Zone allocation system, zone allocation method, and program

Abstract

A zone allocation system (300) allocates any of a plurality of zones included in a space (500) to users (99) (hereinafter, users) so as to enable the users to use the space (500). The zone allocation system (300) comprises: a schedule acquisition unit (51) (hereinafter, an acquisition unit) that acquires a usage schedule indicating the date, time, and mode of use of the space (500) by each user; an allocation unit (58) that, on the basis of the acquired usage schedule, allocates zones to be used by the respective users from among the plurality of zones; and an output unit (59) that outputs the allocation result, wherein the allocation unit (58) allocates a first zone to a user for whom the mode indicated in the usage schedule is a first mode, and allocates a second zone, which is not adjacent to the first zone, to a user for whom the mode indicated in the usage schedule is a second mode.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a zone allocation system and a zone allocation method for allocating any one of a plurality of zones included in a space to each of users for use.

Background Art

[0002] Recently, from the perspective of the liberalization of work styles, a way of working at a free address has been proposed. In such a way of working, each user can select their favorite zone and perform their work. Also, a way of working that does not actually involve commuting to the office, such as so-called telework, is becoming more widespread. Patent Document 1 discloses a telework support device and the like for supporting such a way of working in telework.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] By the way, due to the increase in the option of the way of working called telework, a situation where the number of people commuting to the office increases or decreases daily is observed. In such a situation, the office space may not be appropriately utilized.

[0005] In view of the above, an object of the present disclosure is to provide a zone allocation system and the like that can utilize space more appropriately.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] A zone allocation system according to one aspect of the present disclosure is a zone allocation system that, in a space having a plurality of zones, allocates one of the plurality of zones to a user to allow the use of the space, comprising: an acquisition unit that acquires a usage schedule indicating the date and time and manner in which each of the users will use the space; an allocation unit that, based on the acquired usage schedule, assigns a zone from the plurality of zones to be used by each of the users; and an output unit that outputs the allocated allocation result, wherein, at the target date and time for allocation, the allocation unit assigns the first zone from the plurality of zones to a user whose usage schedule overlaps with the target date and time and whose usage schedule is a first manner, and assigns the second zone from the plurality of zones, which is not adjacent to the first zone, to a user whose usage schedule overlaps with the target date and time and whose usage schedule is a second manner different from the first manner.

[0007] Furthermore, a zone allocation method according to one aspect of the present disclosure is a zone allocation method for a space having a plurality of zones, in which a user is assigned one of the plurality of zones to use the space, and includes an acquisition step of acquiring a usage schedule indicating the date and time and manner in which each of the users will use the space; an allocation step of assigning a zone to be used by each of the plurality of zones based on the acquired usage schedule; and an output step of outputting the allocated allocation results, wherein, in the allocation step, for a user whose usage schedule overlaps with the target date and time and whose usage schedule is a first type, the first zone of the plurality of zones is allocated; and for a user whose usage schedule overlaps with the target date and time and whose usage schedule is a second type different from the first type, the second zone of the plurality of zones, which is not adjacent to the first zone, is allocated.

[0008] Furthermore, one aspect of this disclosure can be implemented as a program that causes a computer to execute the above-mentioned control method. Alternatively, it can be implemented as a computer-readable non-temporary recording medium that stores the program. [Effects of the Invention]

[0009] According to this disclosure, space can be used more appropriately. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0010] [Figure 1A] Figure 1A is a first overview diagram showing an example of using the zone allocation system according to the embodiment. [Figure 1B] Figure 1B is a second overview diagram showing an example of using the zone allocation system according to the embodiment. [Figure 2] Figure 2 is a plan view showing an example of a space where zones are assigned in the zone assignment system according to the embodiment. [Figure 3] Figure 3 is a block diagram showing the functional configuration of a zone allocation system and the like according to an embodiment. [Figure 4] Figure 4 is a plan view illustrating the determination of the area of ​​each of the multiple zones in the zone allocation system according to the embodiment. [Figure 5] Figure 5 is a flowchart showing an example of the operation of the zone allocation system according to the embodiment. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0011] The following describes in detail, with reference to the drawings, the zone allocation system and the like according to the embodiments of this disclosure. Note that the embodiments described below are all specific examples of this disclosure. Therefore, the numerical values, shapes, materials, components, arrangement and connection configurations of components, steps, and the order of steps shown in the following embodiments are examples only and are not intended to limit this disclosure. Accordingly, any components among the components of the following embodiments that are not described in an independent claim will be described as optional components.

[0012] Furthermore, each figure is a schematic diagram and not necessarily a strictly accurate representation. Therefore, for example, the scale may not necessarily match in each figure. Also, in each figure, substantially identical components are given the same reference numerals, and redundant explanations are omitted or simplified.

[0013] (Embodiment) [overview] First, an overview of the zone assignment system according to the embodiment will be described with reference to Figures 1A, 1B, and 2. Figure 1A is a first overview diagram showing an example of the use of the zone assignment system according to the embodiment. Figure 1B is a second overview diagram showing an example of the use of the zone assignment system according to the embodiment. Figure 2 is a plan view showing an example of a space where zones are assigned in the zone assignment system according to the embodiment. Figures 1A and 1B show a situation in which multiple users 99 (also called users) are using space 500 (see Figure 2, which will be described later). In particular, Figure 1A shows the situation of zone 500a included in space 500. Also, Figure 1B shows the situation of zone 500b included in space 500. Furthermore, as shown in Figure 2, in this embodiment, space 500 is composed of nine zones, including zone 500c, zone 500d, zone 500e, zone 500f, zone 500g, zone 500h, and zone 500i. However, as will be explained later, while the area of ​​space 500 is constant, the area of ​​each zone is variable. Therefore, space 500 may contain two or more zones and nine or fewer zones, or it may contain more than nine zones.

[0014] In this embodiment, the space 500 is divided into zones 500a, 500b, ···, 500i in this way, and for each user 99 who uses the space 500, an appropriate zone to be used is assigned from the perspective of appropriate use of the space 500. Then, a zone allocation system 300 (see FIG. 3 described later) that enables more appropriate use of the space 500 by using the zone assigned to the user 99 will be described.

[0015] Appropriate use of the space 500 here means use that reduces the amount of energy consumed within the space 500 by using the space 500. In other words, by appropriately using the space 500 according to the zone allocation system 300, the energy consumed using the space 500 can be maintained relatively small.

[0016] Note that the energy here refers to electrical energy, but it may also be read as energy when using gas or liquid fuel. For example, in this embodiment, the consumption amount of electrical energy for operating the air conditioner is mentioned, but the consumption amount of kerosene fuel such as an oil heater may be read as the energy consumption amount instead of the air conditioner. Also, electrical energy may also include so-called clean energy generated by a method with less CO2 emissions using non-fossil energy and so-called non-clean energy generated by a method with more CO2 emissions using fossil energy in some cases. When the breakdown of the consumed energy can be grasped, that is, when the energy can be converted into CO2 emissions, the energy consumption amount equivalent to clean energy converted by CO2 emissions may be applied as the energy consumption amount in this embodiment. <()

[0017] As shown in FIG. 1A, in this embodiment, the spatial environment of zone 500a is controlled by the first lighting device 11a, the first ventilation device 12a, and the first air conditioning device 13a. The first lighting device 11a, the first ventilation device 12a, and the first air conditioning device 13a are examples of environmental control devices that contribute to the energy consumption associated with using the zone. Note that there may be only one type of environmental control device. In this case, any one of the first lighting device 11a, the first ventilation device 12a, and the first air conditioning device 13a may be provided.

[0018] As shown in FIG. 1B, in this embodiment, the spatial environment of zone 500b is controlled by the second lighting device 11b, the second ventilation device 12b, and the second air conditioning device 13b. The second lighting device 11b, the second ventilation device 12b, and the second air conditioning device 13b are examples of environmental control devices. Note that there may be only one type of environmental control device. In this case, any one of the second lighting device 11b, the second ventilation device 12b, and the second air conditioning device 13b may be provided.

[0019] There are a total of nine zones in space 500 that are the same as those in FIGS. 1A and 1B described above. As shown in FIG. 2, space 500 is partitioned from the outside by a wall portion 82. One can enter and exit space 500 by passing through a door 83. Heat does not flow into space 500 from the outside through the wall portion 82, and external light is not taken in. However, strictly speaking, some heat may flow in and some external light may be taken in, but this is ignored here. Note that the energy consumption calculation unit described later may perform a calculation of the energy consumption taking into account such inflow of external heat and intake of external light through the wall portion 82. On the other hand, a window portion 81 is provided in a part of the wall portion 82. Through the window portion 81, a part of the heat flows into space 500 from the outside, and a part of the external light is taken in. Therefore, depending on the presence or absence and orientation of the window portion 81 with respect to a certain zone, the influence of external heat and external light given to the zone is different.

[0020] For this reason, for example, when allowing user 99 to use only a portion of the space 500, the total energy consumption of the entire space 500 will differ depending on which zones are used, i.e., which zones are assigned to user 99, even if the same number of zones are used. Therefore, the zone assignment system 300 determines and assigns the zones that user 99 should use in a way that minimizes the total energy consumption of the entire space 500. Furthermore, the ways in which user 99 uses space 500 vary.

[0021] For example, on a given day, user 99 might want to perform personal tasks in space 500 without interacting with other users 99. This type of use of space 500 is sometimes called solo work. On the other hand, on the same day, other users 99 might want to work collaboratively with yet another user 99, communicating with them. This type of use of space 500 is sometimes called group work. The "tasks" mentioned above are just examples of how space 500 can be used. Space 500 can be used in a variety of ways, including "learning," "manufacturing goods," and "other tasks."

[0022] In solo work scenarios, users rarely speak directly. Therefore, zones occupied by solo users tend to be relatively quiet. Conversely, in group work scenarios, active participation and discussion among users are frequently required. Consequently, zones occupied by group users tend to be relatively noisy.

[0023] From the perspective of reducing the overall energy consumption of space 500, it is necessary to have users 99 utilize space 500 within the smallest possible area and to concentrate lighting, ventilation, and air conditioning systems on this area. To achieve this, it is advisable to assign one zone to each user 99, or to one of several adjacent zones. However, as mentioned above, each user 99 uses space 500 differently, and furthermore, situations can arise where users 99 with different usage patterns negatively impact each other, such as when the voices of users 99 using the space in a group work manner disrupt the concentration of users 99 using the space in a solo work manner.

[0024] Therefore, in this embodiment, all 99 users with a common usage pattern, such as solo work, are assigned the same single zone, or one of several adjacent zones. Then, all 99 users with a common usage pattern, such as group work, which is different from solo work, are assigned zones that are not adjacent to the zones assigned to the users 99 with a solo work pattern. For example, in the example in Figure 2, the 99 users with a solo work pattern are assigned zones 500a and 500b, and the 99 users with a group work pattern are assigned zones 500g and 500h. In this way, the zone assignment system 300 assigns zones in a way that reduces the possibility of users 99 with different usage patterns negatively influencing each other, thereby enabling each user 99 to perform their work smoothly.

[0025] In Figure 2, passages 500z are provided between zone 500d and zone 500g, between zone 500e and zone 500h, and between zone 500f and zone 500i. If such passages 500z have sufficient width (length in the direction perpendicular to the direction in which the passage 500z extends), the two zones flanking the passage 500z can be considered to be separated in the width direction. In other words, since the two zones flanking the passage 500z in the width direction are not adjacent, the zone assignment system 300 may assign zone 500d to user 99 whose usage mode is solo work, and zone 500g to user 99 whose usage mode is group work. Thus, zones not being adjacent may include having other zones in between, or having a shared space other than zones in between.

[0026] The above usage patterns are considered common if they belong to the same category in terms of whether they are solo work, group work, or other usage patterns. The zone assignment system 300, by referring to the usage schedule described later, determines the usage pattern of user 99 from the text information etc. written in the user 99's schedule using a pre-trained machine learning usage pattern determination model. The zone assignment system 300 then uses the determined usage pattern to assign zones.

[0027] Furthermore, the usage pattern may be directly attached to user 99's usage schedule. For example, when user 99 enters their usage schedule, they select one of several usage patterns, such as solo work, group work, and other, and enter it. The zone assignment system 300 can then use the usage pattern included in the usage schedule to assign a zone. In this way, user 99's usage pattern for space 500 is indicated by user 99's space usage schedule.

[0028] Thus, the zone assignment system 300 in this embodiment assigns zones based on the premise of the smooth execution of the user 99's work. In doing so, the zone assignment system 300 assigns a combination of zones to the user 99 that is appropriate from the standpoint of energy consumption, that is, a combination of zones with relatively low energy consumption. As a result, the zone assignment system 300 can perform an appropriate zone assignment that balances the smooth execution of the user 99's work with relatively low energy consumption.

[0029] Furthermore, in this embodiment, each of zones 500a, 500b, ..., and 500i is individually equipped with lighting, ventilation, and air conditioning devices. However, if a single device can control the spatial environment of multiple zones, then it is not necessary to provide an environmental control device for each of the multiple zones individually. Therefore, even in a space equipped with only one environmental control device, appropriate zone assignments can be made.

[0030] In this embodiment, an example is described in which the environmental control device includes a lighting device, a ventilation device, and an air conditioning device. In addition to these, any device that can control one or more factors of the spatial environment of space 500 can be used as the environmental control device, such as an acoustic device, a humidifier, a fragrance component generator, and an air purifier.

[0031] [composition] The configuration of the zone control system 200 and the zone assignment system 300 will be described below with reference to Figure 3 in conjunction with Figures 1A, 1B, and 2. Figure 3 is a block diagram showing the functional configuration of the zone assignment system according to this embodiment. The zone control system 200 in this embodiment comprises a control device 100 and a plurality of environmental control devices arranged in each of the plurality of zones of the space 500.

[0032] In zone 500a, the first lighting device 11a, the first ventilation device 12a, and the first air conditioning device 13a are connected to the control device 100 via the first controller 10a. The control device 100 can be implemented as, for example, a cloud server or an edge server, and can be located in a location physically separate from space 500, or it can be located within space 500. The first controller 10a and the control device 100 are connected via a wide-area communication network such as the Internet, but there are no particular limitations on the method of connection and communication.

[0033] The first controller 10a is a device for enabling communication between the first lighting device 11a, the first ventilation device 12a, and the first air conditioning device 13a and the control device 100. For example, the first controller 10a transmits signals received from the control device 100 via a communication line to the first lighting device 11a, the first ventilation device 12a, and the first air conditioning device 13a via wireless communication. The first controller 10a also transmits signals received from the first lighting device 11a, the first ventilation device 12a, and the first air conditioning device 13a via wireless communication to the control device 100 via a communication line. Note that if each of the first lighting device 11a, the first ventilation device 12a, and the first air conditioning device 13a can communicate directly with the control device 100, the first controller 10a may not be necessary.

[0034] The control device 100 transmits operating parameters for the first lighting device 11a, the first ventilation device 12a, and the first air conditioning device 13a to each device via the first controller 10a. As a result, each device can operate according to the operating parameters transmitted from the control device 100.

[0035] The first lighting device 11a is a device that controls the brightness of zone 500a as one of the factors of the spatial environment of zone 500a. The first lighting device 11a is a dimmable lighting device that can obtain a numerical value specifying brightness from the received operating parameters and adjust the luminance to a brightness corresponding to that numerical value. Alternatively, the first lighting device 11a may be a device that controls the color temperature of zone 500a as one of the factors of the spatial environment of zone 500a. In this case, the first lighting device 11a obtains a numerical value specifying color temperature from the received operating parameters and adjusts the light color to a color temperature corresponding to that numerical value.

[0036] The first ventilation device 12a is a device that controls the amount of air exchanged, centered on zone 500a, as one of the factors of the spatial environment of zone 500a. The first ventilation device 12a is a device that obtains a numerical value specifying the exchange amount from the received operating parameters and can discharge air at an exchange amount corresponding to that numerical value.

[0037] The first air conditioning unit 13a is a device that controls the temperature of zone 500a as one of the factors of the spatial environment of zone 500a. The first air conditioning unit 13a is a device that can cool or heat zone 500a until the desired temperature is reached by obtaining a numerical value specifying the temperature from the received operating parameters and controlling the airflow rate of the blower fan to reach the temperature corresponding to that numerical value. Alternatively, the first air conditioning unit 13a may be a blower that controls the airflow rate of zone 500a as one of the factors of the spatial environment of zone 500a. In this case, the first air conditioning unit 13a obtains a numerical value specifying the airflow rate from the received operating parameters and controls the blower fan with an airflow rate corresponding to that numerical value.

[0038] In zone 500b, the second lighting unit 11b, the second ventilation unit 12b, and the second air conditioning unit 13b are connected to the control unit 100 via the second controller 10b. The second controller 10b and the control unit 100 are connected via a wide-area communication network such as the Internet, but there are no particular limitations on the method of connection and communication.

[0039] The second controller 10b is a device for enabling communication between the second lighting device 11b, the second ventilation device 12b, and the second air conditioning device 13b and the control device 100. For example, the second controller 10b transmits signals received from the control device 100 via a communication line to the second lighting device 11b, the second ventilation device 12b, and the second air conditioning device 13b via wireless communication. The second controller 10b also transmits signals received from the second lighting device 11b, the second ventilation device 12b, and the second air conditioning device 13b via wireless communication to the control device 100 via a communication line. Note that if each of the second lighting device 11b, the second ventilation device 12b, and the second air conditioning device 13b can communicate directly with the control device 100, the second controller 10b may not be necessary.

[0040] The control device 100 transmits operating parameters for the second lighting device 11b, the second ventilation device 12b, and the second air conditioning device 13b to each device via the second controller 10b. As a result, each device can operate according to the operating parameters transmitted from the control device 100.

[0041] The second lighting device 11b, the second ventilation device 12b, and the second air conditioning device 13b are similar to the first lighting device 11a, the first ventilation device 12a, and the first air conditioning device 13a, respectively. Therefore, their description here is omitted by referring to the descriptions of the first lighting device 11a, the first ventilation device 12a, and the first air conditioning device 13a above. Similarly, each of zones 500c, 500d, ..., and 500i is individually provided with lighting devices, ventilation devices, air conditioning devices, and controllers. The lighting devices, ventilation devices, and air conditioning devices can communicate with the control device 100 via the controllers, thereby sending and receiving signals to and from the control device 100. For example, the lighting devices, ventilation devices, and air conditioning devices can operate according to the operating parameters transmitted from the control device 100. In this way, the multiple zones of space 500 can each have their spatial environment controlled individually. However, if the number of multiple zones is changed, the symmetric zone controlled by an environmental control device may also change. In other words, an environmental control device that belonged to one zone before the number of zones was changed may belong to a different zone after the number of zones is changed.

[0042] The zone allocation system 300 assigns a zone to user 99 based on their planned usage. Furthermore, the zone allocation system 300 is connected to the zone control system 200 to acquire performance data of environmental control devices in multiple zones to calculate energy consumption and to control the operation of environmental control devices in the assigned zones. In addition, the zone allocation system 300 is connected to mobile devices such as smartphones or tablet terminals owned by user 99, terminal devices 400 including PCs installed in each of the multiple zones, and an external server 600.

[0043] The zone allocation system 300 comprises a schedule acquisition unit 51, a set value acquisition unit 53, a weather acquisition unit 55, a communication unit 56, an energy consumption calculation unit 57, an allocation unit 58, and an output unit 59. The zone allocation system 300 is implemented by a program executed on a processor and memory, such as a cloud server or an edge server. Therefore, the zone allocation system 300 is implemented by a processor, memory, and a program executed using these, configured to execute functions corresponding to the schedule acquisition unit 51, the set value acquisition unit 53, the weather acquisition unit 55, the communication unit 56, the energy consumption calculation unit 57, the allocation unit 58, and the output unit 59, respectively.

[0044] The schedule acquisition unit 51 is a processing unit that acquires the usage schedules of user 99 from a schedule management server, which is a type of external server 600. Each user 99 registers their own usage schedule on the schedule management server, and the schedule acquisition unit 51 can acquire all of the usage schedules of users 99 who intend to use the space 500 at a given date and time. For example, the schedule acquisition unit 51 acquires the usage schedules of user 99 that fall on the target date and time for zone allocation. The target date and time is a period with a length of a unit time such as 1 hour, 4 hours, 8 hours, or 12 hours, and the unit acquires all usage schedules in which at least a part of the usage date and time indicated in the usage schedule falls within that period. The unit time of the target date and time can be applied by an administrator such as the zone allocation system 300 by inputting an appropriate numerical value. For example, in addition to the above, longer unit times such as 1 day, 1 week, or 1 month may be set.

[0045] The usage schedule includes information about the date and time (usage date and time) when user 99 plans to use space 500, as well as information about the type of usage. If the usage date and time shown in the usage schedule spans two or more consecutive target dates and times, the usage schedule will be retrieved for each of those target dates and times.

[0046] The setting value acquisition unit 53 is a processing unit that acquires setting values ​​for the area of ​​each of multiple zones. The setting value acquisition unit 53 acquires these settings by reading them from the memory of the zone allocation system 300. These setting values ​​can be stored by an administrator of the zone allocation system 300 by inputting appropriate numerical values. The administrator of the zone allocation system 300 can update the stored setting values ​​at any time by re-entering these setting values ​​at any time.

[0047] Each of the multiple zones has a pre-set capacity (number of people that can be allocated), and this setting is a coefficient used to change the area allocated per user (99 people) in each zone. For example, if a zone has a capacity of 10 people, the unit area allocated per user in the default state is 1 m². 2 Let's assume this is the case. If the set value is 1.0, the area of ​​the zone will be 10 people × 1 m 2 × 1.0 = 10m 2 Therefore, when the setting value is updated to 1.5, 10 people × 1m 2 × 1.5 = 15m 2 It will be changed to this.

[0048] For example, in the event of an infectious disease outbreak, the administrator of the zone allocation system 300 can suppress the spread of the disease by updating the settings to a larger value, thereby maintaining an appropriate distance between users 99 within a zone. Similarly, if it becomes necessary to accommodate a large number of people temporarily, such as through the large-scale hiring of new personnel, the administrator of the zone allocation system 300 can accommodate more users 99 within a zone by updating the settings to a smaller value. However, changing the area of ​​such zones may alter the number of zones within the space 500.

[0049] Figure 4 is a plan view illustrating the determination of the area of ​​each of the multiple zones in the zone allocation system according to the embodiment. Figure 4 shows space 500 when the setting value is set to 1.5 times the setting value in Figure 2. When the setting value is increased by 1.5 times, the area of ​​each zone becomes 1.5 times larger, while the number of zones in space 500 becomes 2 / 3 times, or 6. In this way, when the area of ​​each zone is changed, the larger the size of the zone, the fewer the number of zones in space 500, and conversely, the smaller the size of the zone, the more the number of zones in space 500 increases.

[0050] Returning to the explanation of Figure 3, the weather acquisition unit 55 is a processing unit that acquires weather information for a target date and time from a weather information server, which is a type of external server 600. The weather information server stores information about the weather at each date and time for a specific location (including at least one of longitude and latitude) as a database, and the weather acquisition unit 55 acquires the relevant weather information from the location where space 500 is located (including at least one of latitude, longitude, and altitude) and the information for the target date and time. The weather information here includes the temperature at the location where space 500 is located, as well as information on sunshine duration and solar altitude. Sunshine duration here means the actual amount of time when sunlight reaches the location, taking into account the cloud conditions.

[0051] The communication unit 56 is a processing unit that controls the operation of the communication module when the schedule acquisition unit 51, the set value acquisition unit 53, and the weather acquisition unit 55 communicate in order to acquire information.

[0052] The energy consumption calculation unit 57 is a processing unit that calculates the amount of energy consumed in each of the multiple zones when each of the multiple zones is used by the user 99 at the target date and time. The energy consumption calculation unit 57 estimates the amount of ambient light taken in through the window section 81 from the solar altitude and sunshine duration at the target date and time. Then, the energy consumption calculation unit 57 calculates the amount of energy consumed by operating the lighting equipment to the amount necessary to maintain, for example, 300 lux or more of illuminance at the user's feet in the zone, and for example, 500 lux or more of illuminance at the user's hands, based on the estimated value (required brightness).

[0053] Furthermore, the energy consumption calculation unit 57 estimates the amount of heat inflow from the outside air through the window 81 based on the temperature at the target date and time. Then, the energy consumption calculation unit 57 calculates the amount of energy consumed by operating the air conditioning system to the extent necessary to maintain the temperature in the zone at a predetermined temperature based on the estimated value. The predetermined temperature is, for example, 18°C ​​in winter, and for example, 28°C in summer, or a temperature value set as appropriate. In addition, the energy consumption calculation unit 57 may also calculate the energy consumption required for the operation of the ventilation system in addition to the energy consumption required for the operation of the air conditioning system. The energy consumption required for the operation of the ventilation system is, for example, when ventilation is performed to keep the CO2 concentration in the zone constant, the amount of heat inflow from the outside air due to the intake air is estimated based on the temperature at the target date and time. Furthermore, the amount of energy consumed by operating the air conditioning system to maintain the temperature within the zone at a predetermined level can be calculated based on the total heat inflow, which is the sum of the estimated heat inflow and the estimated heat inflow from the outside air through the aforementioned window.

[0054] The allocation unit 58 is a processing unit that assigns each user 99 a zone to use from among multiple zones, based on the acquired usage schedule and the calculated energy consumption of each of the multiple zones. The allocation unit 58 identifies the users 99 who are scheduled to use the space 500 at the target date and time, and groups the identified users 99 according to their usage patterns. Then, it ensures that users 99 with the same usage pattern are assigned the same zone.

[0055] For example, if the number of users 99 with the same usage pattern exceeds the number of people that can be accommodated in one zone, two or more zones will be assigned to the users 99 with the same usage pattern. In this case, there are no particular limitations on how the two or more zones are assigned; one of the two or more zones may be assigned to the same number of users 99 as the number of people that can be accommodated, and the remaining users 99 may be assigned to another zone, or the users 99 with the same usage pattern may be divided equally among the two or more zones, and each may be assigned two or more zones. Furthermore, the two zones assigned to these users 99 with the same usage pattern may be adjacent or separated.

[0056] Furthermore, the allocation unit 58 assigns zones such that the zone assigned to a user 99 whose usage pattern differs from that of a user 99 assigned to one of the multiple zones is a different zone that is not adjacent to the aforementioned zone. In this case, since users 99 with different usage patterns will use each of the zones, the zones are assigned in such a way that the two zones are separated.

[0057] In this way, for each of the two or more users 99 who each plan to use the space in two or more different ways, an appropriate zone is assigned from among multiple zones. At this time, the assignment unit 58 selects two or more zones to assign so that the total energy consumption is relatively low. Specifically, the assignment unit 58 selects a combination of zones that satisfies the condition that the total energy consumption is relatively low when the energy consumption of two (or more) non-adjacent zones is added together from the energy consumption of each zone calculated by the energy consumption calculation unit 57. For example, the assignment unit 58 assigns each of the user 99 a combination of zones in which the total energy consumption is less than a threshold. This threshold may be, for example, a numerical value set as an indicator by the management company of the building in which the space 500 is located, or a target value for reducing energy use decided by a local government, or a value set relative to the energy consumption when the space 500 was used in the past.

[0058] Furthermore, the allocation unit 58 may, for example, assign to each user 99 the zone combination whose total energy consumption is less than any other combination of two (or more) non-adjacent zones that satisfy the condition, i.e., the combination with the smallest total energy consumption.

[0059] Furthermore, the allocation unit 58 allocates the remaining zones among the multiple zones, which are neither one zone nor any other zone, as follows:

[0060] (1) Interaction Zone The allocation unit 58 assigns an interaction zone to one or more of the remaining zones. The interaction zone is used by users 99 for breaks and other purposes, and is a zone where users 99 with different usage patterns can communicate with each other. Therefore, situations arise where users with different usage patterns use the interaction zone simultaneously. Furthermore, since this interaction zone is based on the premise that conversations will occur between users 99, it is assigned to a remaining zone that is separated from both zones where solo work is performed as part of work, and zones where group work is performed as part of work. This interaction zone is assigned to, for example, the zone with the lowest energy consumption among the remaining zones, so that users 99 assigned to other zones can use it at any time. In other words, users 99 can use the interaction zone in addition to the zone assigned to them. Note that two or more interaction zones may be assigned, or none may be assigned. For example, if there is a fixed space in a shared space separate from space 500 that is provided for the purpose of interaction between similar users 99, there may be cases where it is not necessary to assign an interaction zone with an irregularly changing zone layout.

[0061] In the AC zone, devices such as air conditioning and ventilation systems that require time to take effect after starting operation are kept running at all times. However, devices such as lighting and sound systems that can take effect immediately even when switched on or off may be controlled on or off depending on the presence or absence of users 99 in the AC zone.

[0062] (2) Zones where changes are permitted and zones where changes are prohibited The allocation unit 58, if an AC zone is allocated within space 500, allocates either a change-permitted zone or a change-prohibited zone to all unallocated zones excluding the AC zone. As a result, within space 500, there are zones allocated to user 99, AC zones, and strange There will be zones where changes are permitted and zones where changes are prohibited, and there will be no unallocated zones.

[0063] A changeable zone is, for example, a zone within space 500 that can be used if one or more users 99 who have been assigned to a particular zone wish to change it. In other words, a changeable zone is a zone that users 99 can use in place of a zone that has been assigned to them. Some users 99 may prefer to perform their work in a specific zone, and by allowing such preferences within certain rules, it is expected that the efficiency of the work of those users 99 can be improved. One such rule might be to set the zone as one with relatively low energy consumption. This would prevent the total energy consumption of the entire space 500 from increasing drastically, even if a changeable zone is actually used.

[0064] For example, a rule may be set that the energy consumption in a change-tolerant zone is less than 10% of the total energy consumption of all zones used by user 99 at the given time. For instance, suppose zones 500a and 500b are assigned to user 99 for solo work, zone 500g is assigned to user 99 for group work, and zone 500f is assigned as an AC zone. In this case, if a change-tolerant zone is assigned to zone 500d, the energy consumption of zone 500d will be 10% of the total energy consumption of zones 500a, 500b, 500f, and 500g. Therefore, the more zones are used, the higher the probability that a change-tolerant zone will be assigned among the unassigned zones.

[0065] The no-change zone is, the aboveIn contrast to zones where modification is permitted, a zone where modification is prohibited is a zone that cannot be used even if one or more of the users 99 assigned to a zone within space 500 wish to change it. In other words, a zone where modification is prohibited is a zone that users 99 cannot use as a substitute for a zone assigned to them. A zone where modification is prohibited can have a significant impact on the increase in the total energy consumption of space 500. Therefore, it can be said that the energy consumption in a zone where modification is permitted is less than the energy consumption in a zone where modification is prohibited.

[0066] Users 99 do not necessarily need to be specifically notified about these zones where changes are permitted and zones where changes are prohibited. If the zones where changes are permitted were notified in advance, a large number of users 99 might want to make changes, resulting in a situation where space 500 cannot be used properly. Even if the zones where changes are prohibited are notified, the zones where changes are permitted can be inferred from that, so a similar situation would occur.

[0067] Therefore, if user 99 wants to use a zone that allows modification, for example, user 99 will ignore the zone assigned to them and start using one of the unassigned zones. The zone assignment system 300 will then detect the start of use of such an unassigned zone, and the assignment unit 58 will change the zone assigned to user 99 to the zone they are actually using if it is a zone that allows modification, or notify the user to move to the zone assigned to them if it is a zone that does not allow modification.

[0068] The operation of the allocation unit 58, etc., regarding the change of zones described above is just one example. For example, the system could simply present at least one of the zones that are allowed to be changed and the zones that are not allowed to be changed to the user 99 and accept input from the user 99 regarding their desired change in advance.

[0069] The output unit 59 is a processing unit that outputs the assigned assignment results. The output unit 59 outputs the assignment results to, for example, a terminal device 400 owned by user 99. Then, the display unit 61 of the terminal device 400 displays the location of the zone assigned to user 99 and the location of the interaction zone. The location of the zones includes the seat numbers belonging to each zone and map information of the space, and includes information to help user 99 understand the zone to which they have been assigned in a situation where there are no physical boundaries. Then, by simply using the displayed zone, user 99 can make appropriate use of the space 500.

[0070] [Operation] The operation of the zone allocation system 300 in this embodiment will be described below with reference to Figure 5. Figure 5 is a flowchart showing an example of the operation of the zone allocation system according to this embodiment.

[0071] Prior to the various operations described below, the environmental control devices for all zones within the space 500 may be started in advance. This is because if users 99 begin using the zones immediately after their assignment, some devices, such as air conditioning and ventilation systems, may not be fully effective. Therefore, the environmental control devices for all zones should be started in advance, and after the zones are assigned, the environmental control devices for unused zones (for example, zones where no users 99 wish to make changes, and zones where changes are prohibited) should be sequentially shut down. However, if the zone assignments are completed in advance and there is sufficient time (time for the devices to become effective) before users 99 actually begin using the zones, then starting the environmental control devices in advance is unnecessary.

[0072] As shown in Figure 5, the setting value acquisition unit 53 reads and acquires the setting values ​​stored in memory or the like (S101). The zone allocation system 300 determines the area value of each of the multiple zones based on the acquired setting values ​​(S102). This determines the location of each zone within the space 500. The energy consumption calculation unit 57 calculates the energy consumption if each determined zone is used at the target date and time (S103).

[0073] Next, the schedule acquisition unit 51 acquires the usage schedule previously registered by the user 99 (S104). The allocation unit 58 assigns each user 99 a zone to use based on the energy consumption of each zone calculated by the energy consumption calculation unit 57 and the usage schedule acquired by the schedule acquisition unit 51 (S105). Furthermore, the allocation unit 58 assigns one or more AC zones from the remaining zones after assigning to the user 99 (S106). The output unit 59 outputs the allocation results so that the allocation results can be displayed on the terminal device 400 owned by the user 99 (S107).

[0074] Here, the zone assignment system 300 detects a change in the usage zone made by one or more of the users 99 (S108). For example, the zone assignment system 300 may detect the use of a zone from sensors installed in an unassigned zone, including zones where changes are permitted and zones where changes are prohibited, or it may detect login information from a PC or the like at a seat belonging to an unassigned zone. When the zone assignment system 300 detects a change in the usage zone (Yes in S108), it determines whether the destination zone is a zone where changes are permitted (S109). When the zone assignment system 300 determines that the destination zone is not a zone where changes are permitted (i.e., it is a zone where changes are prohibited) (No in S109), it notifies the user 99 attempting to change the zone that the change is prohibited (S110). To identify the user 99 attempting to change the zone, a system such as facial recognition may be used, or login information from a PC or the like at a seat may be used. On the other hand, if the zone assignment system 300 determines that the zone to which the user's zone will be changed is a zone that can be changed (Yes in S109), it changes the assignment of the user's zone (S111). In other words, it reassigns the zone to which the user 99 will be changed in place of the zone that the user 99 has been assigned. The zone assignment system 300 then outputs a control signal that maintains the operation of the environmental control devices for the zones actually used by the user 99, including the zone that can be changed and which has been reassigned to the user 99 as a result of the change, as well as the AC zone, and stops the operation of the environmental control devices for the other zones (S112).

[0075] As described above, by assigning multiple zones to each of the 99 users, it becomes possible to appropriately utilize space 500 in terms of energy consumption while maintaining the smooth execution of tasks by the 99 users.

[0076] [Effects, etc.] As described above, the zone allocation system 300 according to this embodiment is a zone allocation system 300 that allows users 99 (hereinafter referred to as "users") to use a space 500 having multiple zones by assigning them to one of the multiple zones, and comprises a schedule acquisition unit 51 (hereinafter referred to as "acquisition unit") that acquires usage schedules indicating the date and time and manner in which each user will use the space 500, an allocation unit 58 that assigns each user a zone to use from among the multiple zones based on the acquired usage schedule, and an output unit 59 that outputs the assigned allocation results, wherein the allocation unit 58 assigns the first zone among the multiple zones to users whose usage schedules overlap with the target date and time and whose usage schedules are of the first type, and assigns the second zone among the multiple zones, which is not adjacent to the first zone, to users whose usage schedules overlap with the target date and time and whose usage schedules are of the second type, which is different from the first type.

[0077] Such a zone allocation system 300 can allocate users of a first type and users of a second type, who have different usage patterns, to the first zone and the second zone, which is separated from the first zone, respectively, allowing each to use a portion of the space 500. As a result, physical influences such as the sound of speech from users of the first type to users of the second type, or from users of the second type to users of the first type, can be suppressed, and the space 500 can be divided in terms of usage patterns and used by each user. Furthermore, by gathering users with the same usage patterns into one zone, only a portion of the space 500 can be used, saving energy and other resources consumed in the other parts. Therefore, the space can be used more appropriately.

[0078] Furthermore, for example, the system may also include an energy consumption calculation unit 57 that calculates the amount of energy consumed in each of the multiple zones when each of the multiple zones is used by a user at the target date and time, and the allocation unit 58 may allocate the first zone and the second zone based on the calculated energy consumption of each of the multiple zones.

[0079] According to this, the first and second zones can be assigned by taking into account the differences in energy consumption in each of the multiple zones.

[0080] Alternatively, for example, the allocation unit 58 may allocate each of the combinations of zones that result in the minimum total energy consumption from among multiple zones as the first zone and the second zone.

[0081] According to this, the first and second zones can be assigned in a combination that minimizes the total energy consumption across all zones.

[0082] Alternatively, for example, the allocation unit 58 may assign, as the first zone and the second zone, each of the combinations of zones from among the multiple zones in which the total energy consumption is less than a threshold.

[0083] According to this, the first and second zones can be assigned in a combination such that the sum of the energy consumption in each of the multiple zones is less than a threshold.

[0084] Furthermore, for example, energy consumption may include the energy consumed to operate lighting devices that control the lighting in each of the multiple zones.

[0085] According to this, the first and second zones can be assigned by taking into account the differences in energy consumption required to operate the lighting devices that control the lighting in each of the multiple zones.

[0086] Alternatively, for example, the energy consumption calculation unit 57 may calculate the amount of energy consumed for the operation of the lighting device based on the amount of ambient light taken in according to the weather at the target date and time in the location of space 500.

[0087] According to this, the first and second zones can be assigned to the amount of ambient light taken in at a given location in space 500, taking into account the difference in energy consumption required to operate the lighting devices that control the lighting of each of the multiple zones, based on the amount of ambient light taken in according to the weather at the target date and time.

[0088] Furthermore, for example, energy consumption may include the energy consumed to operate air conditioning systems that control the airflow in each of the multiple zones.

[0089] According to this, the first and second zones can be assigned by taking into account the differences in energy consumption required to operate the air conditioning system that controls the airflow in each of the multiple zones.

[0090] Alternatively, for example, the energy consumption calculation unit 57 may calculate the amount of energy consumed for the operation of the air conditioning system based on the amount of heat inflow from the outside air according to the weather at the location of space 500 on the target date and time.

[0091] According to this, the first and second zones can be assigned to the location of space 500, taking into account the difference in energy consumption required to operate the air conditioning system that controls the airflow in each of the multiple zones, based on the amount of heat inflow from the outside air according to the weather at the target date and time.

[0092] Furthermore, for example, a third zone may be set, which is available to users who have been assigned to Zone 1 and users who have been assigned to Zone 2, in addition to the zones assigned to them, and which is selected from among multiple zones based on energy consumption at the target date and time.

[0093] According to this, an appropriate third zone can be set based on energy consumption, and users assigned to the first zone and users assigned to the second zone can also use this third zone in addition.

[0094] Furthermore, for example, among multiple zones, the zones not assigned as Zone 1 and Zone 2 include at least one of the following: a zone where modification is permitted, which can be used by at least one user who is assigned to Zone 1 and at least one user who is assigned to Zone 2 in place of the zone assigned to that user; and a zone where modification is prohibited, which cannot be used by the user who is assigned to Zone 1 and at least one user who is assigned to Zone 2 in place of the zone assigned to that user. The energy consumption in the modification-permitted zone may be less than the energy consumption in the modification-prohibited zone.

[0095] According to this, users can be allowed to use modifiable zones among the unassigned zones according to their preferences, contributing to improved usability. Furthermore, by suppressing the use of modifiable zones, which would have a significant impact on the overall energy consumption of the space 500 if modified, it is possible to improve usability while preventing excessive energy consumption.

[0096] Furthermore, for example, the energy consumption in a zone where changes are permitted may be less than 10% of the total energy consumption of all zones used by the user at the time in question.

[0097] According to this, by restricting the use of modification-prohibited zones that, if modified, would have an impact of more than 10% on the overall energy consumption of the entire 500-space area, it is possible to improve usability while suppressing the enormous increase in energy consumption.

[0098] Furthermore, for example, the system may also include a setting value acquisition unit 53 that acquires setting values ​​for the area of ​​each of the multiple zones, and each of the multiple zones may have an area obtained by multiplying the number of people who can use the zone, the unit area per user, and the acquired setting value.

[0099] According to this, the area per user in each zone (i.e., the density of users) can be adjusted based on the setting values ​​acquired by the setting value acquisition unit 53.

[0100] Furthermore, the zone allocation method according to this embodiment is a zone allocation method for a space 500 having multiple zones, in which users are assigned one of the multiple zones to use the space 500, and includes an acquisition step (S104) of acquiring usage schedules that indicate the date and time and manner in which each user will use the space, an allocation step (S105) of assigning each user a zone to use from among the multiple zones based on the acquired usage schedules, and an output step (for example, S107) of outputting the allocated allocation results, wherein in the allocation step, for users whose usage schedules overlap with the target date and time and whose usage schedules are of the first type, the first zone among the multiple zones is allocated, and for users whose usage schedules overlap with the target date and time and whose usage schedules are of the second type which is different from the first type, the second zone among the multiple zones, which is not adjacent to the first zone, is allocated.

[0101] According to this, the same effect as the zone allocation system 300 described above can be achieved.

[0102] Furthermore, the program according to this embodiment is a program that causes a computer to execute the zone allocation method described above.

[0103] According to this, a computer can be used to achieve the same effect as the zone allocation system 300 described above.

[0104] (Other embodiments) The zone allocation system and the like related to this disclosure have been described above based on the embodiments described above, but this disclosure is not limited to the embodiments described above.

[0105] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, a process executed by a specific processing unit may be executed by another processing unit. Also, the order of multiple processes may be changed, or multiple processes may be executed in parallel. Moreover, the distribution of components of the zone allocation system to multiple devices is just one example. For example, components provided by one device may be provided by other devices.

[0106] For example, the processing described in the above embodiment may be implemented by centralized processing using a single device (system), or by distributed processing using multiple devices. Furthermore, the processor executing the above program may be single or multiple. That is, centralized processing may be performed, or distributed processing may be performed.

[0107] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, all or part of the components such as the control unit may be configured as dedicated hardware, or they may be realized by executing a software program suitable for each component. Each component may be realized by a program execution unit such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit) or processor reading and executing a software program recorded on a recording medium such as an HDD or semiconductor memory.

[0108] Furthermore, components such as the control unit may consist of one or more electronic circuits. Each of these one or more electronic circuits may be a general-purpose circuit or a dedicated circuit.

[0109] One or more electronic circuits may include, for example, semiconductor devices, ICs, or LSIs. ICs or LSIs may be integrated on a single chip or on multiple chips. Here, we refer to them as ICs or LSIs, but the terminology changes depending on the degree of integration, such as system LSI, VLSI (Very Large Scale Integrated Circuit). t It may also be called an ion, or ULSI (Ultra Large Scale Integration). FPGAs, which are programmed after the LSI is manufactured, can also be used for the same purpose.

[0110] Furthermore, the general or specific embodiments of this disclosure may be implemented as a system, apparatus, method, integrated circuit, or computer program. Alternatively, they may be implemented as a computer-readable non-temporary recording medium such as an optical disk, HDD, or semiconductor memory on which the computer program is stored. They may also be implemented as any combination of a system, apparatus, method, integrated circuit, computer program, and recording medium.

[0111] Furthermore, this disclosure also includes forms that can be obtained by applying various modifications to each embodiment that a person skilled in the art could conceive, as well as forms that can be realized by arbitrarily combining the components and functions related to each embodiment without departing from the spirit of this disclosure. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0112] 11a 1st lighting device (lighting device) 11b Second lighting device (lighting device) 13a First air conditioning system (air conditioning system) 13b Second air conditioning system (air conditioning system) 51 Planned Acquisition Section (Acquisition Section) 53 Setting value acquisition unit 57 Energy Consumption Calculation Unit 58 Allocation Section 59 Output section 99 users 300 Zone Allocation System 500 space 500a, 500b, 500c, 500d, 500e, 500f, 500g, 500h, 500i zone 500z aisle 600 External Servers

Claims

1. A zone assignment system for a space having multiple zones, which assigns a user to one of the multiple zones and allows them to use the space, An acquisition unit that acquires a usage schedule indicating the date, time, and manner in which each of the aforementioned users will use the space, Based on the acquired usage schedule, an allocation unit assigns each user to a zone from among the multiple zones to be used, It comprises an output unit that outputs the assigned assignment result, The aforementioned allocation unit, at the date and time to be allocated, For users whose scheduled usage date and time overlap with the target date and time, and whose scheduled usage pattern is the first pattern, the first zone among the multiple zones will be assigned. For users whose scheduled usage date and time overlap with the target date and time, and whose scheduled usage pattern differs from the first pattern, a second zone among the multiple zones, which is not adjacent to the first zone, is assigned. If the number of users assigned to the first zone reaches the capacity of the first zone, then, for the users whose scheduled use date and time overlaps with the target date and time, and whose scheduled use is the first configuration, another zone among the multiple zones that is adjacent to the first zone shall be assigned. The first embodiment includes a mode of use for solo work, and the second embodiment includes a mode of use for group work. Zone allocation system.

2. Furthermore, the system includes an energy consumption calculation unit that calculates the amount of energy consumed in each of the multiple zones when each of the multiple zones is used by the user at the target date and time. The allocation unit allocates the first and second zones based on the calculated energy consumption of each of the multiple zones. The zone allocation system according to claim 1.

3. The allocation unit allocates each of the combinations of zones from the plurality of zones that result in the minimum total energy consumption as the first zone and the second zone. The zone allocation system according to claim 2.

4. The allocation unit allocates each of the combinations of zones from the plurality of zones in which the total energy consumption is less than a threshold as the first zone and the second zone. The zone allocation system according to claim 2.

5. The energy consumption includes the energy consumed to operate the lighting devices that control the lighting in each of the multiple zones. The zone allocation system according to claim 2.

6. The energy consumption calculation unit calculates the amount of energy consumed for the operation of the lighting device based on the amount of ambient light taken in at the location of the space according to the weather at the target date and time. The zone assignment system according to claim 5.

7. The energy consumption includes the energy consumed to operate the air conditioning system that controls the airflow in each of the multiple zones. The zone allocation system according to claim 2.

8. The energy consumption calculation unit calculates the amount of energy consumed for the operation of the air conditioning system based on the amount of heat inflow from the outside air corresponding to the weather at the location of the space at the target date and time. The zone allocation system according to claim 7.

9. Furthermore, a third zone is available to the user to whom the first zone is assigned and the user to whom the second zone is assigned, in addition to the zones assigned to them, and this third zone is set up at the target date and time, selected from among the multiple zones based on the energy consumption. The zone allocation system according to claim 2.

10. Of the aforementioned multiple zones, the zones not assigned as the first zone and the second zone are: A changeable zone that can be used by at least one of the users to whom the first zone is assigned and the user to whom the second zone is assigned, in place of the zone assigned to that user, The system includes at least one of the following: the user to whom the first zone is assigned, and the user to whom the second zone is assigned, which are restricted zones that cannot be used in place of the zones assigned to the user; The energy consumption in the change-permitted zone is less than the energy consumption in the change-prohibited zone. The zone allocation system according to claim 2.

11. The energy consumption in the permitted zone is less than 10% of the total energy consumption of all zones used by the user at the specified date and time. The zone assignment system according to claim 10.

12. Furthermore, it includes a setting value acquisition unit that acquires setting values ​​for the area of ​​each of the multiple zones, Each of the aforementioned zones has an area obtained by multiplying the number of users set for that zone, the unit area per user, and the acquired setting value. A zone assignment system according to any one of claims 1 to 11.

13. A computer-based zone assignment method for a space having multiple zones, which assigns a user to one of the multiple zones and allows the user to use the space, An acquisition step to obtain a usage schedule indicating the date, time, and manner in which each of the aforementioned users will use the space, Based on the acquired usage schedule, the assignment step involves assigning each user to a zone from among the multiple zones that they should use, Includes an output step that outputs the assigned assignment result, In the aforementioned assignment step, at the date and time to be assigned, For users whose scheduled usage date and time overlap with the target date and time, and whose scheduled usage pattern is the first pattern, the first zone among the multiple zones will be assigned. For users whose scheduled usage date and time overlap with the target date and time, and whose scheduled usage pattern differs from the first pattern, a second zone among the multiple zones, which is not adjacent to the first zone, is assigned. If the number of users assigned to the first zone reaches the capacity of the first zone, then, for the users whose scheduled use date and time overlaps with the target date and time, and whose scheduled use is the first configuration, another zone among the multiple zones that is adjacent to the first zone shall be assigned. The first embodiment includes a mode of use for solo work, and the second embodiment includes a mode of use for group work. Zone assignment method.

14. To cause the computer to execute the zone allocation method described in claim 13. program.

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