Design assistance device, design assistance method, and recording medium

Abstract

A design assistance device comprising: an acquisition unit that acquires the constraint condition and desired condition of a person scheduled to live in the living space to be designed, a change of the constraint condition after a predetermined period of years, and a desired condition after a predetermined period of years; a floor plan generation unit that generates, by using a generation model, information on a floor plan in the living space being designed that satisfies the constraint condition and desired condition, the change of the constraint condition after the predetermined period of years, and the desired condition after the predetermined period of years; and an output unit that outputs information on the floor plan.

Description

Design support device, design support method, and recording medium

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a design support device and the like.

[0002] For example, when designing a new house, it is known to use a design tool to determine the floor plan so as to satisfy building standards and the like.

[0003] Furthermore, a living space may be displayed in a virtual reality (VR) space. For example, Patent Document 1 describes a method of displaying a proposal to physically replace kitchen appliances in a VR space.

[0004] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2022-046148

[0005] Each person has a different ideal lifestyle. For example, it is difficult to actually reflect that ideal lifestyle in a design tool and determine the layout of a living space.

[0006] An example of an object of the present disclosure is to provide a design support device that facilitates the design of a living space layout.

[0007] In one aspect of the present disclosure, a design support device includes an acquisition means for acquiring constraint conditions and desired conditions of a person who is expected to live in a living space to be designed, changes in the constraint conditions after a predetermined number of years, and the desired conditions after the predetermined number of years; a floor plan generation means for using a generative model to generate information regarding a floor plan in the living space to be designed that satisfies the constraint conditions and desired conditions, changes in the constraint conditions after the predetermined number of years, and the desired conditions after the predetermined number of years; and an output means for outputting information regarding the floor plan.

[0008] In one aspect of the present disclosure, a design support method includes a computer acquiring constraints and desired conditions of a person who is expected to live in a residential space to be designed, as well as changes in the constraints after a predetermined number of years and the desired conditions after the predetermined number of years, and using a generative model to generate information regarding the floor plan of the residential space to be designed that satisfies the constraints and desired conditions, as well as changes in the constraints after the predetermined number of years and the desired conditions after the predetermined number of years, and then performing a process to output information regarding the floor plan.

[0009] A program in one aspect of the present disclosure causes a computer to acquire constraints and desired conditions of a person who is expected to live in a residential space to be designed, as well as changes in the constraints after a specified number of years and the desired conditions after the specified number of years, and uses a generative model to generate information regarding the floor plan of the residential space to be designed that satisfies the constraints and desired conditions, as well as changes in the constraints after the specified number of years and the desired conditions after the specified number of years, and outputs information regarding the floor plan.

[0010] Each program may be stored in a non-transitory computer-readable recording medium.

[0011] According to the present disclosure, it is possible to facilitate the design of the layout of a living space.

[0012] 1 is a block diagram showing an example of a configuration of a design support device. FIG. 2 is a flowchart showing an example of an operation of the design support device. FIG. 3 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a connection between the design support device and another device. FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing an example of a configuration of a design support device. FIG. 5 is an explanatory diagram (part 1) showing an example of acquiring current constraint conditions and desired conditions in a chat format. FIG. 6 is an explanatory diagram (part 2) showing an example of acquiring current constraint conditions and desired conditions in a chat format. FIG. 7 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of acquiring current constraint conditions and desired conditions in a chat format. FIG. 8 is an explanatory diagram showing an overview of a process for generating questions for acquiring desired conditions after a predetermined number of years. FIG. 9 is an explanatory diagram (part 1) showing an example of acquiring desired conditions after a predetermined number of years in a chat format. FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram (part 2) showing an example of acquiring desired conditions after a predetermined number of years in a chat format. FIG. 11 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of acquiring desired conditions after a predetermined number of years in a chat format. FIG. 12 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of acquiring desired conditions after a predetermined number of years in a chat format. FIG. 13 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of generating information related to a floor plan. FIG. 14 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of displaying a floor plan represented by floor plan information and a three-dimensional floor plan. FIG. 15 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a data flow when performing structural calculations and displaying in a VR space. FIG. 16 is an explanatory diagram showing a first example of a flow from identifying candidate flow lines to displaying the arrangement of items in a target living space. FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram showing a second example of the flow from identifying candidates for flow lines to displaying the arrangement of items in a target living space. FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing an operation example (part 1) of the design support device. FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing an operation example (part 2) of the design support device. FIG. 13 is an explanatory diagram showing a connection example 2 between the design support device and another device. FIG. 14 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of a computer.

[0013] Hereinafter, with reference to the drawings, embodiments of a design support apparatus, a design support method, a program, and a non-transitory recording medium for recording the program according to the present disclosure will be described in detail. The disclosed technology is not limited to these embodiments.

[0014] First Embodiment Fig. 1 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of a design support device 10. The design support device 10 supports the design of a floor plan of a living space. In Fig. 1, the design support device 10 includes an acquisition unit 101, a floor plan generation unit 102, and an output unit 103.

[0015] The acquisition unit 101 acquires the constraints and desired conditions of a person who is scheduled to live in the residential space to be designed, as well as changes in the constraints after a predetermined number of years and the desired conditions after the predetermined number of years. The residential space to be designed may be a new residential space, and is not particularly limited. The new residential space may be, for example, a residential space that is scheduled to be newly built. The constraints and desired conditions of the person may be current or recent constraints and desired conditions. Note that the acquisition unit 101 may acquire constraints after a predetermined number of years.

[0016] For example, the constraints may be the number of people living in the target living space and the ages of the people. The constraints may also be required attributes other than age. Required attributes may be physical attributes that must be considered, such as whether the person is a child, elderly, bedridden, tall, or wheelchair-bound. Age may be expressed as a specific number or in intervals such as 5 to 7 years.

[0017] For example, the desired condition may be a person's attribute other than the required attribute, or may be an application, etc. An example of a person's attribute as a desired condition is occupation.

[0018] The specified year may be a year specified by the user. The specified year may be a predetermined year, such as 10 years. The specified year may be a year in which a change in the constraint condition is expected to occur. The specified year may be a year based on the age of the input person. A year based on the age of the input person is a year in which a change in the lifestyle or attribute of at least one of the people may occur. For example, if the person's attributes include children as a current constraint condition, the specified year may be the number of years from the child's current age to the age at which a change in the child's lifestyle or attribute may occur.

[0019] The floor plan generator 102 uses a generative model to generate information about a floor plan in a target living space that satisfies the constraint conditions and desired conditions, as well as changes in the constraint conditions after a predetermined number of years and the desired conditions after the predetermined number of years. The generative model may be provided in the design support device 10 or in an external device. The generative model may be, for example, a language model. As the language model, for example, a large-scale language model such as GPT-3 (Generative Pre-Training-3) or GPT-4 may be used. The type of generative model is not particularly limited. Furthermore, the generative model may be trained to generate information about the floor plan. For example, the generative model may be trained using the constraint conditions and desired conditions as explanatory variables and information about the floor plan as a target variable. Note that an existing generative model may be additionally trained to generate information about the floor plan.

[0020] As a specific example of using a generative model, the floor plan generation unit 102 inputs constraint conditions and desired conditions, as well as changes in the constraint conditions after a predetermined number of years and the desired conditions after the predetermined number of years, into the generative model. Then, the floor plan generation unit 102 acquires information about the floor plan of the target living space from the generative model. More specifically, the floor plan generation unit 102 may input a prompt into the generative model and acquire information about the floor plan from the generative model. The prompt describes the constraint conditions and desired conditions, changes in the constraint conditions after a predetermined number of years, and the desired conditions after the predetermined number of years, and contains an instruction to output information about a floor plan that satisfies all of these.

[0021] Here, the information about the floor plan may be information that allows the floor plan to be identified. Also, for example, the information about the floor plan may be information that allows structural calculations to be performed.

[0022] The output unit 103 outputs information about the floor plan. For example, the output method by the output unit 103 is not particularly limited to recording the information about the floor plan in a storage device, outputting the information about the floor plan on a screen of a display device, outputting the information about the floor plan as audio, printing the information about the floor plan on a printing device, etc. For example, when the output unit 103 stores the information about the floor plan in a storage device, the output unit 103 may register the information about the floor plan in a database or the like in association with identification information that identifies a person.

[0023] (Flowchart) Figure 2 is a flowchart showing an example of the operation of the design support device 10. The acquisition unit 101 acquires the constraint conditions and desired conditions of the person living in the target living space, as well as changes in the constraint conditions and expected changes in the desired conditions (step S101). The floor plan generation unit 102 uses a generative model to generate information about a floor plan that satisfies the constraint conditions and desired conditions of the person living in the target living space, as well as changes in the constraint conditions and expected changes in the desired conditions (step S102). The output unit 103 outputs information about the floor plan (step S103). With this, the design support device 10 completes the series of processes shown in Figure 2.

[0024] As described above, in this embodiment, the design support device 10 uses a generative model to generate information about a floor plan that satisfies the constraints and desired conditions of the person living in the target living space, as well as expected changes in the constraints and desired conditions, and outputs the information about the floor plan. This facilitates the design of the floor plan of a living space. Architectural design includes architectural design, structural design, and equipment design. The design support device 10 particularly facilitates the design of a living space.

[0025] (Second embodiment) A second embodiment will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. In the second embodiment, a structural design is performed for the layout of a target living space, and a new target living space is displayed in a VR space. Below, a description of the content that overlaps with the above description will be omitted to the extent that the description of the second embodiment is not unclear.

[0026] FIG. 3 is an explanatory diagram showing a first example of a connection between a design support device and another device. The design support device 20 is connected to a terminal device 21 used by a user via a communication network. The user may be, for example, an end user, such as a person who plans to live in the target living space, an architectural designer, or an employee of a house manufacturer or construction company. The type of the terminal device 21 is not particularly limited, and may be a personal computer (PC), a smartphone, a tablet device, or the like. The terminal device 21 may be pre-installed with an application program that can transmit information to the design support device 20 and output information from the design support device 20. Alternatively, the terminal device 21 may access a website connected by the design support device 20 and transmit and receive information to and from the design support device 20 via the website.

[0027] The design support device 20 is connected to a display device 22 via a communication network. In FIG. 3 , an HMD (Head Mounted Display) is given as an example of the display device 22, but the display device 22 may also be VR goggles or a dome-shaped display. A dome-shaped display includes, for example, a screen and a projection device, and the dome-shaped display displays a video or image by projecting the video or image onto the screen. A dome-shaped display is a device in which at least a portion of the screen is curved, so as to cover the customer's field of vision. Note that a dome-shaped display may not be a complete dome shape, such as 360 degrees, but may have a partial area missing, such as 180 degrees. Furthermore, a dome-shaped display does not necessarily have to have a curved screen.

[0028] Furthermore, when the display device 22 is an HMD, a user wearing the HMD can move around in a VR space, an AR (Augmented Reality) space, etc. For example, an input device through which the user gives instructions may be connected to the HMD or the design support device 20 via a communication network. Note that the display device 22 and the terminal device 21 may be the same device.

[0029] 4 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of the design support device 20. The design support device 20 includes an acquisition unit 201, a floor plan generation unit 202, an output unit 203, a structural design unit 204, a generation unit, a flow line identification unit 206, and an item placement determination unit 207.

[0030] The acquisition unit 201 may have the acquisition unit 101 shown in Fig. 1 as a basic function. The floor plan generation unit 202 may have the floor plan generation unit 102 shown in Fig. 1 as a basic function. The output unit 203 may have the output unit 103 shown in Fig. 1 as a basic function.

[0031] The design support device 20 may also have land information 2000 , product information 2001 , and environmental information 2002 .

[0032] The land information 2000 is, for example, information about land. The land information 2000 is not particularly limited as long as it is information about land necessary for building a house. The land information 2000 may include information representing an address, land area, building coverage ratio, and floor area ratio.

[0033] The environmental information 2002 is information about the environment of the land. For example, the environmental information 2002 may be information about the surrounding environment or information about the natural environment. The information about the natural environment may be information about the weather, information about the climate, or information about sunlight.

[0034] The item information 2001 is information about an item. For example, the item may be an item placed in a living space, such as a home appliance or furniture. Specifically, for example, the item may be an appliance such as a refrigerator, washing machine, microwave, humidifier, or television, or may be furniture such as a sofa, bed, shelf, or table. The item information 2001 is, for example, information that enables creation of a virtual item that resembles the item. The virtual item may be, for example, a two-dimensional item model represented by a floor plan or an image, or a three-dimensional item model. Here, a three-dimensional item model will be used as an example. The item information 2001 is information that enables creation of a three-dimensional item model. For example, the item information 2001 may include 3D (3-dimensional) data that represents the item. The format of the 3D data may be three-dimensional point cloud data, such as three-dimensional mesh model data, that represents the item, or data that represents the item using a formula. The item information 2001 may include at least information that enables identification of the size of the item. The item information 2001 may also include information regarding item placement rules. The placement rule is a rule for placing an object, such as the number of centimeters an object must be placed away from a wall or another object.

[0035] The acquisition unit 201 may acquire at least one of the land information 2000 and the environmental information 2002. For example, the acquisition unit 201 may acquire this information via an input device. The acquisition unit 201 may accept input of this information in a chat format. The acquisition unit 201 may acquire this information as answers to general questions about land and the environment.

[0036] Furthermore, the acquisition unit 201 may acquire item information 2001. For example, the acquisition unit 201 may acquire information about the dimensions of an item based on information that identifies the item. Specifically, for example, the acquisition unit 201 may acquire information about the dimensions of an item on the Internet based on identification information that identifies the item.

[0037] Next, the acquisition unit 201 acquires the constraint conditions and desired conditions of the person living in the target living space, as well as changes in the constraint conditions after a predetermined number of years and the desired conditions after the predetermined number of years. For example, the acquisition unit 201 may accept input of the constraint conditions and desired conditions of the person living in the target living space, as well as changes in the constraint conditions after a predetermined number of years and the desired conditions after the predetermined number of years, via an input device. For example, the terminal device 21 may be used as the input device. Furthermore, the acquisition unit 201 may acquire the constraint conditions and desired conditions of the person living in the target living space, as well as changes in the constraint conditions after a predetermined number of years and the desired conditions after the predetermined number of years, by reading responses to a questionnaire, such as a paper questionnaire.

[0038] Here, an example will be described in which the acquisition unit 201 accepts input of each piece of information via the terminal device 21. The acquisition unit 201 may accept each piece of information as responses to a questionnaire asking about the constraint conditions and desired conditions of a person living in the target living space, and changes in the constraint conditions after a predetermined number of years and the desired conditions after the predetermined number of years. Furthermore, for example, the acquisition unit 201 may sequentially accept the constraint conditions and desired conditions of a person living in the target living space, changes in the constraint conditions after a predetermined number of years and the desired conditions after the predetermined number of years in a chat format.

[0039] The order in which each piece of information is received is not particularly limited. For example, the acquisition unit 201 may receive input of desired conditions after receiving input of constraint conditions of a person living in the target living space. Here, the acquisition unit 201 may receive the desired conditions as answers to questions for confirming the desires related to the constraint conditions. The questions may be prepared in advance for each constraint condition. Furthermore, the question generation unit 208 may generate questions for confirming the desired conditions related to the constraint conditions using the generative model 2100.

[0040] FIG. 5A is an explanatory diagram (part 1) showing an example of acquiring current constraint conditions and desired conditions in a chat format. The output unit 203 outputs information from which constraint conditions can be acquired in a chat format. For example, in FIG. 5A , the terminal device 21 displays information instructing the input of constraint conditions for a person living in the target living space, an input field for accepting input from the user, and a send button for transmitting the input in the input field. For example, when the send button is pressed, the acquisition unit 201 acquires the constraint conditions for a person living in the target living space entered in the input field displayed on the terminal device 21 as an answer to a question. More specifically, for example, when the send button is pressed, the terminal device 21 transmits the information entered in the input field displayed on the terminal device 21. The acquisition unit 201 receives the information entered in the input field displayed on the terminal device 21 as constraint conditions.

[0041] FIG. 5B is an explanatory diagram (part 2) showing an example of acquiring current constraint conditions and desired conditions in a chat format. The output unit 203 outputs information that enables the desired conditions to be acquired in a chat format. For example, in FIG. 5B , the terminal device 21 displays the acquired constraint conditions, information instructing the user to input desired conditions of the person living in the target living space, an input field for accepting input from the user, and a send button for transmitting the input in the input field. For example, when the send button is pressed, the acquisition unit 201 acquires the desired conditions of the person living in the target living space that have been entered in the input field displayed on the terminal device 21 as an answer to a question. More specifically, for example, when the send button is pressed, the terminal device 21 transmits the information entered in the input field displayed on the terminal device 21. The acquisition unit 201 receives the information entered in the input field displayed on the terminal device 21 as desired conditions.

[0042] 5C is an explanatory diagram (part 3) showing an example of acquiring the current constraint conditions and desired conditions in a chat format. In FIG. 5C, the terminal device 21 further outputs the acquired desired conditions.

[0043] 5A to 5C show desired conditions that may change. For example, the acquisition unit 201 may acquire desired conditions that do not change. Desired conditions that do not change include a desire to obtain an energy-saving grade, a budget, an earthquake resistance grade, and structural preferences and restrictions according to local governments.

[0044] Next, for example, the acquisition unit 201 acquires changes in the constraint conditions after a predetermined number of years and desired conditions after the predetermined number of years. The constraint conditions after the predetermined number of years may be estimated based on the current constraint conditions. Therefore, for example, the acquisition unit 201 may provide the constraint conditions to the generative model 2100 and acquire changes in the constraint conditions.

[0045] Furthermore, the desired conditions after a predetermined number of years may be generated based on the current constraint conditions and desired conditions, and the constraint conditions after a predetermined number of years. An example of generating a question will be described with reference to FIG.

[0046] 6 is an explanatory diagram showing an overview of a process for generating a question for acquiring desired conditions after a predetermined number of years. The question generator 208 provides constraints and desired conditions to the generative model 2100, and generates a question related to the desired conditions after a predetermined number of years in accordance with changes in the constraints after a predetermined number of years.

[0047] 6 , for example, the question generation unit 208 inputs a prompt to the generative model 2100 instructing the user to create a question corresponding to an event that is likely to occur in a predetermined number of years, and acquires the question from the generative model 2100. The prompt describes the acquired current constraints and desired conditions, and an instruction to create a question based on the current constraints and desired conditions is described. For example, a prompt template may be prepared in advance, and the question generation unit 208 may generate a prompt including the acquired current constraints and desired conditions by setting the acquired current constraints and desired conditions in the prompt template. This allows even a user who is unfamiliar with creating prompts to be input to the generative model 2100 to easily use the generative model 2100.

[0048] The output unit 203 outputs the generated question. The output unit 203 outputs the question in a format that can be confirmed by the user. The acquisition unit 201 acquires desired conditions after a predetermined number of years as an answer to the question.

[0049] FIG. 7A is an explanatory diagram (part 1) illustrating an example of acquiring desired conditions after a predetermined number of years in a chat format. The output unit 203 outputs the question generated by the question generation unit 208 in a chat format. For example, in FIG. 7A , the terminal device 21 displays a question, an input field for accepting input from the user, and a send button for transmitting the input entered into the input field. In FIG. 7A , the terminal device 21 displays the question, "In 15 years, will your children be independent after they become adults? If so, what will you do about their room?" For example, when the send button is pressed, the acquisition unit 201 acquires information entered into the input field displayed on the terminal device 21 as an answer to the question. More specifically, when the send button is pressed, the terminal device 21 transmits the information entered into the input field displayed on the terminal device 21. The acquisition unit 201 receives the information entered into the input field displayed on the terminal device 21 as an answer to the question. The answer to the question is the desired conditions after a predetermined number of years.

[0050] 7B is an explanatory diagram (part 2) showing an example of acquiring desired conditions for the future in a predetermined number of years in a chat format. In FIG. 7B, the terminal device 21 further outputs the acquired desired conditions.

[0051] The process in which the acquiring unit 201 acquires the constraint conditions and desired conditions after a predetermined number of years is one example. The acquiring unit 201 may accept input of the age at which a change in the constraint conditions is expected to occur, the number of years after the predetermined number of years, etc. For example, the acquiring unit 201 may accept input of the age at which a child will no longer live at home, the year at which parents are expected to live together, etc.

[0052] Next, the floor plan generation unit 202 uses the generation model 2100 to generate information regarding the floor plan of the target living space that satisfies the constraint conditions and desired conditions, as well as changes in the constraint conditions after a predetermined number of years and the desired conditions after a predetermined number of years.

[0053] FIG. 8 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of generating information about a floor plan. The floor plan generation unit 202 inputs a prompt to the generative model 2100, the prompt including constraint conditions, desired conditions, changes in the constraint conditions after a predetermined number of years, and desired conditions after the predetermined number of years, and instructs the creation of a floor plan that satisfies each of these. The prompt may include land information 2000 and environmental information 2002. For example, a prompt template may be prepared in advance, and the floor plan generation unit 202 may create the prompt by setting the land information 2000, environmental information 2002, the constraint conditions and desired conditions acquired by the acquisition unit 201, changes in the constraint conditions after a predetermined number of years, and desired conditions after the predetermined number of years into the prompt template. The floor plan generation unit 202 then acquires information about the floor plan output from the generative model 2100. Information about the floor plan may be abbreviated to floor plan information.

[0054] For example, depending on the local government to which the target living space belongs, there may be rules and subsidies related to housing. For example, subsidies may be provided for installing double-glazed windows. Therefore, the acquisition unit 201 may acquire information about the local government to which the target living space belongs, such as unique rules and subsidies related to housing. Then, the floor plan generation unit 202 may further input information about the local government to which the target living space belongs to the generation model 2100.

[0055] For example, the generation model 2100 may be capable of outputting multiple types of floor plan information. For example, when there are multiple floor plans that satisfy the constraint conditions, the desired conditions, and the changes in the constraint conditions after a predetermined number of years and the desired conditions after the predetermined number of years, the floor plan generation unit 202 may generate floor plan information for at least one of the multiple candidates for floor plan information.

[0056] Furthermore, when there is no information on a floor plan that satisfies the constraint conditions, the desired conditions, and the changes in the constraint conditions and the expected changes in the desired conditions, the floor plan generation unit 202 generates information on a floor plan required for the target living space when at least a part of the desired conditions and the expected changes in the desired conditions are changed. For example, when outputting the floor plan information, the output unit 203 may output the changed part in an identifiable manner.

[0057] The information on the floor plan may be information that allows the design of the floor plan to be understood, as described in the first embodiment. Furthermore, when structural design is performed, the information on the floor plan may be information necessary for the structural design.

[0058] For example, when three-dimensional data or two-dimensional data representing a target living space is generated, the floor plan information includes at least dimensions of structures such as rooms and hallways included in the floor plan. The dimensions include, for example, length, width, and height. The three-dimensional data may be, for example, information that allows the three-dimensional living space to be displayed on an HMD, or information that allows the three-dimensional living space to be displayed using a CAD (Computer Aided Design) tool or the like. The format of the 3D data may be three-dimensional point cloud data such as three-dimensional mesh model data representing the floor plan, or data that expresses the floor plan as a formula.

[0059] The output unit 203 outputs the floor plan information. For example, as in the first embodiment, the output method by the output unit 203 is not particularly limited to recording the floor plan information in a storage device, outputting the floor plan information to a display device, outputting the floor plan information as audio to an audio output device, printing the floor plan information on a printing device, etc. The display device and audio output device may be provided in the terminal device 21.

[0060] The model generation unit 205 generates three-dimensional data representing the target living space based on information about the floor plan obtained from the generation model 2100. For example, the model generation unit 205 may generate three-dimensional data representing the target living space using an existing rendering tool. For example, the rendering tool may be included in a CAD tool. For example, the output unit 203 outputs the three-dimensional data generated by the model generation unit 205. The output unit 203 may also display a three-dimensional model represented by the three-dimensional data on the terminal device 21. For example, the output unit 203 displays the floor plan in the VR space on the display device 22 based on the three-dimensional data.

[0061] FIG. 9 is an explanatory diagram showing an example in which a floor plan represented by floor plan information and a three-dimensional floor plan are displayed. The output unit 203 may output the floor plan information and a three-dimensional model represented by the three-dimensional data on the same screen. In FIG. 9, the terminal device 21 displays the three-dimensional model along with information about interactions with the user in a chat format. Also, in FIG. 9, the terminal device 21 displays the dimensions of each room included in the floor plan information along with information about interactions with the user in a chat format.

[0062] For example, the output unit 203 displays a three-dimensional model of the floor plan in the VR space on the display device 22 based on the three-dimensional data.

[0063] Although three-dimensional data has been given as an example here, two-dimensional data may also be generated, i.e., a plan view or the like may also be generated.

[0064] <Structural Design> As described above, architectural design includes architectural design, structural design, and equipment design. Although an example in which the design support device 20 supports the architectural design of a floor plan has been described, structural design may also be performed.

[0065] For example, information about the floor plan includes conditions necessary for structural calculations. Information about the floor plan may include information representing at least one of the dimensions of each room included in the floor plan, components, and the materials of the components. Information about the floor plan may include information about pillars. Information about pillars is information about the number of pillars, their positions, and the thickness of the pillars. For example, beams maintain the strength of a building. For this reason, information about the floor plan may include information about beams. Information about the floor plan may include information about the right to sunlight. For example, information about the right to sunlight may include ceiling height conditions.

[0066] The structural design unit 204 performs structural calculations based on the floor plan information obtained from the generative model 2100. An existing structural design tool may be used for the structural calculations. The structural design unit 204 may also use an existing structural design tool to perform structural design such that the strength, shape, and arrangement of columns, beams, floors, roofs, and the like comply with the Building Standards Act. Here, the structural design unit 204 may determine whether significant changes are required to the room dimensions, etc. In other words, the structural design unit 204 may determine whether the structural calculation results satisfy the structural rules. If significant changes are not required to the room dimensions, etc., the structural design unit 204 may change the floor plan information so that it complies with the Building Standards Act.

[0067] If the structural calculation results do not satisfy the structural rules, the floor plan generating unit 202 generates new floor plan information using the generative model 2100. For example, if a major change is required in the size of a room, the floor plan generating unit 202 generates new floor plan information using the generative model 2100. For example, the floor plan generating unit 202 may use the generative model 2100 to generate floor plan information in which part of the structure in previously generated floor plan information has been changed. The floor plan generating unit 202 may input the structural calculation results to the generative model 2100 and have the generative model 2100 determine which part to change.

[0068] FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of data flow when structural calculations and display in a VR space are performed. As shown in FIG. 10(1), in the design support device 20, the acquisition unit 201 acquires constraints and desired conditions from the terminal device 21. Then, the floor plan generation unit 202 inputs the information into a generative model 2100 to obtain floor plan information. As shown in FIG. 10(2), in the design support device 20, the structural design unit 204 inputs the floor plan information obtained from the generative model 2100 into a structural calculation tool or a structural design tool to perform structural calculations. As shown in FIG. 10(3), if the structural calculation rules are not satisfied in the design support device 20, the floor plan generation unit 202 generates new floor plan information using the generative model 2100. The steps of FIG. 10(2) and FIG. 10(3) may be repeated until the structural calculation rules are satisfied. Then, as shown in Fig. 10(4), the model generation unit 205 of the design support device 20 generates three-dimensional data representing the floor plan based on the floor plan information that satisfies the rules of structural calculation. Then, as shown in Fig. 10(5), the output unit 203 of the design support device 20 displays the floor plan in the VR space on the display device 22 based on the three-dimensional data. Note that the data flow shown in Fig. 10 is an example and is not limited to this.

[0069] <Item Placement> As described above, the output unit 203 may display a three-dimensional model representing a floor plan in the VR space on the display device 22 based on the three-dimensional data. This three-dimensional model may be referred to as a floor plan model. This allows a person to act in the VR space and experience life in the floor plan. For example, the impression of each space in the target living space when no items are placed may differ from the impression of each space in the target living space when items are actually placed. Therefore, the output unit 203 may place a three-dimensional model representing items in the VR space to approximate the person's actual life or ideal life. This three-dimensional model may be referred to as an item model.

[0070] The flow line identification unit 206 may identify candidate flow lines of a person in the living space of the target floor plan represented by the generated floor plan information. The flow lines here refer to flow lines related to the use of items. The method of expressing the information representing the flow lines is not particularly limited, and may include information about movement between items, information about the frequency of use of items, and the like. For example, the flow line identification unit 206 may identify frequently used rooms and items in each room for each time period or use case, as in a rule-based manner. The flow line identification unit 206 may then identify the order in which the identified items are used as candidate flow lines. For example, when a person gets up from bed in the morning and takes clothes from a clothes rack to get changed, the path from the bed to the clothes rack constitutes one flow line. For example, in more detail, the flow line information may be information about movement between kitchen appliances, such as a microwave and a refrigerator, in the kitchen. The method by which the flow line identification unit 206 identifies candidate flow lines is not particularly limited.

[0071] For example, the movement path identification unit 206 may identify the movement path of a person in the current living space as a candidate for the movement path of a person in the target living space. As a method for identifying the movement path of a person in the current living space, for example, the movement path identification unit 206 identifies the movement path of a person in the current living space from the behavior history of the person in the current living space detected by a sensor installed in the current living space. The sensor is not particularly limited and may be, for example, a camera.

[0072] Furthermore, the movement line identification unit 206 identifies candidate movement lines of a person based on responses to a questionnaire received from the user. The questionnaire may be a check-type questionnaire. The questionnaire may be a questionnaire that allows text input. The questionnaire may be a questionnaire that asks the user to directly draw a movement line on a floor plan or three-dimensional diagram of the floor plan. The questionnaire may be a questionnaire that allows responses by voice. That is, for example, the method of responding to the questionnaire is not particularly limited to input using text, pictures, or voice. For example, the movement line identification unit 206 may determine candidate movement lines from multiple movement lines based on the responses to the questionnaire. For example, if the response to the questionnaire includes a desire to save time on housework, the movement line identification unit 206 may identify candidate movement lines related to housework from multiple movement lines.

[0073] Furthermore, for example, the flow line identifying unit 206 may identify candidates for a flow line by having the user select a candidate for a flow line from a plurality of flow lines.

[0074] Furthermore, the flow lines include the flow lines of guests other than the family members who actually live in the living space, and the flow lines of family members when guests come. For example, when a house is actually built, there may be a desire to invite people to the house. For this reason, the flow line identification unit 206 may identify candidate flow lines that allow a specific room to be shown from the entrance. On the other hand, there may be cases where guests invited to the house do not want to see certain parts of the living space. For example, when holding a classroom at home, there may be cases where students do not want to see parts of the living space that give a sense of everyday life. The flow line identification unit 206 may identify candidate flow lines that do not show certain parts.

[0075] Furthermore, the flow line identification unit 206 may identify candidates for the flow line of the person from the behavior history of the person in the VR space representing the living space of the target.

[0076] The method by which the flow line identifying unit 206 identifies a flow line is not particularly limited, and may be combined.

[0077] Here, there may be multiple candidate flow lines. For example, if multiple people reside in the residence, the flow lines may differ for each person. Furthermore, for example, even for the same person, multiple flow lines are expected because their flow lines differ in the morning and evening. Therefore, the flow line identification unit 206 may identify candidate flow lines of the target based on multiple candidate flow lines. Furthermore, the flow line identification unit 206 may divide the target living space into multiple areas, such as by room, and identify candidate flow lines for each area.

[0078] For example, the flow line identification unit 206 may identify candidate flow lines from among multiple flow lines based on the number of users. In particular, the flow line identification unit 206 may identify a candidate flow line from among multiple flow lines that is used by the largest number of people. For example, the flow line identification unit 206 may identify a candidate flow line for a person with a high priority from among multiple candidate flow lines. For example, high-priority people include elderly people, people with disabilities, children, and people who spend a long time in the target living space. For example, the flow line identification unit 206 may identify candidate flow lines from among multiple candidate flow lines that overlap.

[0079] There are various methods for identifying a candidate flow line of interest from a plurality of candidate flow lines in this way, and these methods may be combined.

[0080] The item placement determination unit 207 determines the placement of items in the target living space based on the identified candidate flow lines. Specifically, the item placement determination unit 207 may determine the placement of items in the target living space based on the identified candidate flow lines, the item information 2001, and the floor plan information. The item placement determination unit 207 may generate placement information as a result of the placement of items. The placement information is, for example, information indicating the placement positions of items.

[0081] As a specific process for determining the arrangement of items based on candidate flow lines, the item arrangement determination unit 207 may determine the arrangement of items in the target living space based on the frequency of use of the items. For example, the item arrangement determination unit 207 may determine the arrangement of items in the target living space so that frequently used items are located closer to each other. The item arrangement determination unit 207 may determine the arrangement of items in the target living space so that frequently used items are located farther from each other. The item arrangement determination unit 207 may determine the arrangement of items in the target living space based on attribute information of a person and the frequency of use of the items. Taking age as an example of a person's attribute, if the person is old, the item arrangement determination unit 207 determines the arrangement of items in the target living space so that frequently used items are located closer to each other. For example, whether a person is old may be determined by comparing the person's age with a threshold, or may be identified by the person's input as to whether they are elderly. If there is information about a person's attributes such as lack of exercise, the item placement determination unit 207 may determine the placement of items in the target's living space so that items that are used frequently are placed farther apart, in order to encourage an increase in the amount of exercise taking into consideration the person's health.

[0082] Furthermore, the item placement determination unit 207 determines the placement of items in the target living space so as to satisfy the placement rules included in the item information 2001 .

[0083] The output unit 203 may display the determined item arrangement in the target living space based on arrangement information that is a result of the item arrangement. For example, the output unit 203 displays the determined item arrangement in the target living space in the VR space based on the item arrangement information, the item information 2001, and the floor plan information. Specifically, for example, the output unit 203 displays virtual items that resemble the items on the floor plan in the VR space based on the determined arrangement.

[0084] 11 is an explanatory diagram showing a first example of the flow from identifying candidate flow lines to displaying the arrangement of items in the target living space. In FIG. 11, the flow line identifying unit 206 identifies a flow line in the current living space as a candidate flow line for the target living space. The item arrangement determining unit 207 determines the arrangement of items in the target living space based on the identified candidate flow line, item information 2001, and floor plan information. The output unit 203 displays the determined item arrangement in the target living space in the VR space.

[0085] 12 is an explanatory diagram showing a second example of the flow from identifying candidate flow lines to displaying the arrangement of items in the target living space. In FIG. 12, the flow line identifying unit 206 identifies candidate flow lines from the responses to the questionnaire. The item arrangement determining unit 207 determines the arrangement of items in the target living space based on the identified candidate flow lines, item information 2001, and floor plan information. The output unit 203 displays the determined item arrangement in the new living space in the VR space.

[0086] The flow line may be determined repeatedly. For example, the output unit 203 displays the determined item arrangement in a new living space in the VR space. The flow line identification unit 206 may identify new candidate flow lines for the person based on the person's behavior history in the determined item arrangement. The flow line identification unit 206 may also identify new candidate flow lines for the person based on responses to a questionnaire received from the user regarding the determined item arrangement. The item arrangement determination unit 207 then determines new item arrangements in the target living space based on the identified candidate flow lines for the target. The output unit 203 then displays the determined item arrangement in the target living space in the VR space. This makes it possible to prevent discrepancies, such as differences between the person's ideal living space and the actual living space, when the person's items are arranged after the target living space is actually built.

[0087] Furthermore, the floor plan information may be generated repeatedly. The acquisition unit 201 may acquire user feedback as changes to desired conditions. Changes to desired conditions may be limited to changes to detailed floor plans. For example, detailed floor plan changes may include changes to the size and height of windows, changes to the shelf above the sink, and changes to stairs. More specifically, the acquisition unit 201 may acquire information on whether or not the user has made changes to the floor plan. For example, the acquisition unit 201 may accept changes to the floor plan. The floor plan generation unit 202 may then instruct the generative model 2100 to generate floor plan information that satisfies the accepted changes, and acquire the floor plan information from the generative model 2100. The output unit 203 outputs the floor plan information. The output unit 203 may output the changes in association with the floor plan information. For example, the output unit 203 may highlight the changed areas. Furthermore, the model generation unit 205 generates three-dimensional data based on the floor plan information. The output unit 203 may output the target living space in the VR space based on the new three-dimensional data. For example, the output unit 203 may output the target living space in the VR space in a manner that allows changes to be identified.

[0088] In this way, multiple floor plan information can be obtained. For this reason, for example, the output unit 203 may register the floor plan information in a database so that the version can be identified. For example, the database may manage information about each change and the floor plan after the change.

[0089] 13 and 14 are flowcharts showing an example of the operation of the design support device 20. The acquisition unit 201 accepts input of constraint conditions and desired conditions of a person living in a target living space (step S201). Then, the question generation unit 208 uses the generative model 2100 to generate events and questions that are likely to occur a predetermined number of years later (step S202). The output unit 203 outputs the events and questions that are likely to occur a predetermined number of years later (step S203). Then, the acquisition unit 201 accepts input of constraint conditions and desired conditions for the predetermined number of years later (step S204).

[0090] Next, the floor plan generation unit 202 uses the generative model 2100 to generate floor plan information that satisfies the constraints and desired conditions of the person living in the target living space and the constraints and desired conditions after a predetermined number of years (step S205). The structural design unit 204 performs structural calculations based on the floor plan information (step S206). The structural design unit 204 then determines whether the structural rules are satisfied (step S207). If the structural rules are satisfied (step S207: No), the floor plan generation unit 202 returns to step S205.

[0091] If the structural rules are satisfied (step S207: Yes), the model generation unit 205 generates three-dimensional data representing the floor plan based on the floor plan information (step S208). The flow path identification unit 206 then identifies candidate flow paths in the target living space (step S209). The item placement determination unit 207 then determines the placement of items based on the candidate flow paths (step S210). The output unit 203 displays the floor plan, in which virtual items resembling the items are placed, in the VR space displayed on the display device 22 (step S211), and the design support device 20 ends the series of processes.

[0092] As described above, in this embodiment, the design support device 20 generates three-dimensional data representing a target living space based on information about the floor plan, and displays the three-dimensional living space based on the three-dimensional data. This makes it easier for the user to check the floor plan before construction. The design support device 20 displays the floor plan in a VR space displayed on the display device 22 based on the three-dimensional data. This allows the user to experience the floor plan even before construction.

[0093] When there is no information on a floor plan that satisfies the constraint conditions, desired conditions, and expected changes in the constraint conditions and desired conditions, the design support device 20 generates information on a floor plan required for a target living space when at least some of the desired conditions and expected changes in the desired conditions are changed, thereby supporting the design of a living space with a floor plan that is close to the desired one.

[0094] The design support device 20 performs structural calculations based on information about the floor plan obtained from the generative model 2100. If the results of the structural calculations do not satisfy the rules related to the structure, the design support device 20 generates information about a new floor plan using the generative model 2100. For example, the design can be performed so as to satisfy safety performance requirements in the structural design.

[0095] The information about the floor plan includes the dimensions, components, and materials of each room included in the floor plan. The information about the floor plan includes information about columns. The information about the floor plan includes information about beams. The information about the floor plan includes information about sunlight rights.

[0096] The design support device 20 generates information about the floor plan using land information 2000 about the land of the target living space and environmental information 2002 about the environment of the land.

[0097] The design support device 20 may acquire changes in the constraints by applying constraints to the generative model 2100. This makes it possible to easily identify changes in the constraints.

[0098] The design support device 20 provides constraint conditions and desired conditions to the generative model 2100, generates questions related to the desired conditions after a predetermined number of years according to changes in the constraint conditions, and acquires the desired conditions after a predetermined number of years as answers to the questions. This makes it easier to acquire changes in constraint conditions and the desired conditions after a predetermined number of years.

[0099] The design support device 20 identifies candidate paths of movement of people in the target living space, and determines the placement of items in the floor plan indicated by the information on the floor plan based on the identified candidate paths of movement.

[0100] Furthermore, the design support device 20 determines the placement of items based on the frequency of use of the items. For example, the design support device 20 determines the placement of items so that frequently used items are placed close to each other. This makes it possible to propose an item placement that is more convenient for the person who will be living in the living space.

[0101] The design support device 20 determines the layout of the items in the target living space so that frequently used items are located farther apart, thereby proposing an item layout that will allow the person who will live in the living space to move around the living space more frequently.

[0102] The design support device 20 determines the placement of items in a target living space based on the attribute information and frequency of use of the person. For example, if there is an older person in the living space, the design support device 20 determines the placement of items so that items that are used frequently are close to each other. On the other hand, if there is a person who should exercise, the design support device 20 determines the placement of items in the target living space so that items that are used frequently are farther apart. This makes it possible to propose an item placement that is more suitable for the attributes of the person who will be living in the target living space.

[0103] A person who plans to live in the target residential space is expected to behave in the target residential space in a manner similar to that in the current residential space. Therefore, the design support device 20 identifies the person's movement path in the current residential space as a candidate for the person's movement path in the target residential space. As a method for identifying the person's movement path in the current residential space, the design support device 20 identifies the person's movement path in the current residential space from the person's behavior history detected by a sensor installed in the current residential space.

[0104] The design support device 20 identifies candidate paths of movement of people based on the answers to the received questionnaire, thereby making it possible to propose an arrangement of items that is closer to the ideal for the person who will be living in the target living space.

[0105] The design support device 20 generates three-dimensional data representing the target living space based on the information about the floor plan obtained from the generative model 2100, and displays the floor plan represented by the information about the floor plan in the VR space on the display device 22 based on the three-dimensional data. Then, the flow line identification means of the design support device 20 identifies candidate flow lines of the person from the behavior history of the person in the floor plan in the VR space. This allows for obtaining candidate flow lines in the living space desired by the person who plans to live in the target living space.

[0106] The design support device 20 displays the determined item placement on the floor plan in the VR space and identifies new candidate paths of movement for people based on the behavioral history of people in the determined item placement. By repeatedly proposing item placements, it is possible to propose a living space and item placement that is closer to the ideal for the person who will live in the target living space. This makes it possible to reduce discrepancies that occur after the building is actually constructed.

[0107] The design support device 20 displays virtual objects that resemble the objects in the floor plan in the VR space based on the determined object placement, and identifies new candidate flow lines in the floor plan based on the responses of people to a questionnaire regarding the determined object placement. This makes it possible to prevent discrepancies from occurring after the building is actually constructed.

[0108] This concludes the description of each embodiment. The embodiments may be combined or modified for use. Modifications will be described below.

[0109] 3 and 4, the example has been described in which the design support device 20 has the generative model 2100. For example, the generative model 2100 may be held by another device.

[0110] Fig. 15 is an explanatory diagram showing a second example of a connection between the design support device 20 and another device. The display device 22 and the terminal device 21 in Fig. 15 may be the same as those in the example shown in Fig. 3, and therefore detailed description thereof will be omitted.

[0111] The design support device 20 is connected to a model server 23 having a generative model 2100 via a communication network. When the generative model 2100 is a large-scale language model, the model server 23 is, for example, a server that provides the large-scale language model. The model server 23 may be composed of multiple devices, and is not particularly limited.

[0112] A specific example of processing will be described below when each functional unit of the design support device 20 provides a prompt to the generation model 2100 and obtains a generation result from the generation model 2100 when the generation model 2100 is located in another device as shown in Figure 15. The design support device 20 transmits the prompt to the model server 23. The model server 23 receives the prompt. The model server 23 inputs the prompt to the generation model 2100 and obtains a generation result from the generation model 2100 in response to the instruction described in the prompt. The model server 23 transmits the generation result to the design support device 20. The design support device 20 receives the generation result.

[0113] For example, the flow of processing when the question generation unit 208 generates a question using the generative model 2100 will be briefly described. The question generation unit 208 creates a prompt that instructs the generation of a question. The question generation unit 208 sends the prompt to the model server 23. The model server 23 receives the prompt. The model server 23 inputs the prompt into the generative model 2100 and obtains a question as a generation result from the generative model 2100. The model server 23 sends the generation result to the design support device 20. The question generation unit 208 receives the generation result. This allows the question generation unit 208 to generate a question.

[0114] For example, the processing flow when the floor plan generation unit 202 generates floor plan information using the generative model 2100 will be briefly described. The floor plan generation unit 202 creates a prompt that instructs the generation of a floor plan. The floor plan generation unit 202 transmits the prompt to the model server 23. The model server receives the prompt. The model server 23 inputs the prompt into the generative model 2100 and obtains floor plan information as a generation result from the generative model 2100. The model server 23 transmits the generation result to the design support device 20. The floor plan generation unit 202 receives the generation result. This allows the floor plan generation unit 202 to generate floor plan information.

[0115] In this way, each functional unit such as the floor plan generation unit 202 and the question generation unit 208 that use the generation model 2100 may include a prompt creation unit that creates a prompt, a transmission unit that transmits the prompt to the model server 23, and a receiving unit that receives the generation result from the model server 23.

[0116] Furthermore, similarly to the generation model 2100, another server may have a structural design tool. For this reason, the structural design unit 204 may include a transmitting unit that transmits a design request including floor plan information to another server that the structural design tool has, and a receiving unit that receives the structural design results from the other server.

[0117] Furthermore, another server may have a rendering tool, similar to the generation model 2100. For this reason, the model generation unit 205 may include a transmitting unit that transmits a rendering instruction including floor plan information to another server that the rendering tool has, and a receiving unit that receives three-dimensional data that is the rendering result from the other server.

[0118] In the second embodiment, an example has been described in which each functional unit using the generative model 2100 creates a prompt by setting each piece of information in a prepared prompt template. Here, the prompt may be created by the user.

[0119] For example, a user may create a prompt using the terminal device 21, and the acquisition unit 201 may acquire the prompt created by the user. Each functional unit that uses the generative model 2100 may input the acquired prompt to the generative model 2100.

[0120] Furthermore, the output unit 203 displays a prompt template on the terminal device 21. The user may create a prompt by inputting various information into the prompt template displayed on the terminal device 21, and the acquisition unit 201 may acquire the prompt created by the user's input.

[0121] When combining variant example 1 and variant example 2, each functional unit that uses the generation model 2100 may be equipped with a transmitting unit that transmits a prompt to the model server 23 and a receiving unit that receives the generation result from the model server 23.

[0122] <Variation 3> An example has been described in which the output unit 203 may output floor plan information to a printing device to print the floor plan information. The printing device may be a 3D printer. Therefore, the floor plan information may include information for output by the 3D printer. For example, the floor plan information may include dimensions of the floor plan when actually constructed, but may also include dimensions when printing by the 3D printer. For example, the floor plan information may include scale information, such as printing at 1:100.

[0123] The floor plan information may also be used for processing components, and therefore the floor plan information may include information necessary for processing each component.

[0124] <Variation 4> The above description uses an example of a residential space to be newly constructed as the residential space to be designed. The above description is of an example in which the flow path identification unit 206 identifies candidate flow paths in the residential space to be newly constructed, and the determination unit determines the placement of items in the residential space to be newly constructed. The residential space to be designed is not limited to a residential space to be newly constructed, but may also be a current residential space or a residential space already constructed to be moved to. Taking the example of a case in which the target residential space is the current residential space, the flow path identification unit 206 identifies candidate flow paths in the current residential space. Then, the item placement determination unit 207 may determine the placement of items in the current residential space. For example, the item placement determination unit 207 determines the placement of items based on candidate flow paths, floor plan information representing the current residential space, and item information 2001. In such a case, the output unit 203 may display the placement of items using AR. For example, the output unit 203 may display item models at the determined positions in the actual residential space on the display device 22.

[0125] This concludes the description of the modifications. The modifications may be combined as appropriate, and the embodiment and the modifications may be combined as appropriate.

[0126] In addition, the design support devices 10 and 20 may be configured to include some of the functional units and information. In the fourth modification, the design support device may be configured to include a flow line identification unit 206, an item placement determination unit 207, and an output unit 203.

[0127] The generation of floor plan information and determination of room item placement by the design support devices 10, 20 may be provided as a cloud service, and a usage fee may be charged. For example, the usage fee may vary depending on the content of the service. For example, the service may support design work by architectural designers. For example, the service may support design work other than the main business of house builders and construction companies. For example, the service may be provided to an end user, who may provide floor plan information to multiple contractors to obtain estimates. Furthermore, the design support devices 10, 20 may include a request unit that requests estimates based on the floor plan information.

[0128] Furthermore, the embodiments are not limited to the examples described above and can be modified in various ways. Furthermore, the configuration of the design support devices 10 and 20 is not particularly limited. For example, the functional units of the design support devices 10 and 20 may be implemented by a single device. Alternatively, for example, each functional unit or database of the design support devices 10 and 20 may be implemented by a different device and configured as a system. For example, each functional unit of the design support device 20 may be implemented by a plurality of servers and configured as a system. For example, the design support device 20 may be implemented by a system including a database server including each database and a server having each functional unit.

[0129] In addition, in the embodiment, each database may include part of the information described above. Also, each piece of information may include information other than the information described above.

[0130] Furthermore, the process of generating information to be displayed on the terminal device 21 may be performed by a functional unit included in the design support device 20, such as the output units 103 and 203. This process may also be performed by the terminal device 21. That is, the terminal device 21 may generate screen information based on data received from the design support devices 10 and 20, and display the screen based on the generated screen information.

[0131] (Example of Computer Hardware Configuration) Next, an example of a hardware configuration in which each device such as the design support devices 10 and 20 and the terminal device 21 is realized by a computer will be described.

[0132] 16 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of a computer. For example, some or all of the devices can be realized using any combination of a computer 80 and a program as shown in FIG.

[0133] The computer 80 includes, for example, a processor 801, a ROM (Read Only Memory) 802, a RAM (Random Access Memory) 803, and a storage device 804. The computer 80 also includes a communication interface 805 and an input / output interface 806. The components are connected to each other, for example, via a bus 807. The number of each component is not particularly limited, and there may be one or more of each component.

[0134] The processor 801 controls the entire computer 80. The processor 801 may be, for example, a central processing unit (CPU), a digital signal processor (DSP), a graphics processing unit (GPU), a physics processing unit (PPU), a tensor processing unit (TPU), a quantum processor, or a combination thereof, and is not particularly limited.

[0135] The computer 80 also includes a ROM 802, a RAM 803, and a storage device 804. Examples of the storage device 804 include semiconductor memory such as flash memory, a hard disk drive (HDD), and a solid state drive (SSD). For example, the storage device 804 stores an operating system (OS) program, application programs, and programs according to the embodiments. Alternatively, the ROM 802 stores application programs and programs according to the embodiments. The RAM 803 is used as a work area for the processor 801.

[0136] The processor 801 also loads programs stored in the storage device 804, ROM 802, etc. The processor 801 then executes each process coded in the program. The processor 801 may also download various programs via the communication network NT. The processor 801 also functions as a part or all of the computer 80. The processor 801 may then execute the processes or instructions in the illustrated flowchart based on the program.

[0137] The communication interface 805 is connected to a communication network NT such as a LAN (Local Area Network) or a WAN (Wide Area Network) via a wireless or wired communication line. The communication network NT may be composed of multiple communication networks NT. As a result, the computer 80 is connected to external devices and external computers 80 via the communication networks NT. The communication interface 805 serves as an interface between the communication network NT and the inside of the computer 80. The communication interface 805 also controls the input and output of data from external devices and external computers 80.

[0138] Furthermore, the input / output interface 806 is connected to at least one of an input device, an output device, and an input / output device. The connection method may be wireless or wired. Examples of the input device include a keyboard, a mouse, and a microphone. Examples of the output device include a display device, a lighting device, and an audio output device that outputs audio. Examples of the input / output device include a touch panel display. Note that the input device, output device, and input / output device may be built into the computer 80 or may be external.

[0139] The hardware configuration of the computer 80 is an example. The computer 80 may have some of the components shown in FIG. 16 . The computer 80 may have components other than those shown in FIG. 16 . For example, the computer 80 may have a drive device or the like. The processor 801 may then read programs and data stored on a recording medium attached to the drive device or the like into the RAM 803. Examples of non-transitory tangible recording media include optical disks, flexible disks, magneto-optical disks, and USB (Universal Serial Bus) memories. As described above, the computer 80 may have input devices such as a keyboard and a mouse. The computer 80 may have an output device such as a display. The computer 80 may also have an input device, an output device, and an input / output device.

[0140] The computer 80 may also include various sensors (not shown). The types of sensors are not particularly limited. The computer 80 may also include an imaging device capable of capturing images or videos.

[0141] This concludes the description of the hardware configuration of each device. There are various variations in the method of realizing each device. For example, each device may be realized by any combination of a different computer and program for each component. Furthermore, multiple components of each device may be realized by any combination of a single computer and program.

[0142] Furthermore, some or all of the components of each device may be realized by circuits for specific applications. Furthermore, some or all of the components of each device may be realized by general-purpose circuits such as FPGAs (Field Programmable Gate Arrays). Furthermore, some or all of the components of each device may be realized by a combination of circuits for specific applications and general-purpose circuits. These circuits may be a single integrated circuit. Alternatively, these circuits may be divided into multiple integrated circuits. The multiple integrated circuits may be connected via a bus or the like.

[0143] Furthermore, when some or all of the components of each device are realized by a plurality of computers, circuits, etc., the plurality of computers, circuits, etc. may be centrally located or distributed.

[0144] The design support method described in each embodiment may be realized by being executed by a computer such as the design support device 10 or 20.

[0145] Each program described in each embodiment is recorded on a computer-readable recording medium such as a HDD, SSD, flexible disk, optical disk, magneto-optical disk, or USB memory. Each program is executed by being read from the recording medium by a computer. Each program may also be distributed via a communication network NT.

[0146] The functions of each of the components of the design support device 10 and the design support device 20 described above may be realized by dedicated hardware, such as a computer. Alternatively, each component may be realized by software. Alternatively, each component may be realized by a combination of hardware and software.

[0147] Although the present disclosure has been described above with reference to the embodiments, the present disclosure is not limited to the above embodiments. The configuration and details of each of the present disclosures may include embodiments to which various modifications that would be apparent to those skilled in the art are applied within the scope of the present disclosure. The present disclosure may include embodiments in which the features described herein are appropriately combined or substituted as necessary. For example, features described using a particular embodiment may also be applied to other embodiments to the extent that no contradiction occurs. For example, although multiple operations are described in sequence in the form of a flowchart, the order of description does not limit the order in which the multiple operations are performed. Therefore, when implementing the embodiments, the order of the multiple operations may be changed as long as the content is not affected.

[0148] Some or all of the above-described embodiments can be described as follows: However, some or all of the above-described embodiments are not limited to the following.

[0149] (Supplementary Note 1) A design support device comprising: an acquisition means for acquiring constraint conditions and desired conditions of a person who is to live in a living space that is the subject of design, and changes in the constraint conditions after a predetermined number of years and the desired conditions after the predetermined number of years; a floor plan generation means for generating information relating to a floor plan in the target living space that satisfies the constraint conditions and the desired conditions, the changes in the constraint conditions after the predetermined number of years and the desired conditions after the predetermined number of years, using a generative model; and an output means for outputting information relating to the floor plan.

[0150] (Supplementary Note 2) The design support device according to Supplementary Note 1, further comprising: a generation unit configured to generate three-dimensional data representing the target living space based on the information about the floor plan obtained from the generation model, wherein the information about the floor plan includes dimensions of rooms included in the floor plan.

[0151] (Supplementary Note 3) The design support device according to Supplementary Note 2, wherein the output means displays the floor plan in a virtual reality space displayed on a display device based on the three-dimensional data.

[0152] (Supplementary Note 4) The design support device according to any one of Supplementary Note 1 to Supplementary Note 3, wherein, when there is no information on a floor plan that satisfies the constraint conditions, the desired conditions, and changes in the constraint conditions and expected changes in the desired conditions, the floor plan generation means generates information on a floor plan required for the target living space when at least a portion of the desired conditions and expected changes in the desired conditions are changed.

[0153] (Supplementary Note 5) A design support device as described in any of Supplementary Notes 1 to 4, comprising: a structural design means for performing structural calculations based on the information about the floor plan obtained from the generative model; and a floor plan generation means for generating information about a new floor plan using the generative model when the result of the structural calculations does not satisfy a structural rule.

[0154] (Supplementary Note 6) The design support device according to Supplementary Note 5, wherein the information about the floor plan includes dimensions, components, and materials of the components of each room included in the floor plan.

[0155] (Supplementary Note 7) The design support device according to Supplementary Note 5 or Supplementary Note 6, wherein the information on the floor plan includes information on pillars.

[0156] (Supplementary Note 8) The design support device according to any one of Supplementary Note 5 to Supplementary Note 7, wherein the information on the floor plan includes information on beams.

[0157] (Supplementary Note 9) The design support device according to any one of Supplementary Note 5 to Supplementary Note 8, wherein the information on the floor plan includes information on a right to sunlight.

[0158] (Supplementary Note 10) The design support device according to any one of Supplementary Notes 1 to 9, wherein the floor plan generation means generates information about the floor plan using land information about a land of the target living space and environmental information about an environment of the land.

[0159] (Supplementary Note 11) The design support device according to any one of Supplementary Note 1 to Supplementary Note 10, wherein the acquisition means imposes the constraint condition on the generative model and acquires a change in the constraint condition.

[0160] (Supplementary Note 12) The design support device according to Supplementary Note 11, further comprising: a question generation means that provides the constraint conditions and the desired conditions to the generative model, and generates a question related to the desired conditions after the predetermined number of years in accordance with changes in the constraint conditions; and the acquisition means that acquires the desired conditions after the predetermined number of years as an answer to the question.

[0161] (Supplementary Note 13) A design support device as described in any of Supplementary Notes 1 to 12, comprising: a flow line identification means for identifying candidate flow lines of the person in the target living space; and an item placement determination means for determining the placement of items in the floor plan indicated by the information regarding the floor plan based on the identified candidate flow lines, wherein the output means outputs the placement of the items.

[0162] (Supplementary Note 14) The design support device according to Supplementary Note 13, wherein the item placement determination means determines the placement of the items based on a frequency of use of the items.

[0163] (Supplementary Note 15) The design support device according to Supplementary Note 14, wherein the item placement determination means determines the placement of the items so that the items with high usage frequency are placed close to each other.

[0164] (Supplementary Note 16) The design support device according to Supplementary Note 14 or Supplementary Note 15, wherein the item placement determination means determines a placement of the items in the target living space such that the items with high usage frequency are placed farther apart from each other.

[0165] (Supplementary Note 17) The design support device according to any one of Supplementary Note 14 to Supplementary Note 16, wherein the item placement determination means determines a placement of items in the living space of the target based on attribute information of the person and the frequency of use.

[0166] (Supplementary Note 18) The design support device according to any one of Supplementary Note 13 to Supplementary Note 17, wherein the flow line identification means identifies a flow line of the person in the current living space as a candidate flow line of the person in the target living space.

[0167] (Supplementary Note 19) The design support device according to Supplementary Note 18, wherein the flow line identification means identifies a flow line of the person in the current living space from a behavior history of the person detected by a sensor installed in the current living space.

[0168] (Supplementary Note 20) The design support device according to any one of Supplementary Note 13 to Supplementary Note 19, wherein the flow line identifying means identifies candidates for the flow line of the person based on answers to a received questionnaire.

[0169] (Supplementary Note 21) The design support device according to any one of Supplementary Note 13 to Supplementary Note 20, wherein the flow line identifying means identifies a candidate flow line of the person from a plurality of flow lines.

[0170] (Supplementary Note 22) A design support device as described in any of Supplementary Note 13 to Supplementary Note 21, comprising: a generation means that generates three-dimensional data representing the living space of the target based on the information about the floor plan obtained from the generative model; the output means that displays the floor plan represented by the information about the floor plan in a virtual reality space displayed on a display device based on the three-dimensional data; and the movement line identification means that identifies candidate movement lines of the person from the behavior history of the person in the floor plan in the virtual reality space.

[0171] (Supplementary Note 23) The design support device according to Supplementary Note 22, wherein the output means displays the determined arrangement of the items on the floor plan in the virtual reality space, and the flow line identification means newly identifies a candidate flow line of the person from a behavior history of the person in the determined arrangement of the items.

[0172] (Supplementary Note 24) The design support device described in Supplementary Note 23, wherein the output means displays virtual objects imitating the objects in the floor plan in the virtual reality space based on the determined arrangement of the objects, and the flow line identification means identifies new candidate flow lines in the floor plan based on responses to a questionnaire received from the person regarding the determined arrangement of the objects.

[0173] (Supplementary Note 25) A design support method in which a computer executes the following processes: acquires constraint conditions and desired conditions of a person who is to live in a living space that is the subject of design, and changes in the constraint conditions after a predetermined number of years and the desired conditions after the predetermined number of years; uses a generative model to generate information about a floor plan in the target living space that satisfies the constraint conditions and desired conditions, and the changes in the constraint conditions after the predetermined number of years and the desired conditions after the predetermined number of years; and outputs information about the floor plan.

[0174] (Supplementary Note 26) A non-transitory computer-readable recording medium that records a program for causing a computer to execute the following processes: acquire constraint conditions and desired conditions of a person who is to live in a living space that is the subject of design, and changes in the constraint conditions after a predetermined number of years and the desired conditions after the predetermined number of years; use a generative model to generate information about the floor plan in the target living space that satisfies the constraint conditions and desired conditions, and the changes in the constraint conditions after the predetermined number of years and the desired conditions after the predetermined number of years; and output information about the floor plan.

[0175] (Supplementary Note 27) A program that causes a computer to execute the following process: acquire constraint conditions and desired conditions of a person who is to live in a living space that is the subject of design, and changes in the constraint conditions after a predetermined number of years and the desired conditions after the predetermined number of years; use a generative model to generate information about the floor plan in the target living space that satisfies the constraint conditions and desired conditions, and the changes in the constraint conditions after the predetermined number of years and the desired conditions after the predetermined number of years; and output information about the floor plan.

[0176] Furthermore, some or all of the configurations described in Supplementary Notes 2 to 24, which are dependent on Supplementary Note 1, may also be dependent on Supplementary Notes 25, 26, and 27 in the same dependent relationship as Supplementary Notes 2 to 24. Furthermore, not limited to Supplementary Notes 1, 25, 26, and 27, but also various hardware, software, various recording means for recording software, or systems may be made to be dependent on some or all of the configurations described as Supplements, within the scope of each of the above-mentioned embodiments.

[0177] 10, 20 Design support device 21 Terminal device 22 Display device 23 Model server 80 Computer 101, 201 Acquisition unit 102, 202 Floor plan generation unit 103, 203 Output unit 204 Structural design unit 205 Model generation unit 206 Flow line identification unit 207 Item placement determination unit 208 Question generation unit 801 Processor 802 ROM 803 RAM 804 Storage device 805 Communication interface 806 Input / output interface 807 Bus 2000 Land information 2001 Item information 2002 Environmental information 2100 Generation model NT Communication network

Claims

1. A design support device comprising: an acquisition means for acquiring constraint conditions and desired conditions of a person who is to live in a living space to be designed, and changes in the constraint conditions after a predetermined number of years and the desired conditions after the predetermined number of years; a floor plan generation means for generating information relating to a floor plan in the living space to be designed that satisfies the constraint conditions and desired conditions, changes in the constraint conditions after the predetermined number of years and the desired conditions after the predetermined number of years using a generative model; and an output means for outputting information relating to the floor plan.

2. The design support device according to claim 1, further comprising: a generation means for generating three-dimensional data representing the target living space based on the information about the floor plan obtained from the generation model, the information about the floor plan including dimensions of rooms included in the floor plan.

3. The design support device according to claim 2, wherein said output means displays said floor plan in a virtual reality space displayed on a display device based on said three-dimensional data.

4. A design support device as described in any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein, when there is no information regarding a floor plan that satisfies the constraint conditions, the desired conditions, and the changes in the constraint conditions and the expected changes in the desired conditions, the floor plan generation means generates information regarding the floor plan required for the target living space when at least a portion of the desired conditions and the expected changes in the desired conditions are changed.

5. A design support device as described in any one of claims 1 to 4, comprising: a structural design means for performing structural calculations based on the information about the floor plan obtained from the generative model, wherein the information about the floor plan includes information necessary for structural calculations; and wherein the floor plan generation means generates information about a new floor plan using the generative model if the results of the structural calculations do not satisfy structural rules.

6. The design support device according to claim 5, wherein the information about the floor plan includes dimensions of each room included in the floor plan, components, and materials of the components.

7. The design support device according to claim 5 or claim 6, wherein the information relating to the floor plan includes information relating to pillars.

8. The design support device according to any one of claims 5 to 7, wherein the information relating to the floor plan includes information relating to beams.

9. A design support device according to any one of claims 5 to 8, wherein the information relating to the floor plan includes information relating to sunlight rights.

10. A design support device according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the floor plan generation means generates information about the floor plan using land information about the land of the target living space and environmental information about the environment of the land.

11. The design support device according to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the acquisition means assigns the constraint conditions to the generative model and acquires changes in the constraint conditions.

12. A design support device as described in claim 11, further comprising a question generation means that provides the constraint conditions and the desired conditions to the generative model and generates a question related to the desired conditions after the specified number of years in accordance with changes in the constraint conditions, and wherein the acquisition means acquires the desired conditions after the specified number of years as an answer to the question.

13. A design support device as described in any one of claims 1 to 12, comprising: a flow line identification means for identifying candidate flow lines of the person in the target living space; and an item placement determination means for determining the placement of items in the floor plan indicated by the information regarding the floor plan based on the identified candidate flow lines, wherein the output means outputs the placement of the items.

14. The design support device according to claim 13, wherein the item placement determination means determines the placement of the items based on the frequency of use of the items.

15. The design support device according to claim 14, wherein the item placement determination means determines the placement of the items so that the items with high usage frequency are placed close to each other.

16. A design support device according to claim 14 or claim 15, wherein the item placement determination means determines the placement of items in the target living space so that frequently used items are placed farther apart from each other.

17. A design support device according to any one of claims 14 to 16, wherein the item placement determination means determines the placement of items in the living space of the subject based on the person's attribute information and the frequency of use.

18. A design support device according to any one of claims 13 to 17, wherein the flow line identification means identifies the flow line of the person in the current living space as a candidate flow line of the person in the target living space.

19. A design support method in which a computer executes the following process: acquires the constraint conditions and desired conditions of a person who is to live in a living space that is the subject of design, and changes in the constraint conditions after a predetermined number of years and the desired conditions after the predetermined number of years; uses a generative model to generate information about the floor plan in the target living space that satisfies the constraint conditions and desired conditions, and the changes in the constraint conditions after the predetermined number of years and the desired conditions after the predetermined number of years; and outputs information about the floor plan.

20. A non-transitory computer-readable recording medium that records a program for causing a computer to execute the following processes: acquire constraint conditions and desired conditions of a person who is to live in a living space that is the subject of design, as well as changes in the constraint conditions after a specified number of years and the desired conditions after the specified number of years; use a generative model to generate information regarding the floor plan in the target living space that satisfies the constraint conditions and desired conditions, as well as changes in the constraint conditions after the specified number of years and the desired conditions after the specified number of years; and output information regarding the floor plan.

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