JP7632445B2 - Space Management System - Google Patents

Description

This disclosure relates to technology for managing spaces used by users.

Patent Document 1 discloses a passenger transportation system. The passenger transportation system uses cameras to monitor the space and seat usage status inside a train consisting of multiple cars. The passenger transportation system uses a projector to project information (light, etc.) according to the usage status of each car at the boarding and disembarking points on the platform of the station. In addition, when a passenger reserves a seat, the passenger transportation system indicates the reserved seat with a lighting device.

JP 2019-077441 A

There may be cases where a user wants to use a space of an arbitrary shape. It is desirable to improve the convenience of users when they want to use a space of an arbitrary shape.

One aspect of the present disclosure relates to a space management system.
The space management system includes a management device and a manifestation device.
The management device accepts a reservation for a first space of any shape designated by a user.
The indication device visually characterizes the first space in a target space that includes the first space so as to be distinguishable from the surroundings of the first space.

According to the present disclosure, a user can reserve a space of any shape. And because the reserved space is visually characterized so as to be distinguishable from its surroundings, people can easily recognize that the space has been reserved. Thus, convenience for the user and other people is improved.

1 is a conceptual diagram for explaining an overview of a space management system according to an embodiment. FIG. 1 is a conceptual diagram for explaining an overview of a space management system according to an embodiment. FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing a process related to space utilization by a user according to an embodiment. 1 is a conceptual diagram for explaining a first example of a space designation device according to an embodiment; FIG. 11 is a conceptual diagram for explaining a second example of a space designation device according to an embodiment. FIG. 13 is a conceptual diagram for explaining a third example of a space designation device according to an embodiment. 2 is a block diagram showing an example of a configuration of a management device according to an embodiment; 4 is a conceptual diagram for explaining a common user interface provided by a management device according to an embodiment. FIG. 1 is a conceptual diagram for explaining a first example of an indication device according to an embodiment; 1 is a conceptual diagram for explaining an example of a method for notifying a security level according to an embodiment. FIG. 11A and 11B are conceptual diagrams for explaining an example of a method for notifying a first spatial height in the embodiment. FIG. 13 is a conceptual diagram for explaining a second example of an indication device according to an embodiment. FIG. 13 is a conceptual diagram for explaining a third example of an indication device according to an embodiment.

An embodiment of the present disclosure will be described with reference to the attached drawings.

1. Overview Let's consider the use of space. If height is not taken into consideration, a "space" can also be called an "area." In the following explanation, the concept of "space" includes "area."

Figure 1 is a conceptual diagram for explaining an overview of a space management system 100 according to this embodiment. The space management system 100 provides a space reservation service to a user 1 who wishes to use a space, and also manages the reserved space. A user 1 reserves and uses a portion of a larger space (hereinafter referred to as a "target space"). Typically, the target space is used jointly by multiple users 1. The target space may be a real space, or a virtual space equivalent to the real space. The virtual space is realized, for example, by digital twin technology.

In this embodiment, user 1 can specify and reserve a space of any shape. More specifically, user 1 specifies at least an arbitrary area desired to be used in the horizontal plane (XY plane). User 1 may further specify a desired range of use in the height direction (Z direction). If user 1 does not specify a height, it is assumed that all space above and below the desired area to be used has been specified. A space of any shape specified by user 1 in this way is hereinafter referred to as "first space 10". The size of first space 10 in the horizontal plane is finite. If the height is not taken into consideration, the "first space" can also be called the "first area".

User 1 may also specify the desired usage time for first space 10.

As shown in FIG. 1, the space management system 100 includes a space designation device 200, a management device 300, and an explicit designation device 400.

The space designation device 200 is a device used when the user 1 designates the first space 10. For example, the space designation device 200 is a terminal device having a touch panel. The user 1 can operate the touch panel to designate the first space 10 of any shape within the target space. However, examples of the space designation device 200 are not limited to this. Various examples of the space designation device 200 will be described later.

The management device 300 provides a space reservation service and manages the reserved space. For example, the management device 300 obtains information about the first space 10 specified by the user 1 from the space designation device 200. The information about the first space 10 includes at least the position and shape of the first space 10 in the target space. The information about the first space 10 may include the desired usage time of the first space 10. The management device 300 checks whether the specified first space 10 is available or reserved. If it is available, the management device 300 accepts the reservation of the first space 10 specified by the user 1. Furthermore, the management device 300 issues instructions to the specification device 400 and controls the specification device 400.

The indication device 400 is installed in a target space including the first space 10, and operates according to instructions from the management device 300. In the target space including the first space 10, the indication device 400 visually characterizes the first space 10 so as to be distinguishable from the surroundings of the first space 10. For example, the indication device 400 is a projector, and characterizes the first space 10 so as to be distinguishable from the surroundings by projecting light onto the first space 10 (projection mapping). However, the indication device 400 is not limited to this. Various examples of the indication device 400 will be described later.

In this way, user 1 can reserve a first space 10 of any shape. And since the reserved first space 10 is visually characterized so as to be distinguishable from its surroundings, people can easily recognize that the space has been reserved. This improves convenience for user 1 and other people.

Also, since the first space 10 has an arbitrary shape, it is also possible to dynamically change the shape of the first space 10 after reservation, as shown in FIG. 2. That is, after reserving the first space 10, the user 1 may dynamically change the shape of the first space 10. For example, if the user 1 actually uses the first space 10 and feels that it is too small, the user 1 may enlarge the first space 10. As another example, if the user 1 actually uses the first space 10 and feels that it is too large, the user 1 may reduce the first space 10. When the shape of the first space 10 is changed by the user 1, the display device 400 visually characterizes the first space 10 so as to follow the change in the shape of the first space 10. In this way, since the shape of the first space 10 can be dynamically changed, the convenience for the user 1 is further improved.

Figure 3 is a flowchart showing the process related to space usage by user 1. In step S200, user 1 uses the space designation device 200 to designate a first space 10 of an arbitrary shape. In step S300, the management device 300 accepts a reservation for the first space 10 of an arbitrary shape designated by user 1. In step S400, the manifestation device 400 visually characterizes the first space 10 in a target space including the first space 10 so that it is distinguishable from the surroundings.

In step S500, user 1 uses the first space 10. If necessary, user 1 may dynamically change the shape of the first space 10. When the shape of the first space 10 is changed, the manifestation device 400 visually characterizes the first space 10 to follow the change in the shape of the first space 10. In step S600, user 1 ends use of the first space 10. The manifestation device 400 ends the process of visually characterizing the first space 10. The management device 300 releases the first space 10.

As one use case, consider the use of space for a demonstration experiment. The developer of an electric motorcycle (user 1) has finished creating a prototype and is thinking of holding a test ride for residents. The developer accesses the space reservation service site (management device 300) using a tablet with a touch panel (space designation device 200). The developer traces the map of the indoor demonstration experiment area displayed on the screen with his finger to specify the area (first space 10) where he wants to hold the test ride and the desired usage time, and completes the reservation. When the developer actually goes to the site at the appointed time, the reserved area is projected by a projector (display device 400) installed on the ceiling, so that it can be visually understood. When the test ride is held in the reserved area, a request is made by the residents to test ride the electric motorcycle for a longer distance. The developer accesses the space reservation service site again to check the surrounding area and finds that the surrounding area is not being used by other users and is available for use. Therefore, the developer traces his finger to expand the area he wants to use. When the developer actually goes to the site, the area has been expanded from before, and he is able to respond to the residents' voices. The test drive was a great success, and we were able to obtain the desired data.

In this way, in the demonstration experiment, it is assumed that a large number of users 1 will share the target space. It is also assumed that the shape of the first space 10 that each user 1 wants to use will change dynamically. The space management system 100 according to this embodiment is effective and useful for such demonstration experiments.

In addition, the space management system 100 according to this embodiment is also effective and useful when a large space (e.g., a warehouse) is shared by many users 1.

The following describes a specific example of the configuration of the space management system 100 according to this embodiment.

2. Examples of Space Designation Device Various examples of the space designation device 200 according to the present embodiment will now be described.

2-1. First Example Fig. 4 is a conceptual diagram for explaining a first example of the space designation device 200. In the first example, the space designation device 200 includes a terminal device 210 operated by a user 1. Examples of the terminal device 210 include a user terminal such as a smartphone, a tablet, or a PC. The terminal device 210 may be a reservation-only terminal installed at a predetermined location.

The terminal device 210 includes a communication device 211, a user interface 212, and a control device 215. The communication device 211 communicates with the management device 300. The user interface 212 includes a display device 213 and an input device 214. Examples of the display device 213 include a display and a touch panel. Examples of the input device 214 include a keyboard, a mouse, a touch panel, and the like. The control device 215 controls the terminal device 210. The control device 215 includes one or more processors that perform various information processing, and one or more storage devices that store various information.

The method of specifying the first space 10 using the terminal device 210 is as follows. The control device 215 communicates with the management device 300 via the communication device 211. The control device 215 obtains information on the target space for which reservations for use are accepted from the management device 300. The information on the target space includes configuration information (map information) of the target space and the reservation status of the target space. Furthermore, the control device 215 generates an image representing an input space corresponding to the target space based on the configuration information (map information) of the target space. The control device 215 controls the display device 213 to display the image representing the input space. Spaces that have been reserved within the target space, i.e., spaces that are unavailable, may be explicitly indicated.

User 1 looks at the input space in the image displayed on the display device 213. Then, using the input device 214, user 1 specifies a space of any shape that he or she wishes to use within the input space in the displayed image. For example, user 1 specifies a space of any shape by tracing a touch panel with his or her finger. As another example, user 1 may specify a space of any shape by operating a mouse. User 1 may also specify a desired usage time using the input device 214.

The control device 215 acquires information on the space specified by user 1 in the input space via the input device 214. Furthermore, the control device 215 converts the space specified by user 1 in the input space into a first space 10 in the target space based on configuration information (map information) of the target space. The control device 215 then transmits information on the first space 10 to the management device 300. Alternatively, the control device 215 may transmit information on the space specified by user 1 in the input space to the management device 300. In this case, the management device 300 converts the space specified by user 1 in the input space into a first space 10 in the target space. The management device 300 accepts reservations for the first space 10.

5 is a conceptual diagram for explaining a second example of the space designation device 200. In the second example, the space designation device 200 includes a position acquisition device 220 that acquires position information of the user 1.

For example, the position acquisition device 220 includes a Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) sensor carried by the user 1. The GNSS sensor may be mounted on a user terminal carried by the user 1. The user 1 carries the position acquisition device 220 and walks on the boundary of a space (area) that the user wishes to use within the target space. The position acquisition device 220 acquires a trajectory TR of the user 1 within the target space based on the position information of the user 1.

As another example, the position acquisition device 220 may include a camera installed in the target space. The installation position of the camera in the target space is known information and is provided by the management device 300. The camera captures the target space including user 1 and acquires the image. User 1 walks along the boundary of the space (area) that he or she wishes to use within the target space. The position acquisition device 220 identifies user 1 by analyzing the image captured by the camera and calculates the position of user 1 within the target space. This also makes it possible to acquire the position and trajectory TR of user 1.

In this way, the position acquisition device 220 acquires the trajectory TR of user 1 in the target space. The position acquisition device 220 sets the space (area) surrounded by the trajectory TR of user 1 as the first space 10. Then, the position acquisition device 220 communicates with the management device 300 and transmits information about the first space 10 to the management device 300. Alternatively, the position acquisition device 220 may transmit information about the trajectory TR of user 1 to the management device 300. In this case, the management device 300 sets the space (area) surrounded by the trajectory TR of user 1 as the first space 10. The management device 300 accepts reservations for the first space 10.

2-3. Third Example Fig. 6 is a conceptual diagram for explaining a third example of the space designation device 200. In the third example, the space designation device 200 includes a camera 230 installed in a target space. The installation position of the camera 230 in the target space is known information and is provided by the management device 300. The camera photographs the target space and acquires the image.

User 1 places multiple markers M on the boundary of a space (area) that he or she wishes to use within the target space. For example, the markers M are cones. The space designation device 200 identifies the markers M by analyzing the image captured by the camera 230, and calculates the positions of the multiple markers M within the target space.

The space designation device 200 sets the space (area) surrounded by the multiple markers M as the first space 10. The space designation device 200 then communicates with the management device 300 and transmits information about the first space 10 to the management device 300. Alternatively, the space designation device 200 may transmit position information of the multiple markers M to the management device 300. In this case, the management device 300 sets the space (area) surrounded by the multiple markers M as the first space 10. The management device 300 accepts reservations for the first space 10.

2-4. Other Examples The space designation device 200 may include an Augmented Reality (AR) device. For example, the user 1 wears AR glasses. When the user 1 moves his/her finger or hand to designate a space, a virtual image representing the space is displayed superimposed on the target space. The space designation device 200 sets the space designated by the user 1 as the first space 10.

3. Example of Management Device FIG. 7 is a block diagram showing a configuration example of the management device 300. The management device 300 includes a communication device 310, one or more processors 320 (hereinafter simply referred to as processor 320), and one or more storage devices 330 (hereinafter simply referred to as storage device 330). The communication device 310 communicates with the space designation device 200 and the explicit device 400. The processor 320 executes various processes. For example, the processor 320 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit). The storage device 330 stores various information. Examples of the storage device 330 include a volatile memory, a non-volatile memory, a HDD (Hard Disk Drive), and an SSD (Solid State Drive).

The management program 340 is a computer program executed by the processor 320. The functions of the management device 300 are realized by the processor 320 executing the management program 340. The management program 340 is stored in the storage device 330. Alternatively, the management program 340 may be recorded on a computer-readable recording medium.

The target space configuration information 350 is information indicating the configuration (map) of the target space, and is stored in the storage device 330. For example, the target space configuration information 350 includes position information of each display device 400 installed in the target space. As another example, the target space configuration information 350 may include position information of the camera 230 (see FIG. 6) installed in the target space.

The management database 360 is a database for managing reserved spaces, and is stored in the storage device 330. The management database 360 has an entry for each reserved space, and a new entry is added each time a space is newly reserved. For example, the entry includes a user ID, the location of the reserved space (first space 10), the reservation time, the purpose of the reserved space, the security level of the reserved space, the usage fee for the reserved space, and the like. The user ID is identification information of the user 1 who reserved the space. The purpose of the reserved space can be, for example, the contents of a demonstration experiment.

The security level of the reserved space includes at least one of an access level and a caution level. The access level indicates the degree to which access to the reserved space is restricted (e.g., "only participants in the demonstration experiment are allowed to enter", "only people who agree to certain matters are allowed to enter", etc.). The caution level indicates the degree of caution required in the reserved space (first space 10) (e.g., "no entry due to drone test flight in progress", etc.). The security level of the reserved space can also be specified by user 1.

The usage fee for the reserved space may be a fixed fee or a variable fee. The usage fee may be set to increase as the reserved space (first space 10) becomes larger (pay-per-use).

The processor 320 communicates with the space designation device 200 via the communication device 310. The processor 320 receives information about the first space 10 designated by the user 1 from the space designation device 200. The information about the first space 10 includes at least the location information of the first space 10. The information about the first space 10 may include the desired usage time, the security level, and the like. The processor 320 refers to the management database 360 to check whether the first space 10 designated by the user 1 is available or reserved. If the first space 10 designated by the user 1 is reserved, the processor 320 notifies the user 1 of that fact via the terminal device 210 or the like. On the other hand, if the first space 10 designated by the user 1 is reserved, the processor 320 accepts the reservation of the first space 10. The processor 320 adds a new entry about the reserved first space 10 to the management database 360 and updates the management database 360.

The processor 320 may calculate the usage fee for the first space 10 based on the size of the reserved first space 10. In this case, the usage fee increases as the first space 10 becomes larger. Furthermore, the processor 320 may notify the user 1 of the usage fee for the first space 10 via the terminal device 210 or the like. The user 1 can know the usage fee for the reserved first space 10.

Furthermore, the processor 320 instructs the indicating device 400 to indicate the first space 10. More specifically, the processor 320 acquires the position information of each indicating device 400 installed in the target space based on the target space configuration information 350. The processor 320 selects one or more indicating devices 400 suitable for indicating the first space 10 based on the position of the first space 10 and the positions of each indicating device 400. Then, the processor 320 communicates with the selected indicating device 400 via the communication device 310. The processor 320 transmits information about the first space 10 to the indicating device 400. The information about the first space 10 includes at least the position information of the first space 10. The information about the first space 10 may include the desired usage time, security level, etc. The processor 320 instructs the indicating device 400 to indicate the first space 10. In accordance with the instruction, the indicating device 400 visually characterizes the first space 10 in the target space so that it is distinguishable from the surroundings.

As shown in FIG. 8, the management device 300 may provide a common user interface 370 that can be used by multiple users 1. The management device 300 grasps the reservation status of the target space based on the management database 360. The management device 300 then distributes the reservation status of the target space via the common user interface 370. Each user 1 accesses the common user interface 370 using the terminal device 210. This allows each user 1 to know the current reservation status of the target space. In addition, each user 1 can reserve the space they wish to use through the common user interface 370 (see Section 2-1, FIG. 4 above).

4. Examples of the Designation Device Various examples of the designation device 400 according to the present embodiment will now be described.

4-1. First Example FIG. 9 is a conceptual diagram for explaining a first example of the display device 400. In the first example, the display device 400 includes a projector 410. Typically, a large number of projectors 410 are present in the target space. For example, the projector 410 is fixed to a structure such as a ceiling. As another example, the projector 410 may be installed on a moving body such as a drone. The projector 410 projects light into the first space 10 so that the first space 10 is distinguishable from the surroundings of the first space 10. This is realized, for example, by projection mapping technology.

The first space 10 can have any shape, and the shape can change dynamically. By using the projector 410, it is possible to easily characterize the first space 10 having any shape, and also to easily follow the changes in the shape of the first space 10.

In addition, the color of the light projected from the projector 410 into the first space 10 can be changed in various ways. And the color of the light can be given a "meaning."

Figure 10 shows an example in which the security level of the first space 10 is expressed by the color of light. The projector 410 variably sets the color of light according to the security level of the first space 10. For example, the higher the security level, the darker the color of the light. As another example, the higher the security level, the closer the color of the light may be to a bluer shade or a reddish shade. In this way, by using light, it is possible to make known not only the existence of the first space 10, but also the security level of the first space 10.

Figure 11 shows an example in which the height of the first space 10 is expressed by the color of light. The height of the first space 10 is the length of the first space 10 in the Z direction. Typically, the first space 10 is reserved up to that height from the ground. The projector 410 variably sets the color of light according to the height of the first space 10. For example, if the height of the first space 10 is 5 m, the color of light is set to blue. If the height of the first space 10 is 10 m, the color of light is set to yellow. If the height of the first space 10 is 20 m, the color of light is set to red. In this way, by using light, it is possible to make the height of the first space 10 known.

4-2. Second Example FIG. 12 is a conceptual diagram for explaining a second example of the display device 400. In the second example, the display device 400 includes a plurality of light-emitting devices 420 installed on the floor surface (ground surface) of the target space. The light-emitting devices 420 include, for example, LEDs (Light Emitting Diodes). The light-emitting devices 420 may be light-emitting panels.

The selected light-emitting device 420S is a light-emitting device 420 that is present at least at a position corresponding to the boundary of the first space 10. The selected light-emitting device 420S may be a light-emitting device 420 that is present at the boundary of the first space 10 or inside the boundary. Such a selected light-emitting device 420S is selected by the management device 300 based on the position information of the first space 10. Then, the selected light-emitting device 420S among the multiple light-emitting devices 420 emits light. This allows the first space 10 to be visually characterized so as to be distinguishable from the surroundings.

The first space 10 can have any shape, and the shape can change dynamically. By using multiple light-emitting devices 420, the first space 10 can be easily characterized into any shape, and changes in the shape of the first space 10 can be easily followed.

The light color emitted by the light-emitting device 420 can be changed in various ways. The light color can also be given a "meaning." For example, as in the case of FIG. 10, the selected light-emitting device 420S may variably set the light color depending on the security level of the first space 10. As another example, as in the case of FIG. 11, the selected light-emitting device 420S may variably set the light color depending on the height of the first space 10.

4-3. Third Example FIG. 13 is a conceptual diagram for explaining a third example of the indicating device 400. In the third example, the indicating device 400 includes an autonomous mobile robot 430 equipped with an autonomous moving function. For example, the autonomous mobile robot 430 has an appearance like a pylon. In accordance with an instruction from the management device 300, the autonomous mobile robots 430 move to the boundary of the first space 10 and stop there. In other words, the autonomous mobile robots 430 are lined up along the boundary of the first space 10. It can be seen that the area surrounded by the autonomous mobile robots 430 is the first space 10.

4-4. Other Examples The manifestation device 400 may include an Augmented Reality (AR) device. For example, the user 1 or people wear AR glasses. The augmented reality device displays a virtual image representing the first space 10 so as to overlap with the first space 10 in the target space.

REFERENCE SIGNS LIST 1 User 10 First space 100 Space management system 200 Space designation device 210 Terminal device 220 Position acquisition device 230 Camera 300 Management device 310 Communication device 320 Processor 330 Storage device 340 Management program 350 Target space configuration information 360 Management database 370 Common user interface 400 Display device 410 Projector 420 Light-emitting device 420S Selective light-emitting device 430 Autonomous mobile robot

Claims (11)

a management device that accepts a reservation for a first space of any shape designated by a user;
and a display device for visually characterizing the first space in a target space including the first space so as to be distinguishable from the surroundings of the first space ,
the manifestation device includes a projector;
The projector projects light into the first space such that the first space is distinguishable from its surroundings;
The projector variably sets the color of the light according to a security level of the first space.
Space management system. a management device that accepts a reservation for a first space of any shape designated by a user;
and a display device for visually characterizing the first space in a target space including the first space so as to be distinguishable from the surroundings of the first space ,
the manifestation device includes a projector;
The projector projects light into the first space such that the first space is distinguishable from its surroundings;
The projector variably sets the color of the light according to the height of the first space.
Space management system. a management device that accepts a reservation for a first space of any shape designated by a user;
and a display device for visually characterizing the first space in a target space including the first space so as to be distinguishable from the surroundings of the first space ,
The indicating device includes a plurality of light-emitting devices installed on a floor surface of the target space,
At least a selected light-emitting device that is present at a position corresponding to a boundary of the first space among the plurality of light-emitting devices emits light,
The selective light-emitting device variably sets a light emission color according to a security level of the first space.
Space management system. a management device that accepts a reservation for a first space of any shape designated by a user;
and a display device for visually characterizing the first space in a target space including the first space so as to be distinguishable from the surroundings of the first space ,
The indicating device includes a plurality of light-emitting devices installed on a floor surface of the target space,
At least a selected light-emitting device that is present at a position corresponding to a boundary of the first space among the plurality of light-emitting devices emits light,
The selective light-emitting device variably sets a light emission color according to a height of the first space.
Space management system. a management device that accepts a reservation for a first space of any shape designated by a user;
and a display device for visually characterizing the first space in a target space including the first space so as to be distinguishable from the surroundings of the first space ,
The demonstrating device includes an autonomous mobile robot;
The autonomous mobile robot moves to a boundary of the first space and stops there.
Space management system. a management device that accepts a reservation for a first space of any shape designated by a user;
and a display device for visually characterizing the first space in a target space including the first space so as to be distinguishable from the surroundings of the first space ,
the manifestation device comprises an augmented reality device;
The augmented reality device displays a virtual image representing the first space so as to overlap the first space in the target space.
Space management system. a management device that accepts a reservation for a first space of any shape designated by a user;
An indication device that visually characterizes the first space in a target space including the first space so as to be distinguishable from the surroundings of the first space ;
a space designation device used when the user designates the first space;
Including,
The space designation device includes a position acquisition device that acquires position information of the user in the target space, and acquires a trajectory of the user in the target space based on the position information;
A space surrounded by the trajectory of the user is set as the first space.
Space management system. The space management system according to any one of claims 1 to 7 ,
After the first space is reserved, a shape of the first space can be dynamically changed by the user;
The designation device visually characterizes the first space to track changes in the shape of the first space. The space management system according to any one of claims 1 to 7 ,
The first space is a space used for a demonstration experiment. The space management system according to any one of claims 1 to 7 ,
The management device distributes the reservation status of the target space. The space management system according to any one of claims 1 to 7 ,
The management device calculates a usage fee for the first space based on a size of the reserved first space, and notifies the user of the usage fee.

Images