Evaluation device and evaluation method

Abstract

To evaluate the use form of a building by a plurality of users from the viewpoint of the degree of interaction between the users and the degree of appropriateness based on the life style of the user or the like, and to grasp the difference between appropriate use forms estimated from the respective viewpoints.SOLUTION: According to one embodiment of the present invention, the processor 21 specifies, for each of a plurality of evaluation periods, a target time period in which two or more residents are present at different locations in a predetermined time zone in the evaluation period, acquiring first input information indicating a first evaluation value related to a degree of interaction of the resident and second input information indicating a second evaluation value related to a degree of appropriateness of the target time, estimating a target time at which the first evaluation value becomes a first set value based on a first correspondence relationship between the target time and the first evaluation value, estimating a target time at which the second evaluation value becomes a second set value based on a second correspondence relationship between the target time and the second evaluation value, and calculating a ratio between estimated values of the two estimated target times; SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an evaluation device and an evaluation method, and more particularly to an evaluation device and an evaluation method for evaluating the degree of interaction between a plurality of users in a building having a plurality of rooms. [Background technology]

[0002] In a building used by multiple people (users), such as a house, promoting communication and interaction among users is important for improving the building's usage environment. For this reason, in recent years, technologies have been developed to grasp the current state of communication and interaction among users within a building, and one example of such a technology is the device described in Patent Document 1.

[0003] The device described in Patent Document 1 is a satisfaction level estimation device that estimates satisfaction level information of a person who belongs to a group that has a certain area as its base of operations. This device determines a communication score that indicates the degree of communication between the person whose satisfaction level is to be estimated and the other people who belong to the group, based on behavioral information including information on behavior related to communication between the person whose satisfaction level is to be estimated and the other people who belong to the group, and determines the satisfaction level of the person whose satisfaction level is to be estimated based on the score. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2020-154938 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] Incidentally, it is believed that the longer multiple users stay in the same room in a building, the higher the level of interaction between the users, and the longer multiple users stay in different locations, the lower the level of interaction. Based on this tendency, it is possible to consider building usage patterns (specifically, the time multiple users spend in different locations) that can achieve a level of interaction that satisfies building users.

[0006] On the other hand, the usage pattern of a building, specifically the amount of time that multiple users spend in different locations, varies depending on the users' lifestyles and values, and therefore the usage pattern that is considered appropriate may differ depending on the lifestyle, etc. Furthermore, if lifestyles change, the usage pattern that is considered appropriate for a building may also change. Therefore, even if a usage pattern that is considered appropriate based on the satisfaction level of interaction between building users, it does not necessarily match the usage pattern that is considered appropriate based on the users' current lifestyle, etc.

[0007] Therefore, the present invention has been made in consideration of the above-mentioned problems, and its purpose is to provide an evaluation device and evaluation method for evaluating the usage patterns of a building by multiple users from the perspective of the degree of interaction between the users and the appropriateness based on the users' lifestyles, etc., and for grasping the differences between the appropriate usage patterns estimated from each perspective. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] The above problem can be solved by an evaluation device of the present invention, which includes a processor and evaluates the degree of interaction between a plurality of users in a building having a plurality of rooms, wherein the processor identifies, for each of a plurality of evaluation periods, a target time during which two or more users are in different locations during a predetermined time period within the evaluation period, acquires, for each of the plurality of evaluation periods, first input information indicating a first evaluation value regarding the degree of interaction, and acquires, for each of the plurality of evaluation periods, second input information indicating a second evaluation value regarding the appropriateness of the target time. The problem is solved by acquiring the target time for each evaluation period, deriving a first correspondence relationship between the target time specified for each evaluation period and the first evaluation value indicated by the first input information acquired for each evaluation period, deriving a second correspondence relationship between the target time specified for each evaluation period and the second evaluation value indicated by the second input information acquired for each evaluation period, estimating the target time for which the first evaluation value will be a first set value based on the first correspondence relationship, estimating the target time for which the second evaluation value will be a second set value based on the second correspondence relationship, and calculating the ratio between the estimated value of the target time for which the first evaluation value will be the first set value and the estimated value of the target time for which the second evaluation value will be the second set value.

[0009] The evaluation device of the present invention having the above configuration can evaluate the use patterns of a building by multiple users, i.e., the time (target time) during which two or more users are in different locations during a specified time period, from the perspective of the degree of interaction between the users and the appropriateness based on the users' lifestyles, etc. Furthermore, by estimating the appropriate target time estimated from each perspective and calculating the ratio of the appropriate target times estimated for each perspective, it is possible to grasp the degree of discrepancy between the target times due to differences in perspective. This discrepancy can be used, for example, when users review their lifestyles, etc. in order to improve the degree of interaction within the building.

[0010] In the evaluation device of the present invention, the processor may specify the target time for each evaluation period based on the usage status of the electrical appliances in the building during a predetermined time period. According to the above configuration, the target time can be easily specified based on the usage status of the electrical devices in the building.

[0011] With regard to the above configuration, when a first electrical device is installed in each of a plurality of rooms in a building, the processor may identify, for each evaluation period, the time during which the first electrical device was used in two or more of the plurality of rooms during a specified time period as the target time. In addition, if the second electrical device is installed in a space among multiple rooms in a building that is shared by multiple users, the processor may identify the time during which the second electrical device was used during a specified time period as the target time for each evaluation period. According to the above configuration, the target time can be more easily specified based on the usage time of the first electric device and the second electric device in each room in the building.

[0012] In addition, in the evaluation device of the present invention, the processor may derive an approximation formula for the first evaluation value with the target time as a variable as the first correspondence relationship, and derive an approximation formula for the second evaluation value with the target time as a variable as the second correspondence relationship. According to the above configuration, it is possible to more simply estimate the target time when the first evaluation value becomes the first set value and the target time when the second evaluation value becomes the second set value.

[0013] In addition, in the evaluation device of the present invention, the first input information and the second input information may be input into a terminal device operated by a user, and the processor may acquire the first input information and the second input information through communication with the terminal device. According to the above configuration, it is possible to easily acquire input information of the first evaluation value related to the degree of interaction and input information of the second evaluation value related to the appropriateness of the target time.

[0014] The above-mentioned problem is solved by the evaluation method of the present invention, which is an evaluation method for evaluating the degree of interaction between a plurality of users in a building having a plurality of rooms, wherein a processor specifies, for each of a plurality of evaluation periods, a target time during which two or more users are in different locations during a predetermined time period within the evaluation period; the processor acquires, for each of the plurality of evaluation periods, first input information indicating a first evaluation value regarding the degree of interaction; the processor acquires, for each of the plurality of evaluation periods, second input information indicating a second evaluation value regarding the appropriateness of the target time; and the processor acquires, for each of the plurality of evaluation periods, second input information indicating a second evaluation value regarding the appropriateness of the target time. The problem is solved by deriving a first correspondence relationship between the target time identified for each period and the first evaluation value indicated by the first input information acquired for each evaluation period, the processor deriving a second correspondence relationship between the target time identified for each evaluation period and the second evaluation value indicated by the second input information acquired for each evaluation period, the processor estimating the target time at which the first evaluation value will be the first set value based on the first correspondence relationship, the processor estimating the target time at which the second evaluation value will be the second set value based on the second correspondence relationship, and calculating the ratio between the estimated value of the target time at which the first evaluation value will be the first set value and the estimated value of the target time at which the second evaluation value will be the second set value. According to the above evaluation method, the building usage patterns (specifically, the target time period) by multiple users can be evaluated from the perspective of the degree of interaction between users and the appropriateness based on the users' lifestyles, etc., and the differences between the appropriate usage patterns estimated from each perspective can be grasped. [Effects of the Invention]

[0015] According to the evaluation device and evaluation method of the present invention, the usage patterns of a building by multiple users can be evaluated from the perspective of the degree of interaction between the users and the appropriateness based on the users' lifestyles, etc., and the differences between the appropriate usage patterns estimated from each perspective can be grasped. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0016] [Figure 1] 1 is an explanatory diagram of a building to which the present invention is applied; [Figure 2]1 is a diagram showing an evaluation system including an evaluation device according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 3] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a processing flow according to one embodiment of the present invention (part 1). [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a processing flow according to an embodiment of the present invention (part 2). [Figure 5] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a processing flow according to an embodiment of the present invention (part 3). [Figure 6] This is an explanatory diagram of the procedure for identifying the usage of electrical equipment within a building, where (a) is a diagram of air conditioner usage, (b) is a diagram of television usage, and (c) is a diagram of microwave oven usage. [Figure 7] This figure shows the correlation between the degree of interaction between multiple users in a building and the usage of electrical equipment within the building. (a) in the figure shows the correlation with the amount of time the air conditioner is used, (b) shows the correlation with the amount of time the television is used, and (c) shows the correlation with the amount of time the microwave is used. [Figure 8A] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing the correlation between the degree of interaction between multiple users in a building and the target time. [Figure 8B] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating the correlation between a target time and its appropriateness. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0017] <<About one embodiment of the present invention>> Hereinafter, one embodiment of the present invention (hereinafter referred to as the present embodiment) will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0018] In this specification, the concept of "device" includes a single device that performs a specific function, as well as a combination of multiple devices that are distributed and exist independently but work together (in cooperation) to perform a specific function. Furthermore, the basic information processing technologies (communication / transmission technologies, data acquisition technologies, data recording technologies, data processing / analysis technologies, image processing technologies, visualization technologies, etc.) required to realize the contents of this embodiment are well-known technologies, and therefore, explanations thereof will be omitted.

[0019] This embodiment relates to an information processing technology for evaluating the degree of interaction among multiple users in a building used by multiple users. In this embodiment, the building is a house having multiple rooms, and the multiple users are two or more residents living in the house, specifically a family. That is, in this embodiment, the degree of family interaction within the house can be evaluated. The degree of family interaction within the house refers to the degree to which family members spend time talking (communicating) and spending time together within the house. Specifically, it is a concept that represents the amount of time or frequency that two or more family members spend in the same room at the same time, or the satisfaction that the residents feel with these quantities.

[0020] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the usage pattern of the home by the residents is identified as a time during a predetermined time period when two or more residents are in different locations (hereinafter referred to as the target time). The predetermined time period is, for example, a time period when family members are often at home, specifically a time period from evening to night. Two or more residents being in different locations during a predetermined time period means that two or more residents are in different rooms within the home during the predetermined time period, and at least one resident is out during the predetermined time period, so that the two or more residents are in locations separate from each other. In other words, the target time represents the amount of time each member of a family spends separately.

[0021] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the target time period is specified based on the usage status of electrical appliances in the house during a predetermined time period. To explain this in more detail using house H shown in FIG. 1 as an example, the electrical appliances used in house H include first electrical appliances installed in each of multiple rooms in house H and second electrical appliances installed in a space in house H that is shared by multiple residents. As shown in FIG. 1, the first electrical appliances are electrical appliances used in individual rooms, such as an air conditioner C and a television T. As shown in FIG. 1, the second electrical appliances are, for example, microwave ovens M installed in shared spaces such as the kitchen. Note that the first and second electrical appliances shown in FIG. 1 are merely examples, and electrical appliances other than those shown in FIG. 1 may also be included. For example, the first electrical appliance may include a vacuum cleaner, etc., and the second electrical appliance may include a washing machine, etc.

[0022] When multiple residents are in different rooms, each resident uses the first electrical device installed in the room in which that resident is located. In other words, when multiple residents each stay in their own room, first electrical devices such as air conditioners and televisions are used in two or more rooms. Conversely, when multiple residents stay in the same room, the multiple residents share the first electrical device installed in that room. Taking the above into consideration, in this embodiment, the target time is identified as the time when an air conditioner C or television T is used in two or more rooms out of the multiple rooms in the house H, i.e., the usage time of the first electrical device (hereinafter referred to as the first time).

[0023] Furthermore, when multiple residents eat at different times in the house H, each resident will use the microwave oven M at a different time, and the microwave oven usage time will tend to be longer. Conversely, when multiple residents eat together in the house H, the usage time of the microwave oven M will tend to be shorter, as it will be concentrated rather than dispersed. In light of the above, in this embodiment, the time when the microwave oven M is used in the kitchen, i.e., the usage time of the second electrical appliance (hereinafter referred to as the second time), is specified as the target time.

[0024] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the target time is evaluated from two perspectives: the degree of family interaction within the home and the appropriateness for the resident's lifestyle. Specifically, one or more residents evaluate the degree of family interaction they feel during the current target time, using the target degree of interaction as a standard. The specific method for evaluating the degree of interaction is not particularly limited, but for example, the degree of interaction may be evaluated by scoring it on a P-level scale (P is a natural number, e.g., P=5). Alternatively, the degree of interaction may be evaluated by selecting one of a range of words representing the degree of interaction (e.g., "satisfied," "average," and "dissatisfied"). In the following description, an example will be given in which the degree of family interaction is quantitatively evaluated using a numerical value (evaluation value).

[0025] Furthermore, one or more residents evaluate the appropriateness of the current target time (more specifically, the amount of target time) based on the amount of family interaction time that should be secured at the present time, taking into account the resident's current lifestyle, etc. The appropriateness of the target time may change depending on lifestyle, and even for the same target time, the appropriateness may change as lifestyle changes. For example, if one of the residents' children is young and the target time is long, the appropriateness will generally be low. On the other hand, if the target time is long and the child is preparing for exams, the appropriateness will not be as low, taking into account the fact that the child will spend a lot of time alone in their room studying for exams. Furthermore, the specific method for evaluating the appropriateness is not particularly limited, but the appropriateness may be evaluated by scoring the appropriateness on a Q-level scale (Q is a natural number, for example, Q=5). Alternatively, the appropriateness may be evaluated by selecting one of a range of terms representing the appropriateness (e.g., "appropriate," "average," and "inappropriate"). In the following description, a case will be described in which the appropriateness of the target time is quantitatively evaluated using a numerical value (evaluation value).

[0026] Furthermore, in this embodiment, multiple evaluation periods are set, the target time is identified for each evaluation period, and evaluation results of the appropriateness and degree of family interaction for the target period are obtained, and a correspondence relationship between these evaluation results and the target period is derived. Specifically, by identifying the first and second periods for each evaluation period, the target period for each evaluation period is identified for each evaluation period. Furthermore, an evaluation value regarding the degree of family interaction for each evaluation period (hereinafter referred to as the first evaluation value) is obtained for each evaluation period. Similarly, an evaluation value regarding the appropriateness of the target period for each evaluation period (hereinafter referred to as the second evaluation value) is obtained for each evaluation period. Specific methods for obtaining the first and second evaluation values ​​will be described later.

[0027] The multiple evaluation periods can be set at any time. For example, each day in a specified period of n days, n weeks, or n months (n is a natural number) can be set as an evaluation period. In this case, the multiple days set as evaluation periods can be consecutive days or a discontinuous ratio. Also, days corresponding to specified days of the week can be set as evaluation periods. The multiple periods can also be multiple days specified randomly. The unit of the "evaluation period" is not particularly limited and can be any of minutes, hours, days, weeks, months, and years, but the following explanation will be given assuming that the evaluation period is set as a single day.

[0028] Then, a correspondence relationship (hereinafter referred to as the first correspondence relationship) between the target time specified for each evaluation period and the first evaluation value also acquired for each evaluation period is derived, more specifically, an approximation formula of the first evaluation value with the target time as a variable is derived as the first correspondence relationship. Also, a correspondence relationship (hereinafter referred to as the second correspondence relationship) between the target time specified for each evaluation period and the second evaluation value also acquired for each evaluation period is derived, more specifically, an approximation formula of the second evaluation value with the target time as a variable is derived as the second correspondence relationship.

[0029] Furthermore, in this embodiment, it is possible to estimate a target time at which the first evaluation value becomes a first set value based on the identified first correspondence relationship. The first set value is set as a target value for the evaluation value of the degree of family interaction, and can be any numerical value, but may also be the median of the range of numerical values ​​input as the first evaluation value, for example, and may be set to "3" when the first evaluation value is input on a five-level scale from 1 to 5. Furthermore, in this embodiment, it is possible to estimate the target time for which the second evaluation value becomes the second set value based on the identified second correspondence relationship. The second set value is set as an appropriate value as an evaluation value for the appropriateness of the target time, and can be any numerical value, but for example, it may be the median of the numerical range input as the second evaluation value. As a specific example, when the second evaluation value is input on a five-level scale from 1 to 5, it may be set to "3".

[0030] In this embodiment, the ratio between the estimated value of the target time when the first evaluation value becomes the first set value (hereinafter referred to as the first estimated value) and the estimated value of the target time when the second evaluation value becomes the second set value (hereinafter referred to as the second estimated value) is calculated. This ratio reflects the difference between the target time when the degree of family interaction becomes the target value and the target time when the appropriateness of the target time becomes an appropriate value, i.e., the degree of deviation from the appropriate target time calculated for each of the above two perspectives. Specifically, the closer the ratio is to 1, the more appropriate the target time is for a lifestyle and is a time that can achieve the target degree of family interaction. On the other hand, the farther the ratio is from 1, the greater the deviation between the appropriate target time for a lifestyle and the target time that can achieve the target degree of family interaction.

[0031] The calculated ratio is output to the residents of the home, and specifically displayed on a terminal device (specifically, resident terminal 12, described below) used by the residents within the home. This allows each resident to check the ratio displayed on the screen, and based on the displayed ratio, can review the target time, lifestyle, etc. to improve the degree of family interaction within the home.

[0032] <<Configuration example of evaluation device and evaluation system>> Next, a configuration example of the evaluation device and evaluation system according to this embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 2. The evaluation device and evaluation system according to this embodiment (hereinafter referred to as evaluation device 10 and evaluation system 100) are an information processing device and information processing system that evaluate the degree of interaction between family members (more specifically, two or more family members residing in a residence H). As shown in FIG. 2, the evaluation system 100 is made up of an evaluation device 10, a resident terminal 12, a sensor group 14, and a database 16.

[0033] The evaluation device 10 is made up of a computer, for example, a server computer, etc. The evaluation device 10 may be made up of a single computer, or may be made up of multiple computers distributed in parallel. Furthermore, the server computer constituting the evaluation device 10 may be a server computer for a cloud service, specifically, a server computer for an ASP (Application Service Provider), SaaS (Software as a Service), PaaS (Platform as a Service), or IaaS (Infrastructure as a Service). In this case, when necessary information is input to a client terminal, the server computer performs various processes and calculations based on the input information, and the calculation results are output on the client terminal side. In other words, the functions of the server computer that is the evaluation device 10 can be used on the client terminal side.

[0034] The server computer constituting the evaluation device 10 may be a home server installed in the house H and capable of communicating with each communication device in the house through a home network. Alternatively, the server computer may be installed outside the house H. The evaluation device 10 may also be configured as a personal computer (PC) or workstation used by an individual who is a resident of the house H.

[0035] 2, the computer constituting the evaluation device 10 includes a processor 21, a memory 22, a storage 23, and a communication interface 24. The processor 21 is configured by, for example, a central processing unit (CPU), a micro-processing unit (MPU), a microcontroller unit (MCU), a graphics processing unit (GPU), a digital signal processor (DSP), a tensor processing unit (TPU), a neural network processing unit (NPU), or an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC). The memory 22 is configured by semiconductor memories such as a ROM (Read Only Memory) and a RAM (Random Access Memory).

[0036] The storage 23 is configured by, for example, a flash memory, an HDD (Hard Disc Drive), an SSD (Solid State Drive), an FD (Flexible Disc), an MO disk (Magneto-Optical disc), a CD (Compact Disc), a DVD (Digital Versatile Disc), an SD card (Secure Digital card), or a USB memory (Universal Serial Bus memory), etc. The storage 23 may be built into the computer main body that configures the evaluation device 10, or may be attached to the computer main body in an external format.

[0037] The communication interface 24 may be configured, for example, by a network interface card or a communication interface board. The computer configuring the evaluation device 10 can communicate with each communication device connected to the communication network via the communication interface 24. Devices with which the evaluation device 10 can communicate via the communication interface 24 include the resident terminal 12 and the sensor group 14.

[0038] Furthermore, a program for an operating system (OS) and an application program for data analysis are installed as software in the computer constituting the evaluation device 10. When these programs are read by the processor 21, the computer constituting the evaluation device 10 executes a series of processes for evaluating the degree of family interaction within the house H and processes associated with the evaluation of the degree of interaction. The application program for data analysis includes a program for identifying the target time for each of a plurality of evaluation periods, a program for identifying the correspondence between the target time and the first evaluation value or the second evaluation value, and a program for calculating the first estimated value or the second estimated value of the target time.

[0039] The resident terminal 12 is a terminal device operated by a resident of the house H, and is configured as a personal computer (PC), smartphone, mobile phone, tablet terminal, laptop computer, wearable terminal, or the like. The resident terminal 12 is equipped with input devices such as a keyboard, mouse, and touchpad, and a display device such as a display. The resident terminal 12 is also capable of communicating with the evaluation device 10 via a communication network, and transmits information to the evaluation device 10 and receives information transmitted from the evaluation device 10. The information transmitted by the resident terminal 12 to the evaluation device 10 includes, for example, input information input by the resident, specifically, first input information and second input information, which will be described later.

[0040] The display provided in the resident terminal 12 displays information transmitted from the evaluation device 10. Specifically, for example, the above-mentioned first estimated value and second estimated value, the ratio between these estimated values, etc. can be displayed on the display. The display may be a display provided in the resident terminal 12 itself, or may be a display connected by wire or wirelessly to the resident terminal 12. The display connected to the resident terminal 12 may include not only a typical stationary display, but also a head-mounted display (HMD) such as VR goggles, and a glasses-type display that allows images to be viewed through glasses such as smart glasses.

[0041] An application program (hereinafter referred to as the terminal-side application) for evaluating the degree of family interaction within the residence H is installed on the resident terminal 12. When the terminal-side application is started on the resident terminal 12, an operation screen (user interface) is displayed, and the resident performs various input operations via the operation screen. The input operations by the resident include an operation to input a first evaluation value regarding the degree of family interaction within the residence H, and an operation to input a second evaluation value regarding the appropriateness of the target time.

[0042] The operation of inputting the first evaluation value and the operation of inputting the second evaluation value are performed for each of multiple evaluation periods, and the resident performing each input operation inputs the first evaluation value and the second evaluation value for each evaluation period on the operation screen displayed on the resident terminal 12. As a result, for each of the multiple evaluation periods, first input information indicating the first evaluation value and second input information indicating the second evaluation value are generated for each evaluation period, and the input information generated for each evaluation period is transmitted to the evaluation device 10. As a result, the evaluation device 10 acquires input information for the first evaluation value and the second evaluation value for each evaluation period. Here, the evaluation period from which input information regarding the first evaluation value and the second evaluation value is acquired coincides with the evaluation period from which the target time is identified. In other words, when the target time is identified for Y / Z / 20XX, input information for the first evaluation value and the second evaluation value for that day is acquired.

[0043] The specific procedure for inputting the first and second evaluation values ​​is not particularly limited, but for example, the user may directly input the numerical values ​​corresponding to the first and second evaluation values ​​on the operation screen. Alternatively, the user may select one of two or more options listed as candidates for the evaluation value, and the numerical value indicated by the option may be determined as the evaluation value.

[0044] The sensor group 14 is made up of multiple sensors that detect the usage status of electrical appliances in each of multiple rooms in the house H. Each sensor included in the sensor group 14 is configured as a power sensor with a communication function, specifically a measurement tap (more specifically, a smart tap) with a built-in communication module, and measures the power consumption of the electrical appliances installed in each room at each point in time. The measurement data is transmitted from the sensor to the evaluation device 10 via a communication network as needed. The sensor in each room also measures the power consumption of each electrical appliance installed in the room and transmits the measurement data, which includes information about the type of electrical appliance whose power consumption has been measured and its installation location, to the evaluation device 10. As a result, based on the measurement data acquired from the sensors, the evaluation device 10 can identify the point in time, the room in which the electrical appliance is installed, and the electrical appliance that consumed the power indicated by the measurement data.

[0045] The database 16 stores information and data required when the computer constituting the evaluation device 10 executes a series of processes. The processor 21 of the computer constituting the evaluation device 10 reads out the information stored in the database 16 as needed when executing the process for evaluating the degree of family interaction within the house H. The database 16 may be constructed, for example, in a storage 23 of the computer constituting the evaluation device 10. Alternatively, the database 16 may be constructed in a database server communicably connected to the computer constituting the evaluation device 10.

[0046] The database 16 stores measurement data acquired from the sensor group 14, information on the first and second times obtained by analyzing the measurement data, information on the target time calculated from the first and second times, and first and second input information acquired through communication with the resident terminal 12. Furthermore, these data and information are associated with each of a plurality of evaluation periods and stored in the database 16 for each evaluation period. The database 16 also stores a correspondence relationship (first correspondence relationship) between the first evaluation value indicated by the first input information and the target time, more specifically, an approximation formula of the first evaluation value with the target time as a variable. Similarly, the database 16 stores a correspondence relationship (second correspondence relationship) between the second evaluation value indicated by the second input information and the target time, more specifically, an approximation formula of the second evaluation value with the target time as a variable.

[0047] <<Processing performed by the evaluation device>> Next, the information processing by the evaluation device 10, that is, a series of information processing for evaluating the degree of family interaction in the house H, will be described with reference to FIGS. The series of information processing described below is mainly executed by the evaluation device 10, and more specifically, is executed by the processor 21 provided in the computer constituting the evaluation device 10 reading a program (i.e., software) installed on the computer.

[0048] The information processing executed by the evaluation device 10 is divided into a processing flow shown in Fig. 3 (hereinafter referred to as an acquisition flow), a processing flow shown in Fig. 4 (hereinafter referred to as an analysis flow), and a processing flow shown in Fig. 5 (hereinafter referred to as an estimation flow). Each processing flow employs the evaluation method of the present invention. In other words, each step in the flow shown in Figs. 3 to 5 corresponds to each element constituting the evaluation method of the present invention. The processing flows shown in FIGS. 3 to 5 are merely examples, and unnecessary steps may be deleted, new steps may be added, or the order in which steps are performed may be changed, without departing from the spirit of the present invention. The acquisition flow, analysis flow, and estimation flow will be described below.

[0049] (Acquisition flow) The acquisition flow is executed for the purpose of acquiring information and data necessary to execute the analysis flow and estimation flow, and proceeds according to the flow shown in Fig. 3. Furthermore, each step in the acquisition flow is performed for each of a plurality of evaluation periods set in advance. Below, a case will be described in which a plurality of evaluation periods are set for each day during a predetermined period (specified period), that is, each step S001 to S004 in the acquisition flow is performed every day during the specified period.

[0050] In the acquisition flow, first, the processor 21 of the computer constituting the evaluation device 10 (hereinafter simply referred to as the processor 21) acquires data on the usage status of electrical appliances in the house H during a predetermined time period (S001). In step S001, the processor 21 receives measurement data transmitted from the sensor group 14 as needed.

[0051] More specifically, if an air conditioner C and a television T are installed in each of multiple rooms (e.g., a living room, a children's room, a study, a bedroom, etc.) in a house H as shown in FIG. 1, the power consumption of the air conditioner C and the power consumption of the television T in each room at each point in time are measured by power sensors. Processor 21 receives this measurement data from the power sensor. Also, if an electrical cooking appliance, for example, a microwave oven M, is installed in a kitchen shared by multiple residents of house H, the power consumption of the microwave oven M at each point in time is measured by the power sensor. Processor 21 receives this measurement data from the power sensor.

[0052] Next, the processor 21 identifies the usage status of the electrical appliances in the house H based on the data acquired in step S001, and identifies the first hour and the second hour for each day during the designated period on a daily basis (in other words, for each evaluation period) from the usage status of the identified electrical appliances (S002). More specifically, the processor 21 identifies the first hour for each day of the air conditioner C and the television T on a daily basis based on the measurement data of the power consumption of the air conditioner C and the measurement data of the power consumption of the television T. In addition, if only one of the air conditioners C and the televisions T is installed in multiple rooms, the first time of each day may be determined for the devices installed in the multiple rooms.

[0053] As shown in (a) of Figure 6, the first hour of air conditioner C is the time during a day when air conditioner C is used simultaneously in two or more rooms among the multiple rooms in which air conditioner C is installed. In other words, it represents the amount of time multiple residents spend in different rooms. The first hour of TV T is the time during which TV T is used simultaneously in two or more rooms among the multiple rooms in which TV T is installed, as shown in (b) of Figure 6, in other words, it represents the amount of time preferred by each of the multiple residents. That is, in step S002, the first hour of air conditioner C and the first hour of television are identified as the target times for each day during the specified period (i.e., the times when two or more residents are in different locations during a specified time period on each day during the specified period).

[0054] Processor 21 also identifies the second time period of microwave oven M for each day during the specified period based on the measurement data of the power consumption of microwave oven M. As shown in FIG. 6(c), the second time period of microwave oven M is the time period during which microwave oven M is used in residence H in one day, in other words, it represents the amount of time during which residents cook and eat meals. That is, in step S002, the second time period of microwave oven M is identified as the target time period for each day during the specified period. If a refrigerator is installed in the kitchen, processor 21 may identify the second refrigerator time for each day together with or instead of the second time of microwave oven M. The second refrigerator time is the time during which the refrigerator is used in house H in one day, or more precisely, the time during which the refrigerator's power consumption changes (increases) due to the refrigerator being opened or closed.

[0055] The identified target times (i.e., the first and second times) are output to the residents of the house H as necessary; specifically, display data for the target times is generated and transmitted from the evaluation device 10 to the resident terminal 12. On the resident terminal 12 side that receives the display data, the display data is expanded to output the target times, which are displayed, for example, on the screen of the resident terminal 12. This allows the residents of the house H to grasp the target times, specifically the first and second times, for each day during the specified period.

[0056] Next, processor 21 acquires first input information indicating an evaluation value (first evaluation value) regarding the degree of family interaction within residence H for each day during the specified period for which the target time has been identified (S003). In step S003, the resident of residence H evaluates the degree of family interaction within residence H for each day during the specified period and inputs the evaluation value, which is the first evaluation value, into resident terminal 12. As a result, first input information indicating the first evaluation value is generated by resident terminal 12 and transmitted from resident terminal 12 to evaluation device 10. Processor 21 receives first input information every day through communication with resident terminal 12, thereby acquiring first input information for each day during the specified period (in other words, for each evaluation period).

[0057] Processor 21 also acquires second input information indicating an evaluation value (second evaluation value) regarding the appropriateness of the target time for each day during the designated period for which the target time was identified (S004). In step S004, a resident of house H evaluates the appropriateness of the target time for each day during the designated period according to the resident's lifestyle, and inputs the evaluation value, which is a second evaluation value, into resident terminal 12. As a result, second input information indicating the second evaluation value is generated by resident terminal 12 and transmitted from resident terminal 12 to evaluation device 10. Processor 21 receives second input information every day through communication with resident terminal 12, thereby acquiring second input information for each day during the designated period (in other words, for each evaluation period).

[0058] In the case shown in FIG. 3, step S004 of acquiring second input information is performed after step S003 of acquiring first input information, but this is not limited to this, and the second input information may be acquired before the first input information is acquired, or the first input information and the second input information may be acquired at the same time.

[0059] (Analysis flow) The analysis flow is executed for the purpose of analyzing the information acquired or identified in the acquisition flow and understanding the correspondence between the degree of family interaction within house H, the appropriateness of the target time, and the target time, and proceeds as shown in Fig. 4. In the analysis flow, first, the processor 21 derives a first correspondence between the target time identified for each day during the specified period and the first evaluation value indicated by the first input information acquired on each day during the specified period (S011).

[0060] Specifically, when a first time period for air conditioner C and television T is identified as the target time period, processor 21 derives in step S011 the correspondence between the first time period and the first evaluation value, more specifically, the correlation between the two. When a second time period for microwave oven M is identified as the target time period, processor 21 derives in step S011 the correspondence between the second time period and the first evaluation value, more specifically, the correlation between the two. In the following, an example will be described in which the first time period for the air conditioner C and the television T, and the second time period for the microwave oven M are specified as the target times.

[0061] A known statistical analysis method such as regression analysis can be used to derive the correlation. Specifically, in this embodiment, the correlation is derived by applying linear approximation, as shown in (a) to (c) of Figure 7. More specifically, for the first time period for air conditioner C, the first time period for television T, and the second time period for microwave oven M, a regression line showing the correlation with the first evaluation value is obtained, and the correlation coefficient is calculated. 7(a) to 7(c) are graphs showing the correlation between the first time or the second time specified in the acquisition flow and the first evaluation value indicated by the first input information acquired in the acquisition flow, where the horizontal axis represents the amount of time of the first time / second time, and the vertical axis represents the first evaluation value. Incidentally, FIG. 7 is an image diagram, and each plot in the diagram is not actual data, but fictitious data prepared to illustrate the above correlation in an easy-to-understand manner.

[0062] Then, in step S011, processor 21 derives an approximation formula for the first evaluation value with the target time as a variable based on the correlation with the first evaluation value derived for each of the first time period for air conditioner C, the first time period for television T, and the second time period for microwave oven M, more specifically, the slope of the regression line and the correlation coefficient. At this time, if the first time period for air conditioner C, the first time period for television T, and the second time period for microwave oven M all have a strong correlation with the first evaluation value (for example, if the correlation coefficient is equal to or greater than a reference value), processor 21 derives an approximation formula for the first evaluation value with these as variables. Specifically, processor 21 derives an approximation formula using a linear function (straight-line approximation), as shown in FIG. 8A, more specifically, an approximation formula expressed by the following formula (1): E1=D1×(t1a+t1b+t2) (1)

[0063] In the above formula (1), E1 represents the first evaluation value, t1a represents the first time for air conditioner C, t1b represents the first time for television T, and t2 represents the second time for microwave oven M. Furthermore, coefficient D1 is a value calculated from the slope of the regression line showing the correlation between the first time t1a for air conditioner C and the first evaluation value E1 (i.e., the line shown in FIG. 7(a)), the slope of the regression line showing the correlation between the first time t1b for television T and the first evaluation value E1 (i.e., the line shown in FIG. 7(b)), and the slope of the regression line showing the correlation between the second time t2 for microwave oven M and the first evaluation value E1 (i.e., the line shown in FIG. 7(c)). The above approximate formula (1) is not limited to an approximate formula using linear approximation, but may be an approximate formula using non-linear approximation, that is, an approximate formula using a higher-order function of quadratic or higher order.

[0064] Furthermore, in the analysis flow, processor 21 derives a second correspondence relationship between the target time identified for each day during the specified period and the second evaluation value indicated by the second input information acquired for each day during the specified period (S012). In step S012, processor 21 derives the correspondence relationship between the first time and the second evaluation value of air conditioner C and television T, more specifically, the correlation therebetween. Similarly, in step S012, processor 21 derives the correspondence relationship between the second time and the second evaluation value of microwave oven M, more specifically, the correlation therebetween. As with the case of deriving the correlation between the target time and the first evaluation value, the method of deriving the correlation can be a known statistical analysis method such as regression analysis. Specifically, for each of the first hour for air conditioner C, the first hour for television T, and the second hour for microwave oven M, a regression line showing the correlation with the second evaluation value is found, and the correlation coefficient is calculated.

[0065] Then, in step S012, processor 21 derives an approximation formula for the second evaluation value with the target time as a variable based on the correlation with the second evaluation value derived for each of the first time period of air conditioner C, the first time period of television T, and the second time period of microwave oven M, more specifically, the slope of the regression line and the correlation coefficient. At this time, if the first time period of air conditioner C, the first time period of television T, and the second time period of microwave oven M all have a strong correlation with the second evaluation value (for example, if the correlation coefficient is equal to or greater than a reference value), processor 21 derives an approximation formula for the second evaluation value with these as variables. Specifically, processor 21 derives an approximation formula using a linear function (straight-line approximation), as shown in FIG. 8B, more specifically, an approximation formula expressed by the following formula (2). E2=D2(t1a+t1b+t2) (2)

[0066] In the above formula (2), E2 represents the second evaluation value. The coefficient D2 is a value corresponding to the slope of the regression line showing the correlation between the first time t1a and the second evaluation value E2 for the air conditioner C, the slope of the regression line showing the correlation between the first time t1b and the second evaluation value E2 for the television T, and the slope of the regression line showing the correlation between the second time t2 and the second evaluation value E2 for the microwave oven M. The above approximate formula (2) is not limited to an approximate formula using linear approximation, but may be an approximate formula using non-linear approximation, that is, an approximate formula using a higher-order function of quadratic or higher order.

[0067] In the case shown in FIG. 4, step S012 of deriving the second correspondence relationship is performed after step S011 of deriving the first correspondence relationship, but this is not limited to this, and the second correspondence relationship may be derived before the first correspondence relationship is derived, or the first correspondence relationship and the second correspondence relationship may be derived at the same time.

[0068] (Estimated flow) The estimation flow is executed for the purpose of calculating the above-mentioned first and second estimated values ​​using the two correspondence relationships derived in the analysis flow, more specifically, the respective approximation equations for the first and second evaluation values ​​with the target time as a variable, and proceeds according to the flow shown in Fig. 5. In the estimation flow, first, processor 21 estimates the target time at which the first evaluation value will be the first set value, based on the first correspondence relationship (S021). In step S021, processor 21 estimates the target time at which the first evaluation value will be the first set value (more specifically, the total value of the first time for air conditioner C, the first time for television T, and the second time for microwave oven M) by substituting the first set value for first evaluation value E1 in the above-mentioned approximation equation (1). The estimation result corresponds to the first estimated value. The first set value may be determined in advance at a stage before step S021 is performed, or may be input by the resident of the house H via the resident terminal 12 when step S021 is performed.

[0069] Processor 21 also estimates a target time when the second evaluation value will be the second set value based on the second correspondence relationship (S022). In step S022, processor 21 estimates a target time when the second evaluation value will be the second set value (more specifically, the total value of the first time period for air conditioner C, the first time period for television T, and the second time period for microwave oven M) by substituting the second set value for second evaluation value E2 in the above-described approximate formula (2). The estimation result corresponds to the second estimated value. The second set value may be determined in advance at a stage before step S022 is performed, or may be input by the resident of the house H via the resident terminal 12 when step S022 is performed.

[0070] Furthermore, in the case shown in FIG. 5, step S022 of calculating the second estimated value is performed after step S021 of calculating the first estimated value, but this is not limited to this, and the second estimated value may be calculated before the calculation of the first estimated value, or the first estimated value and the second estimated value may be derived at the same time.

[0071] Thereafter, the processor 21 calculates the ratio between the first estimated value and the second estimated value using the following equation (3) (S023). K=d2 / d1 (3) In the above equation (3), K represents the ratio, d1 represents the first estimated value, and d2 represents the second estimated value. Furthermore, in step S023, processor 21 outputs the calculation result of ratio K to the resident of house H. Specifically, display data of ratio K is generated, and the display data is transmitted from evaluation device 10 to resident terminal 12. On the resident terminal 12 side that has received the display data, the display data is expanded, and ratio K is output and displayed, for example, on the screen of resident terminal 12. This allows the resident of house H to understand ratio K.

[0072] The acquisition flow, analysis flow, and estimation flow are completed when all of the above processing steps are completed. These three flows are repeated periodically or irregularly, for example, whenever the lifestyle of the resident of house H changes, specifically every 3 to 5 years.

[0073] <<Effectiveness of this embodiment>> As described above, according to this embodiment, for each of a plurality of evaluation periods, the time that the residents of the residence H spend separately, i.e., the target time, is identified for each evaluation period. Furthermore, for each of the plurality of evaluation periods, first input information indicating a first evaluation value related to the degree of family interaction within the residence H and second input information indicating a second evaluation value related to the appropriateness of the target time are acquired for each evaluation period. Furthermore, a first correspondence relationship between the target time for each evaluation period and the first evaluation value indicated by the first input information for each evaluation period is derived, and the target time at which the first evaluation value becomes a first set value (i.e., a first estimated value) is estimated based on the first correspondence relationship. Similarly, a second correspondence relationship between the target time for each evaluation period and the second evaluation value indicated by the second input information for each evaluation period is derived, and the target time at which the second evaluation value becomes a second set value (i.e., a second estimated value) is estimated based on the second correspondence relationship. This makes it possible to determine the appropriate target time, specifically the first estimated value d1 and the second estimated value d2, from each of two perspectives: the degree of interaction between family members in the house H and the appropriateness of the target time.

[0074] Furthermore, in this embodiment, a ratio K between the first estimated value d1 and the second estimated value d2 is calculated. From this ratio, it is possible to grasp the degree of deviation of the appropriate target time due to the difference between the two perspectives. This deviation can be effectively used as reference information, that is, feedback information, when, for example, the resident of the house H reviews their living style or lifestyle in order to improve the degree of family interaction (more specifically, satisfaction with family interaction).

[0075] <<Other embodiments>> Although one embodiment of the evaluation device and evaluation method of the present invention has been described above, the above embodiment is merely an example for facilitating understanding of the present invention and does not limit the present invention. In other words, the present invention can be modified and improved without departing from the spirit of the present invention. Furthermore, it goes without saying that the present invention includes equivalents thereof.

[0076] To explain another embodiment of the present invention, in the above embodiment, the time when two or more residents are in different locations during a predetermined time period within the evaluation period, i.e., the target time, is identified based on the usage status of electrical devices in the house H. However, this is not limited to this, and the target time may be identified from information other than the usage status of electrical devices in the house H. For example, the resident of the house H may input the target time through the resident terminal 12, and more specifically, the time period when each room in the house H was used may be input for each room. By obtaining such input information, the target time can be identified.

[0077] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, the case where the building is a residence has been described as an example, but the present invention is not limited to this. The application of the present invention is not limited to residences, and may include buildings other than residences, for example, stores, offices, commercial facilities such as movie theaters and department stores, public facilities such as hospitals and schools, factories, buildings, and other buildings for various purposes. [Explanation of symbols]

[0078] 10 Evaluation equipment 12 Resident terminal (terminal device) 14 Sensors 16 Databases 21 processors 22 Memory 23. Storage 24 Communication Interface 100 rating system C. Air conditioner (first electrical equipment) H. Residential (building) M Microwave Oven (Second Electrical Appliance) T Television (first electrical appliance)

Claims

1. An evaluation device that includes a processor and evaluates a degree of interaction between a plurality of users in a building having a plurality of rooms, the processor: For each of a plurality of evaluation periods, a target time during which two or more of the users are in different locations is identified for each evaluation period during a predetermined time period within the evaluation period; acquiring, for each of the plurality of evaluation periods, first input information indicating a first evaluation value related to the degree of interaction; acquiring, for each of the plurality of evaluation periods, second input information indicating a second evaluation value related to the appropriateness of the target time; deriving a first correspondence relationship between the target time specified for each evaluation time period and the first evaluation value indicated by the first input information acquired for each evaluation time period; deriving a second correspondence relationship between the target time specified for each evaluation time period and the second evaluation value indicated by the second input information acquired for each evaluation time period; estimating the target time at which the first evaluation value becomes a first set value based on the first correspondence relationship; estimating the target time at which the second evaluation value becomes a second set value based on the second correspondence relationship; an evaluation device that calculates a ratio between an estimated value of the target time when the first evaluation value becomes the first set value and an estimated value of the target time when the second evaluation value becomes the second set value.

2. The evaluation device according to claim 1 , wherein the processor specifies the target time period for each evaluation period based on a usage status of electrical appliances in the building during the predetermined time period.

3. 3. The evaluation device of claim 2, wherein, when a first electrical device is installed in each of the plurality of rooms in the building, the processor identifies, for each evaluation period, the time during which the first electrical device was used in two or more of the plurality of rooms during the specified time period as the target time.

4. 3. The evaluation device of claim 2, wherein, when a second electrical device is installed in a space among the plurality of rooms in the building that is shared by the plurality of users, the processor identifies the time during which the second electrical device was used during the specified time period as the target time for each evaluation period.

5. The processor: deriving an approximation formula of the first evaluation value using the target time as a variable as the first correspondence relationship; The evaluation device according to claim 1 , further comprising: a calculation unit configured to calculate an approximate expression of the second evaluation value using the target time as a variable, as the second correspondence relationship.

6. 2. The evaluation device according to claim 1, wherein the first input information and the second input information are input into a terminal device operated by the user, and the processor acquires the first input information and the second input information through communication with the terminal device.

7. An evaluation method for evaluating the degree of interaction between multiple users in a building having multiple rooms, comprising: The processor identifies, for each of a plurality of evaluation periods, a target time during which two or more of the users are in different locations within a predetermined time period within the evaluation period; a processor acquires, for each of the plurality of evaluation periods, first input information indicating a first evaluation value related to the degree of interaction; The processor acquires, for each of the plurality of evaluation periods, second input information indicating a second evaluation value regarding the appropriateness of the target time, and a processor deriving a first correspondence relationship between the target time specified for each evaluation time period and the first evaluation value indicated by the first input information acquired for each evaluation time period; a processor deriving a second correspondence relationship between the target time specified for each evaluation time period and the second evaluation value indicated by the second input information acquired for each evaluation time period; a processor estimating the target time at which the first evaluation value becomes a first set value based on the first correspondence relationship; a processor estimating the target time at which the second evaluation value becomes a second set value based on the second correspondence relationship; An evaluation method, wherein a processor calculates a ratio between an estimated value of the target time when the first evaluation value is the first set value and an estimated value of the target time when the second evaluation value is the second set value.

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