Information processing device, information processing method and information processing program

Abstract

To automatically operate an indoor temperature set value by taking energy consumption into consideration while securing user's comfort.SOLUTION: According to an embodiment, an information processing device 100 includes an acquisition part 121 for acquiring sensor data and information related to a warm / cold feeling, a calculation part 123 for calculating a set value candidate for an indoor temperature on the basis of information related to the warm / cold feeling acquired by the acquisition part 121, an estimation part 124 for estimating an indoor environment and energy consumption in the case of performing air-conditioning control with the set value candidate calculated by the calculation part 123 as an indoor temperature set value by using the sensor data acquired by the acquisition part 121 for each set value candidate calculated by the calculation part 123, and a selection part 126 for selecting a set value candidate for an indoor temperature on the basis of the indoor environment estimated by the estimation part 124, the energy consumption, and an allowable area of a warm / cold feeling included in the information related to the warm / cold feeling acquired by the acquisition part.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an information processing device, an information processing method, and an information processing program. [Background technology]

[0002] Conventionally, there exists technology for automatically changing the settings of an air conditioner. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] JP 2015-004480 A [Patent Document 2] JP 2013-029272 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] In the conventional technology, it was sometimes impossible to automatically operate the indoor temperature setting value while taking into consideration energy consumption while ensuring the comfort of the user. For example, in the conventional technology, an impossible setting value was set due to the constraints of the environment, air conditioner, etc., and energy consumption increased due to a decrease in the operating efficiency of the air conditioner. In addition, the set value is often not actually comfortable for the user. Furthermore, the user needs to set the temperature himself / herself every time he / she feels uncomfortable, which still places a large burden on the user. The above-mentioned problems are examples of the problems that the present invention aims to solve.

[0005] The present invention has been made in consideration of the above, and aims to provide an information processing device, an information processing method, and an information processing program that automatically operate an indoor temperature setting value taking into account energy consumption while ensuring user comfort. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] In order to solve the above-mentioned problems and achieve the object, the information processing device of the present invention is characterized in having an acquisition unit that acquires sensor data and information regarding thermal sensation, a calculation unit that calculates candidate setting values ​​for indoor temperature based on the information regarding the thermal 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 candidate setting values ​​calculated by the calculation unit, the indoor environment and energy consumption when air conditioning control is performed using the candidate setting value calculated by the calculation unit as the indoor temperature setting value, and a selection unit that selects candidate setting values ​​for indoor temperature based on the indoor environment estimated by the estimation unit, the energy consumption, and the acceptable range of thermal sensation included in the information regarding the thermal sensation acquired by the acquisition unit. Effect of the Invention

[0007] According to the present invention, it is possible to automatically operate the indoor temperature setting value while taking into account energy consumption, while ensuring user comfort. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0008] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of an information processing device according to an embodiment. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a process flow by an estimation unit according to the embodiment. [Diagram 3] FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating the process performed by the information processing device according to the embodiment. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating an example of a process performed by a selection unit according to the embodiment. [Diagram 5] FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating an example of a process performed by a selection unit according to the embodiment. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating an example of unrealizable setting values ​​according to the embodiment. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing an example of a flow of processing by the information processing device according to the embodiment. [Figure 8]FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating an example of a computer that executes an information processing program. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0009] Hereinafter, with reference to the drawings, an embodiment of an information processing device, an information processing method, and an information processing program according to the present application will be described in detail. Note that the present invention is not limited to this embodiment. In addition, in the description of the drawings, the same parts are denoted by the same reference numerals, and duplicated explanations will be omitted as appropriate. In addition, when the symbol A is written as "A^{^}", this is equivalent to "a symbol with "^" written directly above "A".

[0010] [Introduction] Conventionally, air conditioning in office buildings and the like is controlled to keep the indoor temperature constant. For example, air conditioners operate according to a set temperature determined by users staying in the office, managers, etc. However, in conventional technology, it is sometimes impossible to automatically operate the indoor temperature set value while ensuring user comfort and taking energy consumption into consideration. For example, in conventional technology, under constraints such as the environment and air conditioners, the set temperature may not be realized due to factors such as the discrepancy between the actual temperature and the set temperature. When such an unrealizable set value is set, the operating efficiency of the air conditioner decreases, and energy consumption increases instead.

[0011] In addition, there are many cases where the temperature set by the automatic operation or the temperature set by the user is not comfortable for the user. In addition, if the user feels that the set temperature is not comfortable, he or she must change the set temperature by hand, which still places a heavy burden on the user. Furthermore, since the work is interrupted every time the user operates the temperature, this may lead to a decrease in work efficiency. For this reason, in automating the operation of indoor temperature settings, it is desirable to automatically change the indoor temperature setting value so as to ensure the comfort of office occupants and reduce energy consumption.

[0012] Therefore, the information processing device 100 according to the embodiment acquires sensor data and information on thermal sensation, calculates indoor temperature set value candidates based on the acquired information on thermal sensation, estimates the indoor environment and energy consumption when air conditioning control is performed using the set value candidate as the indoor temperature set value using the sensor data for each calculated set value candidate, and selects the indoor temperature set value candidate based on the estimated indoor environment, energy consumption, and the allowable range of thermal sensation included in the information on thermal sensation. As a result, the information processing device 100 can automatically operate the indoor temperature set value taking energy consumption into consideration while ensuring user comfort using the results of simulating the operating status of the air conditioner.

[0013] [Configuration of information processing device] Next, the configuration of the information processing device 100 will be described with reference to Fig. 1. Fig. 1 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of the information processing device 100. As shown in Fig. 1, the information processing device 100 has a communication unit 110, a control unit 120, and a storage unit 130. Note that each of these units may be held in a distributed manner in a plurality of devices. The processing of each unit will be described below.

[0014] The communication unit 110 is realized by a NIC (Network Interface Card) or the like, and enables communication between an external device and the control unit 120 via an electric communication line such as a LAN (Local Area Network) or the Internet. For example, the communication unit 110 enables communication between the external device and the control unit 120.

[0015] The storage unit 130 is realized by a semiconductor memory element such as a RAM (Random Access Memory) or a 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 on thermal sensation, setting value candidates, a simulation model, setting values, and other information necessary for automatic operation of setting values. Here, the sensor data includes information such as outdoor air conditions, indoor environment, and air conditioner state. The outdoor air conditions include information such as outdoor air temperature, outdoor air humidity, and solar radiation conditions. The indoor environment includes information such as indoor temperature, indoor humidity, and indoor CO2 concentration. The information on thermal sensation is information on predicted mean vote (PMV) used as an index of thermal sensation felt by humans, and includes information such as the allowable range of thermal sensation (PMV-0.5 to +0.5) and the optimal value of thermal sensation (PMV0). The information stored in the storage unit 130 is not limited to the examples described above.

[0016] The control unit 120 is realized using a CPU (Central Processing Unit), an NP (Network Processor), an FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array), etc., and executes a processing program stored in a memory. As shown in Fig. 1, the control unit 120 has 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. Each unit of the control unit 120 will be described below.

[0017] The acquisition unit 121 acquires sensor data and information related to thermal sensation. For example, the acquisition unit 121 acquires information such as outdoor air conditions, indoor environment, and air conditioner status as sensor data from an external system such as a BAS (Building Automation System). Also, for example, the acquisition unit 121 acquires information such as an acceptable range of thermal sensation and an optimal value of thermal sensation as information related to thermal sensation from the external system. Also, the acquisition unit 121 may acquire information related to thermal sensation from the storage unit 130.

[0018] The calculation unit 122 calculates the optimum value of the room temperature from the optimum value of the thermal sensation included in the information on the thermal sensation acquired by the acquisition unit 121. For example, the calculation unit 122 calculates the optimum value of the room temperature from the optimum value of the thermal sensation using a function that calculates the thermal sensation from conditions such as the room temperature. More specifically, the calculation unit 122 calculates the optimum value of the room temperature from the optimum value of the thermal sensation using the following formulas 1 and 2. Here, PMV is the thermal sensation. PMV opt is the optimal value for thermal sensation. t is the temperature. t opt is the optimal value of the indoor temperature. F is a function that calculates the thermal sensation based on the indoor temperature and other conditions.

[0019]

number

[0020]

number

[0021] The calculation unit 123 calculates a candidate setting value for the indoor temperature based on the information on the thermal sensation acquired by the acquisition unit 121. For example, the calculation unit 123 calculates a temperature corresponding to the acceptable range of the thermal sensation included in the information on the thermal sensation acquired by the acquisition unit 121 as a candidate setting value for the indoor temperature. For example, the calculation unit 123 calculates a temperature corresponding to the acceptable range of the thermal sensation as a candidate setting value for the indoor temperature using Formula 1. More specifically, the calculation unit 123 converts the lower limit (PMV-0.5) of the acceptable range of the thermal sensation and the upper limit (PMV+0.5) of the acceptable range of the thermal sensation into indoor temperatures using Formula 1, and calculates a temperature within the range of the converted temperatures as a candidate setting value for the indoor temperature. Note that when converting from the thermal sensation to temperature or converting from temperature to the thermal sensation using Formulas 1 and 2, a predetermined value may be used as a default value for elements other than temperature.

[0022] Also, the calculation unit 123 calculates the indoor temperature setting value candidate by adding or subtracting a predetermined value to the optimal value of the indoor temperature calculated by the calculation unit 122. For example, the calculation unit 123 calculates a value within a range from a value obtained by adding a predetermined value to the optimal value of the indoor temperature calculated by the calculation unit 122 to a value obtained by subtracting the predetermined value, as the indoor temperature setting value candidate. More specifically, the calculation unit 123 calculates a value within a range of 22°C to 24°C obtained by adding or subtracting a predetermined value 1.0 to the optimal value of the indoor temperature 23°C calculated by the calculation unit 122, as the indoor temperature setting value candidate. Note that any value according to the purpose can be used as the predetermined value. Also, the predetermined value is not limited to one, and multiple predetermined values ​​may be used. That is, for example, the calculation unit 123 may calculate a value obtained by adding or subtracting multiple predetermined values ​​0.5, 1.0, 1.5, and 2.0 to or from the optimal value of the indoor temperature 23°C, as the indoor temperature setting value candidate.

[0023] The estimation unit 124 estimates, for each setting value candidate calculated by the calculation unit 123, the indoor environment and energy consumption when air conditioning control is performed with the setting value candidate calculated by the calculation unit 123 as the indoor temperature setting value, using the sensor data acquired by the acquisition unit 121. For example, the estimation unit 124 receives the setting value candidate calculated by the calculation unit 123 and the sensor data acquired by the acquisition unit 121 as input, and, for each setting value candidate calculated by the calculation unit 123, estimates, using a computation model, the indoor environment and energy consumption when air conditioning control is performed with the setting value candidate calculated by the calculation unit 123 as the indoor temperature setting value.

[0024] More specifically, the estimation unit 124 receives as input the setting value candidates calculated by the calculation unit 123 and the outdoor air conditions, indoor environment, and air conditioner state acquired by the acquisition unit 121, and, for each setting value candidate calculated by the calculation unit 123, uses an air conditioner model and an indoor environment model to estimate the return air temperature, return air humidity, coil energy consumption, and fan energy consumption when air conditioning control is performed using the setting value candidates calculated by the calculation unit 123 as the indoor temperature setting value.

[0025] Here, the flow of the estimation process by the estimation unit 124 will be described with reference to Fig. 2. Fig. 2 is a diagram showing an example of the flow of the estimation process by the estimation unit 124. Note that the steps below may be executed in a different order, and some processes may be omitted.

[0026] First, the estimation unit 124 acquires set value candidates (step S101). For example, the estimation unit 124 acquires set value candidates calculated by the calculation unit 123. Next, the estimation unit 124 calculates the indoor load using the air supply and ventilation information (step S102). For example, the estimation unit 124 calculates the indoor load using the air supply and ventilation information set in advance.

[0027] Next, the estimation unit 124 executes a calculation of the air conditioner model (step S103). For example, the estimation unit 124 calculates heat exchange, ventilation, and the like by the virtual air conditioner. Next, the estimation unit 124 executes a calculation of the indoor environment model (step S104). For example, the estimation unit 124 calculates fluctuations in temperature, humidity, CO2, and the like in the virtual indoor environment.

[0028] Next, the estimation unit 124 determines whether the update of the indoor temperature is equal to or less than a predetermined threshold (step S105). For example, when the estimation unit 124 determines that the update of the indoor temperature is not equal to or less than 0.1° C. (step S105 “NO”), the estimation unit 124 performs the process of step S103 again. Note that, in the above example, 0.1° C. is used as the predetermined threshold, but the estimation unit 124 can use any value according to the purpose as the predetermined threshold when making the determination in step S105.

[0029] On the other hand, for example, when the estimation unit 124 determines that the update of the indoor temperature is 0.1° C. or less (step S105 “YES”), the estimation unit 124 outputs the estimated indoor environment and consumed energy (step S106). For example, the estimation unit 124 outputs the estimated indoor environment and consumed energy to other processing units such as the determination unit 125 and the selection unit 126.

[0030] Returning to FIG. 1, the description will be continued. The estimation unit 124 performs estimation on the setting value candidate closest to the median among the setting value candidates calculated by the calculation unit 123, and excludes setting value candidates with values ​​larger or smaller than the estimated setting value candidate from the estimation target. For example, the estimation unit 124 performs estimation on the setting value candidate closest to the median among the setting value candidates calculated by the calculation unit 123, and excludes setting value candidates with values ​​larger or smaller than the setting value candidates determined by the determination unit 125 described later from the estimation target. More specifically, for example, when the current room temperature is 32°C and the setting value candidates calculated by the calculation unit 123 are 20°C, 21°C, 22°C, 23°C, and 24°C, the estimation unit 124 performs estimation processing on 22°C, which is closest to the median of the setting value candidates, and when 22°C is not feasible, excludes 20°C and 21°C, which are setting value candidates with values ​​smaller than the estimated 22°C, from the estimation target.

[0031] In other words, the estimation unit 124 prioritizes estimation of the setting value candidate that is closest to the median among the setting value candidates, and if that setting value candidate is not feasible, excludes from the estimation the setting value candidate that is considered to impose a greater load than that setting value candidate.

[0032] The determination unit 125 determines whether or not the setting value candidate calculated by the calculation unit 123 matches the indoor environment estimated by the estimation unit 124. For example, the determination unit 125 determines whether or not the setting value candidate calculated by the calculation unit 123 matches the return air temperature estimated value included in the indoor environment estimated by the estimation unit 124. That is, the determination unit 125 determines whether or not a certain setting value candidate matches the return air temperature estimated value that is the result of estimation using the setting value candidate, thereby determining whether or not the setting value candidate is feasible.

[0033] 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 acceptable range of the thermal sensation included in the information on 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 acceptable range of the thermal sensation included in the information on the thermal sensation acquired by the acquisition unit 121, the selection unit 126 selects the setting value candidate with the smallest energy consumption from among the setting value candidates corresponding to the acceptable range of the thermal sensation. In other words, when the estimated indoor environment satisfies the condition of the following mathematical formula 3, the selection unit 126 selects the setting value candidate with the smallest energy consumption. Here, t^{^} RA is the estimated return air temperature. h^{^} RA is the estimated return air humidity. F is a function that calculates thermal sensation based on conditions such as the indoor temperature.

[0034]

number

[0035] 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 from conditions such as the indoor temperature, and when the thermal sensation PMV corresponding to the indoor environment (return air temperature estimate and return air humidity estimate) is within the acceptable range of thermal sensation (PMV-0.5 to +0.5) included in the information on thermal sensation acquired by the acquisition unit 121, selects the setting value candidate 25°C, which has the smallest energy consumption, from among the setting value candidates corresponding to the acceptable range of thermal sensation.

[0036] Furthermore, 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 on thermal sensation acquired by the acquisition unit 121, the selection unit 126 selects the setting value candidate closest to the optimum value of the indoor temperature calculated by the calculation unit 122. In other words, when all the estimated indoor environments do not satisfy the condition of the above mathematical formula 3, the selection unit 126 selects the setting value candidate closest to the optimum value of the indoor temperature calculated by the calculation unit 122.

[0037] More specifically, when the thermal sensation corresponding to an 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 acceptable range of thermal sensation (PMV-0.5 to +0.5) included in the information on thermal sensation acquired by the acquisition unit 121, the selection unit 126 selects 24°C, which is closest to the optimal value of the indoor temperature calculated by the calculation unit 122.

[0038] [Processing by information processing device] Next, the processing by the information processing device 100 will be described with reference to Figs. 3-6. First, the processing performed by the information processing device 100 will be described with reference to Fig. 3. Fig. 3 is a diagram for explaining the processing performed by the information processing device 100, and Fig. 3 shows the processing mainly performed by the estimation unit 124 separately from the processing performed by other processing units. In Fig. 3, OA (Outdoor Air) indicates outside air, EA (Exhaust Air) indicates exhaust air, SA (Supply Air) indicates supply air, and RA (Return Air) indicates return air. In Fig. 3, t^{^} RA is the estimated return air temperature, h^{^} RA is the estimated return air temperature, E^{^} coil is the estimated energy consumption of the coil, E^{^} fan is the estimated energy consumption of the fan.

[0039] First, as shown in Fig. 3, for example, the acquisition unit 121 acquires sensor data such as an outdoor air condition of 30°C, an indoor temperature of 26°C, and an air conditioner status of Active from an external system such as a BAS. The acquisition unit 121 also acquires an acceptable range and an optimal value of a thermal sensation from another system. Next, for example, the calculation unit 122 calculates an optimal value of an indoor temperature from the optimal value of a thermal sensation acquired by the acquisition unit 121. Next, for example, the calculation unit 123 calculates a candidate setting value of 25°C for the indoor temperature by processing such as adding or subtracting a predetermined value to the optimal value of the indoor temperature. Information on the candidate setting value of the indoor temperature calculated in this manner is passed from the calculation unit 123 to the estimation unit 124 (Fig. 3(1)).

[0040] Next, the estimation unit 124 estimates the indoor environment and energy consumption when air conditioning control is performed with the set value candidate as the indoor temperature set value, using the sensor data acquired by the acquisition unit 121, for each indoor temperature set value candidate calculated by the calculation unit 123. For example, the estimation unit 124 estimates a return air temperature estimated value of 25°C, a return air humidity estimated value of 50%, an estimated coil energy consumption value of 12 kWh, and an estimated fan energy consumption value of 6 kWh when air conditioning control is performed with the set value candidate 25°C as the indoor temperature set value.

[0041] At this time, the estimation unit 124 may perform the estimation process for each set value candidate one by one, or may perform the estimation process in cooperation with the determination unit 125 that determines the feasibility. For example, the estimation unit 124 performs a simulation for the set value candidate closest to the median value of the set value candidates, and the determination unit 125 determines whether the set value candidate and the return air temperature estimated value match. If the determination unit 125 determines that they do not match, the estimation unit 124 determines that the set value candidate is not feasible, and excludes set value candidates that are larger or smaller than the set value candidate from the estimation target. In this way, by excluding set value candidates that are considered to be more difficult to achieve than the set value candidate estimated to be not feasible, the estimation process is performed in a binary search manner, and the amount of calculations is reduced, thereby reducing the processing load.

[0042] Through the above-mentioned estimation process, information on the indoor environment and energy consumption estimated by the estimation unit 124 is sent from the estimation unit 124 to the selection unit 126 (FIG. 3(2)). Then, the selection unit 126 selects indoor temperature set value candidates 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 indoor temperature set value candidates from the acquired sensor data and information on thermal sensation, and selects set value candidates from the viewpoint of comfort and energy saving, using the indoor environment and energy consumption estimated for each set value candidate.

[0043] Next, an example in which a setting value candidate that is within the allowable range of the thermal sensation and consumes the least amount of energy will be described with reference to FIG. 4. FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of processing by the selection unit 126. For example, as shown in the table in FIG. 4, when the setting value candidates are 24°C to 26°C and the setting value candidate within the allowable range of the thermal sensation is 24°C to 25°C, the selection unit 126 selects the setting value candidate 25°C that is within the allowable range of the thermal sensation and consumes the least amount of energy. Then, an external system such as a BAS performs air conditioning control so that the indoor temperature becomes the selected setting value. In this way, the information processing device 100 can automatically operate the indoor temperature setting value in consideration of energy consumption while ensuring the comfort of the user by selecting a setting value candidate whose estimated result is within the allowable range of the thermal sensation and consumes the least amount of energy.

[0044] Next, with reference to FIG. 5, an example will be described in which a setting value candidate closest to the optimum value of a thermal sensation is selected when all the setting value candidates are outside the allowable range of a thermal sensation. FIG. 5 is a diagram showing an example of processing by the selection unit 126. For example, as shown in the table in FIG. 5, when the setting value candidates are 24°C to 26°C and all the setting value candidates are outside the allowable range of a thermal sensation, the selection unit 126 selects the setting value candidate 24°C closest to the optimum value of a thermal sensation. Then, an external system such as a BAS performs air conditioning control so that the indoor temperature becomes the selected setting value. In this way, when all the estimated results are outside the allowable range of a thermal sensation, the information processing device 100 can automatically operate the indoor temperature setting value while ensuring the comfort of the user by selecting the setting value candidate closest to the optimum value of the indoor temperature.

[0045] Next, an example of an unrealizable set value will be described with reference to FIG. 6. FIG. 6 is a diagram showing an example of an unrealizable set value. An unrealizable set value is a set value that cannot be set to the indoor temperature due to factors such as the deviation between the actual temperature and the set value, the conditions of the outdoor air and indoor environment, and the limitations of the air conditioner. For example, as shown in FIG. 6, when the sensor data indicates an outdoor air condition of 30° C., an indoor temperature of 26° C., and an air conditioning state of Active, a set value candidate of 15° C. is an unrealizable set value. Here, in the example described in this embodiment, the unrealizable set value is eliminated as a result of the processing by the selection unit 126. That is, when the set value candidate is within the allowable range of the thermal sensation, the selection unit 126 selects the set value candidate with the smallest energy consumption, and when all the set value candidates are outside the allowable range of the thermal sensation, the selection unit 126 selects the set value candidate closest to the optimal value of the thermal sensation, thereby eliminating the unrealizable set value and selecting an appropriate set value candidate according to the situation.

[0046] [flowchart] Next, the flow of processing by the information processing device 100 will be described with reference to Fig. 7. Note that the steps below may be executed in a different order, and some processing may be omitted.

[0047] First, the acquisition unit 121 acquires sensor data and information related to thermal sensation (step S201). For example, the acquisition unit 121 acquires information such as outdoor air conditions, indoor environment, and air conditioner status as sensor data from an external system such as a BAS. Also, for example, the acquisition unit 121 acquires information such as an acceptable range of thermal sensation and an optimal value of thermal sensation as information related to thermal sensation from the external system.

[0048] Next, the calculation unit 122 calculates the optimum value of the room temperature from the optimum value of the thermal sensation included in the information on the thermal sensation acquired by the acquisition unit 121 (step S202). For example, the calculation unit 122 calculates the optimum value of the room temperature from the optimum value of the thermal sensation using a function for calculating the thermal sensation from conditions such as the room temperature.

[0049] Next, calculation unit 123 calculates a candidate setting value for the indoor temperature by adding or subtracting a predetermined value to the optimum value for the indoor temperature calculated by calculation unit 122 (step S203). For example, calculation unit 123 calculates a value within the range from a value obtained by adding a predetermined value to the optimum value for the indoor temperature calculated by calculation unit 122 to a value obtained by subtracting the predetermined value from the optimum value for the indoor temperature calculated by calculation unit 122, as the candidate setting value for the indoor temperature. Note that the predetermined value can be any value according to the purpose.

[0050] Next, the estimation unit 124 uses the sensor data acquired by the acquisition unit 121 for each of the setting value candidates calculated by the calculation unit 123 to estimate the indoor environment and energy consumption when air conditioning control is performed with the setting value candidates calculated by the calculation unit 123 as the indoor temperature setting value (step S204). For example, the estimation unit 124 uses the setting value candidates calculated by the calculation unit 123 and the sensor data acquired by the acquisition unit 121 as inputs, and uses a computation model for each of the setting value candidates calculated by the calculation unit 123 to estimate the indoor environment and energy consumption when air conditioning control is performed with the setting value candidates calculated by the calculation unit 123 as the indoor temperature setting value.

[0051] Next, the selection unit 126 calculates a thermal sensation from the estimated indoor environment (step S205). For example, the selection unit 126 inputs the return air temperature estimated value and the return air humidity estimated value included in the estimated indoor environment into a function that calculates a thermal sensation from conditions such as the indoor temperature, and calculates a thermal sensation. This process may be performed by the selection unit 126 alone, or may be performed in cooperation with another processing unit.

[0052] Next, the selection unit 126 determines whether the thermal sensation corresponding to the indoor environment estimated by the estimation unit 124 is within the acceptable range of the thermal sensation included in the information on the thermal sensation acquired by the acquisition unit 121 (step S206). If the selection unit 126 determines that the thermal sensation corresponding to the indoor environment estimated by the estimation unit 124 is within the acceptable range of the thermal sensation included in the information on the thermal sensation acquired by the acquisition unit 121 (step S206 "YES"), the selection unit 126 selects the setting value candidate with the smallest energy consumption from among the setting value candidates corresponding to the acceptable range of the thermal sensation (step S207).

[0053] On the other hand, if the selection unit 126 determines that the thermal sensation corresponding to the indoor environment estimated by the estimation unit 124 is not within the acceptable range of thermal sensation included in the information on thermal sensation acquired by the acquisition unit 121 (step S206 "NO"), it selects the setting value candidate that is closest to the optimal value of the indoor temperature calculated by the calculation unit 122 (step S208).

[0054] [effect] The information processing device 100 according to the embodiment has an acquisition unit 121 that acquires sensor data and information relating to thermal sensation, a calculation unit 123 that calculates candidate setting values ​​for the indoor temperature based on the information relating to the thermal sensation acquired by the acquisition unit 121, an estimation unit 124 that uses the sensor data acquired by the acquisition unit 121 to estimate, for each candidate setting value calculated by the calculation unit 123, the indoor environment and energy consumption when air conditioning control is performed using the candidate setting value calculated by the calculation unit 123 as the indoor temperature setting value, and a selection unit 126 that selects the candidate setting value for the indoor temperature based on the indoor environment estimated by the estimation unit 124, the energy consumption, and the acceptable range of thermal sensation included in the information relating to the thermal sensation acquired by the acquisition unit 121.

[0055] As a result, the information processing device 100 can automatically operate the indoor temperature setting value taking into account energy consumption while ensuring user comfort by selecting a setting value candidate based on the indoor environment and energy consumption estimated for each setting value candidate calculated from the acquired information on thermal sensation.

[0056] Moreover, the calculation unit 123 of the information processing device 100 according to the embodiment calculates a temperature corresponding to the tolerable range of a thermal sensation included in the information on a thermal sensation acquired by the acquisition unit 121 as a candidate setting value for the indoor temperature.

[0057] As a result, the information processing device 100 can automatically operate the indoor temperature setting value taking into account energy consumption while ensuring user comfort by selecting setting value candidates based on the indoor environment and energy consumption estimated for each setting value candidate corresponding to the acceptable range of thermal sensation calculated from the acquired information on thermal sensation.

[0058] In addition, the information processing device 100 according to the embodiment further has a calculation unit 122 that calculates an optimal value of the indoor temperature from the optimal value of the thermal sensation included in the information relating to the thermal sensation acquired by the acquisition unit 121, and the calculation unit 123 calculates a candidate setting value for the indoor temperature by adding or subtracting a predetermined value to the optimal value of the indoor temperature calculated by the calculation unit 122.

[0059] As a result, the information processing device 100 can automatically operate the indoor temperature setting value taking into account energy consumption while ensuring user comfort by selecting a setting value candidate based on the indoor environment and energy consumption estimated for each setting value candidate calculated by adding or subtracting a predetermined value to the optimal value of thermal sensation calculated from the acquired information on thermal sensation.

[0060] Moreover, the estimation unit 124 of the information processing device 100 according to the embodiment performs estimation on the setting value candidate closest to the median among the setting value candidates calculated by the calculation unit 123, and excludes setting value candidates having values ​​larger or smaller than the estimated setting value candidate from the estimation targets. As a result, the information processing device 100 performs estimation processing preferentially on candidates closest to the median of the setting value candidates, and excludes candidates having values ​​larger or smaller than the estimated setting value candidate from the estimation targets, thereby performing estimation processing in a binary search manner, and reducing the amount of calculation and the processing load.

[0061] Furthermore, when the thermal sensation corresponding to the indoor environment estimated by the estimation unit 124 is within the acceptable range of thermal sensation included in the information on thermal sensation acquired by the acquisition unit 121, the selection unit 126 of the information processing device 100 according to the embodiment selects the setting value candidate with the minimum energy consumption from among the setting value candidates corresponding to the acceptable range of thermal sensation. In this way, the information processing device 100 can automatically operate the indoor temperature setting value in consideration of energy consumption while ensuring the comfort of the user by selecting the setting value candidate with the minimum energy consumption whose estimated result is within the acceptable range of thermal sensation.

[0062] Furthermore, 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 on thermal sensation acquired by the acquisition unit 121, the selection unit 126 of the information processing device 100 according to the embodiment selects the setting value candidate closest to the optimal value of the indoor temperature calculated by the calculation unit 122. As a result, when all estimation results are outside the allowable range of thermal sensation, the information processing device 100 can automatically operate the indoor temperature setting value while ensuring the comfort of the user by selecting the setting value candidate closest to the optimal value of the indoor temperature.

[0063] Moreover, the information processing device 100 according to the embodiment further includes a determination unit 125 that determines whether the setting value candidates calculated by the calculation unit 123 match the indoor environment estimated by the estimation unit 124, and the estimation unit 124 excludes setting value candidates having a value larger or smaller than the setting value candidates determined by the determination unit 125 not to match from the estimation target. As a result, the information processing device 100 performs estimation processing by prioritizing candidates close to the median value of the setting value candidates, and if the setting value is an unrealizable value, excludes candidates larger or smaller than the value from the estimation target, thereby performing estimation processing in a binary search manner, thereby reducing the amount of calculation and the processing load.

[0064] [program] It is also possible to create a program in which the processes executed by the information processing device 100 described in the above embodiment are written in a language executable by a computer. In this case, the same effects as those of the above embodiment can be obtained by having the computer execute the program. Furthermore, such a program may be recorded on a computer-readable recording medium, and the program recorded on the recording medium may be read and executed by a computer to realize the same processes as those of the above embodiment.

[0065] Fig. 8 is a diagram showing an example of a computer that executes an information processing program. As shown in Fig. 8, a 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 by a bus 1080.

[0066] The memory 1010 includes a ROM (Read Only Memory) 1011 and a RAM 1012. The ROM 1011 stores a boot program such as a BIOS (Basic Input Output System). The hard disk drive interface 1030 is connected to a hard disk drive 1090. The disk drive interface 1040 is connected to a disk drive 1100. A removable storage medium such as a magnetic disk or an optical disk is inserted into the disk drive 1100. The serial port interface 1050 is connected to a mouse 1110 and a keyboard 1120, for example. The video adapter 1060 is connected to a display 1130, for example.

[0067] 8, the hard disk drive 1090 stores, for example, an OS 1091, an application program 1092, a program module 1093, and program data 1094. The tables described in the above embodiments are stored in the hard disk drive 1090 or memory 1010, for example.

[0068] Furthermore, the information processing program is stored in the hard disk drive 1090, for example, as a program module in which instructions to be executed by the computer 1000 are written. Specifically, the hard disk drive 1090 stores a program module 1093 in which each process executed by the computer 1000 described in the above embodiment is written.

[0069] Furthermore, data used for information processing by the information processing program is stored as program data, for example, in the hard disk drive 1090. Then, the CPU 1020 reads out the program module 1093 and the program data 1094 stored in the hard disk drive 1090 into the RAM 1012 as necessary, and executes each of the above-mentioned procedures.

[0070] The program module 1093 and program data 1094 relating to the information processing program are not limited to being stored in the hard disk drive 1090, and may be stored in, for example, a removable storage medium and read by the CPU 1020 via the disk drive 1100 or the like. Alternatively, the program module 1093 and program data 1094 relating to the control program may be stored in another computer connected via a network such as a LAN (Local Area Network) or a WAN (Wide Area Network), and read by the CPU 1020 via the network interface 1070.

[0071] [others] Although various embodiments have been described in detail herein with reference to the drawings, these embodiments are merely examples and are not intended to limit the present invention to these embodiments. The features described herein can be realized in various ways, including various modifications and improvements based on the knowledge of those skilled in the art.

[0072] Furthermore, the above-mentioned "module (-er suffix, -or suffix)" can be read as a unit, a means, a circuit, etc. For example, a communication module, a control module, and a storage module can be read as a communication unit, a control unit, and a storage unit, respectively. [Explanation of symbols]

[0073] 100 Information processing device 110 Communications Department 120 Control section 121 Acquisition Department 122 Calculation section 123 Calculation section 124 Estimation Department 125 Judgment section 126 Selection section 130 Storage section

Claims

1. An acquisition unit that acquires sensor data and information related to thermal sensation; A calculation unit that calculates a candidate setting value for an indoor temperature based on the information on the thermal sensation acquired by the acquisition unit; an estimation unit that estimates, for each of the setting value candidates calculated by the calculation unit, an indoor environment and energy consumption in a case where air conditioning control is performed using the setting value candidate calculated by the calculation unit as an indoor temperature setting value, by using the sensor data acquired by the acquisition unit; a selection unit that selects a candidate setting value for the indoor temperature based on the indoor environment estimated by the estimation unit, the consumed energy, and an allowable range of a thermal sensation included in the information on the thermal sensation acquired by the acquisition unit; 13. An information processing device comprising:

2. The calculation unit calculates a temperature corresponding to an acceptable range of a thermal sensation included in the information about the thermal sensation acquired by the acquisition unit as a candidate setting value for the indoor temperature.

2. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1,

3. A calculation unit that calculates an optimal value of an indoor temperature from an optimal value of a thermal sensation included in the information on the thermal sensation acquired by the acquisition unit, The calculation unit calculates a candidate setting value for the indoor temperature by adding or subtracting a predetermined value to the optimal value for the indoor temperature calculated by the calculation unit.

2. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1,

4. The estimation unit is An estimation is performed for the setting value candidate that is closest to the median among the setting value candidates calculated by the calculation unit, and setting value candidates having values ​​larger or smaller than the estimated setting value candidate are excluded from the estimation targets.

2. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1,

5. The selection unit is When the thermal sensation corresponding to the indoor environment estimated by the estimation unit is within a tolerance range of the thermal sensation included in the information on the thermal sensation acquired by the acquisition unit, a setting value candidate with the smallest energy consumption is selected from among the setting value candidates corresponding to the tolerance range of the thermal sensation.

2. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1,

6. The selection unit is When the thermal sensation corresponding to the indoor environment estimated by the estimation unit is not within a permissible range of the thermal sensation included in the information on the thermal sensation acquired by the acquisition unit, a setting value candidate that is closest to the optimal value of the indoor temperature calculated by the calculation unit is selected.

4. The information processing apparatus according to claim 3.

7. a determination unit that determines whether the setting value candidate calculated by the calculation unit and the indoor environment estimated by the estimation unit match each other. and The estimation unit excludes from estimation targets setting value candidates having values ​​larger or smaller than the setting value candidates determined by the determination unit to not match.

5. The information processing apparatus according to claim 4.

8. A method executed by an information processing device, comprising: an acquisition step of acquiring sensor data and information related to a thermal sensation; a calculation step of calculating a candidate setting value for the indoor temperature based on the information on the thermal sensation acquired in the acquisition step; an estimation step of estimating, for each of the setting value candidates calculated in the calculation step, an indoor environment and energy consumption when air conditioning control is performed using the setting value candidates calculated in the calculation step as indoor temperature setting values, by using the sensor data acquired in the acquisition step; a selection step of selecting a candidate setting value for the indoor temperature based on the indoor environment estimated in the estimation step, the consumed energy, and an allowable range of the thermal sensation included in the information on the thermal sensation acquired in the acquisition step; 13. An information processing method comprising:

9. An acquisition step of acquiring sensor data and information related to a thermal sensation; a calculation step of calculating a candidate setting value for the indoor temperature based on the information on the thermal sensation acquired in the acquisition step; an estimation step of estimating, for each of the setting value candidates calculated in the calculation step, an indoor environment and energy consumption in a case where air conditioning control is performed using the setting value candidate calculated in the calculation step as an indoor temperature setting value, by using the sensor data acquired in the acquisition step; a selection step of selecting a candidate setting value for the indoor temperature based on the indoor environment estimated in the estimation step, the consumed energy, and an allowable range of the thermal sensation included in the information on the thermal sensation acquired in the acquisition step; An information processing program characterized by causing a computer to execute the above.

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