Layout design device, layout design method and program

Abstract

To provide a layout design device, a layout design method and a program capable of designing a layout that improves work efficiency in a specific location.SOLUTION: A layout design device designs a layout that improves work efficiency in a specific location. The layout design device (1) designs a new layout obtained by changing an existing layout related to arrangement of a facility in a certain space, the layout design device including: a generation unit (111) that generates a new layout according to stay data related to stay specified from flow line data representing a motion of a target in the case of an existing layout in a space; and an output processing unit (112) that outputs the new layout generated by the generation unit. The generation unit generates the stay data by extracting a stay portion where the target stays from the flow line data, and generates the new layout by using auxiliary information that associates the facility to be arranged in the space with the stay portion and the stay data.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1B

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a layout design device, a layout design method, and a program for designing a layout in a space using the flow lines of objects within the space. [Background technology]

[0002] In recent years, flow line analysis has been used in various settings, such as factories and stores. For example, it is used to obtain the flow lines of people, such as workers, store clerks, and customers, and to improve the layout in a specific location to improve business efficiency. In flow line analysis, the flow lines of people, etc., extracted from image data captured by a camera are used to analyze the extracted flow lines.

[0003] Patent Document 1 describes a technology for plotting the movement line of a specific part of a person using information indicating the position of each of multiple parts including the specific part. Patent Document 2 describes a technology for analyzing the movement line data by combining a work log including work information with the movement line data. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] International Publication No. 2016 / 098265 [Patent Document 2] Patent No. 5915731 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] The present disclosure provides a layout design device, a layout design method, and a program that are capable of designing a layout that improves work efficiency in a specific location. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] The layout design device disclosed herein is a layout design device that designs a new layout by modifying an existing layout regarding the arrangement of equipment in a space, and includes a generation unit that generates a new layout in accordance with stagnation data identified from flow line data that represents the movement of objects in the case of an existing layout in the space, and an output processing unit that outputs the new layout generated by the generation unit.The generation unit extracts stagnation points where objects such as workers stagnate from the flow line data to generate stagnation data, and can generate a new layout using auxiliary information that associates the equipment arranged in the space with the stagnation points and the equipment arranged in the space, and the stagnation data.

[0007] These general and specific aspects may be realized by a system, a method, and a computer program, as well as combinations thereof. [Effects of the Invention]

[0008] According to the layout design device, layout design method, and program of the present disclosure, it is possible to provide a layout that improves work efficiency in a specific location. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0009] [Figure 1A] FIG. 1 is a conceptual diagram illustrating a layout design apparatus according to the present disclosure. [Figure 1B] 1 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a layout design apparatus according to the present disclosure. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a data configuration diagram of layout data used in the layout design device of FIG. 1B. [Figure 3] This is a layout of a space to be designed by the layout design device of FIG. 1B. [Figure 4] 1C is an example of constraint data used in the layout design device of FIG. 1B. [Figure 5] 1C is an example of flow line data used in the layout design device of FIG. 1B. [Figure 6] This is an example of adding traffic flow to the layout in Figure 3. [Figure 7] 1C is a block diagram illustrating details of a control unit of the layout design device of FIG. 1B. FIG. [Figure 8A] 10 is an example of movement count data indicating the number of movements between facilities. [Figure 8B] 10 is an example of related data. [Figure 9A] 4 is a flowchart illustrating processing executed by the layout design apparatus according to the first embodiment. [Figure 9B] 9B is a flowchart illustrating an example of the layout design process of the flowchart of FIG. 9A. [Figure 10A] 10 is an example of the layout and traffic flow of the first space. [Figure 10B] 10B is an example of a new layout created from the layout of FIG. 10A. [Figure 10C] This is an example in which auxiliary lines are added to the layout of FIG. 10A. [Figure 10D] 10D is an example of a new layout created from the layout of FIG. 10C. [Figure 11] 10 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a layout design process according to the second embodiment. [Figure 12] 10D is an example of a new layout created from the layout of FIG. 10C. [Figure 13A] 10 is an example of the layout and traffic flow of the second space. [Figure 13B] This is an example in which auxiliary lines are added to the layout of FIG. 13A. [Figure 13C] 13C is an example of a new layout created from the layout of FIG. 13B. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0010] [Embodiment] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present disclosure will be described with reference to the drawings as appropriate. However, in the detailed description, unnecessary parts of the description of the prior art and substantially identical configurations may be omitted. This is for the sake of simplicity. Furthermore, the following description and the accompanying drawings are disclosed to enable those skilled in the art to fully understand the present disclosure, and are not intended to limit the subject matter of the claims.

[0011] 1A, a layout design device 1 according to the present disclosure creates a new layout for a space 200 by combining an existing layout of the space 200, flow lines 202 of objects 201 acquired in the layout, and auxiliary information acquired for the flow lines 202 of the objects 201. For example, the flow lines 202 of the objects 201 can be identified using an image captured by a camera 2. As will be described in detail later, the auxiliary information is information input by a user or the like, and is information that can be used to generate a layout but is not included in the flow line information.

[0012] In the following description, it is assumed that the layout design device 1 creates a new layout in a space having multiple pieces of equipment used by workers for work, with the aim of improving work efficiency. The new layout is different from the existing layout in that, for example, the positions of the equipment have been changed or the number of pieces of equipment has been increased or decreased.

[0013] In this description, a "traffic line" refers to a line that represents the path that an "object" moves through a space. An "object" is, for example, a person such as a worker working within a space, or a robot. Also, for example, an "object" is a cart or forklift that a worker moves for work. In addition to "workers" or "carts," the traffic line may also be extracted for "items" moved by "workers" or "carts."

[0014] "Layout" refers to the arrangement of equipment within a space. "Equipment" refers to objects installed in a space, such as shelves, workbenches, and machine tools. When working, workers move between these pieces of equipment and use the equipment they need. In addition to the arrangement of equipment within a space, "layout" may also include the arrangement of "areas," which are the ranges within which workers who use that equipment can be present. For example, when the equipment is a workbench, the worker does not reside on top of the workbench, but resides within reach of the workbench. Therefore, "layout" may also include not only objects but also the areas within which such workers reside while working.

[0015] First Embodiment The layout design device according to the first embodiment will be described below with reference to FIGS. 1B to 10D. 1-1. Structure As shown in FIG. 1B, the layout design device 1 is an information processing device that includes, for example, a control unit 11, a memory unit 12, an input unit 13, an output unit 14, and a communication unit 15, which are connected by a bus 16.

[0016] The control unit 11 is a controller that controls the entire layout design device 1. For example, the control unit 11 reads and executes a program P stored in the storage unit 12, thereby realizing the processes of the generation unit 111 and the output processing unit 112. Furthermore, the control unit 11 is not limited to a unit that realizes a predetermined function through the cooperation of hardware and software, but may be a hardware circuit designed specifically to realize the predetermined function. In other words, the control unit 11 can be realized by various processors such as a CPU, an MPU, a GPU, an FPGA, a DSP, an ASIC, etc.

[0017] The storage unit 12 is a storage medium that stores various information. The storage unit 12 is realized, for example, by a RAM, a ROM, a flash memory, a solid-state device (SSD), a hard disk, or other storage device, or by an appropriate combination thereof. The storage unit 12 stores the program P executed by the control unit 11, as well as information used to create a layout and various information acquired or generated for creating the layout. For example, the storage unit 12 stores layout data 121, constraint condition data 122, flow line data 123, retention data 124, movement count data 125, retention facility data 126, and related data 127.

[0018] The input unit 13 is input means such as operation buttons, a keyboard, a mouse, a touch panel, a microphone, etc., used for operations and data input. The output unit 14 is output means such as a display, a speaker, etc., used for outputting processing results and data. The communication unit 15 is an interface circuit (module) for enabling data communication with an external device (not shown). For example, the layout design device 1 acquires flow line data via the communication unit 15 and acquires auxiliary information via the mouse, which is the input unit 13. The control unit 11 analyzes the acquired flow line data and designs a new layout, and outputs the acquired new layout to the display, which is the output unit 14.

[0019] Here, the layout design device 1 may be realized by a single computer or a combination of multiple computers connected via a network. For example, all or part of the data stored in the storage unit 12 may be stored in an external storage medium connected via a network, and the layout design device 1 may be configured to use the data stored in the external storage medium. Specifically, the layout data 121, the constraint data 122, or the flow line data 123 may be stored in the external storage medium.

[0020] FIG. 2 shows an example of layout data 121 related to an existing layout of a space for which a layout is to be designed. For example, the layout design device 1 stores the layout data 121 input by a user via the input unit 13 in the storage unit 12. The layout design device 1 also designs a new layout based on the information on the existing layout defined by this layout data 121. In the layout data 121 shown in FIG. 2, a "facility name" that is identification information for each facility is associated with a "location" where the facility is to be placed, a "size" of the facility, a "location" of an area within which workers who use the facility may be present, a "size" of the area, and an "expansion cost" that is the cost required if the facility is to be expanded. In the example shown in FIG. 2, each "location" is identified using, for example, "coordinates."

[0021] In the example of FIG. 2, "equipment A" is installed at a position specified by XY coordinates (20, 30) in the space whose layout is to be changed. The size of "equipment A" is (20, 20). FIG. 3 is an example of a layout of a space corresponding to the layout data 121 shown in FIG. 2. Specifically, "equipment A" has a size of 20 in the x direction and a size of 20 in the y direction, and is installed based on coordinates (20, 30) as shown in FIG. 3. Specifically, equipment A is a 20 x 20 rectangle, and the point with the smallest coordinate value among the four points forming the rectangle is coordinates (20, 30). Here, for example, "coordinate 10" and "size 10" correspond to a predetermined length (e.g., 2 m). Furthermore, the "area" set as the work range for equipment A is specified at a position specified by XY coordinates (5, 25), as shown in FIG. 3. The size of area A set for equipment A is (40, 30). Specifically, the area of ​​facility A has a size of 40 in the x direction and a size of 30 in the y direction. The expansion cost of "facility A" is 1 million yen.

[0022] 4 shows an example of constraint condition data 122, which are conditions for designing a layout. For example, a user inputs this constraint condition data 122 to the layout design device 1 via the input unit 13. The layout design device 1 designs a new layout within the range of conditions specified by this constraint condition data 122. In the constraint condition data 122 shown in FIG. 4, "constraint condition items," which are categories of constraint conditions, are associated with specific "contents" of the conditions.

[0023] In the example of FIG. 4, the item "Layout" is specified as "within 150 x 200." Specifically, it is stipulated that the size of the space in which a new layout is to be designed must be within 150 in the x direction and within 200 in the y direction. In this way, the size of the space can be limited as a constraint. Note that the sizes used in FIG. 4 are the same as those shown in FIG. 2.

[0024] In addition, in Figure 4, the item "Entrance" is specified as "nothing around it." Specifically, it specifies that a new layout should be designed so that no equipment or other objects are placed around the entrance. In this way, the constraints can limit the range in which equipment can or cannot be placed.

[0025] Furthermore, in FIG. 4, the item "expansion cost" is specified as "within 2 million yen." Specifically, it is stipulated that a new layout be designed with an expansion cost of 2 million yen or less. In this way, "information regarding the allowable number of expansions of equipment" can be restricted as a constraint. Note that the constraint data 122 shown in FIG. 4 is an example and is not limiting. For example, when restricting the intersection of the flow lines of multiple different objects, an efficient layout with fewer intersections can be designed.

[0026] FIG. 5 shows an example of the flow line data 123. The layout design device 1 may extract the movements of an object such as a worker using video data to create the flow line data 123 internally, or may acquire the flow line data 123 created by an external device. In the flow line data 123 shown in FIG. 5, the "time" at which a frame of the video data was acquired, the "position" of the object in this frame, and the "object ID" assigned to the object are associated with each other. The "position" in the flow line data 123 in FIG. 5 is a "coordinate" like the "position" in the layout data 121 in FIG. 2, but is not limited to coordinates as long as the position can be identified.

[0027] For example, the flow line data 123 in FIG. 5 is data generated by extracting the flow line of an object as shown in FIG. 6 at predetermined time intervals (every 0.01 seconds in the example of FIG. 5). In the example of FIG. 5, it can be seen that an object with an object ID "Worker A" exists at coordinates (5, 20) at "15:44:59, July 5, 2019." It can also be seen that "Worker A" exists at coordinates (5, 20) at "15:45:00" and "15:45:01" on the same day.

[0028] 7 is a block diagram illustrating the inside of the control unit 11. The generation unit 111 executes processes as a retention extraction unit 113, a facility allocation unit 114, an auxiliary information allocation unit 115, and a layout design unit .

[0029] The stagnation extraction unit 113 acquires from the storage unit 12 flow line data 123 that represents the movement of objects in a given space in the case of an existing layout, and extracts, for each object, a stagnation location, which is an area where the object remains within a predetermined range for a predetermined time or more (for example, within a radius of 50 cm for 5 seconds or more), as a stagnation point. The object only needs to be present within the predetermined range for a predetermined time or more, and does not necessarily have to stop at one point. The stagnation extraction unit 113 also regards the time that each object remains at a stagnation point as the stagnation time. The stagnation extraction unit 113 then associates the extracted stagnation points and stagnation times as stagnation data, and outputs this data to the equipment allocation unit 114 and the output processing unit 112. Specifically, the stagnation data is data that includes the coordinates of the area where the stagnation occurred and the time when the stagnation occurred.

[0030] The equipment allocation unit 114 acquires layout data 121 from the storage unit 12 and further inputs stagnation data from the stagnation extraction unit 113. If a stagnation point included in the stagnation data is in the area of ​​equipment identified by the layout data 121, the equipment is associated with the stagnation. Specifically, the equipment allocation unit 114 associates the stagnation time with the equipment. This makes it possible to identify which equipment is causing the stagnation. At the same time, the equipment allocation unit 114 identifies movement between two pieces of equipment, from the source equipment to the destination equipment, based on information about the time spent at the equipment. The equipment allocation unit 114 then counts movements between two pieces of equipment in the same way along multiple flow lines to generate movement count data 125 as shown in FIG. 8A. FIG. 8A illustrates movement count data 125 that associates the source equipment, the destination equipment, and the number of movements between the two pieces of equipment. The equipment allocation unit 114 also calculates the stagnation time as work time, which is the time spent working at the equipment. The facility allocation unit 114 then sets data including the work time and number of times of stay for each facility as stay facility data. Furthermore, the generation unit 111 generates a new layout based on the movement count data 125, prioritizing the relationship between two facilities with a large number of movement counts over the relationship between facilities with a small number of movement counts, thereby enabling the generation of a more practical layout. If it is difficult to obtain multiple flow lines, movement between facilities may be considered using one representative flow line without counting the number of movement counts. For simplicity's sake, the following is assumed: "work time = stay time." However, depending on the facility and the type of work, calculations such as "work time = 0.9 × stay time" or "work time = stay time - 30 seconds × number of arrivals" may also be used. The "number of arrivals" refers to the number of times the target arrives at the corresponding stay point.

[0031] The auxiliary information allocation unit 115 acquires layout data 121 from the storage unit 12, acquires retention data 124 from the retention extraction unit 113, and acquires auxiliary information via the input unit 13. "Auxiliary information" is information for associating "target retention" with "equipment." Here, an example will be described in which the auxiliary information is auxiliary line data that identifies an "auxiliary line" connecting a retention point specified by the user via the input unit 13 with equipment on an image representing the spatial layout and flow lines displayed on the output unit 14. For example, the auxiliary line data includes the "coordinates of the start point" and the "coordinates of the end point" of the auxiliary line. Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 6, the user connects the retention point and equipment they wish to associate with an auxiliary line. Therefore, the start point and end point of the auxiliary line indicate the equipment or the retention point. Therefore, the auxiliary information allocation unit 115 generates associated data 127, which associates a stay point identified by the coordinates of the start point or end point of the auxiliary line data acquired via the input unit 13 with the equipment identified by the coordinates of the start point or end point. In this way, the auxiliary information allocation unit 115 identifies the equipment whose coordinates are specified in the auxiliary information from the layout data 121, and generates associated data 127 associated with the stay point as shown in FIG. 8B. In FIG. 8B, the stay point is indicated by the area to which the stay point belongs. The auxiliary information allocation unit 115 also outputs the associated data 127 to the layout design unit 116.

[0032] FIG. 8B will be explained. Using the layout and flow lines shown in FIG. 6 as an example, FIG. 8B shows the area where congestion is occurring, related equipment other than the area including the congestion, and constraints on the area and related equipment. For example, in area A, the related data 127 indicates that the distance between area A and equipment C is within 5 m and there are no obstacles between area A and equipment C so that a worker can see the completion notification lamp of equipment C. In area D, the related data 127 indicates that the distance between area D and equipment B is within 3 m, there are no obstacles between area D and equipment B, and the monitor of equipment B is visible so that a worker can work on equipment D in area D while looking at the monitor of equipment B. In area F1, the related data 127 indicates that the distance between area F1 and equipment F2 is within 1 m so that a work-in-progress item created in equipment F1 can be placed on a shelf in area F2.

[0033] The output processing unit 112 inputs the retention data, layout data, and auxiliary line data from the storage unit 12, draws them, and displays them on a display that is the output unit 14. For example, as shown in Fig. 6, the output processing unit 112 draws a layout using the layout data, draws flow lines on the layout using the flow line data and retention data, and displays them on the output unit 14. Furthermore, when the output processing unit 112 acquires auxiliary line data as auxiliary information for the layout and flow lines displayed in this manner, it adds and draws auxiliary lines.

[0034] The layout design unit 116 acquires the layout data 121, the constraint condition data 122, the movement count data 125, the stationary facility data 126, and related data, and then designs a new layout based on an evaluation function. An example of the evaluation function used by the layout design unit 116 will be described below.

[0035] (1) Evaluation function 1 (total travel distance) An evaluation function will be described in which the evaluation value is the reduction in the total travel distance of the target when changing from an existing layout to a new layout. When using this evaluation function, the layout design unit 116 selects a layout with a larger reduction, which is the evaluation value, as the new layout. Then, the layout design unit 116 uses the layout data 121 and the constraint condition data 122 to design a layout in which the positions of multiple pieces of equipment arbitrarily selected within the space are swapped. Methods for calculating the "total travel distance" include, for example, (1) a method of calculating the distance by drawing a straight line between the centers of equipment A and equipment B, (2) a method of calculating the distance traveled from equipment A to equipment B only by vertical and horizontal movement, known as the "Manhattan distance," and (3) a method of calculating the distance traveled from equipment A to equipment B while making a detour to avoid stepping on other equipment.

[0036] The layout design unit 116 then calculates the travel distance of each object as an evaluation value, specifically, the total travel distance from the number of travels between facilities and the distance between the two facilities. If the reduction in the total travel distance, which is the evaluation value, satisfies a predetermined condition, the layout design unit 116 determines this layout as a new layout.

[0037] The number of pieces of equipment whose positions are to be swapped here is not limited. Therefore, it is also possible to swap the positions of two pieces of equipment, or to randomly swap the positions of two or more pieces of equipment. Layout design using a genetic algorithm (see, for example, "A Solution to Floorplan Design Problems Using a Genetic Algorithm That Adaptively Adjusts the Search Area" (Hiroshi Someya et al., Transactions of the Institute of Electrical Engineers of Japan, Vol. 119, No. 3, pp. 393-403, 1999)) may also be used. Generally, the evaluation value calculation method is set so that the better the layout, the higher the evaluation value. The evaluation value satisfying a predetermined condition may be when the evaluation value exceeds a predetermined threshold, or when the evaluation values ​​of multiple layout patterns are compared and the layout with the highest evaluation value is selected.

[0038] If a constraint is set for the auxiliary line, the layout design unit 116 can impose a penalty value on a layout that does not satisfy the constraint when calculating the evaluation value. This allows layouts that satisfy the constraint to be selected preferentially. For example, the constraint may be set as "an auxiliary line indicating visual observation of a monitor in an adjacent area" and "the angle at which the target worker views the monitor must be within 60°." If an auxiliary line is set and the angle is within 60°, no penalty value is imposed. However, if the angle is not within 60°, a penalty value according to the angle is imposed. If a shorter auxiliary line is preferred, the evaluation value may be calculated by adding the total movement distance of the existing layout to the length of the auxiliary line and the total movement distance of the new layout to the length of the auxiliary line. In this case, rather than simply adding the length of the auxiliary line, the evaluation value may be calculated by adding the length of the auxiliary line to the total movement distance using weighted addition.

[0039] (2) Evaluation function 2 (operation rate) An evaluation function using the availability of equipment as an evaluation value will be described. When using this evaluation function, the layout design unit 116 selects a layout with a higher availability, which is an evaluation value, as a new layout compared to an existing layout. First, the layout design unit 116 uses layout data 121 to design a layout in which the positions of multiple pieces of equipment arbitrarily selected within a space are swapped. The layout design unit 116 also uses the remaining equipment data and related data to calculate the availability of each piece of equipment for the designed layout. Furthermore, the layout design unit 116 calculates the average availability of all pieces of equipment as an evaluation value, and if this evaluation value satisfies a predetermined condition, determines this layout as the new layout. Again, the number of pieces of equipment whose positions are swapped is not limited. For example, the following formula (1) is used to calculate the availability of each piece of equipment. The evaluation value satisfying the predetermined condition may be when the evaluation value exceeds a predetermined threshold, or when the evaluation values ​​of multiple layout patterns are compared and the layout with the highest value is selected.

[0040] Utilization rate = Time spent in the facility area ÷ Total time (1) In formula (1), "stay time within the facility area" corresponds to the stay time for each facility included in the stay facility data. Also, "total time" is the stay time within the facility area plus the total travel time.

[0041] Here, if there is a stagnation connected by an auxiliary line outside the area set for the equipment, the layout design unit 116 will also treat the stagnation connected by the auxiliary line outside the area set for the equipment as a stagnation of the equipment when calculating the operation rate. For example, suppose there is equipment B that is associated with the stagnation in area A by an auxiliary line, and a stagnation has occurred in area A, but no stagnation has occurred in area B of equipment B. In such a case, since equipment B is associated with equipment A by an auxiliary line, the layout design unit 116 calculates the operation rate by considering the stagnation time in area A as the stagnation time in area B.

[0042] (3) Evaluation function 3 (variance) An evaluation function using the degree of dispersion of the positions of multiple objects as an evaluation value will be described. When using this evaluation function, the layout design unit 116 selects a layout with a high or low degree of dispersion as a new layout. First, the layout design unit 116 uses the layout data 121 to design a layout in which the positions of arbitrarily selected pieces of equipment within the space are swapped. The layout design unit 116 also uses the remaining equipment data to calculate an evaluation value representing the degree of dispersion for the designed layout. For example, if multiple objects are not present simultaneously within a predetermined range or area for a predetermined time period (e.g., 5 seconds or more), the layout design unit 116 can add up the total time and calculate the evaluation value. Then, if this evaluation value satisfies a predetermined condition, the layout design unit 116 determines this layout as a new layout. Again, the number of pieces of equipment to be swapped is not limited. The evaluation value may satisfy a predetermined condition if the evaluation value exceeds a predetermined threshold, or if the evaluation values ​​of multiple layout patterns are compared and the layout with the highest evaluation value is selected.

[0043] When designing a layout using the evaluation functions (1) to (3) described above, the layout design unit 116 can design within the range of constraint conditions defined in advance in the constraint condition data 122 described above with reference to Fig. 4. For example, if constraint conditions such as "the distance between the associated retention and the equipment must be within a predetermined distance" or "the distance between the associated retention and the equipment must be within a predetermined accuracy" are defined, the layout design unit 116 designs the layout according to these conditions.

[0044] The layout design unit 116 may use one evaluation function or a combination of multiple evaluation functions to design the layout. For example, the following formula (2) can be used to combine multiple evaluation functions. Rating value = Rating value 1 + Rating value 2 + Rating value 3 (2)

[0045] Specifically, the layout design unit 116 can determine the evaluation value for one layout as the sum of evaluation value 1 calculated using evaluation function 1, evaluation value 2 calculated using evaluation function 2, and evaluation value 3 calculated using evaluation function 3. At this time, each of the evaluation values ​​1 to 3 may be weighted with a different weight value.

[0046] Furthermore, these evaluation functions are not limited to the above-mentioned methods, but can be freely changed according to the facilities, space, etc. that the user designs.

[0047] 《1-2. Operation》 The flow of layout design processing executed by the layout design device 1 will be described using the flowcharts shown in FIGS. 9A and 9B.

[0048] The generation unit 111 acquires layout data 121 relating to the existing layout before change (S01). The generation unit 111 also acquires constraint condition data 122 that defines constraint conditions when designing the layout (S02). The generation unit 111 also acquires flow line data 123 that represents the flow line of an object obtained in the space of the existing layout (S03). The order of the processes of these steps S01 to S03 does not matter.

[0049] The generation unit 111 extracts stays using the flow line data 123 acquired in step S03, and generates stay data 124 that specifies the location and time of stay and movement count data 125 (S04).

[0050] The generation unit 111 generates the stagnant facility data 126 that identifies the facility where the stagnant facility has occurred, using the layout data 121 acquired in step S01 and the stagnant facility data 124 generated in step S04 (S05).

[0051] The output processing unit 112 uses the layout data 121 acquired in step S01 to draw a spatial layout and causes the output unit 14 to display it (S06). Furthermore, the output processing unit 112 uses the flow line data 123 acquired in step S03 to draw a flow line superimposed on the layout drawn in step S06 and causes the output unit 14 to display it (S07). At this time, the output processing unit 112 may also highlight and display a stay point identified by the stay data 124. For example, the output processing unit 112 can increase the diameter of a circle representing a stay point or darken the color of the circle depending on the stay time at the stay point.

[0052] The user acquires auxiliary line data, which is auxiliary information, via the input unit 13 for the layout and flow lines displayed in steps S06 and S07 in the generation unit 111 (S08). The generation unit 111 associates the stagnation points with the equipment using the layout data 121 acquired in step S01 and the auxiliary line data acquired in step S08, and generates associated data (S09). The timing of the processing of steps S06 and S07 is not limited as long as it is performed after the data necessary for drawing is acquired and before the auxiliary information is acquired.

[0053] The generating unit 111 generates association data 127 that associates equipment with stagnation, using the layout data 121 acquired in step S01 and the auxiliary line data acquired in step S08 (S09).

[0054] The generation unit 111 performs design processing for generating a layout using the layout data 121, the constraint condition data 122, the flow line data 123, the stationary facility data 126, and the related data 127 (S10).

[0055] The design process of step S10 will be described with reference to the flowchart shown in FIG. 9B. First, the generation unit 111 calculates the number of movements between facilities using the layout data 121 and the flow line data 123 (S101).

[0056] The generation unit 111 generates layout data in which the positions of a plurality of arbitrarily selected pieces of equipment are swapped in the existing layout identified by the layout data 121 acquired in step S01 (S102). For example, the generation unit 111 swaps the positions of two arbitrarily selected pieces of equipment.

[0057] The generation unit 111 calculates an evaluation value of the layout data generated in step S102 (S103).

[0058] The generation unit 111 determines whether the evaluation value obtained in step S103 reaches a target value (S104). If the evaluation value has not reached the target value (NO in S104), the generation unit 111 returns to the process of step S102 and repeats the processes of steps S102 to S104.

[0059] When the evaluation value reaches the target value (YES in S104), the generation unit 111 determines the layout data generated in step S102 as new layout data (S105). After determining the new layout data, the generation unit 111 ends the process of designing the new layout in step S10 in FIG. 9A.

[0060] Returning to FIG. 9A, the generation unit 111 outputs layout data of the new layout designed in step S10 (S11).

[0061] 1-3. Layout design example An example of a layout designed by the layout design device 1 will be described using the example shown in FIGS. 10A to 10D.

[0062] First, we will explain the case where a new layout is designed using, for example, the evaluation function 1 described above, which shortens the total travel distance, using the layout shown in the schematic diagram of FIG. 10A. The space of the example layout shown in FIG. 10A includes facilities A to F, and the work ranges of each facility are areas A to F. As shown by the flow line in FIG. 10A, assume that a target stays in area A (P11), then moves to area D and stays there (L11, P12), then moves to area F and stays there (L12, P13), and finally moves to area C and stays there (L13, P14). In this case, if we simply judge based on the flow line data and stay data, it appears that the target works using facilities A, B, F, and C in that order, and that facilities B and E are not used.

[0063] Therefore, when a new layout is designed using only the flow line data and retention data shown in FIG. 10A, for example, a layout such as that shown in FIG. 10B may be generated. Specifically, in the new layout shown in FIG. 10B, the position of facility F, which is used after facility D, is swapped with the position of facility E, which is considered to be unused according to the flow line, so that the positions of facility D and facility F are closer together. Also, in the new layout, the position of facility C, which is used after facility F, is swapped with the position of facility B, which is considered to be unused according to the flow line, so that the positions of facility F and facility C are closer together. In this case, when the layout shown in FIG. 10A is compared with the layout shown in FIG. 10B, the total distance of the flow lines has been shortened, so the layout appears to have been improved.

[0064] However, although not shown in the layout including the flow line data and stagnation data shown in FIG. 10A, for example, when working at facility D, a worker may reach out from area D to use facility E, or when working at facility C, a worker may refer to information displayed on a display installed at facility B from area C. Such information cannot be grasped from only the flow lines (L11-L13) and stagnation points (P11-P14) shown in FIG. 10A. Therefore, if a layout like that shown in FIG. 10B is generated by using only the flow lines, it may actually result in a decrease in work efficiency.

[0065] 10C, the layout design device 1 acquires auxiliary line X11, which is auxiliary information indicating that facility E will be used when working on facility D, and acquires auxiliary line X12, which is auxiliary information indicating that facility B will be used when working on facility C. By using auxiliary information together with the flow line data and the stagnation data in this way, the layout design device 1 can generate layout data that improves work efficiency.

[0066] Specifically, the layout design device 1 associates facility D with facility E, and also associates facility C with facility B, based on the auxiliary lines that are auxiliary information. As a result, the layout design device 1 designs, for example, a layout as shown in Fig. 10D. The layout shown in Fig. 10D has a configuration in which the positions of the layouts are slid counterclockwise compared to the existing layout shown in Fig. 10A.

[0067] 1-4. Effects, etc. As described above, the layout design device 1 can design a layout that improves work efficiency by using auxiliary information to design the layout.

[0068] Second Embodiment 11 to 13C, a layout design device according to the second embodiment will be described. The layout design device 1 according to the first embodiment described above designs a new layout by swapping the positions of equipment in an existing layout. In contrast, the layout design device according to the second embodiment extracts necessary equipment, removes unnecessary equipment, or adds necessary equipment, and then arranges the equipment within a space to design a new layout.

[0069] 2-1. Structure The configuration of the layout design device according to the second embodiment is the same as the configuration of the layout design device 1 described above in the second embodiment. Therefore, the configuration of the layout design device according to the second embodiment will not be described again and will be explained using FIGS. 1A to 7.

[0070] 《2-2. Operation》 The overall processing in the layout design device 1 according to the second embodiment is executed as described above with reference to Fig. 9A. However, the design processing differs from the design processing executed with reference to Fig. 9B. The design processing in the layout design device 1 according to the second embodiment will be described below with reference to the flowchart in Fig. 11.

[0071] First, the generation unit 111 calculates the number of movements between facilities (S201).

[0072] The generation unit 111 arbitrarily extracts multiple pieces of equipment as additional equipment from the layout identified by the existing layout data acquired in step S01, and determines the equipment to be added and the number of additions (S202). For example, the generation unit 111 determines the "additional equipment" to be added and determines the number of additions. The number of additions may be set to "add one unit" or "add a random number of units." The generation unit 111 determines the additional equipment and the number of additions within the range of the constraints. At this time, the generation unit 111 determines the additional equipment and the number of additions so that the total number of "existing equipment" that is existing equipment and the number of "additional equipment" is a predetermined number.

[0073] The generation unit 111 randomly arranges the number of pieces of equipment extracted in step S202 and determined to be installed in the space (S203). At this time, if multiple pieces of equipment overlap, in other words, if there is an overlapping portion in the positions of the equipment, the generation unit 111 moves the positions of one or more pieces of equipment to prevent the overlap. Furthermore, if the equipment falls outside the range of the constraints, the generation unit 111 changes the arrangement so that it falls within the range of the constraints.

[0074] The generation unit 111 calculates an evaluation value of the layout data generated in step S203 (S204).

[0075] The generation unit 111 determines whether the evaluation value obtained in step S204 reaches the target value (S205). If the evaluation value has not reached the target value (NO in S205), the generation unit 111 returns to the process of step S202 and repeats the processes of steps S202 to S205.

[0076] When the evaluation value reaches the target value (YES in S205), the generating unit 111 determines the layout data generated in step S203 as new layout data (S206).

[0077] 2-3. Layout design example An example of a layout designed by the layout design device 1 will be described using the examples shown in FIGS. 12 to 13D.

[0078] (First layout) A case will be described in which a new layout is designed using, for example, the evaluation function 1 for shortening the total travel distance described above, using the layout shown in the schematic diagram of FIG. 12. The layout shown in FIG. 12 is an example of a layout designed based on the auxiliary lines, which are auxiliary information, as described above in FIG. 10C. When equipment D and equipment E are associated with each other and equipment C and equipment B are associated with each other, the layout design device 1 may design a layout such as that shown in FIG. 12 by randomly arranging the positions of each piece of equipment. In the new layout shown in FIG. 12 generated in this way, the necessary equipment is closer to each other and the overall distance of the flow lines is shorter than in the existing layout shown in FIG. 10A. Therefore, the layout design device 1 can generate a layout that improves overall work efficiency.

[0079] 12, an area set for a facility may be set to overlap with an area set for another facility. Specifically, as described above, area B set for facility B overlaps with area A set for facility A or area C set for facility C. Furthermore, area E set for facility E overlaps with area D set for facility D or area F set for facility F. By providing overlapping areas within a range that does not interfere with work in this way, it is possible to shorten the distance between facilities, which may result in the creation of a layout that improves work efficiency.

[0080] If an overlapping area is set in an existing layout as shown in Fig. 12 and a stagnation point exists, the stagnation can be associated with both pieces of equipment. Also, if a stagnation point in the overlapping area is associated with multiple pieces of equipment, auxiliary information such as auxiliary lines may be used to associate the point with only one of the pieces of equipment.

[0081] (Second layout) Using the layout shown in Fig. 13A, for example, a case will be described where a new layout is designed using evaluation function 2 that increases the above-mentioned availability rate, i.e., decreases the non-availability rate. In the example layout shown in Fig. 13A, there are facilities A and B in the space, and the work ranges set for each facility are areas A and B. In Figs. 13A to 13C, the dashed lines indicate the movement of carts and workers, and the dashed lines indicate the movement of workers only. In the example shown in Figure 13A, first, at 15:48:04, a worker with a cart enters through the entrance (L21), the cart remains in Area B where Equipment B is located (P21), then at 15:48:15, the worker goes back and forth without the cart to get what he needs (L22), then at 15:49:08, the worker picks up the cart again and moves to Area A where Equipment A is located (L23), the cart stays with the worker in Area A to work (P22), and then at 15:49:38, the worker leaves through the exit with the cart (L24). Figure 13A only shows the movement line of one worker, but in reality, multiple workers work simultaneously in the space, and multiple movement lines and stays will exist.

[0082] In the example shown in FIG. 13A, a worker who enters the space from the entrance first moves to area B with a cart. However, this is not because the worker intended to work in area B, but because equipment A was in use and the worker was unable to place the cart there, so the worker temporarily placed the cart in area B and went to get something needed for the work in area A. In reality, it is often difficult to identify these specific situations from only the flow line data and the stagnation data. Therefore, by having the user input such information as auxiliary information, it can be useful in designing a new layout.

[0083] FIG. 13B shows an example in which an auxiliary line X2 has been added to associate facility A with a retention point P21 in area B. By adding such an auxiliary line X2, the layout design device 1 can identify that retention in area B is a "temporary placement" of a cart intended for use in facility A. Whether the retention is a "temporary placement" of the cart is identified by the distance between the retention point P21 and area A, specifically, the distance of the auxiliary line X2. For example, when the distance of the auxiliary line X2 is greater than or equal to a predetermined value, it is determined to be a "temporary placement," and when the distance of the auxiliary line X2 is within the predetermined value, it is determined to be use of the facility. This distinguishes the auxiliary line in FIG. 11B from indicating that "facility A will be used when working in area B," as indicating that "facility A would originally be placed in area A, but will be placed in area B due to congestion."

[0084] By identifying that congestion occurs in area A where work is performed using equipment A, the layout design device 1 can add one more equipment A and create a layout with two equipment A, for example, as shown in FIG. 13C. In FIG. 13C, the added equipment A is designated "equipment A2," and the work range set for equipment A2 is designated area A2. By adding equipment A and area A2 in FIG. 11A, a worker who enters through the entrance leaves his or her cart in area A where equipment A2 is located, without temporarily placing it in area B, takes what he or she needs, returns to area A2, works using equipment A2, and then exits through the exit. In this way, unnecessary congestion can be prevented and an efficient layout can be created.

[0085] 2-4. Effects, etc. As described above, the layout design device 1 can design a layout that improves work efficiency by using auxiliary information to design the layout.

[0086] As described above, the above embodiment has been described as an example of the technology disclosed in the present application. However, the technology in the present disclosure is not limited to this, and can be applied to embodiments in which modifications, substitutions, additions, omissions, etc. are made as appropriate.

[0087] <Other embodiments> (1) Operation information In the above embodiment, the layout design device 1 has been described as using auxiliary lines input by the user via the input unit 13 as auxiliary information, but other auxiliary information may be used. For example, if the target is a person such as a worker, information obtained by detecting the movement of this person may be used as auxiliary information.

[0088] (1-1. Gaze detection) One example of the movement detection information is gaze recognition information obtained using a camera capable of detecting the gaze of a person such as a worker. When this gaze recognition information determines that the person's gaze is directed toward equipment in an area different from the stay point and that the person has used information provided by the equipment in this different area, the auxiliary information allocation unit 115 associates the equipment toward which the gaze is directed with the stay point. For example, when the gaze is directed toward equipment in an area different from the stay point for a predetermined period of time or more (e.g., 15 seconds or more), the auxiliary information allocation unit 115 associates the stay point with this equipment.

[0089] (1-2. Wearable sensors) Another example of motion detection information is detection information from a wearable sensor worn by a person such as a worker. When it is determined that the person has used equipment in an area different from the stay point based on information such as the type of motion and the range of motion detected by the wearable sensor, the auxiliary information allocation unit 115 associates the used equipment with the stay point.

[0090] (1-3. Infrared sensor) Another example of the motion detection information is, for example, information detected by an infrared sensor installed in each area within a space. For example, when an infrared sensor detects that a person has reached out to an area different from the stay point, the auxiliary information allocation unit 115 determines that the person has used a facility in a different area from the stay point, and associates the used facility with this stay point.

[0091] (1-4. Skeleton Recognition) Another example of the information on the movement is, for example, information on the skeleton of a person, such as a worker, recognized using a camera. When the information on the skeleton recognition detects the movement of the person and identifies that the person has used equipment in an area different from the stay point, the auxiliary information allocation unit 115 associates the used equipment with the stay point.

[0092] (2) Table data Another method for generating auxiliary information is to use table data that associates equipment with a range of locations where the equipment can be used, even if the location is outside the area where the equipment is located. In this table data, each piece of equipment is previously associated with a range of locations that are outside the area set for the equipment and where the equipment can be used. Therefore, for example, if a stay point exists within a range included in this table based on the stay data, the auxiliary information allocation unit 115 sets the stay point as auxiliary information. Furthermore, the auxiliary information allocation unit 115 associates the stay point with the equipment associated in the table data.

[0093] (3) Layout data generation 9A, step S102 has been described as a method of "generating layout data by swapping the positions of multiple pieces of equipment selected arbitrarily." As other examples of generating layout data, various methods are conceivable, such as "a method of generating layout data by swapping the positions of equipment arranged in a straight line, such as vertically or horizontally," or "a method of randomly arranging all pieces of equipment and shifting the overlaps if any, and generating layout data."

[0094] Overview of the embodiment (1) The layout design device of the present disclosure is a layout design device that designs a new layout by modifying an existing layout regarding the arrangement of equipment in a certain space, and includes: a generation unit that generates a new layout in accordance with stagnation data regarding stagnation identified from traffic line data that represents the movement of objects in the case of the existing layout in the space; and an output processing unit that outputs the new layout generated by the generation unit. The generation unit may extract stagnation points where objects stagnate from the traffic line data to generate stagnation data, and generate the new layout using auxiliary information that associates the equipment arranged in the space with the stagnation points and the stagnation data.

[0095] This allows the arrangement of equipment in space to be changed, providing an efficient layout.

[0096] (2) In the layout design device of (1), the generation unit may further generate data on the number of movements from the location where the object stayed to the next location where the object stayed from the traffic line data, and generate a new layout using auxiliary information that associates the equipment placed in the space with the location where the object stayed, the stay data, and the number of movements data.

[0097] This makes it possible to provide an efficient layout by using information regarding movement between retention points.

[0098] (3) In the layout design device of (1), the auxiliary information is information that associates a stagnation point with selected equipment other than the equipment adjacent to the stagnation point, and the generation unit may generate the new layout by associating the stagnation point with the equipment adjacent to the stagnation point, and may generate the new layout by associating the stagnation point with selected equipment that is associated with the stagnation point in the auxiliary information.

[0099] This allows for an efficient layout to be provided by using auxiliary information when associating facilities with stagnation points.

[0100] (4) In the layout design device of (1), the generator may generate a new layout using a predetermined evaluation function.

[0101] This allows an efficient layout to be provided by utilizing the evaluation function.

[0102] (5) In the layout design device of (4), the generating unit may use an evaluation function to design a new layout in which the sum of the target movement lines is smaller than that of the existing layout.

[0103] This makes it possible to provide an efficient layout with a short travel distance.

[0104] (6) In the layout design device of (4), the evaluation function used by the generating unit may be one that designs a layout in which the availability rate of the equipment is greater than that of an existing layout.

[0105] This makes it possible to provide an efficient layout that improves the availability of equipment.

[0106] (7) In the layout design device of (4), the evaluation function used by the generation unit may be one that designs a layout in which the time that multiple objects simultaneously remain within a predetermined range in space for a predetermined period of time or more is shorter than that of the existing layout.

[0107] This allows for an efficient layout that reduces congestion within the space.

[0108] (8) In the layout design device of (4), the generator may design a new layout in accordance with constraints for designing the layout.

[0109] This makes it possible to generate a new layout within a feasible range, or to prevent an inefficient new layout from being generated.

[0110] In the layout design device of (9)(8), the constraints may be information regarding the allowable number of additional facilities, and the generation unit may acquire information regarding the allowable number of additional facilities to be placed in the space, and add the facilities within the range specified by the constraints to design a new layout.

[0111] This allows the layout to be designed within the realistic range of facility expansion.

[0112] (10) In the layout design device of (1), the auxiliary information may be information that associates the equipment selected by the user with the stagnation point.

[0113] This allows for an efficient layout design that takes into account the auxiliary information specified by the user.

[0114] (11) In the layout design device of (1), the auxiliary information is information that identifies the action of the target worker, and the generation unit may associate the equipment associated with the action included in the auxiliary information with the stagnation point where the target is present.

[0115] This allows for the design of an efficient layout that takes into account auxiliary information identified by user behavior.

[0116] (12) In the layout design device of (8), the generating unit may use the auxiliary information in at least one of the evaluation function and the constraint condition.

[0117] (13) The layout design method disclosed herein is a layout design method for designing a new layout by modifying an existing layout regarding the arrangement of equipment in a space, and can include the steps of: generating stagnation data by extracting stagnation points where objects are stagnant from traffic flow data representing the movement of objects in the case of an existing layout in the space; generating a new layout using auxiliary information that associates the stagnation points with the equipment arranged in the space and the stagnation data; and outputting the generated new layout.

[0118] This makes it possible to provide an efficient layout that reduces the travel distance of workers, etc.

[0119] (14) The program of the present disclosure causes a computer to implement the method of (13).

[0120] This makes it possible to provide an efficient layout that reduces the travel distance of workers, etc.

[0121] The layout design apparatus, layout design method, and program described in all claims of the present disclosure are realized by hardware resources, such as a processor, a memory, and cooperation with a program. [Industrial Applicability]

[0122] The layout design device, layout design method, and program disclosed herein are useful when changing layouts in various locations in a factory or store building to improve work efficiency. [Explanation of symbols]

[0123] 1. Layout design equipment 11 Control section 111 Generation part 112 Output Processing Unit 12 Storage section 13 Input section 14 Output section 121 Layout Data 122 Constraint Data 123 Traffic flow data 124 Retention Data 125 Movement count data 126 Retention equipment data 127 Related Data

Claims

1. A layout design device that designs a new layout by changing an existing layout regarding the arrangement of equipment in a space, a generation unit that generates a new layout in the space in accordance with stay data regarding stays identified from flow line data that represent the movement of objects in the existing layout; an output processing unit that outputs the new layout generated by the generation unit; Equipped with The generation unit Acquire the flow line data, extracting a stay point where the object stayed from the flow line data based on the flow line data to generate stay data; based on the existing layout and the stagnation data, if the stagnation location is in an area of ​​the equipment identified in the existing layout, associate the equipment with the stagnation; Generate movement count data including the number of times the object moves from the facility where the object stayed to the facility where the object next stays, from the flow line data; determining one or more provisional layouts by rearranging the arrangement of one or more pieces of equipment in the existing layout; For the existing layout and the one or more provisional layouts, a total movement distance is calculated from each piece of equipment where the target stayed to each piece of equipment where the target next stayed, based on the movement count data and the distance between the equipment at the movement source and the equipment at the movement destination; a tentative layout in which a reduction amount of the total movement distance calculated for the tentative layout is greater than that of the total movement distance calculated for the existing layout under a predetermined condition is determined as the new layout; Layout design equipment.

2. The generating unit generates a new layout using a predetermined evaluation function.

2. The layout design device according to claim 1.

3. The evaluation function used by the generation unit is for designing a new layout in which the sum of the target movement lines is smaller than that of the existing layout.

3. The layout design device according to claim 2.

4. The evaluation function used by the generation unit is for designing a layout in which the utilization rate of the equipment is greater than that of an existing layout.

3. The layout design device according to claim 2.

5. The evaluation function used by the generation unit is for designing a layout in which the time that multiple objects simultaneously stay within a predetermined range in the space for a predetermined period of time or more is shorter than that of the existing layout.

3. The layout design device according to claim 2.

6. The generation unit Designing the new layout according to layout design constraints.

6. The layout design apparatus according to claim 2.

7. The constraint is information regarding the allowable number of additional facilities, The generation unit acquires information regarding the allowable number of additions of equipment to be placed in the space, and adds equipment within a range specified by the constraints to design the new layout.

7. The layout design apparatus according to claim 6.

8. The generation unit At least one of the evaluation function and the constraint condition uses auxiliary information that associates the equipment arranged in the space with the stagnation point.

7. The layout design apparatus according to claim 6.

9. A layout design method for designing a new layout by modifying an existing layout regarding the arrangement of equipment in a space, comprising: acquiring, by a computer, flow line data representing movement of an object in the space in the case of the existing layout; extracting, by a computer, staying points where the object has stayed from flow line data that represents the movement of the object in the space in the case of the existing layout, thereby generating staying data; by a computer, based on the existing layout and the stagnation data, if the stagnation location is in an area of ​​the equipment identified in the existing layout, associating the equipment with the stagnation; generating, by a computer, movement count data including the number of times the object moved from the facility at which the object stayed to the facility at which the object next stayed, from the flow line data; obtaining, by a computer, one or more provisional layouts by rearranging the arrangement of one or more pieces of equipment in the existing layout; calculating, by a computer, a total movement distance from each piece of equipment where the target stayed to each piece of equipment where the target next stayed, for the existing layout and the one or more temporary layouts, based on the movement count data and the distance between the equipment at the movement source and the equipment at the movement destination; determining, by a computer, as the new layout, a tentative layout in which a reduction amount of the total movement distance calculated for the tentative layout is greater than that of the total movement distance calculated for the existing layout under a predetermined condition; outputting the new layout generated by the computer; A layout design method including:

10. A program for causing a computer to implement the method of claim 9.

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