LAYOUT EVALUATION SYSTEM AND LAYOUT EVALUATION METHOD

Abstract

A layout evaluation system (100) for evaluating the layout of an office (110) comprises a processor, a memory that stores a program executed by the processor, and a first storage device (12) that stores a plurality of derivation formulas used by the processor. When qualitative evaluation criteria are given from outside the layout evaluation system, the processor selects, from among the plurality of derivation formulas stored in the first storage device (12), one or more appropriate derivation formulas that comply with the evaluation criteria, according to the program, and acquires office-specific information to be included in the one or more derivation formulas from the office (110). The processor generates a quantified evaluation threshold value by substituting the acquired office-specific information into the one or more derivation formulas, and uses the generated evaluation threshold value to evaluate whether or not the layout satisfies the evaluation criteria.

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a layout evaluation system and a layout evaluation method for evaluating an office layout. [Background technology]

[0002] Japanese Patent Laid-Open Publication No. 2016-115004 (Patent Document 1) discloses an office planning support system for a facility configured so that a plurality of types of work are respectively performed by each user.

[0003] In the office planning support system described in Patent Document 1, planning requirements for an office plan are generated based on subjective survey data including the results of a subjective survey of users and objective survey data including the results of an objective survey of users' activities. Then, a simulation is performed to simulate the user's behavior based on the office plan generated based on the planning requirements. The validity of the office plan is verified based on the results of the simulation that simulates the user's usage. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] JP 2016-115004 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] In the above-mentioned Patent Document 1, the planning requirements for office planning are generated based on subjective survey data and objective survey data, and no consideration is given to evaluation criteria provided from outside the office planning support system.

[0006] On the other hand, as work styles have become more diverse in recent years, evaluation criteria for office layouts have also become more diverse. For example, work styles that allow employees to freely choose the time and place they work, such as ABW (Activity Based Working) and free addresses, are becoming more widespread. Therefore, evaluation criteria are needed to evaluate whether the target office is compatible with such work styles. However, such evaluation criteria are not quantified or quantitative, so there is a problem in that it is difficult to objectively evaluate whether the target office meets the evaluation criteria.

[0007] The present disclosure has been made to solve such problems, and an object of the present disclosure is to provide a layout evaluation system and a layout evaluation method that can ensure objectivity in the evaluation of office layouts. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] A layout evaluation system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure evaluates an office layout. The layout evaluation system includes a processor, a memory that stores a program executed by the processor, and a first storage device that stores a plurality of derivation formulas used by the processor. When a qualitative evaluation criterion is given from outside the layout evaluation system, the processor selects one or more appropriate derivation formulas from the plurality of derivation formulas stored in the first storage device according to the evaluation criterion in accordance with the program. The processor acquires, from the office, information specific to the office that is included in the one or more derivation formulas. The processor generates a quantified evaluation threshold by substituting the acquired information specific to the office into the one or more derivation formulas. The processor uses the generated evaluation threshold to evaluate whether or not the layout satisfies the evaluation criterion.

[0009] A layout evaluation system according to one embodiment of the present disclosure includes a step of accepting qualitative evaluation criteria, a step of selecting one or more appropriate derivation formulas from a plurality of derivation formulas stored in a first storage device in accordance with the evaluation criteria, a step of acquiring office-specific information from the office that is contained in the one or more selected derivation formulas, a step of generating a quantified evaluation threshold by substituting the acquired office-specific information into the one or more derivation formulas, and a step of evaluating whether the layout satisfies the evaluation criteria using the generated evaluation threshold. Effect of the Invention

[0010] According to the present disclosure, it is possible to provide a layout evaluation system and a layout evaluation method that can ensure the objectivity of the evaluation of an office layout. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0011] [Figure 1] 1 is a diagram for explaining an application example of the layout evaluation system according to the first embodiment; [Diagram 2] FIG. 1 illustrates an example of a hardware configuration of a layout evaluation system. [Diagram 3] 1 is a diagram showing a configuration of a layout evaluation system according to a first embodiment. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of an evaluation criterion DB shown in FIG. 3. [Diagram 5] 2 is a diagram showing an example of a derivation formula DB shown in FIG. 1; FIG. [Figure 6] FIG. 11 is a diagram showing an example of office information acquired from an office information DB. [Figure 7] 4 is a flowchart showing a procedure of evaluation processing by the layout evaluation system according to the first embodiment. [Figure 8] 8 is a flowchart showing the procedure of the process in step S06 of FIG. 7. [Figure 9] FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating an example of an evaluation criterion DB. [Figure 10] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of a derived formula selected from a derived formula DB. [Figure 11] FIG. 11 is a diagram showing an example of office information acquired from an office information DB. [Figure 12] FIG. 11 is a diagram showing a configuration of a layout evaluation system according to a third embodiment. [Figure 13] FIG. 13 is a diagram for explaining an estimation process in a task estimation unit. [Figure 14] 13 is a flowchart showing a procedure of evaluation processing in the layout evaluation system according to the third embodiment. [Figure 15] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing a configuration of a layout evaluation system according to a fourth embodiment. [Figure 16] 13 is a flowchart showing the procedure of an evaluation process performed by the layout evaluation system according to the fourth embodiment. [Figure 17] 17 is a flowchart showing the procedure of the process in step S07 of FIG. 16. [Figure 18] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing a configuration of a layout evaluation system according to a fifth embodiment. [Figure 19] 13 is a flowchart showing a procedure of evaluation processing by the layout evaluation system according to the fifth embodiment. [Figure 20] 20 is a flowchart showing the procedure of the process in step S08 of FIG. 19. [Figure 21] 20 is a flowchart showing the procedure of the process in step S09 of FIG. 19. [Figure 22] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing a configuration of a layout evaluation system according to a sixth embodiment. [Figure 23] 23 is a diagram for explaining the operation of the communication amount estimating unit shown in FIG. 22. FIG. [Figure 24] 20 is a flowchart showing a procedure of evaluation processing in the layout evaluation system according to the sixth embodiment. [Diagram 25] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing a configuration of a layout evaluation system according to a seventh embodiment. [Figure 26] 13 is a flowchart showing a procedure of evaluation processing in the layout evaluation system according to the seventh embodiment. [Figure 27] FIG. 23 is a diagram showing a configuration of a layout evaluation system according to an eighth embodiment. [Figure 28] 28 is a diagram for explaining the operation of the travel route estimation unit shown in FIG. 27. FIG. [Figure 29] 20 is a flowchart showing a procedure of evaluation processing in the layout evaluation system according to the eighth embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0012] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. In the following, the same or corresponding parts in the drawings will be denoted by the same reference characters, and their description will not be repeated in principle.

[0013] Embodiment 1 <Application Examples> FIG. 1 is a diagram for explaining an application example of the layout evaluation system according to the first embodiment.

[0014] The layout evaluation system 100 according to the first embodiment is a system for evaluating the layout of a target office 110. The layout of an office is information indicating the arrangement of work areas in an office building. For example, the layout of an office indicates the arrangement of work areas (desks, chairs, partitions, etc.) provided on each floor of an office building.

[0015] The layout evaluation system 100 exchanges information and data with an office 110 and an evaluation criteria DB 30 via a communication network NW such as the Internet.

[0016] The evaluation criteria DB 30 stores data indicating evaluation criteria for office layouts. The evaluation criteria stored in the evaluation criteria DB 30 include various evaluation criteria set based on the viewpoint of user productivity, such as the selection of a work area by a user and the occurrence of communication between users. However, none of these evaluation criteria are quantified and are not quantitative.

[0017] The layout evaluation system 100 evaluates the layout of the target office 110 based on the evaluation criteria provided from the evaluation criteria DB 30. The evaluation criteria may be changed in response to changes in productivity needs, regardless of the intentions of the user of the layout evaluation system 100. For this reason, the layout evaluation system 100 is required to flexibly respond to changes in the evaluation criteria.

[0018] As described below, the layout evaluation system 100 is configured to generate an evaluation threshold appropriate for evaluating the layout of the target office 110 based on the state of the target office 110 from a qualitative evaluation criterion. In this specification, the "evaluation threshold" is a quantified threshold used for determining whether or not the layout of the target office 110 satisfies the evaluation criterion. The evaluation threshold has a value specific to the target office 110. By using this generated evaluation threshold, the layout evaluation system 100 is able to objectively evaluate the layout of the office 110.

[0019] Furthermore, when the evaluation criteria are changed, the layout evaluation system 100 is configured to generate new evaluation thresholds from the changed evaluation criteria, which enables the layout evaluation system 100 to flexibly respond to changes in productivity needs.

[0020] <Example of hardware configuration for layout evaluation system> Fig. 2 is a diagram showing an example of a hardware configuration of the layout evaluation system 100. As shown in Fig. 2, the layout evaluation system 100 is realized by a device having a function of communicating with external devices including an office 110 and a calculation function. The layout evaluation system 100 can be realized by, for example, a general server.

[0021] The layout evaluation system 100 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 1, a RAM (Random Access Memory) 2, a ROM (Read Only Memory) 3, an I / F (Interface) device 4, and a storage device 5. The CPU 1, the RAM 2, the ROM 3, the I / F device 4, and the storage device 5 exchange various data through a communication bus 6.

[0022] The CPU 1 loads a program stored in the ROM 3 into the RAM 2 and executes it. The program stored in the ROM 3 describes processes to be executed by the layout evaluation system 100. Although the configuration in Fig. 2 shows a single CPU 1, the layout evaluation system 100 may have a configuration including multiple CPUs.

[0023] The I / F device 4 is an input / output device for exchanging signals and data with the office 110 and the evaluation criteria DB 30. The I / F device 4 receives various information indicating the state of the office 110 from the office 110. In addition, the I / F device 4 receives evaluation criteria from the evaluation criteria DB 30.

[0024] The storage device 5 is a storage for storing various information, and stores various information for evaluating the layout of the target office 110. The various information includes a derivation formula used to generate an evaluation threshold value.

[0025] <Layout evaluation system operation> Next, the operation of the layout evaluating system 100 according to the first embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS.

[0026] 3 is a diagram showing a configuration of the layout evaluation system 100 according to the embodiment 1. The layout evaluation system 100 evaluates the layout of an office 110 as a target.

[0027] As shown in FIG. 3, the office 110 includes an entrance / exit management device 40 and an office information DB 42. The entrance / exit management device 40 is a device for managing the entrance and exit of employees (hereinafter also referred to as "users") to each work area of ​​the office 110. The entrance / exit management device 40 is installed in the office 110. The entrance / exit management device 40 includes a card reader provided near the entrance / exit of each work area. A user has an ID card that can identify the individual, and can unlock the door and enter the work area by having the card reader provided near the entrance read the ID card. In addition, the user can unlock the door and leave the work area by having the card reader provided near the exit read the ID card. The entrance / exit management device 40 generates log information based on the information of the ID card read by each card reader.

[0028] The office information DB 42 stores information about the office 110 (hereinafter also referred to as "office information"). The office information DB 42 may be installed inside the office 110 or outside the office 110. The office information includes information about the building, such as information about the structure of the office 110 and information about the layout, such as a map of each floor of the office 110, and information about users, such as the number of users working in the office 110 and information about the work of each user (working hours, work content, etc.).

[0029] The entrance / exit management device 40 and the office information DB 42 are configured to be able to communicate with the layout evaluation system 100. The entrance / exit management device 40 generates log information in which the entry and exit of users to and from each work area is recorded, and transmits the log information to the layout evaluation system 100. The office information DB 42 transmits office information to the layout evaluation system 100.

[0030] In the layout evaluation system 100, the log information and the office information are used to estimate the user's behavior (e.g., the user's movement path and the user's position information, etc.) in the office 110. The office information is further used to generate an evaluation threshold.

[0031] In an office, each user usually works in a preset work area. In order to increase the productivity of each user, the office is required to provide an appropriate work area for each type of work and to allow users to freely select a work area according to the type of work. In addition, the office is expected to support interaction between users by generating communication between users when they move to their work areas.

[0032] However, there are no quantitative evaluation criteria for whether users can select a work area according to the work content and whether communication between users occurs appropriately. In addition, the number of work areas that users can select and the ease of communication between users depend on conditions unique to each office, such as the office layout, the number of users, and the work content of each user, so it is not easy to set quantitative evaluation criteria that are common to multiple offices. Therefore, there is a concern that the evaluation will be based solely on the subjective judgment of each user in the target office, and an objective evaluation will not be possible.

[0033] In the first embodiment, as described below, a mechanism is provided for objectively evaluating whether "each user moves between work areas depending on the content of their work" in the target office 110.

[0034] 3, the layout evaluation system 100 includes an evaluation threshold generation unit 10, a derived formula DB 12, a movement path estimation unit 14, a stay area determination unit 16, an activity estimation unit 18, an area-specific usage analysis unit 20, and a layout evaluation unit 22. These components are realized, for example, by a processing circuit. The processing circuit may be dedicated hardware, or may be a CPU 1 that executes a program stored in the ROM 3 of the layout evaluation system 100. When the processing circuit is dedicated hardware, the processing circuit is configured, for example, by an FPGA, an ASIC, or a combination of these.

[0035] The evaluation threshold generating unit 10 is configured to be able to communicate with the evaluation criterion DB 30 and the office information DB 42. The evaluation criterion DB 30 stores data indicating evaluation criteria for the layout of the office. FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of the evaluation criterion DB 30 shown in FIG. 3. In the example of FIG. 4, the evaluation criterion "moving to a work area for each task and working there" is stored in the evaluation criterion DB 30.

[0036] 3, when the evaluation threshold generation unit 10 is provided with an evaluation criterion from the evaluation criterion DB 30, it accesses the derivation formula DB 12 and the office information DB 42 to obtain information required to generate an evaluation threshold from the qualitative evaluation criterion. As described above, the evaluation threshold is a quantified threshold used to determine whether or not the layout of the target office 110 satisfies the evaluation criterion provided from the evaluation criterion DB 30.

[0037] The derivation formula DB12 stores derivation formulas used to generate evaluation thresholds. The derivation formula DB12 corresponds to one embodiment of the "first storage device." Fig. 5 is a diagram showing an example of the derivation formula DB12 shown in Fig. 1. As shown in Fig. 5, the derivation formula DB12 stores derivation formulas (1) to (3).

[0038] Derivation formulas (1) to (3) are mathematical formulas for calculating an expected value of the number of times that one user changes the work area during business hours in the office 110. This expected value corresponds to a desired number of times that the user changes the work area in order to realize moving to a work area for each task.

[0039] The evaluation threshold generation unit 10 selects derivation formulas (1) to (3) from the derivation formula DB 12 to derive an evaluation threshold corresponding to the evaluation criterion of "moving to a work area for each work content and working there". The evaluation threshold generation unit 10 further acquires office information required to generate an evaluation threshold from the office information DB 42. Fig. 6 is a diagram showing an example of office information acquired from the office information DB 42.

[0040] 6, the office information includes task information related to general user tasks in the office 110. In this task information, tasks performed within a given task time H are associated with the proportion of time each task takes up within the task time H.

[0041] Specifically, the work contents are classified into three categories: communication-related work A1, in which users communicate with each other; relaxation-related work A2, in which users relax and come up with ideas; and concentration-related work A3, in which users concentrate. During a task time H (H=5 hours), the time ratio of these three work categories is A1:A2:A3=40%:20%:40%.

[0042] The evaluation threshold generating unit 10 generates an evaluation threshold using the derivation formulas (1) to (3) (see FIG. 5) selected from the derivation formula DB 12 and the task information (see FIG. 6) acquired from the office information DB 42.

[0043] Specifically, first, the number of frames for each task A1, A2, and A3 is calculated using formula (1). Note that one frame is equivalent to one hour. If task time H is 5 hours, the total number of frames within task time H is 5.

[0044] The time ratio of task A1 is 40%, so the number of frames for task A1 is K A1 Then, 1≦K A1 ≦2. The time ratio of task A2 is 20%, so the number of frames of task A2 is K A2 Then, 1≦K A2 ≦1. The time ratio of task A3 is 40%, so the number of frames of task A3 is K A3 Then, 1≦K A3 <= 2.

[0045] Next, using derivation formula (2), the arrangement of the five pieces when the work area is moved due to a change in the work content is found. If the arrangement of the five pieces when the work area is moved once is P0, then P0 = 0 [ways]. If the arrangement when the work area is moved twice is P2, then P2 = 3! = 6 [ways]. If the arrangement when the work area is moved three times is P3, then P3 = 4! / 2! = 12 [ways]. If the arrangement when the work area is moved four times is P4, then P4 = 5! / (2! x 1! x 2!) - P3 - P2 - P1 = 12 [ways].

[0046] Next, using derivation formula (3), the expected value α of the number of times the work area is changed during task time H is found. In the example of FIG. 5, derivation formula (3) is configured to derive the average value of the number of times the work area is changed during task time H as the expected value α of the number of changes. The above-mentioned arrays P4, P3, P2, P1 and the number of changes n (n=4, 3, 2, 1) of each array are substituted into the right-hand side of derivation formula (3). As a result, the expected value α is derived as (4×12+3×12+2×6+1×0) / (12+12+6+0)=3.2 [times].

[0047] This expected value α is derived based on the user's task information (task hours, task content, and time ratio of each task content) in the office 110, and is the desired number of times that a user changes the task area during task hours. The expected value α corresponds to an evaluation threshold for evaluating whether the layout of the office 110 satisfies the evaluation criterion that "the user moves to a task area for each task and performs the task." Note that the above-mentioned derivation formulas (1) to (3) are merely examples of derivation formulas for deriving the evaluation threshold, and other derivation formulas may be used.

[0048] In this way, the evaluation threshold generation unit 10 is configured to select a derivation formula and office information that is information specific to the office 110 from the qualitative evaluation criteria provided from the evaluation criteria DB 30, and generate a quantified evaluation threshold using the selected derivation formula and office information. Therefore, the generated evaluation threshold has a value that reflects the office information and is specific to the office 110. By using this evaluation threshold, it becomes possible to objectively evaluate whether the layout of the office 110 satisfies the evaluation criteria.

[0049] 3, the movement path estimation unit 14 estimates the movement path of each user in the office 110 based on the log information acquired from the entrance / exit management device 40 and the office information acquired from the office information DB 42. Specifically, the movement path estimation unit 14 estimates the movement path of each user in the office 110 based on the time information of entry and exit of each user to and from a work area, which is included in the log information, and the floor map, which is included in the office information.

[0050] The stay area determination unit 16 determines the work area in which each user stayed, based on the movement route of each user estimated by the movement route estimation unit 14 and the office information. When the movement route of one user includes at least one work area on the floor map, the stay area determination unit 16 determines that the user stayed in the at least one work area.

[0051] The task estimation unit 18 estimates the content of the task performed by each user based on the task area in which each user stayed, as determined by the stay area determination unit 16, and the time each user stayed in the task area. For example, when the task area in which one user stayed includes a concentration area, which is a task area provided for concentration-based tasks, the task estimation unit 18 estimates the task content of the user based on the length of time the user stayed in the concentration area. Specifically, when the length of the stay time exceeds a predetermined threshold time, the task estimation unit 18 estimates that the user stayed in the concentration area and performed concentration-based tasks. On the other hand, when the length of the stay time is less than the threshold time, the task estimation unit 18 estimates that the user merely passed through the concentration area and did not work in the concentration area.

[0052] The area-specific usage analysis unit 20 analyzes the usage of each work area based on the work content of each user estimated by the work estimation unit 18. Specifically, the area-specific usage analysis unit 20 analyzes, for each work area, the number of users using the work area during each time period during business hours, and the usage time of each user. The area-specific usage analysis unit 20 further analyzes the number of times each user moves between work areas based on the transition of each user's work content.

[0053] The layout evaluation unit 22 evaluates the layout of the office 110 using the evaluation threshold generated by the evaluation threshold generation unit 10. In the first embodiment, the layout evaluation unit 22 compares the expected value α of the number of times the work area is changed during task time H, which is the evaluation threshold, with the actual value of the number of times the work area is moved during task time H. For example, the actual value of the number of times the work area is moved may be a representative value of the number of times the work area is moved by a plurality of users. The representative value may be the average value, the mode, the median, or the like of the number of times the work area is changed by a plurality of users.

[0054] If the actual value of the number of movements is smaller than the expected value α, the layout evaluation unit 22 determines that the layout of the office 110 does not satisfy the evaluation criterion that "work is carried out by moving to a work area for each task." On the other hand, if the actual value of the number of movements is equal to or greater than the expected value α, the layout evaluation unit 22 determines that the layout of the office 110 satisfies the evaluation criterion that "work is carried out by moving to a work area for each task." The layout evaluation unit 22 outputs the evaluation result via the I / F device 4 (see FIG. 2). A user of the layout evaluation system 100 can receive the evaluation result.

[0055] <Processing flow> Fig. 7 is a flowchart showing the procedure of the evaluation process by the layout evaluation system 100. As shown in Fig. 7, first, the layout evaluation system 100 acquires log information of entry and exit to each work area in the office 110 from the target office 110 (step S01). The log information includes time information of entry and exit to the work area of ​​each user.

[0056] Next, the layout evaluation system 100 estimates the movement route of each user within the office 110 from the acquired log information and the office information acquired from the office 110 (step S02). The office information includes a floor map of the office 110.

[0057] Next, the layout evaluation system 100 determines the work area in which each user stayed, based on the estimated movement route of each user and the office information (step S03).

[0058] Next, the layout evaluation system 100 estimates the work content of each user based on the work area where each user stayed and the time each user stayed in the work area (step S04). The layout evaluation system 100 estimates the work content of the user based on the purpose of the work area and the length of time the user stayed in the work area.

[0059] Next, the layout evaluation system 100 analyzes the usage status of each work area based on the estimated work content of each user (step S05). In the first embodiment, in S05, the layout evaluation system 100 analyzes the number of times each user moves to the work area.

[0060] Next, layout evaluation system 100 evaluates the layout of office 110 based on the analysis results of the usage status of each work area (step S06). FIG 8 is a flowchart showing the procedure of the process of step S06 in FIG.

[0061] 8, first, the layout evaluation system 100 acquires an evaluation criterion from the evaluation criterion DB 30 (step S10). In the first embodiment, the evaluation criterion that "the worker moves to a work area for each task and performs the task" is acquired.

[0062] Next, the layout evaluation system 100 selects a derivation formula required for deriving an evaluation threshold value corresponding to the acquired evaluation criterion from the derivation formula DB 12 (step S11). In the first embodiment, the derivation formulas (1) to (3) (see FIG. 5) for deriving an evaluation threshold value corresponding to the evaluation criterion "moving to a work area for each work content and performing the work" are selected.

[0063] Next, the layout evaluation system 100 acquires office information necessary for generating evaluation thresholds from the office information DB 42 (step S12). In S12, the office information (see FIG. 6) to be substituted into the selected derivation formulas (1) to (3) is acquired.

[0064] Next, the layout evaluation system 100 generates an evaluation threshold by substituting the acquired office information into the derivation formula (step S13). In the first embodiment, an expected value α of the number of times the work area is changed during business hours is derived as the evaluation threshold.

[0065] Finally, the layout evaluation system 100 evaluates the layout of the office 110 using the generated evaluation threshold. In the first embodiment, the layout evaluation system 100 compares the expected value α of the number of times work area changes during working hours, which is the evaluation threshold, with the actual number of times work area movements during working hours. Based on the comparison result, the layout evaluation system 100 evaluates whether or not the layout of the office 110 satisfies the evaluation criterion that "work is performed by moving to a work area for each task."

[0066] As described above, the layout evaluation system 100 according to the first embodiment is configured to select a derivation formula and office information that is information specific to the office 110 from the qualitative evaluation criteria provided from the evaluation criteria DB 30, and generate a quantified evaluation threshold using the selected derivation formula and office information. The generated evaluation threshold has a value specific to the office 110 that reflects the office information. By using this evaluation threshold, it becomes possible to objectively evaluate whether or not the layout of the office 110 satisfies the evaluation criteria.

[0067] Embodiment 2 In the second embodiment, an evaluation process in the layout evaluation system 100 when the evaluation criterion provided from the evaluation criterion DB 30 is changed will be described.

[0068] Fig. 9 is a diagram showing an example of the evaluation criteria DB 30. In the example of Fig. 9, the evaluation criteria "moving to and working in a work area appropriate for each work content" is stored in the evaluation criteria DB 30. This evaluation criteria differs from the evaluation criteria shown in Fig. 3 in that suitability of the work area is added.

[0069] When the evaluation criterion provided from the evaluation criterion DB 30 is changed, the evaluation threshold generation unit 10 again accesses the derivation formula DB 12 and the office information DB 42 to obtain information required to generate an evaluation threshold from the qualitative evaluation criterion. Fig. 10 is a diagram showing an example of a derivation formula selected from the derivation formula DB 12. As shown in Fig. 10, the derivation formula DB 12 stores derivation formulas (1) to (5).

[0070] Derived formulas (1) to (5) are formulas for calculating an expected value of the number of times that one user changes the work area depending on the work content during business hours H in the office 110. This expected value corresponds to the number of times that the user is desired to change the work area in order to move to an appropriate work area for each work content.

[0071] The evaluation threshold generation unit 10 selects the derived formulas (1) to (5) from the derived formula DB 12 in order to derive an evaluation threshold corresponding to the evaluation criterion of "moving to and working in a work area appropriate for each work content". The derived formulas (1) to (3) are the same as the derived formulas (1) to (3) shown in Fig. 5. The derived formulas (4) and (5) were newly selected in response to a change in the evaluation criterion.

[0072] The evaluation threshold generation unit 10 further acquires office information necessary for generating an evaluation threshold from the office information DB 42. Fig. 11 is a diagram showing an example of office information acquired from the office information DB 42. The office information shown in Fig. 11 differs from the office information shown in Fig. 6 in that area information and user information are added.

[0073] The area information is information about each work area of ​​the office 110. The area information includes information about the total number of seats in the office 110, and the number of work areas for each work type and the total number of seats. Specifically, the total number of seats S in the office 110 is 25 seats. The work areas include a communication area which is a work area for communication-related work A1, a relaxation area which is a work area for relaxation-related work A2, and a concentration area which is a work area for concentration-related work A3. There are three communication areas in the office 110, and the total number of seats S2 is 10 seats. There are four relaxation areas in the office 110, and the total number of seats S3 is 5 seats. There are three concentration areas in the office 110, and the total number of seats S1 is 10 seats.

[0074] The user information includes information regarding the number N of employees (number of users) working in the office 110 .

[0075] The evaluation threshold generating unit 10 generates evaluation thresholds using the derivation formulas (1) to (5) (see FIG. 10) selected from the derivation formula DB 12 and the office information (see FIG. 11) acquired from the office information DB 42.

[0076] Specifically, first, using the derivation formulas (1) to (3), an expected value α of the number of times the work area is changed during task time H is calculated based on task information. As described in Fig. 5, the derivation formula (3) is configured to derive the average value of the number of times the work area is changed during task time H as the expected value α of the number of changes. From the office information shown in Fig. 11, the expected value α = 3.2 [times] is derived.

[0077] Next, using the derived formula (4), we calculate the probability that all the seats in a certain work area are filled. n The probability that the seat is filled is Q Sn Then, Q Sn is the total number of combinations in which all users use all the seats in the office 110 S C N For work area A nTotal number of combinations where users use seats in work areas other than S-Sn C N-Sn It can be calculated as a ratio of S-Sn C N-Sn When the seats in work area An are filled, n This represents the total number of combinations in which the remaining users can use the seats in the work area other than ....

[0078] Next, using the derived formula (5), the expected value β of the number of times the work area is changed depending on the work content during the task time H is found. The derived formula (5) is configured to derive the expected value β of the number of changes by multiplying the expected value α by the probability that the seats in each work area are not filled. The right-hand side of the derived formula (5) contains the above-mentioned expected value α, the probability Q that the seats in the work area A1 are filled, S1 , the probability that the seats in work area A2 are filled Q S2 , and the probability that the seats in work area A3 are filled Q S3 is substituted. This results in the expected value β being β=α{1-(Q S1 +Q S2 +Q S3 )}=3.0[times] is derived.

[0079] This expected value β is derived based on the area information (total number of seats in each work area) in the office 110, the number of users, and the user's work information (work hours, work content, and time ratio of each work content) and is the number of suitable work area changes required for one user during work hours. The expected value β corresponds to an evaluation threshold for evaluating whether the layout of the office 110 satisfies the evaluation criterion that "the user moves to a work area suitable for each work content and works there." Note that the above-mentioned derivation formulas (1) to (5) are merely examples of derivation formulas for deriving the evaluation threshold, and other derivation formulas may be used.

[0080] In this way, when the evaluation criteria provided from the evaluation criteria DB 30 are changed, the evaluation threshold generation unit 10 is configured to newly select the derivation formula and the office information that is information specific to the office 110, and regenerate the evaluation threshold using the selected derivation formula and office information. Therefore, the evaluation threshold is also changed according to the change in the evaluation criteria. By using this changed evaluation threshold, it becomes possible to objectively evaluate whether or not the layout of the office 110 satisfies the changed evaluation criteria.

[0081] The layout evaluation unit 22 evaluates the layout of the office 110 using the evaluation threshold newly generated by the evaluation threshold generation unit 10. In the second embodiment, the layout evaluation unit 22 compares the expected value β of the number of times the work area is changed depending on the work content during task time H, which is the evaluation threshold, with the actual value of the number of times the work area is moved during task time H. For example, the actual value of the number of times the work area is moved may be a representative value of the number of times the work area is moved by a plurality of users. The representative value may be the average value, the mode, the median, or the like of the number of times the work area is moved by a plurality of users.

[0082] If the actual value of the number of movements is smaller than the expected value β, the layout evaluation unit 22 determines that the layout of the office 110 does not satisfy the evaluation criterion that "workers move to a work area appropriate for each task and work there." On the other hand, if the actual value of the number of movements is equal to or greater than the expected value β, the layout evaluation unit 22 determines that the layout of the office 110 satisfies the evaluation criterion that "workers move to a work area appropriate for each task and work there." The layout evaluation unit 22 outputs the evaluation result via the I / F device 4 (see FIG. 2). A user of the layout evaluation system 100 can receive the evaluation result.

[0083] As described above, the layout evaluation system 100 according to the second embodiment is configured to select a new derivation formula and office information that is information specific to the office 110, and regenerate the evaluation threshold value using the selected derivation formula and office information, when the evaluation criteria provided from the evaluation criteria DB 30 are changed. Therefore, even when the evaluation criteria are changed in response to changes in productivity needs, the layout evaluation system 100 can flexibly respond to the change in the evaluation criteria.

[0084] Embodiment 3 In the third embodiment, a method for evaluating whether each work area of ​​the office 110 is being used according to its purpose will be described. This evaluation requires an appropriate estimation of the work content of each user. In the third embodiment, as described below, the work content of each user is estimated using preregistered schedule information.

[0085] 12 is a diagram showing a configuration of a layout evaluation system 100 according to embodiment 3. The configuration of the layout evaluation system 100 according to embodiment 3 is basically the same as the configuration of the layout evaluation system 100 according to embodiment 1 shown in FIG.

[0086] 12, the office 110 further includes a schedule DB 44. The schedule DB 44 stores schedule information that is a work plan of each user. In the layout evaluation system 100 according to the third embodiment, the work estimation unit 18 is configured to estimate the content of the work performed by each user based on the schedule information acquired from the schedule DB 44 and the stay area determination result by the stay area determination unit 16.

[0087] FIG. 13 is a diagram for explaining the estimation process in the work estimation unit 18. FIG. 13 shows schedule information for one day of one user (employee A) acquired from the schedule DB 44, and the result of determining the work area in which employee A stayed on that day. The schedule information includes information on the work content for each time period registered in advance. The stay area determination result is determined by the stay area determination unit 16 from employee A's movement route on that day and office information (floor map, etc.). The stay area determination result includes information on the work area in which employee A stayed and the time period in which he stayed in the work area.

[0088] For example, in the schedule information, a "meeting" is registered for the time period from 9:00 to 10:00. In the result of the stay area determination, the stay area for the same time period is a "conference room," which is a communication area. In this case, the work estimation unit 18 estimates that the work content of employee A during the time period from 9:00 to 10:00 is a communication work in which users communicate with each other.

[0089] In addition, in the schedule information, a "meeting" is registered for the time period from 14:00 to 15:00. In the result of the staying area determination, the staying area for the same time period is the "cafe space", which is a relaxation area. In this case, the work estimation unit 18 estimates that the work content of employee A during the time period from 14:00 to 15:00 is a relaxing work such as coming up with ideas, which is performed in a relaxed state.

[0090] The activity estimation unit 18 estimates the activity content for each user during each time period of working hours based on the schedule information and the stay area determination result, using the method described above.

[0091] The area-specific usage analysis unit 20 analyzes the usage of each work area based on the work content of each user estimated by the work estimation unit 18. As described above, the area-specific usage analysis unit 20 analyzes, for each work area, the number of users using the work area during each time period during business hours, the usage time of each user, etc. The area-specific usage analysis unit 20 further analyzes the purpose of use of each user's work area from the estimation result of each user's work content.

[0092] The layout evaluation unit 22 evaluates whether each work area is being used in accordance with its purpose based on the analysis results by the area-specific usage analysis unit 20. In the example of Fig. 13, the "conference room" which is a communication area is used for communication-related work, and the "cafe space" which is a relaxation area is used for relaxation-related work. Therefore, the layout evaluation unit 22 evaluates that each of the communication area and the relaxation area is being used in accordance with its purpose.

[0093] Fig. 14 is a flowchart showing the procedure of the evaluation process in the layout evaluation system 100 according to the embodiment 3. The layout evaluation system 100 according to the embodiment 3 executes the same processes of S01 to S06 as those in Fig. 7. The flowchart shown in Fig. 14 shows the procedure of the process of step S04.

[0094] As shown in FIG. 14, first, the layout evaluation system 100 acquires the time each user stayed in the work area from the determination result of the work area in which each user stayed (step S20).

[0095] Next, the layout evaluation system 100 determines whether or not the user performed work in the staying area based on the acquired length of stay time (step S21). In S21, if the length of stay time exceeds the threshold time, the layout evaluation system 100 determines that the user performed work in the staying area. On the other hand, if the length of stay time is less than the threshold time, the layout evaluation system 100 determines that the user merely passed through the staying area and did not perform work in the staying area.

[0096] Next, the layout evaluation system 100 acquires schedule information of each user from the schedule DB 44 of the office 110 (step S22). As shown in FIG. 13, the schedule DB 44 registers work contents for each time period during business hours for each user.

[0097] Next, the layout evaluation system 100 estimates the work content of the user based on the work area where the user stayed, the time period during which the user stayed in the work area, and the user's schedule (step S23).

[0098] Once the work content of each user has been estimated, the layout evaluation system 100 analyzes the usage status of each work area based on the estimated work content of each user in S05, the same as in Fig. 7. In the third embodiment, the layout evaluation system 100 analyzes the purpose for which the user used each work area. Then, in S06, the same as in Fig. 7, the layout evaluation system 100 evaluates the layout of the office 110 based on the analysis result of the usage status of each work area. For each work area, the layout evaluation system 100 compares the analysis result of the user's purpose of use with the original purpose of use of the work area to evaluate whether the work area is being used in accordance with that purpose.

[0099] As described above, the layout evaluation system 100 according to the third embodiment makes it possible to estimate the work content of each user in the work area from the determination result of the stay area of ​​each user and the schedule information by using the schedule information of each user registered in advance in the target office 110. This makes it possible to specify the work content of each user, and therefore to evaluate whether the work area is being used in accordance with its purpose.

[0100] Embodiment 4 In the fourth embodiment, an evaluation process in the layout evaluation system 100 when an evaluation criterion that "communication between users occurs appropriately in each work area" is given will be described.

[0101] Fig. 15 is a diagram showing a configuration of a layout evaluation system 100 according to embodiment 4. The layout evaluation system 100 according to embodiment 4 differs from the layout evaluation system 100 according to embodiment 1 shown in Fig. 3 in that the layout evaluation system 100 according to embodiment 4 includes a communication occurrence rate DB 24 and a communication amount estimation unit 26.

[0102] The communication occurrence rate DB24 stores the communication occurrence rate in each work area. In this specification, the "communication occurrence rate in a work area" is expressed as the number of times communications between users occur per unit time (e.g., one hour) in the work area. The communication occurrence rate DB24 corresponds to one embodiment of the "second storage device."

[0103] The communication occurrence rate in a work area varies depending on the number of users staying in the work area. Specifically, the communication occurrence rate in the work area increases as the number of users staying in the work area increases. For example, the communication occurrence rate in a communication area is 2.0 [times / h] when there are two users, 5.5 [times / h] when there are three users, and 10.0 [times / h] when there are four users.

[0104] The communication occurrence rate in a work area also differs depending on the purpose of the work area. The communication occurrence rate in a work area where concentrated work such as document creation is performed is relatively lower than the communication occurrence rate in a communication area. For example, the communication occurrence rate in a concentrated area is 0.007 [times / h] when there are two users, 0.01 [times / h] when there are three users, and 0.013 [times / h] when there are four users.

[0105] The relationship between the number of users staying in each work area and the communication occurrence rate described above can be obtained in advance by experiment or simulation.

[0106] The evaluation threshold generating unit 10 is provided with an evaluation criterion from the evaluation criterion DB 30. In the fourth embodiment, it is assumed that the evaluation threshold generating unit 10 provides the evaluation criterion that "communication between users occurs appropriately in each work area" from the evaluation criterion DB 30.

[0107] When the evaluation criterion is given from the evaluation criterion DB 30, the evaluation threshold generation unit 10 accesses the derivation formula DB 12, the office information DB 42, and the communication occurrence rate DB 24 to obtain information required to generate an evaluation threshold from the evaluation criterion. Specifically, the evaluation threshold generation unit 10 selects a derivation formula from the derivation formula DB 12 in order to derive an evaluation threshold corresponding to the evaluation criterion that "communication between users occurs appropriately in each work area." The evaluation threshold generation unit 10 further obtains office information required to generate the evaluation threshold from the office information DB 42, and obtains information on the communication occurrence rate of each work area from the communication occurrence rate DB 24. The office information includes information on the area, number of seats, and seat arrangement of each work area in the office 110.

[0108] The evaluation threshold generation unit 10 generates an evaluation threshold using a derivation formula selected from the derivation formula DB 12, office information acquired from the office information DB 42, and the communication occurrence rate of each work area acquired from the communication occurrence rate DB 24. Specifically, the evaluation threshold generation unit 10 derives an expected value of the amount of communication occurring in each work area as the evaluation threshold. The expected value of the amount of communication can be derived taking into consideration the area, number of seats, seat arrangement, etc. of each work area.

[0109] The communication amount estimation unit 26 estimates the amount of communication that has occurred in each work area based on the determination result of each user's stay area by the stay area determination unit 16, the estimation result of each user's work content by the work estimation unit 18, and the communication occurrence rate of each work area.

[0110] Specifically, the communication amount estimation unit 26 determines the number of users who worked in one work area during the same time period, based on the time period during which each user stayed in the work area and the work content of each user in the work area.The communication amount estimation unit 26 then estimates the communication amount that occurred in the time period based on the number of users by referring to the relationship between the communication occurrence rate and the number of users in the work area, which is acquired from the communication occurrence rate DB 24.

[0111] For example, if it is determined that four people were working in the communication area during the time period from 13:00 to 15:00 based on the determination result by the stay area determination unit 16 and the estimation result by the work estimation unit 18, the amount of communication that occurred during that time period is estimated to be 10.0 x 2 = 20.0 [times].

[0112] The layout evaluation unit 22 evaluates the layout of the office 110 by using the evaluation threshold generated by the evaluation threshold generation unit 10. In the fourth embodiment, the layout evaluation unit 22 compares the expected value of the amount of communication occurring in each work area, which is the evaluation threshold, with the estimated value of the amount of communication occurring in each work area obtained by the communication amount estimation unit 26.

[0113] If the estimated value of the communication amount in each work area is smaller than the expected value of the communication amount, the layout evaluation unit 22 determines that the layout of the office 110 does not satisfy the evaluation criterion that "communication between users occurs appropriately in each work area." On the other hand, if the estimated value of the communication amount in each work area is equal to or larger than the expected value of the communication amount, the layout evaluation unit 22 determines that the layout of the office 110 satisfies the evaluation criterion that "communication between users occurs appropriately in each work area." The layout evaluation unit 22 outputs the evaluation result via the I / F device 4 (see FIG. 2). A user of the layout evaluation system 100 can receive the evaluation result.

[0114] <Processing flow> 16 is a flowchart showing the procedure of the evaluation process by the layout evaluation system 100 according to the embodiment 4. The flowchart shown in Fig. 16 is obtained by adding the process of step S07 to the flowchart shown in Fig. 7.

[0115] 7, the layout evaluation system 100 analyzes the usage status of each work area in the office 110. The layout evaluation system 100 analyzes, for each work area, the number of users using the area during each time period during business hours, the usage time of each user, and the like.

[0116] Next, the layout evaluation system 100 estimates the amount of communication that occurred in each work area (step S07). Fig. 17 is a flowchart showing the procedure of the process of step S07 in Fig. 16. As shown in Fig. 17, first, the layout evaluation system 100 acquires the estimated results of the communication occurrence rate, the stay time of each user, and the work content of each user for each work area (step S30).

[0117] Next, the layout evaluation system 100 estimates the amount of communication that occurred in the work area in each time period based on the acquired information (step S31). In S31, the layout evaluation system 100 estimates the amount of communication that occurred in the time period based on the number of users who stayed in the work area in the same time period by referring to the relationship between the communication occurrence rate and the number of users in each work area.

[0118] 16, the layout evaluation system 100 evaluates the layout of the office 110 based on an evaluation threshold and an estimated value of the communication volume in each work area. In the fourth embodiment, the layout evaluation system 100 compares the expected value of the communication volume in each work area, which is the evaluation threshold, with the estimated value of the communication volume in each work area. Based on the comparison result, the layout evaluation system 100 evaluates whether or not the layout of the office 110 satisfies the evaluation criterion that "communication between users occurs appropriately in each work area."

[0119] As described above, the layout evaluation system 100 according to the fourth embodiment is configured to preset a communication occurrence rate in each work area, and to generate an evaluation threshold value and estimate the amount of communication that has occurred in each work area using this communication occurrence rate. This makes it possible to objectively evaluate whether or not the layout of the office 110 satisfies the evaluation criterion that "communication between users occurs appropriately in each work area."

[0120] Embodiment 5. In the fifth embodiment, an evaluation process in the layout evaluation system 100 will be described when an evaluation criterion that "communication occurs appropriately when users meet each other" is given.

[0121] Fig. 18 is a diagram showing a configuration of a layout evaluation system 100 according to embodiment 5. The layout evaluation system 100 according to embodiment 5 differs from the layout evaluation system 100 according to embodiment 4 shown in Fig. 15 in that the layout evaluation system 100 according to embodiment 5 includes an encounter determination unit 28.

[0122] The encounter determination unit 28 is configured to determine an encounter between users in the office 110, based on the movement path of each user in the office 110 estimated by the movement path estimation unit 14. Specifically, the encounter determination unit 28 determines an encounter between users when the users are moving in the office 110 to change their work areas.

[0123] For example, when the moving path of user A moving between two work areas intersects with the moving path of user B moving between two work areas at the same time, the encounter determination unit 28 determines that an encounter has occurred between user A and user B. In this case, the encounter determination unit 28 counts the number of encounters during user A's movement as one person.

[0124] Alternatively, when the moving route of user A intersects with the moving route of user B and the moving route of user C at the same time, the encounter determination unit 28 counts the number of encounters during the movement of user A as 2. In this way, the encounter determination unit 28 counts the number of times that the moving route of user A intersects with the moving route of other users as the number of encounters of user A.

[0125] The communication amount estimation unit 26 estimates the amount of communication at the time of encounter using the determination result by the encounter determination unit 28. Specifically, the communication amount estimation unit 26 acquires the communication occurrence rate at the time of encounter from the communication occurrence rate DB 24. In this specification, the "communication occurrence rate at the time of encounter" is represented by the number of times communication occurs between users when they encounter each other.

[0126] The communication occurrence rate during an encounter can be set according to the number of people who meet and the time spent in the encounter. For example, if the number of people who meet is one, and the time spent in the encounter is equal to or longer than a first threshold time (e.g., two minutes), it is determined that communication occurred during the encounter, and the communication occurrence rate is set to 1.

[0127] In the case where the number of encounters is two, if the time required for the encounter is equal to or greater than the first threshold time (2 minutes) and less than the second threshold time (e.g., 5 minutes), it is determined that communication occurred with one of the two people but not with the other, and the communication occurrence rate is set to 1. If the time required for the encounter is equal to or greater than the second threshold time (5 minutes), it is determined that communication occurred with both people, and the communication occurrence rate is set to 2.

[0128] Here, the time spent in the encounter can be expressed as the deviation (T2-T1) between the standard time T1 taken to move between two work areas and the actual time T2 taken by the user to actually move between the two work areas. If communication occurs during the encounter, the actual time T2 taken to move is longer than the standard time T1, so the deviation (T2-T1) is regarded as the time spent in the encounter. The communication rate during the encounter is set so that the number of communication occurrences increases as the deviation (T2-T1) increases. The communication occurrence rate DB24 corresponds to one embodiment of the "third storage device".

[0129] The communication volume estimation unit 26 estimates the communication volume at the time of encounter for each user by referring to the communication occurrence rate at the time of encounter, based on the number of people encountered during the movement and the deviation (T2-T1), which is the time spent on the encounter.

[0130] When the evaluation threshold generating unit 10 is given the evaluation criterion "communication occurs appropriately when users meet each other" from the evaluation criterion DB 30, the evaluation threshold generating unit 10 accesses the derivation formula DB 12, the office information DB 42, and the communication occurrence rate DB 24 to obtain information required to generate an evaluation threshold from the evaluation criterion. Specifically, the evaluation threshold generating unit 10 selects a derivation formula from the derivation formula DB 12 in order to derive an evaluation threshold corresponding to the evaluation criterion "communication occurs appropriately when users meet each other". The evaluation threshold generating unit 10 further obtains office information required to generate the evaluation threshold from the office information DB 42, and obtains information on the communication occurrence rate at the time of encounter from the communication occurrence rate DB 24. The office information includes information on the floor map of the office 110.

[0131] The evaluation threshold generation unit 10 generates an evaluation threshold using a derivation formula selected from the derivation formula DB 12, office information acquired from the office information DB 42, and a communication occurrence rate at the time of encounter acquired from the communication occurrence rate DB 24. The evaluation threshold generation unit 10 derives an expected value of the amount of communication occurring at the time of encounter as the evaluation threshold.

[0132] The layout evaluation unit 22 evaluates the layout of the office 110 by using the evaluation threshold generated by the evaluation threshold generation unit 10. In the fourth embodiment, the layout evaluation unit 22 compares the expected value of the communication amount at the time of the encounter, which is the evaluation threshold, with the estimated value of the communication amount at the time of the encounter estimated by the communication amount estimation unit 26.

[0133] If the estimated value of the amount of communication at the time of encounter is smaller than the expected value, the layout evaluation unit 22 judges that the layout of the office 110 does not satisfy the evaluation criterion that "communication occurs appropriately when users encounter each other". On the other hand, if the estimated value of the amount of communication at the time of encounter is equal to or greater than the expected value, the layout evaluation unit 22 judges that the layout of the office 110 satisfies the evaluation criterion that "communication occurs appropriately when users encounter each other". The layout evaluation unit 22 outputs the evaluation result via the I / F device 4 (see FIG. 2). A user of the layout evaluation system 100 can receive the evaluation result.

[0134] <Processing flow> Fig. 19 is a flowchart showing the procedure of the evaluation process by the layout evaluation system 100 according to the embodiment 5. The flowchart shown in Fig. 19 is obtained by adding the processes of steps S08 and S09 to the flowchart shown in Fig. 7.

[0135] Layout evaluation system 100 executes the same processes of S01 to S05 as in Fig. 7 to analyze the usage status of each work area in office 110, and then determines encounters between users (step S08). Fig. 20 is a flowchart showing the procedure of the process of step S08 in Fig. 19.

[0136] 20, first, the layout evaluation system 100 acquires information on the movement routes of a plurality of users (step S40). The movement route information includes information on the route traveled by the user and the time of travel.

[0137] Next, the layout evaluation system 100 judges encounters between users based on information about the movement routes of the multiple users (step S41). In S41, the layout evaluation system 100 counts the number of encounters between each user during movement based on the number of times that the movement routes of the multiple users intersect.

[0138] 19, the layout evaluation system 100 subsequently estimates the amount of communication at the time of the encounter (step S09). FIG 21 is a flowchart showing the procedure of the process of step S09 in FIG.

[0139] 21, first, the layout evaluation system 100 acquires the communication occurrence rate at the time of encounter from the communication occurrence DB 24. The layout evaluation system 100 further acquires, for each user, the actual time T2 taken for the movement and the judgment result of the number of people who encountered during the movement (step S50).

[0140] Next, the layout evaluation system 100 obtains the deviation (T2-T1) between the actual time T2 taken for the movement and the standard time T1. Then, the layout evaluation system 100 estimates the amount of communication at the time of encounter based on the number of encounters during the movement and the deviation (T2-T1) by referring to the communication occurrence rate at the time of encounter (step S51).

[0141] Returning to Fig. 20, the layout evaluation system 100 evaluates the layout of the office 110 based on the evaluation threshold and the estimated value of the communication volume at the time of encounter (step S06). The layout evaluation system 100 compares the expected value of the communication volume at the time of encounter, which is the evaluation threshold, with the estimated value of the communication volume at the time of encounter. Based on the comparison result, the layout evaluation system 100 evaluates whether or not the layout of the office 110 satisfies the evaluation criterion that "communication occurs appropriately when users encounter each other."

[0142] As described above, the layout evaluation system 100 according to the fifth embodiment is configured to preset a communication occurrence rate at the time of encounter, generate an evaluation threshold using this communication occurrence rate, and estimate the amount of communication that occurs when users encounter each other. This makes it possible to objectively evaluate whether or not the layout of the office 110 satisfies the evaluation criterion that "communication occurs appropriately when users encounter each other."

[0143] Embodiment 6 In the fifth embodiment, a configuration is described in which a chance encounter between users is determined from information on the movement route of each user, and the amount of communication at the time of the chance encounter is estimated based on the determination result. In the sixth embodiment, another configuration for estimating the amount of communication at the time of the chance encounter is described.

[0144] Fig. 22 is a diagram showing the configuration of a layout evaluation system 100 according to embodiment 6. The configuration of the layout evaluation system 100 according to embodiment 6 is the same as the configuration of the layout evaluation system 100 according to embodiment 4 shown in Fig. 15. However, the layout evaluation system 100 according to embodiment 6 differs from the layout evaluation system 100 according to embodiment 4 in the operation of the communication amount estimator 26.

[0145] As shown in FIG. 22, in the layout evaluation system 100 according to the sixth embodiment, the communication amount estimation unit 26 is configured to estimate the amount of communication that occurs when users encounter each other by utilizing the mobile terminals 46 carried by the users within the office 110.

[0146] Fig. 23 is a diagram for explaining the operation of the communication amount estimation unit 26 shown in Fig. 22. As shown in Fig. 23, the communication amount estimation unit 26 is communicatively connected to a mobile terminal 46 carried by each user. The mobile terminal 46 is, for example, a smartphone, a tablet, a wearable device, or the like.

[0147] A passing communication application 460 is installed in each mobile terminal 46. The passing communication application 460 is configured to perform wireless communication with mobile terminals 46 possessed by other users using a short-range wireless communication method such as Bluetooth (registered trademark). When wireless communication is performed with another mobile terminal 46, the passing communication application 460 stores communication log information indicating the history of the wireless communication in a passing log DB 462. The communication log information includes information regarding the communication start time, communication end time, and communication duration.

[0148] The communication amount estimation unit 26 acquires communication log information from the passing log DB 462 of each mobile terminal 46. The communication amount estimation unit 26 further acquires, from the communication occurrence rate DB 24, information on the communication occurrence rate at the time of encounter.

[0149] As described above, the "communication occurrence rate at the time of encounter" is represented by the number of times that communication occurs between users when they encounter each other. In the sixth embodiment, the communication occurrence rate at the time of encounter is set according to the time (communication time) during which wireless communication is performed between the mobile terminals 46. For example, when the communication time is equal to or longer than a predetermined threshold time (e.g., 2 minutes), the communication occurrence rate at the time of encounter is set to 1 [time].

[0150] The communication amount estimation unit 26 estimates the amount of communication of the user who owns the mobile terminal 46 based on the communication log information from the passing log DB 462 acquired from the mobile terminal 46 by referring to the communication occurrence rate at the time of encounter. For example, if the mobile terminal 46 owned by user A wirelessly communicates with the mobile terminal 46 owned by user B for three minutes, the communication amount estimation unit 26 estimates that the amount of communication at the time of encounter between user A and user B is one [time].

[0151] When the evaluation threshold generating unit 10 is given the evaluation criterion "communication occurs appropriately when users meet each other" from the evaluation criterion DB 30, the evaluation threshold generating unit 10 accesses the derivation formula DB 12, the office information DB 42, and the communication occurrence rate DB 24 to obtain information required to generate an evaluation threshold from the evaluation criterion. Specifically, the evaluation threshold generating unit 10 selects a derivation formula from the derivation formula DB 12 in order to derive an evaluation threshold corresponding to the evaluation criterion "communication occurs appropriately when users meet each other". The evaluation threshold generating unit 10 further obtains office information required to generate the evaluation threshold from the office information DB 42, and obtains information on the communication occurrence rate at the time of encounter from the communication occurrence rate DB 24. The office information includes information on the floor map of the office 110.

[0152] The evaluation threshold generation unit 10 generates an evaluation threshold using a derivation formula selected from the derivation formula DB 12, office information acquired from the office information DB 42, and a communication occurrence rate at the time of encounter acquired from the communication occurrence rate DB 24. The evaluation threshold generation unit 10 derives an expected value of the amount of communication occurring at the time of encounter as the evaluation threshold.

[0153] The layout evaluation unit 22 evaluates the layout of the office 110 using the evaluation threshold generated by the evaluation threshold generation unit 10. In the sixth embodiment, the layout evaluation unit 22 compares the expected value of the amount of communication occurring at the time of encounter, which is the evaluation threshold, with the estimated value of the amount of communication occurring at the time of encounter, estimated by the communication amount estimation unit 26. For example, a representative value of the amount of communication occurring at the time of encounter of multiple users can be used as the estimated value of the amount of communication occurring at the time of encounter. The representative value may be the average value, mode, median, etc. of the amount of communication of multiple users.

[0154] If the estimated value of the amount of communication at the time of encounter is smaller than the expected value, the layout evaluation unit 22 judges that the layout of the office 110 does not satisfy the evaluation criterion that "communication occurs appropriately when users encounter each other." On the other hand, if the estimated value of the amount of communication at the time of encounter is equal to or greater than the expected value, the layout evaluation unit 22 judges that the layout of the office 110 satisfies the evaluation criterion that "communication occurs appropriately when users encounter each other." The layout evaluation unit 22 outputs the evaluation result via the I / F device 4 (see FIG. 2). A user of the layout evaluation system 100 can receive the evaluation result.

[0155] <Processing flow> Fig. 24 is a flowchart showing the procedure of the evaluation process in the layout evaluation system 100 according to the embodiment 6. The layout evaluation system 100 according to the embodiment 6 executes the same processes of S01 to S07 as those in Fig. 16. The flowchart shown in Fig. 24 shows the procedure of the process of step S07.

[0156] 24, first, the layout evaluation system 100 acquires information on the communication occurrence rate at the time of encounter from the communication occurrence rate DB 24. As described above, the communication occurrence rate at the time of encounter is set according to the communication time between the mobile terminals 46. The layout evaluation system 100 further acquires information on the actual time of wireless communication performed between the mobile terminals 46 (step S60).

[0157] Next, the layout evaluation system 100 estimates the amount of communication at the time of the encounter based on the actual duration of wireless communication performed between the mobile terminals 46 by referring to the communication occurrence rate at the time of the encounter (step S61).

[0158] Next, in S06, which is the same as in FIG. 16, the layout evaluation system 100 evaluates the layout of the office 110 by comparing the evaluation threshold with the estimated value of the amount of communication at the time of the encounter.

[0159] As described above, the layout evaluation system 100 according to the sixth embodiment is configured to preset a communication occurrence rate at the time of encounter using the communication time of short-range wireless communication between the mobile terminals 46 possessed by each user, and to generate an evaluation threshold value using this communication occurrence rate, and to estimate the amount of communication that occurs when users encounter each other. This makes it possible to objectively evaluate whether or not the layout of the office 110 satisfies the evaluation criterion that "communication occurs appropriately when users encounter each other."

[0160] Embodiment 7 In the first embodiment, a configuration has been described in which a user's movement route within the office 110 is estimated using log information in which the user's entry and exit from each work area is recorded, the log information being transmitted from the entrance and exit management device 40 installed within the office 110. In the seventh and eighth embodiments, other configurations for estimating a user's movement route will be described.

[0161] Fig. 25 is a diagram showing a configuration of a layout evaluation system 100 according to the seventh embodiment. The configuration of the layout evaluation system 100 according to the seventh embodiment is basically the same as the configuration of the layout evaluation system 100 according to the first embodiment shown in Fig. 3. However, the layout evaluation system 100 according to the seventh embodiment is different from the layout evaluation system 100 according to the first embodiment in the operation of the movement path estimation unit 14.

[0162] 25, the office 110 is equipped with a plurality of surveillance cameras 48 instead of the entrance / exit management device 40. The plurality of surveillance cameras 48 are installed in a dispersed manner in the work area, the corridors, and the like within the office 110. The plurality of surveillance cameras 48 are configured to capture images of users entering the work area, users leaving the work area, and users moving along the corridors. Image data captured by the surveillance cameras 48 is transmitted to the layout evaluation system 100.

[0163] The movement path estimation unit 14 estimates the movement path of each user in the office 110 based on the image data transmitted from the surveillance camera 48 and the office information acquired from the office information DB 42. Specifically, the movement path estimation unit 14 estimates the movement path of each user in the office 110 based on the time information of each user's entry and exit to and from the work area included in the image data and the floor map included in the office information.

[0164] <Processing flow> Fig. 26 is a flowchart showing the procedure of the evaluation process in the layout evaluation system 100 according to the embodiment 7. In the flowchart shown in Fig. 26, the process of step S01 in the flowchart shown in Fig. 7 is replaced with the process of step S10.

[0165] 26, the layout evaluation system 100 first acquires image data captured by a plurality of security cameras 48 installed in a target office 110 (step S10). The image data includes information such as the time when a user entered a work area, the time when the user left the work area, and the time when the user moved within the work area.

[0166] Next, the layout evaluation system 100 estimates the movement route of each user in the office 110 from the acquired image data and the office information acquired from the office 110 (step S02). The office information includes a floor map of the office 110.

[0167] Next, the layout evaluation system 100 executes the same processes of S03 to S06 as in Fig. 7. Based on the estimation result of the user's movement route, the layout evaluation system 100 determines the work area where the user stayed and estimates the user's work content in the work area where the user stayed. Then, the layout evaluation system 100 analyzes the usage status of each work area based on the estimation result, and evaluates whether or not the layout of the office 110 satisfies the evaluation criteria from the analyzed usage status.

[0168] Embodiment 8 Fig. 27 is a diagram showing a configuration of a layout evaluation system 100 according to an eighth embodiment. The configuration of the layout evaluation system 100 according to the eighth embodiment is basically the same as the configuration of the layout evaluation system 100 according to the first embodiment shown in Fig. 3. However, the layout evaluation system 100 according to the eighth embodiment is different from the layout evaluation system 100 according to the first embodiment in the operation of the movement path estimation unit 14.

[0169] 27, the office 110 is equipped with a plurality of air conditioners 50 and a plurality of mobile terminals 46 instead of the entrance / exit management device 40. The plurality of air conditioners 50 are installed in a plurality of work areas and corridors in the office 110, respectively. The plurality of mobile terminals 46 are carried by a plurality of users, respectively. The mobile terminals 46 are, for example, smartphones, tablets, wearable devices, etc.

[0170] The movement path estimation unit 14 estimates the movement path of each user in the office 110 using the air conditioners 50 installed in the office 110 and the mobile terminals 46 carried by each user. FIG. 28 is a diagram for explaining the operation of the movement path estimation unit 14 shown in FIG. 27. As shown in FIG. 28, the movement path estimation unit 14 is communicatively connected to a plurality of air conditioners 50 and a plurality of mobile terminals 46. The air conditioners 50 have a communication sensor 500 and a communication log DB 502. The mobile terminal 46 has a communication app 464 and a communication log DB 466.

[0171] The communication sensor 500 and the communication application 464 are configured to perform wireless communication using a short-range wireless communication method such as Bluetooth (registered trademark). When the communication sensor 500 performs wireless communication with the communication application 464 of the mobile terminal 46, the communication application 464 stores communication log information indicating the history of the wireless communication in a communication log DB 502. When the communication application 464 performs wireless communication with the communication sensor 500 of the air conditioner 50, the communication application 464 stores communication log information indicating the history of the wireless communication in a communication log DB 466.

[0172] The movement path estimation unit 14 acquires communication log information from the communication log DB 502 of the air conditioner 50 and the communication log DB 466 of the mobile terminal 46. The movement path estimation unit 14 estimates the movement path of each user in the office 110 based on the acquired communication log information and the office information acquired from the office information DB 42. Specifically, the movement path estimation unit 14 acquires information such as the time each user entered a work area, the time each user exited a work area, and the time each user moved along an aisle from the communication log information. Then, the movement path estimation unit 14 estimates the movement path of each user in the office 110 from the acquired information and a floor map included in the office information.

[0173] <Processing flow> Fig. 29 is a flowchart showing the procedure of the evaluation process in the layout evaluation system 100 according to the embodiment 8. In the flowchart shown in Fig. 29, the process of step S01 in the flowchart shown in Fig. 7 is replaced with the process of step S11.

[0174] 29, the layout evaluation system 100 first acquires, from the target office 110, communication log information of the air conditioners 50 and mobile terminals 46 installed in the office 110 (step S11). The communication log information includes information such as the time when the user entered the work area, the time when the user left the work area, and the time when the user moved around the work area.

[0175] Next, the layout evaluation system 100 estimates the movement route of each user within the office 110 from the acquired communication log information and the office information acquired from the office 110 (step S02).

[0176] Next, the layout evaluation system 100 executes the same processes of S03 to S06 as in Fig. 7. Based on the estimation result of the user's movement route, the layout evaluation system 100 determines the work area where the user stayed and estimates the user's work content in the work area where the user stayed. Then, the layout evaluation system 100 analyzes the usage status of each work area based on the estimation result, and evaluates whether or not the layout of the office 110 satisfies the evaluation criteria from the analyzed usage status.

[0177] As described above, according to the layout evaluation system 100 of the seventh and eighth embodiments, the movement route of each user can be estimated by utilizing the history of short-range wireless communication of existing communication devices (such as the mobile terminal 46 and the air conditioner 50) in the office 110. This can reduce the cost of acquiring information on the behavior of users in the office 110. Therefore, the layout evaluation system 100 can be constructed at low cost.

[0178] Needless to say, the above-mentioned first to eighth embodiments may be combined as appropriate. The embodiments disclosed herein should be considered to be illustrative and not restrictive in all respects. The technical scope of the present disclosure is defined by the claims, not by the description of the embodiments described above, and is intended to include all modifications within the meaning and scope of the claims. [Explanation of symbols]

[0179] 1 CPU, 2 RAM, 3 ROM, 4 I / F device, 5 storage device, 10 evaluation threshold generation unit, 12 derived formula DB, 14 movement path estimation unit, 16 stay area determination unit, 18 work estimation unit, 20 area-specific usage analysis unit, 22 layout evaluation unit, 24 communication occurrence rate DB, 26 communication amount estimation unit, 28 encounter determination unit, 30 evaluation criteria DB, 40 entrance / exit management device, 42 office information DB, 44 schedule DB, 46 mobile terminal, 48 surveillance camera, 50 air conditioner, 100 layout evaluation system, 110 office.

Claims

1. A layout evaluation system for evaluating an office layout, comprising: A processor; A memory for storing a program executed by the processor; a first storage device that stores a plurality of derivation formulas used by the processor; When a qualitative evaluation criterion is given from outside the layout evaluation system, the processor performs the following steps in accordance with the program: selecting one or more appropriate derivation formulas from the plurality of derivation formulas stored in the first storage device according to the evaluation criterion; obtaining, from the office, information specific to the office that is included in the one or more derivation formulas; generating a quantified assessment threshold by substituting the obtained office-specific information into the one or more derivation formulas; Using the generated evaluation thresholds, evaluate whether the layout satisfies the evaluation criteria; the information specific to the office includes at least one of business information related to a user's business in the office, area information related to each area of ​​the office, and user information related to the number of users in the office; A layout evaluation system, wherein the one or more derivation formulas are configured to derive, as the evaluation threshold, an expected value when the layout of the office satisfies the evaluation criteria, based on information specific to the office.

2. When the evaluation criterion given from outside the layout evaluation system is changed, the processor changing the one or more derivation formulas selected from the plurality of derivation formulas in response to a change in the evaluation criterion; obtaining, from the office, information specific to the office that is included in the one or more modified derivations; The layout evaluation system of claim 1 , further comprising: substituting the acquired office-specific information into the modified one or more derivation formulas to regenerate the evaluation thresholds.

3. The processor, Inferring a behavior of a user in the office based on information obtained by communicating with one or more management devices that manage users in the office; Analyzing a usage status of the office based on the estimated user behavior; 3. The layout evaluation system according to claim 1, further comprising: comparing the analyzed usage status with the evaluation threshold value to evaluate whether or not the layout satisfies the evaluation criterion.

4. The one or more management devices are configured to store schedule information indicative of a user's planned activities; The layout evaluation system according to claim 3 , wherein the processor estimates the user's behavior in an area where the user stayed, using the schedule information.

5. a second storage device for storing information on a communication occurrence rate representing the number of times communications between users occur per unit time for each area of ​​the office; The processor, For each area, a time period during which multiple users will be present at the same time and the number of users present during that time period are estimated; 4. The layout evaluation system according to claim 3, further comprising: estimating an amount of communication occurring in each area based on the estimated time period and the estimated number of users, and the communication occurrence rate.

6. A third storage device is further provided for storing information on a communication occurrence rate that indicates the number of times communication occurs when users meet each other, The processor, Based on the estimated user's movement route, the number of encounters during the movement is estimated; Estimating the time spent on the encounter based on the estimated user travel time; 4. The layout evaluation system according to claim 3, further comprising: estimating an amount of communication occurring during an encounter based on the estimated number of encounters, the time spent in the encounters, and the communication occurrence rate.

7. A third storage device is further provided for storing information on a communication occurrence rate that indicates the number of times communication occurs when users meet each other, The processor, Acquire log information of short-range wireless communication performed between mobile devices owned by each user, 4. The layout evaluation system according to claim 3, further comprising: an estimation unit that estimates an amount of communication that occurred during the encounter based on the log information and the communication occurrence rate.

8. the one or more management devices include at least one of an entrance / exit management device that manages the entrance / exit of users to each area in the office, a camera that monitors the office, and a mobile terminal carried by each user; The layout evaluation system according to claim 3 , wherein the processor estimates a movement route of each user within the office based on information obtained from the one or more management devices.

9. A layout evaluation method for evaluating an office layout, comprising: receiving, by a computer, qualitative evaluation criteria; selecting, by the computer, one or more appropriate derivation formulas from a plurality of derivation formulas stored in a first storage device according to the evaluation criteria; obtaining, by the computer, from the office, information specific to the office that is included in the one or more selected derivations; generating, by the computer, a quantified assessment threshold by substituting the obtained office-specific information into the one or more derivation formulas; and evaluating, by the computer, whether the layout satisfies the evaluation criteria using the generated evaluation thresholds; the information specific to the office includes at least one of business information related to a user's business in the office, area information related to each area of ​​the office, and user information related to the number of users in the office; A layout evaluation method, wherein the one or more derivation formulas are configured to derive, as the evaluation criterion, an expected value when the layout of the office satisfies the evaluation criterion, based on information specific to the office.

10. the step of selecting one or more derivation formulas includes a step of changing the one or more derivation formulas selected from the plurality of derivation formulas in response to a change in the evaluation criterion; obtaining information specific to the office from the office, the information being included in the one or more modified derivation formulas; 10. The layout evaluation method of claim 9, wherein the step of generating the evaluation thresholds includes the step of regenerating the evaluation thresholds by substituting acquired information specific to the office into the one or more modified derivation formulas.

11. Inferring, by the computer, the behavior of the user in the office based on information obtained by communicating with one or more management devices that manage users in the office; and analyzing, by the computer, a usage status of the office based on the estimated user behavior, 11. The layout evaluation method according to claim 9, wherein the evaluating step includes a step of evaluating whether or not the layout satisfies the evaluation criterion by comparing the analyzed usage status with the evaluation threshold.

12. The step of estimating a behavior of the user includes: acquiring schedule information indicating a user's planned activities from the office; The layout evaluation method according to claim 11 , further comprising: estimating the user's activity in an area where the user stayed, using the acquired schedule information.

13. The step of estimating a behavior of the user includes: A step of estimating, for each area in the office, a time period during which a plurality of users will be present at the same time and the number of users present during that time period; The layout evaluation method according to claim 11, further comprising a step of estimating the amount of communication occurring in each area based on the estimated time period and number of users, as well as information regarding a communication occurrence rate representing the number of times communications between users occur per unit time for each area.

14. The step of estimating a behavior of the user includes: A step of estimating the number of encounters during movement based on the estimated movement route of the user; estimating a time spent in the encounter based on the estimated user travel time; The layout evaluation method according to claim 11, further comprising a step of estimating the amount of communication that occurs during an encounter based on the estimated number of encounters and the time spent on the encounters, as well as information on a communication occurrence rate that represents the number of times communication occurs during an encounter between users.

15. The step of estimating a behavior of the user includes: acquiring log information of short-range wireless communication performed between mobile terminals owned by each user; The layout evaluation method according to claim 11, further comprising a step of estimating the amount of communication that occurs during an encounter based on the log information and information regarding a communication occurrence rate that represents the number of times communication occurs when users encounter each other.

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