Seat area selection system, seat area selection method and program

Abstract

To provide a seat area selection system, a seat area selection method, and a program, which enable tables of a desired number of seats to be shared in a free-address office.SOLUTION: In a seat area selection system, an analysis processing apparatus 100 includes: an information acquisition unit 10 which acquires floor plan information, arrangement information of multiple tables arranged in a target area, and schedule information related to tasks of a date of use that have been declared before the date of use of the tables, the floor plan information including positional relationship information between the target area to be used as a free-address office and an area for a specific purpose located outside the target area; a calculation unit 30 which calculates, based on the schedule information, the number of tables required on the date of use, which limits a mode of use on the date of use, out of the multiple tables; and a recommendation processing unit 40 which selects, based on the schedule information, free tables allowed to be used by members of a first group and members of a second group as required, so as to satisfy the number of free tables required.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3A

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a seating area selection system, a seating area selection 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 group addresses are applied, it can be difficult to reserve the desired number of seats in addition to the area assigned to the group, or to work in an environment different from that of the group. Even if communication within the group can be stimulated, the convenience of the office can be reduced. An object of the present invention is to provide a seating area selection system, a seating area selection method, and a program that enable a desired number of tables to be shared in a free address office. [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] The present invention has been made to solve the above-mentioned problems, and a seating area selection system which is a first aspect of the present invention comprises an information acquisition unit which acquires floor plan information including positional relationship information between a target area used as a free address office and an area for specific uses located outside the target area, arrangement information of a plurality of tables to be arranged within the target area, and schedule information related to the business of the use date declared before the use date of the plurality of tables, a calculation unit which calculates the number of tables required for the use date from the plurality of tables based on the schedule information, which limits the usage pattern of the use date, and a recommendation processing unit which selects free tables that are permitted to be used appropriately by members of a first group and members of a second group based on the schedule information so as to satisfy the required number of tables of the free tables.

[0006] Furthermore, in the seat area selection system, the number of tables required on the day of use includes the number of tables to be allocated for the exclusive use of each group and the number of free tables to be allocated for common use by each group.

[0007] Furthermore, in the seating area selection system, the recommendation processing unit selects one of the following placement methods: a placement method in which the free tables are placed together in the center of the target area, a placement method in which the tables are distributed throughout the target area, or a placement method in which the tables are placed together at the edge of the target area, and places the free tables in predetermined positions according to the selected placement method.

[0008] Furthermore, in the seating area selection system, the recommendation processing unit provisionally places the free table at the specified position in accordance with the selected placement method, and corrects the position of the provisionally placed free table depending on the result of the placement of tables assigned to each group for exclusive use.

[0009] Furthermore, in the seating area selection system, the recommendation processing unit determines the priority of group placement based on the schedule information related to meeting plans or outing plans declared by the members of the first group and the members of the second group.

[0010] Furthermore, in the seating area selection system, the rule for arranging the areas of the groups after the first area, which is an area relatively close to the area of ​​the specific use, is filled is based on the organizational proximity between the groups.

[0011] Furthermore, in the seating area selection system, the recommendation processing unit arranges the areas of the first group and the second group in accordance with a group arrangement priority, and then determines a position to arrange the third group based on the organizational proximity between the first group and the third group and the organizational proximity between the second group and the third group.

[0012] Furthermore, in the seating area selection system, the recommendation processing unit selects an area to be used as the free table before arranging the areas of the first group and the second group in accordance with the priority of group arrangement.

[0013] Furthermore, in the seat area selection system, the schedule information includes either schedule information relating to a meeting scheduled for the day of use or schedule information relating to going out.

[0014] Furthermore, in the seat area selection system, the recommendation processing unit arranges a first area, which is an area relatively close to the specific use area, in an area within the target area that is relatively close to the specific use area.

[0015] Furthermore, in the seating area selection system, the recommendation processing unit determines the priority of group placement based on the schedule information related to meeting plans for the use date declared by the members of the first group and the members of the second group.

[0016] Furthermore, in the seating area selection system, the recommendation processing unit arranges, based on the schedule information, a group including members who go out in the afternoon outside a first area that is relatively close to the specific use area.

[0017] Furthermore, in the seating area selection system, the recommendation processing unit makes a decision based on the plan information relating to plans to go out declared by the members of the first group and the members of the second group.

[0018] Furthermore, in the seating area selection system, the rule for arranging the areas of the groups after they have been arranged based on the schedule information relating to the plans to go out is based on the organizational proximity between the groups.

[0019] The seat area selection system further includes an output unit that receives a request from an external terminal device and outputs a result of the processing of the recommendation processing unit to the terminal device in response to the request. Furthermore, in the seating area selection system, the recommendation processing unit determines a group arrangement for determining tables to be used by a first group and a second group within the target area, based on the schedule information. Furthermore, in the seating area selection system, the recommendation processing unit determines group arrangement priorities for determining tables to be used by a first group and a second group within the target area, based on the schedule information. Furthermore, in the seating area selection system, the recommendation processing unit arranges the area of ​​the first group having a higher priority for group arrangement, including a first area, within the target area, which is relatively close to the area for the specific use, so as to satisfy the required number of tables for the first group. Furthermore, in the seating area selection system, the recommendation processing unit arranges the second group in an area other than the area in which the first group is arranged so as to satisfy the required number of tables for the second group.

[0020] Furthermore, one aspect of the present invention provides a seating area selection method including the steps of: a computer of a seating area selection system acquiring floor plan information including positional relationship information between a target area used as a free address office and an area for specific uses located outside the target area, arrangement information of a plurality of tables to be arranged within the target area, and schedule information related to the business of the plurality of tables to be used on the day of use that is declared before the day of use of the plurality of tables; calculating the number of tables required for the day of use from the plurality of tables based on the schedule information, which limits the usage pattern of the day of use; and selecting free tables that are permitted to be used appropriately by members of a first group and members of a second group based on the schedule information so as to satisfy the required number of tables of the free tables.

[0021] Another aspect of the present invention is a program for causing a computer of a seating area selection system to execute the following steps: acquiring floor plan information including positional relationship information between a target area used as a free address office and an area for specific uses located outside the target area, arrangement information for a plurality of tables to be arranged within the target area, and schedule information related to the business of the plurality of tables for the day of use that is declared before the day on which the plurality of tables are to be used; calculating the number of tables required for the day of use from among the plurality of tables based on the schedule information, which limits the usage pattern of the day of use; and selecting free tables that are permitted to be used appropriately by members of a first group and members of a second group based on the schedule information so as to satisfy the required number of tables for the free tables. Effect of the Invention

[0022] According to the present invention, in a free address type office, a table can be shared by a desired number of seats. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0023] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a diagram for explaining an example of a building to which an embodiment is applied. [Diagram 2] 2 is a diagram for explaining an example of the arrangement of four groups of regions within the target region TZ of FIG. 1. FIG. [Figure 3A] 1 is a schematic configuration diagram of a seating area selection system according to a first embodiment. [Figure 3B] 1 is a configuration diagram of a seating area selection system according to a first embodiment. [Figure 4] 11 is a flowchart of a recommendation process according to an embodiment. [Diagram 5] 11 is a diagram for explaining the relationship between the number of people in a group and the number of vacant seats in an embodiment. FIG. [Figure 6] FIG. 13 is a diagram for explaining a meeting schedule ratio according to an embodiment. [Figure 7] 10A and 10B are diagrams for explaining an example of the arrangement of free spaces according to an embodiment. [Figure 8] 11A and 11B are diagrams for explaining processing relating to the arrangement of group regions according to an embodiment; [Figure 9] 11 is a diagram for explaining a compilation result showing a schedule for the day based on a questionnaire of an embodiment. FIG. [Figure 10] 11 is a diagram for explaining the amount of communication with other departments based on action history information in an embodiment. FIG. [Figure 11] 11A and 11B are diagrams for explaining the arrangement results of group regions according to an embodiment. [Figure 12] 13 is a flowchart of a recommendation process according to the second embodiment. [Figure 13] 11 is a diagram for explaining a compilation result showing a schedule for the day based on a questionnaire of an embodiment. FIG. [Figure 14] 11A and 11B are diagrams for explaining the arrangement results of group regions according to an embodiment. [Figure 15] 13 is a flowchart of a recommendation process according to the third embodiment. [Figure 16] 11 is a diagram for explaining a compilation result showing a schedule for the day based on a questionnaire of an embodiment. FIG. [Figure 17] 11A and 11B are diagrams for explaining the arrangement results of group regions according to an embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0024] Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0025] (Matters common to all embodiments) The seating area selection system described below is applied to, for example, seating area selection processing in a free address office.

[0026] 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.

[0027] The embodiment shown below is related to the use of an area assigned to a "station." The seating area selection system of the embodiment applies a "group address method" by providing a "home area" in which the tables and seats used by workers are grouped together in a free address type "station." Seats (homes) to be used for daily work are determined within this "home area." The seating area selection system proposes (recommends) the location of the table assigned to the "home area" in response to a request from the worker. This is expected to stimulate communication within and outside the group and to 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 seating area selection system provides an opportunity to utilize the free space by providing it in a desired location. Details of this will be described below.

[0028] (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. In the target area TZ shown in FIG. 1, "stations" are assigned. The total number of workers using this target area TZ is expected to be approximately 30 to 50 people. The number of groups to which each worker belongs is expected to be 3 to 5 groups. The tables arranged in the "stations" 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 their arrangement positions may be changed as appropriate without being limited to those shown in the figure.

[0029] In addition to the target area TZ, the diagram of the application example shown in FIG. 1 includes adjacent areas NZ1 and NZ2. The adjacent area NZ1 is adjacent to the target area TZ. The adjacent area NZ1 is assigned to the "community," which is one of the scenes described above. In the "community," for example, a place is provided where workers can communicate with each other. The target area TZ and the 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 the adjacent area NZ1 are arranged side by side. The range within the target area TZ that is located near the adjacent area NZ1 or the side that contacts the adjacent area NZ1 within the periphery of the target area TZ is called the "range close to the adjacent scene," and conversely, the range away from the above side is called "far from the adjacent scene." The AA area shown in FIG. 1 is an example of the "range close to the adjacent scene."

[0030] In FIG. 1, "a1" to "a4", "b1" to "b4", and "c1" to "c4" each indicate a table with, for example, four seats. The AA area is provided in a position that includes the three tables "a1", "b1", and "c1". The AA area has three tables and a total of 12 seats corresponding to the tables. The details of the AA area will be described later.

[0031] Although not shown, 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 seating area selection system may be either or both of regular working hours and overtime hours. In both cases, the seating area selection system may change the contents of the proposal for regular working hours and overtime hours.

[0032] If the work style of the members of each group tends to involve a relatively large amount of work within the office, prioritization may be performed, such as by locating the area of ​​the group that moves around the office more frequently closer to the aisle.

[0033] The meeting partners shown in the example may be, for example, people in the company in general or people outside the company. The former will be described in the first and second embodiments. In this case, the seat area selection system may arrange the area of ​​the group that has relatively many meetings near the free table or the community. The latter will be described in the third embodiment.

[0034] FIG. 2 is a diagram for explaining an example of the arrangement of the areas of four groups in the target area TZ of FIG. 1. In the example of the arrangement shown in FIG. 2, the areas of four groups, group A to group D, are assigned to the target area TZ, and the assigned areas are used for business purposes. Each area (range) assigned to each group is called a home area, and the table located therein is called a home table. For example, tables "a1" and "b1" are included in the home area GBHA of group B, and are the home tables of group B. The same is true for groups A, C, and D, and symbols GAHA, GCHA, and GDHA indicate the home areas of each group. Symbol FS indicates a free space provided in the target area TZ, and includes tables "c3" and "c4" as free tables FT that are not assigned to each group. The free space FS is an example of a free table arrangement area (BB area) in which the table to be arranged is regarded as a free table FT. Free tables (FT) are tables that have been left vacant, but by adjusting the position of the empty seats, each group can use them for their own purposes as a place for communication, or individual workers can use them as a place to concentrate.

[0035] In other words, the home table in the home area of ​​each group is assigned for exclusive use by that group, and the free table FT in the free space FS is assigned for shared use by the groups.

[0036] (First embodiment) FIG. 3A is a schematic configuration diagram of the seating area selection system 1 of the first embodiment. The seating area selection system 1 in this embodiment includes an analysis processing device 100, a terminal device 200, a terminal device 200M, and a worker position information measurement device 300. 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.

[0037] 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.

[0038] The worker position information measuring device 300 acquires the positions of workers in the office, the details of which will be described later.

[0039] The terminal device 200M is a device that is operated by the manager M of the seating area selection system 1 to change the settings of the analysis processing device 100.

[0040] An example of the analysis processing device 100 will be described with reference to Fig. 3B. Fig. 3B is a configuration diagram of the analysis processing device 100 according to the first embodiment. The analysis processing device 100 is an example of a computer system.

[0041] The analysis processing device 100 includes, for example, an information acquisition unit 10, a positional relationship / distance information setting unit 20, a calculation unit 30, a recommendation processing unit 40, and a storage unit 60 (not shown).

[0042] The storage unit 60 stores various data and programs for various processes executed by each unit (described later) of the seating area selection system 1. The seating area selection 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.

[0043] The information acquisition unit 10 acquires various data related to the processing of the seat area selection system 1 from an operation unit not shown in Fig. 3B or via the communication line NW (Fig. 3A). 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.

[0044] 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, and the arrangement of multiple tables. The floor plan information includes information regarding the positional relationship and distance between the target area TZ used as a free address office and an area for specific purposes located outside the target area TZ. The information regarding the questionnaire on the previous day includes the presence schedule of the workers of each group on that day, whether or not they have a meeting scheduled on that day, etc. The above-mentioned information regarding 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 use of multiple tables (the day before). The above-mentioned schedule information is an example including schedule information related to a meeting scheduled for 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.

[0045] 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.

[0046] The positional relationship / distance information setting unit 20 uses basic information and the like to place the AA area in an area relatively close to the area of ​​the specific use within the target area TZ. The area of ​​the specific use is, for example, a "community" assigned to the adjacent area NZ1 or a "corridor" assigned to the adjacent area NZ2. For example, the positional relationship / distance information setting unit 20 may specify the position of the "community" in the adjacent area NZ1 or the "corridor" in the adjacent area NZ2 based on the floor plan, and place the AA area within the target area TZ based on this result. The AA area is an example of a first area.

[0047] 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. The calculation unit 30 calculates the number of people who answered that they have a meeting for each group based on the schedule information, and calculates the meeting ratio, attendance rate, etc. based on this. The calculation unit 30 calculates the amount of communication between groups based on the behavior history information.

[0048] 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.

[0049] As described above, the AA area is arranged within the target area TZ. The recommendation processing unit 40 arranges the area of ​​the first group, which has a higher priority for group arrangement, including the AA area so as to satisfy the required number of tables. "So as to satisfy the required number of tables" means, for example, that the number of tables included in the allocated range is equal to or greater than the required number of tables. "Arrangement including the AA area" means, for example, arranging a part or all of the area of ​​the first group in the AA area. When a part of the area of ​​the first group is arranged in the AA area, the other part of the area of ​​the first group will be outside the AA area and will be arranged adjacent to the AA area. In addition, when "arranging including the AA area", the recommendation processing unit 40 determines the respective quantities of the part and the other part of the area of ​​the first group so that the part is wider than the other part, the number of tables is greater, the number of seats at the tables is greater, or the center of gravity (center) based on the area of ​​the first group is within the AA area, and the area of ​​the first group is arranged mainly around the AA area accordingly. At that time, the recommendation processing unit 40 determines the above quantities so that the restrictions on the size of the AA area, the conditions on the shape of the first group of regions, etc. are satisfied. The same applies below. In this way, the layout of the first group of regions is determined.

[0050] 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.

[0051] The recommendation processor 40 may select the free tables FT that are permitted to be used 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. This is not essential in this embodiment, and will be described in the second embodiment.

[0052] The output unit 50 receives a request from an external terminal device, and outputs the results of the processing by the recommendation processing unit 40 to the terminal device in response to the request.

[0053] FIG. 4 is a flowchart of the recommendation process according to the embodiment. The recommendation process of this embodiment is applied to, for example, arranging an area of ​​a group that has relatively many meetings adjacent to a "community" that is arranged outside a "station" in the target area TZ. The seat area selection system 1 (recommendation processing unit 40) arranges an AA area for allocating a home area of ​​a group that has relatively many meetings in an area of ​​the "station" in the target area TZ that is relatively close to the "community."

[0054] First, the information acquiring unit 10 acquires, for example, basic information, schedule information, and behavior history information designated by a facility manager (step S12). For example, the schedule information may be based on responses to a questionnaire that the information acquiring unit 10 presents to the group members, or may be based on schedule information collected by a schedule management device (not shown).

[0055] The calculation unit 30 calculates the number of tables required based on the above-mentioned schedule information (step S14). The positional relationship / distance information setting unit 20 sets the AA area and the aisle close to the community based on the basic information (step S16). The information acquisition unit 10 accepts an operation regarding the arrangement method of the free table arrangement area (BB area) and selects the arrangement method of the free table arrangement area (BB area) (step S18). At this time, the administrator selects, for example, a central arrangement, which is one of the arrangement types of the free space, and instructs this to the recommendation processing unit 40.

[0056] Next, the recommendation processing unit 40 accepts the instruction for central placement, extracts groups with more scheduled meetings with other departments based on the schedule information, and places them in the AA area (step S22). As described above, the recommendation processing unit 40 determines the priority of group placement based on the schedule information related to the scheduled meetings declared by the members of the first group and the members of the second group.

[0057] The recommendation processing unit 40 determines whether or not there is free space in the AA area (step S28), and if there is free space in the AA area, the process proceeds to step S22, and if there is no free space in the AA area, the process proceeds to step S30.

[0058] Next, the recommendation processing unit 40 extracts groups that have a relatively long time for communication with other departments (step S30) and arranges the areas of the extracted groups (step S32). In this way, the rules for arranging the areas of the groups after the AA area is filled may be stipulated by the organizational proximity between the groups. As a result, the recommendation processing unit 40 can arrange the areas of the first group and the second group according to the priority of group arrangement, and then determine the position for arranging the area of ​​the third group based on the organizational proximity between the first group and the third group and the organizational proximity between the second group and the third group. For example, the recommendation processing unit 40 arranges the one with higher proximity (larger one) closer based on the magnitude relationship of the values ​​of the organizational proximity.

[0059] The recommendation processing unit 40 determines whether or not there are any remaining groups (step S36), and if there are any remaining groups, the process proceeds to step S30, and if there are no remaining groups, the process ends.

[0060] As described above, the recommendation processing unit 40 determines the priority of group placement until the AA area is filled based on the schedule information related to the meeting schedule declared by the members of the first group and the members of the second group. After that, the recommendation processing unit 40 may use, for example, a priority based on the organizational proximity between groups as a rule for placing the areas of the groups after the AA area is filled.

[0061] FIG. 5 is a diagram for explaining the relationship between the number of people in a group and the number of vacant seats according to the embodiment. The table shown in Figure 5 shows the relationship between the number of people in a group, the number of basic tables (NA), the number of seats expected to be occupied (NB), the number of required tables (NC), the number of free tables (ND), and the number of vacant seats (NE) for groups A to D.

[0062] Among these, the number of people in a group and the number of basic tables (NA) are determined by the composition of the group members and are included in the basic information whose values ​​do not change from day to day. The number of people expected to be present (NB) is determined based on the results of a survey and is the number of members who plan to be at work on that day.

[0063] Here, we present an example of four seats per table and explain each group and their survey responses.

[0064] Let's take a look at Group A. Group A has 12 members, so the total number of members is 12. Dividing this by the number of boats per table, which is 4 (seats), gives the basic number of tables (NA) required for all members to be seated. In this case, that number (NA) is 3. Let's assume that the number of people expected to be present on the day (NB), based on the results of the survey, is 11. In this case, the required number of tables (NC) required for 11 people to be seated is 3. In this case, since the basic number of tables (NA) and the required number of tables (NC) are the same, the number of free tables (ND) that arise due to the difference between them is 0, and one empty seat will be created at each of the three assigned tables.

[0065] Now let's explain Group B. The number of people in Group B is the same as in Group A. The basic number of tables (NA) for Group B is three. In the case of Group B, assuming that the expected number of people expected to be present on the day (NB), based on the results of the survey, is eight, then two tables are sufficient for the required number of tables (NC). In this case, the number of free tables (ND), which arises due to the difference between the basic number of tables (NA) and the required number of tables (NC), is one. There will be no empty seats at the two allocated tables.

[0066] The calculation unit 30 performs similar calculations for groups A and B, as well as groups C and D. The calculation unit 30 tallies the values ​​for each group to obtain the results shown in the table of FIG.

[0067] As a result, for groups B, C, and D, which have four or more fewer expected attendees (NB) than the number of members in the group, one free table is generated each, making the total number of free tables three.

[0068] FIG. 6 is a diagram for explaining the meeting schedule ratio according to the embodiment. The table shown in FIG. 6 shows the relationship between the number of people who answered that they had meetings planned (NF) and the ratio of people who had meetings planned (NG) for groups A to D. The number of people who answered "I have a meeting scheduled" (NF) is the number of people in each group who answered "I have a meeting scheduled." The ratio of people who answered "I have a meeting scheduled" (NG) is the result of dividing the number of people who answered "I have a meeting scheduled" (NF) by the number of people in the group.

[0069] FIG. 7 is a diagram for explaining an example of the arrangement of free spaces according to the embodiment. Figures 7(a) to (c) show examples of free space layouts. The first arrangement example shown in Fig. 7(a) is an example in which a free space FSC is placed in the center of the station. In this case, free tables FT are placed together in the free space FSC in the center. This arrangement example is suitable when the amount of communication between groups is relatively large.

[0070] The second layout example shown in Figure 7(b) is an example where free spaces FSS1 and FSS2 are placed near the edge of the station. With a layout like this, you can expect a relatively quiet environment compared to the example of a layout in the center (Figure 7(a)) where the distance between each group is relatively close. This layout example allows the space to be placed away from the aisles, so the voices of people passing by in the aisles are less likely to reach the participants, making it possible for several people to have a calm meeting and suitable for concentrating on work. It can also be placed away from the community, so it can be used as an alternative to a concentration booth, and the same effects as above can be expected.

[0071] The third layout example shown in Fig. 7(c) is an example where free spaces FSD1 to FSD3 are placed inside a station. This layout example allows for distributing the spaces throughout the station, and is suitable for use by the nearest group for meetings within the group, or for meetings between relatively nearby groups. Because they are placed near the group area, they can be used with a short travel distance, and it is easy to check whether they are in use or not.

[0072] For example, the recommendation processing unit 40 selects one of the arrangement methods of arranging the free tables FT together in the center of the target area TZ, the arrangement method of distributing the free tables FT within the target area TZ, and the arrangement method of arranging the free tables FT together at the edge of the target area TZ in accordance with the selection operation of the administrator, and arranges the free tables FT at a predetermined position according to the selected arrangement method. The recommendation processing unit 40 tentatively arranges the free tables FT at a predetermined position according to the selected arrangement method. In this way, by allowing the manager to select how to arrange the free spaces according to the station's usage and purpose, the free spaces can be made more easily usable by workers in each group.

[0073] The layout method of free space should be selected based on the worker's working style, its location relative to frequently used scenes, the area of ​​the target area TZ, and the relationship with the amount of communication, so as to create a space that can be used most effectively.

[0074] The recommendation processor 40 may correct the position of the provisionally allocated free table FT depending on the result of the allocation of tables to be exclusively used by each group. This will be described later.

[0075] FIG. 8 is a diagram for explaining processing relating to the arrangement of group regions according to the embodiment. With reference to Figures 8(a) and (b), we will explain how to select tables when selecting multiple tables to place the group area. It is recommended to select multiple tables so that the amount of movement required for communication within the group is reduced.

[0076] For example, by selecting tables so that the selection results are grouped together as in Fig. 8(b) rather than selecting tables positioned in a row as in Fig. 8(a), the distance between the farthest seats in a group will be shortened. When it is possible to select either Fig. 8(a) or Fig. 8(b), the recommendation processing unit 40 prioritizes the arrangement in Fig. 8(b) and selects the shape of the group area that shortens the distance within the group.

[0077] Next, the requirements for arranging the areas of the group will be described. For example, when the recommendation processing unit 40 aims to locate the area of ​​a group that has relatively many meetings close to a community, it is preferable that the home area of ​​each group is determined so that the following requirements are satisfied.

[0078] In principle, the home areas of groups will be arranged so that their home tables are adjacent (adjacent arrangement). For example, the arrangements shown in Figures 8(a) and (b) above are examples. Note that cases in which it is not possible to arrange the home tables of groups adjacent to each other will be described later. Determine the order in which groups are selected for placing home areas based on the amount of communication per person in the group. - Determine the shape of the group area taking into account the placement distance within the group. Once the territory of the first group can be placed near the community, next select a group with a relatively high amount of communication and determine where to place that group's territory. The placement of the group area is determined so as not to interfere with the placement of the free table. Once the AA area is filled, place the areas of groups with relatively high inter-organizational communication time close together. If the placement of the group area is stuck due to interference with a free table in the provisionally placed free space FSPV (see Fig. 8(c)), for example, as shown in Fig. 8(d), the position of the provisionally placed free space FSPV is shifted by one line, and then a rearrangement is attempted according to the above procedure. Examples of the above cases where the placement of the group area is stuck include cases where the group area of ​​a specific group is divided.

[0079] The recommendation processing unit 40 can obtain multiple placement plans by repeating the placement process with different conditions for selecting the group shape. In this way, when there are multiple placement plans, the recommendation processing unit 40 may compare the past group placements and select the more different one as the final plan.

[0080] An example of group arrangement based on a questionnaire according to the embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS.

[0081] Fig. 9 is a diagram for explaining the results of a count showing the schedule for the day based on a questionnaire in the embodiment. The table shown in Fig. 9(a) shows the results of counting the number of people present on the day for each group based on the responses to the questionnaire on the previous day. The table shown in Fig. 9(b) shows the results of calculating the ratio for each group between the number of people who responded to the questionnaire on the previous day that they had a meeting scheduled with another department and the number of people who responded that they planned to be present on the day (the number of people present). The values ​​in the table shown in Fig. 9(b) range from 0 to 1.

[0082] FIG. 10 is a diagram for explaining the amount of communication with other departments based on the action history information of the embodiment. The table shown in FIG. 10 is an example of the result of normalizing the amount of communication with other departments by the number of people in each group. For example, the amount of communication with other departments is a value obtained by dividing the detection value of the total time during which members of a group communicated with members of other departments during a predetermined period by the number of people in each group. The predetermined period may be a period relatively close to the present day, determined based on the present day, such as a few days until the previous day, one to two weeks until the previous day, or January until the previous day. In addition, regarding the detection of a state in which communication with other departments was conducted, for example, it is preferable to indirectly detect a state in which members were communicating with each other by regarding groups whose members were present at the above-mentioned "Community", "Review", and "Break" at the time of detection as having communicated with each other.

[0083] A more specific method is to use a worker position information measurement device 300. The worker position information measurement device 300 acquires the position information of the terminal device 200 carried by the worker as worker position information. For example, the terminal devices 200 each receive a beacon (wireless signal) emitted by a plurality of wireless beacon transmitters arranged according to an arrangement rule, and each uploads the received result (beacon information) to the worker position information measurement device 300. The worker position information measurement device 300 receives the beacon information from each terminal device 200 and analyzes it to generate the amount of communication (inter-organizational proximity) between workers or between groups to which the workers belong, and supplies this to the analysis processing device 100.

[0084] The method of detecting the state in which communication has been performed is not limited to this, and other known methods may be used.

[0085] Here, we summarize the results shown in Figures 9 and 10. Based on the results of the survey conducted the day before (Figure 9), of groups A to D, the group with the most scheduled meetings with other departments is determined to be group A, followed by group B. Also, based on the behavioral history information (Figure 10), the group combination that spends the most time communicating with other departments is the combination of Group B and Group D, followed by the combination of Group A and Group C.

[0086] FIG. 11 is a diagram for explaining the result of arrangement of the group regions according to the embodiment. For example, by setting, the AA area is arranged on the side of the nearby area NZ1 in the target area TZ, and the free space FS is arranged in the center, as shown in Fig. 11. The tables "b2" and "b3" in the free space FS are an example of a free table FT.

[0087] Based on the results shown in FIGS. 9 and 10, the recommendation processing unit 40 arranges the home areas of each group as follows.

[0088] For example, based on the result of the previous day's questionnaire (FIG. 9), the recommendation processing unit 40 allocates a part of the home area GAHA of group A and a part of the home area GBHA of group B to the AA area. With these two groups allocated, there are no more free tables in the AA area.

[0089] Tables "a1" and "b1" in the home area GAHA of Group A are in the AA area. Table "a2" is outside the AA area, but is assigned to the home area GAHA of Group A. In the home area GAHA of group A, the recommendation processing unit 40 selects tables arranged so that the distance between the farthest seats is as short as possible to facilitate movement within the group, and the tables are arranged so that they are adjacent to each other and surround the free table FT to avoid the free space FS.

[0090] The table "c1" in the home area GBHA of group B is in the AA area. The table "c2" is outside the AA area, but is assigned to the home area GBHA of group B by the recommendation processing unit 40. In the home area GBHA of group B, the two tables are arranged adjacent to each other and do not interfere with the free space FS.

[0091] As described above, there are no vacant tables in the AA area, and no new groups are to be placed based on the results of the previous day's survey. Next, the recommendation processing unit 40 determines the placement of the remaining groups C and D based on the behavioral history information. Since the combination of groups that spends the most time communicating with other departments is the pairing of group B and group D, the recommendation processing unit 40 places the home area GDHA of group D, whose placement has not yet been determined, next to the home area GBHA of group B.

[0092] Finally, based on the behavior history, the recommendation processing unit 40 places the home area GCHA of group C next to the home area GAHA of group A. This completes the placement of the home areas for each group, but the table for "b4" becomes a spare table (spare table RST).

[0093] As described above, the free space FS in this embodiment is not a table that is left over after the home areas of each group are simply allocated first. The free space FS in this embodiment is allocated before the home areas of each group are allocated in order to apply group addresses.

[0094] According to the above embodiment, the recommendation processing unit 40 can select free tables that are permitted for use by members of a first group and members of a second group as appropriate, so as to satisfy the required number of tables, thereby making it possible to share a desired number of tables in a free address office.

[0095] For example, even if a free address work style is used, by applying a group address, the seats of the group members are not dispersed within the target area, and communication within the group can be facilitated. In the above embodiment, instead of simply applying a group address, a free space FS is provided in the target area FZ. This prevents vacant seats from being dispersed within the target area, and allows them to be used as a free space FS.

[0096] (First Modification of the First Embodiment) When deciding the placement of the above groups C and D, if the conditions for groups C and D are the same, the recommendation processing unit 40 may place the group with the larger number of meetings on the day closer to the community side.

[0097] (Second Modification of the First Embodiment) When determining the placement of groups C and D above, if the distance from the home area of ​​each group to be placed to the community and the number of scheduled meetings for each group are the same, the recommendation processing unit 40 may prioritize placement of the area of ​​the group that contains the table in which the group area has been placed the fewest times, based on the placement history information.

[0098] For example, the arrangement history information records the number of times each group area has been allocated to each table in the target region TZ. The recommendation processing unit 40 may determine the above arrangement based on the arrangement history information by comparing the number of times the group area of ​​group C has been allocated to each table in the group area of ​​group C in the past with the number of times the group area of ​​group D has been allocated to each table in the group area of ​​group D in the past.

[0099] Note that the recommendation processing unit 40 may make a decision by applying this modified example when a decision cannot be made even after trying to preferentially decide on the arrangement according to the first modified example.

[0100] (Third Modification of the First Embodiment) When the placement of groups C and D cannot be determined by the above embodiment and the first and second modified examples, for example, the first worker in the group to arrive at work submits a recommendation request using a terminal device placed at the entrance or a smartphone carried by the worker at the time of arrival. The recommendation processing unit 40 accepts this request and, in response to the accepted request, determines the placement of the area of ​​the group to which the worker belongs at the position selected by the worker.

[0101] (Fourth Modification of the First Embodiment) When the placement of groups C and D cannot be determined by the above embodiment and the first and second modified examples, for example, a worker may be allowed to apply for a recommendation request using a smartphone or the like that the worker possesses before coming to work. In this case, the recommendation processing unit 40 determines the placement of the area of ​​the group to which the worker belongs at a position selected by a specific group member. After that, the recommendation processing unit 40 accepts this recommendation request and recommends a predetermined position in response to the accepted request. The above specific group members may be predetermined, or may be determined randomly or according to a predetermined order.

[0102] In addition, if the recommendation processing unit 40 is unable to determine the placement of the first or second variant even after trying to prioritize it, it may implement either the third or fourth variant described above, but is not limited to this and may implement them independently.

[0103] Second Embodiment A second embodiment will be described. In the first embodiment, a case where a free space FS is provisionally arranged, and then a home area of ​​each group is arranged is described. Instead, in this embodiment, a case where a home area of ​​each group is arranged without provisionally arranging a free space FS is described.

[0104] Before allocating an area to be used as the free table FT, the recommendation processing unit 40A arranges at least either the first group or the second group in accordance with the priority of each group arrangement.

[0105] 12 is a flowchart of the recommendation process according to the embodiment. The following mainly describes the differences from the flowchart shown in FIG.

[0106] The recommendation process of this embodiment is applied to, for example, arranging an area of ​​a group that has relatively many meetings in the vicinity of a "community" that is arranged outside a "station" in the target area TZ. The seat area selection system 1 (recommendation processing unit 40A) arranges an AA area to which a home area of ​​a group that has relatively many meetings is assigned in an area of ​​a "station" in the target area TZ that is relatively close to the "community."

[0107] The recommendation processing unit 40A performs the processes of steps S12 to S18 in the same manner as in Fig. 4. At this time, the administrator selects, for example, distributed arrangement, which is one of the arrangement types of free spaces, and instructs this to the recommendation processing unit 40A.

[0108] The recommendation processing unit 40A receives an instruction for distributed placement, extracts groups that have more meetings scheduled with other departments based on the schedule information, and places them in the AA area (step S22). Next, the recommendation processing unit 40A arranges the area of ​​a group that has a relatively long scheduled meeting time with the above group next to the above group (step S24). Next, the recommendation processor 40A arranges a free table between the above two groups (step S26). At this time, the free table TF (free space FS) is arranged in a dispersed manner.

[0109] The recommendation processing unit 40A determines whether or not there is free space in the AA area (step S28), and if there is free space in the AA area, the process proceeds to step S22, and if there is no free space in the AA area, the process proceeds to step S30A.

[0110] Next, the recommendation processing unit 40A extracts groups that have a relatively long communication time with other departments (step S30A), and arranges the regions of the extracted groups adjacent to each other (step S32A).

[0111] Next, the recommendation processor 40A places a free table FT between the above two groups (step S34).

[0112] The recommendation processing unit 40 determines whether or not there are any remaining groups (step S36), and if there are any remaining groups, the process proceeds to step S30A, and if there are no remaining groups, the process ends.

[0113] For example, the rules for arranging the areas of the groups after the above AA area is filled are stipulated using the inter-organizational proximity between the groups. As a result, the recommendation processing unit 40 can determine the position for arranging the area of ​​the third group based on the inter-organizational proximity between the first group and the third group and the inter-organizational proximity between the second group and the third group after arranging the areas of the first group and the second group according to the priority of the group arrangement.

[0114] Fig. 13 is a diagram for explaining the results of a compilation showing the schedule for the day based on the questionnaire of the embodiment. The table shown in Fig. 13 shows the results of a compilation for each group of the schedule for the day regarding meetings with other departments based on the answers to the questionnaire of the previous day. The values ​​in this table are the results of compiling the meeting time with other departments based on the answers to the questionnaire of the previous day for each group and dividing the compilation result by the number of people in the group, and the unit is (minutes / person).

[0115] The recommendation processing unit 40 may use the above results in the processes of steps S22 and S24. The recommendation processing unit 40 may perform the processes of steps S30A and S32A based on the values ​​in the table shown in FIG.

[0116] FIG. 14 is a diagram for explaining the arrangement result of the group regions according to the embodiment. The home areas of each group are arranged based on the results shown in Figures 13 and 10 above.

[0117] For example, based on the results of the previous day's survey (Figure 13), part of the home area GAHA of group A and part of the home area GCHA of group C are assigned to the AA area. With these two groups assigned, there are no more free tables in the AA area.

[0118] Tables "a1" and "b1" in the home area GAHA of Group A are in the AA area. Table "b2" is outside the AA area, but is assigned to the home area GAHA of Group A. In Group A's home area GAHA, tables have been selected to minimize the distance between the farthest seats to make it easier for members of the group to move around, and the tables are arranged adjacent to each other.

[0119] The home area GBHA of group B is located outside the AA area and includes tables "a3" and "b3." According to the total schedule values ​​for the day in the table of FIG. 13, the time is shortest in the order of group A, group B, and group C. Based on this result, the home area GBHA of group B is allocated next to the home area GAHA of group A. Note that, when the home area GAHA of group A and the home area GBHA of group B are arranged, the table "a2" located between them is assigned to the free table FT.

[0120] Based on the behavior history information in the table in Figure 10, group C is selected from the remaining groups as a group with a relatively large amount of communication with other departments. The home area GCHA of group C is arranged to include table "c1" in area AA and table "c2" connected to it. The remaining group D is selected as the next group, and the home area GDHA of group D is allocated close to the home area GCHA of group C. Table "b4", located between the home area GCHA of group C and the home area GDHA of group D, is assigned to the free table FT. This completes the arrangement of the home areas for each group, with table "a4" becoming the spare table (spare table RST).

[0121] According to this embodiment, the provisional arrangement of the free spaces FS is not performed at the beginning, but is performed during the procedure of arranging the home areas of each group, and the free tables FT can be arranged in a distributed manner. The free tables FT arranged in a distributed manner in this way are provided between groups with a relatively large amount of interdepartmental communication, so that the nearby groups can easily use the free tables FT.

[0122] (Third embodiment) A third embodiment will be described. In the first and second embodiments, a case where the layout within the target area TZ is determined based on schedule information related to a meeting schedule is described. In this embodiment, instead, a case where the layout within the target area TZ is determined based on schedule information related to an outing schedule is described. As described above, the schedule information in this embodiment includes schedule information related to an outing on the day of use.

[0123] The seating area selection system 1 includes a recommendation processing unit 40B instead of the recommendation processing unit 40.

[0124] The recommendation processing unit 40B may determine the priority of group placement based on plan information relating to plans to go out reported by each member of each group, for example.

[0125] The recommendation processing unit 40B determines the priority of arranging the group's area based on the schedule information related to the going out plans declared by the members of the first group and the members of the second group. For example, the recommendation processing unit 40B may arrange the area of ​​the group related to the group going out in the afternoon outside the AA area based on the schedule information. The rule for arranging the group's area after the arrangement based on the schedule information related to the going out plans may be based on the organizational proximity between the groups.

[0126] 15 is a flowchart of the recommendation process according to the third embodiment. The following mainly describes the differences from the flowchart shown in FIG. The recommendation process of this embodiment is applied to, for example, arranging an area for a group that goes out in the afternoon and has fewer tables than in the morning, away from the "aisle" located outside the "station" of the target area TZ. The seat area selection system 1 (recommendation processing unit 40B) arranges the AA area, which is assigned to the home area of ​​a group that goes out relatively often, in an area relatively close to the "aisle" among the "stations" of the target area TZ.

[0127] The recommendation processing unit 40B performs the processes of steps S12 to S18 in the same manner as in Fig. 4. At this time, the administrator selects, for example, arrangement on the edge, which is one of the arrangement types of the free space, and instructs this to the recommendation processing unit 40B.

[0128] The recommendation processing unit 40B receives an instruction for distributed placement, extracts a group that will go out in the afternoon based on the schedule information and will have a smaller number of tables than in the morning, and places them further back than the AA area (step S20).

[0129] Next, the recommendation processing unit 40B extracts groups that have more plans to go out based on the schedule information, and places them in the AA area (step S22A). Next, the recommendation processing unit 40B places a free table in a position farther from the entrance (step S26A).

[0130] The recommendation processing unit 40B determines whether or not there is free space in the AA area (step S28), and if there is free space in the AA area, the process proceeds to step S22A, and if there is no free space in the AA area, the process proceeds to step S30B.

[0131] Next, the recommendation processing unit 40B extracts groups that have a relatively long communication time with other departments (step S30B), and arranges the extracted groups so that they are adjacent to each other (step S32A).

[0132] Next, the recommendation processing unit 40B determines whether or not there are any remaining groups (step S36), and if there are any remaining groups, the process proceeds to step S30B, and if there are no remaining groups, the process ends.

[0133] Fig. 17 is a diagram for explaining the results of a survey showing the schedule for the day based on the questionnaire of the embodiment. Table 1 shown in Fig. 17(a) shows the results of a survey for each group on the schedule for the day regarding the attendance schedule for the day based on the responses to the questionnaire on the previous day. The values ​​in this table are based on the responses to the questionnaire on the previous day, and show the number of people in the group, the number of people present on the day, the number of people present in the afternoon, and the number of tables required in the morning and afternoon.

[0134] Table 2 in Figure 17(b) shows the ratio of people in a group who plan to go out as "Plan to go out." Plan to go out is calculated by tallying the number of people who plan to go out for each group and dividing the tally by the number of people in the group.

[0135] The recommendation processing unit 40B uses the results of Table 1 in the process of step S20. The recommendation processing unit 40B uses the results of Table 2 in the process of step S22A. The recommendation processing unit 40B may perform the processes of steps S30B and S32 based on the values ​​in the table shown in FIG.

[0136] FIG. 18 is a diagram for explaining the result of arrangement of the group regions according to the embodiment. The tables shown in FIG. 18 each have six seats.

[0137] The home areas of each group are arranged based on the results shown in Figures 17 and 10 above.

[0138] For example, based on the results of the previous day's survey (Figure 17), the home area GCHA of group C and the home area GDHA of group D are assigned to the back of the AA area. Note that the home areas of these two groups are determined before the AA area is assigned, but are determined so as not to include the table of the AA area.

[0139] After that, the AA area is assigned the home area GAHA of group A and part of the home area GBHA of group B. With these two groups in place, there are no more vacancies at the tables in the AA area.

[0140] The "a1" and "a2" tables in the home area GAHA of Group A are located in the AA area. In the home area GAHA of Group A, tables are selected that are relatively close to the aisles to make it easier to go out.

[0141] The home area GBHA of Group B includes tables "a3" located in the AA area and "b3" located outside the AA area. For example, when the AA area becomes full, players will be placed at a table located outside the AA area.

[0142] According to the going out schedule in Table 2 of Figure 17(b), the going out schedule value decreases in the order of Group A, Group B, Group D, and Group C. As a result, the home area GAHA of Group A and the home area GBHA of Group B are assigned to the AA area. In Table 1 of Figure 17(a), the groups for which the number of people seated will decrease and the number of tables required will decrease due to plans to go out in the afternoon are Group C and Group D, and the number of tables required will decrease from two to one for each group. Groups A and B do not see such a decrease in the number of tables required. As a result, home area GCHA for Group C and home area GDHA for Group D are assigned to the back of area AA. When the home areas for each group have been arranged, table "c3", which is located relatively far from the aisle, is assigned to free table FT.

[0143] In this embodiment, all four groups can be arranged according to the above arrangement rules, but if it is not possible to arrange them all, it is advisable to follow the arrangement rules below. For example, based on the action history information in the table of FIG. 10, a group with a relatively large amount of communication with other departments may be selected from the remaining groups.

[0144] In the comparative example, when a free address type office was used, the available tables were located far away from the station entrances and exits, making it difficult to go out and return to the office smoothly.

[0145] According to this embodiment, it is possible to apply the present invention to a case where the placement within the target area TZ is determined based on schedule information related to plans to go out. This embodiment can mitigate the above-mentioned problems caused by the free address type office.

[0146] (Fourth embodiment) A fourth embodiment will be described. In the first to third embodiments, a case has been described in which the selection of the arrangement type of the free table FT is determined by an instruction from an administrator. Instead, in this embodiment, a case will be described in which the recommendation processing unit 40C optimizes the arrangement type of the free table FT based on the actual usage status (usage rate) of the free table FT.

[0147] For example, the recommendation processing unit 40C may be configured to accumulate data on actual usage conditions, and select and change the arrangement pattern of the free spaces FS based on the accumulated data. The accumulated data includes, for example, the following:

[0148] Worker Type Free table usage rate - Area (width) of the target region TZ

[0149] The above "Worker type" indicates the type of worker who is the user of the recommended target (a station on a specific floor). The worker type may be included in the basic information. The "Free table utilization rate" is the result of analyzing the behavior history information acquired by the sensor. For example, it may be the ratio of the time that the free table FT was actually used to the working hours.

[0150] The recommendation processing unit 40C may use the above worker type and the area of ​​the target region TZ as input variables to select a usage form of the free space FS that increases the usage rate of the free table FT.

[0151] For example, first, as in the first to third embodiments, the administrator determines the type of arrangement of the free table FT. Here, for example, a central arrangement is illustrated as the type of arrangement of the free table FT. After the administrator inputs the basic information and the type of arrangement of the free table, the recommendation processing unit 40C determines the type of arrangement of the free table FT designated by the administrator, and selects, for example, the central arrangement.

[0152] The seating area selection system 1 maintains the state in which the type of free table FT arrangement (center arrangement) is selected for a predetermined period (e.g., one month). The information acquisition unit 10 measures the usage time and number of people at the free tables FT with a sensor during the predetermined period and acquires this measurement data. The information acquisition unit 10 collects the measurement data during the predetermined period as a behavior history.

[0153] Next, the recommendation processing unit 40C calculates the utilization rate of the centrally located free table FT (e.g., the ratio of usage time within regular working hours) and judges whether the result exceeds a predetermined threshold value RT (e.g., 30% (utilization rate) of usage time within regular working hours). If the utilization rate of the centrally located free table FT exceeds the predetermined threshold value RT, the recommendation processing unit 40C judges that the maintained state is the optimal state, and ends the process without changing the above type in order to maintain this state. On the other hand, if the utilization rate of the centrally located free table FT does not meet the predetermined threshold value RT, the recommendation processing unit 40C selects either “distributed placement” or “placement at the edge” as the type for the next time onwards, and changes the setting (flag state) related to the selection of the free table FT.

[0154] For example, the selection of "distributed" or "edge" may be based on the past selection result of "distributed" or "edge", and the recommendation processing unit 40C may use a selection rule that selects the one that has been selected more frequently. However, without being limited to this, the one that has been selected less frequently or based on other judgment conditions may be used.

[0155] According to this embodiment, the arrangement type of the free table FT can be selected based on the actual usage status (usage rate) of the free table FT, and the arrangement type can be optimized based on the information on the arrangement type and statistical processing of the usage status trends. There is no limitation to the above statistical processing method, and general methods such as principal component analysis may be applied.

[0156] According to any of the above embodiments, the information acquisition unit 10 acquires floor plan information including positional relationship information between the target area TZ used as a free address office and an area for a specific purpose located outside the target area TZ, arrangement information of a plurality of tables arranged within the target area TZ, and schedule information related to the business of the use day declared before the use day of the plurality of tables. The calculation unit 30 calculates the number of tables required for the use day that limits the use mode of the use day from among the plurality of tables based on the schedule information. The recommendation processing unit 40 determines the priority of group arrangement for determining the tables to be used by the first group and the second group in the target area TZ, respectively, based on the schedule information. The recommendation processing unit 40 arranges the area of ​​the first group, which has a higher priority of group arrangement, including the AA area, in the target area TZ, so as to satisfy the number of tables required by the first group. The recommendation processing unit 40 arranges the area of ​​the second group, which has a lower priority than the priority of group arrangement of the first group, in an area other than the area in which the first group is arranged so as to satisfy the number of tables required by the second group. The recommendation processor 40 selects free tables 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 free tables. This allows the seating area selection system 1 to make a desired number of tables available for sharing in a free address office.

[0157] The embodiment of the present invention has been described above, and the seating area selection system 1 has an internal computer system. A series of 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" here includes an OS, etc.

[0158] 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. For example, in the above embodiment, for convenience, the configuration related to the present invention has been described as each function of the seat area selection system 1 being integrated into one device, but each function may also be appropriately distributed across multiple devices.

[0159] (Additional Note) (A) A seating area selection system according to an embodiment of the present invention includes: an information acquisition unit that acquires floor plan information including positional relationship information between a target area used as a free address office and an area for a specific purpose located outside the target area, arrangement information of a plurality of tables arranged within the target area, and schedule information related to the business of the plurality of tables that is declared before the date of use of the tables; a calculation unit that calculates a required number of tables for the use date that limits the use mode of the use date from among the plurality of tables based on the schedule information; determining a group placement priority for determining tables to be used by each of the first group and the second group within the target area based on the schedule information; a first area is arranged in an area relatively close to the specific use area within the target area, and an area of ​​the first group having a higher priority of group arrangement is arranged including the first area so as to satisfy the required number of tables of the first group; placing an area of ​​the second group having a lower priority than the group placement priority of the first group in an area other than the area in which the first group is placed so as to satisfy the required number of tables of the second group; a recommendation processing unit that selects free tables that are permitted to be used 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 of the free tables; It is advisable to have the following: (B) A seat area selection method according to an embodiment includes: The computer of the seating area selection system A step of acquiring floor plan information including positional relationship information between a target area used as a free address office and an area for a specific purpose located outside the target area, arrangement information of a plurality of tables arranged within the target area, and schedule information related to the business of the plurality of tables on the day of use that is declared before the day of use of the tables; calculating a number of tables required for the day of use that limits the usage pattern of the day of use from among the plurality of tables based on the schedule information; determining a group placement priority for determining tables to be used by each of the first group and the second group within the target area based on the schedule information; a first area is arranged in an area relatively close to the specific use area within the target area, and an area of ​​the first group having a higher priority of group arrangement is arranged including the first area so as to satisfy the required number of tables of the first group; placing an area of ​​the second group having a lower priority than the group placement priority of the first group in an area other than the area in which the first group is placed so as to satisfy the required number of tables of the second group; selecting free tables that are permitted to be used 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 in the free tables; It is advisable to include: (C) A program according to an embodiment of the present invention The computer in the seating area selection system A step of acquiring floor plan information including positional relationship information between a target area used as a free address office and an area for a specific purpose located outside the target area, arrangement information of a plurality of tables arranged within the target area, and schedule information related to the business of the plurality of tables on the day of use that is declared before the day of use of the tables; calculating a number of tables required for the day of use that limits the usage pattern of the day of use from among the plurality of tables based on the schedule information; determining a group placement priority for determining tables to be used by each of the first group and the second group within the target area based on the schedule information; a first area is arranged in an area relatively close to the specific use area within the target area, and an area of ​​the first group having a higher priority for group arrangement is arranged including the first area so as to satisfy the required number of tables of the first group; placing an area of ​​the second group having a lower priority than the group placement priority of the first group in an area other than the area in which the first group is placed so as to satisfy the required number of tables of the second group; selecting free tables that are permitted to be used 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 in the free tables; The program may be a program for executing the above. [Explanation of symbols]

[0160] 1 seat area selection system, 10 information acquisition unit, 20 positional relationship / distance information setting unit, 30 calculation unit, 40 recommendation processing unit, 50 output unit, 60 storage unit, 100 analysis processing device, 200, 200M terminal device, 300 worker position information measurement device

Claims

1. an information acquisition unit that stores in a storage unit floor plan information including positional relationship information between a target area used as a free address office and a specific use area located outside the target area and used for a purpose other than the free address use, layout information of a plurality of tables to be arranged within the target area, and schedule information related to the business of the use date of the plurality of tables that is declared before the use date of the plurality of tables; a calculation unit that uses an arithmetic unit to calculate the number of tables in a first table group including tables used exclusively by each group and the number of tables in a second table group including tables shared by each group, based on the number of people in each group involved in the business on the day of use based on the schedule information and the number of seats at each table in the target area; a recommendation processing unit that uses the calculation unit to perform a process of allocating tables to be used exclusively by each group to the first table group using the number of tables in the first table group, and a process of allocating free tables to the second table group using the number of tables in the second table group; an output unit that outputs a result of the calculation processing of the recommendation processing unit to a display unit; Equipped with The calculation unit is involved in the calculation processing of the recommendation processing unit, Allocating a number of seats associated with the tables in the first table group to be equal to or greater than the number of users in each of the groups based on the schedule information, allocating a number of seats associated with the tables in the second table group in excess of the number of users who will use the tables as the free tables based on the schedule information; Seating area selection system.

2. The number of tables required on the day of use includes the number of tables allocated to each group for exclusive use and the number of free tables allocated to each group for shared use. The seating area selection system according to claim 1 .

3. The arrangement method of the free tables can be selected from an arrangement method in which the free tables are arranged together in the center of the target area, an arrangement method in which the free tables are arranged in a dispersed manner within the target area, and an arrangement method in which the free tables are arranged together at an edge of the target area, The calculation unit is involved in the calculation processing of the recommendation processing unit, selecting an arrangement method for the second table group from among the arrangement methods for the free tables, and arranging the second table group at predetermined positions specified by the selected arrangement method; The seating area selection system according to claim 1 .

4. The calculation unit is involved in the calculation processing of the recommendation processing unit, identifying the predetermined position for arranging the second table group according to the selected arrangement method, selecting a predetermined arrangement method different from the selected arrangement method from among the arrangement methods for the free tables, identifying the position for arranging the first table group according to the selected predetermined arrangement method, and correcting the positions of the second table group depending on the results of the arrangement of the first table group and the second table group. The seating area selection system according to claim 3.

5. The calculation unit is involved in the calculation processing of the recommendation processing unit, determining a priority for arranging each of the groups in the first table group based on the schedule information related to a meeting schedule or an outing schedule declared by a member of a first group among the groups and a member of a second group among the groups; The seating area selection system according to claim 1 .

6. A method for calculating a recommendation by the recommendation processing unit, comprising: When a first area, which is an area relatively close to the area for the specific use, is filled, a group having a large amount of inter-group communication is identified from among the unallocated groups and is allocated. The seating area selection system according to claim 1 .

7. The calculation unit is involved in the calculation processing of the recommendation processing unit, arranging the first and second groups among the groups in accordance with the priority order of group arrangement, and then determining a position for arranging the third group, which has a greater amount of inter-group communication, based on the inter-organizational proximity between the first and third groups and the inter-organizational proximity between the second and third groups; The seating area selection system according to claim 1 .

8. The calculation unit is involved in the calculation processing of the recommendation processing unit, selecting an area in which the second table group is to be arranged before arranging an area of ​​the first table group to be used by a first group of the groups and a second group of the groups; The seating area selection system according to claim 1 .

9. The schedule information includes either schedule information related to a meeting schedule for the day of use or schedule information related to going out. The seating area selection system according to claim 1 .

10. The calculation unit is involved in the calculation processing of the recommendation processing unit, disposing the first area for allocating tables of the first table group in an area relatively close to the area for the specific purpose within the target area; The seating area selection system according to claim 6.

11. The calculation unit is involved in the calculation processing of the recommendation processing unit, determining a time period during which the tables of the second table group are to be used based on the schedule information relating to a meeting schedule on the day of use declared by members of a first group of the groups and members of a second group of the groups; The seating area selection system according to claim 1 .

12. The calculation unit is involved in the calculation processing of the recommendation processing unit, based on information of a plan to go out in the afternoon included in the schedule information of the members, a group including the members who will go out in the afternoon of the day corresponding to the schedule information is identified, and the identified group is placed outside a first area which is an area relatively close to the area for the specific purpose; The seating area selection system according to claim 10.

13. The output unit: In response to a request from an external terminal device, a result of the calculation process of the recommendation processing unit is output to the terminal device. A seating area selection system according to any one of claims 1 to 12.

14. The computer of the seating area selection system a step of storing in a storage unit floor plan information including positional relationship information between a target area used as a free address office and a specific use area located outside the target area and used for a purpose other than the free address use, layout information of a plurality of tables to be arranged within the target area, and schedule information relating to the business of the plurality of tables on the day of use that is declared before the day of use of the tables; Calculating the number of tables in a first table group including tables used exclusively by each group and the number of tables in a second table group including tables shared by each group based on the number of people in each group involved in the business on the day of use based on the schedule information and the number of seats at each table in the target area; performing a calculation process including a process of allocating tables to be used exclusively by each of the groups to the first table group using the number of tables in the first table group, and a process of allocating free tables to the second table group using the number of tables in the second table group; outputting the result of the arithmetic processing to a display unit; Including, allocating a number of seats associated with the tables in the first table group to be equal to or greater than the number of users in each of the groups based on the schedule information; allocating a number of seats associated with the tables in the second table group in excess of the number of users who will use the tables as the free tables based on the schedule information; A seating area selection method comprising the steps of:

15. The computer in the seating area selection system a step of storing in a storage unit floor plan information including positional relationship information between a target area used as a free address office and a specific use area located outside the target area and used for a purpose other than the free address use, layout information of a plurality of tables to be arranged within the target area, and schedule information relating to the business of the plurality of tables on the day of use that is declared before the day of use of the tables; Calculating the number of tables in a first table group including tables used exclusively by each group and the number of tables in a second table group including tables shared by each group based on the number of people in each group involved in the business on the day of use based on the schedule information and the number of seats at each table in the target area; performing a calculation process including a process of allocating tables to be used exclusively by each of the groups to the first table group using the number of tables in the first table group, and a process of allocating free tables to the second table group using the number of tables in the second table group; outputting the result of the arithmetic processing to a display unit; Then, allocating a number of seats associated with the tables in the first table group to be equal to or greater than the number of users in each of the groups based on the schedule information; allocating a number of seats associated with the tables in the second table group in excess of the number of users who will use the tables as the free tables based on the schedule information; A program for executing the above.

Images