Utilization area decision support system, utilization area decision support method, and program

Abstract

To determine an arrangement of areas to be used by groups in a free-address office in a manner to make a cluster for each group.SOLUTION: A use area determination support system includes: an acquisition unit which acquires a table selection criterion in which the order of selecting tables is defined in advance, and an upper limit value of a distance between tables to be allocated to the same group; and a recommendation processing unit which determines a specific table from among a plurality of tables located in a target area in accordance with the table selection criterion with the predetermined table selection order, then provisionally calculates an evaluation value for the case of allocating a group including an unallocated table, as a group that uses the specific table, and allocates a specific group in a plurality of unallocated groups to the specific table on the basis of the provisionally calculated evaluation value. Tables to be used by the specific group are allocated so that the distance between tables allocated to the same group does not exceed a predetermined upper limit value.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a utilization area determination support system, a utilization area determination support method, and a program. [Background technology]

[0002] In recent years, a work style called Activity Based Working (ABW), which allows workers (employees) to choose the place where they can work most efficiently, has been attracting attention. There is a known method of dividing the actions of workers in an office into multiple "scenes (work scenes)," such as "Think," "Station," "Community," "Review," "Reception," "Academy," and "Break" (see, for example, Patent Document 1). The layout of each scene within a building and the locations where groups using the building carry out their work can be optimized at the floor plan design stage to increase the convenience of the building. According to Patent Document 1, general office work is classified into "stations," and interactions in which workers meet with each other are classified into "community," etc. Buildings that are designed to allow workers to work efficiently by dividing scenes in this way have already been provided. Furthermore, if the area for office work ("station") is configured as a free address system, workers can choose the table and seat they want to use from those provided in that area. In such a free address office, there are cases where it is desirable to stimulate communication within a group and to be able to work in a suitable environment. In a free address type office, for example, a group address is sometimes applied, which assigns the location of an area in which each group is active to each group. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] JP 2016-115006 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] When a group address is applied to an area used by each group within a target area used as a free address office, a table assigned to a specific group may be placed between multiple tables assigned to that specific group. In such a case, the tables assigned to the specific group may not be adjacent to each other, and the areas used by the specific group may not be consolidated. An object of the present invention is to provide a utilization area decision support system, utilization area decision support method, and program that enable areas used by each group in a free address office to be arranged together by group. [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] (1) The present invention has been made to solve the above problems, and a utilization area decision support system according to a first aspect of the present invention allocates tables in a target area used as a free address office to each of a plurality of groups that use the target area, the tables being permitted to be used by the group. The utilization area decision support system includes an acquisition unit that acquires table selection criteria in which the order of table selection is predetermined and an upper limit value of the distance between tables to be allocated to the same group, and a recommendation processing unit that determines a specific table from among a plurality of tables located in the target area according to the table selection criteria in which the order of table selection is predetermined, and then estimates an evaluation value in the case where a group including a table whose allocation has not been completed is allocated as a group that uses the specific table, and allocates a specific group from among the plurality of groups whose allocation has not been completed to the specific table based on the estimated evaluation value. The recommendation processing unit allocates each table to be used by the specific group so that the distance between tables allocated to the same group does not exceed the upper limit value that has been predetermined. (2) Furthermore, in the utilization area determination support system, the recommendation processing unit arranges a free space area in the middle of the target area when a planned utilization rate within the target area exceeds a predetermined value. (3) Furthermore, in the utilization area determination support system, the table selection criteria define a priority for preferentially selecting tables in areas other than the free space area from among the tables in the target area. (4) Further, in the utilization area determination support system, the recommendation processing unit assigns the table to be used by the specific group to a table in the free space area that is located in an area other than the free space area and whose distance from a table assigned as the table to be used by the specific group does not exceed the predetermined upper limit value. (5) Further, in the utilization area determination support system, when the planned utilization rate within the target area does not exceed a predetermined specified value, the recommendation processing unit assigns the table to be used by the specific group to an unassigned table located within a range where the distance from the table assigned as the table to be used by the specific group does not exceed a predetermined upper limit value. (6) Another aspect of the present invention is a utilization area determination support method for a utilization area determination support system that allocates, to each of a plurality of groups that use a target area used as a free address office, a table within the area that the group is permitted to use, the method including the steps of: acquiring table selection criteria according to which the order in which tables are selected is predetermined, and an upper limit value for the distance between tables to be allocated to the same group; determining a specific table from among a plurality of tables located within the target area in accordance with the table selection criteria according to which the order in which tables are selected is predetermined, and then calculating an evaluation value for allocating a group that includes an unallocated table as the group that will use the specific table, and allocating a specific group from among the plurality of groups whose allocation is unallocated to the specific table based on the estimated evaluation value; and allocating each of the tables to be used by the specific group so that the distance between tables allocated to the same group does not exceed the predetermined upper limit value. (7) Another aspect of the present invention is a program for causing a computer of a utilization area determination support system, which allocates tables within a target area used as a free address office to each of a plurality of groups that use the target area, to acquire table selection criteria by which the order in which tables are selected is predetermined, and an upper limit value for the distance between tables to be allocated to the same group; determining a specific table from among a plurality of tables located within the target area in accordance with the table selection criteria by which the order in which tables are selected is predetermined, and then calculating an evaluation value in the case where a group including a table whose allocation has not been completed is allocated as the group that uses the specific table, and allocating a specific group from among the plurality of groups whose allocation has not been completed to the specific table based on the estimated evaluation value; and allocating each of the tables to be used by the specific group such that the distance between tables allocated to the same group does not exceed a predetermined upper limit value. Effect of the Invention

[0006] According to the present invention, in a free address office, the areas used by each group can be arranged together. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0007] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a diagram for explaining an example of a building to which an embodiment is applied. [Figure 2A] 1 is a schematic configuration diagram of a utilization area determination support system 1 according to a first embodiment. [Figure 2B] FIG. 2B is a diagram for explaining an application example of the utilization area decision support system 1 of FIG. 2A. [Figure 2C] FIG. 2B is a diagram for explaining an application example of the utilization area decision support system 1 of FIG. 2A. [Diagram 3] 1 is a configuration diagram of an analysis processing device 100 according to a first embodiment. [Figure 4A] FIG. 11 is a diagram for explaining an example of information related to a table of the embodiment. [Figure 4B] FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating an example of information related to a group according to the embodiment. [Figure 4C] 11 is a diagram for explaining an example of information related to an upper limit value of the embodiment. FIG. [Figure 4D] 11A and 11B are diagrams illustrating an example of each variable used in processing each group according to the embodiment. [Figure 4E] FIG. 4 is a diagram for explaining an example of data of a processing result according to the embodiment. [Diagram 5] 11 is a flowchart of a recommendation process according to an embodiment. [Figure 6] 11 is a flowchart of a preparation process according to an embodiment. [Figure 7] FIG. 13 is a diagram for explaining placement in a table with the first table priority. [Figure 8] FIG. 13 is a diagram for explaining placement in a table with the highest table priority. [Figure 9A] 13 is a flowchart of a process relating to arranging a plurality of tables of the same group (Gr) in the embodiment. [Figure 9B] 11A and 11B are diagrams for explaining a process for arranging a plurality of tables of the same group (Gr) in the embodiment. [Figure 9C] 11A and 11B are diagrams for explaining a process for arranging a plurality of tables of the same group (Gr) in the embodiment. [Figure 10] 11 is a flowchart of a process relating to adjacent arrangement of the same group according to the embodiment. [Figure 11] FIG. 13 is a diagram for explaining processing in a case where the tables of a group are not adjacent to each other if seats other than the central table are assigned. [Figure 12] FIG. 13 is a diagram for explaining each piece of information indicated in a symbol in the table. [Figure 13] 13 is a flowchart of a process for acquiring a group with high proximity according to the second embodiment. [Figure 14A] FIG. 11 is a diagram for explaining the process of acquiring a group with high proximity related to FIG. 10. [Figure 14B] FIG. 11 is a diagram for explaining the process of acquiring a group with high proximity related to FIG. 10. [Figure 15] FIG. 11 is a diagram for explaining the process of acquiring a group with high proximity related to FIG. 10. [Figure 16] FIG. 13 is a diagram for explaining table priority order according to an embodiment. [Figure 17] 13 is a flowchart of a process for arranging a group (Gr) with high proximity according to an embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0008] DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Hereinafter, embodiments of a utilization area determination support system, a utilization area determination support method, and a program according to the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0009] (Matters common to all embodiments) The utilization area decision support system described below is applied to, for example, the seating area selection process for a free address office.

[0010] For example, in the building in which the office is located, the seven scenes described above are appropriately arranged to suit the work style. The work style includes various requirements such as the work content, place of work, employment type, and working hours, and is determined in advance for each group or worker. The layout of each scene is determined in advance at the design stage by the floor plan and zoning, and is changed relatively infrequently. Although the utilization rate of each of the above scenes may differ depending on the content of daily work, in this embodiment, a common floor plan is applied and the position of each scene is fixed.

[0011] The embodiment shown below is related to the use of areas assigned to "stations". In the embodiment, the utilization area decision support system applies a "group address system" by providing a "home area" in which the tables and seats used by workers are grouped together in a free address type "station". In this "home area", the seats (homes) used for daily work are determined. In response to a request from a worker, the utilization area decision support system proposes (recommends) the location of the table assigned to the "home area". This is expected to stimulate communication inside and outside the group and increase the worker's sense of belonging. Furthermore, free space is created by optimizing the layout of the work area (home area) of each group. The utilization area decision support system provides an opportunity to utilize the free space by providing it in a desired location. Details of this will be described below.

[0012] (Application example of embodiment) The following application example will be given to explain the embodiment. FIG. 1 is a diagram for explaining an example of a building to which the embodiment is applied. A "station" is assigned to the target area TZ shown in (a) of FIG. 1. The number of workers using this target area TZ is determined based on the total number of seats at each table. Although it is possible to accommodate up to the total number of seats, it is recommended to use up to about 80% of the total number of seats for convenience. For example, tables arranged in a "station" may have 4 to 6 seats per table. Each table is arranged, for example, at the intersection of a two-dimensional grid. The size, shape, number of seats, etc. of each table may be uniform, or some of them may be different from each other. The number of tables and the arrangement positions may be changed as appropriate without being limited to those shown in (a) of FIG. 1.

[0013] In the diagram of the application example shown in (a) of FIG. 1, in addition to the target area TZ described above, adjacent areas NZ1 and NZ2 are included. The adjacent area NZ1 is adjacent to the target area TZ. The adjacent area NZ1 is assigned with "Community", one of the above-mentioned scenes. In the "Community", for example, a place where workers can communicate with each other is provided. The target area TZ and adjacent area NZ1 are adjacent to the adjacent area NZ2, and the adjacent area NZ2 is provided with an "aisle" along the direction in which the target area TZ and adjacent area NZ1 are arranged side by side. The position of the table in the target area TZ is indicated using XY coordinates. The origin of the XY coordinates is set at the point where the "community" and the "aisle" meet. The X-axis direction is along the extension direction of the "aisle", and the Y-axis direction is a direction intersecting the extension direction of the "aisle".

[0014] The information assigned to each table is shown inside the symbol of each table shown in (a) of Figure 1. An example of a symbol for a table with four seats is shown in (b) of Figure 1, and each piece of information will be explained. The information "table ID," "priority," "X coordinate," and "Y coordinate" are each assigned to each of the four squares.

[0015] The rectangles marked with "a1" to "a5", "b1" to "b5", "c1" to "c5", and "d1" to "d5" in (a) of Fig. 1 respectively indicate tables with, for example, four or six seats. For example, the symbol S4P indicates the symbol of table a1 with four seats, and its position is column 1 on the X axis and row a on the Y axis. The symbol S6P indicates the symbol of table b1 with six seats, and its position is column 1 on the X axis and row b on the Y axis.

[0016] Although not shown in the figure, the working hours of each group using the target area TZ are set to a common time period, and are not based on a shift system in which working hours differ from one another. Furthermore, a flextime system or overtime hours may be applied. For example, the time periods proposed by the utilization area determination support system may be either or both of regular working hours and overtime hours. In both cases, the utilization area determination support system may change the content of the proposal for regular working hours and overtime hours.

[0017] For example, if the work style of the members of each group tends to involve a relatively large number of tasks such as moving outside their "stations," the highest priority may be assigned to the tables closest to the aisle.

[0018] The area where free tables FT (not shown) that are not assigned to any group are located is called free space FS (not shown). The area where the free tables FT are all located is called central table BB. The free tables FT are tables that have become available by leaving seats vacant, but by adjusting the positions of the vacant seats, each group can use them as a place for communication for their own purposes, or as a place for individual workers to concentrate.

[0019] (First embodiment) FIG. 2A is a schematic configuration diagram of the utilization area determination support system 1 according to the first embodiment. The utilization domain determination support system 1 in this embodiment includes an analysis processing device 100, a terminal device 200, and a terminal device 200M. A worker is indicated by the symbol W. A manager is indicated by the symbol M. In the following description, descriptions of the symbols W and M are omitted.

[0020] The terminal device 200 is a device used by a worker when posting or viewing information. For example, each worker carries the same type of terminal device 200. The symbols GA, GB, GC, and GD shown in FIG. 3 indicate groups to which the worker belongs. Each worker operates the terminal device 200 carried by the worker to send information (e.g., responses to a questionnaire) to the analysis processing device 100, obtain information from the analysis processing device 100, and display the information on the display unit, thereby obtaining the location of tables available to the worker in the office.

[0021] The terminal device 200M is a device operated by the administrator M of the utilization area determination support system 1 to change the settings of the analysis processing device 100.

[0022] 2B and 2C are diagrams for explaining an application example of the utilization area decision support system 1. FIG. Figure 2B shows a typical work day. For example, when a worker arrives at work at 9:00, or when the worker is scheduled to arrive at work (9:00), the utilization area determination support system 1 displays information on the worker's terminal device 200 (e.g., a smartphone) that guides the worker to the seat that the worker will use that day. The terminal device 200 may display this guidance in a pop-up format (FIG. 2C). The worker may operate a pop-up icon on the terminal device 200 to display (on a signage display) related information regarding the seat guidance.

[0023] Furthermore, for example, when it is time to leave work (e.g., 5:30 p.m.), the utilization area determination support system 1 displays information on the terminal device 200 (e.g., a smartphone) carried by the worker, guiding the work area (seat) that the worker will use during overtime that day. The work area to be used during overtime is determined so that all groups fit within a portion of the overall area. Within this work area, the groups may be arranged in groups so that they are grouped together, or may be arranged in a general free address format.

[0024] In this way, the utilization area decision support system 1 can recommend work areas in accordance with the utilization system of the office.

[0025] An example of the analysis processing device 100 will be described with reference to Fig. 3. Fig. 3 is a configuration diagram of the analysis processing device 100 of the first embodiment. The analysis processing device 100 is an example of a computer system.

[0026] The analysis processing device 100 includes, for example, an information acquisition unit 10, a calculation unit 30, a recommendation processing unit 40, an output unit 50, and a storage unit 60 (not shown).

[0027] The storage unit 60 stores various data and programs for various processes executed by each unit (described later) of the utilization area determination support system 1. The utilization area determination support system 1 may be configured to use an external storage unit in addition to the storage unit 60, and a general method using communication may be applied to this.

[0028] The information acquisition unit 10 acquires various data related to the processing of the utilization area determination support system 1 from an operation unit not shown in Fig. 3A or via the communication line NW (Fig. 2A). The various data includes, for example, basic information, information related to a questionnaire on the previous day (schedule information), and data on the amount of inter-organizational communication up to the previous day.

[0029] For example, the basic information includes various information such as the floor plan of the building, the work style of each target group, the personnel composition of the workers of each group, the priority and upper limit values ​​given to the multiple tables. For example, the floor plan information includes information on the positional relationship and distance between the target area TZ used as a free address office and an area for specific uses located outside the target area TZ. The priority (called table priority) and upper limit values ​​given to the multiple tables will be described later. The information on the questionnaire on the previous day includes the presence schedule of the workers of each group on the day, whether or not there is a meeting scheduled on the day, etc. The above-mentioned information on the questionnaire on the previous day is an example of schedule information related to the work on the day of use that is declared before (the day before) the use of the multiple tables. The above-mentioned schedule information is an example of schedule information related to the meeting schedule on the day of use. The amount of communication between groups includes behavior history information (including location information) for several days up to the day before.

[0030] When the information acquiring unit 10 acquires the various data described above, it writes and adds the acquired information to the storage unit 60. Each of the functional units described below uses the various data acquired by the information acquiring unit 10 or the various data stored in the storage unit 60, and adds the results of processing to the storage unit 60.

[0031] Based on the schedule information, the calculation unit 30 calculates the number of tables required on the day of use (required number of tables) from among the multiple tables in the target area TZ to be used as tables that limit the usage pattern on the day of use. The required number of tables includes the number of tables for each group and the number of free tables. More specifically, the required number of tables on the day of use includes the number of tables allocated for each group's exclusive use and the number of free tables FT allocated for shared use by each group. In this embodiment, processing based on the number of tables will be described, but instead, processing based on the number of seats may be used.

[0032] The calculation unit 30 calculates the number of people who answered that they plan to be present for each group based on the schedule information. The calculation unit 30 calculates the amount of communication between groups based on the action history information.

[0033] Based on the above-mentioned schedule information, the recommendation processing unit 40 determines the priority of group arrangement for determining the table to be used by each of a plurality of groups including the first group and the second group in the target area TZ. For example, a group having a higher priority of group arrangement is called the first group. In this case, the second group has a lower priority than the first group. The same applies below.

[0034] Furthermore, the recommendation processing unit 40 arranges the area of ​​the second group, which has a lower priority than the group arrangement priority of the first group, in an area other than the area in which the area of ​​the first group is arranged so as to satisfy the required number of tables. In this way, the second group is determined. Note that the arrangement of the area of ​​this second group shall follow the rules for arranging the area of ​​the second group, which will be described later.

[0035] The recommendation processing unit 40 may preselect the free tables FT that are permitted for use by the members of the first group and the members of the second group as appropriate so as to satisfy the required number of tables.

[0036] The output unit 50 receives a request from an external terminal device, and outputs the result of the processing by the recommendation processing unit 40 to the terminal device in response to the request.

[0037] An example of various types of information related to the example shown in the embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 4A to 4E.

[0038] Fig. 4A is a diagram for explaining an example of information related to a table in an embodiment. The "table master" shown in Fig. 4A stores information related to each table. The "table master" includes items such as table ID, number of seats, coordinates (X coordinate, Y coordinate), table priority, and center table. Each record in the "table master" is provided for each table.

[0039] The table ID is identification information for each table. The number of seats is the number of seats at each table. The X coordinate indicates the coordinate in the X direction of each table, and the Y coordinate indicates the coordinate in the Y direction. The table priority is the priority of the tables selected when arranging groups. For example, the table priority is defined as "1" being the highest priority, and the higher the consecutive number, the lower the priority.

[0040] The central table indicates information for identifying the table as being in the central table BB, and information defining the priority of the tables in the central table BB. For example, "0" indicates that the table is not set as the central table BB, and a number other than "0" indicates that the respective table is set as the central table. The priority of the tables in the central table BB should also be defined by consecutive numbers starting from 1, similar to the table priority.

[0041] 4B is a diagram for explaining an example of information related to groups according to the embodiment. The "group master" shown in FIG. 4B stores information related to each group. The "group master" includes items such as group ID, number of members, prevention of leading, and group priority.

[0042] For example, the group ID is identification information for each group. The group name indicates the name of each group. The number of members indicates the number of members in each group. The first prevention indicates information for preventing a group from being placed in the highest priority table when performing group placement processing. For example, a value of 1 is set for a group that should not be placed in the highest priority table. The group priority indicates the order in which groups are selected when performing group placement processing. The group priority of the "group master" should also be specified as a consecutive number starting from 1, similar to the table priority described above.

[0043] 4C is a diagram for explaining an example of information related to an upper limit value according to an embodiment. In the "upper limit value" shown in (a) of FIG. 4C, information related to the upper limit value of the distance between tables in which each group is arranged is stored.

[0044] "Upper limit" includes items such as upper limit UL1 and upper limit UL2. For example, upper limit UL1 indicates the upper limit of distance that specifies the target range when extracting adjacent relationships between different groups. For example, it specifies the range when extracting which groups have already been assigned to surrounding (adjacent) tables for a table in which a group is to be placed. The upper limit UL2 indicates the upper limit of the distance that defines the range of the target destination when placing the same group in adjacent tables. For example, it defines the range when extracting which groups have already been assigned to the surrounding (adjacent) tables for a table in which two groups are to be placed.

[0045] (b) of Figure 4C shows an example of calculating the distance between tables. The distance between the centers of the tables is used. The tables are arranged in a grid pattern in the X-axis and Y-axis directions. The grid spacing is set to 1.0. The reference position of each table is aligned with this grid. The reference position of the table is set, for example, to the center of the table top of each table. For example, tables a1 and a2 are adjacent to each other in the X-axis direction. The distance between them is 1.0. Tables a1 and b1 are adjacent to each other in the Y-axis direction. The distance between them is 1.0. In contrast, tables a1 and b2 are arranged relatively close to each other but are not adjacent to each other. The distance between them is 1.4.

[0046] Fig. 4D is a diagram for explaining an example of each variable used in processing each group in the embodiment. The "group data" shown in Fig. 4D stores data of each variable used in processing. For example, the "group data" includes items such as group ID, number of people scheduled to be present, number of people scheduled to have meetings, ratio of people scheduled to have meetings, and processing order.

[0047] The group ID is identification information for each group. The number of people scheduled to be present indicates the number of people scheduled to be present on that day. For example, it may be a value obtained by aggregating the number of people scheduled to be present on that day based on the results of a survey. The number of people scheduled to have meetings indicates the number of people who have meetings scheduled among the people scheduled to be present. For example, it may be a value obtained by aggregating the number of people who have meetings scheduled among the people scheduled to be present based on the results of a survey. The ratio of people scheduled to have meetings indicates the ratio of people who have responded that they have meetings scheduled among the people scheduled to be present. For example, it may be the ratio of the "number of people scheduled to be present" to the above-mentioned "number of people scheduled to have meetings". The processing order indicates the processing order of the group to be processed next. This processing order is recalculated and updated each time processing is performed, referring to the meeting ratio, group master, inter-group proximity, and output history. In addition, as a method for calculating the inter-group proximity, a known method described in JP2016-115006A and the like may be used.

[0048] Fig. 4E is a diagram for explaining an example of data of the processing result of the embodiment. The "output data" shown in Fig. 4E stores the data of the processing result. The "output data" includes items such as a table ID, a group ID, and the number of seats in use. For example, a group associated with a group ID is assigned to each table associated with a table ID, and the number of the groups is stored as the number of seats in use.

[0049] FIG. 5 is a flowchart of the recommendation process according to the embodiment.

[0050] First, a preparation process is carried out (step S12). For example, the information acquisition unit 10 acquires basic information, schedule information, and behavior history information designated by the facility manager. For example, the schedule information may be based on responses to a questionnaire presented by the information acquisition unit 10 to the group members, or may be based on schedule information collected by a schedule management device (not shown). The calculation unit 30 calculates the number of tables required based on the schedule information. Based on this, the manager selects, for example, a central arrangement, which is one of the types of arrangement positions for free space.

[0051] In this embodiment, for example, the occupancy rate may be used as the schedule information to identify whether the following process should be applied or not. Fig. 6 is a flowchart of the advance preparation process of the embodiment.

[0052] The calculation unit 30 calculates the total number of people expected to be present in each group and the overall occupancy rate based on, for example, the responses to the questionnaire. The occupancy rate is the ratio of the total number of people expected to be present in each group to the total number of people belonging to each group. The calculation unit 30 determines whether the total occupancy rate is lower than a predetermined value (step S122), and if the total occupancy rate is lower than the predetermined value, proceeds to step S126. The predetermined value related to the occupancy rate may be, for example, 40%. If the total occupancy rate exceeds the predetermined value, the calculation unit 30 determines whether the total number of people expected to be present is greater than the number of seats at the tables excluding the center table (step S124).

[0053] If the total number of people expected to be seated is greater than the number of seats at the tables excluding the center table, the arrangement condition is determined to be such that the center table is not provided so that there is no shortage of seats (step S126), and the process ends. If the total number of people expected to be seated is not greater than the number of seats at the tables excluding the center table, the arrangement condition is determined to be such that the center table (free space area) is provided, and the process ends. The occupancy rate is an example of a planned utilization rate.

[0054] In the following description of this embodiment, the case where a central table (free space area) is provided will be mainly described.

[0055] 5, the recommendation processing unit 40 then extracts a target group (first processing group) to be processed first according to a predetermined group priority order (step S14). This group priority order may be predetermined by an administrator, or may be determined based on history information of group placement results.

[0056] Next, the recommendation processing unit 40 places the group (Gr) that is first in the processing order in the table that is first in the table priority order (step S18). Note that "group (Gr)" indicates the identification information of the group.

[0057] Here, allocation to a table with the first table priority will be described with reference to Fig. 7 and Fig. 8. Fig. 7 and Fig. 8 are diagrams for explaining allocation to a table with the first table priority. The table priority is determined based on the group master, output data, etc. For example, the table selection criteria specifies a priority for preferentially selecting a table in an area other than the central table BB (free space area) from among the tables in the target area TZ.

[0058] For example, the recommendation processing unit 40 determines table a1 to be the table with the first table priority using the table priority order shown in FIG. 7. The table priority order shown in FIG. 7 shows the result of rearranging the table priority order on the premise that a central table is placed. The priority order of tables allocated to the central table is set lower than the priority order of tables not allocated to the central table. As a result, as shown in FIG. 8, the group (Gr) with the first processing order is placed in table a1 with the first table priority order. The double line around the outer frame of table (a1) shown in FIG. 7 indicates that it has been assigned. The same applies below.

[0059] When multiple tables of the same group (Gr) need to be placed, the recommendation processing unit 40 places the tables of the same group (Gr) close to each other (step S20). For example, the recommendation processing unit 40 allocates tables extracted according to table priority order as tables of the same group (Gr) so as to secure the number of seats expected to be occupied by the same group (Gr). Details of this process will be described later. Note that, if there are insufficient tables at this stage, it is advisable to secure available seats by a method such as a shared seating arrangement.

[0060] Next, the recommendation processing unit 40 judges whether or not the arrangement of all the groups has been completed (step S22). If the arrangement of all the groups has been completed, the series of processes ends.

[0061] If there is an unallocated group, the recommendation processing unit 40 acquires the table ID (T) of the table with the highest table priority among the free tables (step S30).

[0062] Next, the recommendation processing unit 40 acquires the group (Gr) that is close to the group arranged in the adjacent table (step S32). The recommendation processing unit 40 determines whether the same group can be arranged adjacently, and if adjacent arrangement is not possible, changes the table ID (T) according to a predetermined rule (step S34). This is repeated the necessary number of times to determine the table ID (T) of the table that can be arranged adjacently.

[0063] The recommendation processing unit 40 arranges the group (Gr) having high proximity in a table (table ID (T)) that can be arranged adjacently (step S36).

[0064] By performing the above-mentioned processing procedure, the recommendation processing unit 40 can arrange groups (Gr) having high proximity adjacent to each other.

[0065] Below, several specific cases (scenarios) will be given as examples, and the processing related to each case will be described.

[0066] Scenario 1A: When placing multiple tables of the same group (Gr)

[0067] The process (step S20 in FIG. 5) for arranging multiple tables of the same group (Gr) will be described with reference to FIG. 9A to FIG. 9C. FIG. 9A is a flowchart of the process for arranging multiple tables of the same group (Gr) in the embodiment. FIG. 9B and FIG. 9C are diagrams for explaining the process for arranging multiple tables of the same group (Gr) in the embodiment.

[0068] The information shown in Figure 9C is an example of the result of calculating the distance from the table assigned to a specific group to the table to be newly placed. The information shown in Figure 9C has an additional item for the distance from the assigned table to the table to be newly placed, compared to the "table master" shown in Figure 4A described above.

[0069] The prerequisites in this example are that the same group has already been assigned to tables c1 and d1 (placed), and the third table in the same group is about to be placed.

[0070] 9C, "distance from c1" and "distance from c2" are the distances from table c1 and table c2 to the respective tables to be placed. The sum of the above distances is shown as distance (M).

[0071] As shown in FIG. 9A, first, the recommendation processing unit 40 compares the number of people who are scheduled to be present in a specific group with the number of seats already allocated for the same group to calculate the number of seats that are insufficient for the allocated group. For example, the recommendation processing unit 40 determines whether the number of people who are scheduled to be present is equal to or less than the number of seats already allocated (step S202). This conditional formula is shown in formula (1).

[0072] Number of people expected to attend <= Number of seats allocated (1)

[0073] Since seating is assigned on a table-by-table basis, the number of seats allocated may be greater than the number of people expected to sit at the table. This difference represents the number of vacant seats at the table.

[0074] If the number of people who plan to be present is equal to or less than the number of allocated seats, the recommendation processing unit 40 ends the series of processes. If the number of people who plan to be present exceeds the number of allocated seats, the recommendation processing unit 40 determines whether or not there is an unassigned table (empty table) (step S204), and if there is no empty table, it may try, for example, a shared seat process. The shared seat process will be described later.

[0075] If there are free tables, the recommendation processing unit 40 calculates the distance (M) from the arranged tables of the group (Gr) for each free table (step S206). In this case, if there are multiple arranged tables in the same group, the distances from each table may be summed up.

[0076] Next, the recommendation processing unit 40 selects a table in which to place the group (Gr) by rearranging the order of placement using numerical values ​​related to the table master, such as the center table, distance (M), and table priority. The recommendation processing unit 40 assigns the group (Gr) to the selected table and places the group (Gr) there (step S208). After completing the process of step S208, the recommendation processing unit 40 proceeds to the process of step S202.

[0077] For example, the list in FIG. 9C shows the results of sorting based on the values ​​of each item in the order of center table, distance (M), and table priority when there is a free table in each table registered in the table master. The record shown at the top is the result of trial calculation for table d2 with table ID "d2", and the "distance from table c1 to table d2", "distance from table c2 to table d2", and the total "distance (M)" are 1.41, 1.00, and 2.41, respectively. The value of "distance (M)" is an example of an evaluation value, and more specifically, an example of an evaluation value related to distance. It is preferable to select the table with the smallest "distance (M)" value among the records. As a result, the recommendation processing unit 40 extracts table d2 as a suitable table.

[0078] By the above process, when multiple tables of the same group (Gr) are arranged, the tables in the same group can be arranged adjacent to each other.

[0079] Scenario 1B: If assigning seats other than the center table would result in the group not having adjacent tables

[0080] Next, with reference to Fig. 10 to Fig. 12, a process applied when the tables of a group will not be adjacent if seats other than the central table are assigned will be described. Fig. 10 is a flowchart of a process related to adjacent arrangement of the same group in an embodiment. Fig. 11 is a diagram for explaining a process when the tables of a group will not be adjacent if seats other than the central table are assigned. Fig. 12 is a diagram for explaining each piece of information shown in the table symbol.

[0081] For example, during processing under conditions that assume the use of the central table, a specific group may be placed in a free table. This example will be explained below.

[0082] The table allocation status is shown in Figure 11. Figure 12 shows a second example of a symbol for a table with four seats, and explains the information shown in each cell in the table. The information "Table ID" and "Group Priority" are allocated in the two upper cells, and the information "Allocated Group" is allocated in the lower cell.

[0083] As shown in FIG. 11, it is assumed that all tables other than the central table, except for table d5, have already been assigned. As described above, there is no free table other than table d5 among the tables other than the central table. Table d5 is a table at a corner of the target area. Therefore, the tables adjacent to table d5 in the -X and -Y directions (tables c5 and d4) are tables within the adjacent range CC, but have already been assigned.

[0084] In this situation, when arranging group F, which has 11 people scheduled to be present, table d5, which has only four seats, cannot accommodate group F. If the seats for group F that are not enough for table d5 are allocated to vacant tables in the center table, the tables for group F will not be adjacent to each other.

[0085] Therefore, the present embodiment solves the problem of such a situation by the following process.

[0086] 10, first, the recommendation processing unit 40 judges whether the number of people expected to be in the group is greater than the number of vacant seats at the table selected as the candidate for placement (the table to be placed at) (step S342). If the number of people expected to be in the group is not greater than the number of vacant seats at the selected table, there is no need to assign multiple tables to the group, and the series of processes is terminated.

[0087] On the other hand, if the number of expected members of the group is greater than the number of vacant seats at the selected table, the recommendation processing unit 40 judges whether or not there is an adjacent vacant table within the adjacent range CC to the table selected as a candidate for placement (step S344). For example, the adjacent range CC may be defined using the value of the above upper limit value UL2 (e.g., 1.2) for this judgment. By using the value of the upper limit value UL2 as a threshold, table c4, whose distance from table d5 to table c4 is 1.4 or more, is judged not to be an adjacent table to table d5.

[0088] If there is a free table adjacent to the table selected as a candidate for placement, the recommendation processing unit 40 decides to use that table, sets the table ID of that table as a variable (T), and ends the series of processes.

[0089] If there is no free table adjacent to the table selected as a candidate for placement, the recommendation processing unit 40 determines whether there is any other free table (step S346), and if there is no other free table, proceeds to sharing processing.

[0090] If there is another free table, the recommendation processing unit 40 changes the variable (T) indicating the table ID of the free table to the value of the table ID of the next free table (step S348), and proceeds to step S342.

[0091] By the above process, the recommendation processing unit 40 can assign the table to be used by the specific group to a table in the central table BB located within a range where the distance from the table assigned as the table to be used by the specific group in an area other than the central table BB (free space area) does not exceed the predetermined upper limit value UL2. This can resolve the case where the table of the group is not adjacent due to the position where another group is placed.

[0092] The above-mentioned sharing process refers to the process of assigning multiple groups to one table. By combining these sharing processes, it may be possible to resolve cases where there are not enough tables when only a process of assigning a single group to have exclusive use of one table is used.

[0093] The recommendation processing unit 40 may apply the following example as a method for this seat sharing processing.

[0094] ·One table will be shared between the two groups, and the boundary will be set up within the table.

[0095] -The two tables that will serve as the boundary between the two groups will be shared, and the boundary will be set up within each of the two tables.

[0096] According to the above embodiment, the utilization area determination support system 1 allocates tables in the area that is permitted to be used by each of a plurality of groups that use the target area in a target area used as a free address type office to each group. The utilization area determination support system 1 includes an information acquisition unit that acquires table selection criteria in which the order of table selection is predetermined and an upper limit value of the distance between tables to be allocated to the same group, and a recommendation processing unit 40 that determines a specific table from among a plurality of tables located in the target area according to the table selection criteria in which the order of table selection is predetermined, and then estimates an evaluation value when a group including a table whose allocation has not been completed is allocated as a group that uses the specific table, and allocates a specific group from among a plurality of groups whose allocation has not been completed to a specific table based on the estimated evaluation value. The recommendation processing unit 40 allocates tables to be used by a specific group so that the distance between tables allocated to the same group does not exceed a predetermined upper limit value. This allows the areas used by each group in a free address type office to be arranged so that they are grouped together. The upper limit value is not limited to being defined between the same groups, and may simply be a predetermined value. The upper limit value UL2 defined between the same groups is an example of the upper limit value. By using the upper limit value UL2 defined between the same groups, the same groups can be placed in adjacent tables.

[0097] Second embodiment A second embodiment will be described. In the first embodiment, a case where a central table is arranged has been described. In this embodiment, a case where a central table is not arranged will be described. The differences from the first embodiment will be mainly described.

[0098] The process of acquiring a group with a relatively high degree of proximity in a case where a central table is not arranged will be described with reference to FIGS.

[0099] Fig. 13 is a flow chart of the process of acquiring a group with high proximity in the second embodiment. Fig. 14A to Fig. 15 are diagrams for explaining the process of acquiring a group with high proximity related to Fig. 13. Fig. 14A shows the position information of each table, and Fig. 14B shows the information of the groups already assigned to each table. Note that the proximity here may include information such as the proximity itself, the ratio of people scheduled to meet, and the priority order of the groups. Fig. 16 is a diagram for explaining the table priority order in the embodiment.

[0100] The table to be analyzed in this process is defined as an adjacent range DD based on the upper limit value UL1. For example, the adjacent range DD is a region within a circle with the position of the reference table as the center and the upper limit value UL1 as the radius. The recommendation processing unit 40 extracts a group to be processed based on the degree of association between a group placed in a table within the adjacent range DD based on the upper limit value UL1 and an unplaced group (step S322).

[0101] For example, the recommendation processing unit 40 calculates the degree of association between a group placed in a table within the adjacent range DD from the target table and an unplaced group. The recommendation processing unit 40 aggregates information indicating the degree of association of an unplaced group using the group ID of the unplaced group (called a proximity group ID) as a key. The information indicating the degree of association of an unplaced group may include the average distance, the degree of proximity, the ratio of people scheduled to meet, the group priority order, etc.

[0102] The above average distance refers to the average value calculated for each adjacent group for the distance from the table selected as a candidate for placement (the table to be placed) to tables in adjacent groups that have already been placed. Proximity refers to the proximity of groups (called adjacent groups) that are highly related to the group that has already been placed. The ratio of people scheduled to have meetings refers to the ratio of people scheduled to have meetings to the number of people in the adjacent group.

[0103] Next, the recommendation processing unit 40 determines a group to be processed from among the unallocated groups based on the result of the above extraction (step S324), and ends the process.

[0104] For example, the recommendation processing unit 40 may sort information about the groups to be processed based on one or more pieces of information such as the average distance, proximity, ratio of people scheduled to have meetings, and group priority of each group, and determine the group with the highest ranking as the group to be processed.

[0105] As a result, when the occupancy rate (planned usage rate) within the target area TZ does not exceed a predetermined specified value, the recommendation processing unit 40 can assign a table to be used by the specific group to an unassigned table located within a range whose distance from the table assigned to be used by the specific group does not exceed a predetermined upper limit value UL1.

[0106] A more specific example will be shown with reference to Figs. 15 and 16 to explain calculation of the average distance, etc.

[0107] FIG. 15(a) shows an excerpt of data relating to unallocated tables. For example, at the stage where there are still tables remaining that have not been allocated as shown in (b) of Fig. 15, the recommendation processing unit 40 selects, as a candidate for allocation, a table with a high priority based on a preset selection criterion from among the tables whose allocation has not been completed and that are shown in the list shown in (a) of Fig. 15. In the case of the situation shown in Fig. 16, the recommendation processing unit 40 selects table c3, which has a small table priority number, based on the table priority order.

[0108] For example, as shown in (a) of Figure 15, tables b2-b4, tables c2 and c4, and tables d2-d4 are tables within the adjacent range DD. As shown in (a) of Figure 14B and (a) of Figure 15, groups that have already been assigned are set in tables b2-b3, table c2, and tables d2-d3. The groups that have already been assigned to tables within the adjacent range DD are groups A, C, D, and E. In addition to the above, group B is assigned to a table outside the adjacent range DD.

[0109] The recommendation processing unit 40 extracts, for example, two groups, groups F and G, as groups to be evaluated based on the group priority order in the group table, and generates each piece of information shown in FIG. 12(a). For example, as shown in FIG. 15(a), the proximity of group G to groups A, C, and E is 0. Although not shown in FIG. 15(a), the proximity of group F to groups A, C, and E is also 0. As described above, the proximity of both groups F and G to groups A, C, and E is 0. On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 15(a), the proximity of group F to group D is 7, which indicates that groups D and F are highly related to each other. As a result, based on the “proximity”, group F with a higher “proximity” value is selected (FIG. 15(b)).

[0110] According to the group data (FIG. 4D), the number of people expected to be present in group F is 4, and the number of people expected to be present in group G is 11. Group F can be allocated to one table, table c3, which has four seats. Group G cannot be allocated to just one table, table c3, which has four seats, and will have to be allocated across multiple tables.

[0111] A more specific example of the process (step S36) of arranging the group (Gr) having a high degree of proximity in Fig. 5 will be described with reference to Fig. 17. Fig. 17 is a flowchart of the process of arranging the group (Gr) having a high degree of proximity in the embodiment.

[0112] The recommendation processing unit 40 judges whether the number of people who plan to be present is greater than the number of vacant seats at the table selected as the candidate for placement (the table to be placed) (step S362). If the number of people who plan to be present is greater than the number of vacant seats, the recommendation processing unit 40 places the number of vacant seats at that table in that table (step S364), and adds data of the number of vacant seats to the column of the number of seats used in the output data. This completes the series of processes.

[0113] If the number of people expected to be present is equal to or less than the number of vacant seats, the recommendation processing unit 40 arranges the number of people expected to be present in the table (step S366), and adds the data of the number of people expected to be present to the column of the number of seats used in the output data. This completes the series of processes.

[0114] Through the above process, a group (Gr) with high proximity can be placed at a table that can be placed adjacently depending on the number of people expected to be present in the group to be placed.

[0115] According to any of the above embodiments, the utilization area determination support system 1 allocates tables in a target area used as a free address office to each of a plurality of groups that use the target area, the tables being permitted to be used by the group. The utilization area determination support system 1 includes an information acquisition unit 10 that acquires table selection criteria in which the order of table selection is predetermined and an upper limit value of the distance between tables to be allocated to the same group, and a recommendation processing unit 40 that determines a specific table from among a plurality of tables located in the target area according to the table selection criteria in which the order of table selection is predetermined, and then estimates an evaluation value when a group including a table whose allocation has not been completed is allocated as a group that uses the specific table, and allocates a specific group from among the plurality of groups whose allocation has not been completed to the specific table based on the estimated evaluation value. The recommendation processing unit 40 allocates tables to be used by the specific group so that the distance between tables allocated to the same group does not exceed a predetermined upper limit value. As a result, the utilization area decision support system 1 can be arranged in a free address office so that the areas used by each group are grouped together.

[0116] The embodiment of the present invention has been described above, and the utilization area determination support system 1 has an internal computer system. A series of processing steps related to the above-mentioned processing is stored in a computer-readable storage medium in the form of a program, and the above-mentioned processing is performed by the computer reading and executing this program. Here, the computer-readable storage medium refers to a magnetic disk, a magneto-optical disk, a CD-ROM, a DVD-ROM, a semiconductor memory, etc. Also, the computer program may be distributed to a computer via a communication line, and the computer that receives the program may execute the program. Also, the "computer system" referred to here includes an OS, etc.

[0117] Although one embodiment of the present invention has been described above, the embodiment of the present invention is not limited to the above. For example, the embodiment of the present invention may be modified as follows.

[0118] For example, in the above embodiment, for convenience, the configuration related to the present invention has been described as each function of the utilization area determination support system 1 being integrated into one device, but each function may also be appropriately distributed across multiple devices. [Explanation of symbols]

[0119] 1 Utilization area decision support system, 10 Information acquisition unit, 30 Calculation unit, 40 Recommendation processing unit, 50 Output unit, 60 Storage unit, 100 Analysis processing device, 200, 200M Terminal device

Claims

1. A utilization area decision support system that allocates tables in an area that is permitted for use by a group to each of a plurality of groups that use the target area, the tables being allocated to each group within the area, the tables being permitted for use by the group, within a target area that is used as a free address type office, an acquisition unit that acquires table selection criteria in which a selection order of tables is predetermined and an upper limit value of the distance between tables to be assigned to the same group; determining a specific table from among a plurality of tables located within the target area according to a table selection criterion in which a table selection order is predetermined; Then, an evaluation value indicating a distance between the specific table and other tables when a group including a table whose allocation has not been completed is allocated as a group that uses the specific table is calculated; a recommendation processing unit that allocates a specific group among the plurality of groups for which allocation has not been completed to the specific table based on the estimated evaluation value; Equipped with The recommendation processing unit assigns tables to be used by the specific groups such that an evaluation value indicating a distance between tables assigned to the same group does not exceed a predetermined upper limit value. Use area decision support system.

2. The recommendation processing unit is When a planned utilization rate in the target area exceeds a predetermined value, a free space area is arranged in the middle of the target area.

2. The utilization area determination support system according to claim 1.

3. The table selection criteria stipulate a priority for preferentially selecting tables in an area other than the free space area from among the tables in the target area.

3. The utilization area determination support system according to claim 2.

4. The recommendation processing unit is The table to be used by the specific group is assigned to a table in the free space area that is located within a range where the distance from the table assigned as the table to be used by the specific group in an area other than the free space area does not exceed the predetermined upper limit value.

4. The utilization area determination support system according to claim 2 or 3.

5. The recommendation processing unit is When the expected utilization rate in the target area does not exceed a predetermined value, the table to be used by the specific group is assigned to an unassigned table located within a range where the distance from the table assigned as the table to be used by the specific group does not exceed the predetermined upper limit value.

5. The utilization area determination support system according to claim 1.

6. A utilization area decision support system and method for allocating tables in an area permitted for use by a group to each of a plurality of groups using the target area, the target area being used as a free address type office, the method comprising: obtaining table selection criteria in which the order in which tables are selected is predetermined, and an upper limit of the distance between tables to be assigned to the same group; determining a specific table from among a plurality of tables located within the target area according to a table selection criterion in which a table selection order is predetermined; Then, an evaluation value indicating a distance between the specific table and other tables when a group including a table whose allocation has not been completed is allocated as a group that uses the specific table is calculated; A step of allocating a specific group from among the plurality of groups for which allocation has not been completed to the specific table based on the estimated evaluation value; allocating tables to be used by the specific groups such that an evaluation value indicating a distance between tables allocated to the same group does not exceed a predetermined upper limit; A method for supporting determination of a utilization area, comprising:

7. A computer of a utilization area decision support system which allocates tables in an area permitted for use by a group to each of a plurality of groups using the target area, the target area being used as a free address type office, acquiring table selection criteria in which the order in which tables are selected is predetermined, and an upper limit of the distance between tables to be assigned to the same group; determining a specific table from among a plurality of tables located within the target area according to a table selection criterion in which a selection order of the tables is predetermined; Then, an evaluation value indicating a distance between the specific table and other tables when a group including a table whose allocation has not been completed is allocated as a group that uses the specific table is estimated, and A step of allocating a specific group from among the plurality of groups for which allocation has not been completed to the specific table based on the estimated evaluation value; a step of allocating tables to be used by the specific groups such that an evaluation value indicating a distance between tables allocated to the same group does not exceed a predetermined upper limit value; A program for executing the above.

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