Spatial control system, spatial control method, and program

Abstract

The present invention provides a spatial control system, etc., that can suppress a decrease in the accuracy of spatial control of the target space. [Solution] The spatial control system 1 includes an information acquisition unit 520 that acquires spatial shape information i1 of the target space 10 which is the object of spatial control, heat source information i2 relating to a heat source H that can move within the target space 10, and operation information i3 of equipment 600 that performs spatial control of the target space 10, and an information processing unit 550 that simulates the environmental state of the target space 10 based on the spatial shape information i1, heat source information i2 and operation information i3, and outputs an operation pattern p of equipment 600 corresponding to the result R of the simulation.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a space control system, a space control method, and a program for performing space control.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, a space control system for controlling a target space in a building equipped with air conditioning equipment is known. Patent Document 1 discloses a system that controls air conditioning equipment based on a temperature and cold feeling index for each subdivided zone based on a simulation for reproducing and predicting a temperature and airflow distribution. Patent Document 2 discloses a system that estimates a target thermal environment for a local space where a person is present using the unique information of the person using the target space and controls air conditioning equipment.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Patent Document 2

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] In a conventional system, for example, when a heat source such as a person moves within the target space, the environmental state of the target space changes depending on the position of the heat source and the like, and there is a problem that the accuracy of space control of the target space decreases.

[0005] The present disclosure provides a space control system and the like that can suppress a decrease in the accuracy of space control of a target space.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] A spatial control system according to one aspect of the present disclosure includes an information acquisition unit that acquires spatial shape information of a target space to be controlled, heat source information relating to a heat source that can move within the target space, and operating information of equipment that controls the target space; and an information processing unit that simulates the environmental state of the target space based on the spatial shape information, the heat source information, and the operating information, and outputs an operating pattern of the equipment corresponding to the result of the simulation.

[0007] A spatial control method according to one aspect of the present disclosure acquires spatial shape information of a target space to be controlled, heat source information relating to a heat source that can move within the target space, and operating information of equipment that controls the target space; simulates the environmental state of the target space based on the spatial shape information, the heat source information, and the operating information; and outputs an operating pattern of the equipment corresponding to the result of the simulation.

[0008] A program relating to one aspect of this disclosure is a program for causing a computer to execute the spatial control method described above.

[0009] Furthermore, the general or specific aspects of this disclosure may be implemented as a system, method, integrated circuit, computer program, or recording medium such as a computer-readable CD-ROM, or as any combination of a system, method, integrated circuit, computer program, and recording medium. [Effects of the Invention]

[0010] The spatial control system etc. of this disclosure can suppress a decrease in the accuracy of spatial control of the target space. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0011] [Figure 1] This figure shows an example of a target space and heat source that are spatially controlled in the embodiment. [Figure 2] This is a block diagram showing the configuration of the spatial control system according to the embodiment. [Figure 3] This figure shows an example of simulation results and driving patterns stored in the memory unit. [Figure 4] This figure shows an example of an image displayed on a user interface device. [Figure 5] This is a flowchart showing the spatial control method of the embodiment. [Figure 6] This is a block diagram showing the configuration of a spatial control system as a modified example of the embodiment. [Figure 7] This is a flowchart for performing preliminary preparations for spatial control. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0012] The embodiments will be described below with reference to the drawings. The embodiments described below are all comprehensive or specific examples. The numerical values, shapes, materials, components, arrangement positions and connection forms of components, steps, and the order of steps shown in the embodiments below are examples and are not intended to limit this disclosure. Furthermore, components in the embodiments below that are not described in an independent claim will be described as optional components.

[0013] Furthermore, each figure is a schematic diagram and not necessarily a strictly accurate representation. In addition, the same reference numerals are used for substantially identical components in each figure, and redundant explanations may be omitted or simplified. Also, even when the same object is shown in each figure, the scale may be changed for convenience.

[0014] (Embodiment) [Configuration of the spatial control system] The spatial control system in this embodiment is a system that performs spatial control of a target space.

[0015] The target space is the space to be controlled in this embodiment. The target space is a space partitioned by walls, and for example, buildings such as houses, offices, stores, public facilities, entertainment facilities, art museums, museums, factories, warehouses, etc., or a part of a building. The target space may be a single space or a space composed of a plurality of sub-spaces.

[0016] Space control is the control of the environment in the target space. The control of the environment includes the control of the temperature, humidity, wind speed and air pressure in the target space, as well as the control of the concentration of substances such as gas (e.g., CO2), PM and viruses in the target space. Note that the control of the environment may include the control of sound and light in the target space.

[0017] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an example of a target space 10 and a heat source H to be space-controlled in an embodiment.

[0018] In FIG. 1, an example where the target space 10 is an office is shown. The target space 10 shown in FIG. 1 is composed of a plurality of sub-spaces 10a, 10b and 10c such as a working floor, a cafeteria and a conference room.

[0019] The heat source H is a heat-generating body that moves within the target space 10. The heat source H is, for example, a person. Note that the heat source H is not limited to a person and may be an animal, a plant, a robot, or a chemical reaction substance. The animal may be a pet such as a cat or a dog, and the robot may be a working robot that performs cleaning, delivery, security, etc.

[0020] Figure 1 shows an example where the heat source H is present in subspace 10a between 8:30 and 12:00, in subspace 10b between 12:00 and 12:45, and in subspace 10a again between 12:45 and 17:00. The heat source H can move freely within the target space 10. That is, the heat source H can move between multiple subspaces 10a to 10c, and can move in such a way that its position coordinates within subspaces 10a to 10c change. When the heat source H moves within the target space 10 in this way, if spatial control is performed while ignoring the presence or absence of the heat source H, for example, the spatial control of the target space 10 cannot be performed accurately. Therefore, it is important to perform spatial control of the target space 10 while considering the presence or absence of the heat source H.

[0021] Figure 2 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the spatial control system 1 according to the embodiment.

[0022] The spatial control system 1 comprises a spatial control device 500, a sensor 200, equipment 600, and a user interface device 310. The figure also shows a network 2 for communication between the spatial control device 500, the sensor 200, the equipment 600, and the user interface device 310.

[0023] The user interface device 310 is a device that presents information to users utilizing the target space 10 or accepts user input. The user interface device 310 receives information output from the space control device 500 via the network 2 and notifies the user. The user interface device 310 also transmits information input by the user via the network 2 and outputs it to the space control device 500.

[0024] The user interface device 310 may be an information terminal owned by the user. For example, the user interface device 310 may be a smart device such as a smartphone, tablet, or wearable device, as well as a portable mobile terminal such as a personal computer. The user interface device 310 may also be included in the spatial control device 500.

[0025] The sensor 200 and the device 600 are placed in the target space 10. The number of sensors 200 and devices 600 provided in the target space 10 is not limited to one each; multiple sensors 200 and multiple devices 600 may be provided in the target space 10.

[0026] Sensor 200 is a device that detects the environment and boundary conditions of the target space 10. The environment of the target space 10 includes temperature, humidity, wind speed, and the concentration of substances such as gases (e.g., CO2), PM, and viruses. The boundary conditions of the target space 10 are physical quantities that indicate the external environment that affects the environment of the target space 10, or the state of the boundary region between the target space 10 and the outside. In this example, the heat source H is also included in the boundary conditions. Information regarding the temperature, location, and attributes of the heat source H is detected, for example, by an ID tag and a camera.

[0027] Device 600 is a device that controls the space of the target space 10. Device 600 is a device that changes the temperature, humidity, wind speed, atmospheric pressure, sound, light, and the concentration of substances such as gases (e.g., CO2), PM, and viruses within the target space 10. Device 600 includes air conditioning equipment such as air conditioners, fans, blowers, air purifiers, ventilation fans, heaters, and humidifiers. Device 600 is operated and controlled by control signals output from the device control unit 570.

[0028] As shown in Figure 2, the spatial control device 500 includes an information acquisition unit 520, an information processing unit 550, a storage unit 560, and an equipment control unit 570.

[0029] The information acquisition unit 520 acquires various types of information necessary for spatial control of the target space 10. The information acquisition unit 520 acquires spatial shape information i1 of the target space 10, heat source information i2 regarding the heat source H that can move within the target space 10, and operation information i3 of the equipment 600 that performs spatial control of the target space 10. The information acquisition unit 520 also acquires environmental measurement information i4 of the target space 10.

[0030] Spatial shape information i1 is information about the shape of the space required to perform three-dimensional modeling of the target space 10. Spatial shape information i1 includes, for example, information about the shape and size of the target space 10, and the position and shape of furniture within the target space 10. Spatial shape information i1 is stored in the storage unit 560 via the user interface device 310.

[0031] The heat source information i2 includes at least one piece of information from the temperature, location, and attributes of the heat source H.

[0032] Information regarding the temperature of the heat source H includes the temperature obtained by directly measuring the heat source H, or the temperature information obtained from a thermal image of the heat source H. The spatial control device 500 acquires information regarding the temperature of the heat source H from the vital watch and smart device owned by the heat source H, as well as from an infrared camera installed in the target space 10.

[0033] Information regarding the location of heat source H includes the location coordinates and movement path of heat source H, as well as information regarding the schedule of heat source H.

[0034] The data relating to the position coordinates and movement path of the heat source H may be based on a predetermined location in the target space 10, or it may be based on a location different from the target space 10. The position coordinates and movement path of the heat source H may also be information indicating the presence or absence of the heat source H in the target space 10, or the presence or absence of the heat source H in the sub-spaces 10a, 10b, and 10c. The space control device 500 acquires the position coordinates and movement path of the heat source H in the target space 10 using an ID tag and smart device owned by the heat source H, as well as a camera installed in the target space 10.

[0035] The schedule for heat source H is location information based on the planned position of heat source H at each time, such as being present in a room or sitting in a designated position. Information regarding the schedule for heat source H is stored in the storage unit 560 of the space control device 500 via the user interface device 310. If heat source H is a person, the space control system 1 may obtain information regarding the schedule for heat source H from the attendance management system (not shown) of heat source H.

[0036] Information regarding the attributes of heat source H includes information such as the shape, size, weight, number, activity level, and energy consumption of heat source H. This information regarding the attributes of heat source H is used to estimate the amount of heat generated by heat source H in the target space 10. The space control device 500 acquires information regarding the attributes of heat source H from ID tags and smart devices possessed by heat source H, as well as from cameras installed in the target space 10. The heat source information i2 is stored in the storage unit 560 while heat source H is detected.

[0037] The operation information i3 is information indicating the degree of spatial control by the equipment 600 installed in the target space 10, and includes information such as wind speed, air volume, wind direction, and outlet temperature. The operation information i3 includes information on the operable range, which is the range from an upper limit to a lower limit, and the operating setting value, which is a stepped setting value between the upper limit and the lower limit. For example, if the equipment 600 is a specific air conditioning unit, the operable range of air volume is between the maximum air volume and the minimum air volume, and the operating setting value for air volume is one of three levels: strong, medium, and weak. The operation information i3 includes not only the operation information of each piece of equipment 600, but also the operation information when multiple pieces of equipment 600 are operated in cooperation. The operation information i3 is pre-stored in the storage unit 560 as the specifications of the equipment 600.

[0038] Environmental measurement information i4 is information about environmental data obtained by sensing the target space 10 with the sensor 200. The environmental data includes the temperature, humidity, wind speed, and atmospheric pressure of the target space 10, as well as the concentrations of substances such as gases (e.g., CO2), PM, and viruses in the target space 10. Environmental measurement information i4 is information that changes over time. Environmental measurement information i4 is constantly detected and stored in the storage unit 560 each time it is detected. Environmental measurement information i4 is used when performing assimilation processing using the model of the target space 10 and the environmental data, and when correcting the model of the target space 10.

[0039] Furthermore, the information acquisition unit 520 acquires information regarding the target environmental state of the target space 10. This information regarding the target environmental state of the target space 10 is input to the space control device 500, for example, via the user interface device 310, and stored in the storage unit 560.

[0040] The information processing unit 550 simulates the environmental state of the target space 10 based on spatial shape information i1, heat source information i2, and operation information i3, and outputs an operation pattern for the equipment 600 corresponding to the results of the simulation. The simulation is performed using a model of the target space 10 generated based on spatial shape information i1, heat source information i2, and operation information i3. The simulation may also be performed while performing data assimilation processing using environmental measurement information i4. In other words, the information processing unit 550 may simulate the environmental state of the target space 10 using environmental measurement information i4 in addition to spatial shape information i1, heat source information i2, and operation information i3, and output an operation pattern for the equipment 600 corresponding to the results of the simulation.

[0041] The information processing unit 550 outputs an operating pattern that can achieve the target environmental conditions. The information processing unit 550 also derives multiple operating patterns and outputs the operating pattern that can achieve the target environmental conditions from among the multiple operating patterns.

[0042] Figure 3 shows an example of the simulation results R and driving pattern p stored in the memory unit 560.

[0043] The simulation result R is, for example, the temperature distribution, humidity distribution, and wind speed distribution of the target space 10. In this example, the simulation result R for the temperature distribution is shown. As shown in Figure 3, the memory unit 560 stores the simulation result R and the operating pattern p in association. In this example, the operating patterns pa of equipment 600a and 600b corresponding to the simulation result Ra, and the operating patterns pb of equipment 600a and 600b corresponding to the simulation result Rb are shown.

[0044] The information processing unit 550 outputs an operating pattern p that can achieve the target environmental state, based on the relationship between the multiple simulation results R and multiple operating patterns p stored in the memory unit 560. An operating pattern p that can achieve the target environmental state is an operating pattern that can keep the environmental state of the target space 10 (e.g., temperature, humidity, airflow) within a predetermined range.

[0045] Furthermore, the information processing unit 550 outputs an operating pattern p that satisfies predetermined evaluation indicators from among the operating patterns p that can achieve the target environmental state. For example, the information processing unit 550 extracts candidate operating patterns p based on the evaluation indicators and outputs information regarding the evaluation indicators and information regarding the candidate operating patterns p to the user interface device 310.

[0046] The predetermined evaluation indicators are stored in the storage unit 560 via the user interface device 310. For example, the predetermined evaluation indicators are at least one of the following: the estimated time during which the equipment 600 meets the target environmental conditions, the estimated time from the start of operation of the equipment 600 until the target environmental conditions are reached, and the estimated power consumption during operation of the equipment 600.

[0047] Figure 4 shows an example of an image displayed on the user interface device 310.

[0048] Figure 4 shows an example where the target environmental conditions for the target space 10 are "Target temperature range: 25°C to 28°C, Target humidity range: 50% to 60%".

[0049] As an example, Candidate 1 in Figure 4 shows an example where the operating settings for the operating pattern p of equipment 600a to achieve the target environmental conditions are "temperature: 26°C, airflow: low, airflow direction: swing wind," and the operating times are "8:25~13:55 and 14:55~16:55."

[0050] Furthermore, Candidate 1 in Figure 4 shows the estimated comfort level of the target space 10 and the estimated electricity cost of the equipment 600 as evaluation indicators for the operating pattern p of the equipment 600.

[0051] The estimated electricity cost is proportional to the estimated power consumption of equipment 600, and it is shown that the estimated electricity cost for operating pattern p of candidate 1 is "40 yen".

[0052] Estimated comfort is expressed as the achievement rate of comfortable time during the total time the heat source H is present in the target space 10. Comfortable time is, for example, the time during which the heat source H is present within the comfortable range of PMV (Predicted Mean Vote), which is "-0.5 to 0.5". In candidate 1's operating pattern p, it is shown that the "estimated comfort: achievement rate 94%". In this example, the target is set so that the comfort achievement rate is 90% or higher, and operating patterns p that result in an achievement rate of less than 90% are not listed as control candidates.

[0053] As shown in Figure 4, multiple evaluation indicators are provided. A priority order is set for each of these evaluation indicators. The multiple evaluation indicators and their priority order are stored in the storage unit 560 via the user interface device 310.

[0054] The information processing unit 550 determines the driving pattern p based on the priority of multiple evaluation indicators. In the example shown in Figure 4, the estimated electricity cost is given a higher priority than the estimated comfort. For example, Candidate 2 has a "Comfort: Achievement Rate 96%", which is a higher evaluation indicator than Candidate 1's "Comfort: Achievement Rate 94%", but Candidate 2 also has an "Estimated Electricity Cost: 44 yen", which is higher than Candidate 1's "Estimated Electricity Cost: 40 yen". In this case, the ranking of the driving pattern p is determined by the estimated electricity cost, which has a higher priority as an evaluation indicator, and Candidate 1 is displayed above Candidate 2.

[0055] In this manner, the information processing unit 550 outputs an operating pattern p capable of achieving the target environmental state to the user interface device 310. The user interface device 310 outputs the operating pattern p input by the user to the spatial control device 500.

[0056] The equipment control unit 570 controls the equipment 600 based on the operation pattern p received by the user interface device 310 from among a plurality of operation patterns p displayed on the user interface device 310.

[0057] Furthermore, the equipment control unit 570 may not output information regarding the ranking of the operation patterns p to the user interface device 310, and may instead control the equipment 600 based on the operation pattern p with the highest ranking. In other words, the equipment control unit 570 may control the equipment 600 based on the operation pattern p determined by the information processing unit 550 without going through the user interface device 310.

[0058] The spatial control system 1 of this embodiment includes an information acquisition unit 520 that acquires spatial shape information i1 of the target space 10, heat source information i2 relating to a heat source H that can move within the target space 10, and operation information i3 of equipment 600 that performs spatial control of the target space 10, and an information processing unit 550 that simulates the environmental state of the target space 10 based on the spatial shape information i1, heat source information i2, and operation information i3, and outputs an operation pattern p of equipment 600 corresponding to the result R of the simulation.

[0059] In this way, by simulating the environmental state of the target space 10 based on spatial shape information i1 and operation information i3, as well as heat source information i2 relating to a heat source H that can move within the target space 10, it is possible to perform spatial control of the target space 10, including the influence of the heat source H. This makes it possible to suppress a decrease in the accuracy of spatial control of the target space 10 when a movable heat source H is present in the target space 10.

[0060] If the target space 10 is composed of multiple sub-spaces 10a to 10c, the equipment control unit 570 may control the equipment 600 for each of the multiple sub-spaces 10a to 10c.

[0061] For example, the equipment control unit 570 may control the equipment 600 by prioritizing the subspaces containing a heat source H over the subspaces without a heat source H among the multiple subspaces 10a to 10c. Alternatively, the equipment control unit 570 may control the equipment 600 by prioritizing a specific subspace among the multiple subspaces 10a to 10c over other subspaces. A specific subspace might be, for example, a high-priority space such as one visited by customers. Information regarding a specific subspace is stored in the storage unit 560 in advance via the user interface device 310.

[0062] [Spatial control method] The spatial control method of this embodiment will be described.

[0063] Figure 5 is a flowchart showing the spatial control method according to the embodiment.

[0064] The spatial control device 500 acquires spatial shape information i1 of the target space 10, heat source information i2, and operating information i3 of the equipment 600 (step S10).

[0065] Furthermore, the spatial control device 100 acquires information regarding the target environmental state of the target space 10 (step S20).

[0066] Note that S10 and S20 may be executed simultaneously or in reverse order. The spatial control system 1 may also acquire other boundary conditions.

[0067] The spatial control device 500 performs a real-time simulation of spatial control of the target space 10. Specifically, the spatial control device 500 performs the simulation based on spatial shape information i1, heat source information i2, and operation information i3 of the equipment 600, and outputs an operation pattern p of the equipment 600 corresponding to the simulation result R (step S30). For example, the spatial control device 500 derives multiple operation patterns p corresponding to multiple simulation results R, and outputs an operation pattern p from among the multiple operation patterns p that can achieve the target environmental state.

[0068] The spatial control device 500 controls the equipment 600 based on an operating pattern p that can achieve the target environmental state (step S40). The equipment 600 operates based on the operating pattern p output from the spatial control device 500.

[0069] These steps S10 to S40 are repeatedly executed to perform spatial control of the target space 10. This prevents a decrease in the accuracy of spatial control of the target space 10 when a movable heat source H is present in the target space 10.

[0070] [Modified examples of the embodiment] A modified example of the spatial control system 1 of the embodiment will be described. In this modified example, an example in which the model used for simulating spatial control is changed according to the situation will be described.

[0071] Figure 6 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a modified example of the spatial control system 1 of the embodiment.

[0072] The modified spatial control system 1 comprises a spatial control device 500, a sensor 200, equipment 600, and a user interface device 310. The configurations of the sensor 200, equipment 600, and user interface device 310 are substantially the same as in the embodiment.

[0073] The modified spatial control device 500 comprises an information acquisition unit 520, an information processing unit 550, a storage unit 560, an equipment control unit 570, and a model generation unit 540. The configurations of the information acquisition unit 520, the storage unit 560, and the equipment control unit 570 are substantially the same as in the embodiment.

[0074] In the modified version, the model generation unit 540 generates a reduced model of the target space 10. The reduced model is a model that can maintain the essential behavior of the target space 10 in spatial control while reducing the dimensionality of the model of the target space 10. By using the reduced model, it is possible to reduce the analysis time and data volume of the spatial control.

[0075] The information processing unit 550 simulates the environmental state of the target space 10 using the reduced model generated by the model generation unit 540, and outputs the results of the simulation using the reduced model.

[0076] Furthermore, the model generation unit 540 may correct the reduced model based on the environmental measurement information i4. Specifically, the model generation unit 540 may perform data assimilation processing on the reduced model generated by the model generation unit 540 based on the environmental measurement information i4 obtained by the information acquisition unit 520, thereby correcting the reduced model. The information processing unit 550 may use the corrected reduced model to simulate the environmental state of the target space 10.

[0077] The information processing unit 550 may perform a simulation using AI machine learning based on the results of a previously executed simulation, or an estimation method including an interpolation method, and determine whether or not the target environmental state has been achieved based on the results of the simulation. The information processing unit 550 may also output an operating pattern p that satisfies the target environmental state from among the simulation results estimated by learning.

[0078] By performing simulations using this reduced model, even when there is a wide range of information regarding spatial shape information i1, heat source information i2, operation information i3, and environmental measurement information i4, it is possible to select the necessary number of simulation patterns and suppress the length of the simulation time.

[0079] Figure 7 is a flowchart showing the preliminary steps for spatial control.

[0080] First, the spatial control device 500 creates a reduced model of the target space 10 based on multiple control conditions (step S1). Each control condition is set at arbitrary numerical intervals, with the operating limit of the equipment 600 as the control range. However, since performing simulations for all control patterns would incur enormous computational costs, the spatial control device 500 performs random sampling on a Latin superlattice to determine which control conditions to execute. Then, the spatial control device 500 performs a simulation with the determined control conditions and creates a reduced model using proper orthogonal decomposition (POD) based on the spatial physical quantities for each control condition obtained from the simulation results.

[0081] Next, we will perform simulations under different control conditions.

[0082] The spatial control device 500 acquires environmental measurement information i4 based on the sensing of the sensor 200 (step S2). The environmental measurement information i4 is, for example, at least one of temperature, humidity, airflow rate, and airflow direction.

[0083] The spatial control device 500 predicts the spatial distribution under each control condition (step S3) from the reduced model created in step S1 and the environmental measurement information i4 acquired in step S2.

[0084] The spatial control device 500 uses the predicted spatial distribution for each control condition to create a corrected reduced model, which is a prediction model of the POD coefficient with the control condition as input (step S4).

[0085] The spatial control device 500 performs a simulation using the corrected reduced model obtained in step S4 above. The flowchart of the modified spatial control method is almost the same as that in Figure 5.

[0086] The modified spatial control device 500 performs step S10 to acquire spatial shape information i1 of the target space 10, heat source information i2 and operation information i3 of the equipment 600, and step S20 to acquire information about the target environmental state.

[0087] The spatial control device 500 then executes a simulation based on spatial shape information i1, heat source information i2, operation information i3 of the equipment 600, and environmental measurement information i4, and outputs an operation pattern p corresponding to the simulation result R (step S30). For example, the spatial control device 500 derives multiple operation patterns p corresponding to multiple simulation results R, and outputs an operation pattern p from among the multiple operation patterns p that can achieve the target environmental state.

[0088] The spatial control device 500 controls the equipment 600 based on an operating pattern p that can achieve the target environmental state (step S40). The equipment 600 operates based on the operating pattern p output from the spatial control device 500.

[0089] These steps S10 to S40 are repeatedly executed to perform spatial control of the target space 10. This prevents a decrease in the accuracy of spatial control of the target space 10 when a movable heat source H is present in the target space 10.

[0090] (summary) Examples of spatial control systems, etc., relating to one aspect of this disclosure are given below.

[0091] The spatial control system 1 of Example 1 includes an information acquisition unit 520 that acquires spatial shape information i1 of the target space 10 which is the object of spatial control, heat source information i2 relating to a heat source H that can move within the target space 10, and operation information i3 of equipment 600 that performs spatial control of the target space 10, and an information processing unit 550 that simulates the environmental state of the target space 10 based on the spatial shape information i1, heat source information i2, and operation information i3, and outputs an operation pattern p of equipment 600 corresponding to the result R of the simulation.

[0092] In this way, by simulating the environmental state of the target space 10 based on spatial shape information i1 and operation information i3, as well as heat source information i2 relating to a heat source H that can move within the target space 10, it is possible to perform spatial control of the target space 10, including the influence of the heat source H. This makes it possible to suppress a decrease in the accuracy of spatial control of the target space 10 when a movable heat source H is present in the target space 10.

[0093] The spatial control system 1 of Example 2 is the spatial control system described in Example 1, wherein the information regarding the heat source H may include information regarding at least one of the temperature, location, and attributes of the heat source H.

[0094] According to this, the environmental state of the target space 10 can be simulated based on information regarding at least one of the temperature, location, and attributes of the heat source H, and spatial control of the target space 10, including the influence of the heat source H, can be performed. This makes it possible to suppress a decrease in the accuracy of spatial control of the target space 10 when a movable heat source H is present in the target space 10.

[0095] The spatial control system 1 in Example 3 is the spatial control system described in Example 1, wherein the information acquisition unit 520 further acquires environmental measurement information i4 of the target space 10, and the information processing unit 550 simulates the environmental state of the target space 10 based on spatial shape information i1, heat source information i2, operation information i3 and environmental measurement information i4, and outputs an operation pattern p of the equipment 600 corresponding to the result R of the simulation.

[0096] According to this, the environmental state of the target space 10 can be simulated based on the environmental measurement information i4, and spatial control of the target space 10, including changes in the environment, can be performed. This makes it possible to suppress a decrease in the accuracy of spatial control of the target space 10 when the environment changes.

[0097] The spatial control system 1 in Example 4 is the spatial control system described in Example 3, wherein the information acquisition unit 520 acquires information regarding the target environmental state of the target space 10, and the information processing unit 550 outputs an operating pattern p that can achieve the target environmental state.

[0098] In this way, the information processing unit 550 outputs an operating pattern p that can achieve the target environmental state, thereby enabling spatial control that can achieve the target environmental state of the target space 10. This suppresses a decrease in the accuracy of spatial control of the target space 10.

[0099] The spatial control system 1 of Example 5 is the spatial control system described in Example 4, and may further include an equipment control unit 570 that controls the equipment 600 based on an operating pattern p that can achieve a target environmental state.

[0100] In this way, the equipment control unit 570 controls the equipment 600 based on an operating pattern p that can achieve the target environmental state, thereby enabling spatial control that can achieve the target environmental state of the target space 10. This suppresses a decrease in the accuracy of spatial control of the target space 10.

[0101] The spatial control system 1 in Example 6 is the spatial control system described in Example 5, wherein the information processing unit 550 derives a plurality of operating patterns p, outputs an operating pattern p from among the plurality of operating patterns p that can achieve a target environmental state, and the equipment control unit 570 controls the equipment based on the operating pattern p.

[0102] According to this, spatial control can be performed based on the driving pattern p that can achieve the target environmental state among multiple driving patterns p. This makes it possible to suppress a decrease in the accuracy of spatial control of the target space 10.

[0103] The spatial control system 1 of Example 7 is the spatial control system described in Example 3 or 4, further comprising a model generation unit 540 that generates a reduced model of the target space 10, and the information processing unit 550 may simulate the environmental state of the target space 10 using the reduced model generated by the model generation unit 540 and output the results of the simulation using the reduced model.

[0104] According to this method, it is possible to reduce the analysis time and data volume for spatial control while suppressing a decrease in the accuracy of spatial control of the target space 10.

[0105] The spatial control system 1 in Example 8 is the spatial control system described in Example 7, wherein the model generation unit 540 corrects the reduced model based on environmental measurement information i4, and the information processing unit 550 simulates the environmental state of the target space 10 using the corrected reduced model.

[0106] In this way, by simulating the environmental state of the target space 10 using the corrected reduced model, it is possible to suppress the decrease in the accuracy of spatial control of the target space 10.

[0107] The spatial control system 1 in Example 9 is the spatial control system described in Example 6, wherein the information acquisition unit 520 further acquires information regarding evaluation indicators for spatial control, and the information processing unit 550 may output an operating pattern p that satisfies the evaluation indicators from among a plurality of operating patterns p that can achieve the target environmental state.

[0108] According to this, spatial control can be performed based on a driving pattern p that satisfies the evaluation criteria. This makes it possible to suppress a decrease in the accuracy of spatial control of the target space 10.

[0109] The spatial control system 1 of Example 10 is the spatial control system described in Example 9, wherein the evaluation index may include at least one of the following: the estimated time during which the equipment 600 is in operation that the target environmental state is met; the estimated time from the start of operation of the equipment 600 until the target environmental state is reached; and the estimated power consumption during operation of the equipment 600.

[0110] According to this, spatial control can be performed based on a driving pattern p that satisfies the above evaluation indicators. This makes it possible to suppress a decrease in the accuracy of spatial control of the target space 10.

[0111] The spatial control system 1 of Example 11 is the spatial control system described in Example 9, wherein a plurality of evaluation indicators are provided as evaluation indicators, and a priority order for evaluation is set for the plurality of evaluation indicators, the information processing unit 550 determines the operation pattern p based on the priority order of the plurality of evaluation indicators, and the equipment control unit 570 controls the equipment 600 based on the operation pattern p determined by the information processing unit 550.

[0112] According to this, an operating pattern p can be determined based on the priority of evaluation indicators, and spatial control can be performed based on that operating pattern p. This makes it possible to suppress a decrease in the accuracy of spatial control of the target space 10.

[0113] The spatial control system 1 of Example 12 is the spatial control system described in Example 9, further comprising a user interface device 310 that presents information to the user or accepts operation input from the user, and the information processing unit 550 may derive candidate driving patterns p based on the above evaluation index and output information regarding the evaluation index and information regarding candidate driving patterns p to the user interface device 310.

[0114] According to this, the user interface device 310 can select a candidate for the operation pattern p. This allows the user to determine the operation pattern p according to their preference and perform spatial control based on that operation pattern p. This helps to suppress a decrease in the accuracy of spatial control of the target space 10.

[0115] The spatial control system 1 of Example 13 is the spatial control system described in Example 5, further comprising a user interface device 310 that presents information to the user or accepts operation input from the user, and the information processing unit 550 may output a plurality of operation patterns p to the user interface device 310.

[0116] According to this, the user interface device 310 can select an operating pattern p. This allows the user to determine the operating pattern p according to their preference and perform spatial control based on that operating pattern p. This helps to suppress a decrease in the accuracy of spatial control of the target space 10.

[0117] The spatial control system 1 in Example 14 is the spatial control system described in Example 13, and the equipment control unit 570 may control the equipment 600 based on the operation pattern p received by the user interface device 310 from among a plurality of operation patterns p.

[0118] According to this, the system can accept an operating pattern p according to the user's preference via the user interface device 310, and perform spatial control based on that operating pattern p. This makes it possible to suppress a decrease in the accuracy of spatial control of the target space 10.

[0119] The spatial control system 1 of Example 15 is the spatial control system described in Example 5, wherein the target space 10 is composed of a plurality of subspaces, and the equipment control unit 570 may control the equipment 600 for each of the plurality of subspaces.

[0120] In this way, by controlling the device 600 for each of the multiple subspaces, it is possible to suppress a decrease in the accuracy of spatial control of the subspaces included in the target space 10.

[0121] The spatial control system 1 of Example 16 is the spatial control system described in Example 15, and the equipment control unit 570 may control the equipment 600 by prioritizing the subspaces in which a heat source H exists over the subspaces in which a heat source H does not exist among the multiple subspaces.

[0122] In this way, by prioritizing the control of the equipment 600 in the subspace where the heat source H is located, it is possible to suppress a decrease in the accuracy of spatial control in the subspace where the heat source H is located.

[0123] The spatial control method in Example 17 acquires spatial shape information i1 of the target space 10 to be controlled, heat source information i2 regarding a heat source H that can move within the target space 10, and operation information i3 of the equipment 600 that controls the target space 10. Based on the spatial shape information i1, heat source information i2, and operation information i3, the environmental state of the target space 10 is simulated, and the operation pattern p of the equipment 600 corresponding to the result R of the simulation is output.

[0124] In this way, by simulating the environmental state of the target space 10 based on spatial shape information i1 and operation information i3, as well as heat source information i2 relating to a heat source H that can move within the target space 10, it is possible to perform spatial control of the target space 10, including the influence of the heat source H. This makes it possible to suppress a decrease in the accuracy of spatial control of the target space 10 when a movable heat source H is present in the target space 10.

[0125] The program in Example 18 is a program that causes a computer to execute the spatial control method described in Example 17.

[0126] According to this, a spatial control method can be realized that can suppress a decrease in the accuracy of spatial control of the target space 10.

[0127] (Other embodiments) The spatial state prediction methods and the like in this disclosure have been described above based on various embodiments, but this disclosure is not limited to these embodiments. As long as they do not deviate from the spirit of this disclosure, various modifications that a person skilled in the art could conceive of will be applied to each embodiment, and other forms constructed by combining some of the components of each embodiment are also included within the scope of this disclosure.

[0128] In the above embodiment, comfort and power consumption (or electricity cost) were used as examples of evaluation indicators for the operating pattern p, but the invention is not limited to these. The evaluation indicator for the operating pattern p may also be the load factor or COP (Coefficient of Performance) of the equipment 600. The load factor is a value calculated as (equipment output) / (equipment rated output). The COP is a value calculated as (equipment output) / (equipment power consumption).

[0129] Furthermore, the spatial control device in each of the above embodiments is implemented as a hardware configuration consisting of a non-volatile memory where the program is stored, a volatile memory which is a temporary storage area for executing the program, input / output ports, a communication interface, and a processor that executes the program. Each component of the spatial control device is implemented by a processor that executes the program stored in memory. The spatial control device may be implemented by a stationary PC (Personal Computer), a mobile terminal such as a smartphone or tablet, a dedicated computer, a server (for example, a cloud server), or a combination thereof.

[0130] Furthermore, each component may be implemented by being composed of dedicated hardware or by executing a software program suitable for each component. Each component may also be implemented by a program execution unit such as a CPU or processor reading and executing a software program recorded on a recording medium such as a hard disk or semiconductor memory.

[0131] Furthermore, the order in which each step in the flowchart is performed is illustrative for the purpose of specifically illustrating this disclosure, and may be in a different order. Also, some of the above steps may be performed simultaneously (in parallel) with other steps, and some of the above steps may not be performed.

[0132] Furthermore, the division of functional blocks in the block diagram is just one example; multiple functional blocks can be implemented as a single functional block, a single functional block can be divided into multiple parts, or some functions can be moved to other functional blocks. In addition, the functions of multiple functional blocks with similar functions can be processed in parallel or time-sharing by a single piece of hardware or software.

[0133] Furthermore, the spatial control device according to each of the above embodiments may be implemented as a single device or as a plurality of devices. When the spatial control device is implemented as a plurality of devices, the components of the spatial control device may be distributed among the plurality of devices in any manner. When the spatial control device is implemented as a plurality of devices, the communication method between the plurality of devices is not particularly limited and may be wireless communication or wired communication. In addition, wireless communication and wired communication may be combined between the devices.

[0134] Furthermore, each component described in the above embodiments may be implemented as software, or typically as an integrated circuit (LSI). These may be individually integrated onto a single chip, or some or all of them may be integrated onto a single chip. Here, we refer to them as LSIs, but depending on the degree of integration, they may also be called ICs, system LSIs, super LSIs, or ultra LSIs. Moreover, the method of integrated circuit implementation is not limited to LSIs; it may also be implemented using dedicated circuits (general-purpose circuits that execute dedicated programs) or general-purpose processors. After LSI manufacturing, a programmable FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array) or a reconfigurable processor that allows for the reconfiguration of the connections or settings of circuit cells inside the LSI may be used. Furthermore, if an integrated circuit implementation technology that replaces LSIs emerges due to advances in semiconductor technology or other derived technologies, it is naturally possible to integrate the components using that technology.

[0135] A system LSI is a highly functional LSI manufactured by integrating multiple processing units onto a single chip. Specifically, it is a computer system consisting of a microprocessor, ROM (Read Only Memory), RAM (Random Access Memory), and other components. The ROM stores the computer program. The system LSI achieves its function by operating according to the computer program, with the microprocessor performing its operations.

[0136] Furthermore, one aspect of this disclosure may be a computer program that causes a computer to perform each characteristic step included in the method of using a battery pack.

[0137] Furthermore, for example, the program may be a program to be executed by a computer. Also, in one aspect of this disclosure, such a program may be recorded on a computer-readable non-temporary recording medium. For example, such a program may be recorded on a recording medium and distributed or made available. For example, by installing the distributed program on a device having another processor and having that processor execute the program, it becomes possible to have that device perform the above-mentioned processes. [Industrial applicability]

[0138] This disclosure is applicable to a system for controlling the air conditioning of a target space in which a movable heat source may be present. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0139] 1. Spatial control system 2 Network 10 Target space 10a, 10b, 10c Subspaces 200 sensors 310 User Interface Device 500 Space Control Device 520 Information Acquisition Department 540 Model Generation Unit 550 Information Processing Unit 560 Storage section 570 Equipment Control Unit 600, 600a, 600b equipment H heat source i1 Spatial shape information i2 Heat source information i3 Driving Information i4 Environmental Measurement Information p, pa, pb driving patterns Results of R, Ra, and Rb simulations

Claims

1. An information acquisition unit that acquires spatial shape information of the target space to be controlled, heat source information relating to a heat source that can move within the target space, and operating information of equipment that controls the space of the target space, An information processing unit that simulates the environmental state of the target space based on the spatial shape information, the heat source information, and the operation information, and outputs an operation pattern for the equipment corresponding to the results of the simulation, A spatial control system equipped with the following features.

2. The information relating to the heat source includes information relating to at least one of the temperature, location, and attributes of the heat source. The spatial control system according to claim 1.

3. The information acquisition unit further acquires environmental measurement information of the target space, The information processing unit simulates the environmental state of the target space based on the spatial shape information, the heat source information, the operation information, and the environmental measurement information, and outputs an operation pattern for the equipment corresponding to the results of the simulation. The spatial control system according to claim 1.

4. The information acquisition unit acquires information regarding the target environmental state of the target space, The information processing unit outputs the operating pattern that can achieve the target environmental state. The spatial control system according to claim 3.

5. Furthermore, the system includes an equipment control unit that controls the equipment based on the operating pattern that can achieve the target environmental conditions. The spatial control system according to claim 4.

6. The information processing unit derives a plurality of operating patterns and outputs an operating pattern from among the plurality of operating patterns that can achieve the target environmental state. The equipment control unit controls the equipment based on the operating pattern. The spatial control system according to claim 5.

7. Furthermore, it includes a model generation unit that generates a reduced model of the target space, The information processing unit simulates the environmental state of the target space using the reduced model generated by the model generation unit, and outputs the results of the simulation using the reduced model. The spatial control system according to claim 3 or 4.

8. The model generation unit corrects the reduced model based on the environmental measurement information, The information processing unit simulates the environmental state of the target space using the corrected reduced model. The spatial control system according to claim 7.

9. The information acquisition unit further acquires information regarding the evaluation indicators for the spatial control, The information processing unit outputs an operating pattern that satisfies the evaluation index from among a plurality of operating patterns that can achieve the target environmental state. The spatial control system according to claim 6.

10. The evaluation index includes at least one of the following: the estimated time during which the equipment's operating time satisfies the target environmental conditions; the estimated time from the start of operation of the equipment until the target environmental conditions are reached; and the estimated power consumption during operation of the equipment. The spatial control system according to claim 9.

11. Multiple evaluation indicators are provided as the aforementioned evaluation indicators. Multiple evaluation indicators are assigned a priority order for evaluation. The information processing unit determines the operating pattern based on the priority order of the multiple evaluation indicators, The equipment control unit controls the equipment based on the operating pattern determined by the information processing unit. The spatial control system according to claim 9.

12. Furthermore, it includes a user interface device that presents information to the user or accepts user input. The information processing unit derives candidate operating patterns based on the evaluation index, and outputs information regarding the evaluation index and information regarding the candidate operating patterns to the user interface device. The spatial control system according to claim 9.

13. Furthermore, it includes a user interface device that presents information to the user or accepts user input. The information processing unit outputs a plurality of the operation patterns to the user interface device. The spatial control system according to claim 5.

14. The equipment control unit controls the equipment based on the operating pattern received by the user interface device from among the multiple operating patterns. The spatial control system according to claim 13.

15. The aforementioned target space is composed of multiple subspaces, The equipment control unit controls the equipment for each of the multiple subspaces. The spatial control system according to claim 5.

16. The equipment control unit controls the equipment by prioritizing the subspace where the heat source is located over the subspace where the heat source is not located among the plurality of subspaces. The spatial control system according to claim 15.

17. The system acquires spatial shape information of the target space to be controlled, heat source information relating to heat sources that can move within the target space, and operating information of the equipment that controls the target space. Based on the spatial shape information, heat source information, and operation information, the environmental state of the target space is simulated, and an operation pattern for the equipment corresponding to the results of the simulation is output. A method for controlling space.

18. A program for causing a computer to execute the spatial control method described in claim 17.

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