Fee calculation system, fee calculation device, fee calculation method, and program

Abstract

This system provides a flexible pricing system, pricing device, pricing method, and program that can adapt to the usage status of energy-consuming equipment while ensuring the profits of service providers who use energy-consuming equipment. [Solution] The fee calculation system according to this disclosure is a fee calculation system comprising a fee calculation unit that acquires equipment usage information indicating the usage status of energy consumption equipment installed in a building and calculates usage fees based on said equipment usage information, wherein the fee calculation unit calculates the usage fees based on basic fee information and variable fee information that changes based on said equipment usage information.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a fee calculation system, a fee calculation device, a fee calculation method, and a program.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, various solutions for energy conservation have been proposed for operators who provide services using building facilities that consume energy such as air conditioning and lighting in buildings. As an example of a system for supporting energy conservation, a system that calculates and displays the usage fee of energy-consuming facilities is known (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] In the case of an operator who provides services using energy-consuming facilities as described above, it is considered possible to enhance the appeal by guaranteeing a certain energy-saving effect to customers. However, the conventional method for calculating energy usage fees still has room for improvement from the viewpoint of flexibly varying the usage fees so that users can also obtain benefits according to the usage status of energy-consuming facilities while ensuring the profits of the operators who provide services using energy-consuming facilities.

[0005] Therefore, the present disclosure has been made in view of the above problems, and an object thereof is to provide a fee calculation system, a fee calculation device, a fee calculation method, and a program that can flexibly respond based on the usage status of energy-consuming facilities while ensuring the profits of the operators who provide services using energy-consuming facilities.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] According to this disclosure, a fee calculation system includes a fee calculation unit that acquires equipment usage information indicating the usage status of energy consumption equipment installed in a building and calculates usage fees based on said equipment usage information, The fee calculation unit provides a fee calculation system that calculates the usage fee based on basic fee information and variable fee information that changes based on the equipment usage information.

[0007] Furthermore, according to this disclosure, a fee calculation device is provided which includes a fee calculation unit that acquires equipment usage information indicating the usage status of energy consumption equipment installed in a building and calculates usage fees based on said equipment usage information, The aforementioned fee calculation unit is provided with a fee calculation device that calculates the usage fee based on predetermined basic fee information and variable fee information that changes based on the equipment usage information.

[0008] Furthermore, according to this disclosure, a fee calculation method is provided which involves acquiring equipment usage information indicating the usage status of energy consumption equipment installed in a building, and calculating usage fees based on said equipment usage information, The fee calculation unit is provided with a fee calculation method that calculates the usage fee based on predetermined basic fee information and variable fee information that changes based on the equipment usage information.

[0009] Furthermore, according to this disclosure, a program that obtains equipment usage information showing the usage status of energy consumption equipment installed in a building, and causes a computer to execute a fee calculation process to calculate usage fees based on said equipment usage information, A program is provided that causes the computer to perform the fee calculation process, which calculates the usage fee based on predetermined basic fee information and variable fee information that changes based on the equipment usage information. [Effects of the Invention]

[0010] According to this disclosure, it is possible to provide a pricing system, pricing device, pricing method, and program that can flexibly respond to the usage status of energy consumption equipment while ensuring the interests of service providers who provide services using energy consumption equipment. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0011] [Figure 1] This figure shows an example of the system configuration according to one embodiment. [Figure 2] This figure shows an example configuration of an information processing device according to the same embodiment. [Figure 3] This figure shows an example configuration of a user terminal according to the same embodiment. [Figure 4] This figure shows an example of an energy management device according to the same embodiment. [Figure 5] This is a flowchart illustrating the control of the system according to the same embodiment. [Figure 6] This is a flowchart illustrating the generation of a contract plan according to the same embodiment. [Figure 7] This figure shows an example of a contract plan according to the same embodiment. [Figure 8] This figure shows an example of the variable charge calculation conditions according to the same embodiment. [Figure 9] This figure shows an example of the basic fee calculation conditions according to the same embodiment. [Figure 10] This figure shows an example of a reservation screen according to the same embodiment. [Figure 11] This figure shows an example of a pedestrian flow data display screen according to the same embodiment. [Figure 12] This is a flowchart illustrating the determination process using pedestrian flow data according to the same embodiment. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0012] Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in detail while referring to the attached drawings. In the present specification and drawings, components having substantially the same functional configuration are denoted by the same reference numerals, and redundant descriptions are omitted.

[0013] Here, in the present disclosure, a user can be, for example, a contractor who concludes a contract with a business operator who provides services using energy-consuming facilities, etc., and may include one or more natural persons and legal persons.

[0014] The building can be, for example, any building such as an office building, a factory, a house, etc. Note that it is applicable not only to buildings but also to other objects provided with at least facilities that consume energy.

[0015] The energy-consuming facilities can include, for example, an air-conditioning system, a lighting system, an elevator system, etc. that operate with electricity, gas, etc. The air-conditioning system may include known air-conditioning devices and air-conditioning systems using district heating and cooling. The lighting system includes lighting devices provided with various light sources such as LEDs and fluorescent tubes. The elevator system can reduce power consumption by stopping some of the plurality of elevators or restricting the movement range of each elevator. Restricting the movement range of an elevator may be, for example, limiting the number of floors that each elevator moves to only a part of the total floors or setting floors where the elevator does not stop.

[0016] The energy can include, for example, electricity (electric power), gas, etc. The power source is not particularly limited, and may be any power generation system such as thermal power, nuclear power, hydropower, geothermal power, biomass, offshore wind power, onshore wind power, solar power, etc. or a storage battery, etc.

[0017] Figure 1 shows an example of the fee calculation system 1 (hereinafter also referred to as "the system") of this embodiment. System 1 in this example includes an information processing device 10. The information processing device 10 may be connected via a network NW to at least one of an energy management system 30 that manages energy consumption equipment installed in building B, and a user terminal 20 used by users of building B. The information processing device 10 may be installed in a service provider that provides services using energy consumption equipment (hereinafter also referred to as a service provider).

[0018] A network (NW) consists of various mobile communication systems, such as the Internet, LANs, and wireless base stations. For example, a network includes 3G, 4G, and 5G mobile communication systems, LTE (Long Term Evolution), and wireless networks (e.g., Wi-Fi®) that can connect to the Internet via designated access points. When connecting wirelessly, communication protocols include, for example, Z-Wave®, ZigBee®, and Bluetooth®. When connecting via a wired connection, the network also includes connections made directly via USB (Universal Serial Bus) cables, etc.

[0019] Figure 2 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the information processing device 10. The information processing device 10 functions as a charge calculation device that calculates usage charges for energy consumption equipment installed in building B. The information processing device 10 is a device used by system administrators, etc., when operating and managing various services, and may be a computer such as a server, desktop, laptop, or tablet.

[0020] The information processing device 10 in this example includes a control unit 11, a storage unit 12, an input unit 13, an output unit 14, and a communication unit 15. The information processing device 10 receives various input information from the input unit 13 or from an external device via the communication unit 15. The control unit 11 then executes processing according to the input information using a program, and stores the processing results of the program (e.g., images or audio) in the storage unit 12, outputs them from the output unit 14, or transmits them to an external information processing device via the communication unit 15. Note that a part of the above program may be transmitted to another information processing device (e.g., a user terminal, another server, etc.) and executed on that other information processing device. In this case, the other information processing device can be, for example, a smartphone, a mobile phone terminal, a tablet terminal, a personal computer, etc., and is connected to the information processing device 10 wirelessly or by wire via a network such as the Internet.

[0021] The control unit 11 handles the exchange of information between each part and controls the entire information processing device 10. This is achieved, for example, by having the CPU (Central Processing Unit), MPU (Micro Processing Unit), or GPU (Graphics Processing Unit) execute a program stored in a predetermined memory.

[0022] The control unit 11 may include an information acquisition unit 111, a fee calculation unit 112, a determination unit 113, and a notification unit 114.

[0023] The memory unit 12 stores various types of information. The memory unit 12 stores programs for executing various control processes and functions within the control unit 11, input information, etc., and is composed of one or any combination thereof of RAM (Random Access Memory), ROM (Read Only Memory), flash memory, HDD (Hard Disk Drive), SSD (Solid State Drive), and other storage devices.

[0024] The storage unit 12 may include a user information storage unit 121, a fee calculation condition information storage unit 121, a determination condition information storage unit 122, and a notification condition information storage unit 123.

[0025] The user information storage unit 121 stores user information for users who use services provided by the system administrator.

[0026] User information refers to information about each user. User information may include, for example, a user ID set for each user, user name, number of users, building information, energy consumption equipment information, contract plan information, and information about communicable devices and systems. Building information may include building identification information (building ID), building name, and occupied floor (floor number, area). Energy consumption equipment information may include the type of energy consumption equipment, number of units installed, installation location, manufacturer, output, and energy consumption information per unit time for each energy consumption equipment or area (e.g., amount of electricity consumed per hour, amount of gas consumed per hour). Energy consumption equipment information may include, in more detail, the amount of power consumed per unit time according to the output intensity of each air conditioning unit, the output intensity and operating time required to lower (or raise) the indoor temperature by 1°C towards the target temperature, energy consumption information required to lower (or raise) the indoor temperature by 1°C towards the target temperature, the amount of power consumed per unit time for each lighting device, the amount of power consumed per unit time for each elevator device and for each operating range (e.g., the amount of power consumed per hour when the elevator's operating range is limited to the 1st to 5th floors, the amount of power consumed per hour when only one of the two elevators is operating). This information can be used for processing such as calculating charges and generating schedules. Contract plan information may include the value (%) of the energy saving guarantee, the amount of energy consumed per unit period to achieve the energy saving guarantee, the number of users, basic charges, variable charges, and other condition information. User information may also include notification destination information such as external devices (user terminals) that send notifications. Furthermore, the memory unit 12 may store arbitrary information associated with user information, such as the schedule of energy-consuming equipment, estimated values ​​of energy consumption, estimated charges, past energy consumption history, charge history, and past input information.

[0027] The fee calculation condition information storage unit 122 stores fee calculation condition information for calculating various fees. The fee calculation condition information may be set for each user or may be common to all users. The fee calculation condition information may include basic fee condition information for calculating basic fees and variable fee condition information for calculating variable fees.

[0028] The determination condition information storage unit 123 stores the determination conditions for the determination unit 113 to execute the determination process. The determination conditions may be set for each user or may be common to all users. The determination conditions may include, for example, information on an energy consumption threshold.

[0029] The memory unit 12 may store limiting conditions for restricting the use of energy-consuming equipment or input from users. These limiting conditions may be set for each user or may be common to all users.

[0030] The input unit 13 is configured for users, system administrators, etc., to input various types of information as described above, and can be implemented using, for example, a keyboard, mouse, touch panel, microphone, etc. User input information can also be received via the communication unit 15.

[0031] The output unit 14 can output information generated by the control unit 11 or information received via the communication unit. The output unit 14 may include, for example, an image output unit such as a liquid crystal display (LCD) or touch panel, and an audio output unit such as a speaker. It can output various types of information based on commands from the control unit 11. Alternatively, the output unit 14 may output (transmit) various types of information to other information processing devices (user terminals, etc.) via the communication unit 15. The control unit 11 can display current information (operating status of energy consumption equipment, information on various detected data, etc.), past history information, and future schedule information on the screen of at least one of the following: the output unit 14, the user terminal 20, the energy management device 30, etc.

[0032] The communication unit 15 is for communicating with external devices and has the function of a receiving unit that receives various data and signals transmitted from other information processing devices (user terminals, energy management systems, etc.) and a transmitting unit that transmits various data and signals to external devices, etc., in accordance with commands from the control unit 11.

[0033] The user terminal 20 is used by the user to check information displayed on the screen, which acts as an output unit, and to input various instruction information, etc., using the services provided by this system 1. The user terminal 20 can be, for example, an information processing device such as a smartphone, tablet terminal, or personal computer. There is not limited to one user terminal 20, but there may be multiple. Such user terminals 20 may be installed in the building used by the user. Alternatively, some or all of the functions of the user terminal 20 may be provided in the information processing device 10 or the energy management device 30 to form an integrated configuration.

[0034] Figure 3 shows an example of the configuration of a user terminal 20. The user terminal 20 has a control unit 21, a storage unit 22, an input unit 23, an output unit 24, and a communication unit 25. The control unit 21, like the control unit 11 described above, handles the exchange of information between each unit and controls the entire user terminal 20, and is realized, for example, by having the CPU, MPU, or GPU execute a program stored in a predetermined memory. The storage unit 22, like the storage unit 12 described above, stores programs for executing various control processes and functions within the control unit 21, input information, etc., and is composed of one or any combination thereof of RAM, ROM, flash memory, HDD, SSD, or other storage. The input unit 23, like the input unit 13 described above, is for the user to input various types of information as described above, and is realized, for example, by a keyboard, mouse, touch panel, microphone, etc. The output unit 24, like the output unit 14 described above, can output information generated by the control unit 21 or information received via the communication unit, and can include, for example, an image output unit such as a liquid crystal display or touch panel, and an audio output unit such as a speaker. The communication unit 25, like the communication unit 15 described above, is for communicating with other information processing devices and has the function of a receiving unit that receives various data and signals transmitted from other information processing devices, etc., and a transmitting unit that transmits various data and signals to other information processing devices, etc., in accordance with commands from the control unit 21. Users input various information via the input unit 23 of the user terminal 20 used by each user and transmit the input information to the information processing device 10, which acts as a server device, via the communication unit 25. Users can also receive the processing results output from the information processing device 10 and confirm them via the output unit 24.

[0035] The energy management system 30, also known as a BEMS (Building Energy Management System), manages the operation of one or more energy-consuming equipment installed in building B. The energy management system 30 may control the operation of the energy-consuming equipment based on a pre-set schedule. Alternatively, the energy management system 30 may control the operation of the energy-consuming equipment in response to detection information from various sensors within the building, or it may control the operation based on user input information. The energy management system 30 can manage the operation of each individual energy-consuming equipment. Managing the operation includes starting and stopping operation (operation), adjusting and controlling output, etc.

[0036] Figure 4 shows an example of the configuration of an energy management device that constitutes the energy management system 30. The energy management device has a control unit 31, a storage unit 32, an input unit 33, an output unit 34, and a communication unit 35. The control unit 31 handles the exchange of information between each unit and controls the entire energy management device 30, and is realized, for example, by having a CPU, MPU, or GPU execute a program stored in a predetermined memory. The storage unit 32, like the storage units 12 and 22 described above, stores programs for executing various control processes and functions within the control unit 31, input information, etc., and is composed of one or any combination thereof of RAM, ROM, flash memory, HDD, SSD, or other storage. The input unit 33, like the input units 13 and 23 described above, is for the user to input the various information described above, and is realized, for example, by a keyboard, mouse, touch panel, microphone, etc. The output unit 34, like the output units 14 and 24 described above, can output information generated by the control unit 31 or information received via the communication unit. For example, it may include an image output unit such as a liquid crystal display or touch panel, and an audio output unit such as a speaker. The communication unit 35, like the communication unit 15 described above, is for communicating with other information processing devices and has the function of a receiving unit that receives various data and signals transmitted from other information processing devices, etc., and a transmitting unit that transmits various data and signals to other information processing devices, etc., in accordance with commands from the control unit 21.

[0037] The control unit 31 controls the operation of each energy-consuming equipment based on control conditions stored in the storage unit 32 in advance or received from an external device. The control unit 31 may also control the operation of each energy-consuming equipment based on a schedule predetermined as a control condition.

[0038] The control unit 31 may generate schedule information for the next day's energy-consuming equipment to minimize energy consumption, based on electricity trading data and target temperature information obtained from electricity wholesale markets such as the Japan Electric Power Exchange (JEPX). The electricity trading data may include, for example, the electricity unit price for each time period (e.g., every 30 minutes, every hour, every two hours, etc.) on a specific day (such as the next day), or it may include demand forecast information for each time period. The schedule information can be information that stores the operation of each energy-consuming equipment in association with time information. The control unit 31 can manage the operation for each individual energy-consuming equipment. The operation of each energy-consuming equipment may include information such as the start (startup), stop, and output level of the energy-consuming equipment. The schedule information may also include numerical information such as the target energy consumption amount for each time period, the estimated energy consumption amount estimated based on the schedule, and the upper limit of energy consumption.

[0039] The control unit 31 may compare the target energy consumption with the current energy consumption and control the operation of the energy-consuming equipment. For example, if the current energy consumption exceeds the target energy consumption, the output of the energy-consuming equipment may be reduced or stopped. Similarly, the operation of the energy-consuming equipment may be controlled by comparing the estimated energy consumption with the current energy consumption. In addition, the energy consumption for a unit period (1 hour, 1 day, etc.) may be estimated based on the current energy consumption, and if the estimated value exceeds the upper limit of energy consumption, the output may be reduced or stopped.

[0040] The control unit 31 may generate schedule information using a predetermined algorithm. The control unit 31 may also generate schedule information using machine learning or generative AI with power trading data and target temperature information as input information. The machine learning method may be unsupervised learning or supervised learning, and the machine learning method is not particularly limited as long as appropriate training data and training algorithms are selected and executed. A trained model is obtained by machine learning a neural network using known training data and optimizing the parameters of the neural network so that desired output data is output when certain input data is input. In this example, unknown input data (power trading data and target temperature information) is input to the trained model to obtain predetermined output data (operation information for each energy consumption equipment for each time period). The generation of a machine learning model may be done by training the model using training data which consists of predetermined input data (power trading data and target temperature information) and output data corresponding to the input data (operation information for each energy consumption equipment for each time period). Various information processing operations performed by the control unit 31, such as the generation of schedule information, may be performed by an external device, such as the control unit 11 of the information processing device 10.

[0041] The control unit 31 may also automatically control the air conditioning based on power trading data and target temperature information so as to minimize the amount of energy consumed (cumulative value) in a unit period (such as one day).

[0042] Furthermore, the control unit 31 may control the operation of energy-consuming equipment in accordance with detection information from various detection units within the building (temperature sensors, humidity sensors, pedestrian flow sensors, illuminance sensors, etc.). For example, the operation of the air conditioning system can be determined by comparing the temperature obtained from the temperature sensor with predetermined temperature conditions. Specifically, if the difference between the current temperature and the target temperature exceeds a threshold, the output of the air conditioning system may be increased to bring it closer to the target temperature.

[0043] Furthermore, the control unit 31 may control its operation based on user input information. For example, in manual control mode, if the user sets the set temperature lower (or higher) than the scheduled temperature, the control unit 31 may increase the output of the air conditioning system to approach that set temperature.

[0044] The control unit 31 can store acquired and generated information in the storage unit or transmit it to the information processing unit 10. For example, by repeatedly transmitting various types of information such as schedule information, target energy consumption, estimated energy consumption, upper limit of energy consumption, power trading data, and target temperature information to the information processing unit 10, information can be shared in virtually real time.

[0045] The memory unit 32 may store building information, energy consumption equipment information, detection unit information such as sensors and cameras, and schedule generation condition information for generating schedule information. Building information may include building identification information (building ID), building name, occupied floor (number of floors, area), and the number of people in each area. Energy consumption equipment information may include the type of energy consumption equipment, number of units installed, installation location, manufacturer, output, and energy consumption information per unit time (e.g., power consumption). Detection unit information may include the type of detection device, number of units installed, installation location, manufacturer, output, and energy consumption information per unit time (e.g., power consumption). Information on detection results by the detection unit may also be stored in the memory unit in association with time information, location information, etc. The information for each energy consumption equipment and detection unit is associated with the building's area information. This makes it possible, for example, to increase the output of the air conditioning unit (energy consumption equipment) corresponding to the area where a temperature sensor (detection unit) that has detected a rise in temperature is located. In other words, it becomes possible to control the energy consumption equipment corresponding to the detection information by the detection unit. The schedule generation condition information may include an algorithm, machine learning, or artificial intelligence (AI) program for generating the above schedule information.

[0046] Figure 5 shows an example of the fee calculation method in this embodiment.

[0047] As shown in Figure 5, the information processing device 10 can perform the following processes: acquiring various types of information (S1), determining the basic charge (S2), determining the variable charge (S3), and determining the energy charge (S4).

[0048] As part of the information acquisition process (S1), the information acquisition unit 111 can acquire equipment usage information indicating the usage status of energy-consuming equipment installed in the building. For example, the information acquisition unit 111 acquires equipment usage information transmitted from the building's energy management system 30 via the communication unit 15. The information acquisition unit 111 may also acquire any other information. For example, it can acquire information input via the input unit of the information processing device 10, the user terminal 20, or the energy management system 30, information generated by each device, detection information detected by detection units such as sensors, or information transmitted from other external devices.

[0049] The various types of information acquired by the information acquisition unit 111 can be stored in the storage unit 12. The various types of information acquired by the information acquisition unit 111 may also be stored in the storage unit 12 in association with acquisition time information such as the time and date of acquisition for each type of information.

[0050] The fee calculation unit 112 determines the basic fee by referring to pre-stored basic fee information as part of the basic fee determination process (S2). The fee calculation unit 112 may also calculate the basic fee according to the equipment usage information based on pre-stored basic fee calculation conditions. Note that the calculation of the basic fee is not limited to the day, but may also be performed to calculate the basic fee for the next unit period, such as the next day or the next month.

[0051] The fee calculation unit 112, as part of the variable fee determination process (S3), calculates a variable fee according to the equipment usage information based on pre-stored variable fee calculation conditions. The variable fee is not limited to positive values; it may be 0 (zero) or negative (-) values.

[0052] The charge calculation unit 112 can calculate the usage charge as an energy charge determination process (S4) based on the basic charge information obtained in S2 and the variable charge information obtained in S3. The usage charge may be greater than, less than, or the same as the basic charge.

[0053] Thus, in this embodiment, the fee calculation unit 112 calculates the usage fee based on basic fee information and variable fee information that changes based on equipment usage information, thereby ensuring the profits of the service provider that provides services using energy-consuming equipment, while also enabling flexible fee calculation that takes into account the usage status of the energy-consuming equipment.

[0054] The control unit 11 may store the above-mentioned basic charges, variable charges, usage charges, and equipment usage information in a storage unit in association with time information (acquired time, calculated time) and user information, or it may transmit them to an external device such as a user terminal 20 or an energy management system 30.

[0055] The fee calculation unit 112 may repeatedly perform fee calculation processing and related storage and transmission processing at predetermined unit periods. There is not limited to one unit period, but multiple units may be set. For example, various fees may be calculated for each day as the first unit period, and for each month as the second unit period. Alternatively, various fees may be calculated for each hour as the first unit period, for each day as the second unit period, and for each month as the third unit period, or for each year as the fourth unit period. The fee calculation is not limited to the total value for the unit period, but may also be the average value for any unit period, or the maximum value, minimum value, etc. for any unit period may be stored in the storage unit or transmitted to an external device.

[0056] Users can check various fee information and equipment usage information, etc., via the output unit (display screen, etc.) of at least one of the information processing device 10, the user terminal 20, and the energy management system 30.

[0057] The fee calculation unit 112 may calculate the usage fee by performing predetermined calculation processes, such as adding, subtracting, multiplying, or dividing a fixed base fee value set for each user and a variable fee value that changes based on equipment usage information. The fee calculation unit 112 may, for example, obtain a numerical value of the amount of electricity consumed per unit period (1 hour, 1 day, etc.) as equipment usage information, and calculate the variable fee corresponding to that amount of electricity consumed by referring to a calculation formula in the storage unit, or it may determine the variable fee corresponding to that amount of electricity consumed by referring to a fee table in the storage unit. The calculation formula or fee table may be set for each user or may be common to all users. In either case, the calculation formula, fee table, or combination thereof is set so that the amount of the variable fee is uniquely determined according to the numerical value of the equipment usage information.

[0058] The fee calculation unit 112 calculates the fee based on predetermined conditions stored in the memory unit. The timing at which the fee calculation unit 112 calculates the fee may be, for example, when it receives instruction information from the user (reservation instruction, interruption instruction, instruction to change the set temperature, etc.), or it may be set to calculate repeatedly at regular intervals (every 10 minutes, every hour, every 12 hours, every day, every week, every month, etc.). Alternatively, it may include the timing at which detection data such as pedestrian flow data and current temperature is acquired, or the timing at which a change exceeding a predetermined amount in the detection data is detected.

[0059] Here, the contract between the service provider and the user may be, for example, a so-called Service Level Agreement (SLA). The service provider may guarantee a predetermined energy-saving effect (guaranteed value) to the user who uses the building facilities. For example, the service provider may propose a contract that guarantees a predetermined percentage reduction based on past energy consumption or energy usage charges. Specifically, for example, the contract may stipulate that the annual energy consumption for the current or future unit period (this year or next year, etc.) will be reduced by a predetermined percentage compared to the annual energy consumption related to the use of energy-consuming equipment for a past unit period (the previous year, two years ago, etc.). As a result of this contract based on energy-saving effects, the user can, in principle, use the building facilities at a lower cost than before.

[0060] For example, as shown in Figure 6, the information processing device 10 of the business operator collects information from the user in advance when entering into a contract (S11). The information processing device 10 obtains information such as the user's past energy consumption, information on energy-consuming equipment installed in the building, and information on the number of users from the input information from the user, and estimates the amount of energy consumed when using equipment or systems (such as a power management system) as an energy-saving solution based on this information (S12). The difference between the past energy consumption and the estimated amount of energy consumed becomes the estimated amount of energy consumption that will be reduced. The estimation method is not particularly limited, but it may be estimated based on a pre-stored algorithm or learning model. Specifically, for example, methods such as operating the equipment during times when demand is low and the unit price of electricity is low, or reducing the cumulative value of power consumption in a unit period (such as one day) by controlling the operation of the equipment may be used.

[0061] The information processing device 10 then generates information on one or more contract plans (S13). For example, it may generate a contract plan in which the estimated reduction in energy consumption (estimated value) is set as the guaranteed value, or a predetermined percentage of the said reduction (30%, 50%, etc.) is set as the guaranteed value. The information processing device 10 may generate multiple plans with different guaranteed reduction values, allowing the user to select one. For example, it may generate a plan with a large energy-saving effect of 20% reduction and a plan with a small energy-saving effect of 10% reduction, allowing the user to select and contract for either one. The information processing device 10 may also generate multiple contract plans corresponding to a range of users. Information regarding the conditions for generating the above contract plans, collected information, estimated information, and generated information are stored in the storage unit. Based on the input from the user, the information processing device 10 executes a process to conclude a contract between the service provider and the user (S14). With this configuration, instead of the service provider unilaterally determining the service level, the customer can determine the service level themselves according to their actual needs and enjoy on-demand services such as air conditioning. Furthermore, after the contract is concluded, the plan may be changed according to the user's input information. For example, a user who has selected a plan with a large energy-saving effect of 20% may, after actually using the service for a predetermined period, be able to input a request to change to a plan with a smaller energy-saving effect of 10%. The information processing device 10 can receive such input and update the contract plan information in the storage unit, and can perform fee calculation based on the contract plan information.

[0062] Figure 7 shows an example of contract plan information (table). The example in Figure 7 includes information on guaranteed energy saving effect, basic charge, and variable charge based on the number of users. The number of users indicates the estimated number of people using the energy-consuming equipment. If the user is a corporation, this can be the number of employees, etc. The guaranteed energy saving effect indicates, for example, the percentage of guaranteed energy consumption reduction compared to the energy consumption over the past year (e.g., the average monthly value). Since it is estimated that energy consumption will be lower as the number of users decreases, the value of the guaranteed energy saving effect is larger, but this is not limited to this; the value of the guaranteed energy saving effect may decrease as the number of users decreases, or it may be constant regardless of the number of users. The basic charge may be set to decrease as the number of users decreases. In the example in Figure 7, the amounts may be set to increase in the order of Plan A, Plan B, and Plan C. Plans A, B, and C may each be a fixed amount, or they may be designed to fluctuate in amount according to equipment usage information. If they fluctuate, for example, a calculation formula or rate table that uniquely determines the amount using equipment usage information data may be associated with each plan.

[0063] The control unit 11 of the information processing device 10 may calculate the charges based on the guaranteed energy saving effect (%) value included in the contract information. For example, the control unit 11 may compare the estimated energy consumption per unit period when the equipment operates in response to instructions from the user with the target energy consumption per unit period required to satisfy predetermined guaranteed energy saving effect information. If the estimated value is greater than or equal to the target value, a positive variable charge may be added to the basic charge, making the usage charge greater than the basic charge. Conversely, if the estimated value is less than the target value, a negative variable charge may be added (i.e., subtracted) to the basic charge, making the usage charge less than the basic charge. In this case, the variable charge added (or subtracted) to the basic charge may be calculated according to predetermined calculation conditions based on the difference between the estimated value and the target value.

[0064] Here, Figure 8 is an example of a rate table for determining the amount of variable charges corresponding to equipment usage information. Variable charges are determined according to equipment usage information. In the example in Figure 8, if the equipment usage information is below the first threshold, the variable charge is "Plan 11"; if it is above the first threshold but below the second threshold, it is "Plan 12"; and if it is above the second threshold, it is "Plan 13". Note that "Plan 11", "Plan 12", and "Plan 13" may each be a fixed amount, or they may be calculation formulas that uniquely determine the variable charge according to the equipment usage information. Also, although there are three classifications corresponding to the equipment usage information in the example in Figure 8, there may be two or fewer classifications, or four or more classifications. Specifically, for example, if the first threshold is 10kWh, the second threshold is 100kWh, and the amount of electricity consumed in one hour from 9:00 to 10:00 as equipment usage information is 50kWh, then Plan 12 will be selected. Equipment usage information is not limited to electricity consumption; it may be one other indicator or a combination of multiple indicators. In either case, the calculation conditions for variable charges are set so that the variable charges are uniquely determined according to the equipment usage information.

[0065] Figure 9 is an example of a rate table for determining the amount of the basic charge corresponding to the equipment usage information. The basic charge is determined according to the equipment usage information. In the example in Figure 9, if the equipment usage information is below the first threshold, the variable charge is "Plan 21"; if it is above the first threshold but below the second threshold, it is "Plan 22"; and if it is above the second threshold, it is "Plan 23". Note that "Plan 22", "Plan 23", and "Plan 24" may each be a fixed amount, or they may be calculated using a formula that uniquely determines the variable charge according to the equipment usage information. Specifically, for example, if the first threshold is 10kWh, the second threshold is 100kWh, and the amount of electricity consumed in the hour from 9:00 to 10:00 as equipment usage information is 50kWh, then Plan 22 is selected. The equipment usage information is not limited to electricity consumption; it may be one other indicator or a combination of multiple indicators. In any case, the calculation conditions for the basic charge are set so that the variable charge is uniquely determined according to the equipment usage information. Note that the basic charge may be constant regardless of the equipment usage information. Furthermore, although the equipment usage information is classified into three categories in the example in Figure 9, there may be two or fewer categories, or four or more categories. Also, the categories used to calculate the basic charge and the categories used to calculate the variable charge may be different or the same. In addition, the control unit 11 may not only determine the amount of the basic charge for the unit period that includes the present time, but may also determine the amount of the basic charge for future unit periods, such as the unit period following the unit period that includes the present time (e.g., today, this month, etc.) (e.g., tomorrow, next month, etc.).

[0066] Equipment usage information may include energy consumption information, operating time information, number of operations information, instruction information, schedule information, and pedestrian flow data, etc.

[0067] Energy consumption information may include, for example, the amount of energy consumed by energy-consuming equipment, such as electricity consumption or gas consumption. Energy consumption information may also be the cumulative value of energy consumption over a predetermined period.

[0068] The operating time information may include information on the actual operating time of the energy-consuming equipment. The operating time information may also be the cumulative value of the operating time of the energy-consuming equipment over a predetermined period.

[0069] The instruction information may include information such as the content of the instruction information received from the user regarding energy consumption equipment, the number of times the instruction information was received, and the time the energy consumption equipment operated based on the instruction information. The number of times the instruction information was received and the time the energy consumption equipment operated based on the instruction information may be cumulative values ​​over a predetermined period.

[0070] The operating count information may include information on the number of times the energy-consuming equipment was actually operated. The operating time information may be the cumulative value of the number of times the energy-consuming equipment was operated during a predetermined period.

[0071] The schedule information may include information regarding the operation plan of energy-consuming equipment. For example, the schedule information may include whether the energy-consuming equipment is operating, its output intensity, and the amount of energy consumed calculated based on that output intensity for all time periods within the target period (e.g., one year, one day). Based on the schedule information, the control unit 11 can calculate the cumulative value of energy consumption during the target period, and can also calculate charges for each time period based on the energy consumption and energy unit price information for each time period.

[0072] The specified period may be any period, such as 1 hour, 1 day, 1 week, 1 month, 1 year, 10 years, etc., similar to the unit period described above.

[0073] Pedestrian flow data is not particularly limited as long as it shows the movement and flow of people. Pedestrian flow data may also be numerical data indicating the number of times people pass through a specific area inside or outside a building. Pedestrian flow data can be obtained, for example, from a pedestrian flow detection device that detects pedestrian flow. The pedestrian flow detection device may consist of any combination of a pedestrian flow sensor, a motion sensor, and a camera. Pedestrian flow data may also be obtained using deviceless sensing with radio waves. Pedestrian flow data may also be obtained from systems such as attendance management systems used by companies to manage employee attendance, or reception management systems that manage the number of people entering and leaving a building. As pedestrian flow data, cumulative values, average values, maximum values, or minimum values ​​over the above-mentioned predetermined period can be used. Specifically, it may be the average value per day (second unit period) based on accumulated data over one month (first unit period). In this case, even if the pedestrian flow data temporarily becomes large due to visitors or events, using the average value over a relatively long period such as one month can suppress the effects of variability and allow for the adoption of highly accurate values.

[0074] Figure 10 shows an example of a screen 51, such as a monitor or touch panel, of a user terminal 20 that makes reservation instructions for the operation of the air conditioning system for the following day or later. On screen 51, the user can specify the period for the operation of the energy-consuming equipment, and period information is displayed. In the example in Figure 10, the date (November 21, 2024), time period (10:00~12:00), area (Conference Room 1), and set temperature (26℃) are displayed, and the user can input each piece of information. Note that the example in Figure 10 assumes automatic control mode, but it may also be possible to display whether it is automatic control mode or manual control mode, or to allow the user to specify either. Also, although the example in Figure 10 assumes an air conditioning system, it may also be possible to specify one or more types of energy-consuming equipment such as lighting and elevators.

[0075] In the example shown in Figure 10, when a user makes a reservation for the following day or later, the fee calculation unit 112 of the information processing device 10 performs a fee calculation process and displays the usage fee. The usage fee in Figure 10 (usage fee: 300 yen) is the amount of the variable fee that will be added, but the basic fee and the total usage fee may also be displayed.

[0076] Here, reservation instructions may be entered using a known calendar tool, an external calendar system, or a calendar image stored in the memory unit. For example, a web system with a Web API such as Chrome®, Firefox®, or Google Calendar may be linked to display the calculated price on the calendar. The calendar image to be displayed on the terminal screen may be stored in the memory unit in advance and displayed in response to user input.

[0077] Figure 11 shows an example of displaying pedestrian flow data on a screen 51 of a user terminal. In the example in Figure 11, the cumulative value of the number of people passing through a designated area of ​​a building (passage count: People flow) as pedestrian flow data for one month (first unit period) is displayed numerically and graphically. The cumulative value is displayed so that it can be compared with the monthly pedestrian flow limit (20,000 Pf) based on the contract plan and the current cumulative value (16,800 Pf). This configuration allows users to recognize the current value relative to the unit period limit and use it as a reference when deciding on their actions. In addition, in the example in Figure 11, the cumulative value of pedestrian flow for each day (second unit period) in the same unit period (November 2024) is displayed as a bar graph. The cumulative value of the pedestrian flow data for each day may be displayed numerically in addition to the bar graph, or instead of a bar graph.

[0078] Here, the control unit 11 of the information processing device 10 may send a notification prompting a change in the pricing plan or automatically update the pricing plan based on the human flow data, etc., detected by the detection unit. For example, in the example in Figure 11, if the cumulative value of the human flow data (16,800 Pf) reaches the monthly upper limit (20,000 Pf), the control unit 11 may send a notification prompting a change in the pricing plan or automatically update the pricing plan. Alternatively, if the expected number of users at the time of contract was 10 and plans A and X were selected, but it is determined based on the human flow data, etc., that the number of users has gradually increased to 20, the control unit 11 may send a notification prompting a change in the pricing plan to plans B and Y or automatically update the pricing plan.

[0079] Figure 12 shows the process when the control unit 11 makes the above-mentioned notification or changes the plan based on the pedestrian flow data.

[0080] As shown in Figure 12, the control unit 11 acquires pedestrian flow data transmitted from the building's detection unit, etc. (S21). Based on this pedestrian flow data, the control unit 11 estimates the number of users who actually use the energy-consuming equipment (S22). The estimation process can be performed using a calculation formula or table that shows the relationship between pedestrian flow data and the estimated number of users, which is stored in advance. This ensures that the estimated number of users is uniquely determined by the value of the pedestrian flow data. The control unit 11 then compares the estimated number of users with the range of users in the contract plan to determine whether the estimated number of users is included in the range of users in the contract plan (S23). Depending on whether the estimated number of users is included in the range of the contract plan, the control unit 11 sends a notification or makes an automatic change (S24). If the estimated number of users is included in the range of the contract plan, the control unit 11 does not send a notification and does not change the contract plan. If the estimated number of users is not included in the range of the contract plan, the control unit 11 sends a notification and / or changes the contract plan. The notification is sent to predetermined terminals (user terminals, system administrator terminals, etc.). The notification may include at least one of the following: the value of the pedestrian flow data, the estimated number of people, the assessment result, the contracted plan, and the revised plan.

[0081] As described above, the fee calculation system of this embodiment is a fee calculation system that includes a fee calculation unit that acquires equipment usage information indicating the usage status of energy consumption equipment installed in a building and calculates usage fees based on said equipment usage information, wherein the fee calculation unit calculates the usage fees based on basic fee information and variable fee information that changes based on said equipment usage information. As a result, by having the fee calculation unit 112 calculate usage fees based on basic fee information and variable fee information that changes based on equipment usage information, it is possible to perform fee calculations that can be flexibly adapted to the usage status of energy consumption equipment while ensuring the profits of the service provider that provides services using energy consumption equipment.

[0082] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the fee calculation unit may calculate at least one of the basic fee information and the variable fee information based on the pedestrian flow data of users using the building. With this configuration, it becomes possible to calculate usage fees according to the actual number of people using the building (not the number of contracted users). In particular, in air conditioning systems, the temperature of a space tends to rise due to the heat emitted by the human body, so the energy consumption of the air conditioning system (cooling) tends to increase as the number of people increases. Therefore, it becomes possible to calculate appropriate usage fees according to the actual pedestrian flow using pedestrian flow data. As a result, the business operator's profits can be secured with higher accuracy. More specifically, for example, if the number of people at the time of contract is 10, and the number of users gradually increases to 20 people in the same space, if the indoor temperature is to be maintained using the same cooling system, the output of the cooling system must be increased in order to maintain the same temperature. Therefore, energy consumption will increase, and it may become difficult for the business operator to secure profits. In contrast, in this embodiment, the usage fee increases in accordance with the increase in pedestrian flow data, so the business operator's profits can be secured with higher accuracy.

[0083] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the fee calculation unit may calculate at least one of the basic fee information and the variable fee information based on the average value of the pedestrian flow data over a predetermined period. With this configuration, even if there are periods when pedestrian flow temporarily increases or decreases significantly, the final usage fee will be less affected. In this case, the unit period is preferably one month, but is not limited to this.

[0084] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the pedestrian flow data may be estimated based on detection data from a detection unit installed in the building. With such a configuration, for example, it becomes possible to calculate an appropriate usage fee according to the location of the detection unit. In addition, the accuracy of the fee calculation can be adjusted by changing the location of the detection unit.

[0085] Furthermore, in this embodiment, a notification unit 114 may be provided that sends a predetermined notification when the pedestrian flow data satisfies predetermined pedestrian flow conditions. With such a configuration, for example, predetermined users, administrators, etc., can be notified of fluctuations in pedestrian flow data, etc. When notifying a system administrator, it can provide an opportunity for them to consider changing the pricing plan.

[0086] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the charge calculation unit may calculate the variable charge information based on a predetermined operating schedule of the energy-consuming equipment. With such a configuration, for example, the variable charge can be calculated in advance regardless of the actual operating performance of the energy-consuming equipment.

[0087] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the charge calculation unit may calculate the variable charge information based on the energy consumption information for each time period estimated based on the operating schedule, and the energy unit price for each time period. With such a configuration, it becomes possible to calculate variable charges based on the energy unit price for each time period.

[0088] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the charge calculation unit may calculate the variable charge information based on the difference between the estimated energy consumption information estimated based on the operating schedule and the actual energy consumption information. With such a configuration, it becomes possible to add charges in accordance with the amount exceeding the pre-estimated energy consumption information, or conversely, to reduce charges in accordance with the amount if the actual value is lower than the estimated value.

[0089] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the equipment usage information may include instruction information received from the user regarding the operation of energy-consuming equipment. With this configuration, variable charges can be calculated according to the instruction information from the user.

[0090] Furthermore, in this embodiment, a determination unit 113 may be provided to determine whether the instruction information satisfies predetermined restriction information. With such a configuration, it becomes possible to appropriately restrict the instruction information according to the content, number of times, time, etc. of the instruction information from the user. For example, restriction information may be set so that instructions to the lighting system are accepted, but instructions to the air conditioning system are not accepted. Alternatively, an upper limit may be set on the number of times instructions can be given in a predetermined period, and instructions may not be accepted if the number of instructions exceeds the upper limit. Alternatively, an upper limit may be set on the time that instructions can be given in a predetermined period (the time during which energy-consuming equipment operates in response to the instruction), and instructions may not be accepted if the cumulative value of the operating time exceeds the upper limit. The restriction information may be set and updated arbitrarily by the system administrator or the user.

[0091] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the limitation information may include conditions relating to the cumulative value of energy consumption over a predetermined period, and the determination unit 113 may make the determination based on whether the estimated energy consumption when operating the energy consumption equipment based on the instruction information satisfies the limitation information. With such a configuration, the energy consumption equipment can be controlled so as not to exceed the predetermined limit on the amount of energy consumed over a predetermined period. As a result, for example, it is possible to prevent energy consumption from becoming too high or the amount of usage charges from becoming too high.

[0092] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the restriction information may include conditions relating to the cumulative amount of usage charges over a predetermined period, and the determination unit 113 may make the determination based on whether the estimated charge when operating the energy consumption equipment based on the instruction information satisfies the restriction information. With such a configuration, the energy consumption equipment can be controlled so as not to exceed the usage charge limit for a predetermined period.

[0093] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the restriction information may include a condition relating to the cumulative number of instruction information over a predetermined period, and the determination unit 113 may make the determination based on whether the cumulative value of the number of instructions from the user over the predetermined period satisfies the restriction information. With such a configuration, energy consumption equipment can be controlled so as not to exceed a predetermined limit on the number of instructions.

[0094] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the limitation information may include conditions relating to the cumulative operating time of the energy-consuming equipment based on the instruction information, and the determination unit 113 may make the determination based on whether the estimated cumulative operating time during a predetermined period when the energy-consuming equipment is operated based on the instruction information satisfies the limitation information. With such a configuration, the energy-consuming equipment can be controlled so as not to exceed a predetermined limit on the cumulative operating time based on instructions (for example, manual mode operating time).

[0095] Furthermore, in this embodiment, an instruction limiting unit may be provided that restricts the acceptance of instruction information from the user based on the determination result by the determination unit 113. With such a configuration, it is possible to limit instructions from the user, so for example, it is possible to prevent energy consumption from becoming too high or the amount of usage charges from becoming too high.

[0096] Furthermore, in this embodiment, a notification unit 114 may be provided that sends a notification to the user or administrator based on the determination result by the determination unit 113. With such a configuration, the user or administrator can immediately grasp the determination result of whether or not the user's input exceeds a predetermined limit.

[0097] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the instruction information may include reservation instructions for the operation of the air conditioning system on the following day or later, or interruption instructions for the operation of the air conditioning system on the current day. The charge calculation unit may calculate the billing amount based on a first condition when the air conditioning system is controlled based on the reservation instructions, and calculate the usage fee based on a second condition different from the first condition when the air conditioning system is controlled based on the interruption instructions. With this configuration, it is possible to calculate the usage fee separately for reservation instructions on the following day or later and for interruption instructions on the current day. For example, in the case of reservation instructions, the conditions for calculating the charge can be designed so that the usage fee is smaller than in the case of interruption instructions on the current day.

[0098] For example, a user can issue reservation instructions for the operation of energy-consuming equipment on subsequent days, and interrupt instructions for the operation of energy-consuming equipment on the current day, from the input section of the user terminal 20 or the input section of the energy management system 30. The interrupt instructions may include, for example, the type of energy-consuming equipment, the operating intensity (output intensity of the air conditioning system, brightness of the lighting, etc.), and the area, and the operation of the energy-consuming equipment will be changed immediately regardless of the schedule information.

[0099] In the case of reservation instructions, it is possible to generate an operating schedule for energy-consuming equipment after predicting demand for the following day and beyond based on electricity trading data obtained from the wholesale electricity market, etc. This allows for a reduction in overall usage fees by prioritizing the operation of energy-consuming equipment during periods of relatively low demand, and also allows for control to prevent exceeding the upper limit if there is a limit on the amount of energy consumed. In contrast, on-the-day interruption instructions are difficult to include in the schedule, so they tend to have a greater impact on energy consumption and usage fees compared to reservation instructions. Therefore, by calculating usage fees separately for reservation instructions for the following day and beyond and on-the-day interruption instructions, it becomes easier to secure profits for the business operator even if, for example, energy consumption exceeds the planned amount.

[0100] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the energy unit price for each time period included in the first condition may be lower than the energy unit price for the same time period included in the second condition. With this configuration, the usage fee will be lower in the case of a reservation instruction compared to a same-day interruption instruction, thus encouraging users to make reservation instructions rather than interruption instructions. Users can reduce their usage fees, and energy companies can more easily control demand based on demand forecasts.

[0101] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the instruction information may include type-specification information that specifies the type of energy-consuming equipment. This configuration enhances convenience by allowing the user to select which type of energy-consuming equipment to give instructions to. For example, if an air conditioning system and a lighting system are provided, only the output of the selected air conditioning system can be lowered or raised. It is also possible to select only the lighting system or both.

[0102] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the instruction information may include period specification information that specifies the period for which the energy-consuming equipment operates. This configuration allows the user to select the period for which instructions are given to the energy-consuming equipment, thereby increasing convenience. For example, it is possible to select only the time period from 12:00 to 13:00 to lower or raise the output of the air conditioning system.

[0103] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the instruction information may include area designation information that specifies the setting area of ​​the energy consumption equipment. This configuration enhances convenience because the user can select which area of ​​energy consumption equipment to give instructions to. For example, the user can give instructions to one or more energy consumption equipment corresponding to the area selected by the user.

[0104] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the instruction information may include mode specification information that specifies whether to use automatic control mode or manual control mode. This configuration allows the user to select the operating mode of the energy consumption equipment, thus further increasing convenience. When the energy consumption equipment is controlled based on a pre-stored schedule, it is generally preferable to select automatic control mode. However, the user can input a reservation instruction to set a specific time to manual control mode, in which case the equipment will be controlled in manual control mode. In automatic control mode, user input (interrupt instructions) may or may not be accepted. In manual control mode, user input is accepted.

[0105] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the energy consumption equipment may include the building's air conditioning system, and the instruction information may include temperature specification information relating to the building's set temperature. With this configuration, the user can set the temperature of the air conditioning system as desired.

[0106] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the energy-consuming equipment may include an air conditioning system that adjusts the temperature of the building. With such a configuration, it becomes possible to calculate charges according to the usage status of the air conditioning system.

[0107] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the energy consumption equipment may include the building's lighting system. This configuration makes it possible to calculate charges according to the usage of the building's lighting system.

[0108] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the energy consumption equipment may include the building's elevator system. This configuration makes it possible to calculate charges according to the usage status of the building's elevator system.

[0109] Furthermore, in this embodiment, a fee calculation device can be provided that includes a fee calculation unit that acquires equipment usage information indicating the usage status of energy consumption equipment installed in a building and calculates usage fees based on said equipment usage information, wherein the fee calculation unit calculates the usage fees based on predetermined basic fee information and variable fee information that changes based on said equipment usage information.

[0110] Furthermore, in this embodiment, a fee calculation method is provided which equipment usage information indicating the usage status of energy consumption equipment installed in a building is acquired, and a usage fee is calculated based on said equipment usage information, The fee calculation unit can provide a fee calculation method that calculates the usage fee based on predetermined basic fee information and variable fee information that changes based on the equipment usage information.

[0111] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the program acquires equipment usage information indicating the usage status of energy-consuming equipment installed in a building, and causes a computer to execute a fee calculation process to calculate usage fees based on said equipment usage information, A program can be provided that causes the computer to perform the fee calculation process, which calculates the usage fee based on predetermined basic fee information and variable fee information that changes based on the equipment usage information.

[0112] While preferred embodiments of the present disclosure have been described in detail above with reference to the attached drawings, the technical scope of the present disclosure is not limited to such examples. It is clear to any person with ordinary skill in the art of the present disclosure that various modifications or alterations may be conceived within the scope of the technical idea set forth in the claims, and these will naturally also fall within the technical scope of the present disclosure.

[0113] The apparatus described herein may be implemented as a single device, or as a group of devices (e.g., cloud servers) that are partially or entirely connected by a network. For example, the control unit and storage unit of an information processing apparatus may be implemented as different servers connected to each other by a network.

[0114] The series of processes performed by the apparatus described herein may be implemented using software, hardware, or a combination of software and hardware. Computer programs for implementing each function of the information processing apparatus according to this embodiment can be created and implemented on a PC or the like. Furthermore, a computer-readable recording medium containing such a computer program can also be provided. Examples of recording media include magnetic disks, optical disks, magneto-optical disks, and flash memory. Alternatively, the computer program may be distributed without using a recording medium, for example, via a network.

[0115] Furthermore, the processes described using flowcharts in this specification do not necessarily have to be executed in the order shown. Some processing steps may be executed in parallel. Additional processing steps may be adopted, and some processing steps may be omitted.

[0116] Furthermore, the effects described herein are merely descriptive or illustrative and not limiting. In other words, the technology relating to this disclosure may produce other effects that will be apparent to those skilled in the art from the description herein, in addition to or in lieu of the effects described herein.

[0117] Furthermore, the following configurations also fall within the technical scope of this disclosure. (Item 1) A fee calculation system comprising a fee calculation unit that acquires equipment usage information showing the usage status of energy-consuming equipment installed in a building, and calculates usage fees based on said equipment usage information, The aforementioned fee calculation unit is a fee calculation system that calculates the usage fee based on basic fee information and variable fee information that changes based on the equipment usage information. (Item 2) The fee calculation unit calculates at least one of the basic fee information and the variable fee information based on the flow of people using the building, as described in item 1. (Item 3) The fee calculation system according to item 2, wherein the fee calculation unit calculates at least one of the basic fee information and the variable fee information based on the average value of the pedestrian flow data over a predetermined period. (Item 4) The pedestrian flow data is estimated based on the detection data from the detection unit installed in the building, according to the fee calculation system described in item 2. (Item 5) The fare calculation system described in item 2, comprising a notification unit that sends a predetermined notification when the aforementioned pedestrian flow data meets predetermined pedestrian flow conditions. (Item 6) The aforementioned charge calculation unit calculates the variable charge information based on a predetermined schedule for the energy consumption equipment, as described in item 1 or 2. (Item 7) The fee calculation unit calculates the variable fee information based on the estimated energy consumption information for each time period and the energy unit price for each time period, as described in item 6. (Item 8) The fee calculation unit calculates the variable fee information based on the difference between the estimated energy consumption information estimated based on the schedule and the actual energy consumption information, as described in item 6. (Item 9) The aforementioned equipment usage information includes instruction information received from the user regarding the operation of energy-consuming equipment, as described in item 1, for the fee calculation system. (Item 10) The fee calculation system described in item 9, comprising a determination unit that determines whether the instruction information satisfies predetermined restriction information. (Item 11) The aforementioned restriction information includes conditions relating to the cumulative value of energy consumption over a predetermined period, The determination unit determines whether the estimated amount of energy consumed when operating the energy-consuming equipment based on the instruction information satisfies the limit information, according to the charge calculation system described in item 10. (Item 12) The aforementioned restriction information includes conditions regarding the cumulative amount of usage fees over a specified period, The determination unit makes the determination based on whether the estimated charge when operating the energy consumption equipment based on the instruction information satisfies the restriction information, as described in item 10. (Item 13) The aforementioned restriction information includes conditions relating to the cumulative number of instruction information over a predetermined period, The determination unit makes the determination based on whether the cumulative value of the number of instructions from the user during a predetermined period satisfies the limit information, as described in item 10. (Item 14) The restriction information includes conditions relating to the cumulative operating time during which the energy consumption equipment operated based on the instruction information, The determination unit makes the determination based on whether the estimated cumulative operating time over a predetermined period when operating the energy-consuming equipment based on the instruction information satisfies the limit information, as described in item 10. (Item 15) The fee calculation system described in item 10, further comprising an instruction restriction unit that restricts the acceptance of instruction information from the user based on the determination result by the aforementioned determination unit. (Item 16) The fee calculation system described in item 10, further comprising a notification unit that transmits a notification to the user or administrator based on the determination result by the determination unit. (Item 17) The instruction information includes reservation instructions for the operation of the air conditioning system on the following day or later, or interrupt instructions for the operation of the air conditioning system on the current day. The fee calculation system described in item 9, wherein the fee calculation unit calculates the billing amount based on a first condition when the air conditioning system is controlled based on the reservation instruction, and calculates the usage fee based on a second condition different from the first condition when the air conditioning system is controlled based on the interruption instruction. (Item 18) The rate calculation system described in item 17, wherein the energy unit price for each time period included in the first condition is less than the energy unit price for the same time period included in the second condition for the same time period. (Item 19) The aforementioned instruction information includes type designation information that specifies the type of energy-consuming equipment, as described in item 9, for the charge calculation system. (Item 20) The aforementioned instruction information includes period specification information that specifies the period relating to the operation of the energy-consuming equipment, as described in item 9, for the charge calculation system. (Item 21) The aforementioned instruction information includes area specification information that specifies the setting area of ​​the energy consumption equipment, as described in item 9, for the charge calculation system. (Item 22) The aforementioned instruction information includes mode specification information that specifies whether it is an automatic control mode or a manual control mode, and is part of the fee calculation system described in item 9. (Item 23) The aforementioned energy consumption equipment includes the building's air conditioning system, The aforementioned instruction information includes temperature specification information regarding the set temperature of the building, as described in item 9, for the fee calculation system. (Item 24) The aforementioned energy consumption equipment includes an air conditioning system for adjusting the temperature of the building, and is a charge calculation system as described in item 1 or 2. (Item 25) The aforementioned energy consumption equipment includes the building's lighting system and the billing system described in item 1 or 2. (Item 26) The aforementioned energy consumption equipment includes the elevator system of the building, and the charge calculation system described in item 1 or 2. (Item 27) A fee calculation device comprising a fee calculation unit that acquires equipment usage information showing the usage status of energy-consuming equipment installed in a building, and calculates usage fees based on said equipment usage information, The aforementioned fee calculation unit is a fee calculation device that calculates the usage fee based on predetermined basic fee information and variable fee information that changes based on the equipment usage information. (Item 28) A method for calculating usage fees, which involves acquiring equipment usage information indicating the usage status of energy-consuming equipment installed in a building, and calculating usage fees based on said equipment usage information, The fee calculation unit calculates the usage fee based on predetermined basic fee information and variable fee information that changes based on the equipment usage information. (Item 29) A program that obtains equipment usage information showing the usage status of energy-consuming equipment installed in a building, and causes a computer to perform a fee calculation process to calculate usage fees based on said equipment usage information, A program that causes the computer to perform a fee calculation process that calculates the usage fee based on predetermined basic fee information and variable fee information that changes based on the equipment usage information. [Explanation of symbols]

[0118] 1. Price calculation system 10 Information Processing Devices 111 Information Acquisition Department 112. Price Calculation Section 20 User Terminals 30 Energy Management Systems

Claims

1. A fee calculation system comprising a fee calculation unit that acquires equipment usage information showing the usage status of energy-consuming equipment installed in a building, and calculates usage fees based on said equipment usage information, The aforementioned fee calculation unit is a fee calculation system that calculates the usage fee based on basic fee information and variable fee information that changes based on the equipment usage information.

2. The fee calculation system according to claim 1, wherein the fee calculation unit calculates at least one of the basic fee information and the variable fee information based on the flow of people using the building.

3. The fee calculation system according to claim 2, wherein the fee calculation unit calculates at least one of the basic fee information and the variable fee information based on the average value of the pedestrian flow data over a predetermined period.

4. The fee calculation system according to claim 2, wherein the pedestrian flow data is estimated based on detection data from a detection unit installed in the building.

5. The fee calculation system according to claim 2, further comprising a notification unit that transmits a predetermined notification when the aforementioned pedestrian flow data satisfies predetermined pedestrian flow conditions.

6. The fee calculation system according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the fee calculation unit calculates the variable fee information based on a predetermined schedule for the energy consumption equipment.

7. The fee calculation system according to claim 6, wherein the fee calculation unit calculates the variable fee information based on the estimated energy consumption information for each time period and the energy unit price for each time period, based on the schedule.

8. The fee calculation system according to claim 6, wherein the fee calculation unit calculates the variable fee information based on the difference between the estimated energy consumption information estimated based on the schedule and the actual energy consumption information.

9. The fee calculation system according to claim 1, wherein the equipment usage information includes instruction information received from the user regarding the operation of energy-consuming equipment.

10. The fee calculation system according to claim 9, further comprising a determination unit that determines whether the instruction information satisfies predetermined restriction information.

11. The aforementioned restriction information includes conditions relating to the cumulative value of energy consumption over a predetermined period, The fee calculation system according to claim 10, wherein the determination unit makes the determination based on whether the estimated amount of energy consumed when operating the energy-consuming equipment based on the instruction information satisfies the limit information.

12. The aforementioned restriction information includes conditions regarding the cumulative amount of usage fees over a specified period, The charge calculation system according to claim 10, wherein the determination unit makes the determination based on whether the estimated charge when operating the energy consumption equipment based on the instruction information satisfies the restriction information.

13. The aforementioned restriction information includes conditions relating to the cumulative number of instruction information over a predetermined period, The fee calculation system according to claim 10, wherein the determination unit makes the determination based on whether the cumulative value of the number of instructions from the user during a predetermined period satisfies the limit information.

14. The restriction information includes conditions relating to the cumulative operating time during which the energy consumption equipment operated based on the instruction information, The fee calculation system according to claim 10, wherein the determination unit makes the determination based on whether the estimated cumulative operating time during a predetermined period when operating the energy consumption equipment based on the instruction information satisfies the limit information.

15. The fee calculation system according to claim 10, further comprising an instruction restriction unit that restricts the acceptance of instruction information from the user based on the determination result by the determination unit.

16. The fee calculation system according to claim 10, further comprising a notification unit that transmits a notification to the user or administrator based on the determination result by the determination unit.

17. The instruction information includes reservation instructions for the operation of the air conditioning system on the following day or later, or interrupt instructions for the operation of the air conditioning system on the current day. The fee calculation system according to claim 9, wherein the fee calculation unit calculates the billing amount based on a first condition when the air conditioning system is controlled based on the reservation instruction, and calculates the usage fee based on a second condition different from the first condition when the air conditioning system is controlled based on the interruption instruction.

18. The charge calculation system according to claim 17, wherein the energy unit price for each time period included in the first condition is smaller than the energy unit price for the same time period included in the second condition for the same time period.

19. The charge calculation system according to claim 9, wherein the instruction information includes type designation information that specifies the type of energy-consuming equipment.

20. The charge calculation system according to claim 9, wherein the instruction information includes period specification information that specifies a period relating to the operation of the energy consumption equipment.

21. The charge calculation system according to claim 9, wherein the instruction information includes area designation information that specifies the setting area of ​​the energy consumption equipment.

22. The fee calculation system according to claim 9, wherein the instruction information includes mode specification information that specifies whether it is an automatic control mode or a manual control mode.

23. The aforementioned energy consumption equipment includes the building's air conditioning system, The fee calculation system according to claim 9, wherein the instruction information includes temperature specification information relating to the set temperature of the building.

24. The charge calculation system according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the energy consumption equipment includes an air conditioning system for adjusting the temperature of the building.

25. The energy consumption equipment includes the building's lighting system, as described in claim 1 or 2, for the charge calculation system according to claim 1 or 2.

26. The charge calculation system according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the energy consumption equipment includes the elevator system of the building.

27. A fee calculation device comprising a fee calculation unit that acquires equipment usage information showing the usage status of energy-consuming equipment installed in a building, and calculates usage fees based on said equipment usage information, The aforementioned fee calculation unit is a fee calculation device that calculates the usage fee based on predetermined basic fee information and variable fee information that changes based on the equipment usage information.

28. A method for calculating usage fees, which involves acquiring equipment usage information indicating the usage status of energy-consuming equipment installed in a building, and calculating usage fees based on said equipment usage information, The fee calculation unit calculates the usage fee based on predetermined basic fee information and variable fee information that changes based on the equipment usage information.

29. A program that obtains equipment usage information showing the usage status of energy-consuming equipment installed in a building, and causes a computer to perform a fee calculation process to calculate usage fees based on said equipment usage information, A program that causes the computer to perform a fee calculation process that calculates the usage fee based on predetermined basic fee information and variable fee information that changes based on the equipment usage information.

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