Information processing device, information processing method, information processing program, and information processing system

Abstract

To provide an information processing device, an information processing method, an information processing program, and an information processing system for promoting energy conservation.SOLUTION: A processing unit 36 of an information processing device 10 acquires a target power consumption for an object P to be managed and acquires installation information including a first set position of a first environmental adjustment installation provided on a first area included in the object P to be managed and a first set value at a first time in the first environmental adjustment installation and a second set position of a second environmental adjustment installation provided on a second area included in the object P to be managed and a second set value at a first time of the second environmental adjustment installation. The processing unit 36 estimates a total power consumption in the object P to be managed when the first set value and the second set value are adjusted to be different from each other, based on the installation information. The processing unit 36 determines the first set value and the second set value that are adjusted so that the total power consumption is equal to or less than the target power consumption.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] An embodiment of the present invention relates to an information processing device, an information processing method, an information processing program, and an information processing system. [Background technology]

[0002] Systems are known that achieve energy conservation by controlling the operation state of environmental adjustment equipment, such as air conditioning equipment, installed within a managed area of ​​a building, etc. For example, systems that stop and control equipment in areas other than the work area, systems that control the operation state of environmental adjustment equipment according to the seat occupancy status within a room, and systems that set the air conditioning temperature distribution according to user preferences have been disclosed.

[0003] However, in the conventional technology, no consideration is given to energy conservation of the entire managed system, and it may be difficult to promote energy conservation. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] JP 2011-4047 A [Patent Document 2] JP 2013-186861 A [Patent Document 3] JP 2019-219097 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] An object of the present invention is to provide an information processing device, an information processing method, an information processing program, and an information processing system that are capable of promoting energy conservation. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] An information processing device of an embodiment includes a processing unit, which acquires a target power consumption for a managed object, acquires equipment information including a first installation position of a first environmental adjustment device installed in a first area included in the managed object and a first setting value of the first environmental adjustment device at a first time, and a second installation position of a second environmental adjustment device installed in a second area included in the managed object and a second setting value of the second environmental adjustment device at the first time, estimates total power consumption in the managed object when the first setting value and the second setting value are adjusted to be different values ​​based on the equipment information, and determines adjusted first setting value and second setting value such that the total power consumption is equal to or less than the target power consumption. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0007] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of an information processing system. [Diagram 2] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of the data structure of facility information. [Diagram 3] FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram showing a data structure of user number information. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram showing a data configuration of setting candidate information. [Diagram 5] FIG. 13 is a schematic diagram showing the data structure of an estimated number of mobile users table. [Figure 6] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an estimation result of the estimated number of users. [Figure 7] FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram showing a data structure of an estimation table. [Figure 8] FIG. [Figure 9A] FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating the estimation result of total power consumption. [Figure 9B] FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating the estimation result of total power consumption. [Figure 10] 1 is a flowchart showing the flow of information processing. [Figure 11] Hardware configuration diagram. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0008] An information processing device, an information processing method, an information processing program, and an information processing system will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0009] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of an example of an information processing system 1 according to the present embodiment.

[0010] The information processing system 1 includes an information processing device 10. The information processing device 10 executes processing related to power saving of a management target P.

[0011] The management target P is a target for management by the information processing device 10. The management target P may be any target for managing power consumption in real space. The target is a predetermined space in real space. Specifically, the management target P is a predetermined area in real space, a structure such as a building installed in real space, etc. Examples of buildings include, but are not limited to, office buildings where users conduct business, various commercial facilities, and apartment buildings where users reside. In this embodiment, a description will be given assuming that the management target P is an office building including multiple floors where users conduct business.

[0012] In the managed object P, an environmental adjustment device 20 is installed in each of a plurality of areas F included in the managed object P. The areas F are an example of a first area and a second area. The first area and the second area are areas F that are different from each other.

[0013] The area F is one or more spaces included in the management target P. For example, the area F is each space obtained by dividing the management target P into multiple spaces. At least a portion of the multiple areas F included in the management target P are non-overlapping with each other. Specifically, when the management target P is an office building, the area F is each floor in the office building, each area obtained by further dividing each floor into multiple areas, etc. In this embodiment, an example is described in which the area F is each floor in an office building, which is an example of the management target P. Specifically, FIG. 1 shows an example in which the management target P is a four-story office building and includes areas F1 to F4, which are each floor from the first floor to the fourth floor. Note that the area F may be determined in advance by an administrator or the like who manages the information processing device 10, and is not limited to a floor. In addition, the management target P and the area F may be appropriately changed by an operation instruction of the UI unit 34, which will be described later, by the administrator or the like.

[0014] The environmental adjustment equipment 20 is an equipment capable of adjusting the environment. The environmental adjustment equipment 20 is an example of a first environmental adjustment equipment and a second environmental adjustment equipment. The environmental adjustment equipment 20 installed in a first area, which is an example of an area F, is the first environmental adjustment equipment, and the environmental adjustment equipment 20 installed in a second area, which is an example of an area F different from the first area, is the second environmental adjustment equipment. The environment adjusted by the environmental adjustment equipment 20 is, for example, temperature, humidity, illuminance, brightness, operating speed or operation speed, etc. The environmental adjustment equipment 20 capable of adjusting these environments is, for example, an air conditioning equipment capable of adjusting temperature and humidity, lighting capable of adjusting illuminance, a display capable of adjusting brightness, equipment equipped with a drive unit that operates or moves, etc. The equipment equipped with a drive unit is, for example, an elevator equipment such as an escalator or elevator. The environmental adjustment equipment 20 operates to realize the set environmental setting value.

[0015] In this embodiment, a description will be given assuming that the environmental adjustment equipment 20 is an air conditioning equipment.

[0016] An environmental adjustment equipment 20 is provided in each area F included in the management target P. There is no limit to the number of environmental adjustment equipment 20 provided in one area F as long as one or more environmental adjustment equipment 20 are provided in the area F. The environmental adjustment equipment 20 provided in the area F adjusts the environment of the area F. In this embodiment, a description will be given assuming a configuration in which one environmental adjustment equipment 20 is provided in one area F.

[0017] In addition, the managed object P is provided with an output unit 22 and a sensor 24 .

[0018] The output unit 22 is an output device that outputs various information within the managed object P. The output unit 22 is, for example, an audio device such as a speaker that outputs sound, a display device such as a display that outputs images, etc. The output unit 22 only needs to be installed so that a user who uses the managed object P can confirm the information output from the output unit 22, and the installation position and the number of installations within the managed object P are not limited.

[0019] The sensor 24 is a sensor that detects the number of users present in each of the areas F. For example, the sensor 24 is an analysis device that detects the number of users in the area F by analyzing captured image data captured within the area F, a sensor that detects the number of users in the area F by detecting users entering and leaving the area F, an analysis device that detects the number of users in the area F by analyzing infrared detection information within the area F, etc.

[0020] The environmental adjustment facility 20, the output unit 22, and the sensor 24 are communicatively connected to the information processing device 10 via a network NW. Note that an information processing device may be installed inside or outside the managed object P, and communicatively connected to the environmental adjustment facility 20, the output unit 22, and the sensor 24. The environmental adjustment facility 20, the output unit 22, and the sensor 24 may be communicatively connected to the information processing device 10 via the information processing device and the network NW.

[0021] Next, the information processing device 10 will be described.

[0022] The information processing device 10 is a computer for executing processing related to power saving of a managed object P. The information processing device 10 includes a storage unit 30, a communication unit 32, a UI (user interface) unit 34, and a processing unit 36. The storage unit 30, the communication unit 32, the UI unit 34, and the processing unit 36 ​​are communicatively connected via a bus 35 or the like.

[0023] The memory unit 30 stores various information. The communication unit 32 is a communication interface for communicating with the environmental adjustment equipment 20, the output unit 22, the sensor 24, and an external information processing device, etc., via a network NW, etc. The UI unit 34 has a display function and an input function. The display function displays various information. The display function is, for example, a display, a projection device, etc. The input function accepts operation input by the user. The input function is, for example, a pointing device such as a mouse and a touch pad, a keyboard, etc. The display function and the input function may be integrated into a touch panel.

[0024] The storage unit 30 may be provided outside the information processing device 10. The storage unit 30 and at least one of one or more functional units included in the processing unit 36 ​​described later may be mounted on an external information processing device communicatively connected to the processing unit 36 ​​via a network NW or the like.

[0025] The processing unit 36 ​​executes information processing in the information processing device 10. The processing unit 36 ​​has a target power consumption acquisition unit 36A, a facility information acquisition unit 36B, a number of users acquisition unit 36C, a number of users estimation unit 36D, a total power consumption estimation unit 36E, a set value determination unit 36F, a set value application unit 36G, and an output control unit 36H.

[0026] The target power consumption acquisition unit 36A, the equipment information acquisition unit 36B, the number of users acquisition unit 36C, the number of users estimation unit 36D, the total power consumption estimation unit 36E, the set value determination unit 36F, the set value application unit 36G, and the output control unit 36H are realized, for example, by one or more processors. For example, each of the above units may be realized by having a processor such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit) execute a program, that is, by software. Each of the above units may be realized by a processor such as a dedicated IC, that is, by hardware. Each of the above units may be realized by using both software and hardware. When multiple processors are used, each processor may realize one of the units, or may realize two or more of the units.

[0027] The target power consumption obtaining unit 36A obtains the target power consumption for the managed object P.

[0028] The target power consumption is a target value of power consumption for the entire managed object P. In other words, the target power consumption is a target value of power consumption to be consumed by the entire managed object P.

[0029] The target power consumption acquiring unit 36A acquires the target power consumption by, for example, receiving the target power consumption input by a user, such as an administrator of the managed object P, through an operation instruction of the UI unit 34. The target power consumption acquiring unit 36A may also acquire the target power consumption by reading the target power consumption stored in the storage unit 30. The target power consumption acquiring unit 36A may also acquire the target power consumption by receiving the target power consumption from an external information processing terminal, etc., connected via the network NW.

[0030] In this embodiment, a situation will be described assuming that multiple environmental adjustment devices 20 installed within the managed object P are operating at a specific environmental setting value of "25°C". The situation will also be described assuming that the daytime maximum temperature, which is an example of the outside temperature, is, for example, 35°C or higher, a reduction in power consumption is required due to a power shortage, and a predetermined target power consumption is specified for the managed object P. The target power consumption is expressed by a specific value, for example, "200 kW".

[0031] The equipment information acquisition unit 36B acquires equipment information. The equipment information is information including the installation position of each of the environmental adjustment equipment 20 installed in each of the multiple areas F included in the management target P, and the current setting value of each of the multiple environmental adjustment equipment 20. In other words, the equipment information acquisition unit 36B acquires equipment information including the first installation position of the first environmental adjustment equipment installed in the first area included in the management target P, and the second installation position of the second environmental adjustment equipment installed in the second area. The first installation position is the installation position of the first environmental adjustment equipment. The second installation position is the installation position of the second environmental adjustment equipment.

[0032] The processing unit 36 ​​may be realized by, for example, one or more processing circuits such as a CPU, a microprocessor, a GPU (Graphics Processing Unit), an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit), an FPGA (Field-Programmable Gate Array), or an electronic circuit including these circuits, etc. The processing unit 36 ​​may also be realized by an information processing device such as a computer, a computer system configured by multiple computers or servers communicating with each other via a network, or a PC cluster in which multiple computers cooperate to execute information processing.

[0033] 2 is a schematic diagram of an example of the data configuration of the equipment information 40. For example, the equipment information 40 is information that associates an environmental adjustment equipment ID (identifier), an installation location, a model number, and a current setting value.

[0034] The environmental adjustment equipment ID is identification information of the environmental adjustment equipment 20. The installation location is information representing the location where the environmental adjustment equipment 20 identified by the corresponding environmental adjustment equipment ID is installed. The installation location includes information representing an area ID, which is identification information of the area F where the environmental adjustment equipment 20 is installed, a location within the area F, etc. The model number is identification information of the model of the environmental adjustment equipment 20 identified by the corresponding environmental adjustment equipment ID.

[0035] The current setting value is the setting value set in the environmental adjustment equipment 20 at the first time. The first time may be any timing on the time axis. In other words, the current setting value is the environmental setting value set at the first time in the environmental adjustment equipment 20 identified by the corresponding environmental adjustment equipment ID. The environmental setting value is specifically a value according to the environment that can be adjusted by the environmental adjustment equipment 20, and is a value representing temperature, humidity, illuminance, brightness, operating speed or motion speed, etc.

[0036] As described above, in this embodiment, a configuration in which the environmental adjustment equipment 20 is an air conditioning equipment will be described as an example. Therefore, in this embodiment, a configuration in which the environmental setting value is a temperature and the current setting value is the temperature currently set in the environmental adjustment equipment 20 will be described as an example.

[0037] In addition, in this embodiment, a situation will be described assuming that the multiple environmental adjustment equipment 20 installed within the managed object P are operating at a specific environmental setting value of "25°C." For this reason, the explanation will assume that the equipment information 40 specifies a current setting value of "25°C" corresponding to each of the multiple environmental adjustment equipment 20 installed within the managed object P.

[0038] The installation position corresponding to the environmental equipment ID of the first environmental adjustment equipment installed in the first area included in Fig. 2 corresponds to the first installation position, and the current setting value corresponding to the environmental adjustment equipment ID corresponds to the first setting value. Also, the installation position corresponding to the environmental equipment ID of the second environmental adjustment equipment installed in the second area included in Fig. 2 corresponds to the second installation position, and the current setting value corresponding to the environmental adjustment equipment ID corresponds to the second setting value.

[0039] Returning to FIG. 1, the explanation will be continued. The equipment information acquisition unit 36B acquires equipment information 40 from, for example, each of the environmental adjustment equipment 20 installed in the management target P. Specifically, the equipment information acquisition unit 36B transmits a request signal for the equipment information 40 to each of the management target P. The environmental adjustment equipment 20 that receives the request signal transmits a reply signal including its own environmental adjustment equipment ID, installation position, model number, and current setting value to the information processing device 10. The equipment information acquisition unit 36B acquires the equipment information 40 by receiving the reply signal from each of the multiple environmental adjustment equipment 20 installed in the management target P.

[0040] The equipment information acquisition unit 36B may also acquire an environmental adjustment equipment ID and a current setting value from each of the multiple environmental adjustment equipment 20, and associate the acquired current setting value corresponding to the environmental adjustment equipment ID with the environmental adjustment equipment ID in a pre-stored correspondence table of environmental adjustment equipment IDs, installation positions, and model numbers, thereby acquiring the equipment information 40. The equipment information acquisition unit 36B may also acquire the equipment information 40 of the environmental adjustment equipment 20 from an information processing device such as a control system that controls the environmental adjustment equipment 20 in the managed object P.

[0041] The user number acquisition unit 36C acquires the number of users existing in each of the multiple areas F in the managed object P. That is, the user number acquisition unit 36C acquires the first number of users existing in the first area and the second number of users existing in the second area. For example, the user number acquisition unit 36C receives user number information including the number of users for each of the multiple areas F detected by the sensor 24 from the sensor 24. In addition, the user number acquisition unit 36C may receive user number information including the number of users detected by the sensor 24 from an external information processing device or the like.

[0042] 3 is a schematic diagram of an example of the data configuration of the user number information 42. For example, the user number information 42 is information in which an area ID is associated with the number of users.

[0043] The description will continue by returning to Fig. 1. The number of users estimation unit 36D will be described later.

[0044] The total power consumption estimation unit 36E generates a plurality of pieces of setting candidate information based on the equipment information 40. For each of the plurality of pieces of setting candidate information, the total power consumption estimation unit 36E estimates the total power consumption in the managed object P when the current setting value of each of the plurality of environmental adjustment equipment 20 is set to the adjusted setting value. That is, based on the equipment information 40, the total power consumption estimation unit 36E estimates the total power consumption in the managed object P when the first setting value and the second setting value are adjusted to be different from each other.

[0045] The setting candidate information is information that specifies the post-adjustment setting values ​​of each of the multiple environmental adjustment equipment 20 included in the managed object P. The post-adjustment setting values ​​are setting values ​​obtained by adjusting the current setting values ​​of the environmental adjustment equipment 20. The multiple setting candidate information 44 generated by the total power consumption estimation unit 36E have different post-adjustment setting values ​​for at least some of the multiple environmental adjustment equipment 20 included in the managed object P. The post-adjustment setting values ​​may be the same as or different from the current setting values.

[0046] 4 is a schematic diagram of an example of the data configuration of the setting candidate information 44A. The setting candidate information 44A is an example of the setting candidate information 44.

[0047] For example, the setting candidate information 44 is information that associates, for each of the multiple environmental adjustment equipment 20 installed in the managed object P, an environmental adjustment equipment ID, which is identification information of the environmental adjustment equipment 20, the area ID of the area F in which the environmental adjustment equipment 20 is installed, and the adjusted setting value of the environmental adjustment equipment 20.

[0048] The total power consumption estimation unit 36E registers the environmental adjustment equipment ID and the area ID of each of the multiple environmental adjustment equipment 20 included in the management target P in the setting candidate information 44 in association with each other. The total power consumption estimation unit 36E also generates setting candidate information 44 that specifies, as the post-adjustment setting value corresponding to each of the multiple environmental adjustment equipment 20 included in the management target P, at least one of the current setting values ​​included in the equipment information 40 (see FIG. 2) in which the current setting value of each of the environmental adjustment equipment 20 is specified, as a post-adjustment setting value corresponding to each of the multiple environmental adjustment equipment 20 included in the management target P. FIG. 4 shows, as an example, setting candidate information 44A in which the post-adjustment setting value corresponding to the environmental adjustment equipment 20 identified by the environmental adjustment equipment ID "4" is changed from the current setting value "25°C" of the environmental adjustment equipment 20 specified in the equipment information 40 shown in FIG. 2 to "27°C". FIG. 4 also shows, as an example, setting candidate information 44A in which the current setting value of the other environmental adjustment equipment 20 is set to the post-adjustment setting value without changing it.

[0049] Returning to Fig. 1, the explanation will be continued. The total power consumption estimation unit 36E generates a plurality of setting candidate information 44 in which at least some of the post-adjustment setting values ​​of the plurality of environmental adjustment facilities 20 included in the management target P are different from each other, based on the facility information 40. In this embodiment, the description will be made on the assumption that the plurality of environmental adjustment facilities 20 included in the management target P means all of the plurality of environmental adjustment facilities 20 installed in the management target P. Note that the plurality of environmental adjustment facilities 20 included in the management target P may be a portion of all of the plurality of environmental adjustment facilities 20 set in the management target P.

[0050] The total power consumption estimation unit 36E estimates, for each of the generated multiple setting candidate information 44, the total power consumption in the managed object P when the current setting values ​​of each of the multiple environmental adjustment devices 20 are set to the adjusted setting values ​​specified in the setting candidate information 44.

[0051] The total power consumption in the managed object P is the sum of the amount of power consumed in the entire managed object P. In other words, the total power consumption in the managed object P is the sum of the power consumption of each of all of the multiple environmental adjustment devices 20 installed in the managed object P.

[0052] For example, the total power consumption estimation unit 36E prestores a table that associates the adjusted setting value with the power consumption for each model number of the environmental adjustment equipment 20 included in the managed object P. The total power consumption estimation unit 36E then identifies from the table the power consumption corresponding to the model number and the adjusted setting value of the environmental adjustment equipment 20 for each of the multiple environmental adjustment equipment 20 defined in the setting candidate information 44, and calculates the estimated power consumption when the adjusted setting value is used for each of the multiple environmental adjustment equipment 20 defined in the setting candidate information 44. The total power consumption estimation unit 36E then calculates the sum of the estimated power consumption for each of the multiple environmental adjustment equipment 20 included in the setting candidate information 44 as the total power consumption for the setting candidate information 44.

[0053] Furthermore, the total power consumption estimation unit 36E may calculate the total power consumption according to the estimated number of users estimated to be present in each area F when the current setting values ​​of each of the multiple environmental adjustment devices 20 are set to the adjusted setting values. The estimated number of users is calculated by the user number estimation unit 36D.

[0054] The user number estimation unit 36D estimates the estimated number of users existing in each of the areas F when the current setting value of the environmental adjustment equipment 20 is set to the adjusted setting value for each of the multiple setting candidate information 44, based on the number of users existing in each of the areas F defined in the user number information 42.

[0055] For example, when the environmental setting value of the environmental adjustment equipment 20 is adjusted to the post-adjustment setting value specified in the setting candidate information 44, the user who uses the managed object P moves to the area F adjusted to the environmental setting value of his / her preference. For example, assume that the managed object P is an office building in a free address office environment. A free address office environment is an office environment in which the seating arrangement where the user works is not fixed and the user can freely select a seat as needed. In such a free address office environment, the user can move to the area F adjusted to the environmental setting value of his / her preference and carry out work.

[0056] The user number estimation unit 36D stores an estimated moving user number table in advance in the storage unit 30 or the like, and uses the table in the process of estimating the estimated number of users.

[0057] Fig. 5 is a schematic diagram of an example of a data configuration of the estimated number of moving users table 50. The estimated number of moving users table 50 is information that specifies the ratio of users who move between areas F when the environmental setting value of the area F is adjusted to a post-adjustment setting value that is different from the current setting value. Fig. 5 shows an example of the estimated number of moving users table 50 that is used in a situation where the outside temperature of the managed area P is higher than the temperature range in which the user can comfortably perform work, and the environmental adjustment equipment 20 is adjusted to a post-adjustment setting value that is lower than the outside temperature. In this embodiment, a case will be described assuming that the outside temperature of the managed area P is "35°C".

[0058] The estimated number of moving users table 50 is a table in which a change in a setting value is associated with a ratio of users who move. Note that the data format of the estimated number of moving users table 50 is not limited to a table, and may be, for example, a database or the like.

[0059] The setting value change is information that indicates a change in the environmental setting value of the area F. The ratio of users who move is information that indicates the ratio of users who move between areas F when a corresponding setting value change occurs. FIG. 5 shows, as an example, the ratio of users who move from a floor, which is an example of the area F, to another floor.

[0060] In the estimated number of moving users table 50 shown in Fig. 5, a value is specified as the ratio of moving users according to whether the floor with a lower temperature (area F) is located above or below the floor. In detail, the estimated number of moving users table 50 shown in Fig. 5 is based on the assumption that when the floor with a lower temperature is located above or below the floor (±1st floor), many users move to the floor with a lower temperature, and when the floor with a lower temperature is only located on a floor farther away from the floor (±2nd floor, ±3rd floor), only a small number of users move to the floor.

[0061] 5 shows an example of an estimated number of moving users table 50 assuming that users move within the same office building, which is a managed object P. However, the estimated number of moving users table 50 may be a table that takes into consideration the number of users who leave the managed object P due to a change in a setting value. For example, when the managed object P is an office building, the estimated number of moving users table 50 may be a table that specifies the ratio of users who move, taking into consideration the number of users who leave the managed object P based on information such as the work schedules of employees who are users who use the managed object P and whether or not they can work from home.

[0062] The user number estimation unit 36D uses the estimated moving user number table 50 to calculate the amount of movement of users between the areas F when the current setting values ​​of each of the environmental adjustment equipment 20 defined in the equipment information 40 change to the adjusted setting values ​​defined in the setting candidate information 44. Then, the user number estimation unit 36D calculates the estimated number of users in each area F by adding or subtracting the amount of movement to the current number of users in each area F defined in the user number information 42.

[0063] FIG. 6 is a diagram showing the estimated number of users in each area F when the environmental setting value of the environmental adjustment equipment 20 is adjusted to the adjusted setting value specified in the setting candidate information 44A. The setting candidate information 44A shows a change in the setting value for area F4 identified by the area ID "F4", in which the current setting value "25°C" is changed to the adjusted setting value "27°C". In this case, as shown in the estimated moving user number table 50, it is estimated that 10 users (10% of 100 users) will move from area F4 to area F3. Therefore, the user number estimation unit 36D estimates the number of users in area F4 to be "90" and the number of users in area F3 to be "110". In addition, for areas F1 and F2, the current setting value and the adjusted setting value are the same, and it is estimated that there is no inflow of users from other areas F, so the number of users shown in the user number information 42 is estimated to be "100".

[0064] That is, it is assumed that the user number acquisition unit 36C acquires the first number of users existing in the first area and the second number of users existing in the second area. In this case, the user number estimation unit 36D estimates the first estimated number of users existing in the first area when the first environmental adjustment equipment is set to an adjusted first setting value, and the second estimated number of users existing in the second area when the second environmental adjustment equipment is set to an adjusted second setting value, based on the first number of users and the second number of users.

[0065] Returning to FIG. 1, the explanation will be continued. For each of a plurality of regions F defined in each of a plurality of pieces of setting candidate information 44, the total power consumption estimation unit 36E calculates an estimated power consumption according to the estimated number of users present in the region F. Then, for each piece of setting candidate information 44, the total power consumption estimation unit 36E estimates the total value of the estimated power consumption calculated for each region F as the total power consumption for each piece of setting candidate information 44. That is, the total power consumption estimation unit 36E calculates a first estimated power consumption of a first environmental adjustment device according to a first estimated number of users present in a first region, and a second estimated power consumption of a second environmental adjustment device according to a second estimated number of users present in a second region, and estimates the total value of the first estimated power consumption and the second estimated power consumption as the total power consumption.

[0066] For example, the total power consumption estimation unit 36E uses the estimation table 46 to calculate the estimated power consumption according to the estimated number of users in each area F.

[0067] Fig. 7 is a schematic diagram of an example of the data configuration of the estimation table 46. For example, the storage unit 30 stores in advance a plurality of estimation tables 46 in which the adjusted setting value and the estimated value of the power consumption of each environmental adjustment device 20 are associated with each other for each estimated number of users. Fig. 7 shows an example in which an estimation table 46A corresponding to an estimated number of users in the range of 80 to 120, and an estimation table 46B corresponding to an estimated number of users in the range of more than 120 are stored in the storage unit 30. The estimation table 46A and the estimation table 46B are examples of the estimation table 46.

[0068] FIG. 7 shows an example of an estimation table 46 used in a situation where the outside temperature of the managed object P is higher than the temperature range in which a user can comfortably perform work, and the environmental adjustment equipment 20 is adjusted to a post-adjustment set value below the outside temperature. As in the above, the explanation will be given assuming that the outside temperature of the managed object P is "35°C". For this reason, in FIG. 7, the more the estimated number of users, the higher the power consumption value is preset in the estimation table 46 as the power consumption for adjusting to the post-adjustment set value. This is because the more the estimated number of users, the easier it is for the temperature in the area F to rise and the harder it is for it to fall, and therefore the more power consumption is required to adjust to a post-adjustment set value that is lower than the outside temperature.

[0069] The storage unit 30 may have prestored therein three or more estimation tables 46 each corresponding to one of three or more types of estimated numbers of users.

[0070] As described above, FIG. 7 shows an example of an estimation table 46 used when the outside air temperature of the managed object P is higher than the temperature range in which the user can comfortably perform work and the environmental adjustment equipment 20 is adjusted to a post-adjustment set value that is equal to or lower than the outside air temperature. However, the storage unit 30 may also store an estimation table 46 used when the outside air temperature is lower than the temperature range in which the user can perform work and the environmental adjustment equipment 20 is adjusted to a post-adjustment set value that is equal to or higher than the outside air temperature. Specifically, the storage unit 30 may store in advance an estimation table 46 in association with each of a plurality of outside air temperatures having different values. In this case, the total power consumption estimation unit 36E may identify the estimation table 46 corresponding to the outside air temperature of the managed object P from the storage unit 30 and calculate the estimated power consumption of each of the areas F.

[0071] For example, consider an estimation table 46 used in a situation where the outside air temperature of the managed object P is lower than the temperature range in which a user can comfortably perform work, and the environmental adjustment equipment 20 is adjusted to a post-adjustment set value equal to or higher than the outside air temperature. In such an estimation table 46, a lower power consumption value is preset as the number of estimated users increases. This is because the more estimated users there are, the easier it is for the temperature in the area F to rise and the harder it is for it to fall, and therefore the power consumption required to adjust to a post-adjustment set value that is higher than the outside air temperature becomes lower.

[0072] The total power consumption estimation unit 36E identifies the power consumption associated with the environmental adjustment equipment ID and the adjusted setting value of the environmental adjustment equipment 20 installed in the area F in the estimation table 46 corresponding to the estimated number of users for each of the multiple areas F defined in the setting candidate information 44. Through this identification process, the total power consumption estimation unit 36E calculates the estimated power consumption for the area F in which the environmental adjustment equipment 20 is installed.

[0073] For example, assume that the total power consumption estimation unit 36E creates the setting candidate information 44A shown in Fig. 6, and the user number estimation unit 36D specifies the estimated number of users shown in Fig. 6 for each area F. In this case, the total power consumption estimation unit 36E specifies the estimated table 46A in Fig. 7 as the estimated table 46 corresponding to the estimated number of users for each of areas F1 to F4. Then, the total power consumption estimation unit 36E specifies, from the estimated table 46A, the adjusted setting values ​​corresponding to each of the environmental adjustment equipment IDs defined in the setting candidate information 44A, and the estimated power consumption corresponding to the environmental adjustment equipment IDs.

[0074] In this case, the total power consumption estimation unit 36E calculates the estimated power consumption of "100 kW" (see A1 in FIG. 7) corresponding to the environmental adjustment equipment ID "1" and the adjusted setting value "25° C." as the estimated power consumption of the area F1 in which the environmental adjustment equipment 20 identified by the environmental adjustment equipment ID is installed. Similarly, the total power consumption estimation unit 36E calculates the estimated power consumption of "90 kW" (see A2 in FIG. 7) corresponding to the environmental adjustment equipment ID "2" and the adjusted setting value "25° C." as the estimated power consumption of the area F2 in which the environmental adjustment equipment 20 identified by the environmental adjustment equipment ID is installed. Similarly, the total power consumption estimation unit 36E calculates the estimated power consumption of "120 kW" (see A3 in FIG. 7) corresponding to the environmental adjustment equipment ID "3" and the adjusted setting value "25° C." as the estimated power consumption of the area F3 in which the environmental adjustment equipment 20 identified by the environmental adjustment equipment ID is installed. Similarly, the total power consumption estimation unit 36E calculates the estimated power consumption of "90 kW" (see A4 in Figure 7) corresponding to the environmental adjustment equipment ID "4" and the adjusted setting value "27°C" as the estimated power consumption of the area F4 in which the environmental adjustment equipment 20 identified by the environmental adjustment equipment ID is installed.

[0075] It should be noted that the total power consumption estimation unit 36E is not limited to calculating the estimated power consumption for each region F using the estimation table 46.

[0076] For example, the total power consumption estimation unit 36E may calculate the heat inflow and outflow of the managed object P using an input of the adjusted setting value, the number of users, the outside air conditions, etc., and may calculate the estimated power consumption for each area F using a simulator that predicts the time transition of the environment and power consumption within the managed object P. The total power consumption estimation unit 36E may also calculate the estimated power consumption for each area F in which the environmental adjustment equipment 20 is installed using a learning model that uses an input of the adjusted setting value, the number of users, the outside air conditions, etc., and outputs the estimated power consumption for each area F.

[0077] FIG. 8 is an explanatory diagram of an example of estimated power consumption of each of the regions F defined in the setting candidate information 44A. The total power consumption estimating unit 36E calculates the estimated power consumption shown in FIG. 8 as the estimated power consumption of the region F defined in the setting candidate information 44A by a calculation process of the estimated power consumption of each of the regions F according to the estimated number of users. The total power consumption estimating unit 36E estimates the sum of the estimated power consumptions defined in the setting candidate information 44 as the total power consumption in the managed object P when the adjusted setting value defined by the setting candidate information 44 is used. In the example shown in FIG. 8, the total power consumption estimating unit 36E calculates 400 kW as the total power consumption in the managed object P when the adjusted setting value defined by the setting candidate information 44A is used.

[0078] Returning to Fig. 1 for further explanation, the total power consumption estimation unit 36E estimates, through the above process, the total power consumption in the managed object P when the current setting values ​​of each of the plurality of environmental adjustment devices 20 are set to the post-adjustment setting values, for each of the plurality of setting candidate information 44 having at least some post-adjustment setting values ​​that differ from one another.

[0079] 9A and 9B are explanatory diagrams showing an example of the estimated results of total power consumption in the managed object P, estimated for each of the multiple setting candidate information 44 (setting candidate information 44A to setting candidate information 44I) generated by the total power consumption estimation unit 36E.

[0080] The setting candidate information 44A to 44I are examples of setting candidate information 44, and the post-adjustment setting values ​​of at least some of the environmental adjustment equipment 20 are different from each other. The total power consumption estimation unit 36E generates multiple pieces of setting candidate information 44 (setting candidate information 44A to 44I) by setting post-adjustment setting values ​​that are successively changed from the current setting values ​​of each of the environmental adjustment equipment 20 represented by the equipment information 40, and calculates the total power consumption for each of the multiple pieces of setting candidate information 44 by the above process.

[0081] For example, the setting candidate information 44C shown in FIG. 9A is setting candidate information 44 in which the adjusted setting value of the area F1 is the same as the current setting value, and the adjusted setting values ​​of the areas F2 to F4 are set to "27°C" higher than the current setting value. In this case, when the area F4 is used as a reference, the other area F with a lower temperature than the area F4 is the area F1. Therefore, based on the estimated number of moving users table 50 (see FIG. 5), it is estimated that 2% (2 people) will move from the area F4 to the area F1, which is three floors away. Similarly, when the area F3 is used as a reference, the other area with a lower temperature than the area F3 is the area F1. Therefore, based on the estimated number of moving users table 50, it is estimated that 5% (5 people) will move from the area F4 to the area F1, which is two floors away. Similarly, when the area F2 is used as a reference, the other area with a lower temperature than the area F2 is the area F1. Therefore, based on the estimated number of moving users table 50, it is estimated that 10% (10 people) will move from the area F3 to the area F1, which is one floor away. Therefore, the estimated number of users in each area F is as shown in setting candidate information 44C in FIG. 9A.

[0082] Furthermore, through the above-described process by total power consumption estimation unit 36E, the estimated power consumption of each area F becomes the estimated power consumption indicated in setting candidate information 44C in FIG. 9A, and the total power consumption becomes 360 kW.

[0083] Also, for example, the setting candidate information 44G shown in FIG. 9B is setting candidate information 44 in which the adjusted setting value of the area F1 is "27°C" and the adjusted setting values ​​of the areas F2 to F4 are "29°C". In this case, when the area F4 is used as a reference, the area F with a lower temperature than the area F4 is the area F1. Therefore, based on the estimated number of moving users table 50, it is estimated that 5% (5 people) will move from the area F3 to the area F1, which is three floors away. Similarly, when the area F3 is used as a reference, another area with a lower temperature than the area F3 is the area F1. Therefore, based on the estimated number of moving users table 50, it is estimated that 10% (10 people) will move from the area F3 to the area F1, which is two floors away. Similarly, when the area F2 is used as a reference, the other area with a lower temperature than the area F2 is the area F1. Therefore, based on the estimated number of moving users table 50, it is estimated that 15% (15 people) will move from the area F2 to the area F1, which is one floor away. Therefore, the estimated number of users in each area F is as shown in setting candidate information 44G in FIG. 9B.

[0084] Furthermore, through the above-described process by total power consumption estimation unit 36E, the estimated power consumption of each area F becomes the estimated power consumption shown in setting candidate information 44G in FIG. 9A, and the total power consumption becomes 290 kW.

[0085] Returning to Figure 1, we will continue with the explanation.

[0086] The setting value determination unit 36F determines, among the plurality of setting candidate information 44, the adjusted setting values ​​of each of the plurality of environmental adjustment equipment 20 specified in the setting candidate information 44 whose total power consumption is equal to or less than the target power consumption as the setting values ​​for each of the plurality of environmental adjustment equipment 20 included in the managed object P. In other words, the setting value determination unit 36F determines the adjusted first setting value and second setting value whose total power consumption is equal to or less than the target power consumption.

[0087] For example, assume that the target power consumption acquired by the target power consumption acquisition unit 36A is 200 kW. In this case, the setting value determination unit 36F determines, as the setting value for each of the multiple environmental adjustment equipment 20 included in the managed object P, the post-adjustment setting value of each of the multiple environmental adjustment equipment 20 defined in the setting candidate information 44I whose total power consumption is equal to or less than the target power consumption, among the setting candidate information 44A to the setting candidate information 44I.

[0088] The setting value determination unit 36F determines, as the setting value, the adjusted setting value of each of the multiple environmental adjustment equipment 20 specified in the setting candidate information 44 whose total power consumption is equal to or less than the target power consumption, thereby making it possible to determine the setting value of the environmental adjustment equipment 20 installed in the managed object P so that the total power consumption in the managed object P is equal to or less than the target power consumption.

[0089] In addition, there may be a case where there are a plurality of pieces of setting candidate information 44 whose total power consumption is equal to or less than the adjusted installation value. In this case, the setting value determination unit 36F may identify one piece of setting candidate information 44 by the following judgment and determine the setting value.

[0090] In detail, the setting value determination unit 36F identifies setting candidate information 44 in which the total power consumption is equal to or less than the target power consumption and is the lowest, in which the variation in the adjusted setting values ​​defined in the setting candidate information 44 is the largest, in which the total power consumption is closest to the target power consumption, or in which the estimated number of moving users when the current setting value of the environmental adjustment equipment 20 is set to the adjusted setting value is the smallest. Then, the setting value determination unit 36F may determine the adjusted setting value of each of the multiple environmental adjustment equipment 20 defined in the identified setting candidate information 44 as the setting value for each of the multiple environmental adjustment equipment 20 included in the managed object P.

[0091] That is, the setting value determination unit 36F determines the adjusted first setting value and the adjusted second setting value such that the total power consumption is less than or equal to the target power consumption and is the lowest, the variation between the adjusted first setting value and the adjusted second setting value is the largest, the total power consumption is closest to the target power consumption, or the estimated number of moving users when the adjusted first setting value and the adjusted second setting value are used is the smallest.

[0092] Assume that the setting value determination unit 36F determines, as the setting value, the post-adjustment setting value of each of the plurality of environmental adjustment equipment 20 defined in the setting candidate information 44 whose total power consumption is equal to or less than the target power consumption and whose total power consumption is the lowest. In this case, the setting value determination unit 36F can determine the setting value of the environmental adjustment equipment 20 provided in the managed object P so as to maximize the energy saving effect.

[0093] Assume that the set value determination unit 36F determines, as the set value, the post-adjustment set value of each of the plurality of environmental adjustment devices 20 defined in the setting candidate information 44 in which the total power consumption is equal to or less than the target power consumption and the variation in the defined post-adjustment set value is the largest. The variation means the dispersion of the post-adjustment set value of each of the plurality of areas F defined in one setting candidate information 44. In this case, the set value determination unit 36F can determine the set value so that the variation in the set value for each area F in the management target P is large. Therefore, even if the preferences of the users who use the management target P for the environment vary, the users can move to the area F adjusted to the set value according to their preferences. Therefore, in this case, it is possible to determine the set value that can promote the energy saving of the entire management target P and provide a comfortable environment with the user's dissatisfaction minimized.

[0094] Assume that the setting value determination unit 36F determines, as the setting value, the post-adjustment setting value of each of the multiple environmental adjustment devices 20 specified in the setting candidate information 44 whose total power consumption is equal to or less than the target power consumption and whose total power consumption is closest to the target power consumption. In this case, the setting value is prevented from being set to an extremely low or high value. Therefore, in this case, it is possible to determine a setting value that can promote energy conservation of the entire managed object P and provide a comfortable environment for the user who uses the managed object P.

[0095] Assume that the setting value determination unit 36F determines, as the setting value, the post-adjustment setting value of each of the multiple environmental adjustment facilities 20 defined in the setting candidate information 44 that has the smallest estimated number of moving users when the current setting value of the environmental adjustment facility 20 is set to the post-adjustment setting value. In this case, the setting value determination unit 36F can minimize the movement of users caused by changing the current setting value to the post-adjustment setting value. Therefore, in this case, it is possible to promote energy conservation of the entire managed object P and reduce the load caused by the movement of users who use the managed object P.

[0096] In addition, the setting value determination unit 36F may determine, as the setting value, each of the adjusted setting values ​​of multiple environmental adjustment equipment 20 specified in the setting candidate information 44, in which the total power consumption is less than or equal to the target power consumption and each of the multiple environmental adjustment equipment 20 is set with a different adjusted setting value.

[0097] In this case, the setting value determination unit 36F can determine the setting values ​​so that the variation in the setting values ​​for each area F in the managed object P is large. Therefore, even if the preferences of the users who use the managed object P vary with respect to the environment, the users can move to the area F whose setting values ​​have been adjusted according to their preferences. Therefore, in this case, it is possible to determine setting values ​​that can promote energy conservation for the entire managed object P and provide a comfortable environment with minimal user dissatisfaction.

[0098] The above describes a case in which the total power consumption estimation unit 36E generates multiple setting candidate information 44, the setting value determination unit 36F identifies one setting candidate information 44 from the generated multiple setting candidate information 44, and determines the adjusted setting value specified in the identified one setting candidate information 44 as the setting value for each of the environmental adjustment equipment 20.

[0099] However, each time the total power consumption estimation unit 36E generates a new piece of setting candidate information 44 with a different adjusted setting value, the setting value determination unit 36F may determine whether the total power consumption corresponding to the setting candidate information 44 is equal to or less than the target power consumption. In this case, the total power consumption estimation unit 36E selects the areas F in a predetermined order. For example, the total power consumption estimation unit 36E selects the areas F in the following order: area F4, which is the area F on the fourth floor; area F3, which is the area F on the third floor; area F2, which is the area F on the second floor; and area F1, which is the area F on the first floor. Then, each time the total power consumption estimation unit 36E selects an area F, it determines a setting value after adjustment. In detail, the total power consumption estimation unit 36E determines a setting value after adjustment so that at least one environmental adjustment equipment 20 set to a predetermined temperature (e.g., 27°C) or less exists in the managed object P.

[0100] The selection order of the area F by the total power consumption estimation unit 36E is not limited to the order from high floor to low floor. For example, the selection order of the area F by the total power consumption estimation unit 36E may be the order from low floor to high floor. The total power consumption estimation unit 36E may determine the adjusted setting value by predetermining a rule such as that the adjusted setting value of the area F of a specific floor such as a floor used for business negotiations should be the same as the current setting value. From the viewpoint of minimizing the number of users affected by the change in the environmental setting value as much as possible, the total power consumption estimation unit 36E may select the area F in order from the area F with the least number of users and determine the adjusted setting value.

[0101] The total power consumption estimation unit 36E may be configured to repeatedly generate new setting candidate information 44 with different adjusted setting values ​​until the setting value determination unit 36F determines that the total power consumption for the setting candidate information 44 is equal to or less than the target power consumption.

[0102] In this case, when it is determined that the total power consumption for the new setting candidate information 44 generated by the total power consumption estimation unit 36E is equal to or less than the target power consumption, the generation of the setting candidate information 44 and the process of determining the setting value by the total power consumption estimation unit 36E are terminated. Therefore, in this case, it is possible to reduce the processing load of the processing unit 36 ​​and shorten the processing time.

[0103] Next, the set value application unit 36G will be described.

[0104] The set value application unit 36G controls the environmental setting values ​​of the plurality of environmental adjustment devices 20 included in the managed object P so that they become the determined set values.

[0105] For example, the setting value application unit 36G instructs the communication unit 32 to transmit the setting value determined by the total power consumption estimation unit 36E to the corresponding environmental adjustment equipment 20 in the setting candidate information 44 in which the total power consumption defined for the setting value is specified as being equal to or less than the target power consumption. That is, the setting value application unit 36G instructs the communication unit 32 to transmit the adjusted first setting value to the first environmental adjustment equipment and to transmit the adjusted second setting value to the second environmental adjustment equipment.

[0106] Specifically, a situation is assumed in which setting candidate information 44I shown in FIG. 9B is specified by setting value determination unit 36F as setting candidate information 44 for a total power consumption equal to or less than the target power consumption.

[0107] In this case, the setting value application unit 36G transmits the adjusted setting values ​​specified in the setting candidate information 44I as setting values ​​to the environmental adjustment equipment 20 identified by the corresponding environmental adjustment equipment IDs via the network NW. The control unit of the environmental adjustment equipment 20 that receives the setting values ​​controls each unit of the environmental adjustment equipment 20 so as to change the environmental setting values ​​from the current setting values ​​to the received setting values. As a result, the environmental setting values ​​of each of the multiple environmental adjustment equipment 20 installed in the managed object P are adjusted to the setting values ​​determined by the setting value determination unit 36F.

[0108] Also, for example, the set value application unit 36G may remotely control the environmental setting values ​​of the environmental adjustment equipment 20 identified by the corresponding environmental adjustment equipment IDs to be the adjusted set values ​​specified in the setting candidate information 44I as the set values. A known method may be used for the remote control. That is, the set value application unit 36G operates the first environmental adjustment equipment with the adjusted first set value, and operates the second environmental adjustment equipment with the adjusted second set value. Therefore, the environmental setting values ​​of each of the multiple environmental adjustment equipment 20 installed in the managed object P are adjusted to the set value determined by the set value determination unit 36F.

[0109] Also, for example, the setting value application unit 36G may transmit the environmental adjustment facility ID and the setting value to an information processing terminal operated by an administrator who manages the environmental adjustment facility 20 identified by the corresponding environmental adjustment facility ID, using the adjusted setting value specified in the setting candidate information 44I as the setting value. In this case, the administrator who operates the information processing terminal that receives the environmental adjustment facility ID and the setting value may manually adjust the environmental setting value of the environmental adjustment facility 20 identified by the environmental adjustment facility ID to the displayed setting value using the environmental adjustment facility ID and setting value displayed on the information processing terminal. Therefore, the environmental setting value of each of the multiple environmental adjustment facilities 20 installed in the managed object P is adjusted to the setting value determined by the setting value determination unit 36F.

[0110] Also, for example, the setting value application unit 36G may transmit the setting value determined by the total power consumption estimation unit 36E and the environmental adjustment facility ID corresponding to the setting value to an information processing device that controls the environmental adjustment facility 20 provided in the managed object P. The information processing device that receives the setting value and the environmental adjustment facility ID may control each of the environmental adjustment facilities 20 so that the environmental setting value of the environmental adjustment facility 20 identified by the environmental adjustment facility ID becomes the received setting value. Therefore, the environmental setting value of each of the multiple environmental adjustment facilities 20 provided in the managed object P is adjusted to the setting value determined by the setting value determination unit 36F.

[0111] The output control unit 36H outputs information related to the setting values ​​of the area F. The output control unit 36H outputs the information to, for example, the output unit 22 provided in the managed object P. That is, the output control unit 36H outputs information related to the adjusted first setting value and the adjusted second setting value.

[0112] The information on the setting value of the area F is, for example, information indicating that the area F is adjusted to the setting value or has been adjusted. Specifically, for example, assume that one piece of setting candidate information 44 identified by the setting value determination unit 36F is the setting candidate information 44I (see FIG. 9B), and the adjusted setting value defined in the setting candidate information 44I is determined as the setting value of each of the environmental adjustment equipment 20. Also assume that the areas F1 to F4 represent the first to fourth floors of an office building, respectively.

[0113] In this case, the output control unit 36H outputs information such as "The air conditioning equipment will be set to 27°C on the first floor, off on the second and fourth floors, and 29°C on the third floor. Please move to your preferred floor." and information encouraging movement to the desired area F. The output control unit 36H may further output information indicating the location of the installation position of the environmental adjustment equipment 20 adjusted to each setting value. The output control unit 36H may obtain information indicating the location by reading information on the location of the installation position corresponding to the environmental adjustment equipment ID of the environmental adjustment equipment 20 in the equipment information 40, and use the information for output. The output control unit 36H may further output a message encouraging movement between areas F according to the reason for adjusting the environmental setting value of the environmental adjustment equipment 20 and physical condition. The reason for adjusting the environmental setting value is, for example, a power shortage on a hot day, but is not limited thereto.

[0114] Therefore, the output control unit 36H can notify the user who uses the managed object P of the setting values ​​of the environmental adjustment equipment 20 in each area F within the managed object P. Therefore, the output control unit 36H can output information that encourages the user to move to the area F with the environment of the user's preference.

[0115] The output control unit 36H may output information about the setting value of the area F to a mobile terminal such as a smartphone carried by a user who uses the managed object P by push communication or the like. The output control unit 36H may also output the information to an information processing terminal used by the user who uses the managed object P for business purposes. In these cases, the output control unit 36H may output information customized according to the attributes of the user who uses the mobile terminal or information processing terminal of the output destination. For example, the output control unit 36H stores attributes including the user's preferences for environments such as a desired room temperature and information on the department to which the user belongs, for each user identification information of the user who uses the managed object P. Then, the output control unit 36H may output information to the mobile terminal or information processing terminal of the user according to the attributes of the user who uses the mobile terminal or information processing terminal of the output destination, such as information to introduce the area F closest to the user's desired room temperature, information to introduce the area F closest to the user's current location and close to the desired room temperature, etc.

[0116] Next, an example of the flow of information processing executed by the information processing device 10 of the present embodiment will be described.

[0117] FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing an example of the flow of information processing executed by the information processing device 10 of this embodiment.

[0118] The target power consumption acquisition unit 36A acquires the target power consumption for the managed object P (step S100). The equipment information acquisition unit 36B acquires the equipment information 40 (step S102). The user number acquisition unit 36C acquires the number of users for each area F (step S104). In this embodiment, the user number acquisition unit 36C acquires user number information 42 that associates an area ID with the number of users.

[0119] The total power consumption estimation unit 36E generates one piece of setting candidate information 44 based on the equipment information 40 acquired in step S102 (step S106). For example, the total power consumption estimation unit 36E generates setting candidate information 44 that specifies a post-adjustment setting value that is different from the current setting value for one of the multiple environmental adjustment equipment 20 represented by the equipment information 40 acquired in step S102.

[0120] The user number estimation unit 36D estimates the estimated number of users existing in each of the areas F when the current setting value of the environmental adjustment equipment 20 is set to the adjusted setting value defined in the setting candidate information 44 most recently generated by the total power consumption estimation unit 36E, based on the number of users existing in each of the areas F defined in the user number information 42 acquired in step S104 (step S108). The setting candidate information 44 most recently generated by the total power consumption estimation unit 36E means the setting candidate information 44 generated by the processing of step S106 or step S116 described later, immediately before the processing of step S108.

[0121] The total power consumption estimation unit 36E calculates, for each environmental adjustment equipment 20 included in the most recently generated setting candidate information 44, an estimated power consumption according to an estimated number of users present in the area F in which the environmental adjustment equipment 20 is installed (step S110). Then, the total power consumption estimation unit 36E estimates the sum of the calculated estimated power consumptions as the total power consumption for the setting candidate information 44 (step S112).

[0122] The set value determination unit 36F determines whether the total power consumption estimated in step S112 is equal to or less than the target power consumption acquired in step S100 (step S114). If the determination in step S114 is negative (step S114: No), the process proceeds to step S116.

[0123] In step S116, one of the post-adjustment setting values ​​of each of the multiple environmental adjustment facilities 20 included in the previously generated setting candidate information 44 is changed to generate new setting candidate information 44 (step S116).Then, the process returns to step S108.

[0124] On the other hand, if the answer is YES in step S114 (step S114: Yes), the process proceeds to step S118. The setting value determination unit 36F determines the post-adjustment setting values ​​of each of the environmental adjustment equipment 20 specified in the setting candidate information 44 for which the total power consumption has been determined to be equal to or less than the target power consumption in step S114 as the setting values ​​of the corresponding environmental adjustment equipment 20 (step S118).

[0125] The set value application unit 36G controls the environmental setting values ​​of the plurality of environmental adjustment facilities 20 included in the managed object P so that they become the setting values ​​determined in step S118 (step S120).

[0126] The output control unit 36H outputs information related to the set value determined in step S118 (step S122), and then ends this routine.

[0127] For example, assume that the target power consumption is "200 kW." In this case, the processing unit 36 ​​executes the processes of steps S100 to S122 described above, and thereby sequentially generates, for example, setting candidate information 44A to setting candidate information 44I shown in Fig. 9A and Fig. 9B. Then, when the setting candidate information 44I is generated, the total power consumption for the setting candidate information 44I is 180 kW, so that a positive determination is made in step S114, and the adjusted setting value defined in the setting candidate information 44I is determined as each setting value of the environmental adjustment equipment 20.

[0128] As described above, the information processing device 10 of the present embodiment includes a processing unit 36. The processing unit 36 ​​acquires a target power consumption for the managed object P, and acquires equipment information including a first installation position of a first environmental adjustment device installed in a first area included in the managed object P and a first setting value of the first environmental adjustment device at a first time, and a second installation position of a second environmental adjustment device installed in a second area included in the managed object P and a second setting value of the second environmental adjustment device at a first time. Based on the equipment information, the processing unit 36 ​​estimates the total power consumption in the managed object P when the first setting value and the second setting value are adjusted to be different from each other. The processing unit 36 ​​determines the adjusted first setting value and second setting value such that the total power consumption is equal to or less than the target power consumption.

[0129] In this way, the information processing device 10 of this embodiment determines, as the setting values ​​of the first environmental adjustment equipment and the second environmental adjustment equipment, the adjusted first setting value and second setting value such that the total power consumption in the managed object P is equal to or less than the target power consumption when the first setting value of the first environmental adjustment equipment and the second setting value of the second environmental adjustment equipment included in the managed object P are adjusted to be different values ​​from each other.

[0130] Therefore, the information processing device 10 of this embodiment can determine the setting values ​​for the first environmental adjustment equipment and the second environmental adjustment equipment included in the managed object P so that the total power consumption of the managed object P is equal to or less than the target power consumption. Therefore, by controlling the environmental adjustment equipment 20 so that the determined setting values ​​are achieved, it is possible to promote energy conservation of the managed object P as a whole.

[0131] Therefore, the information processing device 10 of the present embodiment can promote energy conservation.

[0132] Next, an example of a hardware configuration of the information processing device 10 of the above embodiment will be described.

[0133] FIG. 11 is a diagram showing an example of a hardware configuration of the information processing device 10 according to the embodiment.

[0134] The information processing device 10 of the above embodiment includes a control device such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 90D, a storage device such as a ROM (Read Only Memory) 90E, a RAM (Random Access Memory) 90F, and a HDD (Hard Disk Drive) 90G, an I / F section 90B which interfaces with various devices, an output section 90A which outputs various information such as output information, an input section 90C which accepts operations by the user, and a bus 90H which connects each section, and has a hardware configuration that utilizes a normal computer.

[0135] In the information processing device 10 of the above embodiment, the CPU 90D reads out an information processing program from the ROM 90E onto the RAM 90F and executes it, thereby realizing each of the above units on the computer.

[0136] The information processing program for executing each of the above processes executed by the information processing device 10 of the embodiment may be stored in the HDD 90G. Also, the information processing program for executing each of the above processes executed by the information processing device 10 of the embodiment may be provided by being pre-installed in the ROM 90E.

[0137] The information processing program for executing the above-mentioned processes executed by the information processing device 10 of the above-mentioned embodiment may be stored in a computer-readable storage medium such as a CD-ROM, a CD-R, a memory card, a DVD (Digital Versatile Disc), or a flexible disk (FD) in an installable or executable format file and provided as a computer program product. The program for executing the above-mentioned processes executed by the information processing device 10 of the above-mentioned embodiment may be stored on a computer connected to a network such as the Internet and provided by downloading the program via the network. The program for executing the above-mentioned processes executed by the information processing device 10 of the above-mentioned embodiment may be provided or distributed via a network such as the Internet.

[0138] Although the embodiment of the present invention has been described above, the embodiment is presented as an example and is not intended to limit the scope of the invention. This new embodiment can be implemented in various other forms, and various omissions, substitutions, and modifications can be made without departing from the gist of the invention. This embodiment and its modifications are included in the scope and gist of the invention, and are included in the scope of the invention and its equivalents described in the claims.

[0139] In this technology, as the multiple mutually different regions F included in the management target P, two regions are focused on and a first region and a second region are defined. In addition, in this technology, the first environmental adjustment facility is defined as the environmental adjustment facility 20 installed in the first region, and the second environmental adjustment facility is defined as the environmental adjustment facility 20 installed in the second region. In addition, in this technology, the setting value of the first environmental adjustment facility defined in the first region is defined as the first setting value, and the setting value of the second environmental adjustment facility installed in the second region is defined as the second setting value.

[0140] However, it is sufficient that the management target area P includes a plurality of areas F as described above, and the present technology may be configured to define three or more areas F. Specifically, for example, the present technology may be configured to further define a third area. In this case, a third environmental adjustment device may be defined as the environmental adjustment device 20 set in the third area, a third setting value may be defined as the setting value of the third environmental adjustment device, and the same processing as that described above may be executed.

[0141] The present technology can also be configured as follows. (1) A processing unit is provided, The processing unit, Obtain the target power consumption for the managed object, acquiring equipment information including a first installation position of a first environmental adjustment device installed in a first area included in the management subject and a first setting value of the first environmental adjustment device at a first time, and a second installation position of a second environmental adjustment device installed in a second area included in the management subject and a second setting value of the second environmental adjustment device at the first time; estimating a total power consumption in the managed object when the first set value and the second set value are adjusted to be different values ​​based on the facility information; determining adjusted first and second set values ​​such that the total power consumption is equal to or less than the target power consumption; Information processing device. (2) The processing unit, Operate the first environmental adjustment equipment at the adjusted first set value, and operate the second environmental adjustment equipment at the adjusted second set value; An information processing device as described in (1). (3) The processing unit, outputting information regarding the adjusted first set value and the adjusted second set value; An information processing device according to (1) or (2). (4) The processing unit, obtaining a number of first users present in the first area and a number of second users present in the second area; based on the first number of users and the second number of users, estimating a first estimated number of users present in the first area when the first environmental adjustment equipment is adjusted to the first setting value, and a second estimated number of users present in the second area when the second environmental adjustment equipment is adjusted to the second setting value; calculating a first estimated power consumption of the first environmental adjustment equipment according to the first estimated number of users present in the first area, and a second estimated power consumption of the second environmental adjustment equipment according to the second estimated number of users present in the second area; a sum of the first estimated power consumption and the second estimated power consumption is estimated as the total power consumption; An information processing device according to any one of (1) to (3). (5) The processing unit, The total power consumption is equal to or less than the target power consumption, and determining an adjusted first setting value and an adjusted second setting value for which the total power consumption is the lowest, the variation between the adjusted first setting value and the adjusted second setting value is the largest, the total power consumption is closest to the target power consumption, or the estimated number of mobile users is the smallest when the adjusted first setting value and the adjusted second setting value are used; An information processing device according to any one of (1) to (4). (6) The processing unit: acquiring equipment information including a first installation position of a first environmental adjustment device installed in a first area included in the management subject and a first setting value of the first environmental adjustment device at a first time, and a second installation position of a second environmental adjustment device installed in a second area included in the management subject and a second setting value of the second environmental adjustment device at the first time; estimating a total power consumption in the managed object when the first set value and the second set value are adjusted to be different values ​​based on the facility information; determining adjusted first and second set values ​​such that the total power consumption is equal to or less than the target power consumption; Information processing methods. (7) On the computer, Obtaining the target power consumption for the managed device, acquiring equipment information including a first installation position of a first environmental adjustment device installed in a first area included in the management subject and a first setting value of the first environmental adjustment device at a first time, and a second installation position of a second environmental adjustment device installed in a second area included in the management subject and a second setting value of the second environmental adjustment device at the first time; estimating a total power consumption in the managed object when the first set value and the second set value are adjusted to be different values ​​based on the facility information; determining the first set value and the second set value adjusted so that the total power consumption is equal to or less than the target power consumption; Information processing program. (8) An information processing system including an information processing device having a processing unit, and an environmental adjustment device installed in each of a plurality of areas included in a management target and communicably connected to the information processing device, The processing unit, Obtain the target power consumption for the managed object, acquiring equipment information including a first installation position of a first environmental adjustment device installed in a first area included in the management subject and a first setting value of the first environmental adjustment device at a first time, and a second installation position of a second environmental adjustment device installed in a second area included in the management subject and a second setting value of the second environmental adjustment device at the first time; estimating a total power consumption in the managed object when the first set value and the second set value are adjusted to be different values ​​based on the facility information; determining adjusted first and second set values ​​such that the total power consumption is equal to or less than the target power consumption; Information processing system. [Explanation of symbols]

[0142] 10. Information processing device 36A Target power consumption acquisition part 36B Equipment information acquisition department 36C User count acquisition section 36D User Number Estimation Unit 36E Total power consumption estimation unit 36G Setting value application section 36H Output control section P Managed F, F1, F2, F3, F4 area

Claims

1. A processing unit is provided, The processing unit, Obtain the target power consumption for the managed object, acquiring equipment information including a first installation position of a first environmental adjustment device installed in a first area included in the management subject and a first setting value of the first environmental adjustment device at a first time, and a second installation position of a second environmental adjustment device installed in a second area included in the management subject and a second setting value of the second environmental adjustment device at the first time; estimating a total power consumption in the managed object when the first setting value and the second setting value are adjusted to be different values ​​based on the facility information; determining adjusted first and second set values ​​such that the total power consumption is equal to or less than the target power consumption; Information processing device.

2. The processing unit, Operate the first environmental adjustment equipment at the adjusted first set value, and operate the second environmental adjustment equipment at the adjusted second set value. The information processing device according to claim 1 .

3. The processing unit, outputting information regarding the adjusted first set value and the adjusted second set value; The information processing device according to claim 1 .

4. The processing unit, Obtaining a first number of users present in the first area and a second number of users present in the second area; estimating a first estimated number of users present in the first area when the first environmental adjustment equipment is adjusted to the first setting value, and a second estimated number of users present in the second area when the second environmental adjustment equipment is adjusted to the second setting value, based on the first number of users and the second number of users; calculating a first estimated power consumption of the first environmental adjustment equipment according to the first estimated number of users present in the first area, and a second estimated power consumption of the second environmental adjustment equipment according to the second estimated number of users present in the second area; a sum of the first estimated power consumption and the second estimated power consumption is estimated as the total power consumption; The information processing device according to claim 1 .

5. The processing unit, The total power consumption is equal to or less than the target power consumption, and determining an adjusted first setting value and an adjusted second setting value for which the total power consumption is the lowest, the variation between the adjusted first setting value and the adjusted second setting value is the largest, the total power consumption is closest to the target power consumption, or the estimated number of mobile users is the smallest when the adjusted first setting value and the adjusted second setting value are used; The information processing device according to claim 1 .

6. The processing unit: acquiring equipment information including a first installation position of a first environmental adjustment device installed in a first area included in the management subject and a first setting value of the first environmental adjustment device at a first time, and a second installation position of a second environmental adjustment device installed in a second area included in the management subject and a second setting value of the second environmental adjustment device at the first time; estimating a total power consumption in the managed object when the first setting value and the second setting value are adjusted to be different values ​​based on the facility information; determining adjusted first and second set values ​​such that the total power consumption is equal to or less than the target power consumption; Information processing methods.

7. On the computer, Obtaining the target power consumption for the managed device, acquiring equipment information including a first installation position of a first environmental adjustment device installed in a first area included in the management subject and a first setting value of the first environmental adjustment device at a first time, and a second installation position of a second environmental adjustment device installed in a second area included in the management subject and a second setting value of the second environmental adjustment device at the first time; estimating a total power consumption in the managed object when the first setting value and the second setting value are adjusted to be different values ​​based on the facility information; determining the first set value and the second set value adjusted so that the total power consumption is equal to or less than the target power consumption; Information processing program.

8. An information processing system including an information processing device having a processing unit, and an environmental adjustment device installed in each of a plurality of areas included in a management target and communicably connected to the information processing device, The processing unit, Obtain the target power consumption for the managed object, acquiring equipment information including a first installation position of a first environmental adjustment device installed in a first area included in the management subject and a first setting value of the first environmental adjustment device at a first time, and a second installation position of a second environmental adjustment device installed in a second area included in the management subject and a second setting value of the second environmental adjustment device at the first time; estimating a total power consumption in the managed object when the first setting value and the second setting value are adjusted to be different values ​​based on the facility information; determining adjusted first and second set values ​​such that the total power consumption is equal to or less than the target power consumption; Information processing system.

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