Population Output Device

Abstract

The present invention addresses the problem of outputting information about the population of a finer region. A population output device 1 is provided with: a storage unit 11 that stores an estimation model for outputting population information about an estimated population for each type of map element of an area by receiving input of area information that is about the area and includes information about the population of the area and information about an aggregate value for each type of map element for one or more map elements constituting map data of the area; an acquisition unit 10 that acquires area information about a target area; and an output unit 13 that outputs population information about the target area, said population information being output from the estimation model stored by the storage unit 11 when the area information about the target area acquired by the acquisition unit 10 is input into the estimation model.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] One aspect of the present disclosure relates to a population output device and estimation model that output information about the population of a target area. [Background technology]

[0002] Patent Document 1 below discloses an information processing system that estimates the population of a cell (population estimation unit area) formed by a base station. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2020-155799 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] However, the above information processing system cannot estimate information about populations in areas smaller than a cell, so it is desirable to output information about populations in more detailed areas. [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] A population output device according to one aspect of the present disclosure includes a storage unit that stores an estimation model that outputs population information regarding an estimated population for each type of map element in an area by inputting area information regarding the area, the estimation model including information regarding the population of the area and information regarding a combined value for each type of map element for one or more map elements that constitute map data for the area; an acquisition unit that acquires area information regarding a target area that is a target area; and an output unit that outputs population information regarding the target area that is output by inputting the area information regarding the target area acquired by the acquisition unit into the estimation model stored in the storage unit.

[0006] An estimation model according to one aspect of the present disclosure is a trained model used by a population output device that includes: an acquisition unit that acquires area information about an area, the area information including information about the population of the area and information about the combined values ​​of each type of map element for one or more map elements that constitute the map data for the area; and an output unit that outputs population information about the estimated population for each type of map element in the area, and is configured by a neural network in which weighting coefficients are trained based on the area information about the area and the information about the population for each type of map element in the area, and the output unit outputs the population information about the target area that is output by inputting the area information about the target area, which is the area of ​​interest, acquired by the acquisition unit, into the estimation model.

[0007] In this aspect, population information regarding the estimated population for each type of map element constituting the map data of the target area is output, i.e., information regarding the population of a more detailed range can be output. [Effects of the Invention]

[0008] According to one aspect of the present disclosure, information relating to a more detailed range of population can be output. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0009] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of a system configuration of a population output system including a population output device according to an embodiment. [Figure 2] FIG. 1 is an image diagram of input and output of a population output device according to an embodiment. [Figure 3] FIG. 1 is an image diagram of input / output data used by the population output device according to the embodiment. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of a functional configuration of the population output device according to the embodiment. [Figure 5] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of area map data. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a diagram showing polygons and links extracted from the map data of FIG. 5. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a diagram in which only the polygons and links in FIG. 6 are extracted. [Figure 8] Figure 7 plots the position data. [Figure 9] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of a table of the total number of people for each type of map element. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of a table showing the ratio of the number of people for each type of map element. [Figure 11] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of a table showing the number and total area of ​​each type of map element. [Figure 12] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of a table of the number and total length of each type of map element. [Figure 13] FIG. 1 is a conceptual diagram of input and output of an estimation model. [Figure 14] 10 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a learning process executed by the population output device according to the embodiment. [Figure 15] This is an illustration of how the population of each type of map element is calculated from the ratio of the number of people in each type of map element. [Figure 16] This is an illustration of how the population of each map element is calculated from the population of each type of map element. [Figure 17] 10 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a population output process executed by the population output device according to the embodiment. [Figure 18] 10 is a flowchart showing another example of the population output process executed by the population output device according to the embodiment. [Figure 19] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example in which a station spans multiple areas. [Figure 20] FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of implementation by a population output device according to an embodiment. [Figure 21] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of the hardware configuration of a computer used in the population output device according to the embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0010] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. In the description of the drawings, the same elements are designated by the same reference numerals, and duplicate explanations will be omitted. Furthermore, the embodiments of the present disclosure in the following description are specific examples of the present invention, and the present invention is not limited to these embodiments unless otherwise specified to limit the present invention.

[0011] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an example of the system configuration of a population output system 5 including a population output device 1 according to an embodiment. As shown in FIG. 1, the population output system 5 includes a population output device 1, an area population calculation device 2, an external server 3, and one or more user terminals 4 (collectively referred to as "user terminals 4" as appropriate). The population output device 1 and the area population calculation device 2, as well as the population output device 1 and the external server 3, are communicatively connected to each other via a network such as the Internet, and can transmit and receive information to and from each other. The population output device 1 and each user terminal 4 are communicatively connected to each other via a network such as a mobile communication network, and can transmit and receive information to and from each other.

[0012] The population output device 1 is a computer device that outputs information about the population of an area. An area is a predetermined region such as a mesh, district, block, region, or zone. Details of the population output device 1 will be described later, but here we will briefly explain an example of the processing.

[0013] Figure 2 is an image diagram of the input and output of the population output device 1. As shown in Figure 2, the population output device 1 inputs the area population, which is the population of the area, map data for the area, and environmental data. The map data consists of information about one or more map elements such as stations, commercial facilities, houses, roads, and railways. The environmental data includes time of day, day of the week, weather, etc. The environmental data may be omitted from the input of the population output device 1. In response to the input, the population output device 1 outputs the number of people estimated to be present in each map element of the area (that is, the number of people that are estimated to be present in that map element). For example, the population output device 1 outputs the number of people estimated to be present in each building, etc. in the area, and the number of people estimated to be present on each road, railway, etc.

[0014] Figure 3 is an image diagram of input / output data used by the population output device 1. More specifically, each example table shown in Figure 3 is an example table corresponding to the area population, map data, environmental data, and output number of people listed in Figure 2. As shown in Figure 3, the area (of polygons, described below) or length (of links, described below) of map elements is used as map data.

[0015] The area population calculation device 2 is a computer device that calculates the area population for each date and time and each area and provides the calculated data to the population output device 1. The area population calculation device 2 calculates the area population using existing technology such as Mobile Spatial Statistics (registered trademark).

[0016] The external server 3 is a computer device that provides map data for each area and weather data for each date and time and each area to the population output device 1. The map data, weather data, etc. are assumed to be stored in advance in the external server 3. The external server 3 may be configured to be composed of multiple computers, each of which provides each data.

[0017] The user terminal 4 is a computer device such as a mobile communication terminal for mobile communication carried by each user of the population output device 1. In the embodiment, the user terminal 4 is assumed to be a smartphone, but is not limited to this. The user terminal 4 is equipped with a GPS (Global Positioning System) and acquires location data (latitude, longitude, etc.) regarding the current location of the user terminal 4 using the GPS. The location data also includes information regarding the date and time when the location was calculated. Note that the user terminal 4 may acquire location data based on information regarding base stations or Wi-Fi (registered trademark) without using GPS. The user terminal 4 acquires location data as needed and transmits the acquired location data to the population output device 1 as needed.

[0018] Fig. 4 is a diagram showing an example of the functional configuration of the population output device 1 according to the embodiment. As shown in Fig. 4, the population output device 1 includes an acquisition unit 10 (acquisition unit), a storage unit 11 (storage unit), a learning unit 12 (learning unit), and an output unit 13 (output unit).

[0019] Each functional block of the population output device 1 is assumed to function within the population output device 1, but this is not limited to this. For example, some of the functional blocks of the population output device 1 may function within a computer device different from the population output device 1, and connected to the population output device 1 via a network, while appropriately sending and receiving information with the population output device 1. Furthermore, some functional blocks of the population output device 1 may be omitted, multiple functional blocks may be integrated into one functional block, or one functional block may be separated into multiple functional blocks.

[0020] Hereinafter, each function of the population output device 1 shown in FIG. 4 will be described.

[0021] The acquisition unit 10 acquires (receives) information used in the population output device 1 from other devices via a network.

[0022] The acquisition unit 10 acquires each date and time and the area population of each area from the area population calculation device 2. The area population acquired by the acquisition unit 10 may be the entire area population for a predetermined period and area, or may be the area population for a date and time and area specified by the learning unit 12 described below.

[0023] The acquisition unit 10 acquires map data for each area, as well as weather data for each date and time and for each area, from the external server 3. The map data acquired by the acquisition unit 10 may be all map data for a preset area, or may be map data for an area designated by a learning unit 12 (described later). The weather data acquired by the acquisition unit 10 may be all weather data for a preset period and area, or may be weather data for a period and area designated by a learning unit 12 (described later).

[0024] The acquisition unit 10 acquires the position data from the user terminal 4 .

[0025] The acquisition unit 10 acquires area information on a target area, which is a target area, from an administrator or a user of the population output device 1 via a communication device 1004 or an input device 1005, which will be described later. Details of the area information will be described later.

[0026] The storage unit 11 stores the information acquired by the acquisition unit 10. More specifically, the storage unit 11 stores area population, map data, weather data, and location data. The storage unit 11 stores a pre-prepared estimation model or an estimation model learned by the learning unit 12 described below. Details of the estimation model will be described later. The storage unit 11 may also store any information used in calculations in the population output device 1, results of calculations in the population output device 1, etc. The information stored by the storage unit 11 may be referenced by each function of the population output device 1 as appropriate.

[0027] The learning unit 12 learns the estimation model based on area information about the area and information about the population of each type of map element in the area.

[0028] The area information about an area includes information about the population of the area and information about the total value of each type of one or more map elements that make up the map data of the area.

[0029] The information about the population of an area may be the population, which is the number of people who exist or are assumed to exist in the area, or may be any information about the population other than the population itself.

[0030] The map data is data relating to maps, such as data relating to general two-dimensional maps provided on the Internet.

[0031] The map elements are, for example, facility A, facility B, park C, station D, station E, station F, house G, road H, road I, road J, railway K, railway L, and the like.

[0032] The types of map elements may include at least one of facilities, parks, stations, houses, offices, restaurants, event venues, lakes, rivers, mountains, roads, or railways.

[0033] The items to be added up for the total values ​​of the map elements (for each type of map element) may include at least one of the number of the map elements, the area of ​​the polygon representing the map element, or the length of the link representing the map element.

[0034] The area information may further include environmental data related to the environment. The environment may include at least one of the timing of the population measurement and the weather in the area at that timing. Examples of the timing include the time of day, the day of the week, a public holiday, and the day of a large-scale event.

[0035] A specific example of learning of an estimation model by the learning unit 12 will be described in detail with reference to FIGS.

[0036] The learning unit 12 generates correct answer data for the estimation model. First, the learning unit 12 acquires map data (for example, in vector format) of a certain area as polygons (buildings, etc.) and (node) links (roads, railroads, etc.).

[0037] Fig. 5 is a diagram showing an example of area map data. The map data shown in Fig. 5 (e.g., in raster format) shows the area around Shibuya Station. The map data shown in Fig. 5 includes Shibuya Station, two train tracks, and multiple roads. Although the map data shown in Fig. 5 does not show these on the drawing, it may also include buildings and facilities, text names of each map element (e.g., "Shibuya Station," "Shibuya Mark City"), and symbols or icons indicating the type of each map element.

[0038] FIG. 6 is a diagram showing polygons and links extracted from the map data of FIG. 5. The extraction is performed by the learning unit 12. A polygon is a polygonal shape that indicates the area range of a building or facility, etc., among map elements, having a certain area (on the map). Polygons may represent, for example, facilities, parks, stations, houses, offices, restaurants, event venues, lakes, rivers, and mountains. Links are lines that connect nodes (on the map) (e.g., stations, intersections, etc.) among map elements. Links may represent, for example, roads and railways. When extracting polygons and links, the learning unit 12 may extract them by referring to text, icons, and the like included in the map data described above. In FIG. 6, polygons (e.g., in vector format) corresponding to buildings, etc., extracted from the map data of FIG. 5 and links (e.g., in vector format) corresponding to roads and railways are superimposed and displayed against the background of FIG. 5 (e.g., in raster format).

[0039] Fig. 7 is a diagram in which only the polygons and links are extracted from Fig. 6. The learning unit 12 uses the extracted data (for example, in vector format) as shown in Fig. 7 in the subsequent processing.

[0040] Next, the learning unit 12 acquires the location data stored by the storage unit 11 and aggregates it by day of the week, time period, and weather. By aggregating the data, the influence of each individual error can be relatively reduced. For example, data for N days (N is an integer equal to or greater than 1) is added together to aggregate the data.

[0041] Next, the learning unit 12 assigns the collected position data to the extracted polygons and links. Figure 8 is a diagram in which the position data is plotted in Figure 7. In Figure 8, the position data is represented by circles.

[0042] Next, the learning unit 12 sums up the populations included in polygons by type (of map elements), and also sums up the populations included in links by type (of map elements). Fig. 9 is a diagram showing an example table of the total number of people by type of map element. In the example table shown in Fig. 9, the type and the total number of people correspond to each other.

[0043] Next, the learning unit 12 calculates the ratio of the number of people for each type to the total population. Fig. 10 is a diagram showing an example table of the ratio of the number of people for each type of map element. In the example table shown in Fig. 10, the type corresponds to the ratio of the number of people (the value obtained by dividing each total number of people shown in Fig. 9 by the total population of 2600).

[0044] The learning unit 12 sets the information relating to the total number of people (FIG. 9) or the information relating to the ratio of the number of people (FIG. 10) as correct answer data.

[0045] Next, the learning unit 12 generates area information that serves as input data for the estimation model. First, the learning unit 12 also tallies the area population of the above-mentioned certain area by day of the week, time period, and weather (for example, for N days), and calculates the average value.

[0046] Next, the learning unit 12 calculates (acquires) the type, number, and area / length of polygons and links included in the map data (extracted from the map data). FIG. 11 is a diagram showing an example of a table of the number and total area of ​​each type of map element (polygon). In the example table shown in FIG. 11, the type of map element, the number of map elements of that type, and the total area of ​​the map elements of that type correspond to each other. FIG. 12 is a diagram showing an example of a table of the number and total length of each type of map element (link). In the example table shown in FIG. 12, the type of map element, the number of map elements of that type, and the total length of the map elements of that type correspond to each other.

[0047] The learning unit 12 generates area information including the calculated area population and the number and area / length of each type of polygon and link in the map data.

[0048] Next, the learning unit 12 learns the estimation model based on the generated area information and correct answer data. Fig. 13 is an image diagram of input and output of the estimation model. As shown in Fig. 13, the learning unit 12 inputs the generated area information (which may include environmental data) and learns the estimation model so as to output correct answer data.

[0049] That is, the estimation model receives area information about an area and outputs population information, which is information about the estimated population for each type of map element in the area. The population information may be the estimated population ratio for each type of map element, or the estimated population (per se) for each type of map element.

[0050] The algorithm of the estimation model is not limited, and may be an algorithm based on machine learning or an algorithm capable of estimating continuous values ​​such as linear regression.

[0051] The estimation model may be a trained model based on a neural network. Alternatively, the estimation model may be a trained model based on a recurrent neural network. Alternatively, the estimation model is not limited to a neural network and may be a trained model based on information processing capable of machine learning.

[0052] Next, an example of the learning process executed by the population output device 1 will be described with reference to Fig. 14. Fig. 14 is a flowchart showing an example of the learning process executed by the population output device 1.

[0053] First, the acquisition unit 10 acquires the area population of each date and time and each area from the area population calculation device 2 (step S1). Next, the acquisition unit 10 acquires map data and weather data from the external server 3 (step S2). Next, the acquisition unit 10 acquires location data (data that serves as the basis for the correct answer data) from the user terminal 4 (step S3). Next, the learning unit 12 aggregates the location data acquired in S3 by day of the week, time period, and weather (step S4). Next, the learning unit 12 assigns the location data aggregated in S4 to polygons and links on the map (step S5). Next, the learning unit 12 calculates the ratio of the number of people for each type of map element by referring to the assignment in S5 (step S6). Next, the learning unit 12 generates area information related to the area population, map data, etc. (step S7). Next, the learning unit 12 trains the estimation model (step S8). Note that the order of S1 to S3 may be random, or S1 to S3 may be repeated.

[0054] Returning to FIG. 4, the description of the output unit 13 will continue.

[0055] The output unit 13 outputs population information about the target area, which is output by inputting area information about the target area acquired by the acquisition unit 10 into the estimation model stored in the storage unit 11. For example, in the image diagram shown in FIG. 13, instead of the area information on the left, the output unit 13 outputs population information about the target area (similar to the population information on the right side of FIG. 13) that is output by inputting area information about the target area acquired by the acquisition unit 10 into the estimation model. Note that, among the area information input into the estimation model by the output unit 13, the area population may be the population of the target area in a specific time period or day of the week (specified by the administrator or user of the population output device 1), the weather may be the weather for the specific time period or day of the week, and the information about map elements may be information about the target area. In other words, the area information input into the estimation model by the output unit 13 may be information about the environment, etc., desired by the administrator or user of the population output device 1.

[0056] The output by the output unit 13 may be output (transmission) to another device via the communication device 1004 described below, output (display) via the output device 1006 described below, or output to the output unit 13 (for use in subsequent processing).

[0057] The output unit 13 can estimate information about the population of each map element in an area where there is no correct answer data. The output unit 13 uses the estimation model trained by the training unit 12 to calculate the total number of people of each type (total population).

[0058] When the population information is an estimated population ratio for each type of map element, the output unit 13 may calculate and further output an estimated population for each type of map element in the target area based on the population information for the target area and the population of the target area. FIG. 15 is an illustration of calculating the population for each type of map element from the population ratio for each type of map element. As shown in FIG. 15, the output unit 13 calculates and outputs the population of commercial facilities, the population of parks, etc., the population of stations, the population of residences, the population of roads, and the population of railways in the target area by, for example, multiplying the population ratio for commercial facilities, the population of parks, etc., the population of stations, the population of residences, the population of roads, and the population of railways in the target area by the population of the target area.

[0059] The output unit 13 may calculate and output an estimated population for each map element based on the calculated estimated population for each type of map element in the target area and information about the map element. Figure 16 is an illustration of calculating the population for each map element from the population for each type of map element. As shown in Figure 16, the output unit 13 calculates (derives) and outputs the population of each commercial facility, the population of each park, the population of each station, the population of each residence, the population of each road, and the population of each railway line in the target area by, for example, apportioning the population of each commercial facility, the population of each park, the population of each station, the population of each residence, the length of each road, and the length of each railway line in the target area.

[0060] When the population information is an estimated population for each type of map element, the output unit 13 may calculate and output an estimated population for each map element based on the population information for the target area and the information for the map elements of the target area. This calculation and output is similar to the explanation using FIG. 16 above.

[0061] Next, an example of the population output process executed by the population output device 1 will be described with reference to Fig. 17. Fig. 17 is a flowchart showing an example of the population output process executed by the population output device 1.

[0062] First, the acquisition unit 10 acquires the area population of the target area (the area including the point to be estimated) (step S10). Next, the acquisition unit 10 acquires map data and weather data of the target area (step S11). Next, the output unit 13 calculates the estimated population for each map element (point) of the target area (step S12).

[0063] Next, another example of the population output process executed by the population output device 1 will be described with reference to Fig. 18. Fig. 18 is a flowchart showing another example of the population output process executed by the population output device 1.

[0064] First, the storage unit 11 stores the estimation model (step S20). Next, the acquisition unit 10 acquires area information related to the target area (step S21). Next, the output unit 13 outputs population information related to the target area, which is output by inputting the area information related to the target area acquired in S21 into the estimation model (step S22).

[0065] Next, the effects of the population output device 1 and the estimation model according to the embodiment will be described.

[0066] The population output device 1 includes a storage unit 11 that stores an estimation model that outputs population information about an estimated population for each type of map element in an area by inputting area information about the area, the estimation model including information about the population of the area and information about the combined values ​​of each type of map element for one or more map elements that constitute the map data for the area; an acquisition unit 10 that acquires area information about a target area, which is a target area; and an output unit 13 that outputs population information about the target area by inputting the area information about the target area acquired by the acquisition unit 10 into the estimation model stored in the storage unit 11. This configuration outputs population information about an estimated population for each type of map element that constitutes the map data for the target area. In other words, it is possible to output information about population over a more detailed range.

[0067] In the population output device 1, the objects of calculation of the sum values ​​related to map elements may include at least one of the number of the map elements, the area of ​​the polygon representing the map elements, or the length of the link representing the map elements. With this configuration, population information can be output using the area of ​​the polygon representing the map elements or the length of the link representing the map elements, which can be easily obtained and derived.

[0068] In the population output device 1, the types of map elements may include at least one of facilities, parks, stations, houses, offices, restaurants, event venues, lakes, rivers, mountains, roads, and railways. With this configuration, it is possible to output population information regarding the population of each specific type of map element.

[0069] In the population output device 1, the area information may further include environmental data relating to the environment. With this configuration, it is possible to output more accurate population information that is further based on the environmental data.

[0070] In the population output device 1, the environment may include at least one of the timing when the population was measured or the weather in the area at that time. With this configuration, more accurate population information can be output based on the timing when the population was measured or the weather in the area at that time.

[0071] In the population output device 1, the population information is an estimated population ratio for each type of map element, and the output unit 13 may calculate and output an estimated population for each type of map element in the target area based on the population information about the target area and the population of the target area. With this configuration, it is possible to output an estimated population for each type of map element in the target area.

[0072] In the population output device 1, the output unit 13 may calculate and output an estimated population for each map element based on the calculated estimated population for each type of map element in the target area and information about the map element. With this configuration, it is possible to output an estimated population for each map element.

[0073] In the population output device 1, the output unit 13 may calculate and output an estimated population for each map element based on the population information for the target area and information about the map elements for the target area. This configuration makes it possible to output an estimated population for each map element.

[0074] The population output device 1 may further include a learning unit 12 that learns an estimation model based on area information about an area and information about the population of each type of map element in the area, and the storage unit 11 may store the estimation model learned by the learning unit 12. This configuration makes it possible to use a more accurate estimation model that has been appropriately learned.

[0075] The estimation model is a trained model used by a population output device 1, which includes an acquisition unit 10 that acquires area information about an area, the area information including information about the population of the area and information about the combined values ​​of each type of map element for one or more map elements that make up the map data for the area, and an output unit 13 that outputs population information about the estimated population for each type of map element for the area. The model is configured using a neural network in which weighting coefficients are trained based on the area information about the area and the information about the population for each type of map element for the area. The output unit 13 outputs population information about the target area, which is an area of ​​interest, by inputting the area information about the target area acquired by the acquisition unit 10 into the estimation model. This configuration outputs population information about the estimated population for each type of map element that makes up the map data for the target area. In other words, it is possible to output population information for a more detailed range.

[0076] In the above explanation, the units for tabulating data are days of the week, weather, time periods, etc., but data may also be tabulated by other means such as "public holidays" and "days with large-scale events."

[0077] In the above description, the weather, day of the week, and the like may be omitted from the environmental data. Furthermore, the time period may be morning, afternoon, night, late night, or the like, or may be in one-hour units. The map data must be of at least two types: polygons (facilities, parks, houses, etc.) and node-links (which consider railroads and roads together). The polygons and node-links may be subdivided. For example, node-links may be subdivided into roads and railroads, or expressways and local roads.

[0078] In the above description, the term "area" may be replaced with mesh, zone, division, region, or district, etc. The term "map element" may be replaced with point, etc. The term "number of people" may be replaced with population, and the term "population" may be replaced with number of people.

[0079] FIG. 19 is a diagram showing an example in which a station spans multiple areas. For example, if Shibuya Station spans four areas as shown in FIG. 19, the population output device 1 may use the above-described methods to calculate the population of the portion of Shibuya Station included in each area, add up the population of the portion of Shibuya Station in each area, derive the population of Shibuya Station, and provide or distribute the calculated population of Shibuya Station to an external party. If the calculated population is small, decimals may be removed to protect privacy.

[0080] The population output device 1 is a device that calculates the population of each facility, road, etc. (hereinafter referred to as each point) from population data included in an area, and may be a system that learns the number of people ratio at each point based on static geographic information and environmental data, and calculates the number of people at each point by predicting the number of people ratio at each point and multiplying it by the area population even in cases where detailed location data cannot be obtained. The population output device 1 may estimate the population of each point from a map, the environment, and the area population.

[0081] The estimation model is a trained model used by a population output device 1 that includes an acquisition unit 10 that acquires area information about an area, the area information including information about the population of the area and information about the combined value of each type of map element for one or more map elements that constitute the map data of the area, and an output unit 13 that outputs population information about the estimated population for each type of map element in the area, and is configured by a neural network in which weighting coefficients are trained based on the area information about the area and information about the population for each type of map element in the area, and the output unit 13 may output the population information about the target area that is output by inputting the area information about the target area, which is the area of ​​interest, acquired by the acquisition unit 10, into the estimation model.

[0082] The population output device 1 may be a mesh population refinement system.

[0083] The background is that there is data called mesh population, which shows "how many people exist within a specific regional mesh." This data is useful for understanding the demographics of each area, but when analyzing the population of stations and facilities, there are cases where it is necessary to obtain more detailed information than mesh population, such as the population of stations, facilities, roads, etc., to determine which areas are congested.

[0084] Conventional technology cannot estimate dynamic values ​​such as the number of people visiting commercial facilities and train stations. For example, it is possible to compile the number of people visiting each building from GPS signals or Wi-Fi access logs. However, there are issues with GPS signals, such as the possibility of errors and biased data trends due to limited sample sizes.

[0085] The population output device 1 can obtain more detailed information than mesh population, such as the population of stations, facilities, roads, etc., about which areas are congested. Fig. 20 is a diagram showing an example of implementation using the population output device 1. As shown in Fig. 20, the population output device 1 can obtain the population of Shibuya Mark City and the population of Shibuya Station.

[0086] The population output device 1 of the present disclosure may have the following configuration.

[0087] [1] a storage unit for storing an estimation model that receives area information about an area, the estimation model including information about the population of the area and information about a total value for each type of one or more map elements that constitute the map data of the area, and outputs population information about an estimated population for each type of map element of the area; an acquisition unit that acquires the area information related to a target area, which is a target area; an output unit that outputs the population information about the target area by inputting the area information about the target area acquired by the acquisition unit into the estimation model stored by the storage unit; and A population output device comprising:

[0088] [2] The summation targets for the summed values ​​related to the map elements include at least one of the number of the map elements, the area of ​​the polygon representing the map elements, or the length of the link representing the map elements. [1] The population output device according to the present invention.

[0089] [3] The types of the map elements include at least one of facilities, parks, stations, houses, offices, restaurants, event venues, lakes, rivers, mountains, roads, and railways. [1] or [2]. The population output device according to [1] or [2].

[0090] [4] The area information further includes environmental data relating to the environment. The population output device according to any one of [1] to [3].

[0091] [5] The environment includes at least one of the timing at which the population was measured or the weather in the area at that timing. [4] The population output device according to the present invention.

[0092] [6] the population information is an estimated population ratio for each type of map element; the output unit calculates and outputs an estimated population for each type of map element in the target area based on the population information about the target area and the population of the target area. The population output device according to any one of [1] to [5].

[0093] [7] the output unit calculates and outputs an estimated population for each map element based on the calculated estimated population for each type of map element in the target area and information about the map element. [6] The population output device according to the present invention.

[0094] [8] the output unit calculates and outputs an estimated population for each map element based on the population information for the target area and information about the map element for the target area. The population output device according to any one of [1] to [5].

[0095] [9] a learning unit that learns the estimation model based on the area information about an area and information about the population of each type of map element in the area; the storage unit stores the estimation model learned by the learning unit. The population output device according to any one of [1] to [8].

[0096] The block diagrams used to explain the above embodiments show functional blocks. These functional blocks (components) are realized by any combination of at least one of hardware and software. Furthermore, the method for realizing each functional block is not particularly limited. That is, each functional block may be realized using a single device that is physically or logically coupled, or may be realized using two or more physically or logically separated devices that are directly or indirectly connected (for example, using wires, wirelessly, etc.) and these multiple devices. The functional block may also be realized by combining the single device or multiple devices with software.

[0097] Functions include, but are not limited to, judgment, determination, judgment, calculation, computation, processing, derivation, investigation, search, confirmation, reception, transmission, output, access, resolution, selection, election, establishment, comparison, assumption, expectation, consideration, broadcasting, notifying, communicating, forwarding, configuring, reconfiguring, allocation, mapping, and assignment. For example, a functional block (component) that performs transmission is called a transmitting unit or transmitter. As mentioned above, there are no particular limitations on how these functions are implemented.

[0098] For example, the population output device 1 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may function as a computer that performs processing of the learning method and population output method of the present disclosure. Fig. 21 is a diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of the population output device 1 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. The population output device 1 described above may be physically configured as a computer device including a processor 1001, a memory 1002, a storage 1003, a communication device 1004, an input device 1005, an output device 1006, a bus 1007, etc.

[0099] In the following explanation, the term "apparatus" can be interpreted as a circuit, a device, a unit, etc. The hardware configuration of the population output apparatus 1 may be configured to include one or more of the apparatuses shown in the drawings, or may be configured to exclude some of the apparatuses.

[0100] Each function of the population output device 1 is realized by loading specified software (programs) onto hardware such as the processor 1001 and memory 1002, causing the processor 1001 to perform calculations, control communication via the communication device 1004, and control at least one of reading and writing data in the memory 1002 and storage 1003.

[0101] The processor 1001 controls the entire computer by running, for example, an operating system. The processor 1001 may be configured by a central processing unit (CPU) including an interface with peripheral devices, a control device, an arithmetic unit, a register, etc. For example, the above-mentioned acquisition unit 10, learning unit 12, output unit 13, etc. may be realized by the processor 1001.

[0102] The processor 1001 also reads programs (program codes), software modules, data, etc. from at least one of the storage 1003 and the communication device 1004 into the memory 1002 and executes various processes in accordance with the programs. The programs used are those that cause a computer to execute at least some of the operations described in the above-described embodiments. For example, the acquisition unit 10, the learning unit 12, and the output unit 13 may be implemented by a control program stored in the memory 1002 and running on the processor 1001, and similar implementations may be made for other functional blocks. While the above-described various processes have been described as being executed by one processor 1001, they may also be executed simultaneously or sequentially by two or more processors 1001. The processor 1001 may be implemented by one or more chips. The programs may also be transmitted from a network via a telecommunications line.

[0103] The memory 1002 is a computer-readable recording medium and may be configured, for example, by at least one of a read-only memory (ROM), an erasable programmable ROM (EPROM), an electrically erasable programmable ROM (EEPROM), a random access memory (RAM), etc. The memory 1002 may also be called a register, a cache, a main memory (primary storage device), etc. The memory 1002 can store executable programs (program codes), software modules, etc. for implementing a wireless communication method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0104] Storage 1003 is a computer-readable recording medium, and may be composed of at least one of, for example, an optical disk such as a CD-ROM (Compact Disc ROM), a hard disk drive, a flexible disk, a magneto-optical disk (e.g., a compact disk, a digital versatile disk, a Blu-ray disc), a smart card, a flash memory (e.g., a card, a stick, a key drive), a floppy disk, a magnetic strip, etc. Storage 1003 may also be referred to as an auxiliary storage device. The above-mentioned storage medium may be, for example, a database, a server, or other appropriate medium including at least one of memory 1002 and storage 1003.

[0105] The communication device 1004 is hardware (transmission / reception device) for communicating between computers via at least one of a wired network and a wireless network, and is also referred to as, for example, a network device, a network controller, a network card, or a communication module. The communication device 1004 may be configured to include a high-frequency switch, a duplexer, a filter, a frequency synthesizer, etc. to realize at least one of frequency division duplex (FDD) and time division duplex (TDD). For example, the above-mentioned acquisition unit 10, learning unit 12, output unit 13, etc. may be realized by the communication device 1004.

[0106] The input device 1005 is an input device (for example, a keyboard, a mouse, a microphone, a switch, a button, a sensor, etc.) that receives input from the outside. The output device 1006 is an output device (for example, a display, a speaker, an LED lamp, etc.) that outputs to the outside. The input device 1005 and the output device 1006 may be integrated into one device (for example, a touch panel).

[0107] Furthermore, each device, such as the processor 1001 and the memory 1002, is connected by a bus 1007 for communicating information. The bus 1007 may be configured using a single bus, or may be configured using different buses between each device.

[0108] The artificial intelligence output device 1 may also be configured to include hardware such as a microprocessor, a digital signal processor (DSP), an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a programmable logic device (PLD), or a field programmable gate array (FPGA), and some or all of the functional blocks may be realized by the hardware. For example, the processor 1001 may be implemented using at least one of these pieces of hardware.

[0109] Notification of information is not limited to the aspects / embodiments described in this disclosure, and may be performed using other methods.

[0110] Each aspect / embodiment described in the present disclosure may be applied to at least one of systems using LTE (Long Term Evolution), LTE-Advanced (LTE-A), SUPER 3G, IMT-Advanced, 4G (4th generation mobile communication system), 5G (5th generation mobile communication system), FRA (Future Radio Access), NR (New Radio), W-CDMA (registered trademark), GSM (registered trademark), CDMA2000, UMB (Ultra Mobile Broadband), IEEE 802.11 (Wi-Fi (registered trademark)), IEEE 802.16 (WiMAX (registered trademark), IEEE 802.20, UWB (Ultra-Wideband), Bluetooth (registered trademark), or other appropriate systems, and next-generation systems extended based on these. Furthermore, a combination of multiple systems (e.g., a combination of at least one of LTE and LTE-A with 5G, etc.) may also be applied.

[0111] The order of the procedures, sequences, flowcharts, etc. of each aspect / embodiment described in this disclosure may be changed unless it is consistent. For example, the methods described in this disclosure present elements of various steps using an example order, and are not limited to the particular order presented.

[0112] Input and output information may be stored in a specific location (for example, memory) or may be managed using a management table. Input and output information may be overwritten, updated, or added to. Output information may be deleted. Input information may be sent to another device.

[0113] The determination may be made based on a value represented by one bit (0 or 1), a Boolean value (true or false), or a numerical comparison (e.g., comparison with a predetermined value).

[0114] Each aspect / embodiment described in this disclosure may be used alone, in combination, or switched depending on the implementation. Furthermore, notification of predetermined information (e.g., notification that "X is true") is not limited to being done explicitly, but may be done implicitly (e.g., by not notifying the predetermined information).

[0115] Although the present disclosure has been described in detail above, it is clear to those skilled in the art that the present disclosure is not limited to the embodiments described herein. The present disclosure can be implemented in modified and altered forms without departing from the spirit and scope of the present disclosure as defined by the claims. Therefore, the description of the present disclosure is intended to be illustrative and does not have any limiting meaning on the present disclosure.

[0116] Software shall be construed broadly to mean instructions, instruction sets, code, code segments, program code, programs, subprograms, software modules, applications, software applications, software packages, routines, subroutines, objects, executable files, threads of execution, procedures, functions, etc., whether referred to as software, firmware, middleware, microcode, hardware description language, or otherwise.

[0117] Software, instructions, information, etc. may also be transmitted or received over a transmission medium. For example, if software is transmitted from a website, server, or other remote source using wired technologies (such as coaxial cable, fiber optic cable, twisted pair, Digital Subscriber Line (DSL)), and / or wireless technologies (such as infrared, microwave), then these wired and / or wireless technologies are included within the definition of transmission media.

[0118] The information, signals, etc. described in this disclosure may be represented using any of a variety of different technologies. For example, data, instructions, commands, information, signals, bits, symbols, chips, etc. that may be referred to throughout the above description may be represented by voltages, currents, electromagnetic waves, magnetic fields or magnetic particles, optical fields or photons, or any combination thereof.

[0119] In addition, terms explained in this disclosure and terms necessary for understanding this disclosure may be replaced with terms having the same or similar meanings.

[0120] As used in this disclosure, the terms "system" and "network" are used interchangeably.

[0121] Furthermore, the information, parameters, etc. described in this disclosure may be expressed using absolute values, may be expressed using relative values ​​from a predetermined value, or may be expressed using other corresponding information.

[0122] The names used for the above parameters are not limiting in any way, and furthermore, the mathematical formulas etc. using these parameters may differ from those explicitly disclosed in this disclosure.

[0123] As used in this disclosure, the terms "determining" and "determining" may encompass a wide variety of actions. "Determining" and "determining" may include, for example, judging, calculating, computing, processing, deriving, investigating, looking up, searching, inquiring (e.g., searching in a table, database, or other data structure), ascertaining, and the like. "Determining" and "determining" may also include receiving (e.g., receiving information), transmitting (e.g., sending information), input, output, accessing (e.g., accessing data in memory), and the like. Furthermore, "judgment" and "decision" can include regarding resolving, selecting, choosing, establishing, comparing, etc. as having been "judged" or "decided." In other words, "judgment" and "decision" can include regarding some action as having been "judged" or "decided." Furthermore, "judgment (decision)" can be interpreted as "assuming," "expecting," "considering," etc.

[0124] The terms "connected," "coupled," or any variation thereof, refer to any direct or indirect connection or coupling between two or more elements, and may include the presence of one or more intermediate elements between two elements that are "connected" or "coupled" to each other. The coupling or connection between elements may be physical, logical, or a combination thereof. For example, "connected" may be read as "access." As used in this disclosure, two elements may be considered to be "connected" or "coupled" to each other using one or more wires, cables, and / or printed electrical connections, as well as electromagnetic energy having wavelengths in the radio frequency range, microwave range, and optical (both visible and invisible) range, as some non-limiting and non-exhaustive examples.

[0125] As used in this disclosure, the phrase "based on" does not mean "based only on," unless expressly stated otherwise. In other words, the phrase "based on" means both "based only on" and "based at least on."

[0126] As used in this disclosure, any reference to an element using a designation such as "first," "second," etc. does not generally limit the quantity or order of those elements. These designations may be used in this disclosure as a convenient method of distinguishing between two or more elements. Thus, a reference to a first and a second element does not imply that only two elements may be employed or that the first element must in some way precede the second element.

[0127] The "means" in the configuration of each of the above devices may be replaced with "part," "circuit," "device," etc.

[0128] When used in this disclosure, the terms "include," "including," and variations thereof are intended to be inclusive, similar to the term "comprising." Furthermore, when used in this disclosure, the term "or" is not intended to be an exclusive or.

[0129] In this disclosure, where articles are added by translation, such as a, an, and the in English, the disclosure may include that the nouns following these articles are in the plural form.

[0130] In the present disclosure, the term "A and B are different" may mean "A and B are different from each other." The term may also mean "A and B are each different from C." Terms such as "separate" and "coupled" may also be interpreted in the same way as "different." [Explanation of symbols]

[0131] 1...Population output device, 2...Area population calculation device, 3...External server, 4...User terminal, 5...Population output system, 10...Acquisition unit, 11...Storage unit, 12...Learning unit, 13...Output unit, 1001...Processor, 1002...Memory, 1003...Storage, 1004...Communication device, 1005...Input device, 1006...Output device, 1007...Bus

Claims

1. an estimation model that outputs population information on an estimated population for each type of map element in an area when area information on the area includes information on the population of the area and information on a sum of values ​​for each type of map element in one or more map elements that constitute map data for the area, the sum including at least one of the number of map elements, the area of ​​a polygon representing the map element, or the length of a link representing the map element, the estimation model being trained based on the area information and information on the population for each type of map element in the area indicated by the area information; an acquisition unit that acquires the area information related to a target area, which is a target area; an output unit that outputs the population information about the target area by inputting the area information about the target area acquired by the acquisition unit into the estimation model stored by the storage unit; and A population output device comprising:

2. The types of the map elements include at least one of facilities, parks, stations, houses, offices, restaurants, event venues, lakes, rivers, mountains, roads, and railways.

2. The population output device according to claim 1.

3. The area information further includes environmental data relating to the environment.

2. The population output device according to claim 1.

4. The environment includes at least one of the timing at which the population was measured or the weather in the area at that timing.

4. The population output device according to claim 3.

5. the population information is an estimated population ratio for each type of map element; the output unit calculates and outputs an estimated population for each type of map element in the target area based on the population information about the target area and the population of the target area.

2. The population output device according to claim 1.

6. the output unit calculates and outputs an estimated population for each map element based on the calculated estimated population for each type of map element in the target area and information about the map element.

6. The population output device according to claim 5.

7. the output unit calculates and outputs an estimated population for each map element based on the population information for the target area and information about the map element for the target area.

2. The population output device according to claim 1.

8. further comprising a learning unit that learns the estimation model based on the area information and information on the population of each type of map element in the area indicated by the area information, the storage unit stores the estimation model learned by the learning unit.

2. The population output device according to claim 1.

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