Population Estimation via Facility Type Classification
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods face difficulties in distinguishing between facility types and accurately estimating fluctuating populations using communication terminal data, leading to inefficiencies in population estimation.
Innovation Solution
A population estimation system that utilizes communication terminals to collect positional information, generates log data, and analyzes it to determine facility types and population fluctuations within geographic areas, employing interpolation and pattern recognition techniques to estimate population movements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of time
If communication terminal data is used for population estimation, then the need for extensive surveys is reduced, but the accuracy of facility type distinction and population fluctuation estimation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces facility types as an intermediary classification layer between communication terminal data and population estimation. By categorizing facilities into types (residential, commercial, industrial, etc.) based on population fluctuation patterns, the system enables accurate population estimation without extensive direct surveys. The intermediary classification resolves the contradiction by structuring the data to reveal meaningful patterns.
Solution Approach 2:
The system employs feedback mechanisms by comparing estimated population fluctuations against actual survey data to refine facility type classifications and improve estimation accuracy over time. This iterative feedback process allows the system to maintain high accuracy while minimizing the need for continuous extensive surveys.
2Measurement precision
If facility types are distinguished using survey data, then population fluctuation estimation accuracy is improved, but the complexity and cost of data collection increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical survey data collection methods with automated analysis of communication terminal positioning data. Instead of physical surveys requiring human involvement, the system uses electronic data from communication terminals to infer facility types and population patterns, significantly reducing collection complexity while maintaining or improving accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables facility types to self-classify based on their inherent population fluctuation patterns captured through communication terminal data. Rather than requiring external surveyors to categorize each facility, the data itself reveals the facility type characteristics, allowing the system to automatically distinguish facility types without complex external intervention.
3Measurement precision
If extensive surveys are conducted to classify facilities, then population estimation accuracy is improved, but the time and resources required increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary classification of facilities into types based on communication terminal data patterns before conducting detailed population estimation. By pre-categorizing facilities using readily available positioning data, the system prepares the data structure in advance, enabling faster and more accurate population estimation without requiring extensive surveys at the estimation stage.
Data Source
AI summary
It is difficult to distinguish facility types. It is difficult to estimate a fluctuating population from the number of communication terminals. A log information obtaining unit which obtains log information in which positional information of a wireless terminal and clock time information at which the positional information is obtained are associated, a population fluctuation pattern determination unit which determines a population fluctuation pattern based on the log information, a type determination unit which determines a type of a facility based on the population fluctuation pattern determined by the population fluctuation pattern determination unit, with reference to basic pattern information indicating a population fluctuation pattern for each facility type, and an estimated value deriving unit which extracts calculation basic information corresponding to the facility type determined by the type determination unit to derive an estimated value of the population movement of the facility are comprised.