Server device, control method of server device, and program

Abstract

To provide a server device for contribution to achieving ZEB (Net Zero Energy Building) in a multi-tenant building in which a plurality of tenants resides.SOLUTION: The server device is provided with point control means and ZEB contribution control means. The point control means grants a point corresponding to the action of an employee working in the tenant of the multi-tenant building to the employee when the action contributes to the energy saving of the multi-tenant building. The ZEB contribution control means calculates a ZEB contribution point indicating the contribution of the multi-tenant building to the ZEB (Net Zero Energy Building) for each tenant. The ZEB contribution control means calculates the ZEB contribution point of each tenant by calculating the total value of the points given to the employees working in each tenant.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a server device, a control method for a server device, and a program. [Background technology]

[0002] There is technology available to assist users in saving energy.

[0003] For example, Patent Document 1 describes that an energy saving behavior support system that can improve a user's motivation for energy saving behavior is proposed. The system of Patent Document 1 is an energy saving behavior support system that returns an incentive to a user who has performed an energy saving behavior aimed at reducing the amount of energy consumed by a load device. The system includes an energy saving application, a measurement control device, an action log registration reference unit, a refund destination prediction unit, and a refund amount calculation unit. The energy saving application is an application for operating a load device and displaying an energy consumption status. The measurement control device measures the amount of energy consumed by the load device and controls the operation of the load device according to the operation content when the load device is operated. The action log registration reference unit manages the operation content by the energy saving application as an action log in association with the user who performed the operation. The refund destination prediction unit refers to the action log to extract the operation content indicating the energy saving behavior, and predicts the user associated with the extracted operation content as the user who performed the energy saving behavior. The refund amount calculation unit returns an incentive to the user predicted by the refund destination prediction unit. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] JP 2015-143914 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] As disclosed in Patent Document 1, it is important to promote energy conservation. In order to promote energy conservation activities in the private sector, there is a system in place that provides subsidies to businesses that achieve ZEB (Net Zero Energy Building).

[0006] The promotion of ZEB is expected in buildings with multiple tenants, but because the building owner (building developer) and the building users (tenants) are different, it can be difficult to reach a consensus on achieving ZEB. In other words, since there is no direct benefit for the tenants (building users) from achieving ZEB, it can be difficult to gain the understanding of users regarding ZEB activities.

[0007] The main object of the present invention is to provide a server device, a control method for a server device, and a program that contribute to achieving ZEB in a multi-tenant building occupied by multiple tenants. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] According to a first aspect of the present invention, a server device is provided which includes: a point control means for awarding points to employees working for tenants in a multi-tenant building according to their behavior when the behavior of the employees contributes to energy conservation in the multi-tenant building; and a ZEB contribution control means for calculating, for each tenant, the total value of the points awarded to employees working for each tenant, thereby calculating ZEB contribution points which indicate the contribution of each tenant to a ZEB (Net Zero Energy Building) of the multi-tenant building.

[0009] According to a second aspect of the present invention, a control method for a server device is provided in which, in a server device, when the actions of an employee working for a tenant in a multi-tenant building contribute to energy conservation in the multi-tenant building, points are awarded to the employee according to the employee's actions, and for each tenant, the total value of the points awarded to employees working for each tenant is calculated to calculate ZEB contribution points that indicate the contribution of each tenant to a ZEB (Net Zero Energy Building) of the multi-tenant building.

[0010] According to a third aspect of the present invention, a program is provided to cause a computer mounted on a server device to execute the following processes: if the actions of employees working for tenants in a multi-tenant building contribute to energy conservation in the multi-tenant building, awarding points to the employees according to the actions of the employees; and, for each tenant, calculating the total value of the points awarded to employees working for each tenant to calculate ZEB contribution points that indicate the contribution of each tenant to a ZEB (Net Zero Energy Building) of the multi-tenant building. Effect of the Invention

[0011] According to each aspect of the present invention, a server device, a control method for the server device, and a program are provided that contribute to achieving ZEB in a multi-tenant building in which multiple tenants reside. Note that the effects of the present invention are not limited to the above. The present invention may achieve other effects instead of or in addition to the effects. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0012] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a diagram for explaining an overview of an embodiment. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a flowchart for explaining an outline of the operation of one embodiment. [Diagram 3] FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating an example of a schematic configuration of an information processing system according to the present disclosure. [Figure 4]FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of a multi-tenant building according to the present disclosure. [Diagram 5] FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating an example of a tenant configuration according to the present disclosure. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating an example of a processing configuration of a server device according to the present disclosure. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating an example of a user management database according to the present disclosure. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing an example of the operation of the action history control unit according to the present disclosure. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating an example of a power management database according to the present disclosure. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing an example of the operation of the ZEB contribution control unit according to the present disclosure. [Figure 11] FIG. 11 is a diagram for explaining the operation of the ZEB contribution control unit according to the present disclosure. [Figure 12] FIG. 12 is a diagram illustrating an example of a processing configuration of a server device according to a modification of the present disclosure. [Figure 13] FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating an example of a hardware configuration of a server device according to the present disclosure. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0013] First, an outline of one embodiment will be described. The reference numerals in the drawings are added to each element for convenience as an example to aid in understanding, and the description of the outline is not intended to be limiting. Furthermore, unless otherwise specified, the blocks shown in each drawing represent functional units rather than hardware units. The connection lines between the blocks in each drawing include both bidirectional and unidirectional. The unidirectional arrows are used to diagrammatically indicate the flow of the main signal (data) and do not exclude bidirectionality. In this specification and the drawings, elements that can be similarly described may be given the same reference numerals to avoid redundant description.

[0014] A server device 100 according to an embodiment includes a point control means 101 and a ZEB contribution control means 102 (see FIG. 1). When the behavior of an employee working for a tenant in a multi-tenant building contributes to energy conservation in the multi-tenant building, the point control means 101 grants points to the employee according to the behavior of the employee (step S1 in FIG. 2). The ZEB contribution control means 102 calculates ZEB contribution points indicating the contribution of each tenant to a ZEB (Net Zero Energy Building) of the multi-tenant building for each tenant (step S2). The ZEB contribution control means 102 calculates the ZEB contribution points of each tenant by calculating the total value of points granted to employees working for each tenant.

[0015] The server device 100 calculates ZEB contribution points that quantify the contribution of each tenant in a multi-tenant building to ZEB activities. For example, when ZEB is achieved and a subsidy is obtained, the owner of the multi-tenant building returns all or part of the subsidy obtained using the ZEB contribution points to each tenant. Tenants with many ZEB contribution points (tenants who cooperate more with ZEB activities) receive a larger return. By returning the subsidy to the tenants, each tenant is motivated to cooperate with ZEB, making it easier to achieve ZEB.

[0016] Specific embodiments will be described in more detail below with reference to the drawings.

[0017] [First embodiment] The first embodiment will be described in more detail with reference to the drawings.

[0018] [System configuration] FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating an example of a schematic configuration of an information processing system (power management system) according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0019] As shown in FIG. 3, the information processing system according to the first embodiment includes a server device 10 and a multi-tenant building 20.

[0020] The multi-tenant building 20 is a building that complies with the ZEB (Net Zero Energy Building) standard. The multi-tenant building 20 is a building that aims to reduce the balance of electricity consumed in the building to zero.

[0021] A multi-tenant building 20 houses multiple tenants (companies, retail stores, restaurants, etc.). The multi-tenant building 20 aims to cover the total electricity consumption of each of the multiple tenants with renewable energy generation in the building itself.

[0022] Public institutions (for example, the Ministry of the Environment) provide subsidies to multi-tenant buildings 20 that achieve ZEB. In order for a multi-tenant building 20 to receive the subsidy, the building owner must report the total power consumption of the building and the amount of electricity generated from renewable energy sources to the public institution. Subsidies are provided when the amount of electricity generated from renewable energy sources exceeds the total power consumption of the building.

[0023] The server device 10 is a server that performs tasks such as tallying up the power consumption of each tenant and the power generated by the multi-tenant building 20. The server device 10 is operated by the owner of the multi-tenant building 20 or a management company or the like that has been entrusted with the management of the building. The server device 10 may be installed inside the multi-tenant building 20, or may be installed on the cloud.

[0024] As described above, the multi-tenant building 20 generates renewable energy. For example, as shown in Fig. 4, the multi-tenant building 20 includes a solar power generation system 21. The solar power generation system 21 supplies power obtained by a solar power generation panel to meet power demand during the day. The solar power generation system 21 also includes a storage battery, and supplies power stored in the storage battery to meet power demand during the night.

[0025] The photovoltaic power generation system 21 is connected to a power meter 22 that measures the power consumption of the entire tenant building. In addition, a commercial power source (power supplied by a power company) is also connected to the power meter 22.

[0026] The power meter 22 measures the power supplied to the multi-tenant building 20 from both the photovoltaic power generation system 21 and the commercial power source.

[0027] An individual power meter 23 is installed in each tenant in the multi-tenant building 20. The power meter 23 measures the power consumption of each corresponding tenant. Power is supplied to each tenant via the power meter 22 and the power meter 23.

[0028] The multi-tenant building 20 generates renewable energy (CO2-free electricity) using its own solar power generation system 21. The multi-tenant building 20 prioritizes the renewable energy when supplying electricity to each tenant. If there is a shortage of electricity generated by the renewable energy, the multi-tenant building 20 purchases electricity from a power company.

[0029] Multi-tenant building 20 applies to a public institution for the amount of electricity generated from renewable energy sources and the total electricity consumption of the building (the sum of the electricity consumption of each tenant), and receives a subsidy if the electricity for the entire building is covered by renewable energy sources (if the electricity consumption of each tenant is covered).

[0030] Fig. 5 is a diagram showing an example of the internal configuration of a tenant (a room in a multi-tenant building 20). As shown in Fig. 5, an employee of the tenant performs work using a business terminal 30. The interior of the tenant also includes at least one camera 31 that is installed so as to be able to capture images of the interior of the room. The employee also carries a terminal 40 such as a smartphone.

[0031] Although not shown in Fig. 5, cameras 31 are installed in each tenant's room so as to be able to capture images of staff operating the lighting of each piece of equipment (for example, lighting for the entire room, lighting for the toilet, lighting for the kitchen) and the details of their operations (turning lights on, turning lights off). Alternatively, cameras 31 are installed so as to be able to capture images of staff operating the control panel of an air conditioner and the details of their operations.

[0032] The devices shown in Fig. 3 to Fig. 5 are connected to one another. For example, the server device 10 is connected to a power meter 22, a power meter 23, a business terminal 30, and a camera 31 via a network.

[0033] 3 and the like are merely examples and are not intended to limit the configuration of the information processing system disclosed in the present application. For example, the information processing system may include two or more server devices 10.

[0034] [General operation] Next, an outline of the operation of the information processing system according to the first embodiment will be described.

[0035] <User registration> An employee of each tenant registers as a user in advance. Specifically, the employee operates the business terminal 30 or the terminal 40 to access the server device 10. The employee registers in the server device 10 his / her name, sex, date of birth, address, company (tenant name), department, biometric information, email address, etc.

[0036] Examples of biometric information include data (feature amounts) calculated from physical characteristics unique to an individual, such as a face, fingerprint, voiceprint, veins, retina, or iris pattern. Alternatively, the biometric information may be image data such as a face image or fingerprint image. The biometric information may be any information that includes a user's physical characteristics. In the embodiment disclosed in the present application, a case will be described in which biometric information related to a person's "face" (a face image or feature amounts generated from a face image) is used.

[0037] The server device 10 associates and stores the name, sex, biometric information, etc. of employees belonging to each tenant in the user management database. The server device 10 uses the user management database to associate and store the name, biometric information, etc. of each of multiple employees working in the tenant. The user management database will be described in detail later.

[0038] <Collection of behavioral history> The server device 10 collects the behavior history of each employee working in each tenant. For example, the server device 10 generates the behavior history using information obtained from the terminal 40 possessed by the employee and the business terminal 30 used by the employee for business purposes.

[0039] Alternatively, the server device 10 generates the behavioral history of the employee based on image data obtained from the camera 31 installed in each location of each tenant. Specifically, the server device 10 analyzes the image data obtained from the camera 31 to generate the behavioral history of the employee.

[0040] <Points Awarding> The server device 10 awards a predetermined number of points to actions that contribute to the ZEB of the multi-tenant building 20 among the actions of employees in the multi-tenant building 20. For example, the server device 10 determines whether or not the employee's actions are eligible for point awarding at the time when the action history is generated. If the employee's actions are eligible for point awarding, the server device 10 awards points to the employee.

[0041] Note that "behavior that contributes to ZEB" refers to behavior that reduces the power consumption of the multi-tenant building 20 (tenants) in order to cover the electricity consumed in the multi-tenant building 20 with renewable energy. Specifically, behavior that prevents energy waste in the multi-tenant building 20 (energy-saving behavior) is behavior that contributes to ZEB.

[0042] For example, employees who wear Cool Biz (no ties, no jackets) will be considered to have contributed to ZEB and will be awarded points. Employees who turn off unnecessary lights and set the air conditioner to an appropriate temperature will also be awarded points.

[0043] Alternatively, the server device 10 may give negative points to employees who behave in a manner that goes against ZEB (for example, an employee who does not turn off the lights after using the toilet).

[0044] <Return of subsidies> The server device 10 calculates the power balance for a predetermined period (for example, one year) of the entire multi-tenant building 20. For example, the server device 10 calculates the power balance of the entire multi-tenant building 20 at the end of the year or at the end of a fiscal year.

[0045] The server device 10 calculates the difference between the total power generation by the photovoltaic power generation system 21 (the total amount of power supplied to the multi-tenant building 20) and the power consumed by the entire multi-tenant building 20. If the calculated difference is a positive value (if the total power generation by the photovoltaic power generation system 21 exceeds the total power consumption of the multi-tenant building 20), the server device 10 determines that ZEB has been achieved. In this case, a subsidy is provided.

[0046] When the subsidy is paid, the server device 10 calculates the degree of contribution to ZEB activities for each tenant. Specifically, the server device 10 calculates the "ZEB contribution points" for each tenant by adding up the points given to each employee of each tenant during a predetermined period (for example, one year).

[0047] Each tenant will be given benefits according to their ZEB contribution points. Specifically, tenants who have earned many ZEB contribution points will be given many benefits (good benefits). Alternatively, tenants who have earned few ZEB contribution points or have negative ZEB contribution points will not be given any benefits.

[0048] For example, the tenants may be given privileges such as the ability to use the facilities (e.g., conference rooms) of the multi-tenant building 20 free of charge or a discount on the fees for the facilities. The funds for these privileges are allocated in whole or in part from the subsidies obtained by achieving ZEB.

[0049] Next, each device included in the information processing system according to the first embodiment will be described in detail.

[0050] [Server device] 6 is a diagram illustrating an example of a processing configuration (processing module) of the server device 10 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Referring to FIG. 6, the server device 10 includes a communication control unit 201, a user registration unit 202, a behavior history control unit 203, a point control unit 204, a power control unit 205, a ZEB contribution control unit 206, and a storage unit 207.

[0051] The communication control unit 201 is a means for controlling communication with other devices. For example, the communication control unit 201 receives data (packets) from the business terminal 30. The communication control unit 201 also transmits data to the business terminal 30. The communication control unit 201 passes the data received from the other devices to the other processing modules. The communication control unit 201 transmits data acquired from the other processing modules to the other devices. In this way, the other processing modules transmit and receive data to and from the other devices via the communication control unit 201. The communication control unit 201 has a function as a receiver that receives data from the other devices and a function as a transmitter that transmits data to the other devices.

[0052] The user registration unit 202 is a means for realizing the user registration of each employee working in the tenant. The user registration unit 202 acquires the name, biometric information, etc. of each of the multiple employees working in each tenant, and registers them in a user management database.

[0053] The user registration unit 202 acquires the employee's name, sex, date of birth, address, company, department, biometric information (face image), email address, and the like, using any means.

[0054] For example, the user registration unit 202 displays a GUI (Graphical User Interface) for inputting a name, biometric information (for example, a face image) and the like on the business terminal 30 or the terminal 40, and acquires the above information.

[0055] The user registration unit 202 generates a feature amount (a feature vector consisting of a plurality of feature amounts) from the acquired face image.

[0056] Since existing technology can be used for the generation of feature amounts, detailed description thereof will be omitted. For example, the user registration unit 202 extracts the eyes, nose, mouth, etc. as feature points from the face image. After that, the user registration unit 202 calculates the position of each feature point and the distance between each feature point as feature amounts, and generates a feature vector (vector information that characterizes the face image) consisting of multiple feature amounts.

[0057] Furthermore, when the user registration unit 202 acquires the name and other information of an employee, it generates a user ID (office worker ID) for identifying the employee.

[0058] The user registration unit 202 stores the user ID, name, sex, biometric information (feature amount), etc. in a user management database in association with each other (see FIG. 7). Note that the user management database shown in FIG. 7 is an example, and is not intended to limit the items to be stored. For example, biometric information related to a face image may be stored in the user management database instead of or in addition to the feature amount.

[0059] When the user registration unit 202 stores the employee's name and the like in the user management database (when an employee account is generated), it transmits the generated user ID to the business terminal 30 or the terminal 40.

[0060] The business terminal 30 or the terminal 40 stores the received user ID. The employee also registers the user ID issued by the server device 10 in a device (business terminal 30, terminal 40) other than the business terminal 30 or the terminal 40 used for user registration.

[0061] The behavior history control unit 203 is a means for controlling the generation of behavior histories of employees.

[0062] For example, the behavior history control unit 203 acquires behavior information on the behavior of the employee from the business terminal 30 or terminal 40 used by the employee, and stores the acquired behavior information in the user management database. That is, the behavior history control unit 203 generates the behavior history of the employee based on the information (data) obtained from the business terminal 30 or terminal 40.

[0063] Alternatively, the behavior history control unit 203 acquires behavior information regarding the behavior of the employee based on image data acquired from the camera 31 installed in the tenant, and stores the acquired behavior information in the user management database. That is, the behavior history control unit 203 may generate the behavior history of the employee from the image data acquired from the camera 31.

[0064] The action history control unit 203 stores the employee's action information in the action history field of the user management database. When the employee's action information is stored in the user management database, the action history control unit 203 notifies the point control unit 204 of that effect. Specifically, the action history control unit 203 notifies the point control unit 204 of the user ID of the employee whose action information is stored.

[0065] For example, the behavior history control unit 203 receives an "behavior information notification" from the business terminal 30, etc. The behavior information notification includes a user ID and content (behavior information) related to the behavior performed by the employee on the business terminal 30, etc. For example, the behavior history control unit 203 receives a behavior information notification from the business terminal 30, etc., including behavior information such as "power off computer" and "switch computer to sleep mode."

[0066] The behavior history control unit 203 searches the user management database using the user ID included in the behavior information notification, and identifies a corresponding entry. The behavior history control unit 203 stores (adds) the behavior information included in the behavior information notification in the behavior history field of the identified entry.

[0067] The behavior history control unit 203 also receives image data from the camera 31 installed in each tenant. The behavior history control unit 203 uses the acquired image data to acquire behavior information of employees.

[0068] With reference to FIG. 8, the operation of the action history control unit 203 when image data is acquired from the camera 31 will be described.

[0069] When image data is received from the camera 31, the behavior history control unit 203 attempts to extract a face image from the received image data (executes a face image extraction process; step S101).

[0070] In addition, since the behavior history control unit 203 can use existing technology for the facial image extraction process, detailed explanations will be omitted. For example, the behavior history control unit 203 may extract a facial image (face area) from image data using a learning model learned by a CNN (Convolutional Neural Network). Alternatively, the behavior history control unit 203 may extract a facial image using a method such as template matching.

[0071] If a face image cannot be extracted from the image data (step S102, No branch), the behavior history control unit 203 does not perform any particular process.

[0072] If a facial image can be extracted from the image data (step S102, Yes branch), the behavior history control unit 203 performs a matching process using the facial image (biometric information) extracted from the image data with the biometric information stored in the user management database (step S103).

[0073] Specifically, the behavior history control unit 203 generates a feature from the extracted face image. The behavior history control unit 203 sets the generated feature as a matching target, and performs a matching process (1:N matching; N is a positive integer, the same applies below) with the feature registered in the user management database.

[0074] The behavior history control unit 203 calculates the similarity between the feature to be matched and each of the multiple feature on the registration side. The similarity can be calculated using chi-square distance, Euclidean distance, etc. Note that the greater the distance, the lower the similarity, and the closer the distance, the higher the similarity.

[0075] The behavior history control unit 203 determines that the matching process has failed if there is no feature among the multiple feature amounts registered in the user management database that has a similarity with the feature amount to be matched that is equal to or greater than a predetermined value.

[0076] The behavior history control unit 203 determines that the matching process is successful if there is a feature among the multiple feature amounts registered in the user management database that has a similarity to the feature amount to be matched that is equal to or greater than a predetermined value. If the matching process is successful, the entry (employee) with the feature amount with the highest similarity is identified as the employee appearing in the image data.

[0077] If the matching process fails (step S104, No branch), the behavior history control unit 203 does not perform any particular process.

[0078] If the matching process is successful (step S104, Yes branch), the behavior history control unit 203 acquires behavior information of the employee identified by the matching process using image data acquired from the camera 31 (step S105).

[0079] Specifically, the behavior history control unit 203 acquires behavioral information of employees by inputting image data into a learning model prepared in advance.

[0080] The learning model is obtained by machine learning using a large amount of training data in which labels (behavioral information; for example, lights off in a toilet) are added to image data (image data showing a person). Any algorithm, such as a support vector machine, boosting, or neural network, can be used to generate the learning model. Note that the algorithm, such as the support vector machine, can use publicly known technology, and therefore the description thereof will be omitted.

[0081] Here, in order to obtain more accurate behavioral information, the behavior history control unit 203 may input video data to the learning model to obtain behavioral information. That is, the behavior history control unit 203 may input multiple image data showing the same person to the learning model to obtain behavioral information of the person.

[0082] When the behavior information is acquired, the behavior history control unit 203 stores the acquired behavior information in the behavior history field of the entry of the user management database specified by the matching process (step S106).

[0083] The point control unit 204 is a means for controlling points given to employees. When the actions of an employee working for a tenant in the multi-tenant building 20 contribute to energy conservation in the multi-tenant building 20, the point control unit 204 gives points to the employee according to the actions of the employee.

[0084] Specifically, when the point control unit 204 receives notification from the behavior history control unit 203 that the behavioral information has been stored in the user management database, if the employee's behavior is eligible for point awarding, the point control unit 204 awards points (a predetermined number of points) to the employee.

[0085] Specifically, the point control unit 204 searches the user management database using the user ID notified from the action history control unit 203 as a key, and identifies the corresponding entry (employee). The point control unit 204 reads the latest action history (action information) of the identified employee from the user management database.

[0086] The point control unit 204 inputs the read behavioral information of the employee into a learning model prepared in advance, thereby acquiring the number of points according to the behavior of the employee.

[0087] The learning model is obtained by machine learning using a large amount of training data in which behavioral information is given labels (points to be assigned). The learning model outputs a positive number of points if an employee's behavior contributes to ZEB activities. The learning model also outputs zero if an employee's behavior does not affect ZEB activities. Furthermore, the learning model outputs a negative number of points if an employee's behavior has a negative impact on ZEB activities.

[0088] The point control unit 204 adds the number of points obtained from the learning model to the point field of the user management database.

[0089] In this way, the point control unit 204 uses the behavior information stored in the user management database to determine whether or not the behavior of the employee contributes to energy conservation in the multi-tenant building 20. When it is determined that the behavior of the employee contributes to energy conservation, the point control unit 204 awards points to the employee.

[0090] The power control unit 205 is a means for controlling the power of the multi-tenant building 20. The power control unit 205 communicates with the power meter 22 and the power meter 23 periodically or at a predetermined timing, and acquires the amount of power generated by the solar power generation system 21, the amount of power purchased from commercial power, and the amount of power consumed by each tenant.

[0091] For example, the power control unit 205 calculates the daily CO2-free power generation amount, the purchased power amount, and the power consumption amount for each tenant using the acquired power generation amount, etc. The power control unit 205 stores the calculated power amounts in the power management database (see FIG. 9).

[0092] The ZEB contribution control unit 206 is a means for controlling each tenant's contribution to ZEB. Specifically, the ZEB contribution control unit 206 determines whether or not a subsidy can be obtained by achieving ZEB, and if a subsidy can be obtained, performs control to return the obtained subsidy to the tenant.

[0093] FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing an example of the operation of the ZEB contribution control unit 206.

[0094] The ZEB contribution control unit 206 determines whether or not ZEB has been achieved (ZEB achievement determination; step S201). For example, the ZEB contribution control unit 206 determines whether or not ZEB has been achieved at the end of the year or at the end of the fiscal year.

[0095] The ZEB contribution control unit 206 calculates the power balance of the entire multi-tenant building 20 for a predetermined period (e.g., one year). More specifically, the ZEB contribution control unit 206 calculates the total amount of power generated by the solar power generation system 21 for the predetermined period (total value of CO2-free power generation). The ZEB contribution control unit 206 calculates the power consumption of the entire building by adding up the power consumption of each tenant for the predetermined period. The ZEB contribution control unit 206 calculates the power balance using the calculated total amount of power generated by the solar power generation system 21 and the power consumption of the entire multi-tenant building 20.

[0096] When the power balance is positive or zero (when the difference between the total power generation amount by the photovoltaic power generation system 21 and the power consumption amount of the entire building is positive or zero), the ZEB contribution control unit 206 determines that ZEB has been achieved.

[0097] If the power balance is negative (if the difference between the total power generation amount by the photovoltaic power generation system 21 and the power consumption amount of the entire building is negative), the ZEB contribution control unit 206 determines that ZEB has not been achieved.

[0098] If ZEB is not achieved (step S202, No branch), the ZEB contribution control unit 206 ends the process. In this case, the subsidy is not returned to each tenant.

[0099] If ZEB is achieved (step S202, Yes branch), the ZEB contribution control unit 206 calculates "ZEB contribution points" that indicate the degree of contribution to ZEB activities for each tenant (step S203). Specifically, the ZEB contribution control unit 206 totals the points given to each employee of each tenant during the period covered by the subsidy application (e.g., one year) to calculate the "ZEB contribution points" for each tenant.

[0100] The ZEB contribution control unit 206 reports the ZEB contribution points acquired by each tenant to the owner or person in charge of the tenant building (step S204).

[0101] For example, the ZEB contribution control unit 206 generates information as shown in Fig. 11. The ZEB contribution control unit 206 provides the generated information to the owner, etc. Specifically, the ZEB contribution control unit 206 outputs ZEB contribution points for each tenant to the outside. For example, the ZEB contribution control unit 206 outputs information as shown in Fig. 11 to a printer to print it, or transmits the information to a terminal held by the owner.

[0102] In this way, the ZEB contribution control unit 206 calculates the power balance between the amount of power generated by renewable energy in the multi-tenant building 20 and the power consumption of each tenant in the multi-tenant building 20 during a specified period. If the calculated power balance is positive or zero, the ZEB contribution control unit 206 determines that ZEB has been achieved. Furthermore, if ZEB has been achieved in the multi-tenant building 20 during a specified period, the ZEB contribution control unit 206 calculates the total value of points awarded to employees working in each tenant for each tenant. The ZEB contribution control unit 206 calculates the total value of points awarded to each employee as ZEB contribution points indicating the contribution of each tenant to ZEB.

[0103] The owner of the multi-tenant building 20 provides each tenant with benefits according to the ZEB contribution points. For example, the owner provides the tenant with benefits such as allowing the tenant to use the facilities (e.g., conference rooms) of the multi-tenant building 20 free of charge or providing a discount on the fees for the facilities.

[0104] Alternatively, the ZEB contribution control unit 206 may determine the privilege to be granted to each tenant. Specifically, the ZEB contribution control unit 206 may grant each tenant a privilege according to the ZEB contribution points. For example, the ZEB contribution control unit 206 may grant a better privilege to the tenant in the order of the number of ZEB contribution points. The privilege granted by the ZEB contribution control unit 206 may be notified to the tenant via the owner of the multi-tenant building 20 or the like. Alternatively, the ZEB contribution control unit 206 may directly notify each tenant of the privilege granted.

[0105] We will not go into detail here regarding the benefits given to each tenant based on their ZEB contribution points or how these benefits are awarded.

[0106] The storage unit 207 is a means for storing information necessary for the operation of the server device 10 .

[0107] [Business terminal] Examples of the business terminal 30 include computers (personal computers, notebook computers, etc.). The business terminal 30 can be any equipment or device that can accept operations by employees and communicate with the server device 10, etc. Also, since the configuration of the business terminal 30 is clear to those skilled in the art, detailed explanations will be omitted.

[0108] When a predetermined event occurs, the business terminal 30 transmits to the server device 10 a "behavior information notification" including the user ID of the user and the occurring event (employee behavior information).

[0109] [Device] Examples of the terminal 40 include mobile terminal devices such as smartphones, mobile phones, game consoles, and tablets. The terminal 40 can be any equipment or device that can accept operations by employees and communicate with the server device 10, etc. Furthermore, the configuration of the terminal 40 is clear to those skilled in the art, so a detailed description will be omitted.

[0110] Similar to the business terminal 30, when a predetermined event occurs, the terminal 40 may also transmit to the server device 10 a "behavior information notification" including the user ID of the user and the occurring event (employee behavior information).

[0111] [camera] Detailed description of the configuration, operation, etc. of camera 31 will be omitted because the configuration, etc. of camera 31 will be apparent to those skilled in the art. Camera 31 transmits image data obtained by photographing a predetermined range periodically or at a predetermined timing to server device 10.

[0112] Next, a modification of the first embodiment will be described.

[0113] <Variation 1> The multi-tenant building 20 may give rewards to employees who contribute to ZEB activities not on a tenant-by-tenant basis but on an employee-by-employee basis. In this case, the ZEB contribution control unit 206 of the server device 10 calculates the total points earned by each employee in a predetermined period as ZEB contribution points. The ZEB contribution control unit 206 may provide the owner of the multi-tenant building 20 with a list of ZEB contribution points earned by each employee.

[0114] <Variation 2> The server device 10 may give points to an employee's actions that do not directly affect the ZEB of the multi-tenant building 20. For example, the server device 10 may give points to an employee who commutes by foot or practices off-peak commuting. For example, the employee operates the terminal 40 that he / she owns to notify the server device 10 that he / she commuted by foot or commuted off-peak. Alternatively, the server device 10 may grasp the employee's attendance time based on the authentication result at a gate device (a gate device compatible with face recognition) installed at the entrance / exit of the tenant (office). The server device 10 may determine whether the employee's behavior corresponds to off-peak commuting based on the grasped attendance time. As described above, a subsidy according to the points acquired by the employee may be returned to the employee individually, so that the employee's eco-activities (energy saving activities) outside the multi-tenant building 20 are taken into consideration when the subsidy is returned.

[0115] <Variation 3> The server device 10 may visualize the energy usage status and the indoor environment (for example, the indoor temperature) in the multi-tenant building 20 and provide the visualized information to employees of each tenant. In this case, the server device 10 may include an information provision control unit 208 as shown in FIG.

[0116] The information provision control unit 208 may generate graphs or the like showing the energy usage status of the multi-tenant building 20 (the amount of CO2-free electricity generated, the amount of electricity consumed by its own tenants) in real time, and display the graphs or the like on the business terminal 30 of each tenant.

[0117] By visualizing the energy usage status and the like and providing it to the employees of the tenant, the server device 10 can increase the awareness of the employees (office workers) of the tenant regarding energy consumption and the indoor environment.

[0118] Alternatively, the information provision control unit 208 may visualize the points acquired by each employee and provide them to each employee. Alternatively, the information provision control unit 208 may convert the points acquired by each employee into the amount of energy (electricity) reduced, visualize the amount of energy, and provide them to each employee. Alternatively, the information provision control unit 208 may provide each employee with the points acquired and the amount of energy reduced in a ranking format. The information provision control unit 208 may increase each employee's motivation to save energy by such measures.

[0119] As described above, the server device 10 according to the first embodiment calculates ZEB contribution points for each tenant residing in the multi-tenant building 20. When an action taken by an employee working in each tenant contributes to energy saving in the multi-tenant building 20, the server device 10 gives points to the employee. The server device 10 calculates the total points given to the employee to calculate the ZEB contribution points of each tenant. When ZEB is achieved and a subsidy is obtained, the owner of the multi-tenant building 20 returns the subsidy obtained using the ZEB contribution points to each tenant as a "benefit". A good benefit (more benefits) is given to a tenant who has acquired many ZEB contribution points. As a result, each tenant is motivated to cooperate with ZEB. When each tenant actively cooperates with ZEB activities, the achievement of ZEB becomes more certain.

[0120] In this way, the server device 10 links the user ID (office worker ID) with the points earned through ZEB contribution activities. The server device 10 quantifies (visualizes) the ZEB contribution of the multi-tenant building 20 using the points earned by each employee, and grants benefits to each tenant using the ZEB contribution points. In other words, the server device 10 measures the extent to which each tenant and each employee in the multi-tenant building 20 has contributed to ZEB activities, and reflects the results of the measurement in the benefits granted to each tenant. As a result, further promotion of ZEB can be expected.

[0121] Next, the hardware of each device constituting the information processing system will be described.

[0122] The server device 10 can be configured by an information processing device (so-called a computer), and has the configuration exemplified in Fig. 13. For example, the server device 10 has a processor 311, a memory 312, an input / output interface 313, and a communication interface 314. The components such as the processor 311 are connected by an internal bus or the like, and are configured to be able to communicate with each other.

[0123] However, the configuration shown in Fig. 13 is not intended to limit the hardware configuration of the server device 10. The server device 10 may include hardware not shown, and may not include the input / output interface 313 as necessary. In addition, the number of processors 311 and the like included in the server device 10 is not intended to be limited to the example shown in Fig. 13, and for example, the server device 10 may include multiple processors 311.

[0124] The processor 311 is, for example, a programmable device such as a central processing unit (CPU), a micro processing unit (MPU), or a digital signal processor (DSP). Alternatively, the processor 311 may be a device such as a field programmable gate array (FPGA), or an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC). The processor 311 executes various programs including an operating system (OS).

[0125] The memory 312 is a random access memory (RAM), a read only memory (ROM), a hard disk drive (HDD), a solid state drive (SSD), etc. The memory 312 stores an OS program, application programs, and various data.

[0126] The input / output interface 313 is an interface for a display device and an input device (not shown). The display device is, for example, a liquid crystal display, etc. The input device is, for example, a keyboard, a mouse, a touch panel, etc. that accepts user operations.

[0127] The communication interface 314 is a circuit, a module, etc. that communicates with other devices. For example, the communication interface 314 includes a network interface card (NIC).

[0128] The functions of the server device 10 are realized by various processing modules. The processing modules are realized, for example, by the processor 311 executing a program stored in the memory 312. The program can be recorded in a computer-readable storage medium. The storage medium can be a non-transitory medium such as a semiconductor memory, a hard disk, a magnetic recording medium, or an optical recording medium. That is, the present invention can also be embodied as a computer program product. The program can be downloaded via a network or updated using a storage medium storing the program. The processing modules may also be realized by a semiconductor chip.

[0129] The business terminal 30, terminal 40, etc. can also be configured from information processing devices in the same manner as the server device 10, and the basic hardware configuration is no different from that of the server device 10, so a description thereof will be omitted.

[0130] The server device 10 is equipped with a computer, and the computer executes a program to realize the functions of the server device 10. The server device 10 also executes a control method for the server device 10 by the program.

[0131] [Variations] The configuration, operation, etc. of the information processing system described in the above embodiment are merely examples, and are not intended to limit the system configuration, etc.

[0132] When registering an employee as a user, the server device 10 may obtain consent for the employee's behavioral history to be used in determining whether or not to award points. The server device 10 may exclude employees who do not consent for their behavioral history to be used in determining whether or not to award points.

[0133] The server device 10 may have a function (function of providing information) of introducing employees of tenants who reside in a multi-tenant building and have high ZEB contribution points to other tenants (tenant employees). From the perspective of the building owner, such as "improving the attractiveness of the building" or "increasing occupancy rate," the server device 10 may introduce the behavior (specific energy-saving behavior) of employees with high ZEB contribution points (exemplary employees who have acquired many ZEB contribution points) to employees of other tenants. When the employees who receive the introduction take the exemplary employees' actions as a reference, energy conservation in the multi-tenant building is further improved.

[0134] In the above embodiment, when ZEB is achieved, ZEB contribution points are calculated, and subsidies obtained by achieving ZEB are returned to each tenant. However, even if ZEB is not achieved, ZEB contribution points may be calculated, and a return different from the return using subsidies may be given to each tenant. Even if ZEB is not achieved, a tenant with a high ZEB contribution point is still contributing to energy conservation in a multi-tenant building, so a reward system that rewards such tenants may be formed.

[0135] In the above embodiment, a case has been described in which the user management database is configured inside the server device 10, but the database may be constructed in an external database server or the like. That is, some of the functions of the server device 10 may be implemented in another device. More specifically, the above-described "ZEB contribution control unit (ZEB contribution control means)" and the like may be implemented in any of the devices included in the system.

[0136] In the flow charts (flow charts, sequence diagrams) used in the above description, multiple steps (processes) are described in order, but the order of execution of the steps executed in the embodiments is not limited to the order described. In the embodiments, the order of the steps shown in the figures can be changed to a degree that does not interfere with the content, such as executing each process in parallel.

[0137] The above-mentioned embodiments have been described in detail to facilitate understanding of the present disclosure, and it is not intended that all of the configurations described above are necessary. In addition, when a plurality of embodiments are described, each embodiment may be used alone or in combination. For example, it is possible to replace a part of the configuration of an embodiment with the configuration of another embodiment, or to add the configuration of another embodiment to the configuration of an embodiment. Furthermore, it is possible to add, delete, or replace a part of the configuration of an embodiment with another configuration.

[0138] The above explanation makes clear the industrial applicability of the present invention, and the present invention can be suitably applied to information processing systems, including multi-tenant buildings that are working on ZEB.

[0139] A part or all of the above-described embodiments can be described as, but is not limited to, the following supplementary notes.

[0140] [Appendix 1] a point control means for giving points to an employee working for a tenant in a multi-tenant building according to the employee's actions when the employee's actions contribute to energy conservation in the multi-tenant building; A ZEB contribution control means for calculating, for each tenant, a ZEB contribution point indicating the contribution of each tenant to the ZEB (Net Zero Energy Building) of the multi-tenant building by calculating the total value of the points given to employees working at each tenant; A server device comprising: [Appendix 2] The server device described in Appendix 1, wherein the ZEB contribution control means calculates the ZEB contribution points when the ZEB of the multi-tenant building is achieved in a specified period of time. [Appendix 3] The server device described in Appendix 2, wherein the ZEB contribution control means outputs the ZEB contribution points for each tenant to the outside. [Appendix 4] The server device described in Appendix 3, wherein the ZEB contribution control means grants each tenant a benefit according to the ZEB contribution points. [Appendix 5] The server device described in Appendix 4, wherein the ZEB contribution control means calculates the power balance between the amount of electricity generated by renewable energy in the multi-tenant building and the power consumption of each tenant in the multi-tenant building during the specified period, and determines that the ZEB has been achieved if the calculated power balance is positive or zero. [Appendix 6] The system further includes a behavior history control unit that acquires behavior information regarding the behavior of the employee based on image data obtained from a camera installed in the tenant, and stores the acquired behavior information in a database; The server device described in Appendix 5, wherein the point control means uses behavioral information stored in the database to determine whether the employee's behavior contributes to energy conservation in the multi-tenant building. [Appendix 7] The system further includes an action history control means for acquiring action information relating to actions taken by the employee from the terminal used by the employee, and storing the acquired action information in a database; The server device described in Appendix 5, wherein the point control means uses behavioral information stored in the database to determine whether the employee's behavior contributes to energy conservation in the multi-tenant building. [Appendix 8] In the server device, When an action of an employee working for a tenant of a multi-tenant building contributes to energy conservation of the multi-tenant building, points are awarded to the employee according to the employee's action; A server device control method that calculates ZEB contribution points that indicate the contribution of each tenant to the multi-tenant building's ZEB (Net Zero Energy Building) by calculating the total value of the points awarded to employees working at each tenant. [Appendix 9] A computer installed in the server device When an action of an employee working for a tenant of a multi-tenant building contributes to energy conservation of the multi-tenant building, a process of giving points to the employee according to the action of the employee; A process of calculating ZEB contribution points that indicate the contribution of each tenant to the ZEB (Net Zero Energy Building) of the multi-tenant building by calculating the total value of the points given to employees working at each tenant for each tenant; A program for executing.

[0141] In addition, some or all of the configurations described in Supplementary Notes 2 to 7 that are dependent on Supplementary Note 1 above may also be dependent on Supplementary Notes 8 and 9 in the same dependent relationship as Supplementary Notes 2 to 7. Furthermore, not limited to Supplementary Notes 1, 7, and 8, but similarly, some or all of the configurations described as supplementary notes may be dependent on various hardware, software, various recording means for recording software, or systems within the scope of each of the above-mentioned embodiments.

[0142] The disclosures of the above cited prior art documents are incorporated herein by reference. Although the embodiments of the present invention have been described above, the present invention is not limited to these embodiments. It will be understood by those skilled in the art that these embodiments are merely illustrative and that various modifications are possible without departing from the scope and spirit of the present invention. In other words, the present invention naturally includes various modifications and amendments that a person skilled in the art can make in accordance with the entire disclosure, including the scope of the claims, and the technical ideas. [Explanation of symbols]

[0143] 10. Server device 20 Multi-tenant building 21 Photovoltaic power generation system 22 Power Meter 23 Power Meter 30 Business terminals 31 Camera 40 Terminals 100 Server device 101 Point Control Means 102 ZEB Contribution Control Measures 201 Communication control section 202 User Registration Department 203 Action History Control Unit 204 Point control section 205 Power Control Unit 206 ZEB Contribution Control Unit 207 Memory section 208 Information provision control section 311 Processor 312 Memory 313 Input / Output Interface 314 Communication Interface

Claims

1. a point control means for giving points to an employee working for a tenant in a multi-tenant building according to the employee's actions when the employee's actions contribute to energy conservation in the multi-tenant building; A ZEB contribution control means for calculating, for each tenant, a total value of the points granted to employees working at each tenant to thereby calculate ZEB contribution points indicating the contribution of each tenant to the ZEB (Net Zero Energy Building) of the multi-tenant building; A server device comprising:

2. The server device according to claim 1 , wherein the ZEB contribution control means calculates the ZEB contribution points when a ZEB of the multi-tenant building is achieved in a predetermined period.

3. The server device according to claim 2 , wherein the ZEB contribution control means outputs the ZEB contribution points for each tenant to an outside source.

4. The server device according to claim 3 , wherein the ZEB contribution control means grants each tenant a benefit according to the ZEB contribution points.

5. The server device according to claim 4, wherein the ZEB contribution control means calculates a power balance between the amount of power generated by renewable energy in the multi-tenant building and the power consumption of each tenant in the multi-tenant building during the specified period, and determines that the ZEB has been achieved if the calculated power balance is positive or zero.

6. The system further includes a behavior history control unit that acquires behavior information regarding the behavior of the employee based on image data obtained from a camera installed in the tenant, and stores the acquired behavior information in a database; The server device according to claim 5 , wherein the point control means uses the behavior information stored in the database to determine whether or not the behavior of the employee contributes to energy conservation in the multi-tenant building.

7. The system further includes an action history control means for acquiring action information relating to actions taken by the employee from the terminal used by the employee, and storing the acquired action information in a database; The server device according to claim 5 , wherein the point control means uses the behavior information stored in the database to determine whether or not the behavior of the employee contributes to energy conservation in the multi-tenant building.

8. In the server device, When an action of an employee working for a tenant of a multi-tenant building contributes to energy conservation of the multi-tenant building, points are awarded to the employee according to the employee's action; A control method for a server device that calculates ZEB contribution points indicating each tenant's contribution to the multi-tenant building's ZEB (Net Zero Energy Building) by calculating the total value of the points awarded to employees working at each tenant.

9. A computer installed in the server device When an action of an employee working for a tenant of a multi-tenant building contributes to energy conservation of the multi-tenant building, a process of giving points to the employee according to the action of the employee; A process of calculating ZEB contribution points, which indicate the contribution of each tenant to the ZEB (Net Zero Energy Building) of the multi-tenant building, by calculating the total value of the points given to employees working at each tenant; A program for executing.

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