an evaluation value for each of the plurality of evaluation items for the first virtual space model. The evaluation method causes the computer to extract virtual objects from the plurality of virtual objects that require arrangement improvement by comparing the plurality of evaluation values ​​with pre-set conditions.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] Embodiments of the present invention relate to an evaluation method, an evaluation apparatus, a program, and a storage medium.

Background Art

[0002] There is a technique for evaluating a layout in advance before arranging real objects.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] The problem to be solved by the embodiments of the present invention is to provide an evaluation method, an evaluation apparatus, a program, and a storage medium capable of evaluating a layout more accurately before arranging real objects.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0005] The evaluation method according to the embodiment causes a computer to refer to a first virtual space model in which a plurality of virtual objects are arranged. In the first virtual space model, the plurality of virtual objects are contactable and movable by a user. The evaluation method causes the computer to refer to a checklist including a plurality of evaluation items regarding the first virtual space model. The evaluation method causes the computer to calculate evaluation values of each of the plurality of evaluation items for the first virtual space model. The evaluation method causes the computer to compare the plurality of evaluation values with preset conditions to extract virtual objects that need improvement in arrangement from the plurality of virtual objects.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0006] [Figure 1] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram showing the data flow in the evaluation method according to the embodiment. [Figure 2] Figure 2 is a table showing an example of the evaluation items included in the checklist. [Figure 3] Figure 3 is a table showing an example of the evaluation criteria included in the checklist. [Figure 4] Figure 4 is a table showing an example of the calculation results of the evaluation value. [Figure 5] Figures 5(a) and 5(b) are schematic diagrams illustrating an example of how evaluation values ​​are output. [Figure 6] Figure 6 is a flowchart showing the computer processing in the evaluation method according to the embodiment. [Figure 7] Figure 7 is a flowchart showing the flow of layout evaluation. [Figure 8] Figure 8 is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of automated checklist updates based on dialogue. [Figure 9] Figure 9 is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of automatic updating of a checklist based on [the specified formula / method]. [Figure 10] Figure 10 is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of automated updates to a checklist based on dialogue. [Figure 11] Figure 11 is a schematic diagram representing the hardware configuration. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0007] The embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. In this specification and in the drawings, elements similar to those already described will be denoted by the same reference numerals, and detailed descriptions will be omitted as appropriate.

[0008] When constructing a new manufacturing site, a new production line, or new equipment, it is necessary to decide in advance how to arrange real-world objects. "Real-world objects" include production equipment, facilities, and fixtures. For example, production equipment is equipment that transports, washes, processes, or dries workpieces. Facilities include air conditioning, lighting, workbenches, shelves, partitions, doors, etc. Fixtures include trolleys, jigs, tools, etc. By deciding on the layout in advance, real-world objects can be arranged smoothly.

[0009] On the other hand, if the pre-planning layout is not adequately evaluated, various problems may arise after the objects are actually placed. For example, the actual layout may differ from the client's vision, leading to requests for layout revisions. Alternatively, it may be difficult to implement the pre-evaluated layout, resulting in additional costs for layout revisions. Furthermore, after the layout has been implemented, new requests may arise based on that layout, requiring additional action.

[0010] Embodiments of the present invention address these problems and are used to evaluate layouts more accurately in advance.

[0011] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram showing the data flow in the evaluation method according to the embodiment. First, design data for a real object is prepared. For example, three-dimensional design data D3 is created using two-dimensional design data D1 and point cloud data D2. "Design data" is a design drawing created on a computer, such as Computer-Aided Design (CAD) data. "Point cloud data" is data obtained by scanning a real object from all sides using a distance measuring sensor, and is composed of a collection of points.

[0012] For example, Infipoints® can be used to create 3D design data D3. Infipoints can perform processes such as measuring the distance between points and reducing data size by thinning points, based on point cloud data. Infipoints can also import 2D design data. Infipoints generates 3D design data by placing imported point cloud data D2 onto the imported 2D design data D1. Infipoints exports this 3D design data in CAD data format. Through these processes, 3D design data D3 is obtained.

[0013] For example, when a new manufacturing line is constructed, two-dimensional design data D1 and point cloud data D2 are prepared for each device, equipment, and fixture used in the manufacturing line. Three-dimensional design data D3 is then created using this data. In other words, in the three-dimensional design data D3, each object necessary for constructing the manufacturing line is depicted three-dimensionally and virtually.

[0014] Next, using the 3D design data D3 and attribute data D4, an evaluation 3D model D5 is created in which attributes are assigned to each virtual object. Attribute data D4 is prepared to assign attributes to each virtual object included in the 3D design data D3. Attribute data D4 includes at least "object type" and "flag". "Object type" indicates the type of virtual object. For example, "conveyor," "washing device," "workbench," "cart," and "shelf" are set as object types. "Flag" indicates whether or not the virtual object is subject to evaluation. Virtual objects related to the evaluation of the layout are flagged.

[0015] In the illustrated example, the attribute data D4 further includes an "object ID", a "manufacturing line", and "product data". The object ID is a unique character string for identifying each object. The manufacturing line is data for specifying the manufacturing line to which each object belongs. The product data is data for specifying the product to which each object is related.

[0016] Next, a virtual space model D6 (first virtual space model) is constructed using the evaluation three-dimensional model D5. Unity (registered trademark) can be used to construct the virtual space model D6. For example, using three-dimensional CAD data, a virtual space model is constructed by the following method.

[0017] First, export the data in a format compatible with Unity from the software that handles the CAD data. The data format is, for example, FBX, OBJ, STL, etc. If necessary, unnecessary virtual objects included in the CAD data may be deleted. By deleting fine virtual objects unnecessary for the evaluation of the layout, the data size of the virtual space model can be reduced.

[0018] Import the exported CAD data into Unity. Use Unity's scene builder to place each imported virtual object. In Unity, the imported virtual object can be treated as an asset in the project and placed in the scene. If necessary, add other virtual objects, effects, lights, etc. to construct the virtual space model.

[0019] Add interactive elements to each virtual object of the constructed virtual space model. By adding interactive elements (for example, Collider components), it becomes possible for the user to touch the virtual object or move the virtual object. Finally, build the virtual space model for any platform such as a PC, mobile, or virtual reality (VR).

[0020] This example demonstrates how to build a virtual space model using Unity, but other integrated development environments (IDEs) can also be used. For example, Unreal Engine® could be used instead of Unity.

[0021] The created virtual space model D6 is evaluated using checklist D7. Checklist D7 includes "evaluation items," "evaluation criteria," and "conditions." The evaluation items define what should be evaluated about the virtual space model D6. The evaluation criteria are standards for determining whether the numerical values ​​calculated according to the definitions in the evaluation items are good or bad. By comparing the calculated numerical values ​​with the evaluation criteria, an evaluation value is obtained. The "conditions" are the conditions for the evaluation value. If the evaluation value meets the conditions, the layout of the virtual object being evaluated is judged to be good. If the evaluation value does not meet the conditions, the layout of the virtual object being evaluated is judged to need improvement.

[0022] An evaluation scenario D8 may be created when a virtual space model D6 is created or when evaluating the virtual space model D6. Evaluation scenario D8 defines a scenario (flow) for evaluating the virtual space model. For example, it defines a scenario for when a designer who created a layout reviews the virtual space model together with a manufacturing line manager. As an example, evaluation scenario D8 includes the route and checkpoint sequence in the walkthrough described later. Checkpoints are set within the virtual space model. At each checkpoint, the placement of virtual objects in the vicinity is evaluated. For example, when a manufacturing line is constructed, the walkthrough route and checkpoint sequence are set according to the flow of the manufacturing line.

[0023] Using information from the virtual space model D6, the content defined in the evaluation items of checklist D7 is calculated. This yields the evaluation result D9. The evaluation result D9 includes evaluation values. The evaluation values ​​are the results obtained by calculating the content defined in the evaluation items. The evaluation result D9 also includes the results of comparing the evaluation values ​​with the conditions of checklist D7. The evaluation scenario D8 may be created based on the evaluation result D9. In this case, the walkthrough route and the order of checkpoints are set based on the evaluation values ​​in evaluation result D9. For example, the walkthrough route and the order of checkpoints are set so that objects with the greatest need for improvement are checked first.

[0024] Based on the comparison of evaluation values ​​and conditions, poorly-rated virtual objects are extracted from the multiple virtual objects contained in the virtual space model D6. The extracted virtual objects are added to the improvement target list D10.

[0025] The layout designer modifies the placement of virtual objects included in the improvement target list D10 in the virtual space model D6 to improve their evaluation, and creates the improved model D11 (second virtual space model). The improved model D11 is saved linked to the virtual objects in the improvement target list D10.

[0026] Figure 2 is a table showing an example of the evaluation items included in the checklist. The evaluation items 100 shown in Figure 2 include major items 101, medium items 102, minor items 103, and evaluation content 104. Major items 101, medium items 102, and minor items 103 represent abstract, medium-level, and specific headings related to the evaluation subject, respectively. Evaluation content 104 represents the specific content of the evaluation. The numerical value of the evaluation subject is calculated according to the definition of evaluation content 104.

[0027] In the illustrated example, evaluation items 104A to 104I are defined. For evaluation item 104A, the distance between the flagged virtual object and the virtual object of the passageway is calculated. For evaluation item 104B, the distance between the flagged virtual object and the virtual object of the air conditioning system is calculated.

[0028] For example, evaluation items 104A to 104E relate to equipment, workbenches, trolleys, and shelves. For virtual objects whose object type is set to equipment, workbench, trolley, or shelf, and which are flagged as eligible for evaluation, the values ​​for evaluation items 104A to 104E are calculated. Evaluation items 104G to 104I relate to sheet metal and adhesives. For virtual objects whose object type is set to sheet metal or adhesive, and which are flagged as eligible for evaluation, the values ​​for evaluation items 104G to 104I are calculated.

[0029] Figure 3 is a table showing an example of the evaluation criteria included in the checklist. In the evaluation criteria 110 shown in Figure 3, a standard and a score corresponding to that standard are defined for each evaluation item 100. The numerical values ​​calculated according to the evaluation content 104 are converted into evaluation values ​​based on the evaluation criteria 110.

[0030] Figure 4 is a table showing an example of the calculation results of the evaluation value. The calculation result 120 shown in Figure 4 includes importance 121, evaluation target 122, and score 123. Importance 121 is a degree indicating the value or influence of each virtual object. Importance may be set when attributes are assigned to virtual objects. Evaluation target 122 indicates the virtual object for which an evaluation value has been calculated. Score 123 indicates the evaluation value of each virtual object.

[0031] The illustrated example shows the calculation results of evaluation values ​​for equipment, workbenches, and trolleys. The worse the evaluation, the higher the calculated evaluation value. The calculated evaluation value is compared to a condition. As an example, a condition of "20 points" is set for the evaluation values ​​of equipment, workbenches, and trolleys. The evaluation values ​​of "Equipment A," "Equipment E," and "Trolley B" all exceed 20 points. "Equipment A," "Equipment E," and "Trolley B" are extracted as virtual objects that require placement improvement.

[0032] Figures 5(a) and 5(b) are schematic diagrams illustrating an example of how evaluation values ​​are output. As shown in Figures 5(a) and 5(b), the calculation results of the evaluation values ​​may also be output as radar charts 130 and 131. By displaying the evaluation values ​​in radar charts 130 and 131, users can easily identify items that are poorly evaluated.

[0033] At least a portion of the processing in the evaluation method according to the embodiment is performed by a computer.

[0034] Figure 6 is a flowchart showing the computer processing in the evaluation method according to the embodiment. First, a virtual space model D6 and a checklist D7 are prepared in advance. The computer refers to the virtual space model D6 (step S1) and then to the checklist D7 (step S2). The computer calculates the evaluation value for each evaluation item in the virtual space model D6 according to the checklist D7 (step S3).

[0035] The computer may output the calculation results of evaluation values ​​as shown in Figures 4 and 5 (Step S4). The computer also compares each evaluation value with pre-set conditions (Step S5). Based on the comparison results between the evaluation values ​​and the conditions, the computer extracts virtual objects that require placement improvement and adds them to the improvement target list D10 (Step S6).

[0036] The designer modifies the placement of the virtual objects included in the list of objects to be improved D10, and an improved model D11 is created. The computer then may refer to the improved model D11 (step S7) and save it, associating it with the virtual objects included in the list of objects to be improved D10 (step S8).

[0037] Figure 7 is a flowchart showing the flow of layout evaluation. The layout (virtual space model) prepared using the procedure described above is evaluated, for example, in the flow shown in Figure 7. First, the prepared virtual space model is displayed (step S10). The layout designer performs a walkthrough (demonstration and explanation) of the virtual space model for the administrator who will make the final decision on the layout (step S11). The walkthrough flow is pre-registered as evaluation scenario D8 shown in Figure 1. During the walkthrough, information defined in evaluation scenario D8 (the order of routes or checkpoints) may be displayed.

[0038] The virtual space model contains virtual objects that correspond to real-world objects. Therefore, the layout of real-world objects can be viewed in the virtual space model. Furthermore, in the virtual space model, users (designers or administrators) can interact with and move the virtual objects. By moving the virtual objects, administrators can evaluate the layout more freely. For example, by simulating actual work while moving virtual objects, it is possible to verify whether work can be performed smoothly in the layout of the virtual space model. When transporting one object, it is possible to check whether other objects will obstruct the path.

[0039] During the walkthrough, the computer determines whether the user has reached a checkpoint where the virtual object to be evaluated is located (step S12). If the user has reached a checkpoint, the computer displays the evaluation results to the administrator (step S13). Along with displaying the evaluation results, the computer checks whether the virtual object needs improvement (step S14). If the virtual object needs improvement, the computer displays an improved model with an improved placement of the virtual object (step S15). The administrator evaluates the model displayed in step S10 or S15 (step S16) and determines whether improvement is necessary (step S17).

[0040] If improvements are needed, the designer confirms the reason and revises the checklist (step S18). The designer also modifies the placement of virtual objects and creates a new improvement model so that the manager's evaluation improves (step S19). Then, step S17 is performed again. If the placement of virtual objects is modified in step S19, the designer or manager can evaluate the placement of the virtual objects after moving them while moving the virtual objects.

[0041] If it is determined in step S17 that no improvement is needed, the computer registers the administrator's evaluation for the displayed virtual object (step S20). Then, it is determined whether all checkpoints have been reviewed (step S21). Steps S11 to S20 are repeated until all checkpoints have been reviewed.

[0042] Once all checkpoints are reviewed and the placement of all virtual objects being evaluated is deemed satisfactory, the virtual space model is registered. After that, real-world objects are placed according to the layout of the registered virtual space model.

[0043] Figures 8 to 10 are schematic diagrams illustrating examples of automated checklist updates based on dialogue. The checklist may be automatically updated based on the dialogue during the layout evaluation. In the example shown in Figure 8, the manager speaks voice 201. Voice 201 indicates that the manager wants to change the location of a workbench included in the equipment. In response to voice 201, the designer speaks voices 202 and 203. Voice 202 indicates that a new checkpoint will be added. Voice 203 indicates the specific check item. The computer recognizes each voice and performs intent understanding. For example, based on the intent understanding of the bolded text in voices 202 and 203, a new item is added to evaluation item 100.

[0044] Next, as shown in Figure 9, the administrator communicates the request to the designer via voice 204. The designer, upon receiving voice 204, emits voice 205. Voice 205 indicates the specific evaluation details. Based on its understanding of the intent of the bolded text in voice 205, the computer defines the evaluation details for the additional items in evaluation item 100.

[0045] Next, as shown in Figure 10, the designer asks the manager for specific evaluation criteria using voice 206. The manager explains the desired layout to the designer using voice 207. In response to voice 207, the designer explains the specific evaluation criteria to the manager using voice 208. Based on its understanding of the intent of the bolded text in voices 206 and 208, the computer adds new criteria to evaluation criteria 110.

[0046] The advantages of the embodiment will be explained. In this embodiment, a virtual space model is used to evaluate the layout more accurately in advance before placing real objects. Virtual objects representing real objects are placed in this virtual space model. Each virtual object can be touched and moved by the user.

[0047] For example, when evaluating a layout using three-dimensional CAD data, editing the CAD data is necessary to change the placement of virtual objects. Evaluating the layout while changing the object placement is time-consuming. Furthermore, it is difficult to make virtual objects mimic the movement of real objects within CAD data. Therefore, evaluating the layout while considering the movement of real objects is difficult. According to this embodiment, the user can touch and move virtual objects. Therefore, the placement of virtual objects can be evaluated more freely. Therefore, the layout can be evaluated with greater accuracy before placing real objects.

[0048] Furthermore, a checklist containing multiple evaluation items is used to evaluate the virtual space model. Based on this checklist, an evaluation value for each evaluation item in the virtual space model is calculated. Then, by comparing each evaluation value with pre-set conditions, virtual objects that require placement improvement are extracted from among the multiple virtual objects in the virtual space model. For the extracted virtual objects, changes to their placement are considered.

[0049] Designing a layout requires considering various factors, demanding sufficient skill and experience from the designer. Inexperienced designers may spend a long time creating the layout. Furthermore, problems may become apparent after the layout is created, potentially requiring a complete revision.

[0050] According to this embodiment, the layout is automatically evaluated using a pre-created checklist. The evaluated results (evaluation values) are then compared with the conditions, and virtual objects requiring improvement are automatically extracted. For example, even when an inexperienced designer creates a layout, the time required to create the layout can be reduced by rearranging only the extracted virtual objects. This also prevents the need to recreate the layout, further reducing the time required for layout creation.

[0051] According to embodiments of the present invention, layouts can be created more efficiently, and the layout can be evaluated with greater accuracy before the actual objects are placed.

[0052] Evaluation scenarios may be created using a virtual space model. Automatically creating evaluation scenarios reduces the designer's workload and shortens the time required for layout evaluation.

[0053] While evaluating the layout using a virtual space model, as shown in Figures 8 to 10, the computer may perform speech recognition of the dialogue and add new evaluation items to the checklist based on the dialogue. Updating the checklist allows for a more appropriate evaluation of the layout using the checklist. Furthermore, it eliminates the need for the designer to update the checklist, improving the convenience of the evaluation method according to this embodiment.

[0054] The platform on which the virtual space model is displayed can be arbitrarily selected. For example, the virtual space model may be displayed on a monitor, and the user may evaluate the layout while manipulating an avatar within the virtual space model. Alternatively, the virtual space model may be built on a VR platform. The user can wear a head-mounted display (HMD) and view the virtual space model in VR. The VR space offers a greater sense of presence and immersion compared to a space displayed on a monitor. By viewing the virtual space model in VR, the user can evaluate the layout more accurately.

[0055] Figure 11 is a schematic diagram representing the hardware configuration. In the evaluation method according to the embodiment, for example, the computer 90 shown in Figure 11 is used. The computer 90 includes a processing circuit 91, ROM 92, RAM 93, storage device 94, input interface 95, output interface 96, and communication interface 97.

[0056] ROM92 stores programs that control the operation of computer 90. ROM92 contains the programs necessary for computer 90 to perform each of the processes described above. RAM93 functions as a memory area where the programs stored in ROM92 are loaded.

[0057] The processing circuit 91 includes an arithmetic processing unit such as a CPU or GPU. The processing circuit 91 uses RAM 93 as work memory and executes a program stored in at least one of ROM 92 or storage device 94. During program execution, the processing circuit 91 controls each component via the system bus 98 and performs various processes.

[0058] The memory device 94 stores data necessary for program execution and data obtained through program execution.

[0059] The input interface (I / F) 95 can connect the computer 90 and the input device 95a. The input I / F 95 is, for example, a serial bus interface such as USB. The processing circuit 91 can read various data from the input device 95a via the input I / F 95.

[0060] The output interface (I / F) 96 can connect the computer 90 and the output device 96a. The output I / F 96 is a video output interface such as a Digital Visual Interface (DVI) or a High-Definition Multimedia Interface (HDMI®). The processing circuit 91 can transmit data to the output device 96a via the output I / F 96 and display an image on the output device 96a.

[0061] The communication interface (I / F) 97 can connect the computer 90 to a server 97a located outside the computer 90. The communication I / F 97 is, for example, a network card such as a LAN card. The processing circuit 91 can read various data from the server 97a via the communication I / F 97.

[0062] The storage device 94 includes one or more selected from Hard Disk Drives (HDDs) and Solid State Drives (SSDs). The input device 95a includes one or more selected from a mouse, keyboard, microphone (voice input), and touchpad. The output device 96a includes one or more selected from a monitor, projector, printer, and speaker. Devices that have the functions of both input device 95a and output device 96a, such as a touch panel, may also be used.

[0063] For example, a computer that performs the process shown in Figure 6 is used as an evaluation device. The processing required for the evaluation method may be implemented by a single computer 90, or it may be implemented through the cooperation of multiple computers 90.

[0064] The processing of the various data described above may be recorded as a program that can be executed by a computer on a magnetic disk (flexible disk and hard disk, etc.), an optical disk (CD-ROM, CD-R, CD-RW, DVD-ROM, DVD±R, DVD±RW, etc.), a semiconductor memory, or another non-transitory computer-readable storage medium.

[0065] For example, data on a recording medium is read by a computer (or embedded system). The recording format (storage format) on the recording medium is arbitrary. For example, a computer reads a program from the recording medium and causes the CPU to execute instructions based on this program. The acquisition (or reading) of the program by the computer may be done via a network.

[0066] According to the embodiments described above, an evaluation method, evaluation apparatus, program, and storage medium are provided that enable the creation of layouts more efficiently and the evaluation of layouts with greater accuracy before the placement of actual objects.

[0067] Embodiments of the present invention include the following features. (Feature 1) On the computer, Multiple virtual objects are placed, and these multiple virtual objects refer to a first virtual space model that is accessible and movable by the user. Refer to a checklist containing multiple evaluation items related to the first virtual space model. The evaluation values ​​for each of the multiple evaluation items are calculated for the first virtual space model. By comparing multiple evaluation values ​​with pre-set conditions, virtual objects that require placement improvement are extracted from the multiple virtual objects. Evaluation method. (Feature 2) The aforementioned first virtual space model is generated using three-dimensional design data, In the generation of the design data, the design objects included in the design data are assigned an object type indicating the type of the virtual object, and a flag indicating whether or not they are subject to evaluation using the checklist. The evaluation method according to feature 1, wherein the virtual object is generated using the design data to which the object type and the flag are assigned. (Feature 3) The evaluation method according to feature 1 or 2, wherein at least one of the plurality of evaluation items relates to the distance between one of the plurality of virtual objects and another of the plurality of virtual objects. (Feature 4) An evaluation method according to any one of features 1 to 3, wherein the computer is instructed to create an evaluation scenario using the first virtual space model. (Feature 5) To the aforementioned computer, The dialogue regarding the first virtual space model is performed using speech recognition. Based on the above dialogue, a new evaluation item is added to the checklist. The evaluation method described in one of the features 1-4. (Feature 6) The evaluation method according to any one of features 1 to 5, wherein the computer is instructed to save a second virtual space model, created by modifying the arrangement of the extracted virtual objects in the first virtual space model, and associate it with the extracted virtual objects. (Feature 7) Equipped with a processing circuit, An evaluation device that performs the evaluation method described in any one of the features 1 to 6. (Feature 8) A program that causes a computer to execute one of the evaluation methods described in one of the features 1-6. (Feature 9) A storage medium containing the program described in Feature 8.

[0068] In this specification, "or" indicates that "at least one" of the items listed in the text may be adopted.

[0069] Although several embodiments of the present invention have been illustrated above, these embodiments are presented as examples only and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. These novel embodiments can be implemented in various other forms, and various omissions, substitutions, and modifications can be made without departing from the spirit of the invention. These embodiments and their variations are included in the scope and spirit of the invention, as well as in the claims of the invention and its equivalents. Furthermore, the embodiments described above can be implemented in combination with each other. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0070] 100: Evaluation items, 110: Evaluation criteria, 120: Calculation results, 130: Radar chart, 201-208: Audio

Claims

1. On the computer, Multiple virtual objects are placed, and these multiple virtual objects refer to a first virtual space model that is accessible and movable to the user. Refer to a checklist containing multiple evaluation items related to the first virtual space model. The evaluation values ​​for each of the multiple evaluation items are calculated for the first virtual space model. By comparing multiple evaluation values ​​with pre-set conditions, virtual objects that require placement improvement are extracted from the multiple virtual objects. Evaluation method.

2. The aforementioned first virtual space model is generated using three-dimensional design data, In the generation of the design data, the design objects included in the design data are assigned an object type indicating the type of the virtual object, and a flag indicating whether or not they are subject to evaluation using the checklist. The evaluation method according to claim 1, wherein the virtual object is generated using the design data to which the object type and the flag are assigned.

3. The evaluation method according to claim 1, wherein at least one of the plurality of evaluation items relates to the distance between one of the plurality of virtual objects and another of the plurality of virtual objects.

4. The evaluation method according to claim 1, wherein the computer is instructed to create an evaluation scenario using the first virtual space model.

5. To the aforementioned computer, The dialogue concerning the first virtual space model is performed using speech recognition. Based on the above dialogue, a new evaluation item is added to the checklist. The evaluation method according to claim 1.

6. The evaluation method according to claim 1, wherein the computer is instructed to save a second virtual space model, which is created by modifying the arrangement of the extracted virtual objects in the first virtual space model, in association with the extracted virtual objects.

7. Equipped with a processing circuit, An evaluation apparatus for performing the evaluation method described in any one of claims 1 to 6.

8. A program that causes a computer to execute the evaluation method described in any one of claims 1 to 6.

9. A storage medium storing the program described in claim 8.

Images