JP7613931B2 - Seat design device, seat design method, and program - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to a seat design device, a seat design method, and a program.

In stadiums, rows of seats are positioned at gradually increasing heights to allow spectators a better view of the playing area (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

Special Publication No. 2005-515335

It is preferable that the seats for spectators in the above-mentioned stadiums, theaters, and other facilities are designed to provide the best possible view of the playing area, stage, and other objects to be observed. During the design stage, it is necessary to be able to set the seating layout efficiently from the perspective of visibility.

The present invention was made in consideration of these circumstances, and aims to make it possible to efficiently design seats in facilities from the perspective of visibility.

One aspect of the present invention for solving the above-mentioned problems is a seating design device that designs the layout of seats for spectators in a facility that accommodates spectators, the seating design device comprising: an observation target area setting unit that sets an observation target area to be observed by spectators in the facility; a front row seat shape setting unit that sets a front row seat shape corresponding to the observation target area and the front row of the seating area in which the seats are arranged; a positional relationship setting unit that sets a positional relationship between the observation target area and the front row seat shape; a gaze point setting unit that sets one or more gaze points in the observation target area; a stand cross-sectional shape generating unit that generates a stand cross-sectional shape of the rows of seats in a vertical plane that includes a straight line that starts from the set gaze point and passes through the seating area in the front-to-rear direction; and a visibility evaluation value calculation unit that calculates a visibility evaluation value for the set gaze point for each seat included in the generated stand cross-sectional shape.

Also, one aspect of the present invention is a seat design method in a seat design device that designs the layout of seats for spectators in a facility that accommodates spectators, the seat design method including an observation target area setting step in which an observation target area setting unit sets an observation target area to be observed by spectators in the facility, a seat front row shape setting step in which a seat front row shape setting unit sets the observation target area and a seat front row shape corresponding to the front row of the seat area in which the seats are arranged, a positional relationship setting step in which a positional relationship setting unit sets a positional relationship between the observation target area and the seat front row shape, a gaze point setting step in which a gaze point setting unit sets one or more gaze points in the observation target area, a stand cross-sectional shape generating step in which a stand cross-sectional shape generating unit generates a stand cross-sectional shape by the rows of seats in a vertical plane including a straight line that starts from the set gaze point and passes through the seat area in the front-rear direction, and a visibility evaluation value calculation step in which a visibility evaluation value calculating unit calculates a visibility evaluation value for the set gaze point for each seat included in the generated stand cross-sectional shape.

This program causes a computer, acting as a seating design device for designing the layout of spectator seats in a facility that accommodates spectators, to function as an observation target area setting unit that sets an observation target area to be observed by spectators in the facility, a front row seat shape setting unit that sets the observation target area and the front row seat shape corresponding to the front row of the seating area in which the seats are arranged, a positional relationship setting unit that sets the positional relationship between the observation target area and the front row seat shape, a gaze point setting unit that sets one or more gaze points in the observation target area, a stand cross-sectional shape generating unit that generates a stand cross-sectional shape by the rows of seats in a vertical plane that includes a straight line that starts from the set gaze point and passes through the seating area in the front-to-rear direction, and a visibility evaluation value calculation unit that calculates a visibility evaluation value for the set gaze point for each seat included in the generated stand cross-sectional shape.

As described above, the present invention has the effect of enabling seating in facilities to be designed efficiently from the perspective of visibility.

FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of a seat design device according to an embodiment of the present invention. 5 is a flowchart showing an example of a processing procedure executed by the seat design device in the present embodiment in response to seat design. 5 is a flowchart showing an example of a processing procedure executed by the seat design device in the present embodiment in response to seat design. FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of a field setting image in the present embodiment. FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of a positional relationship setting image in the present embodiment. FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of a gaze point setting image in the present embodiment. FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of a handrail/wain wall setting image in this embodiment. FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of a cross-sectional shape of a stand in the present embodiment. FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of a visibility evaluation image in the present embodiment. FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating a seat reference line in the present embodiment. FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of a seat layout image in the present embodiment. FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating a boratory setting in the present embodiment. FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating the setting of a service entrance in this embodiment. FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of a 3D image of a stand in the present embodiment. FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of a distance evaluation image in the present embodiment. FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of a directionality evaluation image in the present embodiment.

1 shows an example of the functional configuration of a seat design device 100 according to this embodiment. The seat design device 100 according to this embodiment can design seats for spectators in a stadium (an example of a facility).
The functions of the seat design device 100 shown in the figure are realized by executing a program by a CPU (Central Processing Unit) provided in the seat design device 100. Specifically, such a program may be an application program that provides the seat design function of the present embodiment.

The seat design device 100 in the figure includes a design processing unit 101, a memory unit 102, an operation unit 103, and a display unit 104.

The design processing unit 101 executes processing related to seat design. The design processing unit 101 includes an observation target area setting unit 111, a front row of seats shape setting unit 112, a positional relationship setting unit 113, a gaze point setting unit 114, a stand cross-sectional shape generating unit 115, a visibility evaluation value calculation unit 116, a seat reference line generating unit 117, a seat layout generating unit 118, a visibility evaluation unit 119, an image generating unit 120, and an option evaluation unit 121.

The observation target area setting unit 111 sets an area as a field (an example of an observation target area) in a stadium. The field is also called, for example, a court or a pitch, and is the area where the game takes place. The extent of the game field is determined by prescribed lines. Specifically, in the case of basketball, the game field is a rectangular court formed by two parallel sidelines and two parallel endlines. In the case of soccer, the game field is a rectangular field formed by two parallel touchlines and two parallel goal lines.

The seat front row shape setting unit 112 sets the stand shape (one example of the seat front row shape) in the stadium. The stand shape is a shape formed corresponding to the front row of seats in the seating area (stand) in which the seats are arranged.

The positional relationship setting unit 113 sets the positional relationship between the field set by the observation target area setting unit 111 and the stand shape set by the front row seat shape setting unit 112.

The gaze point setting unit 114 sets the gaze point. The gaze point is an arbitrary point on the field, and is set as the point that spectators seated in the seats will gaze at when designing the seats.

The stand cross-sectional shape generating unit 115 generates a cross-sectional shape of the stand. The stand cross-sectional shape generating unit 115 calculates the height of the stand and the rise dimension according to the viewpoint of each tier of the stand, starting from the set gaze point. The stand cross-sectional shape generating unit 115 generates the cross-sectional shape of the stand (stand cross-sectional shape) that reflects the calculated stand height and rise dimension.

The visibility evaluation value calculation unit 116 calculates a visibility evaluation value corresponding to each seat included in the cross-sectional shape of the stand. The visibility evaluation value is a value that evaluates the quality of visibility from a seat. In this embodiment, the visibility evaluation value corresponding to one seat evaluates the visibility when gazing at the gaze point from the eye position of the spectator set in that seat. Specifically, for example, C-VALUE (C value) can be used as such a visibility evaluation value.
C-VALUE, commonly known as "line of sight quality," is an evaluation value of the quality of the field of vision over the heads of spectators sitting in the front rows, and indicates a value corresponding to the vertical distance between the spectator's line of sight and the eyes of the spectators in the front row.

The seat reference line generating unit 117 generates a seat reference line. The seat reference line generating unit 117 generates the seat reference line by expanding the stand cross-sectional shape generated by the stand cross-sectional shape generating unit 115 to the entire stand.

The seat layout generation unit 118 generates a seat layout in which seats are set relative to the seat reference line generated by the seat reference line generation unit 117.

The visibility evaluation unit 119 evaluates visibility by determining whether the line of sight (a straight line connecting the viewpoint and the gaze point) from each seat in the seat layout generated by the seat layout generation unit 118 collides with an obstacle.

The image generation unit 120 generates an image that reflects the results of the seat design processing, and displays it on the display unit 104. The image generation unit 120 can generate a three-dimensional image (3D image) that reflects the seat layout generated by the seat layout generation unit 118, and display the generated three-dimensional image on the display unit 104.

The option evaluation unit 121 performs option evaluation. Option evaluation will be described later.

The memory unit 102 stores information related to seat design. The memory unit 102 includes a field data memory unit 125. The field data memory unit 125 stores data on fields (field data) that are defined for each sport, such as soccer, baseball, basketball, rugby, tennis, etc. Note that, for example, depending on the sport, the word "field" may be referred to as "court" or "pitch," but hereinafter, for ease of explanation, the word "field" will be used consistently.

The operation unit 103 collectively indicates input devices and the like used by an operator for operations.
The display unit 104 displays an image.
The operation unit 103 may include a display unit 104 configured as a touch panel.

An example of a processing procedure executed by the seat design device 100 configured as described above in response to seat design will be described with reference to the flowcharts in Figures 2 and 3. In addition, in the explanation of the processing procedure example, Figures 4 to 14 will be referred to as appropriate.

Step S101: In the seat design device 100, the observation target area setting unit 111 sets a field in response to an operation (field setting operation) by an operator to set a field.
Although not shown in the figure, an operation screen on which a field setting operation is performed is displayed on the display unit 104. The operator can perform an operation on the operation screen on which a field setting operation is performed to select field data corresponding to the event assumed for seat design from among the field data stored in the field data storage unit 125. The observation target area setting unit 111 sets the field using the selected field data.

The image generating unit 120 generates a field setting image showing the setting result of the field FLD according to the field setting operation by the operator, and causes the display unit 104 to display the generated field setting image.
4 shows an example of a field setting image. In the figure, a basketball court field FLD is displayed in the field setting image in response to a basketball court field being selected by a field setting operation. For example, when a soccer field is selected by a field setting operation, a soccer field FLD is displayed in the field setting image.
The dimensions of the field are determined according to the type of sport. When the operator selects a field by performing a field setting operation, this is equivalent to setting the range of the area that spectators in the stands can observe.

Step S102: Returning to the explanation of Fig. 2, after setting the fields, the operator performs a stand cross-sectional shape setting operation and an empty distance setting operation.
The stand cross-sectional shape setting operation is an operation for setting the stand shape. The stand shape here refers to the shape formed by the front row seats in the stand. The open area setting operation is an operation for setting the distance between the field set by the observation target area setting unit 111 and the stand shape.

The display unit 104 displays an operation screen that enables stand cross-sectional shape setting operation and free distance setting operation. Note that the stand cross-sectional shape setting operation and free space setting operation may be performed simultaneously in parallel by displaying the corresponding operation screens on the same screen. Depending on the stand seat cross-sectional shape setting operation and free distance setting operation, the positional relationship between the field and the stands is set, so the stand cross-sectional shape setting operation and free distance setting operation are collectively referred to as positional relationship setting operation.

The image generating unit 120 generates a positional relationship setting image showing the result of setting the positional relationship between the field and the stand shape based on the positional relationship setting operation by the operator, and causes the display unit 104 to display the generated positional relationship setting image.
5 shows an example of a positional relationship setting image. In the positional relationship setting image in the figure, a stand shape STD (an example of a front row shape of seats) set by a stand cross-sectional shape setting operation is arranged relative to a field FLD.
In the case of the figure, as an empty distance setting operation, empty distances Dx and Dy to the lines of the stand shape STD can be set in correspondence with the side lines and end lines that form the outer edge of the field FLD. The stand shape STD is displayed so as to be disposed at the set empty distances Dx and Dy from the field FLD.

Step S103: The operator performs an operation to set a gaze point for the field FLD set in step S101 (a gaze point setting operation). The operator can set a gaze point for any position in the field FLD by the gaze point setting operation. In addition, the operator may be able to set a gaze point for any position in the space between the field FLD and the line of the stand shape STD by the gaze point setting operation.
Furthermore, the operator can set a plurality of gaze points by a gaze point setting operation.
The gaze point setting unit 114 sets the gaze point at a position designated by the gaze point setting operation.

An operation screen on which a gaze point setting operation is performed is displayed on the display unit 104. The operation screen for the gaze point setting operation allows an operation to set a gaze point on a "touch line." The touch line defined in response to the gaze point setting operation includes not only the longitudinal lines on the outer edge of the field, but also the lateral lines.
It is possible to adopt an approach that requires that the field of view of a spectator watching from a seat is such that the spectator can see the line on the outer edge of the field that is closest to the spectator. For this reason, the operation screen corresponding to the operation of setting the gaze point may be configured to allow an operation of easily setting the gaze point on the line on the outer edge of the field.

The image generating unit 120 generates a gaze point setting image showing the result of setting the gaze point by the operator's gaze point setting operation, and causes the display unit 104 to display the generated gaze point setting image.
6 shows an example of a gaze point setting image, in which one gaze point Pg is set at the center position of one of the two end lines in the field FLD.

Step S104: The operator can perform an operation to set handrails and waist walls to be placed along the lines of the stand shape (handrail and waist wall setting operation).
An operation screen on which a handrail/waist wall setting operation is performed may be displayed on the display unit 104. Depending on an operation on the operation screen for the handrail/waist wall setting operation, the height of the handrail, the height of the waist wall, and the thickness of the waist wall can be set.
The image generation unit 120 generates a handrail/waist wall setting image showing the handrail and waist wall setting results based on the handrail/waist wall setting operation by the operator, and displays the generated handrail/waist wall setting image on the display unit 104.
7 shows an example of a handrail/waist wall setting image. In the handrail/waist wall setting image, a handrail hdr and a waist wall stw are displayed. The handrail hdr and the waist wall stw change their states to reflect the height, thickness, etc. set by the handrail/waist wall setting operation.

After the operations corresponding to steps up to step S104, the operator performs an operation for setting the cross-sectional shape of the stand.
The stand cross-sectional shape setting operation is an operation for setting the stand cross-sectional shape. As shown in Fig. 8, the stand cross-sectional shape is a shape indicated by a cross section of the stand formed on a plane perpendicular to a straight line L extending from the gaze point Pg set in step S103 to the stand. In the same figure, an example is shown in which a stand cross-sectional shape CS corresponding to the first floor seats and a stand cross-sectional shape CS corresponding to the upper part of the first floor seats (second floor seats) are formed.
There are two methods for setting the cross-sectional shape of the stand: method 1 and method 2. The operator can arbitrarily select either method 1 or method 2 as appropriate to perform the cross-sectional shape setting operation of the stand.
The first method is a method for setting the cross-sectional shape of the stand by setting five parameters: the number of steps, the height of the front row, the stand tread size, the rise size, and the side aisle. For the side aisle, for example, the position and width of the number of steps to be installed can be set.
The second method is a method for setting the cross-sectional shape of the stand by setting five parameters, namely, the number of steps, the visibility evaluation value, the height of the front row, the stand tread dimension, and the side aisle. In the second method, the visibility evaluation value is used instead of the rise dimension used in the first method. In this case, the visibility evaluation value is calculated using the viewpoint (eye position) of the viewing point determined for each seat formed in the cross-sectional shape of the stand as the gaze point Pg set in step S103. In the second method, the rise dimension is changed in accordance with the setting of the visibility evaluation value.
In either the first or second method, seats can be added to the upper levels of the first floor.

Although not shown in the figure, an operation screen on which the stand cross-sectional shape setting operation is performed is displayed on the display unit 104 as an operation screen. The operation screen for the stand cross-sectional shape setting operation includes an operation screen on which the parameters corresponding to the first method can be changed, and an operation screen on which the parameters corresponding to the second method can be changed.

Step S105: When a stand cross-sectional shape setting operation is performed on the operation screen for the stand cross-sectional shape setting operation corresponding to the first method, the stand cross-sectional shape generating unit 115 generates the stand cross-sectional shape according to the number of steps, the height of the front row, the stand tread dimensions, the riser dimensions, and the side aisle set by the stand cross-sectional shape setting operation.

Step S106: When a stand cross-sectional shape setting operation is performed on the operation screen for the stand cross-sectional shape setting operation corresponding to the second method, the stand cross-sectional shape generating unit 115 generates the stand cross-sectional shape according to the number of steps, the height of the front row, the visibility evaluation value, the stand tread dimensions, and the side aisle set by the stand cross-sectional shape setting operation.

In addition, in each of steps S105 and S106, the stand cross-sectional shape generation unit 115 generates a line of sight (a straight line connecting the viewpoint and the viewpoint Pg) to the gaze point Pg for each viewpoint defined in the seat formed in the generated stand cross-sectional shape.

The image generating unit 120 causes the display unit 104 to display the stand cross-sectional shape generated in step S105 or step S106.

Step S107: When the stand cross-sectional shape is generated in step S105 or step S106, the operator judges whether the stand cross-sectional shape displayed on the display unit 104 is as expected (OK). The operator may also judge whether the line of sight generated for each seat collides with the handrail/waist wall generated in step S104. This is to judge whether the spectators in the seats can observe the gaze point Pg without being blocked by the generated handrail/waist wall. If the operator judges that the stand cross-sectional shape is not as expected, he or she performs an operation to return to stand cross-sectional shape generation again.
On the other hand, if the operator determines that the stand cross-sectional shape is as expected, he or she performs an operation to confirm that the stand cross-sectional shape is OK (which may be an operation to move to the next visibility evaluation stage).
When the generated stand cross-sectional shape is displayed, the stand cross-sectional shape generation unit 115 determines whether the operator will perform an operation to confirm that the stand cross-sectional shape is OK, or an operation to return to the stand cross-sectional shape generation stage.
When an operation for returning to the stage of stand sectional shape generation is performed, the process returns to the process for generating the stand sectional shape corresponding to step S105 or step S106. This allows the operator to regenerate the stand sectional shape by performing the stand sectional shape setting operation again.
For example, stand sectional shape information based on necessary conditions (parameters) corresponding to an assumed stand sectional shape may be stored in the storage unit 102. Then, in step S107, the stand sectional shape generating unit 115 may determine whether the stand sectional shape is OK (and whether the line of sight generated for each seat collides with the handrail/waist wall generated in step S104) based on a result of comparing the generated stand sectional shape with the stand sectional shape information.
In this case, if the stand cross-sectional shape generation unit 115 determines that the stand cross-sectional shape is OK, it transitions processing to a stage corresponding to the next step S108, and if it determines that the stand cross-sectional shape is not OK, it issues an error notification, for example, to the effect that the stand cross-sectional shape is not OK, and then returns to the stand cross-sectional shape generation stage corresponding to step S105 or step S106.

Step S108: When an operation is performed to confirm that the cross-sectional shape of the stand is OK, the visibility evaluation value calculation unit 116 moves to the visibility evaluation stage. In other words, the visibility evaluation value calculation unit 116 calculates a visibility evaluation value for each seat formed in the generated cross-sectional shape of the stand. In this case, too, the visibility evaluation value calculation unit 116 calculates the visibility evaluation value as the vertical distance (C-VALUE) between the line of sight set for the seat and the eyes of the spectators in the front row.

The image generating unit 120 causes the display unit 104 to display a visibility evaluation image indicating the result of the visibility evaluation value calculated in step S108.
9 shows an example of a visibility evaluation image. In the visibility evaluation image in the figure, a line of sight Lv according to a viewpoint is displayed, which starts from a viewing point Pv set for each seat formed in the cross-sectional shape CS of the stand and reaches a gaze point Pg (the gaze point Pg is outside the range in the figure).
Furthermore, in the visual field evaluation image, a specified enlarged area ARrm is arranged. The specified enlarged area ARrm can be moved in the visual field evaluation image by an operator's operation. The range included in the specified enlarged area ARrm is enlarged and displayed in an enlarged area ARex. In the enlarged area ARex, a visual field evaluation value calculated corresponding to the viewpoint Pv included in the enlarged area ARex is displayed.
The operator can use such a visibility evaluation image to determine whether the visibility evaluation value satisfies the requirements, i.e., whether the required visibility is ensured for each seat defined by the cross-sectional shape of the stand.

Step S109: If the operator determines that the required visibility is ensured for the stand cross-sectional shape (evaluation result OK), the operator performs an operation to confirm that the evaluation result is OK. On the other hand, if the operator determines that the required visibility is not ensured, the operator performs an operation to return to stand cross-sectional shape generation.
When the visibility evaluation image is displayed, the visibility evaluation value calculation unit 116 determines whether the operator's operation is to confirm that visibility is secured or to return to stand cross-sectional shape generation.
When an operation for returning to the stand sectional shape generation is performed, the process returns to the process for generating the stand sectional shape corresponding to step S105 or step S106.
In addition, information on the visibility evaluation value of each seat corresponding to the state in which the visibility required for the stand cross-sectional shape is secured (target visibility evaluation value information) may be stored in the storage unit 102. Then, in step S109, the visibility evaluation value calculation unit 116 may determine whether the evaluation result is OK or not based on the result of comparing the target visibility evaluation value information with the calculated visibility evaluation value. In this case, if the visibility evaluation value calculation unit 116 determines that the evaluation result is OK, it shifts the process to a stage corresponding to the next step S110, and if it determines that the evaluation result is not OK, it returns to the stage of generating the stand cross-sectional shape corresponding to step S105 or step S106 after issuing an error notification or the like indicating that the calculated visibility evaluation value is not OK. In this case, in the error notification, the seats that do not satisfy the target visibility evaluation value or the visibility evaluation value calculated for the seats may be output by display or the like.

Step S110: If an operation is performed to confirm that the evaluation result is OK, the seat reference line generating unit 117 generates a seat reference line.
The seat reference line will be described with reference to Fig. 10. In the figure, a stand cross-sectional shape CS generated corresponding to a gaze point Pg set at the center of one end line in the field FLD is shown. The seat reference line generating unit 117 develops the stand cross-sectional shape generated as shown in the figure so as to go around along the stand shape. As a result, as shown in the figure, a seat reference line is generated so that a line serving as a reference for the seat layout goes around in the stand area AST with the stand shape STD as the front row. The seat reference line of the stand area AST reflects the side passage SPS set when generating the stand cross-sectional shape.

The image generating unit 120 causes the display unit 104 to display a seat reference line image showing the result of generating the seat reference line in step S110. The seat reference line image may be in the form of a 3D image, for example, as in FIG. 10.

Step S111: At the stage where the seat reference line has been generated in step S110, the tread dimensions and rise dimensions for each row of seats have been determined, but it has not yet been determined how the seats will be arranged (layout).
The operator then performs an operation for laying out the seats relative to the seat reference line (seat layout operation). Although not shown, an operation screen for seat layout operation is displayed on the display unit 104.
As the seat layout operation, for example, three parameters can be specified: the number of designated seats, the seat interval, and the vertical aisle (an example of a passage area). For example, the operator performs an operation to specify the number of designated seats, the seat interval, and the vertical aisle on the operation screen of the seat layout operation. Note that the seat layout operation may also allow horizontal aisles to be specified as passage areas in addition to vertical aisles. At this time, the seat layout generation unit 118 may set the seat layout so as to satisfy standards according to a predetermined law, such as a fire prevention ordinance.

Step S112: The seat layout generation unit 118 generates a seat layout by reflecting the parameters specified by the seat layout operation (number of designated seats, seat spacing, vertical aisle) on the seat reference line.

The image generating unit 120 displays a seating layout image showing the seating layout generated in step S112.
Fig. 11 shows an example of a seat layout image. The seat layout image in Fig. 11 is a 3D image. In the stand area AST in the seat layout image in Fig. 11, the seats are set based on the seat reference line. In addition to the horizontal aisle SPS, the vertical aisle VPS set in step S111 is also reflected.

Step S113: The operator judges whether the seat layout of the stand is as expected (OK) or not by looking at the seat layout image displayed on the display unit 104. If the operator judges that the seat layout is not as expected, he or she performs the seat layout operation again.
On the other hand, if the operator determines that the seating layout is as expected, he or she performs an operation to confirm that the seating layout is OK (which may be an operation to move to the next group definition condition input stage).
When the seat layout image is displayed, the seat layout generation unit 118 determines whether the operator's operation is to confirm that the seat layout is OK or to return to seat layout generation.
If an operation to return to seat layout generation is performed, the process returns to step S111, whereby the operator can regenerate the seat layout by performing the seat layout operation again.
Information indicating an assumed seat layout (target seat layout information) may be stored in the storage unit 102. Then, in step S113, the seat layout generation unit 118 may determine whether the generated seat layout is OK or not based on a result of comparing the target seat layout information with the generated seat layout. In this case, if the seat layout generation unit 118 determines that the generated seat layout is OK, it shifts the process to a stage corresponding to the next step S114, and if it determines that the seat layout is not OK, it issues an error notification or the like to the effect that the generated seat layout is not OK, and then returns to a stage corresponding to step S111 where seat layout manipulation is possible.

Step S114: If it is determined that an operation to confirm that the seat layout is OK has been performed, the seat layout generating unit 118 inputs a restrictive condition. The restrictive condition is a statutory provision such as a collective provision (shade regulation, wall surface restriction, etc.).
The seat layout generation unit 118 may input restrictive conditions specified by an operator's operation, or may input data of restrictive conditions applied to the stadium to be designed in the memory unit 102.

Step S115: The seat layout generation unit 118 changes the seat layout so that the restrictive conditions input in step S114 are reflected. For example, the seat layout generation unit 118 can change the seat layout by deleting seats that cannot be installed due to the shadow restrictions input as restrictive conditions.

Step S116: The operator can also perform an operation (bomatry setting operation) to set a bomatory (an example of a passage area) for the stand for which the seating layout has been generated. The operator can specify a predetermined parameter according to the bomatory setting, for example, by performing an operation on the operation screen as the bomatory setting operation. Parameters that can be specified by the bomatory setting operation include, for example, a side passage connected to the bomatory (corresponding to the level of the stand in which the bomatory is provided), the size (width, height) of the bomatory, etc.
The seat layout generating unit 118 changes the seat layout by providing a bomatory reflecting the parameters designated by the bomatory setting operation. At this time, the seat layout generating unit 118 may set the bomatory so as to satisfy a standard according to a predetermined law such as a fire prevention ordinance. For example, the seat layout generating unit 118 may set the position of the bomatory so as to secure the distance between bomatory regulated by law and to place the bomatory in the center or in the vertical aisle in the horizontal direction of the seat section divided by the horizontal aisle and the vertical aisle. Also, the position of the bomatory may be set so as to be placed at an arbitrary point on the seat reference line.
12 shows the result of the above-described ombomatrie setting in a plan view, in which the seat layout has been changed so that the seats in the set ombomatrie BMT portion are deleted.
The image generating unit 120 can display a seating layout image reflecting the result of changing the seating layout according to the setting of the bottom. At this time, the seating layout image of the stand viewed from a planar direction as shown in FIG. 12 may be displayed.

Step S117: The operator can also perform an operation (service entrance setting operation) to set a service entrance (an example of a passage area) for the stand for which the seat layout has been generated.
For example, the operator can set a service entrance by performing an operation on an operation screen corresponding to the service entrance setting as a service entrance setting operation.
The seat layout generating unit 118 changes the seat layout so as to reflect the result of the service entrance setting operation, as shown in Fig. 13. In the figure, in addition to the BOMATRY BMT set in step S116, the seat layout is changed so as to delete the seats in the portion of the service entrance as the vehicle entrance set in step S117.
The image generating unit 120 can display a seating layout image reflecting the result of changing the seating layout according to the setting of the service entrance. At this time, the seating layout image may be displayed as seen from the planar direction of the stands as shown in FIG. 13 .

Step S118: The image generating unit 120 generates a 3D image of the stands with a seating layout that reflects the changes made in steps S114 to S117. The image generating unit 120 causes the display unit 104 to display the generated 3D image. Figure 14 shows an example of the displayed 3D image.

Step S119: The operator can judge whether the final seating layout is as expected (OK) by viewing the displayed 3D image of the seating layout. If the operator judges that the seating layout is not as expected, the operator can return to the seating layout operation or the field setting operation. If the operator returns to the seating layout operation, the process is returned to step S111. If the operator returns to the field setting operation, the process is returned to step S101.
It is also possible to return to the stand cross-sectional shape setting operation corresponding to step S105 or step S106.
In step S119, similarly to the case of step S113, for example, the seat layout generating unit 118 may determine whether or not the generated seat layout is OK.

Step S120: If it is determined that the seat layout is as expected, the operator performs an operation to confirm that the seat layout is OK.
In response to the operation to confirm that the seating layout is OK, the operator can perform an operation for a visibility evaluation corresponding to an obstacle installed in the stadium (obstacle-compatible visibility evaluation). In this case, the obstacle corresponds to, for example, the roof of the bench installed in front of the front row of the stands, a protruding wall between each seat (viewpoint) on a baseball field and a predetermined position on the foul pole (the gaze point: in this case, for example, the bottom end of the foul pole), etc.
In the obstacle-adapted visibility evaluation, the operator sets an obstacle in the stadium and sets a gaze point corresponding to the obstacle. In the environment in which the obstacle is set, the visibility evaluation unit 119 determines whether or not the line of sight (a straight line connecting the viewpoint and the gaze point) collides with the obstacle for each seat as the obstacle-adapted visibility evaluation. The visibility evaluation unit 119 displays an image (visibility evaluation image) reflecting the result of such obstacle-adapted visibility evaluation.

Step S121: The operator can determine whether or not the visibility evaluation result for an obstacle as understood from the displayed visibility evaluation image satisfies the requirements (is OK).
If the operator determines that the visibility evaluation result for obstacle handling does not satisfy the requirements, the operator can return to the seat layout operation. When the operator returns to the seat layout operation, the process returns to step S111. Note that the operator may be allowed to return to the field setting operation corresponding to step S101, or the stand cross-sectional shape setting operation corresponding to step S105 or step S106.
The seat layout generating unit 118 may determine whether or not the result of the visibility evaluation of obstacle response satisfies requirements based on the requirements for visibility of obstacle response that are input in advance.

Step S122: If it is determined that the visibility evaluation result for obstacle response is OK, the operator performs an operation to confirm that the visibility evaluation result for obstacle response is OK. When it is confirmed that the visibility evaluation result for obstacle response is OK in this manner, the seat layout generation unit 118 calculates the number of seats according to the seat layout currently set.
The seat layout generation unit 118 displays the calculated number of seats on the display unit 104.

Step S123: The operator can determine whether the displayed number of seats meets the requirements (number of seats OK). If the operator determines that the number of seats does not meet the requirements, the operator can return to the seat layout operation. When the operator returns to the seat layout operation, the process returns to step S111. Note that the operator may also be allowed to return to the field setting operation corresponding to step S101, or the stand cross-sectional shape setting operation corresponding to step S105 or step S106.
The seat layout generating unit 118 may determine whether the calculated number of seats satisfies a requirement input in advance, based on the requirement for the number of seats.

If it is determined that the number of seats meets the requirements, the operator performs a confirmation operation to confirm that the number of seats meets the requirements. When the confirmation operation is performed, the current seat layout may be finalized as the seat design data. In this case, the seat layout generation unit 118 may store the seat layout data in which the current seat layout generation result has been reflected in the storage unit 102.

In the procedure for seat design according to the flowchart of Fig. 2, visibility evaluation is performed on the seat layout based on the visibility evaluation value calculated by the visibility evaluation value calculation unit 116. In the procedure for seat design according to the flowchart of Fig. 3, visibility evaluation for obstacles is performed on the seat layout by the visibility evaluation unit 119.
Although not reflected in the flowcharts of Figures 2 and 3, the seat design device 100 of this embodiment is equipped with an option evaluation unit 121 (Figure 1), so that it can further perform option evaluation for the seat layout. The option evaluation is an evaluation other than the visibility evaluation based on the visibility evaluation value for the seat layout and the visibility evaluation for obstacle correspondence.
Below, three evaluation items, observation surface visibility evaluation, distance evaluation, and directionality evaluation, will be described as optional evaluations of this embodiment.

The observation surface visibility evaluation is an evaluation of the visibility from the seats of the surface (observation surface) that is the object of observation by spectators in the stadium. The observation surface is, for example, the playing surface on which the players play, the display surface of a large image display device installed in the stadium, an advertising panel installed in the stadium, etc.
The option evaluation unit 121 can perform an observation surface visibility evaluation, for example, by calculating an evaluation value for each seat based on the area of the observation surface, the area of the surface projected from the observation surface to the spectator, the distance from the seat to the observation surface, the positional relationship between the seat's field of view and the observation surface, etc.
Although not shown in the drawings, the image generating unit 120 can display an observation surface visibility evaluation image showing the result of the observation surface visibility evaluation on the display unit 104. The observation surface visibility evaluation image may be, for example, an image in which a color chart corresponding to the evaluation value is set and each seat in a 3D stadium is colored according to the settings of the color chart.

The distance evaluation evaluates the distance between a certain gaze point set in a stadium and each seat.
The option evaluation unit 121 can calculate the distance between the gaze point specified by the operator and each seat, and perform distance evaluation based on the calculated distance for each seat. The image generation unit 120 can display a distance evaluation image showing the result of the distance evaluation on the display unit 104.
15 shows an example of a distance evaluation image, in which, based on a seating layout set in a stadium as a baseball field, each seat is colored according to the degree of perspective of the seat to the home base set as the gaze point Pg.

The directionality evaluation is to verify (evaluate) the line of sight direction corresponding to each seat. The line of sight direction of the seat to be verified is the direction in which a straight line along the front-to-rear direction of the seat advances forward of the seat. The image generating unit 120 can display a directionality evaluation image showing the result of the directionality evaluation on the display unit 104.
Fig. 16 shows an example of a directionality evaluation image. As an example of directionality evaluation corresponding to the figure, the image generating unit 120 obtains a distribution of the number of positions where the line of sight of each seat intersects on the center line (a straight line connecting the home base and the center of the back screen) in a baseball stadium. The directionality evaluation image in the figure shows an aspect in which the obtained distribution is displayed by a bar graph on the center line in a 3D image of the stadium.

In addition, the option evaluation unit 121 performs a visibility evaluation obtained by combining a distance evaluation and a directional evaluation, and the image generation unit 120 generates an image showing the result of the visibility evaluation obtained by combining such a distance evaluation and a directional evaluation, and can display the generated image on the display unit 104.

As described above, the configuration of this embodiment makes it possible to efficiently design seats in a stadium from the standpoint of visibility.
In the above embodiment, the example is given of seating design in a stadium where sports events are mainly held, but the invention can also be applied to seating design in theaters, movie theaters, entertainment halls, viewing halls, etc. where plays and other performances are watched.

A program for realizing the functions of the seat design device 100 described above may be recorded on a computer-readable recording medium, and the program recorded on the recording medium may be read into a computer system and executed to perform the processing of the seat design device 100 described above. Here, "reading a program recorded on a recording medium into a computer system and executing it" includes installing the program into a computer system. The "computer system" here includes hardware such as an OS and peripheral devices. The "computer system" may also include multiple computer devices connected via a network including a communication line. The recording medium also includes a recording medium provided internally or externally that can be accessed from a distribution server in order to distribute the program.

100 Seat design device, 101 Design processing unit, 102 Memory unit, 103 Operation unit, 104 Display unit, 111 Observation area setting unit, 112 Seat front row shape setting unit, 113 Positional relationship setting unit, 114 Point of interest setting unit, 115 Stand cross-sectional shape generation unit, 116 Visibility evaluation value calculation unit, 117 Seat reference line generation unit, 118 Seat layout generation unit, 119 Visibility evaluation unit, 120 Image generation unit, 121 Option evaluation unit, 125 Field data storage unit

Claims (6)

A seating design device that designs a layout of seats for spectators in a facility that accommodates spectators, comprising:
an observation target area setting unit that sets an observation target area to be observed by spectators in the facility;
a seat front row shape setting unit that sets a seat front row shape corresponding to the observation area and the front row of the seat area in which the seats are arranged;
a positional relationship setting unit that sets a positional relationship between the observation area and a shape of a front row of seats;
a gaze point setting unit for setting one or more gaze points in the observation target area;
a stand cross-sectional shape generating unit that generates a stand cross-sectional shape based on rows of seats in a vertical plane including a straight line that starts from a set gaze point and passes through the seating area in a front-rear direction;
a visibility evaluation value calculation unit that calculates a visibility evaluation value for the set gaze point for each seat included in the generated stand cross-sectional shape ;
a seat reference line generating unit that generates a seat reference line by expanding the generated stand cross-sectional shape to the entire seating area;
a seat layout generating unit that generates a seat layout with respect to the seat reference line based on inputted predetermined seat layout generating parameters;
an image generating unit that generates a three-dimensional image reflecting the seat layout ,
The seat layout generation unit,
modifying the generated seating layout in accordance with a designation of a seating arrangement to be provided in the seating area;
Modifying the generated seating layout in response to a designation of a service entrance provided in the seating area;
and modifying the generated seat layout in response to an input of a limiting condition based on a group rule so that the limiting condition is satisfied.
Seat design device. The seat design device according to claim 1 , wherein the seat layout generation unit generates a seat layout with respect to the seat reference line in accordance with parameters including a designated number of seats and a seat interval. The stand cross-sectional shape generating unit sets a stand cross-sectional shape according to the settings of the parameters of the number of tiers, the height of the front row, the tread dimension of the stand, the rise dimension, and the side aisle.
The seat design device according to claim 1 or 2. The stand cross-sectional shape generating unit sets a stand cross-sectional shape according to the settings of the parameters of the number of tiers, the visibility evaluation value, the height of the front row, the tread dimensions of the stand, and the side aisle.
The seat design device according to claim 1 or 2. A seat design method for a seat design device that designs a layout of seats for spectators in a facility that accommodates spectators, comprising:
an observation area setting step in which an observation area setting unit sets an observation area to be observed by spectators in the facility;
a seat front row shape setting step in which a seat front row shape setting unit sets a seat front row shape corresponding to the observation area and the front row of a seat area in which seats are arranged;
a positional relationship setting step in which a positional relationship setting unit sets a positional relationship between the observation target area and a shape of a front row of seats;
a gaze point setting step in which a gaze point setting unit sets one or more gaze points in the observation target area;
a stand cross-sectional shape generating step in which a stand cross-sectional shape generating unit generates a stand cross-sectional shape based on rows of seats in a vertical plane including a straight line that starts from a set gaze point and passes through the seating area in a front-rear direction;
a visibility evaluation value calculation step in which a visibility evaluation value calculation unit calculates a visibility evaluation value for the set gaze point for each seat included in the generated stand cross-sectional shape ;
a seat reference line generating step in which a seat reference line generating unit generates a seat reference line by expanding the generated stand cross-sectional shape to the entire seating area;
a seat layout generating step in which a seat layout generating unit generates a seat layout with respect to the seat reference line based on inputted predetermined seat layout generating parameters;
an image generating step of generating a three-dimensional image in which the seat layout is reflected by an image generating unit ;
The seat layout generating step includes:
modifying the generated seating layout in accordance with a designation of a seating arrangement to be provided in the seating area;
Modifying the generated seating layout in response to a designation of a service entrance provided in the seating area;
and modifying the generated seat layout in response to an input of a limiting condition based on a group rule so that the limiting condition is satisfied.
Seat design method. A computer as a seating design device that designs a layout of seats for spectators in a facility that accommodates spectators,
an observation target area setting unit that sets an observation target area to be observed by spectators in the facility;
a seat front row shape setting unit that sets a seat front row shape corresponding to the observation area and the front row of the seat area in which the seats are arranged;
a positional relationship setting unit that sets a positional relationship between the observation area and a shape of the front row of seats;
a gaze point setting unit for setting one or more gaze points in the observation target area;
a stand cross-sectional shape generating unit that generates a stand cross-sectional shape based on rows of seats in a vertical plane including a straight line that starts from a set gaze point and passes through the seating area in a front-rear direction;
a visibility evaluation value calculation unit that calculates a visibility evaluation value for the set gaze point for each seat included in the generated stand cross-sectional shape ;
a seat reference line generating unit that generates a seat reference line by expanding the generated stand cross-sectional shape to the entire seating area;
a seat layout generating unit that generates a seat layout with respect to the seat reference line based on inputted predetermined seat layout generating parameters;
A program for causing an image generating unit to function as an image generating unit that generates a three-dimensional image reflecting the seat layout ,
The seat layout generation unit,
modifying the generated seating layout in accordance with a designation of a seating arrangement to be provided in the seating area;
Modifying the generated seating layout in response to a designation of a service entrance provided in the seating area;
and modifying the generated seat layout in response to an input of a limiting condition based on a group rule so that the limiting condition is satisfied.
program.

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