Environmental control system and environmental control method

Abstract

The environmental control system includes: an acquisition unit (121a) that acquires time-series change data within a specified period of biological information indicating the state of the autonomic nerves of a subject; a storage unit (123) that stores control information obtained by corresponding a plurality of time-series change patterns of biological information to control patterns, the control patterns being used to control a device that adjusts the environment of the space where the subject is located; and a control unit (121b) that controls the device based on the control pattern corresponding to the target pattern, the target pattern being the time-series change pattern among the plurality of time-series change patterns that is most similar to the acquired time-series change data.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an environmental control system and an environmental control method. Background Art

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses the following autonomic nerve diagnostic device: Even a person without professional knowledge can easily determine the state of the autonomic nerves of the person to be diagnosed.

[0003] Prior Art Documents

[0004] Patent Documents

[0005] Patent Document 1: Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication No. 2012-125383 Summary of the Invention

[0006] Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0007] Among the autonomic nerves of a person, there are two types of nerves, the sympathetic nerve and the parasympathetic nerve, which act in opposition to each other, and the functions of the organs that a person has are maintained by the balanced action of these two types of nerves. Currently, the number of people who complain of physical discomfort due to a disorder in the balance of the autonomic nerves caused by irregular lifestyles or habits is increasing.

[0008] The present invention provides an environmental control system and an environmental control method that can suppress the disorder of the autonomic nerves of a subject.

[0009] Solution to the Problem

[0010] An environmental control system according to one aspect of the present invention includes: an acquisition unit that acquires time-series change data of biological information indicating the state of the autonomic nerves of a subject within a specified period; a storage unit that stores control information obtained by associating a plurality of time-series change patterns of the biological information with control patterns, the control patterns being used to control devices for adjusting the environment of the space in which the subject is located; and a control unit that controls the devices based on the control pattern corresponding to the object pattern among the control information, the object pattern being the time-series change pattern that is most similar to the acquired time-series change data among the plurality of time-series change patterns.

[0011] An environmental control method according to one aspect of the present invention includes the following steps: obtaining time-series change data within a specified period of biological information representing the state of the autonomic nerves of a subject, and referring to a storage unit storing control information obtained by corresponding a plurality of time-series change patterns of the biological information to control patterns for controlling a device for adjusting the environment of the space where the subject is located, and controlling the device based on the control pattern corresponding to the target pattern in the control information, where the target pattern is the time-series change pattern among the plurality of time-series change patterns that is most similar to the obtained time-series change data.

[0012] Effects of the Invention

[0013] According to the present invention, it is possible to implement an environmental control system and an environmental control method capable of suppressing disorders of the autonomic nerves of a subject. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0014] Figure 1 It is a diagram showing the structure of the environmental control system according to the embodiment.

[0015] Figure 2 It is a block diagram showing the functional structure of the control device.

[0016] Figure 3 It is a flowchart of the generation operation of the control information.

[0017] Figure 4 It is a diagram showing an example of the representative pattern.

[0018] Figure 5 It is a diagram showing an outline of the control information.

[0019] Figure 6 It is a flowchart of the control of multiple devices.

[0020] Figure 7 It is a diagram showing the period that is the object of the calculation of the local similarity.

[0021] Figure 8 It is a diagram showing the relationship between the actions of the autonomic nerves (sympathetic nerves and parasympathetic nerves) and the changes in biological information. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0022] Next, specific embodiments will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. In addition, the embodiments described below are all general or specific examples. The numerical values, shapes, materials, structural elements, arrangement positions and connection manners of the structural elements, steps, the order of steps, etc. shown in the following embodiments are examples, and their gist is not intended to limit the present invention. In addition, the structural elements in the following embodiments that are not recited in the independent claims are described as optional structural elements.

[0023] In addition, the drawings are schematic diagrams and are not necessarily drawn strictly. In addition, in each drawing, substantially the same structures may be labeled with the same reference numerals, and repeated descriptions may be omitted or simplified.

[0024] (Embodiment)

[0025] [Structure]

[0026] First, the structure of the environmental control system according to the embodiment will be described. Figure 1 It is a diagram showing the structure of the environmental control system according to the embodiment.

[0027] Figure 1 The shown environmental control system 10 controls the functions of the autonomic nerves of the adjustment target person 200 by controlling a plurality of devices related to the environment in a closed space such as a room, that is, the space 300.

[0028] The autonomic nerves include two types of nerves, the sympathetic nerve and the parasympathetic nerve, which act in opposition, and the functions of the organs of a person are maintained by the balanced action of these two types of nerves. Generally speaking, in order to control the devices for the purpose of adjusting the autonomic nerves of the adjustment target person 200 and in order to grasp the life rhythm of the target person 200, the sensing results of a large number of sensors and the input of various information from the target person 200 are required. In contrast, the environmental control system 10 can simply determine the control mode of the devices for making the action of the autonomic nerves approach the ideal change through the pattern matching of the biological information of the target person 200.

[0029] Specifically, the environmental control system 10 includes a blower device 20, an air conditioner device 30, a lighting device 40, an external light adjustment device 50, an indirect lighting device 60, a ventilation device 70, a speaker 80, a fragrance generating device 90, an environmental measurement device 100, a biological information measurement device 110, a control device 120, and a setting device 130. The blower device 20, the air conditioner device 30, the lighting device 40, the external light adjustment device 50, the indirect lighting device 60, the ventilation device 70, the speaker 80, and the fragrance generating device 90 are each an example of a device for adjusting the environment of the space 300 (specifically, the light environment, the air environment, the sound environment, etc.). In addition, the environmental control system 10 only needs to include at least one of these devices.

[0030] The air supply device 20 is a device that supplies air to the target person 200. Specifically, the air supply device 20 is a highly directional air supply device such as a circulator, or it can also be a blower or the like.

[0031] The air conditioner 30 is a device for adjusting the temperature of the space 300 where the target person 200 is located. The air conditioner 30 can also adjust the humidity of the space 300. The air conditioner 30 makes the temperature and humidity of the space 300 approach the temperature and humidity indicated by the control device 120.

[0032] The lighting device 40 is a direct lighting device that illuminates the space 300 where the target person 200 is located. The lighting device 40 is, for example, a chandelier having a light-emitting element such as an LED as a light source, but it can also be other lighting devices such as a base lamp or a recessed lamp. The lighting device 40 can be dimmed and its color can be adjusted by the control device 120.

[0033] The external light adjustment device 50 is a device for adjusting the amount of external light introduced into the space 300 where the target person 200 is located. The external light adjustment device 50 is, for example, an electronic shutter realized by a dimming film or the like, but it can also be an electric shutter (electric curtain (shutter)) or the like.

[0034] The indirect lighting device 60 is an indirect lighting device disposed in the space 300 where the target person 200 is located. That is, the indirect lighting device 60 illuminates structures such as walls or ceilings that define the space 300. The indirect lighting device 60 can change its emission color, for example, by having a plurality of light sources with different emission colors. The indirect lighting device 60 can also achieve an arbitrary emission color through a combination of a light source and an optical filter. The emission color of the indirect lighting device 60 can be changed to any one of monochromatic light of red, monochromatic light of green, and monochromatic light of blue, for example. In addition, the color of the light emitted by the indirect lighting device 60 is not particularly limited, and for example, any color corresponding to the preference of the target person 200 is acceptable.

[0035] The ventilation device 70 ventilates the space 300 where the target person 200 is located. The ventilation device 70 is different from the air conditioner 30 and does not have a temperature adjustment function. The ventilation device 70 is, for example, an energy recovery ventilator (ERV), or it can also be a ventilation device without heat exchange such as a ventilation fan. In addition, the ventilation device 70 can also be an opening and closing device for a window provided in the space 300.

[0036] The speaker 80 is a device that outputs sound, music, etc. and is disposed in the space 300 where the target person 200 is located.

[0037] The fragrance generating device 90 is a device that generates fragrance and is arranged in the space where the subject 200 is located. The fragrance generating device 90 is, for example, an aromatic atomizer, but it can also be other fragrance generating devices.

[0038] The environmental measurement device 100 is a device that measures environmental information in the space 300 where the subject 200 is located. The environmental measurement device 100 is, for example, a temperature sensor that measures the temperature in the space 300, a humidity sensor that measures the humidity in the space 300, an illuminance sensor that measures the illuminance in the space 300, a CO 2 ) sensor that measures the concentration of carbon dioxide (CO 2 ) in the space 300, and so on.

[0039] The biological information measurement device 110 is a device that measures the biological information of the subject 200. The biological information measurement device 110 measures the body temperature, blood pressure, heart rate, pulse, sweating amount, pupil diameter, skin temperature, or facial expression of the subject 200 as biological information. The biological information measurement device 110 can also measure VLF (Very Low Frequency), HF (High Frequency), LF (Low Frequency), LF / HF, the coefficient of variation of the heart rate (i.e., CVR-R), the inhalation time, exhalation time, and pause time of breathing, etc., which are calculated based on the heart rate, pulse, and respiratory fluctuation waveforms, and use them as indicators for grasping the state of the autonomic nervous system. The biological information measurement device 110 is, for example, a wearable sensor (in other words, a contact-type sensor) worn on the body of the subject 200, but it can also be a non-contact-type sensor. As a non-contact-type sensor, an electric wave sensor that can measure the heart rate, respiratory rate, pulse, etc., and a camera that can measure the pupil diameter, pulse, or facial expression can be exemplified.

[0040] The control device 120 is a device that controls devices such as the air supply device 20, the air conditioner device 30, the lighting device 40, the external light adjustment device 50, the indirect lighting device 60, the ventilation device 70, the speaker 80, and the fragrance generating device 90. Figure 2 It is a block diagram showing the functional structure of the control device 120.

[0041] As Figure 2 shown, the control device 120 includes an information processing unit 121, a communication unit 122, and a storage unit 123.

[0042] The information processing unit 121 controls the target device by causing the communication unit 122 to send a control signal. The information processing unit 121 is implemented by, for example, a microcomputer, but it can also be implemented by a processor. Specifically, the information processing unit 121 includes an acquisition unit 121a and a control unit 121b.

[0043] The communication unit 122 is a communication circuit (in other words, a communication module) through which the control device 120 communicates with the target device. For example, based on the control of the control unit 121b, the communication unit 122 sends control signals to multiple devices. In addition, the communication unit 122 receives the environmental information of the space 300 from the environmental measurement device 100, the biological information of the subject 200 from the biological information measurement device 110, and the setting information from the setting device 130. The communication unit 122 performs wireless communication, for example, but may also perform wired communication. The communication standard of the communication performed by the communication unit 122 is not particularly limited.

[0044] The storage unit 123 is a storage device that stores control programs and the like executed by the control unit 121b to control devices. The storage unit 123 is implemented by a semiconductor memory, for example.

[0045] The setting device 130 is a user interface device that accepts operations of users such as the subject 200 (for example, operations for initial setting). The setting device 130 is a mobile terminal such as a smartphone or a tablet terminal, for example, but may also be an operation panel provided on a wall or the like. In addition, the setting device 130 may be implemented as a part of other devices. For example, the setting device 130 may be implemented as a reception unit included in the control device 120. Specifically, the reception unit is implemented by a touch panel, a hardware button, or the like.

[0046] [Generation operation of control information]

[0047] Next, the operation of the environmental control system 10 will be described. The environmental control system 10 first generates control information for controlling multiple devices based on the past time-series change data of the LF / HF of the subject 200. Figure 3 It is a flowchart of the generation operation of control information.

[0048] First, the acquisition unit 121a acquires the time-series change data of the LF / HF of the subject 200 within a specified period from the biological information measurement device 110 and accumulates it in the storage unit 123 (S11). LF / HF is a parameter determined by time-series data of heart rate variability and the like, and is an example of biological information indicating the state of the autonomic nervous system. LF / HF becomes smaller in a state where the action of the parasympathetic nerve is more dominant than the action of the sympathetic nerve (relaxed state), and becomes larger in a state where the action of the sympathetic nerve is more dominant than the action of the parasympathetic nerve (stress state).

[0049] The specified period is, for example, a period corresponding to 1 day (24 hours), and the time-series change data for 14 days or more is accumulated, for example.

[0050] Next, the control unit 121b clusters the time-varying data of LF / HF (S12). In other words, the control unit 121b groups a plurality of time-varying data into a plurality of clusters. As a specific method for forming clusters, for example, methods such as the k-means method and the k-means++ method can be exemplified.

[0051] Next, the control unit 121b determines a representative time-varying pattern (hereinafter also referred to as a representative pattern) for each of the plurality of clusters (S13). Figure 4 is a diagram showing an example of a representative pattern. In Figure 4 , five representative patterns and an ideal pattern are illustrated. The control unit 121b determines, for example, a pattern obtained by averaging one or more time-varying patterns belonging to a cluster as the representative pattern of the cluster. In addition, the control unit 121b may also determine any one of the time-varying data belonging to the cluster as the representative pattern of the cluster.

[0052] Next, the control unit 121b generates control information by corresponding each representative pattern of the plurality of representative patterns to a control pattern of a plurality of devices suitable for the representative pattern (S14). Figure 5 is a diagram showing an outline of the control information. Specifically, the control unit 121b determines control patterns of a plurality of devices that make the biological information of the subject 200 become an ideal change pattern on the next day when the time-varying pattern of the biological information of the subject 200 is the same as the representative pattern.

[0053] For example, in the storage unit 123, the time-varying data of the biological information on a certain past day, the action history of a plurality of devices performed on the next day, and the time-varying data of the biological information on the next day are corresponded and made into a database. The control unit 121b, for example, extracts time-varying data with a similarity to the representative pattern equal to or higher than a specified value, and extracts a time-varying pattern in which the time-varying data of the biological information on the next day among the extracted time-varying data is closest to a predetermined ideal pattern (the highest similarity), and determines the control pattern based on the action history corresponding to the time-varying pattern. Then, the control unit 121b corresponds the determined control pattern to the representative pattern.

[0054] The control pattern is a control target of the device determined by the action history of the device (information indicating how the device is controlled). For example, when the device is the air supply device 20, the control target is determined by the intensity of the air supply, etc. When the device is the air conditioner 30, the control target is determined by the temperature of the space 300, etc. In addition, when the device is the lighting device 40 or the external light adjustment device 50, the control target is determined by the illuminance of the space 300, etc. When the device is the ventilation device 70, the control target is determined by the CO in the space 300 2It is determined by factors such as concentration. When the device is the speaker 80, the control mode is determined by the sound source or volume of the sound emitted from the speaker 80. When the device is the indirect lighting device 60, the control mode is determined by the light emission color, etc. When the device is the fragrance generating device 90, the control mode is determined by the type of fragrance, etc.

[0055] In addition, the control unit 121b can also use a machine learning model to perform the correspondence between the representative mode and the control mode. Such a machine learning model learns in advance the data (data correlation) included in the above database. When a representative mode is input, it outputs a control mode suitable for that representative mode.

[0056] Next, the control unit 121b stores the generated control information in the storage unit 123 (S15). That is, the storage unit 123 stores control information obtained by corresponding multiple representative modes (time-varying modes) of LF / HF to control modes, and this control mode is used to control the device that adjusts the environment of the space 300 provided in the space 300 where the subject 200 is located.

[0057] As described above, the environment control system 10 can generate control information using biological information (specifically, LF / HF) indicating the state of the autonomic nerves of the subject 200, and store this control information in the storage unit 123.

[0058] In addition, the control information can also be pre-stored in the storage unit 123 by the developer of the environment control system 10 or the like. For example, Figure 4 multiple representative modes and control modes suitable for that representative mode can also be determined in advance by the developer or the like based on experience or experiments. In this case, it is also possible to statistically process the biological information of a large number of unspecified users. That is, the control information does not have to be customized specifically for the subject 200.

[0059] [Control of Multiple Devices]

[0060] Next, the control of multiple devices using such control information will be described. Figure 6 It is a flowchart of the control of multiple devices.

[0061] First, the acquisition unit 121a acquires the time-series change data of the biological information representing the state of the autonomic nerves of the subject 200 within a specified period (S21). For example, in the case of using the environmental control system 10 to adjust the sleep rhythm, taking the bedtime reservation time input by the subject 200 operating the setting device 130 as a reference, the 24 hours before the bedtime is set as the specified period. That is to say, the bedtime reservation time is the end point of the specified period. When the bedtime reservation time is 23:00, the specified period is from 23:00 of the previous day to 23:00. In other words, the bedtime reservation time is the control start time of multiple devices (the time when the subject 200 wants to start the operation of the environmental control system 100).

[0062] Next, the control unit 121b determines the object pattern, which is the time-series change pattern (the representative pattern as described above) in the multiple time-series change patterns included in the control information and is the most similar to the acquired time-series change data (S22).

[0063] For example, the control unit 121b transforms the time-series change data and the multiple time-series change patterns into vectors with the LF / HF values at each time point (23:00, 0:00, 1:00,..., 23:00 of the previous day) every 1 hour as elements (i.e., vectors composed of 25 elements). The control unit 121b calculates the distances between the vector of the time-series change data and the vectors of the respective time-series change patterns of the multiple time-series change patterns, and determines the time-series change pattern with the shortest calculated distance (i.e., high similarity) among the multiple time-series change patterns as the object pattern. In addition, such a method is an example, and existing methods (pattern matching methods, etc.) can also be used to determine the most similar time-series change pattern.

[0064] Next, the control unit 121b controls the multiple devices based on the control pattern corresponding to the determined object pattern in the control information (S23). Specifically, the control unit 121b causes the communication unit 122 to send control signals to each of the multiple devices based on the control pattern, thereby controlling the multiple devices. In the control of the multiple devices, the measurement values of the environmental measurement device 100 are appropriately referred to to achieve the control target.

[0065] As described above, the environmental control system 10 controls the devices based on the control pattern corresponding to the object pattern in the control information, and the object pattern is the time-series change pattern in the multiple time-series change patterns that is the most similar to the acquired time-series change data.

[0066] Generally speaking, in order to control the device for the purpose of adjusting the autonomic nerves of the subject 200 and to grasp the life rhythm of the subject 200, the sensing results of a large number of sensors and the input of various information from the subject 200 are required. In contrast, the environmental control system 10 regards the temporal change of a piece of biological information as representing the life rhythm of the subject 200 and determines the control mode through pattern matching. According to the environmental control system 10, the number of sensors is reduced, the labor and time for inputting various information are omitted, and the amount of calculation for determining the control mode is also reduced.

[0067] [Variant example of determination of object pattern]

[0068] In the above-described embodiment, the object pattern is determined based on the similarity between the whole of the temporal change data and the whole of the temporal change pattern. However, regarding the object pattern, it can also be determined based on the local similarity between the temporal change data and the temporal change pattern. Figure 7 It is a diagram showing the period that becomes the calculation object of the local similarity.

[0069] For example, the control unit 121b divides the acquired temporal change data into the first half period T1 of a specified period, the second half period T2 of the specified period, and the fixed period T3 including the end point of the specified period. When the bedtime scheduled time is 23:00, the specified period is the period from 23:00 to 23:00 of the previous day. The first half period T1 is, for example, the period from 23:00 to 11:00 of the previous day, the second half period T2 is the period from 11:00 to 23:00, and the fixed period T3 including the end point of the specified period is the period from 22:00 to 23:00. The control unit 121b also performs the same division on each of the temporal change patterns among the plurality of temporal change patterns.

[0070] Next, the control unit 121b calculates the similarity by comparing the first half period T1, the second half period T2, and the fixed period T3 including the end point of the specified period of the acquired temporal change data with the corresponding periods in each of the temporal change patterns of the plurality of temporal change patterns. That is, the control unit 121b independently calculates the similarity s1 between the first half periods T1, the similarity s2 between the second half periods T2, and the similarity s3 between the fixed periods T3. The similarity can be calculated based on the distance of vectors as described above, or can be calculated based on other methods. Then, the control unit 121b determines the temporal change pattern with the highest similarity s (= s1 + s2 + s3) obtained by summing the similarities s1 to s3 as the object pattern. In addition, weights w can be set for the similarities s1 to s3, and the similarity s can also be expressed as s = w1·s1 + w2·s2 + w3·s3 using the weights w.

[0071] In this way, the control unit 121b can calculate the similarity for the period to be emphasized as desired and, based on the calculated similarity, increase the possibility of selecting a control mode more suitable for the subject 200. The above-described method of dividing the period is particularly useful when adjusting the function of the autonomic nerve of the subject 200 to improve sleep.

[0072] In addition, it may be that, in addition to the above three periods (the first half period T1, the second half period T2, and the fixed period T3), the control unit 121b also considers the similarity of the fixed period T4 starting from the time point three-quarters of the way through the specified period. Specifically, the fixed period T4 is a period corresponding to 17:00 to 19:00. Such a fixed period T4 is a time period with a high possibility of eating or drinking and can be said to be a time period that easily affects the function of the autonomic nerve of the subject 200. If the similarity of such a fixed period T4 is also considered, the control unit 121b can increase the possibility of selecting a control mode more suitable for the subject 200.

[0073] [Modification example of biological information]

[0074] In the above-described embodiment, the environmental control system 10 uses LF / HF as an index indicating the state of the autonomic nerve of the subject 200, but other biological information may be used as an index. For example, LF alone or HF alone can be used.

[0075] In addition, biological information other than LF and HF may be used as an index. Figure 8 It is a diagram showing the relationship between the functions of the autonomic nerves (sympathetic nerve and parasympathetic nerve) and the changes in biological information. As Figure 8 shown, biological information such as the body temperature, blood pressure, heart rate, pulse, respiratory rate, sweating amount, pupil diameter, skin temperature, and facial expression of the subject 200 is associated with the functions of the sympathetic nerve and the parasympathetic nerve. That is, these biological information can be used as an index indicating the state of the autonomic nerve of the subject 200. In the above-described embodiment, LF / HF can be appropriately replaced with any one of these biological information.

[0076] [Effects, etc.]

[0077] As described above, the environmental control system 10 includes: an acquisition unit 121a that acquires time-series change data within a specified period of biological information indicating the state of the autonomic nerves of the subject 200; a storage unit 123 that stores control information obtained by associating a plurality of time-series change patterns of biological information with control patterns, the control patterns being used to control devices that adjust the environment of the space 300 where the subject 200 is located; and a control unit 121b that controls the devices based on the control pattern corresponding to the object pattern in the control information, the object pattern being the time-series change pattern among the plurality of time-series change patterns that is most similar to the acquired time-series change data.

[0078] Such an environmental control system 10 can suppress the disorder of the autonomic nerves of the subject 200 by appropriately generating control information. In addition, since the environmental control system 10 can determine the control pattern through pattern matching of biological information, it can simply suppress the disorder of the autonomic nerves of the subject 200 compared to a system that controls devices based on the sensing results of a large number of sensors and various information inputs from the subject 200.

[0079] In addition, for example, the control unit 121b determines the object pattern by comparing the acquired time-series change data for the first half period T1 of the specified period, the second half period T2 of the specified period, and the fixed period T3 including the end point of the specified period with the corresponding periods in each of the time-series change patterns of the plurality of time-series change patterns.

[0080] Such an environmental control system 10 can increase the possibility of selecting a control pattern suitable for the subject 200 by calculating the similarity for the period to be emphasized and determining the object pattern based on the calculated similarity.

[0081] In addition, for example, the specified period is a period corresponding to 24 hours, the first half period T1 of the specified period is a period of 12 hours corresponding to the 12 hours from 24 hours before the end point to 12 hours before the end point, the second half period T2 of the specified period is a period of 12 hours corresponding to the 12 hours from 12 hours before the end point to the end point, and the fixed period T3 including the end point of the specified period is a period of 1 hour corresponding to the 1 hour from 1 hour before the end point to the end point.

[0082] Such an environmental control system 10 can increase the possibility of selecting a control pattern suitable for the subject 200 by calculating the similarity for the period to be emphasized and determining the object pattern based on the calculated similarity.

[0083] In addition, for example, the control unit 121b determines the target pattern by comparing the obtained time-varying data for the first half period T1 of a specified period, the second half period T2 of the specified period, the fixed period T3 including the end point of the specified period, and the fixed period T4 starting from the time point three-quarters through the specified period, respectively, with the corresponding periods in each of the time-varying patterns of multiple time-varying patterns.

[0084] Such an environmental control system 10 can increase the likelihood of selecting a control pattern suitable for the target person 200 by calculating the similarity for the period to be emphasized and determining the target pattern based on the calculated similarity.

[0085] In addition, for example, the specified period is a period corresponding to 24 hours. The first half period T1 of the specified period is a 12-hour period corresponding to the 12 hours from 24 hours before the end point to 12 hours before the end point. The second half period T2 of the specified period is a 12-hour period corresponding to the 12 hours from 12 hours before the end point to the end point. The fixed period including the end point of the specified period is a 1-hour period corresponding to the 1 hour from 1 hour before the end point to the end point. The fixed period starting from the time point three-quarters through the specified period is a 1-hour period corresponding to the 1 hour from 6 hours before the end point to 5 hours before the end point.

[0086] Such an environmental control system 10 can increase the likelihood of selecting a control pattern suitable for the target person 200 by calculating the similarity for the period to be emphasized and determining the target pattern based on the calculated similarity.

[0087] In addition, for example, the control unit 121b generates control information based on the time-varying data of the past biological information of the target person 200 and the operation history record of the device, and stores the control information in the storage unit 123.

[0088] Such an environmental control system 10 can increase the likelihood of selecting a control pattern suitable for the target person 200 by using control information customized for the target person 200.

[0089] In addition, for example, the control unit 121b groups the time-varying data of the past biological information of the target person 200 into multiple clusters, and determines the time-varying data representing the biological information of each of the multiple clusters as multiple time-varying patterns.

[0090] Such an environmental control system 10 can efficiently select a control pattern by using control information in which the number of multiple time-varying patterns has been reduced by forming clusters.

[0091] In addition, for example, the control unit 121b uses a machine learning model obtained by learning the time-series change data of the past biological information of the subject 200 and the operation history of the device, and corresponds the control mode to the determined multiple time-series change patterns, thereby generating control information.

[0092] Such an environmental control system 10 can use a machine learning model to generate control information.

[0093] In addition, the environmental control method executed by a computer such as the environmental control system 10 includes the following steps: obtaining time-series change data within a specified period of biological information representing the state of the autonomic nerves of the subject 200, and by referring to a storage unit storing control information obtained by corresponding multiple time-series change patterns of biological information to control modes for controlling devices for adjusting the environment of the space 300 where the subject 200 is located, controlling the device based on the control mode corresponding to the object pattern in the control information, where the object pattern is the time-series change pattern most similar to the obtained time-series change data among the multiple time-series change patterns.

[0094] Such an environmental control method can suppress the disorder of the autonomic nerves of the subject 200 by referring to appropriate control information. In addition, since the environmental control method can determine the control mode through pattern matching of biological information, it can simply suppress the disorder of the autonomic nerves of the subject 200 compared to the method of controlling devices based on the sensing results of a large number of sensors and various information inputs from the subject 200.

[0095] (Other Embodiments)

[0096] The above describes the embodiments, but the present invention is not limited to the above embodiments.

[0097] For example, in the above embodiments, the processing executed by a specific processing unit may also be executed by other processing units. In addition, the order of multiple processes may be changed, and multiple processes may be executed in parallel.

[0098] In addition, in the above embodiments, each structural element may also be implemented by executing a software program suitable for each structural element. Each structural element may also be implemented by a program execution unit such as a CPU or a processor reading a software program recorded in a recording medium such as a hard disk or a semiconductor memory and executing the software program.

[0099] In addition, each structural element may also be implemented by hardware. Each structural element may also be a circuit (or an integrated circuit). These circuits may either form a single circuit as a whole or be independent circuits from each other. In addition, each of these circuits may be a general-purpose circuit or a dedicated circuit.

[0100] In addition, all or specific aspects of the present invention can also be implemented by a system, device, method, integrated circuit, computer program, or a recording medium such as a computer-readable CD-ROM. In addition, it can also be implemented by any combination of a system, device, method, integrated circuit, computer program, and recording medium.

[0101] For example, the present invention can also be implemented as an environmental control method, can also be implemented as a program for causing a computer to execute the environmental control method, and can also be implemented as a computer-readable non-transitory recording medium recording such a program.

[0102] In addition, the present invention can also be implemented as the control device of the above-described embodiment, can also be implemented as a program executed by the computer for causing the computer to act as such a control device. In addition, the present invention can also be implemented as a computer-readable non-transitory recording medium recording such a program.

[0103] In addition, in the above-described embodiment, the environmental control system is implemented by a plurality of devices. However, it can also be implemented as a single device. In the case where the environmental control system is implemented by a plurality of devices, the structural elements included in the environmental control system described in the above-described embodiment can be distributed to the plurality of devices in any manner.

[0104] In addition, aspects obtained by making various modifications that occur to those skilled in the art to each embodiment, or aspects implemented by arbitrarily combining the structural elements and functions in each embodiment without departing from the gist of the present invention are also included in the present invention.

[0105] Explanation of Reference Numerals

[0106] 10: Environmental control system; 20: Air supply device (equipment); 30: Air conditioner device (equipment); 40: Lighting device (equipment); 50: External light adjustment device (equipment); 60: Indirect lighting device (equipment); 70: Ventilation device (equipment); 80: Speaker (equipment); 90: Scent generating device (equipment); 121a: Acquisition unit; 121b: Control unit; 123: Storage unit; 200: Object person; 300: Space.

Claims

1. An environmental control system, comprising: An acquisition unit that acquires time-series change data within a specified period of biological information representing the state of the autonomic nerves of a subject, and the time-series change data represents the subject's rhythm of life; A storage unit that stores control information obtained by corresponding a plurality of time-series change patterns of the biological information to control patterns respectively, and the control patterns are used to control devices for adjusting the environment of the space where the subject is located; And A control unit that controls the devices based on the control pattern corresponding to the target pattern in the control information, and the target pattern is the time-series change pattern among the plurality of time-series change patterns that is most similar to the acquired time-series change data, wherein when the control unit corresponds the plurality of time-series change patterns to the control patterns in the control information respectively, it corresponds the plurality of time-series change patterns to the following control patterns among the control patterns included in the operation history record of the devices: when this control pattern is executed, the time-series change pattern of the subject's biological information on the next day is closest to a pre-determined ideal pattern.

2. The environmental control system according to claim 1, wherein the control unit determines the target pattern by comparing the time-series change data of the acquired time-series change data, the first half of the specified period, the second half of the specified period, and a fixed period including the end point of the specified period with the corresponding periods in each of the time-series change patterns of the plurality of time-series change patterns.

3. The environmental control system according to claim 2, wherein the specified period is a period equivalent to 24 hours, the first half of the specified period is a period of 12 hours equivalent to from 24 hours before the end point to 12 hours before the end point, the second half of the specified period is a period of 12 hours equivalent to from 12 hours before the end point to the end point, the fixed period including the end point of the specified period is a period of 1 hour equivalent to from 1 hour before the end point to the end point.

4. The environmental control system according to claim 1, wherein the control unit determines the target pattern by comparing the time-series change data of the acquired time-series change data, the first half of the specified period, the second half of the specified period, a fixed period including the end point of the specified period, and a fixed period starting from the time point after three-quarters of the specified period has elapsed with the corresponding periods in each of the time-series change patterns of the plurality of time-series change patterns.

5. The environmental control system according to claim 4, wherein the specified period is a period equivalent to 24 hours, the first half of the specified period is a period of 12 hours equivalent to from 24 hours before the end point to 12 hours before the end point, the second half of the specified period is a period of 12 hours equivalent to from 12 hours before the end point to the end point, The fixed period including the end point of the specified period is a one-hour period equivalent to the period from one hour before the end point to the end point. The fixed period starting from the time point when three-quarters of the specified period has elapsed is a one-hour period equivalent to the period from six hours before the end point to five hours before the end point.

6. The environmental control system according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein, the control unit generates the control information based on the time-varying data of the past biological information of the subject and the operation history of the device, and stores the control information in the storage unit.

7. The environmental control system according to claim 6, wherein, the control unit groups the time-varying data of the past biological information of the subject into a plurality of clusters, and determines the time-varying data representing each cluster among the plurality of clusters as the plurality of time-varying patterns.

8. The environmental control system according to claim 7, wherein, the control unit uses a machine learning model obtained by learning the correlation between the time-varying data of the past biological information of the subject and the operation history of the device, and corresponds the control pattern to the determined plurality of time-varying patterns, thereby generating the control information.

9. An environmental control method, comprising the following steps: acquiring time-varying data within a specified period of biological information representing the state of the autonomic nerve of a subject, the time-varying data representing the living rhythm of the subject, controlling the device based on the control pattern corresponding to the object pattern in the control information by referring to a storage unit storing control information obtained by corresponding a plurality of time-varying patterns of the biological information to control patterns for controlling a device for adjusting the environment of the space where the subject is located, wherein the object pattern is the time-varying pattern among the plurality of time-varying patterns that is most similar to the acquired time-varying data, wherein, when corresponding the plurality of time-varying patterns to the control patterns in the control information, the plurality of time-varying patterns are respectively corresponded to the following control patterns among the control patterns included in the operation history of the device: in the case of executing this control pattern, the time-varying pattern of the biological information of the subject on the next day is made closest to a predetermined ideal pattern.

10. A non-transitory computer-readable recording medium recording a program for causing a computer to execute the environmental control method according to claim 9.

11. A computer program product including a program for causing a computer to execute the environmental control method according to claim 9.

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