Data supplement system

Abstract

To provide a data supplement system configured to control equipment even if vital data cannot be obtained.SOLUTION: A data supplement system 8 is configured to supplement physical and mental information S1 pertaining to the physical and mental condition of a user, the information being estimated on the basis of the vital data of the user acquired by a vital sensor 2 and being used for controlling home appliances, the system including: a home-appliance use log storage unit 9 which stores a history related to the physical and mental information S1; and an estimation control unit 12 which supplements the physical and mental information S1 for missing data on the basis of the history when the vital data cannot be acquired by the vital sensor 2.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a technology of a data complementation system for complementing information estimated based on vital data.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, technologies of systems using vital data have been known. For example, it is as described in Patent Document 1.

[0003] The health management system described in Patent Document 1 includes a vital information measuring device, a terminal device, a home server, etc. The vital information measuring device is, for example, a sphygmomanometer or the like, and can measure vital data by the user's use. Also, the vital information measuring device can transmit the measurement result to the terminal device. The terminal device analyzes the measurement result from the vital information measuring device and creates instruction information according to the user's physical condition. The home server controls home appliances based on the instruction information. For example, when the user feels a cold and has a fever, the home server controls the air conditioner to perform air conditioning at a higher set temperature.

[0004] However, when vital data is missing for various reasons in the health management system described in Patent Document 1, the terminal device cannot create instruction information, and the home server cannot control home appliances.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0005]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0006] The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and the problem to be solved is to provide a data complementation system capable of controlling a device even when vital data cannot be acquired.

Means for Solving the Problem

[0007] The problem to be solved by the present invention is as described above. Next, the means for solving this problem will be described.

[0008] That is, in claim 1, a data complementation system that complements first information estimated based on vital data of a user acquired by an acquisition unit and used for controlling a device, the data complementation system including a storage unit that stores a history related to the first information, and a complementation unit that, when the acquisition unit cannot acquire the vital data and there is a data loss, complements the first information at the time of the data loss based on the history.

[0009] In claim 2, the storage unit stores an estimation result of the first information as a history related to the first information.

[0010] In claim 3, the complementation unit extracts similar information in which vital conditions affecting the vital data are similar to those at the time of the data loss from the history of the storage unit, and complements the first information at the time of the data loss based on the similar information.

[0011] In claim 4, the vital conditions include at least the behavior content of the user.

[0012] In claim 5, the vital conditions further include at least one of temperature or weather.

[0013] In claim 6, the device includes an air conditioner, the vital conditions include the temperature and the weather respectively, and the complementation unit extracts the similar information by preferentially considering the temperature rather than the weather.

[0014] In claim 7, the complementary unit estimates the behavior content of the user based on second information that can be obtained when the data is missing.

[0015] In claim 8, the second information includes at least one of the position of the user or the usage status of the device.

[0016] In claim 9, when there are a plurality of pieces of similar information, the complementary unit extracts the most recent information among the plurality of pieces of similar information.

[0017] In claim 10, the first information includes at least one of the momentum, calorie consumption, or stress level of the user.

Advantages of the Invention

[0018] As an effect of the present invention, the following effects are achieved.

[0019] In claim 1, it is possible to control the device even when vital data cannot be obtained.

[0020] In claim 2, the first information can be promptly complemented.

[0021] In claim 3, it is possible to appropriately control the device when data is missing.

[0022] In claim 4, it is possible to more appropriately control the device when data is missing by similar information with similar behavior content.

[0023] In claim 5, it is possible to more appropriately control the device when data is missing.

[0024] In claim 6, it is possible to appropriately control the air conditioner when data is missing.

[0025] In claim 7, it is possible to accurately estimate the behavior content of the user when data is missing.

[0026] In claim 8, it is possible to estimate the behavior content of the user by using easily obtainable information.

[0027] In claim 9, it becomes possible to appropriately control the device when data is missing based on the most recent similar information.

[0028] In claim 10, it is possible to complement at least any one of the user's momentum, calorie consumption, or stress level.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0029]

Figure 1

Figure 2

Figure 3

Figure 4

Figure 5

Figure 6

Figure 7

Figure 8

Figure 9

Modes for Carrying Out the Invention

[0030] Hereinafter, a home appliance control system 1 including a data completion system 8 according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described.

[0031] The home appliance control system 1 shown in FIG. 1 is for controlling home appliances based on the vital data (such as heartbeat, blood oxygen concentration, and body temperature) of the user. More specifically, the home appliance control system 1 estimates the amount of exercise of the user based on the vital data and controls the home appliances based on the amount of exercise, etc. (see FIG. 2). The home appliances controlled by the home appliance control system 1 are not particularly limited, but in this embodiment, they are the air conditioner and lighting installed in the building where the user lives. Also, in this embodiment, a plurality of lights are installed in each room of the building, and some of the lights are controlled by the home appliance control system 1. The user is a person who uses the home appliance control system 1, and in this embodiment, is a resident of the building. Hereinafter, the configuration of the home appliance control system 1 will be described.

[0032] The home appliance control system 1 includes a vital sensor 2, a vital data storage unit 3, an environmental sensor 4, an environmental data storage unit 5, a home appliance control determination unit 6, a home appliance control unit 7, and a data completion system 8.

[0033] The vital sensor 2 is for acquiring vital data. The vital sensor 2 has a wearable part (not shown) that the user can wear. For example, the vital sensor 2 is constituted by a wearable terminal. The vital sensor 2 can acquire vital data at predetermined time intervals and output the acquisition result to an external device.

[0034] The vital data storage unit 3 is for storing the vital data acquired by the vital sensor 2. The vital data storage unit 3 is connected to the vital sensor 2. Each time the vital sensor 2 acquires vital data, it stores the acquisition result in the vital data storage unit 3 in association with the acquisition date and time.

[0035] Note that the hardware configuration of the storage unit (vital data storage unit 3, environmental data storage unit 5, home appliance usage log storage unit 9, day-of-week and time information storage unit 11, which will be described later) that stores data in this embodiment is not particularly limited. The storage unit may be constructed on a cloud server or in an on-premises environment.

[0036] The environmental sensor 4 is for acquiring environmental data related to the environment of the house where the user lives. The environmental data in this embodiment is the outside air temperature of the building where the resident lives. The environmental sensor 4 is constituted by, for example, a thermometer installed outside the building. Note that the environmental data is not limited to this embodiment (outside air temperature) and can be arbitrarily changed. For example, the environmental data may be humidity or the like. The environmental sensor 4 can acquire environmental data at predetermined intervals and output the acquisition result to an external device.

[0037] The environmental data storage unit 5 is for storing the environmental data acquired by the environmental sensor 4. The environmental data storage unit 5 is connected to the environmental sensor 4. Each time the environmental sensor 4 acquires environmental data, it stores the acquisition result in the environmental data storage unit 5 in association with the acquisition date and time.

[0038] The home appliance control determination unit 6 is for determining whether to control a home appliance. The home appliance control determination unit 6 can execute arithmetic processing. Note that the hardware configuration of the arithmetic unit (home appliance control determination unit 6, home appliance control unit 7, acquisition status determination unit 10, estimation control unit 12, which will be described later) that executes arithmetic processing in the home appliance control system 1 is not particularly limited. The arithmetic unit may be constructed on a cloud server or in an on-premises environment.

[0039] The home appliance control determination unit 6 is connected to the vital data storage unit 3 and the environmental data storage unit 5, and can acquire vital data and environmental data from the vital data storage unit 3 and the environmental data storage unit 5. Also, the home appliance control determination unit 6 can estimate mental and physical information S1 regarding the mental and physical state of the user based on the acquired vital data.

[0040] The psychosomatic information S1 is information about the psychosomatic state of the user that changes (estimable) according to vital data. Specifically, the psychosomatic information S1 is the amount of exercise, calorie consumption, and stress level (see Fig. 2). Note that the psychosomatic information S1 is not limited to the above-mentioned amount of exercise, etc., as long as it is information estimable from the vital data. The home appliance control determination unit 6 determines whether to control the home appliance based on the estimated psychosomatic information S1. Also, when the home appliance control determination unit 6 determines to control the home appliance, it creates the control content S2 (for example, the set temperature of the air conditioner, see Fig. 2) based on the psychosomatic information S1. Note that the method for determining whether to control the home appliance and the method for creating the control content S2 are not particularly limited.

[0041] The home appliance control unit 7 is for controlling the home appliance. The home appliance control unit 7 is connected to the home appliance control determination unit 6 and the home appliance. The home appliance control unit 7 can acquire the control content S2 from the home appliance control determination unit 6 and control the home appliance in real time based on the control content S2. The home appliance control unit 7 may be constituted by, for example, a HEMS (Home Energy Management System).

[0042] An example of the control by the home appliance control unit 7 is described in Fig. 2. In the example shown in Fig. 2, the amount of exercise and calorie consumption increase and decrease around 7 o'clock. The home appliance control unit 7 increases the illuminance of the lighting at this timing. Thereby, the room can be brightened at the timing when the user wakes up. In this way, the home appliance control unit 7 can appropriately control the home appliance according to the amount of exercise, etc., and improve the convenience.

[0043] Note that the home appliance control unit 7 may control the home appliance in consideration of environmental data in addition to the psychosomatic information S1 such as the amount of exercise. For example, when the amount of exercise is relatively large, the home appliance control unit 7 may determine the set temperature of the air conditioner based on the outside air temperature.

[0044] Here, when the vital sensor 2 is being charged, the user needs to remove the vital sensor 2, so vital data will be missing (see FIG. 3). Also, if the user removes the vital sensor 2 for reasons other than charging (for example, when feeling burdened by the acquisition of vital data), the vital data will also be missing. When such vital data is missing (at the time of data loss), the physical and mental information S1 cannot be estimated based on the acquisition result of the vital data.

[0045] The data complementation system 8 shown in FIG. 1 is for complementing the physical and mental information S1 at the time of data loss. By complementing the physical and mental information S1, even at the time of data loss, the home appliance control determination unit 6 can create the control content S2 of the home appliance, and the home appliance control unit 7 can control the home appliance. Hereinafter, the configuration of the data complementation system 8 will be described. The data complementation system 8 includes a home appliance usage log storage unit 9, an acquisition status determination unit 10, a day-of-week and time information storage unit 11, and a estimation and control unit 12.

[0046] The home appliance usage log storage unit 9 is for storing information related to the use of home appliances. More specifically, the home appliance usage log storage unit 9 is for storing the history related to the physical and mental information S1. In the home appliance usage log storage unit 9 of the present embodiment, the previously estimated physical and mental information S1 (estimation result) is stored. The home appliance usage log storage unit 9 is connected to the home appliance control unit 7. Each time the home appliance control unit 7 estimates the physical and mental information S1, it stores the estimation result in the home appliance usage log storage unit 9. Also, the home appliance control unit 7 stores other information necessary for the processing of the estimation and control unit 12 described later in the home appliance usage log storage unit 9.

[0047] In the present embodiment, the home appliance control unit 7 stores the control content S2 of the home appliance, the acquisition result of the environmental data (outside air temperature), and the information on the current weather (the weather information of the area where the user lives). The method of acquiring the weather information is not particularly limited. For example, the home appliance control unit 7 can acquire the weather information by communicating with an external server.

[0048] The home appliance control unit 7 stores the above-described physical and mental information S1 and weather conditions, etc. in the home appliance usage log storage unit 9 in association with the date, time, and day of the week. In this way, in the home appliance usage log storage unit 9, how the home appliances were controlled under what conditions of the amount of exercise and outdoor temperature on what day of the week and what date is stored as a history.

[0049] Note that the device for storing information in the home appliance usage log storage unit 9 is not particularly limited. For example, when a usage log acquisition unit that acquires various information (control content S2, etc.) is provided separately from the home appliance control unit 7, various information may be stored in the home appliance usage log storage unit 9 by the usage log acquisition unit.

[0050] The acquisition status determination unit 10 is for determining whether vital data can be acquired by the vital sensor 2. The acquisition status determination unit 10 is connected to the vital data storage unit 3. The acquisition status determination unit 10 can determine whether vital data can be acquired by monitoring the vital data stored in the vital data storage unit 3.

[0051] Note that the content of the determination process by the acquisition status determination unit 10 is not particularly limited. For example, the acquisition status determination unit 10 can determine whether vital data can be acquired by comparing the acquisition date and time of the latest vital data with the current date and time.

[0052] The day-of-the-week and time information storage unit 11 is for storing the result of the determination process in the acquisition status determination unit 10 in association with the day of the week and time. The day-of-the-week and time information storage unit 11 is connected to the acquisition status determination unit 10. Each time the acquisition status determination unit 10 executes a determination process, it stores the result in the day-of-the-week and time information storage unit 11 in association with the day of the week and time.

[0053] The estimation control unit 12 is for estimating the behavior content of the user. The estimation control unit 12 of the present embodiment can estimate "movement", "relaxation", "cooking", "eating", "working", and "taking a bath" as the behavior content of the user. Note that the above behavior content is an example and can be arbitrarily changed. For example, the estimation control unit 12 can also estimate "sleeping". In the building of the present embodiment, sensors and the like for detecting information that can be obtained when data is missing (information different from at least vital data and psychosomatic information S1) are installed, and the estimation control unit 12 estimates the behavior content based on the detection results of the sensors and the like. Further, the estimation control unit 12 estimates the behavior content at predetermined time intervals. The process of estimating the behavior content will be described later. The estimation control unit 12 is connected to the day-of-week time information storage unit 11 and the home appliance usage log storage unit 9.

[0054] Each time the estimation control unit 12 estimates the behavior content, it stores the estimation result in the day-of-week time information storage unit 11 in association with the day of the week and the time. As a result, in the day-of-week time information storage unit 11, what actions the user has taken at what time on what day of the week and whether vital data can be obtained are stored as a history.

[0055] Also, each time the estimation control unit 12 estimates the behavior content, it also stores the estimation result in the home appliance usage log storage unit 9 in association with the date, time, and day of the week. Further, the estimation control unit 12 can search for the information stored in the home appliance usage log storage unit 9 and extract arbitrary information. The estimation control unit 12 can complement the psychosomatic information S1 (such as the amount of exercise) at the time of data loss based on the extracted information. The process of complementing the psychosomatic information S1 will be described later.

[0056] Hereinafter, with reference to FIGS. 4 to 6, the behavior content estimation process for estimating the behavior content of the user will be described. In the behavior content estimation process, the estimation control unit 12 estimates the behavior content based on the room (location) where the user is and the usage status of the home appliances installed in the room. This will be specifically described below. As shown in FIG. 4, when the estimation control unit 12 starts the behavior content estimation process, it proceeds to step S10.

[0057] In steps S10 and S20, the estimation control unit 12 determines the room where the user is located. More specifically, in step S10, the estimation control unit 12 acquires information of human presence sensors installed in each room of the building where the user lives (detection results of sensors that detect the presence of a person). In this embodiment, the estimation control unit 12 acquires information of human presence sensors installed in the kitchen, living room, study, dressing room, and bathroom.

[0058] Here, since the human presence sensor also detects the presence of people other than the user, in step S20, the estimation control unit 12 confirms whether the person detected by the human presence sensor is the user. In this way, the estimation control unit 12 determines whether the user is in the room where the human presence sensor has detected the presence of a person. Note that the method for confirming the user in step S20 is not particularly limited. The estimation control unit 12 can confirm the user by using, for example, face recognition by a camera or an IC tag. After performing the process of step S20, the estimation control unit 12 proceeds to step S30.

[0059] When it is confirmed in steps S10 and S20 that the person detected by the human presence sensor in the living room is the user (when the user is in the living room, step S30: YES), the estimation control unit 12 proceeds from step S30 to step S40. On the other hand, when it is confirmed that the person is not the user or when the human presence sensor in the living room does not detect a person (when the user is not in the living room, step S30: NO), the estimation control unit 12 proceeds to step S80 (see FIG. 5).

[0060] In step S40, the inference control unit 12 acquires the usage status of the lighting in the living room. When the power supply of the lighting is on (when the lighting is on, step S40: YES), it proceeds to step S50. On the other hand, when the power supply of the lighting is off (step S40: NO), the inference control unit 12 proceeds to step S60. Here, as described above, in this embodiment, a plurality of lighting fixtures are installed in each room, and some of them are controlled by the home appliance control system 1. In the action content estimation process (step S40, etc.), the inference control unit 12 acquires the usage status of the lighting fixtures that are not controlled by the home appliance control system 1 among the plurality of lighting fixtures in each room. Note that the method of acquiring the usage status of home appliances (lighting, TV, etc.) in the action content estimation process is not particularly limited. The inference control unit 12 can acquire the usage status of the lighting, for example, by communicating with the device that controls the lighting.

[0061] In step S50, the inference control unit 12 acquires the usage status of the TV in the living room. When the power supply of the TV is on (when the TV is on, step S50: YES), it proceeds to step S70. On the other hand, when the power supply of the TV is off (step S50: NO), the inference control unit 12 proceeds to step S60.

[0062] In step S60, the inference control unit 12 estimates that the user is moving to the living room. After performing the process of step S60, the inference control unit 12 ends the action content estimation process. In this case, the fact that the user's action content is "moving" is stored in the home appliance usage log storage unit 9 and the day / time information storage unit 11.

[0063] In step S70, the inference control unit 12 estimates that the user is relaxing. After performing the process of step S70, the inference control unit 12 ends the action content estimation process. In this case, the fact that the user's action content is "relaxing" is stored in the home appliance usage log storage unit 9, etc.

[0064] Here, when estimating the behavior content of the user based on the usage status of the home appliances to be controlled by the home appliance control unit 7, there is a risk of misestimating the behavior content. For example, when the user is relaxing in the living room and the lighting is controlled by the home appliance control unit 7, there is a possibility of obtaining an estimation result different from "relaxing" (for example, "moving").

[0065] Therefore, the estimation control unit 12 estimates the behavior content of the user based on the usage status of home appliances not to be controlled by the home appliance control unit 7, rather than the home appliances to be controlled by the home appliance control unit 7. As a result, even if the lighting is controlled by the home appliance control unit 7, the estimation control unit 12 can accurately estimate the behavior content according to the usage status of lighting different from the said lighting (lighting not controlled by the home appliance control unit 7).

[0066] When the human presence sensor in the living room does not detect a person in steps S10 and S20 of FIG. 4, etc., the estimation control unit 12 proceeds to step S80 of FIG. 5. In step S80, when it is confirmed that the person detected by the human presence sensor in the kitchen in steps S10 and S20 is the user (when there is a user in the kitchen, step S80: YES), the process proceeds to step S90. On the other hand, when the human presence sensor in the kitchen does not detect a person (when there is no user in the kitchen, step S80: NO), the estimation control unit 12 proceeds to step S160 (see FIG. 6).

[0067] In step S90, the estimation control unit 12 acquires the usage status of the kitchen lighting. When the power supply of the lighting is on (step S90: YES), the process proceeds to step S110. On the other hand, when the power supply of the lighting is off (step S90: NO), the estimation control unit 12 proceeds to step S100.

[0068] In step S100, the estimation control unit 12 estimates that the user is moving in the kitchen. After performing the process of step S100, the estimation control unit 12 ends the behavior content estimation process.

[0069] In step S110, the inference control unit 12 acquires the usage status of the IH heater in the kitchen. When the power of the IH heater is on (when the IH heater is on, step S110: YES), it proceeds to step S120. On the other hand, when the power of the IH heater is off (step S110: NO), the inference control unit 12 proceeds to step S130.

[0070] In step S120, the inference control unit 12 estimates that the user is cooking. After performing the process of step S120, the inference control unit 12 proceeds to step S150. In this case, the fact that the user's action content is "cooking" is stored in the home appliance usage log storage unit 9 or the like.

[0071] In step S130, the inference control unit 12 acquires the usage status of the microwave oven in the kitchen. When the power of the microwave oven is on (when the microwave oven is operating, step S130: YES), it proceeds to step S140. On the other hand, when the power of the microwave oven is off (step S130: NO), the inference control unit 12 proceeds to step S100.

[0072] In step S140, the inference control unit 12 estimates that the user is cooking. After performing the process of step S140, the inference control unit 12 proceeds to step S150.

[0073] In step S150, the inference control unit 12 determines that the user is eating for a certain period of time after the power of the IH heater and the microwave oven in the living room are turned off (standby state). After performing the process of step S150, the inference control unit 12 ends the action content estimation process. In this way, the fact that the user's action content is "eating" for a certain period of time after the power of the IH heater and the microwave oven in the living room are turned off is stored in the home appliance usage log storage unit 9 or the like.

[0074] When the human presence sensor in the living room and kitchen does not detect a person in steps S10 and S20 of FIG. 4, etc., the presumption control unit 12 shifts to step S160 of FIG. 6. In step S160, when it is confirmed that the person detected by the human presence sensor in the study in steps S10 and S20 is the user (when there is a user in the study, step S160: YES), the presumption control unit 12 shifts to step S170. On the other hand, when the human presence sensor in the study does not detect a person (when there is no user in the study, step S160: NO), the presumption control unit 12 shifts to step S180.

[0075] In step S170, the presumption control unit 12 presumes that the user is working. After performing the process of step S170, the presumption control unit 12 ends the action content estimation process. In this case, the fact that the action content of the user is "working" is stored in the home appliance usage log storage unit 9, etc.

[0076] In step S180, when it is confirmed that the person detected by the human presence sensor in the dressing room in steps S10 and S20 is the user (when there is a user in the dressing room, step S180: YES), the presumption control unit 12 shifts to step S190. On the other hand, when the human presence sensor in the dressing room does not detect a person (when there is no user in the dressing room, step S180: NO), the presumption control unit 12 shifts to step S230.

[0077] In step S190, the presumption control unit 12 acquires the usage status of the lighting in the dressing room. When the power of the lighting is on (step S190: YES), the presumption control unit 12 shifts to step S200. On the other hand, when the power of the lighting is off (step S190: NO), the presumption control unit 12 shifts to step S210.

[0078] In step S200, the presumption control unit 12 acquires the usage status of the dryer in the dressing room. When the power of the dryer is on (step S190: YES), the presumption control unit 12 shifts to step S220. On the other hand, when the power of the dryer is off (step S200: NO), the presumption control unit 12 shifts to step S210.

[0079] In step S210, the estimation control unit 12 estimates that the user is moving to the dressing room. When the process of step S210 ends, the estimation control unit 12 ends the action content estimation process.

[0080] In step S220, the estimation control unit 12 estimates that the user was taking a bath. When the process of step S220 ends, the estimation control unit 12 ends the action content estimation process. In this case, the fact that the user's action content is "taking a bath" is stored in the home appliance usage log storage unit 9 or the like.

[0081] In step S230, when it is confirmed that the person detected by the human presence sensor in the bathroom in steps S10 and S20 is the user (when there is a user in the bathroom, step S230: YES), the process proceeds to step S240. On the other hand, when the human presence sensor in the bathroom does not detect a person (when there is no user in the bathroom, step S230: NO), the estimation control unit 12 ends the action content estimation process.

[0082] In step S240, the estimation control unit 12 acquires the usage status of the bathroom lighting. When the lighting power is on (step S240: YES), the process proceeds to step S250. On the other hand, when the lighting power is off (step S240: NO), the estimation control unit 12 ends the action content estimation process.

[0083] In step S250, after waiting for a certain period of time, the estimation control unit 12 proceeds to step S200. In this case, depending on the usage status of the dryer in the dressing room, the fact that the user's action content is "taking a bath" or "moving" is stored in the home appliance usage log storage unit 9 or the like.

[0084] By executing the action content estimation process shown in FIGS. 4 to 6, the estimation control unit 12 can estimate the user's action content without using the vital data and the physical and mental information S1. Thereby, the estimation control unit 12 can accurately estimate the user's action content even when there is data loss.

[0085] The content of the above-described action content estimation process is an example and can be arbitrarily changed. For example, in steps S10 and S20, it is determined whether there is a user in the living room and kitchen, etc. However, the location of the user determined in steps S10 and S20 can be changed according to the floor plan of the building, etc. Also, in the action content estimation process, the usage status of an IH heater, a microwave oven, etc. is confirmed. However, the devices for confirming the usage status can be arbitrarily changed.

[0086] Also, the estimation control unit 12 can estimate the action content of the user according to either the location of the user or the usage status of the home appliance. For example, the action content can be estimated according to the usage status of the devices necessary for the user's actions (IH heater for cooking, dryer for bathing, work PC, etc.). Thereby, the action content can be estimated without using a human sensor, and cost reduction can be achieved.

[0087] Hereinafter, with reference to FIG. 7, an estimation result complementation process for complementing the estimation result of the psychosomatic information S1 at the time of data loss using the action content and the like estimated in the action content estimation process will be described. In the present embodiment, it is assumed that the estimation control unit 12 performs the estimation result complementation process. However, the device that performs the estimation result complementation process is not particularly limited. The estimation control unit 12 executes the estimation result complementation process, for example, at predetermined time intervals. When starting the estimation result complementation process, the estimation control unit 12 shifts to step S310.

[0088] In step S310, the estimation control unit 12 acquires the latest information (the determination result of the acquisition status determination unit 10, the action content, the day of the week, etc.) from the day-of-week time information storage unit 11. If it is determined that the vital data cannot be acquired (is missing) (step S310: YES), the process shifts to step S330. On the other hand, if it is determined that the vital data can be acquired (step S310: NO), the estimation control unit 12 shifts to step S320.

[0089] In step S320, the estimation control unit 12 issues an instruction to the home appliance control unit 7 to control the home appliance based on the physical and mental information S1 estimated from the vital data (see FIG. 2). When the process of step S320 ends, the estimation control unit 12 ends the estimation result complementation process.

[0090] In step S330, the estimation control unit 12 acquires the outside air temperature, etc. at the time of data loss. Specifically, the estimation control unit 12 acquires the latest outside air temperature (environmental data) and weather from the environmental data storage unit 5, etc. After performing the process of step S330, the estimation control unit 12 proceeds to step S340.

[0091] In step S340, the estimation control unit 12 extracts past data from the home appliance usage log storage unit 9. Specifically, it extracts the physical and mental information S1. At this time, the estimation control unit 12 extracts similar physical and mental information whose environment is similar to that at the time of data loss from the history of the physical and mental information S1 stored in the home appliance usage log storage unit 9. Note that the environment in this embodiment refers to conditions (vital conditions) that affect the user's vital data. Specifically, the environment is the user's behavior content, outside air temperature, and weather. Also, "the environment is similar to that at the time of data loss" means that the conditions are close to such an extent that the vital data (the estimation result of the physical and mental information S1) is considered to be relatively close to that at the time of data loss. For example, even if all of the plurality of data constituting the conditions do not match, if a part (e.g., more than half) of them match, or when the data is numerical and the difference from the time of data loss is within a predetermined range, it can be determined that the environment is similar to that at the time of data loss.

[0092] In step S340, the estimation control unit 12 extracts, as similar physical and mental information, the physical and mental information S1 in which the day of the week, time, behavior content, outside air temperature, and weather acquired in steps S310 and S330 all match from the home appliance usage log storage unit 9. Also, the estimation control unit 12 extracts the control content S2 in which the day of the week, etc. all match from the home appliance usage log storage unit 9. After performing the process of step S340, the estimation control unit 12 proceeds to step S350.

[0093] In step S350, the estimation control unit 12 complements the data (psychosomatic information S1) at the missing time based on the similar psychosomatic information extracted in step S340. After performing the process of step S350, the estimation control unit 12 ends the estimation result complementing process. In this case, the home appliance is controlled based on the data complemented in step S350.

[0094] Hereinafter, with reference to FIGS. 3, 8, and 9, specific examples of steps S340 and S350 will be described.

[0095] FIG. 3 shows a state in which vital data is missing at 14:00 on a Wednesday when the weather is fine and the outside air temperature is 30 degrees. At this point in time, the behavior content of the user is estimated to be "work". When complementing the data at 14:00 in this FIG. 3, the estimation control unit 12 extracts data S3 (similar psychosomatic information and control content S2, see FIG. 8) of Wednesday, 14:00, where the behavior content of the user is "work", the weather is fine, and the outside air temperature is 30 degrees, from the home appliance usage log storage unit 9 (step S340). Further, the estimation control unit 12 extracts data from 14:00 to a predetermined time ahead (2 hours ahead in FIG. 8) from the home appliance usage log storage unit 9.

[0096] Note that the estimation control unit 12 can also extract data in which the outside air temperature is generally the same, not just data in which the outside air temperature completely matches. For example, if the outside air temperature is such that people feel the same (for example, a midsummer day with an outside air temperature of 30 degrees or more), data can be extracted as data in which the outside air temperature is generally the same.

[0097] Here, when there is not enough history stored in the home appliance usage log storage unit 9 (not much time has passed since the start of using the home appliance control system 1), it is assumed that there is no information where the action content, outside air temperature, and weather all match. In this case, the estimation control unit 12 may extract data where some of the action content, etc. match. For example, the estimation control unit 12 may extract data where the action content and outside air temperature match from among those where the day of the week and time match. Also, when there is no data where the action content and outside air temperature match, the estimation control unit 12 may extract data where the action content matches. In this way, the estimation control unit 12 may extract at least data where the action content matches among the action content, outside air temperature, and weather. Also, the estimation control unit 12 may extract data, giving priority consideration to the outside air temperature over the weather. That is, if there is data in the history of the home appliance usage log storage unit 9 where the outside air temperature is similar (matches), the estimation control unit 12 may extract such data regardless of whether the weather is similar.

[0098] Also, when there is enough history stored in the home appliance usage log storage unit 9, it is also assumed that there are multiple pieces of information where the action content, outside air temperature, and weather all match. In this case, the estimation control unit 12 extracts the most recent information from among the multiple pieces of information.

[0099] As shown in FIG. 9, the estimation control unit 12 complements the physical and mental information S1 at the time of data loss with the extracted data S3 (step S350). For example, the estimation control unit 12 applies the amount of exercise, etc. (similar physical and mental information) extracted from the home appliance usage log storage unit 9 to the amount of exercise, etc. after 14:00. Note that the method of complementing the amount of exercise, etc. is not particularly limited. The estimation control unit 12 can also complement the amount of exercise, etc. by linearly interpolating between the amount of exercise at 14:00 (immediately before data loss) and the amount of exercise at a time after 14:00 (for example, 16:00) extracted from the home appliance usage log storage unit 9.

[0100] By thus complementing the physical and mental information S1 using a history where the environment is similar, even when vital data is missing, the home appliances can be controlled in the same way as the control performed in the past. As a result, the home appliances can be appropriately controlled when vital data is missing.

[0101] As described above, the data complementation system 8 according to the present embodiment is a data complementation system 8 that complements psychosomatic information S1 (first information), which is estimated based on vital data of a user acquired by a vital sensor 2 (acquisition unit) and used for controlling home appliances (devices), and a home appliance usage log storage unit 9 (storage unit) that stores a history regarding the psychosomatic information S1, and an estimation control unit 12 (complementation unit) that complements the psychosomatic information S1 at the time of data loss based on the history when the vital sensor 2 cannot acquire the vital data.

[0102] By configuring in this way, even when vital data cannot be acquired, it is possible to complement the psychosomatic information S1 (information necessary for controlling devices) and control home appliances.

[0103] Further, in the home appliance usage log storage unit 9, an estimation result of the psychosomatic information S1 is stored as a history regarding the psychosomatic information S1.

[0104] By configuring in this way, the psychosomatic information S1 can be complemented promptly. For example, the estimation result of the psychosomatic information S1 (the history of the amount of exercise after 14:00 shown in FIG. 8) can be applied to the psychosomatic information S1 at the time of data loss (the amount of exercise after 14:00 shown in FIG. 3) to promptly complement the psychosomatic information S1.

[0105] Further, the estimation control unit 12 extracts similar information (data S3 shown in FIG. 8) in which vital conditions (the above-described "environment") that affect the vital data are similar to those at the time of the data loss from the history stored in the home appliance usage log storage unit 9, and complements the psychosomatic information S1 at the time of the data loss based on the similar information (see FIGS. 8 and 9).

[0106] By configuring in this way, even if there is not enough history in the home appliance usage log storage unit 9, appropriate information (similar information) can be extracted from the home appliance usage log storage unit 9, so that it becomes possible to appropriately control the home appliances when data is missing.

[0107] In addition, the vital condition includes at least the behavior content of the user.

[0108] By configuring in this way, it becomes possible to more appropriately control the home appliances when data is missing. More specifically, it is considered that the physical and mental information S1 such as the amount of exercise is more likely to be affected by the behavior content of the user than the outside air temperature and the weather. For example, when a user is relaxed, the amount of exercise is considered to be relatively small regardless of the outside air temperature and the weather. Therefore, by extracting information with similar behavior content of the user (the behavior content is included in the vital condition), it becomes possible to appropriately control the home appliances based on information closer to the vital condition when data is missing.

[0109] In addition, the vital condition further includes at least either the outside air temperature (air temperature) or the weather.

[0110] By configuring in this way, it becomes possible to more appropriately control the home appliances based on information closer to the vital condition when data is missing.

[0111] In addition, the device includes an air conditioner (air conditioning device), the vital condition includes the outside air temperature (air temperature) and the weather respectively, and the estimation control unit 12 extracts the similar information by preferentially considering the outside air temperature rather than the weather.

[0112] By configuring in this way, the air conditioner can be appropriately controlled. More specifically, since the air conditioner is often operated (controlled) considering the outside air temperature rather than the weather, the air conditioner can be appropriately controlled by the similar information preferentially extracted with the outside air temperature rather than the weather.

[0113] In addition, the estimation control unit 12 estimates the behavior content of the user based on second information that can be acquired when data is missing (steps S30 to S250).

[0114] With this configuration, it is possible to accurately estimate the behavior content of the user when data is missing.

[0115] In addition, the second information includes at least one of the position of the user (in this embodiment, the room where the user is) or the usage status of the home appliance (steps S10 and S20).

[0116] With this configuration, it is possible to estimate the behavior content of the user using information (such as the position of the user) that is easy to acquire.

[0117] In addition, when there are a plurality of pieces of similar information, the estimation control unit 12 extracts the most recent similar information from among the plurality of pieces of similar information.

[0118] With this configuration, among the plurality of pieces of similar information, it is possible to appropriately control the home appliance when data is missing using the most recent similar information, which is considered to have an estimation result of the psychosomatic information S1 that is closest to the time when data is missing.

[0119] In addition, the psychosomatic information S1 includes at least one of the amount of exercise, calorie consumption, or stress level of the user.

[0120] With this configuration, it is possible to complement at least one of the amount of exercise, calorie consumption, or stress level of the user.

[0121] Note that the vital sensor 2 according to this embodiment is one embodiment of the acquisition unit according to the present invention. In addition, the home appliance usage log storage unit 9 according to this embodiment is one embodiment of the storage unit according to the present invention. In addition, the estimation control unit 12 according to this embodiment is one embodiment of the complementation unit according to the present invention.

[0122] The embodiments of the present invention have been described above. However, the present invention is not limited to the above configuration, and various modifications are possible within the scope of the invention described in the claims.

[0123] For example, although the data complementation system 8 is configured to complement data in the home appliance control system 1 that controls home appliances, the application of the data complementation system 8 is not limited to this embodiment. The data complementation system 8 may complement data, for example, in a system that controls devices other than home appliances.

[0124] Also, in this embodiment, data at the time of data loss is complemented based on the history of the psychosomatic information S1. However, it is also possible to complement data based on information different from the history of the psychosomatic information S1. For example, by using the history of vital data whose environment is similar to that at the time of data loss to estimate the psychosomatic information S1 at the time of data loss, the data can be complemented.

[0125] Also, in this embodiment, the amount of exercise, calorie consumption, and stress level of the user are estimated based on vital data. However, the information estimated based on vital data is not limited to this embodiment. For example, based on vital data, any one of the amount of exercise, calorie consumption, or stress level may be estimated. Also, for example, based on vital data, information other than the amount of exercise, calorie consumption, and stress level may be estimated.

[0126] Also, in this embodiment, data (such as similar psychosomatic information) is extracted from the home appliance usage log storage unit 9 using at least the action content as a key. However, the information serving as a key when extracting data is not limited to the action content and can be arbitrarily changed.

Explanation of Reference Numerals

[0127] 2 Vital sensor 8 Data complementation system 9 Home appliance usage log storage unit 12 Estimation control unit S1 Psychosomatic information

Claims

1. A data completion system that complements first information estimated based on vital data of a user acquired by an acquisition unit and used for controlling a device, a storage unit that stores a history regarding the first information, a completion unit that, when there is a data loss in which the acquisition unit cannot acquire the vital data, complements the first information at the time of the data loss based on the history, comprising: a data completion system.

2. In the storage unit, as the history regarding the first information, an estimation result of the first information is stored, The data completion system according to claim 1.

3. The completion unit extracts similar information in which vital conditions affecting the vital data are similar to those at the time of the data loss from among the histories in the storage unit, and complements the first information at the time of the data loss based on the similar information. The data completion system according to claim 1 or claim 2.

4. The vital conditions include at least the behavior content of the user. The data completion system according to claim 3.

5. The vital conditions further include at least one of temperature or weather. The data completion system according to claim 4.

6. The device includes an air conditioning device, The vital conditions include the temperature and the weather respectively, The completion unit extracts the similar information by preferentially considering the temperature rather than the weather. The data completion system according to claim 5.

7. The completion unit estimates the behavior content of the user based on second information acquirable at the time of the data loss. The data completion system according to claim 4.

8. The second information includes at least one of the position of the user or the usage status of the device. The data completion system according to claim 7.

9. The completion unit extracts the most recent information among the plurality of similar information when there are a plurality of similar information. The data completion system according to claim 3.

10. The first information includes at least one of the amount of exercise, calorie consumption, or stress level of the user. The data completion system according to claim 1 or claim 2.

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