Environmental control device, environmental control method, and environmental control program

Abstract

When multiple residents are involved simultaneously, improvements will be made to ensure fairness in comfort levels. [Solution] The environmental control device 100 identifies the thermal environment preference characteristics of each of the multiple residents located in the target area based on information identifying each resident. Based on the identified thermal environment preference characteristics of each of the multiple residents, the environmental control device 100 determines a target value for the thermal environment of the target area. Based on the degree of discrepancy between the determined target value for the thermal environment of the target area and the identified thermal environment preference characteristics, the environmental control device 100 determines which residents will be subject to consideration actions from among the multiple residents and determines a predetermined consideration action to be performed. The environmental control device 100 performs the determined predetermined consideration action on the residents who have been determined to be subject to consideration actions based on the degree of discrepancy.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an environmental control device, an environmental control method, and an environmental control program.

Background Art

[0002] There is a known prior art that identifies the occupants in a section from the information on entry and exit detection of the section using a card reader or the like, and when there are multiple occupants in the section, controls it to a predetermined value that is the average value or the intermediate value between the maximum value and the minimum value of the environmental optimum value of each registered occupant, thereby realizing comfortable air conditioning for multiple people in the section (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] However, from the viewpoints of real estate value and improvement of the quality of the working space provided by the operator to the employees, improvement of the comfort of each occupant in the building space has become more important. That is, in the above-described prior art, when multiple occupants are targeted simultaneously, there is a problem that comfort is not always fair. For example, even when based on the optimum value of each occupant as in the prior art, when controlling the area where multiple occupants are located with a certain target value such as an average value, usually, the feeling of comfort (preference) varies among individuals, and since not all occupants always feel the same comfort, it is fundamentally difficult for all occupants to always be in the most comfortable state, and the environment is not necessarily fair for each occupant in the area. Therefore, further improvement is expected.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0005] Therefore, in order to solve the above-mentioned problems, the environmental control device of the present invention is characterized by comprising: an area preference management unit that identifies preference characteristics regarding the thermal environment for each of the multiple residents located in an arbitrary area (sometimes referred to as a target area) that is subject to air conditioning control, based on information that identifies the residents; an area target determination unit that determines a target value for air conditioning control of the target area based on the preference characteristics regarding the thermal environment for each of the multiple residents identified by the area preference management unit; a consideration processing unit that determines which residents from the multiple residents are subject to consideration actions and determines a predetermined consideration action to be performed, based on the degree of discrepancy between the target value for air conditioning control of the target area determined by the area target determination unit and the preference characteristics regarding the thermal environment identified by the area preference management unit; and a consideration action execution unit that executes the predetermined consideration action determined by the consideration processing unit for the target residents who have been determined to be subject to consideration actions based on the degree of discrepancy. [Effects of the Invention]

[0006] According to the present invention, when multiple residents are targeted simultaneously, the effect is to improve the comfort level of the thermal environment so that it is fair to everyone. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0007] [Figure 1] Figure 1 is a diagram illustrating the overall process performed by the environmental control device according to the first embodiment. [Figure 2] Figure 2 illustrates an example of an air conditioning control system. [Figure 3] Figure 3 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of an environmental control device according to the first embodiment. [Figure 4] Figure 4 shows the relationship between PPD and PMV. [Figure 5] Figure 5 shows an example of preference characteristics according to the first embodiment. [Figure 6] Figure 6 shows an example of a resident detection system according to the first embodiment. [Figure 7]Figure 7 shows an example of the shape of the model function according to the first embodiment. [Figure 8] Figure 8 shows an example of an area target determination method according to the first embodiment. [Figure 9] Figure 9 shows an example of an area target determination method according to the first embodiment. [Figure 10] Figure 10 shows an example of an area target determination method according to the first embodiment. [Figure 11] Figure 11 shows an example of a method for calculating the degree of deviation according to the first embodiment. [Figure 12] Figure 12 shows an example of a method for calculating the degree of deviation according to the first embodiment. [Figure 13] Figure 13 shows an example of a method for calculating the degree of deviation according to the first embodiment. [Figure 14] Figure 14 is a flowchart showing an example of the procedure for the environmental control process according to the first embodiment. [Figure 15] Figure 15 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of an environmental control device according to the second embodiment. [Figure 16] Figure 16 shows an example of considerate behavior according to the second embodiment. [Figure 17] Figure 17 is a flowchart showing an example of the procedure of the area target determination unit according to the second embodiment. [Figure 18] Figure 18 is a flowchart showing an example of the procedure of the area target determination unit according to the second embodiment. [Figure 19] Figure 19 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of an environmental control device according to the third embodiment. [Figure 20] Figure 20 is a flowchart showing an example of the procedure of the area target determination unit according to the third embodiment. [Figure 21] Figure 21 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of an environmental control device according to the fourth embodiment. [Figure 22] Figure 22 is a flowchart showing an example of the procedure for consideration adjustment in the environmental control process according to the fourth embodiment. [Figure 23] FIG. 23 is a block diagram showing a configuration example of a computer that realizes an environmental control device, an occupant detection system, an air conditioning control system, and a consideration operation execution device / system according to the first to fourth embodiments.

Embodiments for Carrying Out the Invention

[0008] (Principle of the Invention) Conventionally, when there are a plurality of occupants in a target area, by controlling the air conditioning at a fixed target value such as an average value based on the optimal environmental values of each of the pre-registered occupants, a technique for realizing comfortable air conditioning for the occupants in the target area is known.

[0009] However, even when control is performed based on the optimal values of each occupant, when controlling an area where a plurality of occupants are located at a fixed target value such as an average value, if not all of the occupants always feel the same comfort level (i.e., "preference"), the inventor noted that it may not always result in a fair environment for each occupant in the area. For example, when the air conditioning is controlled based on the average value, while the comfort level of occupants with preferences close to the average remains high, the comfort level of occupants with preferences far from the average may continue to be low.

[0010] [[ID=ID=19]] For an occupant whose air conditioning is controlled within a range overlapping with their own environmental acceptance range and an occupant whose acceptance range is greatly deviated from their own, the physical and mental burden due to the thermal environment is different. Therefore, an occupant with a large deviation not only has their comfort impaired but is also likely to experience disadvantages in intellectual productivity and health.

[0011] Therefore, in order to solve the above-described problems, the inventor conceived of executing a processing operation (hereinafter, may be referred to as "consideration operation") as a consideration for reducing disadvantages regarding comfort, intellectual productivity, health, etc. caused by the environment.

[0012] From here, embodiments (hereinafter referred to as "embodiments") will be described with reference to the drawings. In the following description, common components will be denoted by the same reference numerals, and repeated descriptions will be omitted. Furthermore, the descriptions of embodiments below are not limited to the environmental control device, environmental control method, and environmental control program according to the present invention.

[0013] <First Embodiment> Figure 1 is a diagram illustrating the overall process performed by the environmental control device 100 according to the first embodiment. The environmental control device 100 shown in Figure 1 is an example of a computer that provides technology to perform a predetermined considerate action on residents who meet the conditions for consideration action when multiple residents are targeted simultaneously.

[0014] The environmental control device 100 identifies the thermal environment preference characteristics (hereinafter sometimes simply referred to as "preference characteristics") for each of the multiple residents located in the target area, based on information identifying each resident (hereinafter sometimes referred to as "resident identification information") (Figure 1(1)). Based on the identified preference characteristics for each of the multiple residents, the environmental control device 100 determines the target value for the air conditioning control of the target area (hereinafter sometimes referred to as "area target value") (Figure 1(2)), and sets the determined area target value as the setting value for the air conditioning control of the air conditioning zone corresponding to the target area (Figure 1(3)). The relationship between the target area and the air conditioning zone will be explained below.

[0015] The environmental control device 100 calculates the degree of deviation between the determined area target value and the identified preference characteristics for each resident located in the target area (Figure 1 (4)). Based on the degree of deviation, the environmental control device 100 determines which residents are subject to consideration actions and performs predetermined consideration actions for the target residents (Figure 1 (5)).

[0016] One example of a considerate action is to issue a notification (considerate action) to the resident indicating that "there is a large discrepancy between the living environment and the resident's tolerance level for the environment." Such notifications (considerate actions) to the resident function as a nudge in behavioral economics, and have the effect of prompting the resident to take environmental adjustment actions such as adjusting their clothing to reduce physical and mental burden, reporting sensations such as temperature in the air conditioning control system (hereinafter sometimes referred to as "air conditioning system"), or manipulating air conditioning settings.

[0017] Furthermore, for example, by automatically adjusting the thermal environment through air conditioning control that takes into account the degree of deviation from the acceptable range for residents, it also reduces the inconvenience residents feel regarding their own environmental adjustment actions.

[0018] In other words, the environmental control device 100 has the effect of improving comfort in a way that ensures fairness when multiple residents are targeted simultaneously.

[0019] (Configuration of the first embodiment) Figure 3 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of the environmental control device 100 according to the first embodiment. The first embodiment is characterized by considerate processing and considerate operation that takes into account the environmental preferences of the residents, and has a configuration that forms the basis of the second to fourth embodiments described later.

[0020] In the first embodiment, the environmental control device 100 utilizes an air conditioning control system 10 and a resident detection system 700 for acquiring resident identification information located in the target area. These will be described first.

[0021] (Air conditioning control system 10) First, let's describe an example of the air conditioning control system 10. Figure 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of the air conditioning control system 10. In the air conditioning control system shown in Figure 2, each air conditioning zone (air conditioning zone A and air conditioning zone B in Figure 2), which is the unit of air conditioning control within the building, consists of an air conditioning control device (controller), a sensor for measuring the thermal environment (in Figure 2, a temperature and humidity sensor for measuring temperature and humidity as an example), an indoor unit, and an outdoor unit, as well as an air conditioning management server that controls multiple air conditioning control devices corresponding to the air conditioning zones.

[0022] An air conditioning control system can be any general system that controls the environment of a target air conditioning zone based on air temperature, or thermal environment indicators such as discomfort index (which takes air temperature into account) or PMV (Predicted Mean Vote), and is not limited to specific air conditioning equipment or systems. Furthermore, air conditioning control systems are often integrated into the functions of building operation management systems such as BAS (Building Automation System) or BEMS (Building Energy Management System). Changes to air conditioning settings for air conditioning zones in an air conditioning control system can be made not only through the screen of an air conditioning management server managed by the building's equipment manager, but also by managers or residents via PCs (Personal Computers) or smartphones.

[0023] Furthermore, as an example of an air conditioning control system, there is also a type of air conditioning system that automatically changes the air conditioning settings in a direction that neutralizes the feeling of heat or cold (in a direction that mitigates the feeling of being too hot or too cold) based on the thermal sensation reported by the occupants (see, for example, references 1 and 2 listed below).

[0024] (Reference 1): Kazuma Tateiwa, Tatsu Murasawa: "Eight Trials" for Next-Generation Air Conditioning Systems - A Cloud-Based Temperature and Cooling Sensitivity Reporting Air Conditioning System Study of the subject, Proceedings of the Japan Society of Heating, Air-Conditioning and Sanitary Engineers, III: 37-40, 2016.9.<URL:https: / / www.jstage.jst.go.jp / article / shasetaikai / 2016.3 / 0 / 2016.3_37 / _pdf / -char / ja> ,<Search: June 20, 2020> (Reference 2): Yasuhito Omachi et al.: Demonstration test of an air conditioning system that responds to temperature sensation reporting, Proceedings of the Japan Society of Heating, Air-Conditioning and Sanitary Engineers Annual Conference, 41-44, 2016.9.<URL:https: / / www.jstage.jst.go.jp / article / shasetaikai / 2016.3 / 0 / 2016.3_41 / _pdf / -char / ja> ,<Search: June 20, 2020>

[0025] As shown in Figure 2, the air conditioning management server of the air conditioning control system 10 controls the operation by outputting operation commands to the air conditioning control devices (air conditioning control device A, air conditioning control device B) installed in each air conditioning zone (air conditioning zone A, air conditioning zone B) (Figure 2 (1)). The air conditioning management server also collects information on the operating status of air conditioning equipment, etc. (operation information) and information on the environment such as temperature and humidity of the air conditioning zone (living environment information) from the air conditioning control devices in each air conditioning zone (Figure 2 (2)).

[0026] Here, the target area refers to a specific area within a building's living space that is subject to air conditioning control. This area is determined in advance by the building manager or service provider as a unit of space for environmental management, and there may be multiple target areas. Examples of target areas include office workspaces, meeting spaces, break areas, and even subdivided spaces within these areas. If a target area contains multiple air conditioning zones, the area target values ​​mentioned above are set for the settings of all air conditioning zones included in the target area.

[0027] (Resident detection system 700) The environmental control device 100 utilizes the resident detection system 700 to acquire resident identification information. The resident identification information only needs to correspond to one resident and may include, for example, personal identification information such as an employee number, or device identification information such as an RFID (Radio Frequency Identification) card or tag, a BLE (Bluetooth® Low Energy) beacon, or a smartphone, which can be associated with the individual resident user. The resident detection system 700 can be a general system capable of collecting the aforementioned resident identification information of residents located within the target area. As examples of the resident detection system 700, Figure 6(1) shows an example of an access control system, and Figure 6(2) shows an example of an indoor positioning system.

[0028] Figure 6(1) shows an example of an access control system that collects resident identification information by managing entry and exit to a target area using RFID tags (see, for example, Reference 3 listed below).

[0029] (Reference 3): Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 07-243686

[0030] Figure 6(2) shows an example of collecting resident identification information for residents located in the target area using an indoor positioning system that utilizes smartphones or BLE beacons (see, for example, references 4 and 5 listed below).

[0031] (Reference 4): Japanese Patent Publication No. 2018-081339 (Reference 5): Japanese Patent Publication No. 2022-106513

[0032] Now, let's return to Figure 3 and continue describing the block diagram showing the configuration of the environmental control device 100 in the first embodiment. As shown in Figure 3, the environmental control device 100 includes an area resident management unit 131, a preference characteristics management unit 132, an area preference management unit 133, an area target determination unit 134, a consideration processing unit 135, and a consideration action execution unit 136.

[0033] (Area Resident Management Department 131) The Area Resident Management Unit 131 obtains information identifying residents located in the target area (resident identification information) from the resident detection system 700 and transmits it to the Area Preference Management Unit 133. For example, if there are three residents in the target area and their corresponding resident identification information is P1, P2, and P4, the Area Resident Management Unit 131 transmits (P1, P2, P4) to the Area Preference Management Unit 133. If there are multiple target areas, the resident identification information is transmitted in association with the target areas, for example, [(Target Area 1: P1, P2, P4), (Target Area 2: P3, P8), (Target Area 3: P6, P9, P12, P14), ...]. The cycle and timing for collecting resident identification information of residents located in the target areas are determined and registered in advance by the service provider or the like.

[0034] (Preference characteristics management department 132) The Preference Characteristics Management Unit 132 has pre-registered and stored, by a service provider or the like, the preference characteristics for the thermal environment (information indicating how residents perceive and prefer the thermal environment) for each resident's identification information. In response to a request from the Area Preference Characteristics Management Unit 133, the Preference Characteristics Management Unit 132 transmits the preference characteristics corresponding to the resident identification information received from the Area Preference Characteristics Management Unit 133. The Preference Characteristics Management Unit 132 may also be configured to acquire the preference characteristics stored along with the resident's identification information on a terminal device such as a smartphone operated by the resident being managed.

[0035] (Explanation of preference characteristics) Here, we will explain preference characteristics. Methods for defining the preference characteristics of each resident include defining them by thermal environment ranges such as the comfortable range and acceptable range for thermal environment indicators (temperature, PMV, discomfort index, etc.), defining them by model information (for example, parameter values ​​in a function model) that shows how they perceive the thermal environment (thermal sensation, comfort level, dissatisfaction level, probability of changing air conditioning settings, etc.), or defining them by classification groups that classify the thermal environment range or the range of model information into several groups. However, the methods for defining preference characteristics are not limited to these. Figure 5 shows an example of preference characteristics according to the first embodiment. The following examples are shown: (1) in Figure 5, where thermal environment ranges such as the comfortable range and acceptable range for thermal environment indicators (temperature, PMV, discomfort index, etc.) are used as preference characteristics; (2) in Figure 5, where model information (parameter values ​​of a function model, etc.) that shows how people perceive the thermal environment (thermal sensation, comfort level, dissatisfaction level, probability of changing air conditioning settings, etc.) is used as preference characteristics; and (3) in Figure 5, where classification groups obtained by classifying the thermal environment range and the range of model information into several groups are used as preference characteristics.

[0036] First, Figure 5(1) shows an example of a method for defining preference characteristics in terms of thermal environment ranges such as the comfortable range and acceptable range for thermal environment indices (temperature, PMV, discomfort index, etc.). This example associates resident identification information related to the residents being managed with the acceptable range of PMV, which is a thermal environment index. In Figure 5(1), for example, the PMV range of "0.1 to 0.5" is associated with the thermal environment range that the resident with resident identification information "P1" can tolerate.

[0037] In the first embodiment, the PMV (Predicted Mean Vote) represents a person's average thermal comfort in a given thermal environment, expressed as a numerical value ranging from -3 to +3, corresponding to the range of temperature from cold to hot. PMV is an index of thermal comfort standardized internationally by ISO-7730, and is calculated using six parameters: four elements representing the environment surrounding a person—air temperature Ta [°C], mean radiant temperature Tr [°C], humidity RH (Relative Humidity) [%], and wind speed V [m / s]—and two elements representing the human body—metabolism rate M [met] and clothing amount C [clo]. In the first embodiment, the environmental control device 100 can utilize a known program for calculating PMV.

[0038] Figure 5(2) shows an example of defining preference characteristics using model information (e.g., parameter values ​​in a function model) that indicates how people perceive the thermal environment, such as thermal comfort, comfort level, dissatisfaction level, and probability of changing air conditioning settings. This example associates resident identification information related to the managed residents with the values ​​of the model's variable parameters (α', β', α'', β''), which are model information. In this example, a function equation for the model that indicates how people perceive the thermal environment, including the variable parameters (α', β', α'', β''), is predefined and registered by a service provider or the like. By using this function equation and the model parameter values ​​(corresponding to the values ​​of the variable parameters) for each resident registered in the preference characteristics, it is possible to calculate how a resident perceives the thermal environment, corresponding to any resident identification information. In Figure 5 (2), for example, the model information for resident identification information "P1'" is α' "11", β' "0.2", α'' "10", and β'' "0.1". Using these values ​​and a pre-registered model function, it is possible to calculate how the resident "P1'" perceives the thermal environment.

[0039] (Model description) A model of how each resident perceives things can be determined by training the model with data on the thermal environment, collected by operating a thermal sensation reporting type air conditioning system (see references 1 and 2 above) or by individually investigating the surrounding environment and thermal sensations of residents, and corresponding data on how each resident perceives that thermal environment (thermal sensation, comfort level, dissatisfaction level, satisfaction level, etc., probability of changing air conditioning settings, etc.).

[0040] Here, we will explain a model of residents' dissatisfaction with the thermal environment. Residents' feelings of dissatisfaction with the thermal environment, such as being too hot or too cold, are determined by the exchange of thermal energy between the human body and the surrounding environment. Therefore, if the thermal environment becomes more restrictive to heat dissipation, such as rising air temperature and humidity, dissatisfaction with being too hot will be greater. Conversely, if the thermal environment becomes more restrictive to heat dissipation, such as decreasing air temperature or increasing wind speed, dissatisfaction with being too cold will be greater. Consequently, in addition to common indicators such as PMV and PPD (Predicted Percentage Dissatisfied), it is also perfectly acceptable to define a V-shaped dissatisfaction distribution function that correlates the actual state of the thermal environment with residents' dissatisfaction.

[0041] Furthermore, by separating the dissatisfaction levels on the hot and cold sides, a function that takes the state of the thermal environment as input and exhibits an S-shaped curve with values ​​ranging from 0 to 100% can be defined as a dissatisfaction model (dissatisfaction function) for the hot / cold side (see, for example, reference 6 listed below). Examples of such one-sided functions include the sigmoid function.

[0042] (Reference 6): Japanese Patent Publication No. 2015-004480

[0043] Furthermore, by determining a functional equation for a model representing preference characteristics based on the aforementioned set of norms, and using the collected training data to determine the functional parameters that determine the shape of the model function for each resident, it is possible to represent each resident's preference characteristics as a functional model (see, for example, reference 7 listed below).

[0044] (Reference 7): Japanese Patent Publication No. 2019-100657

[0045] Here, an example of the shape of the model function determined according to the residents' preferences will be explained using Figure 7. Figure 7 is a diagram showing an example of the shape of the model function according to the first embodiment.

[0046] The lower part of Figure 7 shows an example of the shape of the dissatisfaction model (overall, from the hot side to the cold side) based on the parameter values ​​(α', β', α'', β'') of the model function equation for each resident, which are determined by the training data described above (in this example, for example, data on how residents feel dissatisfied with the thermal environment). In this example, the dissatisfaction model is defined using the dissatisfaction model for the hot side (upper part of Figure 7) and the dissatisfaction model for the cold side (middle part of Figure 7).

[0047] For example, the model function Fh(PMV) representing dissatisfaction on the hot side is defined as equation (1) below. Similarly, the model function Fc(PMV) representing dissatisfaction on the cold side is defined as equation (2) below. Furthermore, as a model representing overall dissatisfaction on both the hot and cold sides, the resident's thermal dissatisfaction model Fd(PMV) is defined by equation (3) below. In this example, Fd(PMV) is a function that sums the values ​​of Fh(PMV) and Fc(PMV) with an upper limit of 1.0. Note that the shape of the resident's model shown in Figure 7 corresponds to the values ​​of (α',β',α'',β') for each resident shown as an example of preference characteristics in Figure 5(2).

[0048]

number

number

number

[0049] In the first embodiment, the PPD (Predicted Percentage Dissatisfied) represents the predicted percentage of dissatisfied individuals under a given thermal environment corresponding to an arbitrary PMV, and is described in ISO-7730 along with PMV. PPD is calculated as a function of PMV using the following formula (4) (Figure 4).

[0050]

number

[0051] Let's return to the example of preference characteristics according to the first embodiment (Figure 5) and continue the explanation. As an example of using classification groups, which classify the range of the thermal environment and the range of model information into several groups, for preference characteristics, we show (3) in Figure 5. This is an example in which resident identification information relating to the resident being managed is associated with a group of preferred temperature ranges. In (3) in Figure 5, for example, resident identification information "P1''" is associated with group "II".

[0052] For example, the group classification according to the first embodiment is defined as follows: I: less than 24[℃], II: 24[℃] or more and less than 25[℃], III: 25[℃] or more and less than 26[℃], IV: 26[℃] or more and less than 27[℃], V: 27[℃] or more and less than 28[℃].

[0053] (Area Preference Management Department 133) The Area Preference Management Unit 133 identifies the preference characteristics of multiple residents located in the target area based on resident identification information for each of the multiple residents located in the target area.

[0054] Specifically, the Area Preference Management Unit 133 receives resident identification information of residents located in the target area from the Area Resident Management Unit 131, and obtains the preference characteristics of the residents corresponding to the transmitted resident identification information from the Preference Characteristics Management Unit 132. Next, the Area Preference Management Unit 133 generates area preference information, which is information that associates the obtained preference characteristics with the resident identification information. Then, the Area Preference Management Unit 133 transmits the generated area preference information to the Area Target Determination Unit 134.

[0055] Furthermore, the Area Preference Management Unit 133 may transmit area preference information to the Area Target Determination Unit 134 each time it receives resident identification information from the Area Resident Management Unit 131. Alternatively, the Area Preference Management Unit 133 may transmit area preference information to the Area Target Determination Unit 134 only if it finds a difference when it receives resident identification information and compares it with the resident identification information received previously (for example, if a new resident enters the target area or a resident leaves the target area).

[0056] (Area target determination section 134) The area target determination unit 134 determines the area target value based on the preference characteristics of multiple residents identified by the area preference management unit 133. Specifically, the area target determination unit 134 determines the area target value, which is the target value for air conditioning control of the target area, based on the area preference information received from the area preference management unit 133.

[0057] The area target determination unit 134 then sets the determined area target value to the air conditioning setting value SP of the air conditioning zone in the target area. The area target determination unit 134 also transmits the area target value and area preference information to the consideration processing unit 135 and instructs the consideration processing unit 135 to execute.

[0058] From here, specific examples of methods for determining area target values ​​will be explained using Figures 8 to 10. Figures 8 to 10 are diagrams showing an example of an area target determination method according to the first embodiment. First, an example of a target determination method when preference characteristics are registered within the thermal environment range will be explained using Figures 8 and 9.

[0059] In the examples in Figures 8 and 9, preference characteristics are registered as the acceptable range of PMV, which is a thermal environment index. The area target determination unit 134 calculates the number of people who can accept a range of thermal environment index that includes the preference characteristics of all residents located within the target area. Then, it sets the value of the thermal environment index that maximizes the number of people who can accept a range as the valid value, and determines the average of the valid values ​​as the area target value.

[0060] For example, if residents with the preference characteristics shown in Figure 5(1) and corresponding to resident identification information P1, P2, and P4 are detected within the target area, the number of people who can accommodate the area, calculated from the preference characteristics of each resident (Figure 8(1)), will be as shown in Figure 8(2) with respect to the PMV. In this example, the PMV is set in increments of 0.1. At this time, the effective PMV value at which the number of people can accommodate the area is maximum (3 people in this example) is 0.2 to 0.5 (Figure 8(2-1)), and the average value of these, PMV=0.35, becomes the area target value.

[0061] Similarly, if residents with resident identification information H1, H2, and H3 are detected within the target area, and their preference characteristics are registered as shown in Figure 9 (1), then the effective PMV values ​​that result in the maximum number of users (1 in this example) are in the range of 0.0 to 0.3 and 0.6 to 0.7 (Figure 9 (2)), and the average of these, PMV = 0.32, becomes the area target value.

[0062] The above example is a simple example of an area target determination method, but other methods can be used for determining the area target in the area target determination unit 134. For example, a threshold may be set for the number of occupants, and the value of the thermal environment index that exceeds this number may be set as the effective value, or the maximum or minimum value (hotter side in the case of cooling, colder side in the case of heating) that prioritizes energy saving rather than the average value of the obtained effective value may be set as the area target value. If a method is adopted in which a threshold is set for the number of occupants to determine the effective value, it is also necessary to decide and set in advance a method for determining the area target value when the number of occupants does not fall below the threshold.

[0063] In this case, if the thermal environment index used in the preference characteristics and the thermal environment index of the air conditioning set value set in the air conditioning control system are different (for example, if the preference characteristics are registered within the PMV range and the air conditioning set value of the air conditioning control system is air temperature), the area target determination unit 134 converts the area target value of the thermal environment index determined from the preference characteristics into a value of the thermal environment index corresponding to the air conditioning set value of the air conditioning control system and sets it as the air conditioning set value SP of the air conditioning zone of the target area. Here, the calculation method necessary for converting the thermal environment index, as well as the measured values ​​and fixed values ​​used in the calculation, are determined in advance by the service provider, etc., and registered in the area target determination unit 134.

[0064] For example, the discomfort index DS is determined using the following formula (5), with air temperature Ta [°C] and humidity RH [%].

[0065]

number

[0066] When the area target value is determined by the discomfort index and the indicator for the air conditioning set value of the air conditioning control system is air temperature, the area target determination unit 134 calculates the air temperature Ta by applying the area target value to DS in formula (5) and the measured value of the occupied area to humidity RH, and this air temperature Ta can be used as the air conditioning set value SP of the air conditioning control system.

[0067] If humidity RH is not measured, the area target determination unit 134 can determine the air conditioning setpoint SP of the air conditioning control system from the discomfort index, which is the area target value, using a value corresponding to the conditions of the target area (for example, 60% as a typical value for a summer office).

[0068] Furthermore, for example, PMV is determined by six factors: air temperature Ta [°C], radiant temperature Tr [°C], humidity RH [%], wind speed V [m / s], metabolic rate M [met], and clothing amount C [clo].

[0069] Therefore, even if the area target value is determined by PMV and the air conditioning setpoint of the air conditioning control system for the target area is air temperature, the area target determination unit 134 can calculate the air conditioning setpoint SP of the air conditioning control system from the PMV value, which is the area target value, by using actual measured values ​​or fixed values ​​that are appropriate for the target area / target occupants for elements other than air temperature (radiant temperature Tr [°C], humidity RH [%], wind speed V [m / s], metabolic rate M [met], clothing amount C [clo]).

[0070] Typical values ​​for a summer office, as mentioned above, include, for example, radiant temperature Tr [°C] = air temperature Ta [°C], relative humidity RH = 60 [°C], wind speed V = 0.1 [m / s], metabolic rate M = 1 [met], and clothing load C = 0.6 [clo].

[0071] If the thermal environment index of the area target value determined from preference characteristics differs from the thermal environment index corresponding to the air conditioning set value of the air conditioning control system, the calculation method for determining the air conditioning set value SP of the air conditioning control system from the area target value, the measured values ​​used in the calculation, and the fixed values ​​are pre-registered in the area target determination unit 134 by the service provider or the like, as described above.

[0072] Next, we will explain an example of a goal determination method when preference characteristics are registered in model information, using Figure 10.

[0073] When preference characteristics are registered using a function model, the area target determination unit 134 calculates the average value of the corresponding model function for each of the multiple residents located in the target area as the target evaluation function. The area target determination unit 134 determines the value of the thermal environment index that minimizes the target evaluation function as the area target value.

[0074] For example, if resident identification information P1, P2, P3, and P4 corresponding to the preference characteristics shown in Figure 5 (2) are detected within the target area, the dissatisfaction model for each resident is represented by the "model function showing dissatisfaction on the hot side + cold side: formula (4)" shown in the lower part of Figure 7.

[0075] Here, if we define the respective model functions as Fd_p1(PMV), Fd_p2(PMV), Fd_p3(PMV), and Fd_p4(PMV), the target evaluation function Fd_com(PMV), shown in equation (6) below, is defined using the average value of these model functions.

[0076]

number

[0077] The above-mentioned formula (6) is represented by the solid line graph shown in Figure 10. The area target determination unit 134 then determines the area target value as the PMV that minimizes the above-mentioned target evaluation function Fd_com(PMV).

[0078] In the example of the dissatisfaction model described above, the area target determination unit 134 defined the target evaluation function Fd_com(PMV) as a function consisting of the average value of multiple model functions corresponding to the preference characteristics of multiple residents, and searched for the PMV that minimizes this function. However, the method for determining the target evaluation function is not limited to this method. For example, the target evaluation function may be defined as a function consisting of the maximum or minimum value of multiple model functions, and the PMV that minimizes this function may be searched for. An example in which the target evaluation function Fd_com(PMV) is defined as the maximum value of the dissatisfaction model function corresponding to resident identification information P1, P2, P3, and P4 is shown in the dashed graph of Figure 10.

[0079] Furthermore, if the model targets dissatisfaction or the probability of changing air conditioning settings, the area target determination unit 134 can search for area target values ​​that result in fewer dissatisfactions or changes in air conditioning settings by calculating the PMV that minimizes the target evaluation function Fd_com(PMV).

[0080] On the other hand, in the case of comfort and satisfaction, the area target determination unit 134 can search for area target values ​​that result in higher comfort and satisfaction by calculating the PMV that maximizes the target evaluation function. In other words, the target values ​​for the target evaluation function, such as minimum and maximum, may be appropriately selected according to the model adopted by the area target determination unit 134.

[0081] Furthermore, if there are multiple minimum or maximum values ​​obtained from the target evaluation function, the area target determination unit 134 determines the area target value based on conditions predetermined and registered by the service provider, such as using the average of those values ​​or a value that results in greater energy savings.

[0082] (Consideration Processing Section 135) The consideration processing unit 135 calculates a deviation degree for each resident, which indicates the degree of discrepancy between the area target value received from the area target determination unit 134 and the preference characteristics for each resident identification information in the area preference information, in the thermal environment. Then, it extracts residents (resident identification information) whose deviation degree satisfies the consideration target conditions, determines the consideration action corresponding to the extracted resident, and instructs the consideration action execution unit 136 to execute the consideration action. Information necessary for executing the consideration action, such as the method for determining the deviation degree, the consideration target conditions, and the content and settings of the consideration action, is registered in advance by the service provider or the like.

[0083] For example, the consideration processing unit 135 receives the area target value Atg and area preference information from the area target determination unit 134. Next, the consideration processing unit 135 calculates the degree of deviation D between the area target value Atg and the preference characteristics of each resident identification information.

[0084] Then, the consideration processing unit 135 instructs the consideration operation execution unit 136 to perform the corresponding consideration operation for the resident whose degree of deviation D meets the consideration target conditions. The method for determining the degree of deviation and the consideration operations according to the consideration target conditions are determined in advance by a service provider or the like and registered in the consideration processing unit 135.

[0085] Hereinafter, an example of the method for calculating the degree of deviation D by the consideration processing unit 135 will be described with reference to FIGS. 11 to 13. FIGS. 11 to 13 are diagrams showing an example of the method for calculating the degree of deviation according to the first embodiment.

[0086] First, an example in the case where the preference characteristics are registered within the range of the thermal environment index will be described with reference to FIG. 11. In this example, the consideration processing unit 135 calculates the degree of deviation by subtracting the maximum or minimum value within the range of the thermal environment index from the area target value Atg.

[0087] For example, when the preference characteristics are registered within the thermal environment range defined by the minimum value Tmin and the maximum value Tmax (corresponding to the example of the thermal environment range in (1) of FIG. 5), the consideration processing unit 135 calculates the degree of deviation D for each resident identification information using the following mathematical formula (7). FIG. 11 shows an image diagram of the degree of deviation D.

[0088]

Equation

[0089] In mathematical formula (7), when Atg < Tmin, D < 0, and when Atg > Tmax, D > 0. That is, when the area target value is colder than the acceptance range of the resident, the sign of D is negative, and when it is warmer, the sign of D is positive. Also, the absolute value of D increases as the environment (acceptance range) preferred by the resident and the area target value become more separated. Thus, the degree of deviation D can be used to know the difference and the extent of the difference between the thermal environment of the area target value Atg and the thermal environment preferred by the resident (in (1) and (2) of FIG. 11).

[0090] Next, an example of a case where preference characteristics are registered using a function model will be explained using Figures 12 and 13, respectively. In this example, the consideration processing unit 135 calculates the value of the thermal environment index that minimizes the value of the function model for each of the multiple residents located in the target area. Then, the consideration processing unit 135 subtracts the value of the thermal environment index that minimizes the value of the function model from the area target value Atg and takes this as the deviation degree D.

[0091] For example, in the case of the example of model information in Figure 5 (2) and the example of the dissatisfaction model shown in Figure 7, the consideration processing unit 135 calculates the thermal environment index value TFmin, which minimizes the value of the function model, for each resident identification information. Next, the consideration processing unit 135 uses the calculated thermal environment index value TFmin and the area target value Atg to calculate the deviation degree D for each resident identification information using the following formula (8). Figures 12(1) and (2) show illustrative diagrams of the deviation degree D.

[0092]

number

[0093] In this example, as in the thermal environment range registration example above, the degree of deviation D, which is determined from the positional relationship between the area target value Atg and TFmin where the resident's dissatisfaction is minimized, allows us to understand the difference and degree of that difference between the thermal environment of the area target value Atg and the thermal environment preferred by the resident (Figure 12 (1) and (2)).

[0094] Here, if the preference characteristics are defined by a function model, as shown in Figure 13, an acceptable range can be set for the values ​​of functions such as dissatisfaction, and the range of thermal environment indicators within which the function values ​​fall is determined. Then, similar to when the preference characteristics are defined by a thermal environment range, the degree of deviation D can be calculated using formula (7) or similar methods (Figure 13 (1)).

[0095] As described above, after determining the deviation degree D for each resident identification information, the consideration processing unit 135 determines the residents (resident identification information) that are subject to consideration actions, and the consideration actions for each of the residents who are subject to consideration actions, based on the deviation degree D calculated for each resident identification information. The consideration target conditions for determining which residents are subject to consideration actions, and the information necessary for executing consideration actions, such as the content and settings of consideration actions, are registered in advance by the service provider, etc., as mentioned above. For example, the consideration processing unit 135 determines consideration actions for residents who meet consideration target conditions, such as the deviation degree D being above or below a certain threshold Dtr. In this example, it is also possible to register consideration target conditions that divide the target residents into arbitrary ranks based on multiple thresholds Dtr, and different consideration actions corresponding to each rank.

[0096] Examples of considerate actions include "notifying residents who meet the consideration criteria (second embodiment)" and "temporarily changing the air conditioning settings to take into account the preferences of residents who meet the consideration criteria (third and fourth embodiments)," but a detailed explanation will follow later.

[0097] (Considerate Action Execution Unit 136) The consideration action execution unit 136, in accordance with instructions from the consideration processing unit 135, uses the consideration action execution device / system 800 to execute predetermined consideration actions for the resident who is the target of consideration.

[0098] (Processing procedure) From here, the processing procedure of the environmental control device 100 according to the first embodiment will be explained using Figure 14. Figure 14 is a flowchart showing an example of the environmental control processing procedure according to the first embodiment.

[0099] The Area Resident Management Unit 131 acquires resident identification information of residents located within the target area (S101). Next, the Area Preference Management Unit 133 acquires preference characteristics corresponding to the resident identification information within the target area from the Preference Characteristics Management Unit 132 (S102).

[0100] The area target determination unit 134 determines the area target value from the resident identification information and preference characteristics (S103). Next, the area target determination unit 134 sets the area target value to the air conditioning set value SP of the air conditioning zone of the target area (S104).

[0101] The consideration processing unit 135 calculates the degree of deviation between the area target value and the preference characteristics for each resident identification information (S105). Next, the consideration action execution unit 136 executes a consideration action according to the degree of deviation (S106). Then, the environmental control device 100 terminates the process.

[0102] (effect) As described above, the environmental control device 100 of the first embodiment can perform predetermined considerate actions for predetermined residents based on the degree of deviation between the preference characteristics of each resident located in the target area and the area target value. Therefore, when multiple residents are targeted simultaneously, the environmental control device 100 has the effect of improving the comfort of the thermal environment in a way that is fair to all.

[0103] <Second Embodiment> Next, a second embodiment will be described. In the second embodiment, the environmental control device 100a performs a considerate action, which is to notify residents who have a large discrepancy between the area target value and their preference characteristics.

[0104] (Environmental control device 100a) First, the detailed functions of the environmental control device 100a according to the second embodiment will be described. Figure 15 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of the environmental control device 100a according to the second embodiment.

[0105] As shown in Figure 15, the environmental control device 100a according to the second embodiment includes an area resident management unit 131, a preference characteristics management unit 132, an area preference management unit 133, an area target determination unit 134a, a consideration processing unit 135a, and a consideration action execution unit 136a. In this embodiment, where the consideration action is notification execution, the consideration action execution device / system 800a is the resident's PC or smartphone that receives the notification. In the following sections, parts that have common functions between the first and second embodiments will not be explained again.

[0106] (Area target determination section 134a) The area target determination unit 134a, similar to the area target determination unit 134 in the first embodiment, determines the area target value based on the preference characteristics of each of the multiple residents identified by the area preference management unit 133. The area target determination unit 134a then sets the determined area target value to the air conditioning setting value SP of the air conditioning zone in the target area and instructs the consideration processing unit 135a to execute. Here, in a space where the air conditioning is actually operating, the thermal environment changes in response to the change in the air conditioning setting value (area target value) of the air conditioning zone, and it takes time, according to the thermal resistance of the building, for residents to feel the change in environment. Therefore, in the area target determination unit 134a in the second embodiment, it is preferable to take this time elapsed into consideration when determining the timing of notification to the residents to be considered.

[0107] (Consideration Processing Section 135a) The consideration processing unit 135a calculates the degree of deviation D between preference characteristics and area target values ​​for each resident, similar to the consideration processing unit 135 in the first embodiment. It then instructs the consideration action execution unit 136a to execute a notification to residents who meet the consideration target conditions.

[0108] For example, the consideration processing unit 135a has the following consideration target conditions and consideration actions registered in advance by the service provider, etc. • Conditions for consideration: Residents whose absolute value of deviation degree D is greater than or equal to the threshold Dtr (resident identification information) Considerate actions: If D < 0, issue consideration notice 1. If D > 0, issue consideration notice 2.

[0109] Furthermore, other information necessary for executing the considerate action, such as the content and settings of the considerate action (for example, the content of messages and display screens corresponding to Considerate Notification 1 and Considerate Notification 2, the means of notifying the resident, the email address required for notification, and the identification information of applications installed on the smartphone), is registered in advance in the consideration processing unit 135a by the service provider or the like. The consideration processing unit 135a transmits this information, along with information of the resident who meets the consideration target conditions (resident identification information), and correspondence information between the resident identification information and the considerate action (in this example, correspondence information between the resident identification information and Considerate Notification 1 and Considerate Notification 2) to the consideration action execution unit 136a, instructing it to execute the notification, which is the considerate action.

[0110] (Considerate Action Execution Unit 136a) The consideration action execution unit 136a executes consideration actions based on instructions from the consideration processing unit 135a. Specifically, the consideration action execution unit 136a issues a notification to each resident who is the target of the consideration action, based on the information received from the consideration processing unit 135a, according to the value of the degree of deviation.

[0111] Here, an example of a considerate action (notification) according to the second embodiment, executed by the considerate action execution unit 136a, is shown in Figure 16. This is an example of the notification screen for message 1, which is a consideration for residents who are cold, among the consideration actions described above.

[0112] The consideration action execution unit 136a sends a notification to the resident who is the target of the consideration action, via email or an application installed on their smartphone, for example, as shown in Figure 16. In this example, the preference characteristics management unit 132 defines preference characteristics within a thermal environment range as shown in Figure 5(1), and the area target determination unit 134 determines the area target value for residents in the target area acquired by the area resident management unit 131 using the method shown in Figures 8 and 9. The consideration processing unit 135a calculates the deviation degree D for each resident using the calculation method shown in Figure 11. In this case, for example, the consideration action execution unit 136a notifies residents who are estimated to be "cold" as D<0 extracted by the consideration processing unit 135a, as shown in Figure 16(1), of the current state of air conditioning operation, estimated information on how the resident perceives that the thermal environment is cold, and advice on countermeasures in case it is cold. Additionally, clicking the "Other Measures" button in Figure 16 (1) can trigger the display of the screen shown in Figure 16 (2), which presents other proposed measures. The screen image in Figure 16 (2) also displays a screen that, if thermal environment information within the floor can be obtained from measured values, etc., retrieves this information and suggests a location with a more suitable thermal environment to the resident.

[0113] (Processing procedure) The processing procedure by the environmental control device 100a according to the second embodiment is the same as the flowchart showing an example of the processing procedure of the environmental control device 100 according to the first embodiment shown in Figure 14.

[0114] Here, the procedure of the area target determination unit 134a will be explained using Figures 17 and 18. Figures 17 and 18 are flowcharts showing an example of the processing procedure of the area target determination unit 134a according to the second embodiment.

[0115] Figure 17 shows a case where the area target determination unit 134a instructs the consideration processing unit 135a to execute without considering the time elapsed until residents perceive the environmental change in response to a change in the air conditioning setting value (area target value), while Figure 18 is an example flowchart of a case where the consideration processing unit 135a is instructed to execute while considering this time elapsed. Below, we will first explain Figure 17.

[0116] The area target determination unit 134a receives resident identification information (included in the area preference information) from the area preference management unit 133 (Yes in S201). If the received resident identification information has changed from the previous resident identification information (Yes in S202), it determines a new area target value from the resident identification information and preference characteristics (S203). Note that for the first time, the process in S202 proceeds to the "Yes" step.

[0117] Next, the area target determination unit 134a sets the area target value to the air conditioning setting value SP of the air conditioning zone in the target area (S204) and instructs the consideration processing unit 135a to execute (S205).

[0118] On the other hand, if the area preference management unit 133 does not receive resident identification information (area preference information) (No. in S201), or if the resident identification information does not change from the previous information (No. in S202), the area target determination unit 134a skips the processing from S203 to S205.

[0119] Here, the area target determination unit 134a returns to the previous step and continues processing if it wishes to continue processing (No in S206), and terminates processing if it wishes to terminate processing (Yes in S206).

[0120] Next, using Figure 18, we will explain an example of a flowchart that instructs the execution of the consideration processing unit 135a, taking into account the time elapsed until the resident experiences the environmental change. In the following, the waiting time that takes into account the time elapsed until the resident experiences the environmental change is defined as the consideration processing execution waiting time Tint, and this value (for example, 15 minutes or 30 minutes) is set in advance by the service provider or the like.

[0121] The Area Preference Management Unit 133 receives resident identification information (area preference information) (Yes in S211), and if it has changed from the previous resident identification information (Yes in S212), the Area Target Determination Unit 134a determines the area target value from the resident identification information and preference characteristics (S213). Note that for the first time, the process in S212 proceeds to the "Yes" step.

[0122] The area target determination unit 134a sets the area target value to the air conditioning set value SP of the air conditioning zone in the target area (S214). Next, the area target determination unit 134a updates the air conditioning set value update time Tud to the current date and time (S215).

[0123] If the process is to continue (No in S216), the area target determination unit 134a returns to the previous step and repeats the process. If the process is to be terminated (Yes in S216), the area target determination unit 134a terminates the process.

[0124] Next, if the area preference management unit 133 does not receive resident identification information (area preference information) (No in S211), or if it does not change from the previous resident identification information (No in S212), the area target determination unit 134a determines whether a waiting time has elapsed since the previous air conditioning setting value update time (S217). Here, if the current time is "air conditioning setting value update time Tud + consideration processing execution waiting time Tint" (Yes in S217), the area target determination unit 134a instructs the consideration processing unit 135a to execute (S218). Note that if the process in S215 has never been performed (if the air conditioning setting value update time Tud is not defined), S217 proceeds to the No step.

[0125] On the other hand, if the current time is not "Air conditioning setting update time Tud + consideration processing execution waiting time Tint" (No. in S217), the area target determination unit 134a skips the processing in S218.

[0126] Here, the area target determination unit 134a returns to the previous step and continues processing if it wishes to continue processing (No in S216), and terminates processing if it wishes to terminate processing (Yes in S216).

[0127] Furthermore, even when considering waiting times in the above-described flow, if the composition of residents (resident identification information) located in the target area changes, the determination of the new area target value and the setting of the air conditioning setting value SP for the air conditioning zone will take priority.

[0128] (effect) As described above, the environmental control device 100a of the second embodiment has the effect of making it easier for residents to take environmental adjustment actions, such as adjusting their clothing to reduce physical and mental burden, reporting sensations such as temperature, or operating the air conditioning settings in the air conditioning control system, by executing consideration notifications that function as nudges in behavioral economics.

[0129] <Third Embodiment> Next, a third embodiment will be described. In the third embodiment, the environmental control device 100b performs a considerate operation, which involves adjusting the thermal environment to accommodate residents with a large discrepancy between the area target value and their preference characteristics (by changing the air conditioning setting value, or by changing the air conditioning setting value via automatic transmission of thermal comfort declarations).

[0130] (Environmental control device 100b) First, the detailed functions of the environmental control device 100b according to the third embodiment will be described. Figure 19 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of the environmental control device 100b according to the third embodiment.

[0131] As shown in Figure 19, the environmental control device 100b according to the third embodiment includes an area resident management unit 131, a preference characteristics management unit 132, an area preference management unit 133, an area target determination unit 134b, a consideration processing unit 135b, and a consideration operation execution unit 136b. In this embodiment, where the consideration operation is the adjustment of the thermal environment, the consideration operation execution device / system 800b corresponds to the air conditioning control system 10. In the following sections, parts whose functions are common to the first embodiment and the third embodiment will not be explained again.

[0132] (Area target determination section 134b) The area target determination unit 134b alternately switches between setting the area target value to the air conditioning setting value of the air conditioning zone and issuing a consideration processing instruction to the consideration processing unit 135b at regular intervals.

[0133] (Consideration Processing Section 135b) The consideration processing unit 135b calculates the degree of deviation D between preference characteristics and area target values ​​for each resident, similar to the consideration processing unit 135 in the first embodiment. It then instructs the consideration operation execution unit 136b to perform consideration adjustments based on the degree of deviation D for residents who meet the consideration target conditions.

[0134] In this example of the embodiment, the preference characteristics management unit 132 defines preference characteristics within a thermal environment range as shown in Figure 5(1), and the area target determination unit 134 determines area target values ​​for residents of the target area acquired by the area resident management unit 131 using the method shown in Figures 8 and 9. Furthermore, the consideration processing unit 135a calculates the deviation degree D for each resident using the calculation method shown in Figure 11. In this case, for example, the consideration processing unit 135b has the following consideration target conditions and consideration actions registered in advance by a service provider or the like. • Consideration criteria: The resident whose absolute value of deviation degree D is the largest (resident identification information) Considerate actions: If D<0, change the air conditioning setting SP to the current value + δ℃ (e.g., 0.5℃). If D > 0, change the air conditioning setting SP to the current value - δ℃ (e.g., 0.5℃).

[0135] In addition, if the air conditioning control system 10 is a temperature sensation reporting type air conditioning system, it is also acceptable to set the above-mentioned considerate actions as follows: "If D < 0, send a 'cold' report if it is a temperature sensation reporting type air conditioning system" and "If D > 0, send a 'hot' report if it is a temperature sensation reporting type air conditioning system."

[0136] Furthermore, the aforementioned δ is a value registered in advance by the service provider, etc., and may be a fixed value (e.g., 0.5°C) or a different value depending on the degree of deviation D. Also, if the consideration target conditions of the consideration processing unit 135b are set to, for example, an absolute value of the degree of deviation D being above a certain threshold, and there are multiple residents who are subject to consideration actions, then consideration actions may be registered to sequentially perform consideration adjustments to each resident while rotating them in intensity and period according to the degree of deviation D, such as changing the range of changes in the air conditioning setting value and the frequency of consideration adjustments (frequency of changing the air conditioning setting value, frequency of sending temperature sensation reports, etc.).

[0137] (Considerate Action Execution Unit 136b) The consideration action execution unit 136b, in accordance with the instructions of the consideration processing unit 135b, uses the consideration action execution device / system 800b to execute a predetermined consideration action.

[0138] For example, the consideration action execution unit 136b executes consideration adjustments to the air conditioning control system 10 based on information received from the consideration processing unit 135b, such as changing the air conditioning setting value SP or sending a temperature / cold sensation report.

[0139] (Processing procedure) The processing procedure by the environmental control device 100b according to the third embodiment is the same as the flowchart showing an example of the processing procedure of the environmental control device 100 according to the first embodiment, as shown in Figure 14.

[0140] Here, the procedure of the area target determination unit 134b will be explained using Figure 20. Figure 20 is a flowchart showing an example of the processing procedure of the area target determination unit 134b according to the third embodiment.

[0141] The area target determination unit 134b receives resident identification information (included in the area preference information) from the area preference management unit 133 (Yes in S301). If the received resident identification information has changed from the previous resident identification information (Yes in S302), it determines the area target value from the resident identification information and preference characteristics (S303). Note that for the first time, the process in S302 proceeds to the "Yes" step.

[0142] The area target determination unit 134b sets the area target value to the air conditioning setting value SP of the air conditioning zone in the target area (S304). At this point, the consideration processing flag Fc is changed to "Fc=0" (S305), and the air conditioning setting value update time Tud is updated to the current date and time (S306).

[0143] Here, the area target determination unit 134b repeats the process back if it wants to continue processing (No in S307), and terminates processing if it wants to terminate processing (Yes in S307).

[0144] Next, if the area preference management unit 133 does not receive resident identification information (area preference information) (No. in S301), or if it does not change from the previous resident identification information (No. in S302), the area target determination unit 134b determines whether a waiting time has elapsed since the previous air conditioning setting value update time (S308). Here, if the current time is "air conditioning setting value update time Tud + consideration processing execution waiting time Tint" (Yes in S308) and the consideration processing in progress flag Fc is "Fc=1" (Yes in S309), the area target determination unit 134b sets the area target value to the air conditioning setting value SP of the air conditioning zone of the target area (S304). The process from S304 onwards follows a similar flow.

[0145] On the other hand, if the current time is "Air conditioning setting update time Tud + consideration processing execution waiting time Tint" (Yes in S308) and the consideration processing in progress flag Fc is "Fc=0" (No in S309), the area target determination unit 134b instructs the consideration processing unit 135b to execute (S310) and changes the consideration processing in progress flag Fc to "Fc=1" (S311). Then, the area target determination unit 134b updates the air conditioning setting update time Tud to the current date and time (S306). The process from S306 onwards follows a similar flow.

[0146] On the other hand, if the current time is not "Air conditioning setting value update time Tud + consideration processing execution waiting time Tint" (No in S308), the area target determination unit 134b skips the processing from S309 to S311. Note that if the processing in S306 has never been performed (if the air conditioning setting value update time Tud is not defined), S308 proceeds to step No.

[0147] If processing is to be continued (No in S307), the area target determination unit 134b returns to the previous step and continues processing. On the other hand, if processing is to be terminated (Yes in S307), the area target determination unit 134b terminates processing.

[0148] Furthermore, as in the first embodiment, if the composition of residents (resident identification information) located in the target area changes, the determination of new area target values ​​and the setting of air conditioning setting values ​​SP for the air conditioning zones will be prioritized.

[0149] (effect) As described above, the environmental control device 100b of the third embodiment automatically adjusts the environment based on the degree of discrepancy between the area target environment and the preferred environment based on the resident's own preference characteristics (acceptable range, environment with a certain level of satisfaction or higher, etc.), thereby improving the comfort of the thermal environment in a fairer direction and reducing the burden on residents regarding their own environmental adjustment actions. In other words, the environmental control device 100b reduces the disadvantages for residents with a large discrepancy between the area target environment and their preferred environment.

[0150] <Fourth Embodiment> Next, a fourth embodiment will be described. The environmental control device 100c according to the fourth embodiment performs a considerate adjustment of the thermal environment as a considerate operation, similar to the third embodiment. However, it determines the degree of deviation again using the consideration adjustment value SPh, which is the air conditioning set value changed by the consideration adjustment, as a new standard, and repeatedly performs a new consideration adjustment based on this.

[0151] (Environmental control device 100c) First, the detailed functions of the environmental control device 100c according to the fourth embodiment will be described. Figure 21 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of the environmental control device 100c according to the fourth embodiment.

[0152] As shown in Figure 21, the environmental control device 100c according to the fourth embodiment includes an area resident management unit 131, a preference characteristics management unit 132, an area preference management unit 133, an area target determination unit 134, a consideration processing unit 135c, and a consideration operation execution unit 136c. In this embodiment, where the consideration operation is a consideration adjustment of the thermal environment, the consideration operation execution device / system 800c corresponds to the air conditioning control system 10, similar to the third embodiment. In the following sections, parts that have common functions between the first and third embodiments and the fourth embodiment will not be explained again.

[0153] (Consideration Processing Section 135c) In response to an instruction from the area target determination unit 134 to execute a consideration process, the consideration processing unit 135c calculates a deviation (first deviation) based on the area target value, determines the residents who will be subject to consideration actions based on this, and determines the consideration actions to be performed. In addition, when it receives a notification of completion of consideration processing from the consideration action execution unit 136c, it similarly determines the residents who will be subject to consideration actions and determines the consideration actions to be performed, using the consideration adjustment value SPh, which is the air conditioning setting value changed by the previous consideration adjustment action, as a new criterion.

[0154] For example, the consideration processing unit 135c receives a consideration processing completion notification and the consideration adjustment value SPh, which is the latest air conditioning setting value changed by the consideration adjustment operation, from the consideration action execution unit 136c. The consideration processing unit 135c then uses this consideration adjustment value SPh as a new standard to recalculate the deviation degree (second deviation degree), determines the residents who will be targeted for consideration actions based on this, determines the consideration actions to be performed, and instructs the consideration action execution unit 136c to execute the consideration actions. For example, the consideration processing unit 135c calculates the second deviation degree based on the consideration adjustment value SPh, which has been changed according to the maximum absolute value of the first deviation degree calculated for each of the multiple residents, and the preference characteristics of each of the multiple residents located in the target area. It is preferable to appropriately set a time interval between receiving the consideration processing completion notification from the consideration action execution unit 136c and performing a new consideration action (such as changing the air conditioning setting value).

[0155] (Considerate Action Execution Unit 136c) The considerate action execution unit 136c, upon instruction from the considerate processing unit 135c, executes a predetermined considerate action using the considerate action execution device / system 800c, and then transmits a notification of completion of the considerate processing to the considerate processing unit 135c.

[0156] For example, the consideration action execution unit 136c performs consideration adjustment actions, such as changing the air conditioning setting value or sending a temperature sensation report to the air conditioning control system, based on the information received from the consideration processing unit 135c. After executing the consideration action, the consideration action execution unit 136c receives the updated air conditioning setting value from the air conditioning control system, sets it as the consideration adjustment value SPh, and sends it to the consideration processing unit 135c along with a consideration processing completion notification.

[0157] (Processing procedure) Next, the procedure for processing consideration adjustments by the environmental control device 100c according to the fourth embodiment will be explained using Figure 22. Figure 22 is a flowchart showing an example of the procedure for processing consideration adjustments according to the fourth embodiment. In the fourth embodiment, the air conditioning setting value changed by the consideration adjustment operation is used as a new standard to determine the degree of deviation (second degree of deviation) again, and new consideration adjustments are repeatedly performed based on this. Therefore, the explanation of the processing before S401 will be omitted.

[0158] The area target determination unit 134 instructs the consideration processing unit 135c to execute consideration processing (S401). Next, the consideration processing unit 135c calculates the degree of deviation between the area target value and the preference characteristics for each resident identification information and instructs the consideration action execution unit 136c to execute consideration actions according to the degree of deviation (S402). The consideration action execution unit 136c executes consideration actions according to the execution instructions from the consideration processing unit 135c (S403) and sends a notification of completion of consideration processing to the consideration processing unit 135c along with the consideration adjustment value SPh (S404). Next, the consideration processing unit 135c calculates the degree of deviation between the consideration adjustment value SPh and the preference characteristics for each resident identification information and instructs the consideration action execution unit 136c to execute consideration actions according to the degree of deviation (S405). The consideration action execution unit 136c executes consideration actions according to the execution instructions from the consideration processing unit 135c (S406).

[0159] If the process is to continue (No in S407), the environmental control device 100c returns to the process before S404 and continues the consideration adjustment process. On the other hand, if the process is to be terminated (Yes in S407), the environmental control device 100c terminates the consideration adjustment process.

[0160] (effect) As described above, the environmental control device 100c can reduce the disadvantages caused by the thermal environment for residents whose thermal environment preferences deviate significantly from the actual conditions by sequentially making adjustments in response to environmental changes such as changes in air conditioning settings.

[0161] <Variation> The following describes modifications that can be implemented using the environmental control device 100.

[0162] (Data, etc.) The preference characteristics, area target values, deviation degree, consideration processing, consideration actions, thermal environment range, model information, group classification information, dissatisfaction level, names of functional parts of the environmental control device 100, steps, processes, names of steps or processes, etc., used in the description of the above embodiment are merely examples and can be changed at will.

[0163] (Flowcharts, etc.) In flowcharts, each step may be rearranged as long as it does not create inconsistencies, and some steps may be omitted. Furthermore, conjunctions such as "next," "continue," "in addition," "at this time," and "on this occasion" in flowchart descriptions do not limit the order or timing of the processes in the flowchart.

[0164] (others) Of the processes described in the embodiments and modifications described above, all or part of the processes described as being performed automatically can be performed manually, or all or part of the processes described as being performed manually can be performed automatically by known methods. In addition, the processing procedures, specific names, and information including various data and parameters shown in the above document and drawings can be changed at will unless otherwise specified. For example, the various information shown in each figure is not limited to the information shown.

[0165] Furthermore, the components of each illustrated device are functionally conceptual and do not necessarily need to be physically configured as shown. In other words, the specific forms of distribution and integration of each device are not limited to those shown, and all or part of them can be functionally or physically distributed and integrated in any unit according to various loads, usage conditions, etc.

[0166] The components described above include those that can be easily conceived by those skilled in the art, those that are substantially identical, and those that fall within the so-called equivalent range. Furthermore, the embodiments and modifications described above can be combined as appropriate, as long as the processing content is not contradictory.

[0167] Furthermore, the terms "section, module, unit" mentioned above can be replaced with "means," "circuit," etc. For example, a control unit can be replaced with a control means or a control circuit.

[0168] Although several embodiments have been described in detail above with reference to the drawings, these are merely examples, and the embodiments can be implemented in various forms with modifications and improvements based on the knowledge of those skilled in the art, starting with the embodiments described in the disclosure section of the invention.

[0169] Each of the environmental control devices 100, 100a, 100b, and 100c, the air conditioning control system 10, the occupant detection system 700, and the considerate operation execution devices / systems 800, 800a, 800b, and 800c described in the first to fourth embodiments can be realized by a computer equipped with a CPU (Central Processing Unit), a storage device, and an interface, and a program that controls these hardware resources. An example of the configuration of this computer is shown in Figure 23.

[0170] The computer comprises a CPU 900, a storage device 901, and an interface device (I / F) 902. In the case of environmental control devices 100, 100a, 100b, and 100c, the I / F 902 is connected to the air conditioning control system 10, the resident detection system 700, the considerate operation execution devices / systems 800, 800a, 800b, and 800c, as well as display devices, etc. In the case of the air conditioning control system 10, the I / F 902 is connected to the air conditioning management server, display devices, temperature and humidity sensors, and terminals such as PCs (Personal Computers) and smartphones of administrators and residents. In the case of the resident detection system 700, the I / F 902 is connected to devices such as RFID (Radio Frequency Identification) cards and tags, BLE (Bluetooth® Low Energy) beacons, smartphones, RFID card readers, and BLE receivers. In the case of the considerate operation execution devices / systems 800, 800a, 800b, and 800c, the I / F902 is connected to the air conditioning control system 10, a mail server or web server that sends notifications to residents, and a resident information display terminal (PC, smartphone, etc.).

[0171] The program for realizing the environmental control device of the present invention is stored in the storage device 901. The CPU 900 of each device executes the processes described in the first to fourth embodiments according to the program stored in the storage device 901. [Industrial applicability]

[0172] This invention can be applied to technologies for controlling the thermal environment of building spaces. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0173] 100, 100a, 100b, 100c Environmental control device 131 Area Resident Management Department 132 Preference characteristics management department 133 Area Preference Management Department 134, 134a, 134b Area Target Determination Section 135, 135a, 135b, 135c Consideration Processing Unit 136, 136a, 136b, 136c Consideration Action Execution Unit

Claims

1. An area preference management unit identifies the thermal environment preference characteristics of each of the multiple residents located in the target area based on information that identifies each resident, An area target determination unit determines a target value for the thermal environment of a target area based on the thermal environment preference characteristics of each of the multiple residents identified by the area preference management unit, A consideration processing unit determines which residents from among the multiple residents are subject to consideration actions based on the degree of discrepancy between the target value of the thermal environment of the target area determined by the area target determination unit and the preference characteristics related to the thermal environment identified by the area preference management unit, and determines a predetermined consideration action to be performed. A consideration action execution unit that executes the predetermined consideration action determined by the consideration processing unit for the target resident who has been determined to be a target resident based on the degree of deviation, An environmental control device characterized by comprising:

2. The aforementioned consideration processing unit is As a predetermined consideration action corresponding to a resident whose deviation degree satisfies predetermined consideration target conditions, the consideration action execution unit is instructed to execute a notification corresponding to the deviation degree calculated for each of the multiple residents. The environmental control device according to feature 1.

3. The aforementioned consideration processing unit is As a predetermined consideration action corresponding to a resident whose degree of deviation satisfies predetermined consideration conditions, the consideration action execution unit is instructed to perform a change in the air conditioning setting value according to the degree of deviation calculated for each of the multiple residents. The environmental control device according to feature 1.

4. The aforementioned consideration action execution unit, The air conditioning setting value for the target area is changed to a consideration adjustment value according to the first deviation degree, which is the deviation degree calculated for each of the aforementioned multiple residents. The aforementioned consideration processing unit is The consideration operation execution unit is instructed to change the air conditioning setting value according to the second degree of discrepancy between the consideration adjustment value and the preference characteristics regarding the thermal environment for each of the multiple residents. The environmental control device according to feature 3.

5. The aforementioned area target determination unit, When the aforementioned preference characteristics regarding the thermal environment are registered within the range of the thermal environment index, The number of people who can accommodate the range of the thermal environment index, which includes the preference characteristics of all residents located within the target area, is calculated. Based on the number of people present, the target value for the thermal environment of the target area is determined. The environmental control device according to any one of claims 1 to 4.

6. The aforementioned area target determination unit, When the preference characteristics related to the thermal environment are registered by a function model, Based on the model function corresponding to each of the multiple residents located in the aforementioned target area, a target evaluation function is determined. The value of the thermal environment index based on the aforementioned target evaluation function is determined as the target value for the thermal environment of the target area. The environmental control device according to any one of claims 1 to 4.

7. The aforementioned consideration processing unit is When the aforementioned preference characteristics regarding the thermal environment are registered within the range of the thermal environment index, The degree of deviation is calculated by subtracting the maximum or minimum value of the range of the thermal environment index from the target value of the thermal environment of the target area. The environmental control device according to any one of claims 1 to 4.

8. The aforementioned consideration processing unit is When the preference characteristics related to the thermal environment are registered by a function model, The value of the thermal environment index, which is the value of the function model defined as the target value, is calculated for each of the multiple residents located in the target area. The degree of deviation is calculated by subtracting the value of the thermal environment index, whose value in the function model is the value to be searched, from the target value of the thermal environment in the target area. The environmental control device according to any one of claims 1 to 4.

9. An environmental control method to be executed by an environmental control device, Area preference management process that identifies the preference characteristics regarding the thermal environment for each of the multiple residents located in the target area, based on information that identifies each resident. An area target determination step, which determines a target value for the thermal environment of the target area based on the thermal environment preference characteristics of each of the multiple residents identified by the area preference management step, A consideration processing step that determines which residents from the plurality of residents are subject to consideration actions based on the degree of discrepancy between the target value of the thermal environment of the target area determined by the area target determination step and the preference characteristics related to the thermal environment identified by the area preference management step, and determines a predetermined consideration action to be performed. A consideration action execution step in which, for the resident who has been determined to be a target resident based on the degree of deviation, the predetermined consideration action determined by the consideration processing step is performed, An environmental control method characterized by including

10. An area preference management procedure that identifies the preference characteristics regarding the thermal environment for each of the multiple residents located in the target area, based on information that identifies each resident. An area target determination procedure for determining a target value for the thermal environment of a target area based on the thermal environment preference characteristics of each of the multiple residents identified by the area preference management procedure, A consideration processing procedure for determining which residents are subject to consideration actions from among the multiple residents based on the degree of discrepancy between the target value of the thermal environment of the target area determined by the area target determination procedure and the preference characteristics related to the thermal environment identified by the area preference management procedure, and for determining a predetermined consideration action to be performed. A consideration action execution procedure for executing the predetermined consideration action determined by the consideration processing procedure for the target resident who has been determined to be a target resident based on the degree of deviation, An environmental control program characterized by causing a computer to execute it.

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