Information processing apparatus, information processing method, and computer-readable storage medium

Abstract

The present invention relates to an information processing apparatus, an information processing method, and a computer readable storage medium, which can ensure comfort of a user and can automatically use an indoor temperature setting value in consideration of energy consumption. An information processing apparatus according to an embodiment includes: an acquisition unit that acquires sensor data and information relating to a cold / hot sensation; a calculation unit that calculates a setting value candidate for the indoor temperature on the basis of the information relating to the cold / hot sensation acquired by the acquisition unit; an estimation unit that uses the sensor data acquired by the acquisition unit to estimate, for each of the setting value candidates calculated by the calculation unit, the indoor environment and energy consumption when air-conditioning control is performed using the setting value candidates calculated by the calculation unit as indoor temperature setting values; and a selection unit that selects a setting value candidate for the indoor temperature on the basis of the indoor environment and the consumed energy estimated by the estimation unit, and the permissible region of the cold / hot sensation included in the information relating to the cold / hot sensation acquired by the acquisition unit.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an information processing device, an information processing method and a computer-readable storage medium. Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, there is a technology for automatically changing the setting value of an air conditioner.

[0003] [Prior art literature]

[0004] [Patent Document]

[0005] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2015-004480

[0006] Patent Document 2: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2013-029272 Summary of the invention

[0007] [Problems to be solved by the invention]

[0008] In the prior art, there is a situation where it is not possible to automatically operate the indoor temperature setting value while ensuring the comfort of the user and taking into account energy consumption. For example, in the prior art, there is a situation where a setting value that cannot be achieved under the constraints of the environment or the air conditioner is set, thereby increasing energy consumption due to the decrease in the operating efficiency of the air conditioner. Moreover, there are many cases where the set value is actually not comfortable for the user. Moreover, every time the user feels uncomfortable, he or she must set the temperature by himself or herself, which is still a heavy burden for the user. As a problem to be solved by the present invention, the above-mentioned problem is listed as an example.

[0009] The present invention is completed in view of the above, and its purpose is to provide an information processing device, an information processing method and an information processing program, which can ensure the comfort of the user and automatically operate the indoor temperature setting value in consideration of energy consumption.

[0010] [Technical means to solve the problem]

[0011] In order to solve the above-mentioned problem and achieve the purpose, the information processing device of the present invention is characterized in that it includes: an acquisition unit, which acquires sensor data and information related to cold and hot sensations; a calculation unit, which calculates candidate setting values ​​for indoor temperature based on the information related to cold and hot sensations acquired by the acquisition unit; an inference unit, which uses the sensor data acquired by the acquisition unit to infer, for each of the setting value candidates calculated by the calculation unit, the indoor environment and energy consumption when air conditioning control is performed using the setting value candidate calculated by the calculation unit as the indoor temperature setting value; and a selection unit, which selects a candidate setting value for indoor temperature based on the indoor environment inferred by the inference unit, the energy consumption, and the allowable range of cold and hot sensations contained in the information related to cold and hot sensations acquired by the acquisition unit.

[0012] [Effects of the Invention]

[0013] According to the present invention, the indoor temperature setting value can be automatically operated while ensuring the comfort of the user and taking energy consumption into consideration. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0014] Figure 1 It is a diagram showing an example of the structure of an information processing device according to an embodiment.

[0015] Figure 2 This is a flowchart showing an example of a process flow performed by the estimation unit according to the embodiment.

[0016] Figure 3 It is a diagram for explaining the processing performed by the information processing device according to the embodiment.

[0017] Figure 4 This is a diagram showing an example of processing performed by a selection unit according to the embodiment.

[0018] Figure 5 This is a diagram showing an example of processing performed by a selection unit according to the embodiment.

[0019] Figure 6 This is a diagram showing an example of setting values ​​that cannot be realized in the embodiment.

[0020] Figure 7 This is a flowchart showing an example of a process flow performed by the information processing device according to the embodiment.

[0021] Figure 8 It is a diagram showing an example of a computer that executes an information processing program.

[0022] [Explanation of Symbols]

[0023] 100: Information processing device

[0024] 110: Ministry of Communications

[0025] 120: Control Department

[0026] 121: Acquisition Department

[0027] 122: Computing Department

[0028] 123: Calculation Department

[0029] 124: Speculation Department

[0030] 125: Judgment Department

[0031] 126: Selection Department

[0032] 130: Storage DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0033] Hereinafter, the implementation modes of the information processing device, information processing method and information processing program of the present application will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. In addition, the present invention is not limited to the described implementation modes. Moreover, in the description of the accompanying drawings, the same parts are indicated by the same reference numerals, and repeated descriptions are appropriately omitted. Moreover, when the symbol A is recorded as "A^{^}", it is deemed to be equivalent to "the symbol with "^" recorded directly above "A"".

[0034] [first]

[0035] In the past, air conditioners in office buildings and the like controlled the indoor temperature to be constant. For example, the air conditioner operated according to the set temperature determined by the user or manager staying in the office. However, in the prior art, there was a situation where it was impossible to automatically operate the indoor temperature set value while ensuring the user's comfort and considering energy consumption. For example, in the prior art, there was a situation where the set temperature could not be achieved due to factors such as the deviation between the actual temperature and the set temperature under the restrictions of the environment or the air conditioner. If such an unachievable set value is set, the operating efficiency of the air conditioner will decrease, and the energy consumption will increase instead.

[0036] Moreover, there are many cases where the temperature set by automatic operation or the temperature set by the user himself is not comfortable for the user. In addition, when the user feels uncomfortable with the set temperature, he must change the set temperature by hand, which is still a heavy burden for the user. Furthermore, the work must be interrupted every time the user performs an operation, which is also likely to cause a decrease in business efficiency. Therefore, in the automation of the operation of the indoor temperature setting value, it is desired to automatically change the indoor temperature setting value in a way that ensures the comfort of office residents and consumes less energy.

[0037] Therefore, the information processing device 100 of the embodiment acquires sensor data and information related to thermal sensation, calculates a candidate setting value of the indoor temperature based on the acquired information related to thermal sensation, and uses the sensor data to estimate the indoor environment and energy consumption when the setting value candidate is used as the indoor temperature setting value for air conditioning control, and selects the candidate setting value of the indoor temperature based on the estimated indoor environment, energy consumption, and the allowable range of thermal sensation contained in the information related to thermal sensation. Thus, the information processing device 100 uses the result of simulating the operating status of the air conditioner to automatically operate the indoor temperature setting value while ensuring the user's comfort and taking energy consumption into consideration.

[0038] [Structure of information processing device]

[0039] Next, use Figure 1 The structure of the information processing device 100 will be described. Figure 11 is a diagram showing an example of the structure of the information processing device 100. Figure 1 As shown in FIG. 1 , the information processing device 100 includes a communication unit 110, a control unit 120, and a storage unit 130. In addition, each of these units may be held in a distributed manner by a plurality of devices. The processing of each unit will be described below.

[0040] The communication unit 110 is implemented by a network interface card (NIC) or the like, and can communicate between an external device and the control unit 120 via an electrical communication line such as a local area network (LAN) or the Internet. For example, the communication unit 110 can communicate between an external device and the control unit 120.

[0041] The storage unit 130 is implemented by a semiconductor memory element such as a random access memory (RAM), a flash memory (Flash Memory), or a storage device such as a hard disk or an optical disk. The information stored in the storage unit 130 includes, for example, sensor data, information related to the feeling of cold and heat, set value candidates, simulation models, set values, and other information required for the automatic operation of the set values. Here, the sensor data includes information such as the outside air condition, the indoor environment, and the state of the air conditioner. In addition, the outside air condition includes information such as the temperature of the outside air, the humidity of the outside air, and the sunshine condition. In addition, the indoor environment includes information such as the indoor temperature, the indoor humidity, and the indoor CO2 concentration. In addition, the so-called information related to the feeling of cold and heat refers to the information of the predicted mean vote (PMV) used as an indicator of the feeling of cold and heat felt by people, including the allowable range of the feeling of cold and heat (PMV-0.5~+0.5), the optimal value of the feeling of cold and heat (PMV0), and other information. In addition, the information stored in the storage unit 130 is not limited to the examples described above.

[0042] The control unit 120 is implemented using a central processing unit (CPU), a network processor (NP) or a field programmable gate array (FPGA) and executes a processing program stored in a memory. Figure 1 As shown, the control unit 120 includes an acquisition unit 121, a calculation unit 122, a calculation unit 123, an estimation unit 124, a determination unit 125, and a selection unit 126. Hereinafter, each unit included in the control unit 120 will be described.

[0043] The acquisition unit 121 acquires sensor data and information related to the sense of cold and heat. For example, the acquisition unit 121 acquires information such as the outside air condition, the indoor environment, and the state of the air conditioner from an external system such as a building automation system (BAS) as sensor data. Also, for example, the acquisition unit 121 acquires information such as the allowable area of ​​the sense of cold and heat and the optimal value of the sense of cold and heat from the external system as information related to the sense of cold and heat. Moreover, the acquisition unit 121 may also acquire information related to the sense of cold and heat from the storage unit 130.

[0044] The calculation unit 122 calculates the optimal value of the indoor temperature based on the optimal value of the thermal sensation contained in the information related to the thermal sensation acquired by the acquisition unit 121. For example, the calculation unit 122 uses a function that calculates the thermal sensation based on conditions such as the indoor temperature to calculate the optimal value of the indoor temperature based on the optimal value of the thermal sensation. More specifically, the calculation unit 122 uses the following formula 1 and formula 2 to calculate the optimal value of the indoor temperature based on the optimal value of the thermal sensation. Here, PMV is the thermal sensation. PMV opt is the optimal value of hot and cold sensation. t is the temperature. opt is the optimal value of indoor temperature. F is a function that calculates the hot and cold sensation based on indoor temperature and other conditions.

[0045] [Number 1]

[0046] PMV=F(t)…(1)

[0047] [Number 2]

[0048] t opt =F -1 (PMV opt )…(2)

[0049] The calculation unit 123 calculates the set value candidate of the indoor temperature based on the information related to the cold and hot sensation acquired by the acquisition unit 121. For example, the calculation unit 123 calculates the temperature corresponding to the allowable range of the cold and hot sensation contained in the information related to the cold and hot sensation acquired by the acquisition unit 121 as the set value candidate of the indoor temperature. For example, the calculation unit 123 uses Formula 1 to calculate the temperature corresponding to the allowable range of the cold and hot sensation as the set value candidate of the indoor temperature. More specifically, the calculation unit 123 uses Formula 1 to convert the lower limit (PMV-0.5) of the allowable range of the cold and hot sensation and the upper limit (PMV+0.5) of the allowable range of the cold and hot sensation into the indoor temperature, respectively, and calculates the temperature within the converted temperature range as the set value candidate of the indoor temperature. In addition, when performing the conversion from the cold and hot sensation to the temperature or from the temperature to the cold and hot sensation using Formula 1 and Formula 2, a specified value may be used as the specified value for elements other than the temperature.

[0050] Furthermore, the calculation unit 123 calculates a candidate for setting value of the indoor temperature by adding or subtracting a prescribed value from the optimal value of the indoor temperature calculated by the calculation unit 122. For example, the calculation unit 123 calculates a value in the range from a value obtained by adding a prescribed value to a value obtained by subtracting the prescribed value from the optimal value of the indoor temperature calculated by the calculation unit 122 as a candidate for setting value of the indoor temperature. More specifically, the calculation unit 123 calculates a value in the range of 22°C to 24°C obtained by adding / subtracting a prescribed value 1.0 from the optimal value 23°C of the indoor temperature calculated by the calculation unit 122 as a candidate for setting value of the indoor temperature. In addition, any value according to the purpose can be used for the prescribed value. Moreover, the prescribed value is not limited to one, and a plurality of prescribed values ​​can also be used. That is, for example, the calculation unit 123 can also calculate the value itself obtained by adding or subtracting a plurality of prescribed values ​​0.5, 1.0, 1.5, and 2.0 from the optimal value 23°C of the indoor temperature as a candidate for setting value.

[0051] The estimation unit 124 estimates the indoor environment and energy consumption when the setting value candidate calculated by the calculation unit 123 is used as the indoor temperature setting value for air conditioning control, using the sensor data acquired by the acquisition unit 121 for each setting value candidate calculated by the calculation unit 123. For example, the estimation unit 124 takes the setting value candidate calculated by the calculation unit 123 and the sensor data acquired by the acquisition unit 121 as inputs, and estimates the indoor environment and energy consumption when the setting value candidate calculated by the calculation unit 123 is used as the indoor temperature setting value for air conditioning control, using the calculation model for each setting value candidate calculated by the calculation unit 123.

[0052] More specifically, the estimation unit 124 takes the setting value candidates calculated by the calculation unit 123 and the outside air conditions, indoor environment, and the state of the air conditioner obtained by the acquisition unit 121 as input, and for each setting value candidate calculated by the calculation unit 123, uses the air conditioner model and the indoor environment model to estimate the return air temperature, return air humidity, coil energy consumption, and fan energy consumption when the setting value candidate calculated by the calculation unit 123 is used as the indoor temperature setting value for air conditioning control.

[0053] Here, use Figure 2 The following describes the estimation process flow performed by the estimation unit 124 . Figure 2 1 is a diagram showing an example of the flow of the estimation process performed by the estimation unit 124. In addition, each of the steps described below may be executed in a different order, and some processes may be omitted.

[0054] First, the estimation unit 124 obtains a setting value candidate (step S101). For example, the estimation unit 124 obtains the setting value candidate calculated by the calculation unit 123. Then, the estimation unit 124 calculates the indoor load based on the supply and return air information (step S102). For example, the estimation unit 124 calculates the indoor load using the preset supply and return air information.

[0055] Then, the estimation unit 124 performs calculations on the air conditioner model (step S103). For example, the estimation unit 124 performs calculations on heat exchange or ventilation performed by the virtual air conditioner. Then, the estimation unit 124 performs calculations on the indoor environment model (step S104). For example, the estimation unit 124 performs calculations on changes in temperature, humidity, CO2, etc. in the virtual indoor environment.

[0056] Then, the estimation unit 124 determines whether the update of the indoor temperature is below the prescribed threshold value (step S105). For example, when the estimation unit 124 determines that the update of the indoor temperature is not below 0.1°C (step S105 "No"), the estimation unit 124 performs the process of step S103 again. In addition, in the above example, 0.1°C is used as the prescribed threshold value, but the estimation unit 124 can use any value corresponding to the purpose as the prescribed threshold value when making the determination in step S105.

[0057] On the other hand, for example, when the estimation unit 124 determines that the update of the indoor temperature is less than 0.1°C (step S105 "Yes"), the estimation unit 124 outputs the estimated indoor environment and energy consumption (step S106). For example, the estimation unit 124 outputs the estimated indoor environment and energy consumption to other processing units such as the determination unit 125 or the selection unit 126.

[0058] Return again Figure 1 The description is continued. The estimation unit 124 estimates the set value candidate closest to the median value among the set value candidates calculated by the calculation unit 123, and excludes the set value candidates whose values ​​are larger or smaller than the estimated set value candidates from the estimation objects. For example, the estimation unit 124 estimates the set value candidate closest to the median value among the set value candidates calculated by the calculation unit 123, and excludes the set value candidates whose values ​​are larger or smaller than the set value candidates determined as inconsistent by the determination unit 125 described later from the estimation objects. More specifically, for example, if the current indoor temperature is 32°C, the estimation unit 124 estimates 22°C, which is closest to the median value, among the set value candidates when the set value candidates calculated by the calculation unit 123 are 20°C, 21°C, 22°C, 23°C, and 24°C, and excludes the set value candidates 20°C and 21°C, which are smaller than the estimated 22°C, from the estimation objects when 22°C is not achievable.

[0059] That is, the estimation unit 124 preferentially estimates a setting value candidate close to the median among the setting value candidates, and if the setting value candidate is unachievable, excludes a setting value candidate that is considered to impose a greater load than the setting value candidate from the estimation targets.

[0060] The determination unit 125 determines whether the setting value candidate calculated by the calculation unit 123 is consistent with the indoor environment estimated by the estimation unit 124. For example, the determination unit 125 determines whether the setting value candidate calculated by the calculation unit 123 is consistent with the return air temperature estimation value included in the indoor environment estimated by the estimation unit 124. That is, the determination unit 125 determines whether a certain setting value candidate is consistent with the return air temperature estimation value which is the result estimated using the setting value candidate, thereby determining whether the setting value candidate is achievable.

[0061] The selection unit 126 selects a candidate setting value for the indoor temperature based on the indoor environment estimated by the estimation unit 124, the energy consumption, and the allowable region of the thermal sensation contained in the information related to the thermal sensation acquired by the acquisition unit 121. For example, when the thermal sensation corresponding to the indoor environment estimated by the estimation unit 124 is within the allowable region of the thermal sensation contained in the information related to the thermal sensation acquired by the acquisition unit 121, the selection unit 126 selects a candidate setting value with the minimum energy consumption among the candidate setting values ​​corresponding to the allowable region of the thermal sensation. That is, when the estimated indoor environment satisfies the condition of the following formula 3, the selection unit 126 selects a candidate setting value with the minimum energy consumption. Here, t^{^} RA is the estimated value of return air temperature. RA is the estimated value of return air humidity. F is the function that calculates the thermal sensation based on indoor temperature and other conditions.

[0062] [Number 3]

[0063]

[0064] More specifically, the selection unit 126 calculates the thermal sensation corresponding to the indoor environment (24°C to 25°C) estimated by the estimation unit 124 using a function that calculates the thermal sensation based on conditions such as the indoor temperature. When the thermal sensation PMV corresponding to the indoor environment (the return air temperature estimation value and the return air humidity estimation value) is within the allowable range (PMV-0.5 to +0.5) of the thermal sensation contained in the information related to the thermal sensation acquired by the acquisition unit 121, the setting value candidate 25°C that consumes the least energy is selected from the setting value candidates corresponding to the allowable range of the thermal sensation.

[0065] Furthermore, the selection unit 126 selects a setting value candidate closest to the optimal value of the indoor temperature calculated by the calculation unit 122 when the thermal sensation corresponding to the indoor environment estimated by the estimation unit 124 is not within the allowable region of the thermal sensation included in the information related to the thermal sensation acquired by the acquisition unit 121. That is, the selection unit 126 selects a setting value candidate closest to the optimal value of the indoor temperature calculated by the calculation unit 122 when all estimated indoor environments do not satisfy the condition of the above-mentioned formula 3.

[0066] More specifically, when the thermal sensation corresponding to the indoor environment of 24°C to 26°C estimated by the estimation unit 124 is 0.7 to 1.3, and is not within the allowable range of thermal sensation (PMV-0.5 to +0.5) contained in the information related to thermal sensation acquired by the acquisition unit 121, the selection unit 126 selects 24°C, which is the optimal value of the indoor temperature calculated by the calculation unit 122.

[0067] [Processing performed by information processing device]

[0068] Next, use Figures 3 to 6 The processing performed by the information processing device 100 is described below. Figure 3 The processing performed by the information processing device 100 will be described. Figure 3 is a diagram for explaining processing performed by the information processing device 100. Figure 3 In FIG. 1 , the processing performed by the estimation unit 124 and the processing performed by other processing units are mainly shown separately. Figure 3 In the diagram, OA (Outdoor Air) means outside air, EA (Exhaust Air) means exhaust air, SA (Supply Air) means supply air, and RA (Return Air) means return air. Figure 3 In the RA is the estimated value of return air temperature, h^{^} RA is the estimated value of return air humidity, E^{^} coil is the estimated value of the energy consumption of the coil, E^{^} fan This is the estimated value of the fan's energy consumption.

[0069] First, for example, the acquisition unit 121 Figure 3As shown, sensor data such as the outside air condition of 30°C, the indoor temperature of 26°C, and the air conditioner status of active are obtained from external systems such as BAS. In addition, the acquisition unit 121 acquires the allowable area or optimal value of the cold and hot sensation from other systems. Then, for example, the calculation unit 122 calculates the optimal value of the indoor temperature based on the optimal value of the cold and hot sensation acquired by the acquisition unit 121. Then, for example, the calculation unit 123 calculates a candidate setting value of 25°C for the indoor temperature by adding or subtracting a specified value from the optimal value of the indoor temperature. The information of the candidate setting value of the indoor temperature calculated in this way is handed over from the calculation unit 123 to the estimation unit 124 ( Figure 3 (1)).

[0070] Then, the estimation unit 124 estimates the indoor environment and energy consumption when the air conditioning control is performed using the setting value candidate as the indoor temperature setting value for each setting value candidate of the indoor temperature calculated by the calculation unit 123, using the sensor data acquired by the acquisition unit 121. For example, the estimation unit 124 estimates that when the air conditioning control is performed using the setting value candidate 25°C as the indoor temperature setting value, the return air temperature estimation value is 25°C, the return air humidity estimation value is 50%, the coil energy consumption estimation value is 12kWh, and the fan energy consumption estimation value is 6kWh.

[0071] At this time, the estimation unit 124 may perform estimation processing on each set value candidate one by one, or may perform estimation processing in conjunction with the determination unit 125 that determines the feasibility of realization. For example, the estimation unit 124 simulates the set value candidate closest to the median among the set value candidates, and the determination unit 125 determines whether the set value candidate is consistent with the return air temperature estimation value. In the case where the determination unit 125 determines that there is a mismatch, the estimation unit 124 deems that the set value candidate is unattainable, and excludes the set value candidates that are larger or smaller than this set value candidate from the estimation object. By excluding the set value candidates that are considered to be more difficult to realize than the set value candidates estimated to be unattainable, the estimation processing is performed in a binary search manner, which can reduce the amount of calculation and reduce the processing load.

[0072] The indoor environment and energy consumption information estimated by the estimation unit 124 through the estimation process are sent from the estimation unit 124 to the selection unit 126 ( Figure 3 (2)). Furthermore, the selection unit 126 selects a candidate indoor temperature setting value based on the indoor environment and energy consumption estimated by the estimation unit 124 and the allowable range of the indoor temperature acquired by the acquisition unit 121. That is, the information processing device 100 calculates the candidate indoor temperature setting value based on the acquired sensor data and the information related to the cold and hot sensation, and selects the setting value candidate based on the viewpoint of comfort or energy saving using the indoor environment and energy consumption estimated for each setting value candidate.

[0073] Then, use Figure 4 An example of selecting a setting value candidate that is within the permissible region of thermal sensation and minimizes energy consumption will be described. Figure 4 1 is a diagram showing an example of the processing performed by the selection unit 126. For example, Figure 4 As shown in the table, when the set value candidates are 24°C to 26°C and the set value candidates within the permissible range of thermal sensation are 24°C to 25°C, the selection unit 126 selects the set value candidate 25°C which is within the permissible range of thermal sensation and consumes the least energy. In addition, the external system such as BAS performs air conditioning control so that the indoor temperature becomes the selected set value. In this way, the information processing device 100 selects the set value candidate whose estimated result is within the permissible range of thermal sensation and consumes the least energy, thereby ensuring the user's comfort and automatically operating the indoor temperature set value in consideration of energy consumption.

[0074] Then, use Figure 5 An example will be described in which, when all setting value candidates are outside the permissible region of thermal sensation, a setting value candidate closest to the optimal value of thermal sensation is selected. Figure 5 1 is a diagram showing an example of the processing performed by the selection unit 126. For example, Figure 5 As shown in the table, when the setting value candidates are 24°C to 26°C and any setting value candidate is outside the permissible range of thermal sensation, the selection unit 126 selects the setting value candidate 24°C which is closest to the optimal value of thermal sensation. Then, the external system such as BAS performs air conditioning control so that the indoor temperature becomes the selected setting value. In this way, when all the estimation results are outside the permissible range of thermal sensation, the information processing device 100 selects the setting value candidate closest to the optimal value of the indoor temperature, thereby ensuring the comfort of the user and automatically operating the indoor temperature setting value.

[0075] Then, use Figure 6 An example of a setting value that cannot be achieved is described below. Figure 6 is a diagram showing an example of an unachievable set value. In addition, the so-called unachievable set value refers to a set value that cannot be set to the set value = indoor temperature due to factors such as the deviation between the actual temperature and the set value, the conditions of the outside air / indoor environment, and the limitations of the air conditioner. For example, Figure 6As shown, when the sensor data is an outside air condition of 30°C, an indoor temperature of 26°C, and an air conditioner state of active, the set value candidate 15°C is an unachievable set value. Here, in the example described in the present embodiment, the result of the processing by the selection unit 126 is that the unachievable set value is excluded. That is, when the set value candidate is within the allowable region of the cold and hot sensation, the selection unit 126 selects the set value candidate with the minimum energy consumption, and when all the set value candidates are outside the allowable region of the cold and hot sensation, the set value candidate closest to the optimal value of the cold and hot sensation is selected, thereby, as a result, it is possible to exclude the unachievable set value and select the appropriate set value candidate corresponding to the situation.

[0076] [flow chart]

[0077] Next, use Figure 7 The following will describe the flow of processing performed by the information processing device 100. In addition, the following steps may be performed in a different order, and some processing may be omitted.

[0078] First, the acquisition unit 121 acquires sensor data and information related to the sense of cold and heat (step S201). For example, the acquisition unit 121 acquires information such as the outside air condition, the indoor environment, and the state of the air conditioner from an external system such as a BAS as sensor data. In addition, for example, the acquisition unit 121 acquires information such as the allowable range of the sense of cold and heat and the optimal value of the sense of cold and heat from the external system as information related to the sense of cold and heat.

[0079] Then, the calculation unit 122 calculates the optimal value of the indoor temperature based on the optimal value of the thermal sensation included in the information related to the thermal sensation acquired by the acquisition unit 121 (step S202). For example, the calculation unit 122 uses a function that calculates the thermal sensation based on conditions such as the indoor temperature to calculate the optimal value of the indoor temperature based on the optimal value of the thermal sensation.

[0080] Then, the calculation unit 123 adds or subtracts a predetermined value from the optimal value of the indoor temperature calculated by the calculation unit 122 to calculate a candidate for the setting value of the indoor temperature (step S203). For example, the calculation unit 123 calculates a value in the range from a value obtained by adding the predetermined value to a value obtained by subtracting the predetermined value from the optimal value of the indoor temperature calculated by the calculation unit 122 as a candidate for the setting value of the indoor temperature. In addition, any value according to the purpose can be used for the predetermined value.

[0081] Then, the estimation unit 124 estimates the indoor environment and energy consumption when the setting value candidate calculated by the calculation unit 123 is used as the indoor temperature setting value for air conditioning control using the sensor data acquired by the acquisition unit 121 for each setting value candidate calculated by the calculation unit 123 (step S204). For example, the estimation unit 124 takes the setting value candidate calculated by the calculation unit 123 and the sensor data acquired by the acquisition unit 121 as inputs, and estimates the indoor environment and energy consumption when the setting value candidate calculated by the calculation unit 123 is used as the indoor temperature setting value for air conditioning control using the calculation unit 123 for each setting value candidate calculated by the calculation unit 123 using the calculation model.

[0082] Then, the selection unit 126 calculates the thermal sensation based on the estimated indoor environment (step S205). For example, the selection unit 126 inputs the estimated return air temperature value and the estimated return air humidity value contained in the estimated indoor environment into a function that calculates the thermal sensation based on the indoor temperature and other conditions, and calculates the thermal sensation. In addition, the above processing can be performed only by the selection unit 126, or can be performed in conjunction with other processing units.

[0083] Then, the selection unit 126 determines whether the thermal sensation corresponding to the indoor environment estimated by the estimation unit 124 is within the allowable region of thermal sensation contained in the information related to thermal sensation acquired by the acquisition unit 121 (step S206). Here, when the selection unit 126 determines that the thermal sensation corresponding to the indoor environment estimated by the estimation unit 124 is within the allowable region of thermal sensation contained in the information related to thermal sensation acquired by the acquisition unit 121 (step S206 "Yes"), the selection unit 126 selects the setting value candidate corresponding to the allowable region of thermal sensation with the minimum energy consumption (step S207).

[0084] On the other hand, when the selection unit 126 determines that the thermal sensation corresponding to the indoor environment estimated by the estimation unit 124 is not within the allowable area of ​​the thermal sensation contained in the information related to the thermal sensation acquired by the acquisition unit 121 (step S206 "No"), the setting value candidate closest to the optimal value of the indoor temperature calculated by the calculation unit 122 is selected (step S208).

[0085] [Effect]

[0086] The information processing device 100 of the implementation mode includes: an acquisition unit 121, which acquires sensor data and information related to cold and thermal sensations; a calculation unit 123, which calculates a candidate setting value for the indoor temperature based on the information related to cold and thermal sensations acquired by the acquisition unit 121; an estimation unit 124, which estimates, for each setting value candidate calculated by the calculation unit 123, the indoor environment and energy consumption when the setting value candidate calculated by the calculation unit 123 is used as the indoor temperature setting value for air conditioning control, using the sensor data acquired by the acquisition unit 121; and a selection unit 126, which selects a candidate setting value for the indoor temperature based on the indoor environment and energy consumption estimated by the estimation unit 124 and the allowable area of ​​cold and thermal sensation contained in the information related to cold and thermal sensations acquired by the acquisition unit 121.

[0087] Therefore, the information processing device 100 selects setting value candidates based on the estimated indoor environment and energy consumption for each setting value candidate calculated based on the acquired information related to thermal sensations, thereby automatically applying the indoor temperature setting value while ensuring the user's comfort and taking energy consumption into consideration.

[0088] Then, the calculation unit 123 of the information processing device 100 according to the embodiment calculates a temperature corresponding to the allowable range of thermal sensation included in the information on thermal sensation acquired by the acquisition unit 121 as a set value candidate for the indoor temperature.

[0089] Therefore, the information processing device 100 selects setting value candidates based on the estimated indoor environment and energy consumption for each setting value candidate corresponding to the allowable area of ​​cold and hot sensations calculated based on the acquired information related to cold and hot sensations. In this way, the indoor temperature setting value can be automatically applied while ensuring the user's comfort and taking energy consumption into consideration.

[0090] Moreover, the information processing device 100 of the implementation mode also includes a calculation unit 122, which calculates the optimal value of the indoor temperature based on the optimal value of the cold and hot sensation contained in the information related to the cold and hot sensation acquired by the acquisition unit 121, and the calculation unit 123 calculates the candidate setting value of the indoor temperature by adding or subtracting a specified value from the optimal value of the indoor temperature calculated by the calculation unit 122.

[0091] Therefore, the information processing device 100 selects setting value candidates based on the estimated indoor environment and energy consumption for each setting value candidate calculated by adding / subtracting a specified value from the optimal value of the cold and thermal sensation calculated based on the acquired information related to the cold and thermal sensation. In this way, the indoor temperature setting value can be automatically applied while ensuring the user's comfort and taking energy consumption into consideration.

[0092] Furthermore, the estimation unit 124 of the information processing device 100 of the embodiment estimates the setting value candidate closest to the median value among the setting value candidates calculated by the calculation unit 123, and excludes setting value candidates with a larger or smaller value than the estimated setting value candidate from the estimation target. Thus, the information processing device 100 preferentially estimates the candidates close to the median value among the setting value candidates, and excludes the candidates with a larger or smaller value than the median value from the estimation target, thereby performing the estimation process in a binary search manner, thereby reducing the amount of calculation and reducing the processing load.

[0093] Furthermore, the selection unit 126 of the information processing device 100 of the embodiment selects the setting value candidate corresponding to the allowable range of thermal sensations, which has the lowest energy consumption, when the thermal sensation corresponding to the indoor environment estimated by the estimation unit 124 is within the allowable range of thermal sensations included in the information related to thermal sensations acquired by the acquisition unit 121. Thus, the information processing device 100 selects the setting value candidate whose estimated result is within the allowable range of thermal sensations and has the lowest energy consumption, thereby automatically operating the indoor temperature setting value in consideration of energy consumption while ensuring the user's comfort.

[0094] Furthermore, the selection unit 126 of the information processing device 100 of the embodiment selects a setting value candidate closest to the optimal value of the indoor temperature calculated by the calculation unit 122 when the thermal sensation corresponding to the indoor environment estimated by the estimation unit 124 is not within the allowable range of thermal sensation included in the information related to thermal sensation acquired by the acquisition unit 121. Thus, the information processing device 100 selects a setting value candidate closest to the optimal value of the indoor temperature when all estimation results are outside the allowable range of thermal sensation, thereby automatically operating the indoor temperature setting value while ensuring the comfort of the user.

[0095] Furthermore, the information processing device 100 of the embodiment further includes a determination unit 125, which determines whether the setting value candidate calculated by the calculation unit 123 is consistent with the indoor environment estimated by the estimation unit 124, and the estimation unit 124 excludes setting value candidates with a larger or smaller value than the setting value candidate determined as inconsistent by the determination unit 125 from the estimation object. Thus, the information processing device 100 preferentially performs estimation processing from the candidates close to the median value among the setting value candidates, and in the case of an unachievable setting value, excludes the candidates larger or smaller than the value from the estimation object, thereby performing the estimation processing in a binary search manner, which can reduce the amount of calculation and reduce the processing load.

[0096] [program]

[0097] It is also possible to create a program in which the processing performed by the information processing device 100 described in the above embodiment is described in a computer-executable language. In this case, by executing the program on a computer, the same effect as in the above embodiment can be obtained. Furthermore, the program can also be recorded in a computer-readable recording medium, so that a computer reads the program recorded in the recording medium and executes it, thereby achieving the same processing as in the above embodiment.

[0098] Figure 8 FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an example of a computer that executes an information processing program. Figure 8 As shown, the computer 1000 includes, for example, a memory 1010, a CPU 1020, a hard disk drive interface 1030, a disk drive interface 1040, a serial port interface 1050, a video adapter 1060, and a network interface 1070. These components are connected via a bus 1080.

[0099] The memory 1010 includes a read-only memory (ROM) 1011 and a random access memory (RAM) 1012. The ROM 1011 stores, for example, a boot program such as a basic input output system (BIOS). The hard disk drive interface 1030 is connected to the hard disk drive 1090. The disk drive interface 1040 is connected to the disk drive 1100. In the disk drive 1100, a removable storage medium such as a magnetic disk or an optical disk is inserted. To the serial port interface 1050, for example, a mouse 1110 and a keyboard 1120 are connected. To the video adapter 1060, for example, a display 1130 is connected.

[0100] Here, if Figure 8 As shown, the hard disk drive 1090 stores, for example, an operating system (OS) 1091, an application program 1092, a program module 1093, and program data 1094. Each table described in the above embodiment is stored in the hard disk drive 1090 or the memory 1010, for example.

[0101] The information processing program is stored in the hard disk drive 1090 as a program module describing instructions executed by the computer 1000. Specifically, the hard disk drive 1090 stores a program module 1093 describing each process executed by the computer 1000 described in the above embodiment.

[0102] Data used in information processing by the information processing program is stored as program data in, for example, the hard disk drive 1090. The CPU 1020 reads the program module 1093 or program data 1094 stored in the hard disk drive 1090 to the RAM 1012 as necessary to execute the above-described processes.

[0103] In addition, the program module 1093 or program data 1094 related to the information processing program is not limited to being stored in the hard disk drive 1090, and may be stored in a removable storage medium, for example, and read out by the CPU 1020 via the disk drive 1100 or the like. Alternatively, the program module 1093 or program data 1094 related to the information processing program may be stored in another computer connected via a network such as a local area network (LAN) or a wide area network (WAN), and may be read out by the CPU 1020 via the network interface 1070.

[0104] [other]

[0105] In this specification, various embodiments are described in detail with reference to the drawings, but these multiple embodiments are examples and are not intended to limit the present invention to these multiple embodiments. The features described in this specification can be implemented by various methods including various modifications or improvements based on the knowledge of those skilled in the art.

[0106] Moreover, the "module" (-er suffix, -or suffix) can be read interchangeably as a unit, a component, a circuit, etc. For example, a communication module, a control module, and a storage module can be read interchangeably as a communication unit, a control unit, and a storage unit, respectively.

Claims

1. An information processing device, characterized in that: include: The acquisition unit acquires sensor data and information related to the sense of heat and cold; a calculation unit that calculates a candidate setting value of the indoor temperature based on the information related to the thermal sensation acquired by the acquisition unit; an estimating unit that estimates, for each of the setting value candidates calculated by the calculating unit, an indoor environment and energy consumption when air conditioning control is performed using the setting value candidate calculated by the calculating unit as an indoor temperature setting value, using the sensor data acquired by the acquiring unit; and The selection unit selects a setting value candidate for the indoor temperature based on the indoor environment estimated by the estimation unit, the energy consumption, and an allowable region of thermal sensation included in the information related to thermal sensation acquired by the acquisition unit.

2. The information processing device according to claim 1, characterized in that The calculation unit calculates a temperature corresponding to an allowable range of thermal sensation included in the information related to thermal sensation acquired by the acquisition unit as a candidate for a setting value of the indoor temperature.

3. The information processing device according to claim 1, characterized in that Also includes: a calculation unit that calculates an optimal value of the indoor temperature based on the optimal value of the thermal sensation included in the information related to the thermal sensation acquired by the acquisition unit, The calculation unit calculates a setting value candidate for the indoor temperature by adding or subtracting a predetermined value from the optimal value of the indoor temperature calculated by the calculation unit.

4. The information processing device according to claim 1, characterized in that The inference section is The setting value candidate closest to the median value among the setting value candidates calculated by the calculation unit is estimated, and setting value candidates having a larger value or a smaller value than the estimated setting value candidate are excluded from the estimation targets.

5. The information processing device according to claim 1, characterized in that The selection section is When the thermal sensation corresponding to the indoor environment estimated by the estimation unit is within an allowable range of thermal sensation contained in the information related to thermal sensation acquired by the acquisition unit, a setting value candidate with the lowest energy consumption is selected from among the setting value candidates corresponding to the allowable range of thermal sensation.

6. The information processing device according to claim 3, characterized in that: The selection section is When the thermal sensation corresponding to the indoor environment estimated by the estimation unit is not within an allowable range of thermal sensations included in the information related to thermal sensations acquired by the acquisition unit, a setting value candidate closest to the optimal value of the indoor temperature calculated by the calculation unit is selected.

7. The information processing device according to claim 4, characterized in that: Also includes: a determination unit for determining whether the setting value candidate calculated by the calculation unit is consistent with the indoor environment estimated by the estimation unit, The estimation unit excludes, from estimation targets, setting value candidates having a value greater or smaller than the setting value candidate determined by the determination unit as not matching.

8. An information processing method, which is a method executed by an information processing device, wherein the information processing method is characterized in that it includes: Acquisition process, acquisition of sensor data and information related to hot and cold sensations; a calculating step of calculating a candidate setting value of the indoor temperature based on the information related to the cold / thermal sensation acquired in the acquiring step; an estimating step of estimating, for each of the setting value candidates calculated by the calculating step, an indoor environment and energy consumption when air conditioning control is performed using the setting value candidate calculated by the calculating step as an indoor temperature setting value, using the sensor data acquired by the acquiring step; and The selecting step selects a candidate setting value of the indoor temperature based on the indoor environment estimated by the estimating step, the energy consumption, and the allowable region of thermal sensation included in the information related to thermal sensation acquired by the acquiring step.

9. A computer-readable storage medium having an information processing program stored thereon, characterized in that: The information processing program causes the computer to execute: Acquisition step, acquiring sensor data and information related to hot and cold sensations; a calculation step of calculating a candidate setting value of the indoor temperature based on the information related to the cold and thermal sensation acquired in the acquisition step; an estimating step of estimating, for each of the setting value candidates calculated by the calculating step, an indoor environment and energy consumption when air conditioning control is performed using the setting value candidate calculated by the calculating step as an indoor temperature setting value, using the sensor data acquired by the acquiring step; as well as The selecting step selects a candidate setting value of the indoor temperature based on the indoor environment estimated by the estimating step, the energy consumption, and the allowable region of thermal sensation included in the information related to thermal sensation acquired by the acquiring step.

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