Information processing device

Abstract

To accurately estimate gas usage amount.SOLUTION: A server device 30 includes: an estimation unit 33 configured to estimate an estimated gas usage amount, i.e., the amount of gas used per unit period, based on a gas usage amount determined for each gas-using activity and user input regarding the gas-using activity; a classification unit 34 configured to classify users into multiple groups based on predetermined criteria; and a calculation unit 35 configured to calculate, for each classified user group, a difference between the amount of gas actually used per unit period and the estimated gas usage amount per unit period. The estimation unit 33 corrects the estimated gas usage amount based on the gas usage amount determined for each gas-using activity, the user input regarding gas-using activity, and the calculated difference.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a technique for estimating the amount of gas used by a user. [Background technology]

[0002] As a technology for measuring energy usage, for example, Patent Document 1 discloses that when a user operates a measurement start / stop button, a calculation is performed using the measurement values ​​of a sensor that detects the flow rate of energy such as gas to calculate energy consumption in real time. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2011-248643 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] For example, it is possible to accurately calculate gas usage by using an automatic usage calculator called a smart meter, but installing such a smart meter in each home requires considerable cost and time.

[0005] In addition, given the current global situation, it is expected that gas prices will fluctuate significantly in the future, so it is important to keep track of your gas usage.

[0006] The present invention has been made in view of the above background, and has an object to accurately estimate the amount of gas used. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] In order to solve the above problem, the present invention provides an information processing device comprising: an estimation unit that estimates an estimated gas usage amount, which is the amount of gas used per unit period, based on gas usage amounts determined according to each gas usage behavior and input regarding the user's gas usage behavior; a classification unit that classifies the users into multiple groups; and a calculation unit that calculates, for each classified group of users, the difference between the amount of gas usage actually used by the user per unit period and the estimated gas usage amount estimated for that user per unit period, wherein the estimation unit corrects the estimated gas usage amount estimated for users belonging to that group based on the difference calculated for each of the groups. [Effects of the Invention]

[0008] According to the present invention, the amount of gas used can be estimated with high accuracy. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0009] [Figure 1] 1 is a diagram showing an example of the overall configuration of an information processing system 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a hardware configuration of a server device 30 according to the embodiment. [Figure 3] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a functional configuration of a server device 30 according to the embodiment. [Figure 4] 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of data stored in the server device 30 according to the embodiment. FIG. [Figure 5] 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of data stored in the server device 30 according to the embodiment. FIG. [Figure 6] 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of data stored in the server device 30 according to the embodiment. FIG. [Figure 7] 10 is a flowchart showing an example of the operation of the server device 30 according to the embodiment. [Figure 8] 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of a screen displayed on the user terminal 10 according to the embodiment. FIG. [Figure 9]10 is a flowchart showing an example of the operation of the server device 30 according to the embodiment. [Figure 10] 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of a screen displayed on the user terminal 10 according to the embodiment. FIG. [Figure 11] 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of a screen displayed on the user terminal 10 according to the embodiment. FIG. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0010] [Embodiment] [composition] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an example of an information processing system 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention. Gas is supplied from a gas supply facility (not shown) to a house or facility where each user resides, and is used by various gas-using appliances in the house or facility. The information processing system 1 includes multiple user terminals 10 used by multiple users, and a server device 30 that provides the users with information about the amount of gas used by each user. The user terminals 10 are computers such as smartphones, wearable devices, or tablets. The server device 30 is a computer that functions as an information processing device according to the present invention. The communication network 2 includes a wireless communication network or a wired communication network that communicatively connects these user terminals 10 and the server device 30.

[0011] 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of the hardware configuration of server device 30. Server device 30 is physically configured as a computer including a processor 3001, memory 3002, storage 3003, and a bus connecting these. In the following description, the term "device" can be interpreted as a circuit, device, unit, etc. The hardware configuration of server device 30 may be configured to include one or more of the devices shown in the diagram, or may be configured to exclude some of the devices.

[0012] Each function in the server device 30 is realized by loading predetermined software (programs) onto hardware such as the processor 3001 and memory 3002, causing the processor 3001 to perform calculations, control communication via the communication device 3004, and control at least one of reading and writing data in the memory 3002 and storage 3003.

[0013] The processor 3001 controls the entire computer by running, for example, an operating system, and may be configured as a central processing unit (CPU) including an interface with peripheral devices, a control device, an arithmetic unit, a register, etc.

[0014] The processor 3001 reads programs (program codes), software modules, data, etc. from at least one of the storage 3003 and the communication device 3004 into the memory 3002 and executes various processes in accordance with these. The program used is a program that causes a computer to execute at least some of the operations described below. The functional blocks of the server device 30 may be implemented by a control program stored in the memory 3002 and running on the processor 3001. Various processes may be executed by one processor 3001, or may be executed simultaneously or sequentially by two or more processors 3001. The processor 3001 may be implemented by one or more chips. The program may be transmitted from the communication network 2 to the server device 30 via a gas communication line.

[0015] The memory 3002 is a computer-readable recording medium and may be configured by, for example, at least one of a ROM (Read Only Memory), an EPROM (Erasable Programmable ROM), an EEPROM (Electrically Erasable Programmable ROM), a RAM (Random Access Memory), etc. The memory 3002 may also be called a register, a cache, a main memory (primary storage device), etc. The memory 3002 can store an executable program (program code), a software module, etc. for implementing the method according to this embodiment.

[0016] Storage 3003 is a computer-readable recording medium, and may be constituted by at least one of, for example, an optical disk such as a CD-ROM (Compact Disc ROM), a hard disk drive, a flexible disk, a magneto-optical disk (e.g., a compact disk, a digital versatile disk, a Blu-ray (registered trademark) disk), a smart card, a flash memory (e.g., a card, a stick, a key drive), a floppy (registered trademark) disk, a magnetic strip, etc. Storage 3003 may also be referred to as an auxiliary storage device.

[0017] The communication device 3004 is hardware (transmission / reception device) for performing communication between computers via the communication network 2, and is also called, for example, a network device, a network controller, a network card, or a communication module.

[0018] Each device, such as the processor 3001 and the memory 3002, is connected by a bus for communicating information. The bus may be configured using a single bus, or may be configured using different buses between each device.

[0019] Server device 30 may also be configured to include hardware such as a microprocessor, a digital signal processor (DSP), an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a programmable logic device (PLD), or a field programmable gate array (FPGA), and some or all of the functional blocks may be realized by the hardware. For example, processor 3001 may be implemented using at least one of these pieces of hardware.

[0020] 3 is a block diagram illustrating an example of the functional configuration of the server device 30. In the server device 30, a processor 3001, a memory 3002, a storage 3003, and a communication device 3004 cooperate with each other to realize the functions of an acquisition unit 31, a storage unit 32, an estimation unit 33, a classification unit 34, a calculation unit 35, and an output unit 36.

[0021] When a user uses gas, the user inputs information about their own gas usage behavior into the user terminal 10. Here, inputting information about gas usage behavior refers to, for example, inputting the type of behavior of the user who used gas and the time the gas was used, and is hereinafter referred to as gas usage input information. The acquisition unit 31 of the server device 30 acquires the gas usage input information from each user terminal 10 via the communication network 2. The acquired gas usage input information is stored in the memory unit 32 in association with a user ID for identifying each user, as shown in FIG. 4.

[0022] The estimation unit 33 estimates an estimated gas usage, which is the amount of gas used per unit period, for each user based on the gas usage amount predetermined for each gas-using behavior and the gas usage input information. For this purpose, the storage unit 32 stores gas usage amounts determined for each gas-using behavior, as illustrated in FIG. 5. In FIG. 5, the type of gas usage behavior "cooking" is associated with a standard gas usage amount "X m3 / min" that would be used per minute of the behavior; the type of gas usage behavior "heating the bath" is associated with a standard gas usage amount "Y m3 / min" that would be used per minute of the behavior; and the type of gas usage behavior "operating the floor heating" is associated with a standard gas usage amount "Z m3 / min" that would be used per minute of the behavior. The standard gas usage amounts in FIG. 5 will be referred to as "standard gas usage amounts" below.

[0023] The estimation unit 33 refers to the storage unit 32, identifies a standard gas usage amount corresponding to the type of gas usage behavior included in the gas usage input information, and multiplies the identified standard gas usage amount by the gas usage time included in the gas usage input information to calculate the gas usage amount used by each gas usage behavior.The estimation unit 33 then sums up the gas usage amount used by each gas usage behavior for each user over a unit period (e.g., one month) to estimate the estimated gas usage amount per unit period for each user.

[0024] The classification unit 34 classifies users into multiple groups based on predetermined criteria. In this embodiment, the classification unit 34 performs the classification based on the number of inputs related to the user's gas usage behavior. More specifically, the classification unit 34 refers to the gas usage input information stored in the storage unit 32 and calculates, for each user, the average number of inputs related to the user's gas usage behavior per day over a certain sufficient period (e.g., one month). The classification unit 34 then classifies all users into a first group consisting of users whose average number of inputs related to the user's gas usage behavior is A times or more per day, a second group consisting of users whose average number of inputs is less than A times but B times or more per day, and a third group consisting of users whose average number of inputs is less than B times per day.

[0025] Based on the results of this classification, the storage unit 32 stores the user IDs of the users belonging to each group in association with a group ID for identifying each group, as shown in Fig. 6. Note that examples of classification by the classification unit 34 are not limited to the above, and classification may be based on, for example, the total number of inputs related to the user's gas usage behavior in a certain sufficient period (e.g., one month).

[0026] Here, the greater the number of times a user inputs information about their gas usage behavior, the stronger the user's intention to conserve gas usage. Therefore, in the example of FIG. 6, the group of users belonging to the group with group ID "G001" is most conscious of conserving gas usage, and therefore, the accuracy of their inputs about their gas usage behavior is considered to be the highest. On the other hand, the group of users belonging to the group with group ID "G003" is least conscious of conserving gas usage, and therefore, the accuracy of their inputs about their gas usage behavior is considered to be the lowest. Furthermore, the group of users belonging to the group with group ID "G002" is moderately conscious of conserving gas usage compared to the above two groups, and therefore, the accuracy of their inputs about their gas usage behavior is also considered to be moderate.

[0027] For each group, the calculation unit 35 calculates the difference between the amount of gas actually used by the users belonging to that group per unit period and the estimated amount of gas used by the users belonging to that group per unit period. The amount of gas actually used by the user per unit period (one month in this case) is listed in a gas usage statement notified to the user every month by the gas supply facility, so the user can simply look at the statement and input the amount of gas actually used in one month into the user terminal 10. The input amount of gas usage is notified to the server device 30, acquired by the acquisition unit 31, and stored in the memory unit 32.

[0028] Then, the calculation unit 35 calculates the difference between the amount of gas actually used by each user per unit period and the estimated amount of gas used per unit period for that user estimated by the estimation unit 33. The calculation unit 35 calculates such a difference for all users belonging to each group, and further calculates the average value of the differences for each group.

[0029] As mentioned above, the accuracy of inputs regarding gas usage behavior is thought to differ for each group, and therefore the average value of the above difference is thought to differ for each group. As mentioned above, for example, the group of users belonging to the group with group ID "G003" is thought to have the weakest awareness of trying to save gas usage, and therefore to have the lowest accuracy in inputs regarding gas usage behavior. For this reason, it is thought that the inputs regarding gas usage behavior by users belonging to this group are significantly insufficient compared to the actual gas usage behavior of those users.

[0030] The estimation unit 33 then corrects the estimated gas usage estimated for each user based on the average value of the differences calculated by the calculation unit 35. More specifically, the estimation unit 33 calculates a coefficient that indicates the ratio of the average value of the differences calculated by the calculation unit 35 for each group to the average amount of gas usage actually used per unit period by users belonging to that group. The estimation unit 33 then multiplies the estimated gas usage estimated by the estimation unit 33 by the coefficient, and sets the resulting value as the corrected estimated gas usage.

[0031] The output unit 36 ​​outputs information for each user according to the results of estimation and correction by the estimation unit 33. The output information is transmitted to the user terminal 10 via the communication network 2, for example, and is displayed by the user terminal 10 and presented to the user.

[0032] [Operation] Next, the operation of this embodiment will be described. [Coefficient calculation operation] The operation of calculating the coefficient used by server device 30 to correct the estimated gas usage will be described with reference to Fig. 7. The user refers to the gas usage details notified monthly from the gas supply facility, and inputs the actual gas usage amount used in one month on a screen such as that shown in Fig. 8 displayed on user terminal 10. Acquisition unit 31 of server device 30 acquires the input actual gas usage amount from user terminal 10 via communication network 2 (step S11).

[0033] Next, the classification unit 34 refers to the gas usage input information stored in the memory unit 32, calculates the average number of inputs per day regarding gas usage behavior by each user over the past month, and classifies all users into multiple groups based on the average values ​​(step S12).

[0034] Next, the calculation unit 35 calculates the difference between the actual gas usage per unit period by the users belonging to that group and the estimated gas usage per unit period for the users belonging to that group, and determines a coefficient for correcting the estimated gas usage for each user based on the average of the calculated differences (step S13). This coefficient is stored in the storage unit 32 in association with the group ID of each group (step S14).

[0035] [Calculation and correction of estimated gas usage] Next, with reference to FIG. 9, the operation of the server device 30 for calculating and correcting estimated gas usage will be described. In FIG. 9, the acquisition unit 31 acquires gas usage input information from each user terminal 10 (step S21). When a user inputs information about their own intended gas usage behavior into the user terminal 10, the input is made on a screen such as that shown in FIG. 10 on the user terminal 10. On this screen, the usage time previously input by the user for each type of typical gas usage behavior is initially displayed, and the usage time can be changed using a pull-down menu. The gas usage input information acquired by the acquisition unit 31 is stored in the memory unit 32 in association with a user ID for identifying the user (see FIG. 4).

[0036] Next, the estimation unit 33 estimates the estimated gas usage amount, which is the amount of gas used in one month, for each user based on the gas usage amount (see Figure 5) predetermined according to each gas usage behavior and the above gas usage input information (step S22).

[0037] Then, the estimation unit 33 multiplies the estimated gas usage estimated for each user by a coefficient stored for each group to which the user belongs, and sets the value obtained as the corrected estimated gas usage (step S23). The corrected estimated gas usage is stored in the storage unit 32 in association with the user ID of each user.

[0038] The output unit 36 ​​outputs information corresponding to the results of estimation and correction by the estimation unit 33 for each user (step S24). The output information is transmitted to the user terminal 10, for example, via the communication network 2. As a result, the current estimated monthly gas usage (corrected estimated gas usage) is displayed on the user terminal 10, as shown in FIG. 11, for example. By viewing this, the user can roughly grasp their own gas usage, and furthermore, can pay attention to their own gas usage behavior.

[0039] According to the embodiment described above, the estimated gas usage for each user can be accurately estimated by correcting the estimated gas usage for each user according to the accuracy of the input regarding the user's gas usage behavior.

[0040] [Variations] The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment. The above-described embodiment may be modified as follows. Furthermore, two or more of the following modifications may be combined and implemented.

[0041] [Variation 1] If there is a period in which the user's gas usage input information is missing, the classification unit 34 may perform interpolation processing for that period to classify the groups. For example, if the user's gas usage input information is missing for a specific day, the classification unit 34 may use the user's gas usage input information from the previous day instead for that day, or may use the average of the gas usage input information from the multiple days up to that day instead. In this way, even if the user's gas usage input information is missing for a specific period, the classification unit 34 can perform classification with a certain degree of accuracy.

[0042] [Variation 2] In the above embodiment, the groups are categorized based on the number of times the user inputs gas usage input information, based on the view that the number of times the user inputs gas usage input information is indirectly related to the accuracy of the input regarding the user's gas usage behavior. On the other hand, the difference between the amount of gas actually used by the user per unit period and the estimated amount of gas usage estimated per unit period is considered to be directly related to the accuracy of the input regarding the user's gas usage behavior.

[0043] Specifically, the difference between the actual gas usage per unit period and the estimated gas usage per unit period is considered to vary depending on the user's level of awareness to conserve gas usage. For example, users belonging to a group with a small difference are considered to have the strongest awareness to conserve gas usage, and therefore are considered to have the highest accuracy in their input regarding gas usage behavior. On the other hand, users belonging to a group with a large difference are considered to have the weakest awareness to conserve gas usage, and therefore are considered to have the lowest accuracy in their input regarding gas usage behavior.

[0044] Therefore, when the classification unit 34 starts classifying the groups, it may perform the classification based on the number of times the user inputs gas usage input information, and after a certain period of time has passed since the classification started, it may perform the classification based on the difference between the amount of gas actually used by the user per unit period and the estimated amount of gas usage estimated per unit period.

[0045] At the time when group classification is started, it is not possible to calculate the difference between the amount of gas actually used by the user per unit period and the estimated amount of gas used per unit period. Therefore, as described above, at the time when group classification is started, classification is performed based on the number of times gas usage input information is entered, and after a certain period has passed since the start of classification, classification is performed based on the difference.

[0046] [Variation 3] For example, because weather and temperature change over time, such as months or seasons, it is conceivable that the gas usage behavior of each user may also change over these time periods. For example, a user who is sensitive to the cold may use gas frequently for heating during cold seasons, while a user who is sensitive to the heat may not use gas as much. Therefore, the classification unit 34 may classify users into groups for each predetermined period. This makes it possible to classify users into groups according to their gas usage behavior, which varies depending on the period.

[0047] [Variation 4] It is thought that gas usage behavior can vary greatly between users who frequently leave the building where they use gas and users who rarely leave the building. For example, it is conceivable that users who rarely leave the building will use gas frequently, while users who frequently leave the building will not use gas as much.

[0048] Therefore, the classification unit 34 may perform classification based on whether or not the user is out of the building where the user uses gas. Specifically, the user terminal 10 used by the user is equipped with a positioning unit that performs positioning using a well-known method, and the positioning results obtained by the positioning unit are periodically notified to the server device 30. As a result, the classification unit 34 of the server device 30 assumes that the location where each user is located at, for example, 3:00 a.m. is the location of the building where the user uses gas, and determines that the user has gone out when the user moves more than a predetermined distance from that location. The classification unit 34 then compares the number of times the user goes out per unit time with a certain threshold, and classifies the users into groups into those who go out frequently and those who go out infrequently. This makes it possible to classify users according to different gas usage behaviors depending on whether or not the user goes out.

[0049] [Variation 5] It is thought that gas usage behavior can vary greatly depending on the user's family structure, such as whether or not they have family members, the number of family members, their age, etc. For example, a large family member may use gas frequently, whereas a small family member may not use gas as much.

[0050] Therefore, the classification unit 34 may perform classification based on the user's family structure. Specifically, the user applies for his / her family structure in advance, and the storage unit 32 of the server device 30 stores it. The classification unit 34 then classifies the users into groups based on the presence or absence of family members, the number of family members, their ages, etc. This makes it possible to classify users according to gas usage behaviors that differ depending on their family structure.

[0051] [Variation 6] It is believed that gas usage behavior can vary significantly depending on the region where a user is located, for example, in regions with different weather and temperatures. For example, in regions with low temperatures, users may use gas frequently for heating, whereas in regions with high temperatures, users may not use gas as much.

[0052] Therefore, the classification unit 34 may perform classification based on the location where the user uses gas. Specifically, the user terminal 10 used by the user is equipped with a positioning unit that performs positioning using a well-known method, and periodically notifies the server device 30 of the positioning results obtained by the positioning unit. This allows the classification unit 34 of the server device 30 to identify the location of each user. The classification unit 34 then classifies users into groups based on their locations. This makes it possible to classify users according to their gas usage behavior, which differs depending on their locations.

[0053] [Variation 7] For example, it is conceivable that a system could be realized in which a camera is installed near a gas meter installed in a building where a user uses gas, the camera captures the gas usage displayed on the gas meter, and the captured image is used for image recognition to accurately determine the amount of gas usage. However, it is not realistic to install such cameras in all buildings where each user uses gas, and it is likely that this will be limited to a small number of homes. Therefore, in buildings where a camera is installed to capture the meter displaying the user's actual gas usage, the system is configured to transmit the results of the image recognition described above to the server device 30 via a predetermined communication device. In this case, the estimation unit 33 of the server device 30 is configured not to perform estimation. In this way, unnecessary estimation can be avoided when the amount of gas usage can be accurately determined.

[0054] [Other variations] The block diagrams used to explain the above embodiments show functional blocks. These functional blocks (components) are realized by any combination of hardware and / or software. Furthermore, the method for realizing each functional block is not particularly limited. That is, each functional block may be realized using a single device that is physically or logically coupled, or may be realized using two or more physically or logically separated devices that are connected directly or indirectly (for example, by wire, wirelessly, etc.) and these multiple devices. The functional block may also be realized by combining the single device or the multiple devices with software.

[0055] Functions include, but are not limited to, judgment, determination, assessment, calculation, computation, processing, derivation, investigation, search, confirmation, reception, transmission, output, access resolution, selection, selection, establishment, comparison, assumption, expectation, consideration, broadcasting, notifying, communicating, forwarding, configuring, reconfiguring, allocating, mapping, and assignment. For example, a functional block (component) that performs transmission is called a transmitting unit or transmitter. As mentioned above, there are no particular limitations on how these functions are implemented.

[0056] For example, the server device 30 in one embodiment of the present disclosure may function as a computer that performs the processing of the present disclosure.

[0057] Each aspect / embodiment described in the present disclosure may be applied to at least one of systems using LTE (Long Term Evolution), LTE-Advanced (LTE-A), SUPER 3G, IMT-Advanced, 4G (4th generation mobile communication system), 5G (5th generation mobile communication system), FRA (Future Radio Access), NR (New Radio), W-CDMA (registered trademark), GSM (registered trademark), CDMA2000, UMB (Ultra Mobile Broadband), IEEE 802.11 (Wi-Fi (registered trademark)), IEEE 802.16 (WiMAX (registered trademark), IEEE 802.20, UWB (Ultra-Wideband), Bluetooth (registered trademark), or other appropriate systems, and next-generation systems extended based on these. Furthermore, a combination of multiple systems (e.g., a combination of at least one of LTE and LTE-A with 5G, etc.) may also be applied.

[0058] The order of the procedures, sequences, flowcharts, etc. of each aspect / embodiment described in this disclosure may be changed unless it is consistent. For example, the methods described in this disclosure present elements of various steps using an example order, and are not limited to the particular order presented.

[0059] Input and output information may be stored in a specific location (for example, memory) or may be managed using a management table. Input and output information may be overwritten, updated, or added to. Output information may be deleted. Input information may be sent to another device.

[0060] The determination may be made based on a value represented by one bit (0 or 1), a Boolean value (true or false), or a numerical comparison (e.g., comparison with a predetermined value).

[0061] Although the present disclosure has been described in detail above, it is clear to those skilled in the art that the present disclosure is not limited to the embodiments described herein. The present disclosure can be implemented in modified and altered forms without departing from the spirit and scope of the present disclosure as defined by the claims. Therefore, the description of the present disclosure is intended to be illustrative and does not have any limiting meaning on the present disclosure.

[0062] Software, whether referred to as software, firmware, middleware, microcode, hardware description language, or otherwise, shall be construed broadly to mean instructions, instruction sets, code, code segments, program code, programs, subprograms, software modules, applications, software applications, software packages, routines, subroutines, objects, executable files, threads of execution, procedures, functions, etc. Additionally, software, instructions, information, etc. may be transmitted or received over a transmission medium. For example, if software is transmitted from a website, server, or other remote source using wired technologies (such as coaxial cable, fiber optic cable, twisted pair, Digital Subscriber Line (DSL)), and / or wireless technologies (such as infrared, microwave), then such wired and / or wireless technologies are included within the definition of a transmission medium.

[0063] The information, signals, etc. described in this disclosure may be represented using any of a variety of different technologies. For example, data, instructions, commands, information, signals, bits, symbols, chips, etc. that may be referred to throughout the above description may be represented by voltages, currents, electromagnetic waves, magnetic fields or magnetic particles, optical fields or photons, or any combination thereof. In addition, terms explained in this disclosure and terms necessary for understanding this disclosure may be replaced with terms having the same or similar meanings.

[0064] Furthermore, the information, parameters, etc. described in this disclosure may be expressed using absolute values, may be expressed using relative values ​​from a predetermined value, or may be expressed using other corresponding information.

[0065] As used in this disclosure, the phrase "based on" does not mean "based only on," unless expressly stated otherwise. In other words, the phrase "based on" means both "based only on" and "based at least on."

[0066] As used in this disclosure, any reference to an element using a designation such as "first," "second," etc. does not generally limit the quantity or order of those elements. These designations may be used in this disclosure as a convenient method of distinguishing between two or more elements. Thus, a reference to a first and a second element does not imply that only two elements may be employed or that the first element must in some way precede the second element.

[0067] The "unit" in the configuration of each of the above devices may be replaced with "means," "circuit," "device," etc.

[0068] When used in this disclosure, the terms "include," "including," and variations thereof are intended to be inclusive, similar to the term "comprising." Furthermore, when used in this disclosure, the term "or" is not intended to be an exclusive or.

[0069] In this disclosure, where articles are added by translation, such as a, an, and the in English, the disclosure may include that the nouns following these articles are in the plural form.

[0070] In the present disclosure, the term "A and B are different" may mean "A and B are different from each other." The term may also mean "A and B are each different from C." Terms such as "separate" and "coupled" may also be interpreted in the same way as "different." [Explanation of symbols]

[0071] 1: Information processing system, 2: Communication network, 10: User terminal, 30: Server device, 31: Acquisition unit, 32: Memory unit, 33: Estimation unit, 34: Classification unit, 35: Calculation unit, 36: Output unit, 3001: Processor, 3002: Memory, 3003: Storage, 3004: Communication device.

Claims

1. an estimation unit that estimates an estimated gas usage amount, which is the amount of gas used per unit period, based on the gas usage amount determined according to each gas usage behavior and an input regarding the gas usage behavior by the user; a classification unit that classifies the users into a plurality of groups; a calculation unit that calculates, for each of the classified user groups, a difference between an amount of gas actually used by the user per unit period and an estimated amount of gas used by the user per unit period; The estimation unit corrects the estimated gas usage amount estimated for the users belonging to each group based on the difference calculated for each group.

1. An information processing device comprising:

2. The classification unit performs the classification based on the number of times the user makes the input.

2. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein:

3. The classification unit performs the classification by performing an interpolation process for a period in which the input by the user is missing.

3. The information processing apparatus according to claim 2.

4. The classification unit At the start of classification, the classification is performed based on the number of inputs by the user; After a certain period of time has elapsed since the classification was started, the classification is performed based on the difference between the amount of gas actually used by the user per unit period and the estimated amount of gas used by the user per unit period.

3. The information processing apparatus according to claim 2.

5. The classification unit performs the classification at predetermined intervals.

2. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein:

6. The estimation unit performs the correction by multiplying the estimated gas usage amount by a coefficient corresponding to the calculated difference.

2. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein:

7. The classification unit performs the classification based on whether the user is out of a building where gas is used.

2. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein:

8. The classification unit performs the classification based on the family structure of the user.

2. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein:

9. The classification unit performs the classification based on the location where the user uses the gas.

2. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein:

10. When a camera is installed to photograph a display meter that displays the actual amount of gas used by the user, the estimation unit does not perform estimation.

2. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein:

Images