Indoor situation confirmation system

Abstract

To provide an indoor situation confirmation system capable of accurately detecting the presence or absence of people indoors.SOLUTION: An indoor situation confirmation system comprises a measurement terminal and an information processing terminal, in which the measurement terminal transmits ambient carbon dioxide concentration values for each measurement period Δt, and the information processing terminal stores the concentration values transmitted for each measurement period Δt in chronological order as a concentration history, and performs a notification operation when one concentration value included in the concentration history is a first concentration history value c1 and a value calculated on the basis of at least one concentration value in the concentration history prior to the first concentration history value c1 is a second concentration history value c2, where Δc=c1-c2, which is the difference between the first concentration history value c1 and the second concentration history value c2, is equal to or greater than a threshold value C.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a system for checking the status of an interior of a room. [Background technology]

[0002] Conventionally, there is known technology for monitoring the presence / absence or safety of residents of a house (see, for example, Patent Document 1). According to this technology, "a sensor information acquisition unit receives information indicating that the person being watched over is in the living room or information indicating that the person being watched over is not in the living room from a sensor installed in the living room of the person being watched over; a setting unit sets, for each watcher, the timing at which to notify multiple watchers of information explaining the state of the person being watched over based on the information received by the sensor information acquisition unit; and an information notification unit notifies the terminal devices of the multiple watchers of the information explaining the state at the set timing." [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Patent Publication No. 2021-099667 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] The monitoring device disclosed in Patent Document 1 specifically detects the presence or absence of people by using a camera or detecting heat, but has the problem of reduced detection accuracy when there are obstacles such as partitions or furniture in the room.

[0005] An object of the present invention is to provide an indoor situation confirmation system that can accurately detect the presence or absence of people in a room. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] The indoor condition checking system of the present invention is an indoor condition checking system comprising a measurement terminal and an information processing terminal, wherein the measurement terminal transmits ambient carbon dioxide concentration values ​​for each measurement period Δt, the information processing terminal stores the concentration values ​​transmitted for each measurement period Δt in chronological order as a concentration history, and when one concentration value included in the concentration history is defined as a first concentration history value c1 and a value calculated based on at least one concentration value in the concentration history prior to the first concentration history value c1 is defined as a second concentration history value c2, an alarm operation is performed when the difference between the first concentration history value c1 and the second concentration history value c2, Δc = c1 - c2, is greater than or equal to a threshold value C. [Effects of the Invention]

[0007] According to the indoor situation confirmation system of the present invention, the presence or absence of a person in a room is confirmed by detecting the concentration of carbon dioxide, so that the accuracy of confirming the presence or absence of a person can be prevented from decreasing even if there is an obstruction. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0008] [Figure 1] 1 is an explanatory diagram of the overall configuration of an indoor situation monitoring system 100 according to a first embodiment. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram of an installation state of the measurement terminal 20 shown in FIG. [Figure 3] 1 is a hardware configuration diagram of a server 10 or an individual terminal 30 which is an information processing terminal according to the first embodiment. [Figure 4] 1 is an explanatory diagram of basic information processing of the indoor situation confirmation system 100 according to the first embodiment. [Figure 5] 1 shows an example of carbon dioxide concentration measurement data obtained by the indoor condition monitoring system 100 according to the first embodiment. [Figure 6] 1 shows an example of a processing flow in which the indoor situation confirmation system 100 according to the first embodiment notifies that a person has entered the room 60. [Figure 7] 1 is a diagram showing an example of a processing flow in which the indoor situation confirmation system 100 according to the first embodiment notifies that a person is absent from a room 60 for a long period of time. [Figure 8] 1 shows an example of a processing flow in which the indoor situation confirmation system 100 according to the first embodiment notifies the user that the room 60 is unoccupied for a long period of time. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0009] Preferred embodiments of the indoor situation monitoring system of the present invention are described in detail below with reference to the drawings. Note that the embodiments described below are preferred specific examples of the present invention, and therefore various technically preferable limitations are applied, but the scope of the present invention is not limited to these aspects unless otherwise specified in the following description to the effect that the present invention is limited.

[0010] Embodiment 1 Fig. 1 is an explanatory diagram of the overall configuration of an indoor situation confirmation system 100 according to the first embodiment. Fig. 2 is an explanatory diagram of the installation state of the measurement terminal 20 shown in Fig. 1. The indoor situation confirmation system 100 is a system for confirming the presence or absence of a person in a room 60 of, for example, a residence. An example will be described in which the indoor situation confirmation system 100 according to the first embodiment is configured by connecting a server 10, a measurement terminal 20, and an individual terminal 30 owned by a user via a network 90.

[0011] The network 90 serves to connect the server 10, the measurement terminals 20, and the individual terminals 30. The network 90 is a communication network that connects the server 10, the measurement terminals 20, and the individual terminals 30 and establishes connection paths to enable data transmission and reception. At least a portion of the network 90 may be a wired network or a wireless network. The network 90 may also be an IP (Internet Protocol) network. Network 90 may include, for example, an intranet, an extranet, a virtual private network (VPN), a local area network (LAN), a wireless LAN (WLAN), a wide area network (WAN), a wireless WAN (WWAN), an ad hoc network, a metropolitan area network (MAN), a portion of the Internet, a portion of the Public Switched Telephone Network (PSTN), a cellular network, integrated service digital networks (ISDN), wireless LAN, long term evolution (LTE), code division multiple access (CDMA), Bluetooth (registered trademark), satellite communications, or a combination of two or more of these, enabling communication between terminals.

[0012] The server 10 has the function of processing information transmitted from the measurement terminal 20 and providing the information to the individual terminal 30. The server 10 may be any information processing device capable of implementing the functions described in each embodiment. The server 10 may include, for example, a server computer, a personal computer (desktop, laptop, tablet, etc.), a media computer platform (cable, satellite set-top box, digital video recorder), a handheld computer device (PDA, email client, etc.), or other types of computers. The server 10 may also be referred to as an information processing terminal.

[0013] The measurement terminal 20 is a device as shown in Fig. 2, and is installed, for example, in an outlet 62 in a room 60. The measurement terminal 20 includes a control unit 21, a memory unit 22, a communication unit 25, and a measurement unit 26 inside a housing 28, and is configured to be able to communicate with the server 10 or individual terminals 30 via a network 90. ​​However, the measurement terminal 20 may not be provided with some of the control unit 21, the memory unit 22, the communication unit 25, and the measurement unit 26.

[0014] The measurement terminal 20 includes a plurality of measurement terminals 20a, 20b, and 20c. The plurality of measurement terminals 20a, 20b, and 20c are installed in rooms 60a, 60b, and 60c, respectively, where the indoor conditions are to be checked. The plurality of measurement terminals 20a, 20b, and 20c are each registered in the server 10 so as to be identifiable, and information measured by each terminal is transmitted to the server 10.

[0015] The individual terminal 30 is a terminal mainly owned by a user who uses the indoor situation confirmation system 100, and can receive information from the server 10 or the measuring terminal 20 via the network 90, allowing the status of the room 60 in which the measuring terminal 20 is installed to be confirmed. Specifically, the individual terminal 30 includes a mobile information terminal such as a smartphone or tablet owned by the user, an information terminal using a display device such as a personal computer or television owned by the user, a fixed telephone, etc. Note that the individual terminal 30 may be configured to receive information from the measuring terminal 20 without going through the server 10. In other words, the server 10 and the individual terminal 30 may be configured functionally as one unit. The individual terminal 30 may also be referred to as an information processing terminal.

[0016] (Measuring terminal 20) As shown in FIG. 2 , the measurement terminal 20 according to the first embodiment is a terminal that is used by being plugged into an outlet 62 in a room 60. The measurement terminal 20 includes a measurement unit 26 inside a housing 28. The measurement unit 26 is a module for measuring the carbon dioxide concentration, temperature, and humidity of the air in the surrounding environment. Data measured by the measurement unit 26 is transmitted from a communication unit 25 to a server 10 via a network 90. ​​The measurement terminal 20 according to the first embodiment includes, for example, a built-in SIM card 23, and is capable of transmitting information to the server 10 via a communication service provider's line. Therefore, the measurement terminal 20 can be installed in any residential area in Japan so that it can communicate. However, the configuration of the measurement terminal 20 is not limited to the above, and other configurations may be used as long as the measured data can be transmitted. The room 60 in which the measurement terminal 20 is installed is not limited to a residence, but may be any partitioned space that a person enters, including, for example, the interior of a car. Furthermore, the measurement terminal 20 is not limited to being powered by an outlet; other forms of power supply are also acceptable.

[0017] The measurement terminal 20 may further include a control unit 21, a memory unit 22, and a display device 24. The control unit 21 processes data measured by the measurement unit 26, stores the data in the memory unit 22, and displays the data as information on the display device 24. As shown in FIG. 2(a), the display device 24 displays data on the front surface of the housing 28, and includes a carbon dioxide concentration display unit 24a, a temperature display unit 24b, and a humidity display unit 24c. The carbon dioxide concentration display unit 24a, the temperature display unit 24b, and the humidity display unit 24c display, for example, the most recent measured value measured by the measurement unit 26. However, the display content can be changed as appropriate.

[0018] The measuring terminal 20 has a plug 27a on the back of its roughly rectangular parallelepiped housing 28 that can be plugged into an outlet 62. Power is supplied to each component of the measuring terminal 20 from the plug 27a via a power supply unit 27. Because the measuring terminal 20 is designed to directly attach the housing 28 to the outlet 62, it can be installed in any room 60 of a building, residence, or other building that is supplied with electricity. Since the measuring terminal 20 measures the concentration of carbon dioxide in the air in the room 60, installing it by plugging it into an outlet 62 located near the floor of the room 60 is convenient for detecting carbon dioxide, which has a high specific gravity relative to air. However, the measuring terminal 20 can be installed anywhere and is capable of notifying entry and long-term absence, as described below.

[0019] The measurement terminal 20 has a detection hole 26a on its front surface. The detection hole 26a is configured so that the internal structure is hidden by a front plate 26b provided inside the housing, and a slit 26c is provided on the side to allow air to reach the sensor of the measurement unit 26. The sensor installed in the measurement unit 26 is preferably installed in a position where it is not directly irradiated with external light or exposed to external airflow. However, from the perspective of improving measurement accuracy, it is desirable that the sensor be installed as close to the outer surface of the housing 28 as possible, and that the opening through which air flows be as large as possible. As shown in Figures 2(a) and (b), a front plate 26b is installed in front of the opening of the detection hole 26a and is positioned so that the front plate 26b covers the opening from the inside of the housing 28. A slit 26c is formed between the front plate 26b and the outer shell 28a of the housing 28. Air entering through the detection hole 26a hits the front plate 26b and enters the interior of the housing 28 through the slit 26c on the side. This prevents the air flow from directly hitting the sensor of the measuring unit 26, and ensures that the sensor on the internal measuring unit 26 is supplied with sufficient air.

[0020] Furthermore, it is desirable that the sensor of measuring section 26 be disposed at a position away from power supply unit 27. In the first embodiment, plug 27a to be inserted into outlet 62 is disposed above the center in the vertical direction of housing 28, and therefore detection hole 26a is preferably disposed below the center in the vertical direction of housing 28. In other words, plug 27a and detection hole 26a are preferably disposed at a distance from each other across the center in the vertical direction of housing 28.

[0021] (Server 10 and individual terminal 30) FIG. 3 is a hardware configuration diagram of the server 10 or the individual terminal 30, which is an information processing terminal according to the first embodiment. The server 10 and the individual terminal 30, which are information processing terminals, include a control unit 51, a storage unit 52, and a communication unit 53. The control unit 51 is, for example, a CPU (Central Processing Unit). The control unit 51 may also include a ROM (Read Only Memory) and a RAM (Random Access Memory). The CPU is also referred to as a central processing unit, central processing unit, processor, microprocessor, microcomputer, or DSP (Digital Signal Processor). In the information processing terminal, the CPU reads programs and data stored in the ROM and uses the RAM as a work area to control each information processing terminal. The CPU controls communication between the information processing terminals via the communication unit 53, and the content displayed on an output unit 55, such as a display device or printer, based on information stored in the storage unit 52, such as the ROM and RAM. Furthermore, when the information processing terminal has a hardware configuration as shown in FIG. 2(b), the control unit 51 controls the content displayed on the output unit 55 such as a display device and a printer based on the content input by the user via the input unit 54, and also controls various functions such as recognizing the content input by the user via the input unit 54 and storing information in the memory unit 52.

[0022] The control unit 51 may realize each process not only by a CPU having a control circuit, but also by a logic circuit (hardware) formed in an integrated circuit (IC (Integrated Circuit) chip, LSI (Large Scale Integration)) or a dedicated circuit.

[0023] The storage unit 52 is, for example, a non-volatile semiconductor memory such as a flash memory, an EPROM (Erasable Programmable ROM), an EEPROM (Electrically Erasable Programmable ROM), or an HDD (Hard Disk Drive), and serves as a so-called secondary storage device. In the first embodiment, the storage unit 52 may be installed within the terminal or may be a server connected via the network 90. ​​Note that the storage unit 52 is not necessarily installed in the terminal, but may also be installed in a communicable manner on the network 90, and the network 90 may also be referred to as the storage unit 52. In other words, the control unit 51 can retrieve information from a communicable storage device, including the storage unit 52 installed in the terminal or the storage unit 52 connected to the network 90. ​​The control unit 51 also retrieves information necessary for display on the display device from the storage unit 52 as appropriate. The storage unit 52 can also store user response information via the input unit 54.

[0024] The communication unit 53 is a part that transmits and receives various data via the network 90, and any communication protocol may be used as long as communication between the information processing devices can be performed, regardless of whether it is wired or wireless. The communication unit 53 has a function of performing communication between the information processing devices via the network 90. ​​The communication unit 53 transmits various data to other information processing devices based on instructions from the control unit 51. The communication unit 53 also receives various data from other information processing devices and sends it to the control unit 51.

[0025] The control unit 51, memory unit 52, and communication unit 53 of the server 10 in the indoor condition confirmation system 100 may be configured in any manner. For example, if the server 10 is configured as a network computer system consisting of multiple server computers, each function may be distributed across the multiple server computers. Furthermore, these server computers may be distributed across computer systems owned by multiple vendors or server administrators (e.g., computer systems owned or managed by other information providers, providers, hosting system providers, etc.). The server computers may be configured as a so-called cloud computer system. Furthermore, at least a portion of the components of the control unit 51, memory unit 52, and communication unit 53 may be provided in a client terminal constituting the indoor condition confirmation system 100. The server 10 may further include an input unit 54, an output unit 55, etc., as shown in FIG. 3(b), and each function may be distributed across multiple server computers.

[0026] (Individual terminal 30) The individual terminal 30 is primarily used by users of the indoor condition monitoring system 100 to check the indoor conditions measured by the measuring terminal 20 or to receive notifications under certain conditions. As shown in FIG. 3(b), the individual terminal 30 includes a control unit 51, a memory unit 52, a communication unit 53, an input unit 54, and an output unit 55. The individual terminal 30 is a fixed terminal such as a mobile information terminal or a personal computer, and can display numerical data measured by the measuring terminal 20, data visualizing numerical fluctuations in graphs, and the like on a display device corresponding to the output unit 55 using an installed dedicated application or web browser. When the individual terminal 30 does not need to check measured values ​​and only requires notifications, it may be a fixed-line telephone, an intercom, or a buzzer that provides notifications using visual information such as audio or text information.

[0027] A user can operate the individual terminal 30 using the input unit 54 and configure the indoor situation monitoring system 100 using an installed dedicated application or a web browser. For example, by operating the individual terminal 30, if there is no one in the room 60a where the measuring terminal 20a is installed, the user can switch the indoor situation monitoring system 100 for that measuring terminal 20a to an out-of-room mode as needed. Also, if there is a person in the room 60a where the measuring terminal 20a is installed or if there is a person entering or leaving the room 60a, the user can switch the indoor situation monitoring system 100 for that measuring terminal 20a to an in-room mode. The indoor situation monitoring system 100 can switch whether to perform a notification operation based on measurement data, depending on the mode set by the user. Furthermore, the user can operate the individual terminal 30 to check the measurement data of each measuring terminal 20 and download the measurement data to the individual terminal 30.

[0028] The operations performed by the user using the individual terminal 30 can also be performed by the server 10. In other words, the server 10 can also function as the individual terminal 30, and the individual terminal 30 can also function as the server 10.

[0029] The server 10, the measuring terminal 20, and the individual terminal 30 may read out a program stored in a storage medium and execute the read out program to realize the functions of the plurality of functional units shown in the embodiment.

[0030] Furthermore, the program for realizing the functions of the indoor situation confirmation system 100 according to the first embodiment may or may not be provided to the server 10, the measuring terminal 20, and the individual terminal 30 via any transmission medium capable of transmitting the program (such as a communication network or broadcast waves). The server 10, the measuring terminal 20, and the individual terminal 30 execute a program downloaded via the Internet or the like to realize the functions of the multiple functional units shown in each embodiment.

[0031] The indoor condition monitoring system 100 according to the first embodiment can also be realized in the form of a data signal embedded in a carrier wave, in which the program is embodied by electronic transmission. At least a part of the processing in the server 10, the measuring terminal 20, and the individual terminal 30 may or may not be realized by cloud computing consisting of one or more computers.

[0032] At least a part of the processing in the measurement terminal 20 may or may not be configured to be performed by the server 10. In this case, at least a part of the processing of each functional unit of the control unit 51 of the measurement terminal 20 may or may not be configured to be performed by the server 10.

[0033] Furthermore, at least a part of the processing in the server 10 may or may not be performed by the measurement terminal 20. In this case, at least a part of the processing of each functional unit of the control unit 51 of the server 10 may or may not be performed by the measurement terminal 20.

[0034] Unless explicitly stated otherwise, the judgment configuration in embodiment 1 is not required, and a specified process may or may not be performed when the judgment condition is met, or when the judgment condition is not met.

[0035] The programs disclosed herein are implemented using, for example, scripting languages ​​such as JavaScript (registered trademark) and Python (registered trademark), object-oriented programming languages ​​such as Java (registered trademark), markup languages ​​such as HTML5, and functional programming languages ​​such as Erlang.

[0036] The following describes an example of information processing according to Embodiment 1. In the following description, the components of the indoor situation monitoring system 100 will be referred to as appropriate in FIGS.

[0037] <Outline of Information Processing in Indoor Condition Monitoring System 100> Fig. 4 is an explanatory diagram of basic information processing of the indoor situation monitoring system 100 according to embodiment 1. In Fig. 4, the indoor situation monitoring system 100 displays, as a graph in chronological order, data on carbon dioxide concentration measured by the measuring terminals 20 installed by users in the rooms 60. In the graph of Fig. 4, the horizontal axis represents time, and the vertical axis represents carbon dioxide concentration [ppm].

[0038] The measurement terminal 20 is installed in a room 60 and measures the carbon dioxide concentration, temperature, and humidity of the surrounding air. In Fig. 4, only the carbon dioxide concentration [ppm] is displayed, but the temperature and humidity can also be displayed. The graph in Fig. 4 is displayed on a display device provided in the individual terminal 30, for example.

[0039] The concentration values ​​measured by the measurement terminal 20 are stored in the server 10 as a time-series concentration history. That is, the concentration values ​​are measured and stored in the measurement terminal 20 at intervals of a certain measurement period Δt. Specifically, the concentration values ​​are stored in the memory unit 22 of the measurement terminal 20. Alternatively, the concentration value data is transmitted from the communication unit 25 to the server 10 via the network 90. ​​The concentration value data is transmitted to the server 10 together with measurement time data, and is accumulated in the server 10 as a time-series concentration history.

[0040] The curve h in the graph shown in FIG. 4 is a plot of concentration values ​​measured by the measurement terminal 20 at each time point and connected by straight lines. Therefore, the curve h has points plotted for each measurement period Δt, and is displayed as a broken line connecting these points. In FIG. 4, concentration values ​​are measured and plotted at times t1, t2, t3, and t4. A collection of these concentration values ​​is stored in the memory unit 52 of the server 10 as a concentration history. The indoor condition monitoring system 100 uses the multiple concentration values ​​included in these concentration histories to determine whether someone is present in the room 60, has entered the room, or has been absent for a long period of time. As shown in FIG. 4, the concentration value is basically recorded along with the time of measurement by the measurement terminal 20, and is displayed on the individual terminal 30, and entry and absence notifications are issued. However, the time associated with the concentration value may be, for example, the time when the measurement terminal 20 transmitted the concentration value data or the time when an information processing terminal such as the server 10 received the data.

[0041] 4, the measurement terminal 20 starts measuring the carbon dioxide concentration from time t0, and transmits concentration value data to the server 10 every measurement period Δt. The concentration value does not fluctuate significantly from time t0 until time t3, but increases relatively significantly from time t3 to time t4. In this case, it is highly likely that a person has entered the room 60, and the indoor situation monitoring system 100 can notify the user that a person has entered the room 60.

[0042] Fig. 5 shows an example of measurement data of carbon dioxide concentration by the indoor condition monitoring system 100 according to Embodiment 1. The measurement data shown in Fig. 5 shows, as an example, the measurement results of carbon dioxide concentration in a certain room 60 from February 2nd to February 5th.

[0043] The fluctuation of the density value in section P in FIG. 5 indicates a case where a person is present in the room 60 and is active, or where multiple people are entering and leaving the room 60.

[0044] Section Q in FIG. 5 shows a state in which, following the state of section P, the room 60 is cleared of people and the carbon dioxide concentration gradually decreases.

[0045] Section R in FIG. 5 shows a steady state in which the carbon dioxide concentration has decreased when the room 60 is unoccupied.

[0046] 5 shows a state in which room 60 is unoccupied and someone has entered an adjacent room or the corridor and then left the room. For example, the concentration rises more slowly than the increase and decrease in concentration levels in sections P and the like.

[0047] Section T in FIG. 5 shows a state in which room 60 is empty and people in the adjacent rooms or corridors have left the room, leaving the surrounding area empty.

[0048] Section U in FIG. 5 shows a state in which people have entered the room 60 and are active, with multiple people entering and leaving.

[0049] As shown in sections P and Q in FIG. 5, when there is a person in the room 60, the carbon dioxide concentration value is higher than in a steady state where there is no person (for example, section R), and the value fluctuates greatly.

[0050] On the other hand, when no one is present in the room 60, the carbon dioxide concentration value either gradually decreases as shown in sections Q and T, or fluctuates with little fluctuation as shown in section R.

[0051] As described above, the indoor situation confirmation system 100 according to embodiment 1 is configured to record carbon dioxide concentration values ​​in chronological order using the measurement terminal 20 installed in the room 60, and display the values ​​on the display device of the individual terminal 30, for example, so that the user can determine the situation in the room 60, such as whether or not there is someone there.

[0052] Generally, the carbon dioxide concentration in the atmosphere is about 400 ppm, and when room 60 is unoccupied and in a steady state, the concentration fluctuates around this value, with no significant fluctuations. On the other hand, when someone enters room 60, the carbon dioxide concentration increases rapidly in a short period of time, as shown in section U of Figure 5. The indoor situation monitoring system 100 according to the first embodiment utilizes these fluctuations in the carbon dioxide concentration value to monitor the situation in room 60.

[0053] (Entry notification) FIG. 6 shows an example of a processing flow in which the indoor situation confirmation system 100 according to the first embodiment notifies the user that a person has entered the room 60. The indoor situation confirmation system 100 can be set to either an absent mode, in which no one is present in the room 60, or a present mode, in which a person is present, by operating the individual terminal 30 by a user (step S1). If the indoor situation confirmation system 100 is in the present mode (No in step S1), the indoor situation confirmation system 100 does not notify the user of an entry, but instead measures a normal carbon dioxide concentration value and continues recording the concentration history. If the indoor situation confirmation system 100 is in the absent mode (Yes in step S1), the indoor situation confirmation system 100 determines whether to notify the user of an entry based on the latest concentration value and concentration history acquired from the measuring terminal 20. In the absent mode, the indoor situation confirmation system 100 processes the carbon dioxide concentration value measured by the measuring terminal 20 in the server 10, which is an information processing terminal, and detects and notifies the user that a person has entered the room 60 under predetermined conditions.

[0054] First, the measurement terminal 20 transmits carbon dioxide concentration values ​​measured at intervals of a measurement period Δt to the server 10. The server 10 sets the received carbon dioxide concentration value as a first concentration history value c1 (step S2), sets the carbon dioxide concentration value acquired at a time a predetermined comparison period ΔT before as a second concentration history value c2 (step S3), and calculates the difference therebetween, Δc=c1−c2 (step S4). Here, the first concentration history value c1 is the carbon dioxide concentration value at the most recent time t and indicates the state of the room 60 at the most recent time t. For example, in the graph shown in FIG. 4, the first concentration history value c1 is the first concentration history value c1b acquired at the most recent time t4, and the second concentration history value c2 is the second concentration history value c2b acquired by the server 10 at a time ΔT before time t4.

[0055] If the difference Δc = Δc1 - Δc2 of the concentration history values ​​at the latest time t is less than a predetermined threshold C (No in step S4), the indoor condition monitoring system 100 does not perform an alarm operation and acquires the next first concentration history value c1 after a further measurement period Δt (return to step S2).

[0056] If the difference Δc=Δc1−Δc2 of the concentration history values ​​at time t4 is equal to or greater than a predetermined threshold C (Yes in step S4), the indoor condition monitoring system 100 performs an announcing operation (step S5).

[0057] After performing the alarm operation, the indoor situation confirmation system 100 may terminate information processing, or may obtain a new first concentration history value c1 after the measurement period Δt and perform a new alarm operation if the condition is met. Alternatively, the indoor situation confirmation system 100 may be configured not to perform an alarm operation until a predetermined time has elapsed after performing the alarm operation once, even if the new first concentration history value c1 and second concentration history value c2 meet the condition that Δc > C.

[0058] If there is no second concentration history value c2 corresponding to the first concentration history value c1 that is the comparison period ΔT before, the indoor condition monitoring system 100 may use the most recent concentration history value among the concentration history values ​​that are at least the comparison period ΔT before to calculate the difference Δc and make the determination. That is, the indoor condition monitoring system 100 may acquire, as the second concentration history value c2, one concentration value from the concentration history that is earlier than the first concentration history value c1 by the comparison period ΔT. In this case, for example, the most recent concentration value among the concentration values ​​before the comparison period ΔT may be set to treat as the second concentration history value a concentration value measured at a time within a range of ΔT + Δt from the time t when the first concentration history value c1 was measured, and may not consider any other concentration values.

[0059] Measurements at the measurement terminal 20 and communications between the measurement terminal 20 and the server 10 are not performed at exactly the same time intervals, and slight errors may occur. In this case, even if an attempt is made to obtain a concentration history value exactly the comparison period ΔT before as the second concentration history value c2, there may be cases where such data does not exist. In such cases, as an example, a concentration value measured at a time within a range of less than ΔT+Δt from the time t when the first concentration history value c1 was measured may be treated as the second concentration history value. Alternatively, a concentration value within a range of ΔT±x from the time t when the first concentration history value c1 was measured may be used as the second concentration history value c2. In this case, x may be appropriately set within a range of values ​​sufficiently smaller than ΔT, taking into account errors in measurement and transmission. In other words, when the comparison period ΔT is set as a specific numerical value, it may include an error.

[0060] The information processing of FIG. 6 will be explained based on the example of FIG. 4. For example, if time t3 in FIG. 4 is the most recent time, and the difference in concentration values ​​is small, such as Δca = Δc1a - Δc2a, then the indoor situation confirmation system 100 determines that no one has entered the room 60 and does not perform an alert (No in step S4). Then, at the next time t4 after the measurement period Δt, the indoor situation confirmation system 100 acquires a new first concentration history value c1b (return to step S2). As shown in FIG. 4, the difference Δcb = Δc1b - Δc2b between the first concentration history value c1b acquired at time t4 and the second concentration history value c2b acquired ΔT before time t4 is greater than the previously determined difference Δca. If the difference Δcb is equal to or greater than threshold C, the indoor situation confirmation system 100 determines that a person has entered the room 60 and notifies the user.

[0061] The measuring terminal 20 continues measurement in the room 60 regardless of the notification operation. The indoor situation confirmation system 100 may perform another notification operation if the condition of step S4 is met at a new time t5 after the notification operation, or may be set not to perform a notification operation until a predetermined time has elapsed.

[0062] As an example of an entry notification, the indoor condition monitoring system 100 sets the measurement period Δt to 1 min≦Δt<20 min, the comparison period ΔT to 10 min≦ΔT≦30 min, and the threshold C for determining the difference Δc between the first concentration history value c1 and the second concentration history value c2 to 20 ppm≦C≦50 ppm, where Δt<ΔT. In this case, the room 60 in which the measurement terminal 20 is installed ranges from a room approximately one tatami mat in size, such as a toilet, to a room of 132 m² (133 sq. m), with a standard ceiling height of 210 cm to 250 cm. However, these values ​​for the size of the room 60 are merely examples, and entry notifications can be made without any problems if the room 60 is small. Furthermore, if the room 60 is large, the threshold C can be set lower to increase the sensitivity of the entry notification. The above values ​​of Δt, ΔT, and C are not limited to these values, but are conditions under which entry notification can be suitably performed in rooms ranging from about one tatami mat in size to rooms with an area of ​​132m² (40 tsubo). These values ​​may be adjusted appropriately according to the volume of room 60, but more preferably, Δt≦5 min, ΔT≧20 min, and C≦35 ppm.

[0063] Figure 5 shows the area of ​​21m2 where one door is installed. 2 This is an example of the measurement results of carbon dioxide concentration in a room 60 (20.2 m², 13 tatami mats) with a ceiling height of 2.5 m. The room 60 has no windows and is constantly ventilated with a ventilation fan. In this example, the threshold C is set to 35 ppm, and the comparison period ΔT is set to 20 min. In this example, if the vacant mode is set in sections Q to U, the indoor situation monitoring system 100 will issue an alert at points X1 and X2 where the concentration value has increased. Note that by adjusting the threshold C, it can also be set to issue an alert only at point X2.

[0064] (Long-term absence notification 1) FIG. 7 is a diagram showing an example of a processing flow in which the indoor situation confirmation system 100 according to the first embodiment notifies the user of a long-term absence from the room 60. The indoor situation confirmation system 100 determines whether the room 60 is in an absent mode, in which no one is present, or a present mode, in response to a user's operation on an individual terminal (step S6). If the room 60 is in the absent mode (No in step S6), the indoor situation confirmation system 100 does not notify the user of a long-term absence, but instead measures a normal carbon dioxide concentration value and continues recording the concentration history. If the room 60 is in the present mode (Yes in step S6), the indoor situation confirmation system 100 determines whether to notify the user of a long-term absence based on the latest concentration value and concentration history acquired from the measuring terminal 20. In the present mode, the indoor situation confirmation system 100 processes the carbon dioxide concentration value measured by the measuring terminal 20 in the server 10, which is an information processing terminal, and detects that a person has been absent from the room 60 for a long period of time under predetermined conditions. Specifically, the indoor situation confirmation system 100 notifies the user that no one has been present in the room 60 for more than the evaluation period ΔD. The evaluation period ΔD is set to, for example, 24 hours, but can be changed as appropriate. The time count starts when the mode is switched to the presence mode in step S6, and the indoor situation confirmation system 100 determines whether the evaluation period ΔD has elapsed.

[0065] First, the measurement terminal 20 transmits carbon dioxide concentration values ​​measured at intervals of a measurement period Δt to the server 10. The server 10 defines the received carbon dioxide concentration value as a first concentration history value c1, defines the carbon dioxide concentration value acquired at a time a predetermined comparison period ΔT before as a second concentration history value c2, and calculates the difference between them, Δc = c1 - c2. If the difference Δc is equal to or greater than a threshold C, it is stored (step S7). Here, the first concentration history value c1 is the carbon dioxide concentration value at the most recent time t and indicates the most recent state of the room 60. The indoor situation confirmation system 100 calculates the difference Δc for each measurement period Δt, and if it is equal to or greater than the threshold C, it stores the time t or stores the fact that it was equal to or greater than the threshold C. However, in the case of a long-term absence notification, the indoor situation confirmation system 100 is set in the presence mode, so no entry notification is made. Then, the indoor situation confirmation system 100 resets the time count for comparison with the evaluation period ΔD.

[0066] Next, it is determined whether the latest time t has exceeded the evaluation period ΔD since the presence mode was set, or since the time the presence mode was set and the difference Δc = c1 - c2 in the concentration history values ​​last became equal to or greater than the threshold C (step S8). If the time t has not exceeded the evaluation period ΔD since the start of counting, recording of the concentration history values ​​continues (No in step S8). If the time t has exceeded the evaluation period ΔD since the start of counting (Yes in step S8), the indoor situation confirmation system 100 performs an alarm operation (step S9).

[0067] (Long-term absence notification No. 2) 8 shows an example of a processing flow in which the indoor situation confirmation system 100 according to the first embodiment notifies that there has been a long absence in the room 60. The indoor situation confirmation system 100 determines whether the room 60 is in an absent mode in which no one is present or in a present mode in which someone is present, by a user operating an individual terminal (step S6). Step S6 is the same as the processing flow shown in FIG.

[0068] Next, it is determined whether the latest time t has exceeded the evaluation period ΔD since the presence mode was set (step S10). If the time t has not exceeded the evaluation period ΔD since the presence mode was set, recording of concentration history values ​​continues (No in step S10). If the time t has exceeded the evaluation period ΔD since the presence mode was set (Yes in step S10), the indoor situation confirmation system 100 determines whether to perform an alarm operation (step S11).

[0069] The measurement terminal 20 transmits carbon dioxide concentration values ​​measured at intervals of the measurement period Δt to the server 10. The server 10 stores the concentration values ​​at each time t as concentration history. The indoor condition monitoring system 100 determines whether or not there is a combination of a first concentration history value c1 and a second concentration history value c2 in which Δc = c1 - c2 is equal to or greater than the threshold C within the evaluation period ΔD (step S11). If there is a combination of a first concentration history value c1 and a second concentration history value c2 in which the difference Δc is equal to or greater than the threshold C within the evaluation period ΔD, recording of the concentration history continues until the evaluation period ΔD has elapsed again (Yes in step S11).

[0070] If there is no combination of the first concentration history value c1 and the second concentration history value c2 in which the difference Δc is equal to or greater than the threshold value C during the evaluation period ΔD, the indoor condition monitoring system 100 performs a reporting operation (step S12).

[0071] After issuing the notification of the long-term absence, the indoor situation confirmation system 100 may terminate information processing, or may make a determination after the evaluation period ΔD has elapsed and issue the notification. In this case, the evaluation period ΔD may be determined based on an evaluation period Da that is shorter than the evaluation period Da that was initially set.

[0072] The difference Δc and comparison period ΔT in the long-term absence notification may be set to the same values ​​as those used in the entry notification, or may be set to different values. In the long-term absence notification described above, the indoor situation confirmation system 100 makes a determination based on the concentration history measured in the room 60 after the user sets it to the presence mode. Therefore, for example, in the absence mode, the set value of at least one of the difference Δc and the comparison period ΔT may be set to a value smaller than the set value in the entry notification.

[0073] As an example of a long-term absence notification, the indoor situation confirmation system 100 can set the evaluation period ΔD to, for example, 24 hours, 36 hours, 48 ​​hours, 72 hours, 120 hours, etc. However, the evaluation period ΔD is not limited to these values ​​and can be set appropriately, and may be set to, for example, several hours, 6 hours, etc.

[0074] 5, when the presence mode is set in the section Q to the section T, the indoor situation monitoring system 100 will issue a long-term absence notification at the time of point X3, 24 hours after the start of the section Q where the presence mode is set. This will vary depending on the length of the evaluation period ΔD set in the indoor situation monitoring system 100.

[0075] 5, if the presence mode is set in section P to section U, a long-term absence notification is made at point X3, 24 hours after the carbon dioxide concentration value suddenly increases at the end of section P. This also depends on the settings of the difference Δc, comparison period ΔT, and evaluation period ΔD set in the indoor situation monitoring system 100.

[0076] 6 to 8, the entry notification and long-term absence notification are made after first determining whether the mode is absent or present, but the indoor situation confirmation system 100 does not need to have the function of switching between absent mode and present mode. Furthermore, the indoor situation confirmation system 100 may be configured to enter the entry confirmation notification mode in absent mode and to enter the long-term absence notification mode in present mode. In other words, if the answer is No in step S1 of FIG. 6, the process may proceed to the process of FIG. 7 or FIG. 8, and if the answer is No in step S6 of FIG. 7 or FIG. 8, the process may proceed to the process of FIG. 6.

[0077] (Regarding alarm operation) The notification operation of the indoor situation confirmation system 100 is not only displayed on an individual terminal 30 such as a mobile information terminal or PC to make it easy for the system user to recognize, but can also be set up so that notifications are only sent by email, for example, by setting an email address to which notifications are to be sent in the server 10.

[0078] In particular, when the individual terminal 30 is a mobile information terminal, a PC, or the like, a push notification may be performed by an application installed on the individual terminal 30.

[0079] The alert operation may also be performed by a device that uses audio, such as an intercom or a buzzer, or a device that uses visual information, such as displaying text information or turning on a warning light. In this case, these devices function as individual terminals 30, receive information related to the alert from the server 10, and perform alert operations such as outputting audio, displaying text information, or turning on a warning light.

[0080] As described above, the indoor condition monitoring system 100 issues entry and long-term absence notifications based on the carbon dioxide concentration value measured by the measuring terminal 20 in the room 60. The entry notification can be used, for example, to detect an intruder when no one is at home, or to confirm that a user has entered a guest room in a lodging facility. The long-term absence notification can also be used to confirm that a guest room in a lodging facility has not been used for a long period of time, or to detect whether an elderly person living alone in a rental property is still alive.

[0081] There is known technology for checking whether people are present in a room 60 by using images taken by a camera, but this raises privacy concerns. The indoor situation checking system 100 according to the first embodiment makes it possible to check the indoor situation without using images, and to check whether people are present while minimizing privacy concerns. In other words, the indoor situation checking system 100 has the advantage of being versatile, as the measurement terminal 20 can be installed in places such as a changing room or a bathroom dressing room.

[0082] Furthermore, the indoor situation monitoring system 100 detects the presence of a person based on temporal fluctuations in the carbon dioxide concentration in the room. The carbon dioxide concentration in the air fluctuates slowly depending on the weather and the surrounding environment, but the indoor situation monitoring system 100 according to the first embodiment can detect the presence of a person without being affected by these factors. Furthermore, the carbon dioxide concentration in the room varies slightly depending on the location in the room, but the indoor situation monitoring system 100 according to the first embodiment can detect the presence of a person while suppressing this effect.

[0083] (Modification of the measuring terminal 20) The measuring terminal 20 performs the above-mentioned notification operation by including at least a carbon dioxide concentration sensor, but may also include other sensors. For example, by including an infrared sensor or a human presence sensor, the measuring terminal 20 can refer to the detection history of the infrared sensor or human presence sensor when notifying entry. For example, even if Δc is within a range below threshold C in the determination based on the carbon dioxide concentration history, an entry notification may be issued if the infrared sensor or human presence sensor detects human movement. In this case, the determination based on the carbon dioxide concentration history can be set with a wider range of settings, such as by setting threshold C higher.

[0084] 2, the measurement terminal 20 is described as being directly attached to an outlet, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the measurement terminal 20 may be powered by various means, such as a USB port, a cigarette lighter socket in a vehicle, a battery, or a solar cell. If the measurement terminal 20 can be operated using a power source other than an outlet, the range of locations where it can be installed will be wider, such as inside a vehicle, not just inside the room 50.

[0085] Furthermore, if the measuring terminal 20 is configured to receive power from sources other than an electrical outlet, it can be used, for example, to prevent infants or small children from being left unattended inside a vehicle. In this case, the interior condition monitoring system 100 detects, for example, that the vehicle engine is stopped, the vehicle doors are locked, or the vehicle has not moved from a certain location for a predetermined period of time as determined by GPS, and then transitions to alarm mode. After transitioning to alarm mode, the interior condition monitoring system 100 may be configured to notify the individual terminal 30 that a person has been left unattended inside the vehicle if Δc fluctuates to or exceeds threshold C. In this case, the criteria for determining step S1 in FIG. 6 correspond to the vehicle engine being stopped, the vehicle doors being locked, or the vehicle not moving from a certain location for a predetermined period of time as determined by GPS. If these conditions are met, the information processing from steps S2 to S5 is performed. The alarm operation may be performed by the individual terminal 30, or the measuring terminal 20 itself may function as the individual terminal 30 and provide an alarm by sound or by turning on a warning light. Alternatively, if at least a part of the functions of the interior condition confirmation system 100 is incorporated into the vehicle's system, the notification may be made by activating the headlights or horn.

[0086] Although the present disclosure has been described above based on the embodiments, the present disclosure is not limited to the configurations of the above-described embodiments. In the above-described embodiments, the indoor situation confirmation system 100 is realized using a system such as a client-server system of a network computer system. However, the same functions as the indoor situation confirmation system 100 can also be realized on various computers, such as personal computers, that do not constitute a client-server system, or various communication terminals and mobile information terminals, such as mobile terminals and tablets. Furthermore, at least a portion of the functions of the indoor situation confirmation system 100 can also be realized by installing a computer program on various computers, communication terminals, and mobile information terminals. In other words, the present disclosure also includes programs that cause various computers to function as at least a portion of the indoor situation confirmation system 100. The above-described embodiments and variations may be implemented in appropriate combinations. It should be noted that the gist (technical scope) of the present disclosure also includes various modifications, applications, and uses that may be made by those skilled in the art as needed.

[0087] The indoor situation confirmation system 100 described above may also include combinations of the features shown in Supplementary Notes 1 to 10 below. These combinations are described below.

[0088] [Appendix 1] An indoor situation confirmation system comprising a measurement terminal and an information processing terminal, The measurement terminal Transmitting ambient carbon dioxide concentration values ​​every measurement period Δt, The information processing terminal The concentration values ​​transmitted for each measurement period Δt are stored in chronological order as a concentration history; When one of the concentration values ​​included in the concentration history is defined as a first concentration history value c1 and a value calculated based on at least one of the concentration values ​​in the concentration history prior to the first concentration history value c1 is defined as a second concentration history value c2, a notification operation is performed when Δc=c1-c2, which is a difference between the first concentration history value c1 and the second concentration history value c2, is equal to or greater than a threshold value C. Indoor situation confirmation system. [Appendix 2] 10. The indoor situation confirmation system according to claim 1, The second concentration history value c2 is One of the concentration histories is a concentration value that is earlier than the first concentration history value c1 by a comparison period ΔT. Indoor situation confirmation system. [Appendix 3] 3. The indoor situation confirmation system according to claim 2, The comparison period ΔT is set to be longer than the measurement period Δt. [Appendix 4] 10. The indoor situation confirmation system according to claim 1, The second concentration history value c2 is is an average value of a plurality of concentration values ​​in the concentration history before the first concentration history value c1, Indoor situation confirmation system. [Appendix 5] An indoor situation confirmation system according to any one of appendices 1 to 4, The information processing terminal a notification operation is performed when Δc of any combination of the first concentration history value and the second concentration history value among the plurality of concentration history values ​​included in an evaluation period ΔD that is longer than the comparison period ΔT is less than a threshold C; Indoor situation confirmation system. [Appendix 6] An indoor situation confirmation system according to any one of appendices 1 to 5, The measurement period Δt is set to be shorter than 20 minutes, The comparison period ΔT is set to a length of 20 minutes or more, The threshold C is set to 35 ppm or more. Indoor situation confirmation system. [Appendix 7] 6. The indoor situation confirmation system according to claim 5, The evaluation period ΔD is set to 24 hours or more. Indoor situation confirmation system. [Appendix 8] An indoor situation confirmation system according to any one of appendices 1 to 7, The measurement terminal a housing with a built-in carbon dioxide measuring device; a power plug that is installed on the exterior surface of the housing and that enables power to be supplied to the carbon dioxide measuring device; It is installed by plugging it into an outlet in the room. Indoor situation confirmation system. [Appendix 9] An indoor situation confirmation system according to any one of appendices 1 to 8, The information processing terminal a server that acquires information from the measurement terminal via a network; an individual terminal that acquires information from the server; The individual terminal and displaying at least one of the concentration value received from the server and the plurality of concentration history values ​​along a time series as measurement information. Indoor situation confirmation system. [Appendix 10] 10. The indoor situation confirmation system according to claim 9, The individual terminal A portable information terminal that performs a push notification as a notification action on a display device using an installed application. Indoor situation confirmation system. [Explanation of symbols]

[0089] 10: Server 20: Measurement terminal 20a: Measuring terminal 20b: Measuring terminal 20c: Measuring terminal 21: Control unit 22: Storage section 23: SIM card 24:Display device 24a: Carbon dioxide concentration display 24b: Temperature display section 24c:Humidity display section 25: Communications Department 26: Measuring part 26a: Detection hole 26b: Front board 26c: Slit 27: Power supply unit 27a: Plug 28: Housing 28a: Outer shell 30: Individual terminal 50: Room 50a: Room 50b: Room 50c: Room 51: Control unit 52: Storage section 53: Communications Department 54: Input section 55: Output section 60: Room 60a: Room 62: Outlet 90: Network 100: Indoor condition confirmation system C: Threshold Da: Evaluation period c1: First concentration history value c1b: First concentration history value c2: Second concentration history value c2b: Second concentration history value ΔD: Evaluation period ΔT: Comparison period Δc: difference Δca: difference Δcb: difference Δt: measurement period

Claims

1. An indoor situation confirmation system comprising a measurement terminal and an information processing terminal, The measurement terminal Transmitting ambient carbon dioxide concentration values ​​every measurement period Δt; The information processing terminal The concentration values ​​transmitted for each measurement period Δt are stored in chronological order as a concentration history; When one of the concentration values ​​included in the concentration history is defined as a first concentration history value c1 and a value calculated based on at least one of the concentration values ​​in the concentration history prior to the first concentration history value c1 is defined as a second concentration history value c2, a notification operation is performed when a difference Δc=c1-c2 between the first concentration history value c1 and the second concentration history value c2 is equal to or greater than a threshold value C. Indoor situation confirmation system.

2. The indoor situation confirmation system according to claim 1, The second concentration history value c2 is one of the concentration histories that is a concentration value that occurs before the comparison period ΔT from the first concentration history value c1; Indoor situation confirmation system.

3. The indoor situation confirmation system according to claim 2, The comparison period ΔT is set to be longer than the measurement period Δt.

4. The indoor situation confirmation system according to claim 1, The second concentration history value c2 is an average value of a plurality of concentration values ​​in the concentration history before the first concentration history value c1, Indoor situation confirmation system.

5. The indoor situation confirmation system according to claim 1, The information processing terminal a notification operation is performed when Δc of any combination of the first concentration history value and the second concentration history value among the plurality of concentration history values ​​included in an evaluation period ΔD that is longer than the comparison period ΔT is less than a threshold C; Indoor situation confirmation system.

6. The indoor situation confirmation system according to any one of claims 1 to 5, The measurement period Δt is set to be shorter than the comparison period ΔT, The comparison period ΔT is set to a length of 20 minutes or more, The threshold C is set to 35 ppm or more. Indoor situation confirmation system.

7. The indoor situation confirmation system according to claim 5, The evaluation period ΔD is set to 24 hours or more. Indoor situation confirmation system.

8. The indoor situation confirmation system according to any one of claims 1 to 5 and 7, The measurement terminal a housing with a built-in carbon dioxide measuring device; a power plug that is installed on the exterior surface of the housing and that enables power to be supplied to the carbon dioxide measuring device; It is installed by plugging it into an outlet in the room. Indoor situation confirmation system.

9. The indoor situation confirmation system according to any one of claims 1 to 5 and 7, The information processing terminal a server that acquires information from the measurement terminal via a network; an individual terminal that acquires information from the server; The individual terminal and displaying at least one of the concentration value received from the server and the plurality of concentration history values ​​along a time series as measurement information. Indoor situation confirmation system.

10. The indoor situation confirmation system according to claim 9, The individual terminal A portable information terminal that performs a push notification as a notification action on a display device using an installed application. Indoor situation confirmation system.

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