Air quality control device, air quality control method, and air quality control program

Abstract

To detect a use scene as a situation of people using a place and to control air quality to an environment suitable to the used place.SOLUTION: A server comprises: an estimation part 101 which estimates a desired use scene in a conference room based upon a combination of air quality information on the inside of the conference room and environmental state information on the inside of the conference room; and a control part 102 which controls an air conditioner, an aroma diffuser, and a ventilator according to a control goal matching the use scene.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an air quality control device, an air quality control method, and an air quality control program. [Background technology]

[0002] In recent years, air conditioners have been controlled by sensing the environment, by sensing odors, or by sensing people. Sensing the environment refers to, for example, temperature and humidity, radiant heat, activity, solar radiation, sound, images, etc. Sensing people refers to, for example, the pulse rate of people in the room.

[0003] Patent Document 1 describes an invention that provides an appropriate environment according to the stress level of the occupants and the purpose of the occupants' use of the space. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] JP 2017-32202 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] However, the sensing information from each sensor alone does not allow us to understand the mood of the occupants or the purpose of their use of the space. For example, when an occupant is concentrating on work or doing other tasks, the sensing value of the sound related to that occupant will be the same and it will be impossible to distinguish between the two.

[0006] It is also possible to have the occupants input a schedule of the space usage purpose in advance, but this makes it difficult to respond to changes in the space usage purpose or schedule. Therefore, an object of the present invention is to detect the usage scene, which is the state of the people using a space, and to control the air quality to an environment suitable for that usage scene. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] In order to solve the above problems, the air quality control device of the present invention is To and a control unit that controls an air quality control device to achieve a control target suited to the usage scene. The air quality information includes information sensed by an odor sensor, and if the odor information in the air quality information is a stress odor, the estimation unit estimates that the person in the room is seeking calm and that the atmosphere in the room is seeking tension. .

[0008] The air quality control method of the present invention includes the steps of: Contains information sensed by odor sensors Indoor air quality To based on, The estimation unit: A step of estimating a usage scene in the room; If the odor information of the air quality information is a stress odor, the estimation unit estimates that the person in the room is seeking calm and that the atmosphere in the room is seeking tension; and controlling the air quality control device to achieve a control target suited to the usage situation.

[0009] The air quality control program of the present invention is configured to Contains information sensed by odor sensors Indoor air quality To A step of estimating a usage scene in the room based on the a step of estimating, if the odor information of the air quality information is a stress odor, that the person in the room is seeking calm and that the atmosphere in the room is seeking tension; The purpose is to execute a procedure for controlling air quality control equipment to achieve a control target appropriate for the usage situation. Other means will be described in the description of the embodiment of the invention. Effect of the Invention

[0010] According to the present invention, it is possible to detect the usage situation, which is the state of people using a place, and control the air quality to an environment suitable for that usage situation. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0011] [Figure 1] 1 is a configuration diagram of a system according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating the operation of each block of the system. [Diagram 3] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating a hardware configuration of a server. [Figure 4] 4 is a flowchart of a sensing process of each sensor. [Diagram 5] 13 is a flowchart of a control process of the server. [Figure 6] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating three elements estimated by an estimation unit. [Figure 7] FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating an example of a person status table. [Figure 8] FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating an example of an atmosphere table. [Figure 9] FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating an example of a sensation table. [Figure 10] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of a usage scene goal table. [Figure 11] 1A to 1C are diagrams showing examples of usage scenes corresponding to each usage scene. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0012] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. The air quality control device of this embodiment uses multiple indices to estimate the purpose of space use and performs autonomous control to control the air quality control equipment so that the air quality is suitable for the person's mood and the purpose of space use. Here, air quality information refers to the physical properties of the indoor air and its mixture. Since the air quality control device operates autonomously, even if the purpose of space use is changed, it can follow the changed purpose of space use and control the air quality control equipment so that the air quality is suitable for this.

[0013] FIG. 1 is a configuration diagram of a system according to this embodiment. This system includes a server 1, air conditioners 3 installed in conference rooms 7a, 7b, etc., a ventilator 4, an aroma diffuser 5, a thermopile sensor 61, and a CO 2 It includes a sensor 62, a microphone 63, and an odor sensor 64. The server 1 is an air quality control device that controls air quality control devices to provide air quality suitable for people's moods and the purpose of space use, and is installed in, for example, a data center. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the computer that is the air quality control device may be installed in the conference room 7a, or may be incorporated in an air quality control device such as the air conditioner 3, and is not limited thereto.

[0014] The air conditioner 3, ventilator 4, and aroma diffuser 5 installed in the conference rooms 7a and 7b are air quality control devices for controlling the air quality in the rooms. Here, air quality refers to the physical properties and mixture of air, and includes not only the temperature and humidity of the air, but also the air volume, odor, and CO2. 2 It is a concept that includes (carbon dioxide) concentration. Note that air quality may further include air pressure, oxygen concentration, nitrogen concentration, chemical substances such as formaldehyde and other legally regulated substances, and suspended matter such as bacteria, viruses, mold, and dust.

[0015] The air conditioner 3, the ventilator 4, and the aroma diffuser 5 are connected to the server 1 via the network N, the router 21, the gateway 22, and the repeater 23b, and are controlled by this server 1.

[0016] The router 21 has a function of selecting and controlling a data transfer path, and is used for connection and relay between the network N and a LAN (Local Area Network) that is composed of the gateway 22, repeaters 23a to 23c, and the like. The gateway 22 is a network node for connecting the LAN to a network N that uses a different protocol.

[0017] The repeaters 23a to 23c are devices that connect various devices to a LAN. The management terminal 24a is connected to the LAN via the repeater 23a, and logs in to the server 1 to manage the system. The management terminal 24b is connected to the server 1 via the network N so as to be able to communicate with the server 1, and logs in to the server 1 to manage the system.

[0018] The air conditioner 3 is a type of air conditioning equipment, and is a machine that adjusts the temperature and humidity of indoor air. The air conditioner 3 is connected to a LAN by a gateway 22, and communicates with the server 1 via a router 21 and a network N, and is controlled by the server 1.

[0019] The ventilation device 4 is a facility for replacing the air in the conference rooms 7a and 7b. The aroma diffuser 5 is a device for diffusing the scent of aromatic oil. The ventilation device 4 and the aroma diffuser 5 are connected to a LAN via a repeater 23b and controlled by the server 1. The air quality control devices are not limited to those mentioned above, and may include, for example, humidifiers, dehumidifiers, air purifiers, deodorizers, circulators, electric fans, and the like.

[0020] Thermopile sensor 61 and CO 2 The sensor 62, microphone 63, and odor sensor 64 are connected to a LAN via a repeater 23c, and transmit air quality information and environmental condition information to the server 1. Here, the environmental condition information is information related to the state of the environment caused by the actions of people in the room.

[0021] CO 2 The sensor 62 is a CO 2 (carbon dioxide) concentration and CO 2 It detects the change in concentration over time and is a type of air quality sensor. The odor sensor 64 detects the presence or absence of an odor, and further determines the concentration of the odor and whether the odor matches a stress odor, a food odor, or an odor body odor. It is one type of air quality sensor.

[0022] The thermopile sensor 61 detects the presence or absence of a heat source, and if a heat source is present, detects changes in the amount of radiant heat and changes in the position of the heat source, and is one of the environmental condition sensors. The thermopile sensor 61 is a thermal type infrared sensor that generates a thermoelectromotive force according to the amount of incident energy when it receives infrared rays radiated from an object. Here, a thermopile sensor with multiple resolutions is used as the thermopile sensor 61, and the presence or absence of a heat source is detected as unevenness within the resolution. The microphone 63 detects the presence or absence of sound and its volume, and further determines whether the detected sound is sound or noise, and detects whether the detected sound is the voice of multiple people, and is one of the environmental condition sensors.

[0023] The server 1 of this embodiment only uses the sensing information detected by the air quality sensor and the sensing information detected by the environmental condition sensor. Therefore, there is no risk of the users of the conference room having their biometric information obtained by human body sensing. However, the server 1 may obtain biometric information to improve the accuracy of scene estimation.

[0024] In the system of this embodiment, these four sensors are used in combination. Note that the air conditioner 3 uses a room temperature sensor and an activity amount sensor internally to ensure the comfort of the sensible temperature and the set temperature. This enables the air conditioner 3 to measure the reference value of the air quality control target and determine the control result.

[0025] In this embodiment, these four sensors can distinguish between eight patterns of usage scenarios and a "none" usage scenario. In addition, the number of types of sensors may be increased in order to increase the number of locations where the system can be used and the output patterns of usage scenarios. Furthermore, human body sensing may be added to improve estimation accuracy and control accuracy.

[0026] The conference room reservation system 91 is a system for managing reservation information for, for example, the conference rooms 7a and 7b. The person / thing management system 92 is a system for managing the equipment and users of the conference rooms 7a and 7b, for example. The cleaning schedule management system 93 is a system for managing the cleaning schedules of, for example, the conference rooms 7a and 7b.

[0027] The conference room reservation system 91, the people and things management system 92, and the cleaning schedule management system 93 are connected to a network and can communicate with the server 1. In this way, the server 1 is configured to be able to cooperate with other systems. This allows the server 1 to notify other systems of environmental state information determined by itself.

[0028] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing the operation of each block of the system. The estimation unit 101 and the control unit 102 are realized by the CPU 11 of the server 1, which will be described later, executing a control program 181 shown in FIG.

[0029] The estimation unit 101 estimates the use scene of the conference room based on a combination of the air quality information of the conference room and the environmental state information of the conference room, and the previous use scene estimate value of the conference room. When estimating the use scene of the conference room, the estimation unit 101 refers to the person state table 182, the atmosphere table 183, and the bodily sensation table 184 shown in FIG. 3.

[0030] Control unit 102 calculates a control target appropriate for the usage scenario estimated by estimation unit 101, by referring to usage scenario target table 185, the current air quality information, and the environmental state information, and controls the air quality control equipment in the conference room. If estimation unit 101 did not estimate a usage scenario, control unit 102 controls the air quality control equipment in the conference room based on the previous control target value.

[0031] The result of this air quality control is detected by the air quality sensing in this conference room. Furthermore, the environmental condition of this conference room is sensed by the environmental condition sensor in this conference room. The air quality information includes CO 2 The environmental condition information includes information sensed by the sensor and the odor sensor. The environmental condition information includes information sensed by the radiant heat sensor and the microphone. Based on a combination of the feedback of the air quality information and the environmental state information, the estimation unit 101 again estimates the use scenario of the conference room. Then, the control unit 102 controls the air quality control equipment of this conference room toward a control goal appropriate for the use scenario, based on the use scenario goal table 185 shown in FIG. By performing control in this way, the server 1 can control the air quality in the conference room so as to suit the mood of people and the purpose of using the space.

[0032] FIG. 3 is a diagram showing a hardware configuration of the server 1. As shown in FIG. The server 1 is a computer including a central processing unit (CPU) 11, a read only memory (ROM) 12, and a random access memory (RAM) 13.

[0033] The CPU 11 is a central processing unit, and executes a control program 181 and the like stored in the ROM 12, the storage device 18, etc. The ROM 12 is a non-volatile memory, and stores programs that realize basic input and output of this computer, etc. The RAM 13 is a volatile memory, and is used as a variable storage area when the CPU 11 executes a program.

[0034] The server 1 further includes a display unit 14, a communication unit 15, an operation unit 16, a medium reading unit 17, and a storage device 18. The display unit 14 is, for example, a liquid crystal display, and displays characters, figures, images, and the like.

[0035] The communication unit 15 is, for example, a network interface card (NIC), and transmits and receives information to and from external devices. The operation unit 16 is, for example, a keyboard and a mouse, and is used when an operator operates the server 1. The medium reading unit 17 is for reading an external recording medium 19, and is, for example, an optical drive. The external recording medium 19 stores, for example, a control program 181 and its installer.

[0036] The storage device 18 is a large-capacity storage device such as a hard disk drive or a solid state drive (SSD). A control program 181, a person state table 182, an atmosphere table 183, a bodily sensation table 184, and a usage scene goal table 185 are stored in the storage device 18. When the CPU 11 executes the control program 181, each part in FIG. 2 is realized and a predetermined control process is executed.

[0037] FIG. 4 is a flowchart of the sensing process of each sensor. This sensing process is executed, for example, by each sensor autonomously at a predetermined cycle, or when the server 1 requests sensing data.

[0038] <<Operation example of thermopile sensor 61>> For example, when the thermopile sensor 61 starts operating, it reads sensing data (S10). Here, the sensing data is an infrared image captured by a two-dimensional sensor. Then, the thermopile sensor 61 processes the sensing data (S11). The thermopile sensor 61 processes the sensing data into information on the presence or absence of a heat source, and if a heat source is present, processes the data into information on changes in the amount of radiant heat and information on changes in the position of the heat source. Then, the thermopile sensor 61 sends the processed sensing data to the server 1 (S12), and the sensing process ends.

[0039] Example of Mic 63 in action For example, when the microphone 63 starts operating, it reads sensing data (S10). Here, the sensing data is sound information. The microphone 63 then processes the sensing data (S11). The microphone 63 processes the sound information, which is the sensing data, into information on the presence or absence of sound and volume information, and further processes the detected sound into information on whether the detected sound is sound or noise, and information on whether the detected sound is the sound of multiple people. The microphone 63 then sends the processed sensing data to the server 1 (S12), and the sensing process ends.

[0040] 《CO 2 Example of Sensor 62 Operation For example, CO 2 When the sensor 62 starts operating, it reads sensing data (S10). Here, the sensing data is CO 2 concentration. And CO 2 The sensor 62 processes the sensing data (S11). 2 The sensor 62 outputs sensing data, 2 From concentration 2 Then, the concentration change information is processed. 2 The sensor 62 sends the processed sensing data to the server 1 (S12), and ends the sensing process.

[0041] <<Example of odor sensor 64 operation>> When the odor sensor 64 starts operating, it reads sensing data (S10). Here, the sensing data is odor information. The odor sensor 64 then processes the sensing data (S11). The odor sensor 64 further processes the odor information, which is the sensing data, into odor concentration information and information on whether the odor matches a stress odor, a food odor, or a body odor.

[0042] Here, stress odor refers to the odor of dimethyl trisulfide, allyl mercaptan, or lipids containing proteins and minerals, etc. Also, food odor refers to the odor of aldehydes, alcohols, and sulfides other than body odor and stress odor, and does not include aromatic odors used. Then, the odor sensor 64 sends the processed sensing data to the server 1 (S12), and the sensing process ends. The sensing data processing in step S11 may be executed on the server 1 side after the CPU 11 of the server 1 receives the raw sensing data, and is not limited to this.

[0043] FIG. 5 is a flowchart of the control process of the server 1. First, the CPU 11 of the server 1 performs presetting (S20), for example, reading various tables and the like. Then, CPU 11 receives sensing data from each sensor (S21). Here, each sensor executes the sensing process shown in Fig. 4. When CPU 11 receives air quality information and environmental state information from each sensor via communication unit 15, CPU 11 estimates three elements, namely, a desired state of a person, a desired atmosphere of a place, and a desired bodily sensation, in the process of steps S22 to S24. The process of steps S22 to S24 corresponds to the process of estimation unit 101 shown in Fig. 2.

[0044] FIG. 6 is a diagram for explaining the three elements estimated by the estimation unit 101. In FIG. In this embodiment, the situation for estimating air quality is defined as a combination of three elements: the desired state of the person, the desired atmosphere of the place, and the desired bodily sensation. The state of the person desired is the state that is estimated to be desired by the person in the room. The state of the person desired has the individual characteristics of active, where the amount of human activity is high, calm, where the amount of human activity is low, and "none", where no person is detected. If there are multiple people in the room, the state of the person desired is the state that is estimated to be commonly desired by all of them. Note that if "none" is selected, all subsequent elements will also be "none".

[0045] The desired atmosphere is the atmosphere that is presumed to be desired by the people in the room. The desired atmosphere can be classified into three types: a tense atmosphere, which is a tense atmosphere; a relaxed atmosphere, which is a relaxed atmosphere; and a single characteristic of "none," which does not detect people. The desired sensation is the experience that is assumed to be desired by the person in the room. There are three types of desired sensation: comfortable sensation, which is not felt in the room due to heat, cold, or air currents; stimulating sensation, which is felt in the room due to heat, cold, or air currents; and "none", which is not felt in the room due to the lack of human presence.

[0046] Based on various sensing information, the estimation unit 101 selects a pattern that combines the characteristics of these three elements or a pattern that does not include a single characteristic. The control unit 102 determines the control target value of the air quality from the usage scene that corresponds to the selected pattern. If any element does not correspond to any of the characteristics, the estimation unit 101 does not select a new pattern, and the control unit 102 continues the previous control target value of the air quality for a certain period of time, and returns to the next flow cycle.

[0047] Returning to Fig. 5, the description will continue. The CPU 11 estimates the desired state of the person from the sensing data based on the person state table 182 shown in Fig. 7 (S22).

[0048] FIG. 7 is a diagram showing an example of the person state table 182. As shown in FIG. Each row of the human status table 182 indicates a judgment condition, and the rows are arranged in order of priority of the judgment conditions.

[0049] The first row is a case where the odor sensor 64 detects a food odor. In this case, the estimation unit 101 estimates that the state of the person being sought is active. The second row is a case where the odor sensor 64 detects a stress odor. In this case, the estimation unit 101 estimates that the state of the person being sought is calm.

[0050] The third line is CO 2 Sensor 62 detects CO 2 This is the case when it is detected that the concentration does not increase, the thermopile sensor 61 does not detect a heat source, and the microphone 63 does not detect a voice. In this case, the estimation unit 101 estimates that the state of the person being sought is "absent." The fourth row corresponds to a case where the odor sensor 64 does not detect an odor, the thermopile sensor 61 detects a heat source, and detects a change in the amount of radiant heat. In this case, the estimation unit 101 estimates that the state of the person being sought is active.

[0051] The fifth line corresponds to a case where the odor sensor 64 does not detect an odor, the thermopile sensor 61 detects a heat source, and detects that the amount of radiant heat is constant. In this case, the estimation unit 101 estimates that the state of the person being sought is calm.

[0052] The sixth line corresponds to a case where the odor sensor 64 detects a body odor and the microphone 63 detects a voice. In this case, the estimation unit 101 estimates that the state of the person being sought is active. The seventh line corresponds to a case where the thermopile sensor 61 detects a heat source and its movement, and the microphone 63 detects noise but not a voice. In this case, the estimation unit 101 estimates that the state of the person being sought is calm.

[0053] When the seeker's state is active, CO 2 Since the amount of emissions tends to increase with activity, it is advisable to ventilate the room in a strong manner. In addition, it is advisable to use an aroma diffuser to diffuse aroma oils that are expected to have brain activation and stress reduction effects, or to not diffuse aroma oils at all. Lavender aroma oil, for example, is an example of an aroma oil that is expected to have brain activation and stress reduction effects.

[0054] When the state of the seeker is subdued, the person's activity is low, and CO 2 Since the increase in emissions is only slight, it is advisable to use weak to medium ventilation. At this time, it is also advisable to use an aroma diffuser to diffuse aroma oil that is expected to have a relaxing effect. For example, orange sweet aroma oil is an example of an aroma oil that is expected to have a relaxing effect.

[0055] When the desired state of the person is "none," it is desirable for the ventilation to stop after a predetermined period of ventilation and for aromatic oil not to be emitted. If the desired state of the person does not fit into any of the rows, the estimation unit 101 does not update the usage scenario, and continues to apply the previous air quality control target value.

[0056] Returning to Fig. 5, the CPU 11 estimates the desired atmosphere of the place from the sensing data based on the atmosphere table 183 shown in Fig. 8 (S23).

[0057] FIG. 8 is a diagram showing an example of the atmosphere table 183. As shown in FIG. Each row of the atmosphere table 183 indicates a judgment condition, and the rows are arranged in order of priority of the judgment conditions.

[0058] The first row is a case where the odor sensor 64 detects a stress odor. In this case, the estimation unit 101 estimates that the desired atmosphere of the situation is tense. The second row is a case where the odor sensor 64 detects a food odor. In this case, the estimation unit 101 estimates that the desired atmosphere of the place is relaxed.

[0059] The third row is the case where the odor sensor 64 does not detect an odor, the thermopile sensor 61 does not detect a heat source, and the microphone 63 does not detect a sound. In this case, the estimation unit 101 estimates that the desired atmosphere of the place is "none." The fourth line corresponds to the case where the odor sensor 64 does not detect an odor, the thermopile sensor 61 detects a heat source, and detects a change in the amount of radiant heat. In this case, the estimation unit 101 estimates that the desired atmosphere of the place is tense.

[0060] The fifth line corresponds to a case where the odor sensor 64 does not detect an odor, the thermopile sensor 61 detects a heat source, and detects that the amount of radiant heat is constant. In this case, the estimation unit 101 estimates that the desired atmosphere is relaxed.

[0061] The sixth line corresponds to a case where the thermopile sensor 61 detects a heat source and its movement, and the microphone 63 detects noise but not a voice. In this case, the estimation unit 101 estimates that the desired atmosphere of the place is relaxed. The seventh line corresponds to a case where the odor sensor 64 detects a body odor and the microphone 63 detects a voice. In this case, the estimation unit 101 estimates that the desired atmosphere of the situation is tense.

[0062] When the desired atmosphere is tense, it is desirable to aim for concentration at a comfortable temperature or a temperature slightly below the comfortable temperature. When the desired atmosphere is tense and the person seeking it is in an active state, an aroma oil with brain activation effects and stress reduction effects is diffused from the aroma diffuser. When the desired atmosphere is tense and the person seeking it is in a calm state, an aroma oil with a relaxing effect is diffused from the aroma diffuser.

[0063] When the desired atmosphere is relaxation, it is desirable to release tension at a comfortable temperature or a temperature slightly higher than the comfortable temperature. Furthermore, it is desirable to use an aroma diffuser to diffuse aroma oil that is expected to have a relaxing effect, or to not use aroma oil at all. When the desired atmosphere is "none," it is preferable that the air conditioning and heating be stopped or operated at low power and that aromatic oils not be used. If the desired atmosphere of the place does not fit into any of the rows, the estimation unit 101 does not update the usage scene, and continues to apply the previous air quality control target value.

[0064] Returning to Fig. 5, the CPU 11 estimates the desired bodily sensation from the sensing data based on the bodily sensation table 184 shown in Fig. 9 (S24).

[0065] FIG. 9 is a diagram showing an example of the sensation table 184. As shown in FIG. Each row of the sensation table 184 indicates a judgment condition, and the rows are arranged in order of priority of the judgment conditions. The first line is CO 2 The sensor 62 detects a CO 2 This is the case where the concentration is detected, the odor sensor 64 detects no odor, and the microphone 63 detects a quiet sound lower than a predetermined value. In this case, the estimation unit 101 estimates that the desired bodily sensation is a stimulus.

[0066] The second row is the case where the odor sensor 64 does not detect an odor, the thermopile sensor 61 does not detect a heat source, and the microphone 63 does not detect a sound. In this case, the estimation unit 101 estimates that the desired physical sensation is "none."

[0067] The third row shows a case where the odor sensor 64 detects a body odor and the microphone 63 detects a lot of sounds. In this case, the estimation unit 101 estimates that the desired bodily sensation is a stimulus. The fourth line corresponds to a case where the odor sensor 64 does not detect an odor, the thermopile sensor 61 detects a heat source and its movement, and the microphone 63 does not detect a sound but detects noise. In this case, the estimation unit 101 estimates that the desired bodily sensation is a stimulus. The fifth line covers all other cases. In this case, the estimation unit 101 estimates that the desired sensation is comfortable.

[0068] When the desired physical sensation is comfortable, the control unit 102 maintains a comfortable state in which no airflow sensation is felt. When the desired sensation is stimulation, the control unit 102 aims to wake the user up by controlling the air conditioner to swing the air current at a medium wind speed or less to make the user feel a slight air current, or by controlling the air current to blow air at a medium wind speed or more for a moment, called a "spot air current." Furthermore, the control unit 102 stimulates the user by emitting peppermint aroma, which has a stimulating effect, from the aroma diffuser 5. When the desired sensation is "none," the control unit 102 stops the air conditioner from blowing air or sets it to a weak wind.

[0069] Returning to Fig. 5, the explanation will be continued. The CPU 11 judges whether the three elements match the usage scene goal table 185 shown in Fig. 10 (S25). CPU 11 determines whether or not there is a usage scenario that matches the three elements (S26). If there is a usage scenario that matches the three elements (Yes), CPU 11 proceeds to step S27, and if there is no usage scenario that matches the three elements (No), CPU 11 returns to step S21. Note that if the characteristics of any of the three elements cannot be estimated, there is no usage scenario that matches the three elements (No), and so the process returns to step S21 and controls using the previous air quality control target value.

[0070] In step S27, the CPU 11 refers to the usage scene goal table 185 and calculates control parameters suited to the usage scene. After transmitting the control parameters to each of the control target devices (S28), the CPU 11 returns to the process of step S21. The processes from steps S25 to S28 correspond to the processes of the control unit 102 shown in FIG.

[0071] Fig. 10 is a diagram showing an example of the usage scenario goal table 185. Fig. 11 is a diagram showing an example of usage scenes corresponding to each usage scenario. 10, if any of the three elements of the usage scene is "none," the control unit 102 stops the ventilation device 4 after ventilation, stops the air conditioner 3 or operates it at low speed, and stops or operates at low speed. Furthermore, the control unit 102 stops the emission of aromatic oil from the aroma diffuser 5.

[0072] When any of the three elements is “none”, it corresponds to the scene in Figure 11 where the conference room is unused. When the conference room is unused, the air quality is CO 2 There is no increase in concentration, no smell, no radiant heat source detected in the environment, and no sound detected.

[0073] 10, if the characteristics required for people in a room in a given usage scenario are activity, tension, and comfort, the control unit 102 sets the ventilation device 4 to medium ventilation and operates the air conditioner 3 at a comfortable temperature so that users in the conference room do not feel the wind speed. Furthermore, the control unit 102 causes the aroma diffuser 5 to emit aromatic oil having an activating effect. The control unit 102 feeds back sensing information from the odor sensor 64 to appropriately control the amount of aromatic oil having an activating effect emitted.

[0074] The characteristics of activity, tension, and comfort correspond to the scene in Figure 11 where the meeting is in progress and the participants are concentrating on listening to the lecture. When the meeting is in progress and the participants are concentrating on listening to the lecture, the air quality is CO 2The concentration is low to high, there is no odor, the environmental conditions are such that a stationary heat source is detected, its radiant heat is fluctuating, and the volume of the sound is quiet to medium.

[0075] 10, if the characteristics required for people in a room in a given usage scenario are activity, relaxation, and stimulation, the control unit 102 sets the ventilation device 4 to a strong ventilation volume and operates the air conditioner 3 at a comfortable temperature, allowing users in the conference room to feel a fluctuating airflow. Furthermore, the control unit 102 does not allow the aroma diffuser 5 to emit aromatic oil.

[0076] The characteristics of activity, relaxation, and stimulation correspond to the scene in Figure 11 where the discussion is picking up pace during a meeting. When the discussion is picking up pace during a meeting, the air quality is CO 2 The concentration is low to high, there is a trace of body odor, the environmental conditions are a stationary heat source detected with fluctuating radiant heat, medium to high sound levels, and the voices of multiple people are detected.

[0077] As shown in Fig. 10, if the characteristics required for people in a room in a given usage scenario are calmness, tension, and comfort, the control unit 102 sets the ventilation device 4 to a low ventilation volume and operates the air conditioner 3 at a temperature slightly below the comfortable temperature so that the user does not feel the wind speed. Furthermore, the control unit 102 causes the aroma diffuser 5 to emit aromatic oil having a relaxing effect. The control unit 102 feeds back sensing information from the odor sensor 64 to appropriately control the amount of aromatic oil having a relaxing effect emitted.

[0078] The characteristics of calm, tension, and comfort correspond to the scene in Figure 11 where the tempo is increased during a meeting and then cooled down (cooled down). When the tempo is increased during a meeting and then cooled down, the air quality is 2 The concentration is high and there is a stress odor. The environmental condition is that a stationary heat source is detected, its radiant heat is fluctuating, the volume of sounds is increasing, and the voices of multiple people are detected.

[0079] 10, if the characteristics required for people in a room in a given usage scenario are activity, tension, and stimulation, the control unit 102 sets the ventilation device 4 to a strong ventilation volume, operates the air conditioner 3 at a temperature slightly below the comfort temperature, and applies spot airflow to the user. Furthermore, the control unit 102 causes the aroma diffuser 5 to emit aromatic oil having a stimulating effect. The control unit 102 feeds back sensing information from the odor sensor 64 to appropriately control the amount of aromatic oil having a stimulating effect emitted.

[0080] The characteristics of activity, tension, and stimulation correspond to the scene of meeting and dozing (refreshment) in Figure 11. In the case of meeting and dozing (refreshment), the air quality is CO 2 The concentration is high and there is no odor. The environmental conditions are as follows: a stationary heat source is detected, its radiant heat is fluctuating, and the volume of the sound is quiet to medium.

[0081] 10, if the characteristics required for people in a room in a given usage scenario are calming, relaxation, and stimulation, the control unit 102 sets the ventilation device 4 to a medium ventilation volume, operates the air conditioner 3 at a comfortable temperature, and directs a fluctuating airflow at the user in the room. Furthermore, the control unit 102 causes the aroma diffuser 5 to emit aromatic oil having a relaxing effect. The control unit 102 feeds back sensing information from the odor sensor 64 to appropriately control the amount of aromatic oil having a relaxing effect emitted.

[0082] The characteristics of calm, relaxation, and stimulation correspond to the break time scene in Figure 11. In the break time, the air quality is 2 The concentration is low to medium, and there is a slight body odor. The environmental conditions are that a heat source and its movement are detected, its radiant heat is fluctuating, and the volume of the sound is medium and there is noise.

[0083] 10, if the characteristics required for people in a room in a given usage scenario are activity, relaxation, and comfort, the control unit 102 sets the ventilation device 4 to a strong ventilation volume and operates the air conditioner 3 at a temperature slightly below the comfort temperature, so that the user in the room does not feel the wind speed. Furthermore, the control unit 102 does not emit aromatic oil from the aroma diffuser 5.

[0084] The characteristics of activity, relaxation, and comfort correspond to the meal break scene in Figure 11. In the meal break, the air quality is 2 The odor is low to medium in concentration and there is a food odor. The environmental conditions are a stationary heat source detected with fluctuating radiant heat, and the volume of the sound is quiet to medium.

[0085] As shown in Fig. 10, if the characteristics required for people in a room in a given usage scenario are calming, relaxation, and comfort, the control unit 102 sets the ventilation device 4 to a low ventilation volume and operates the air conditioner 3 at a temperature slightly above the comfortable temperature, so that the user in the room does not feel the wind speed. Furthermore, the control unit 102 causes the aroma diffuser 5 to emit aromatic oil having a relaxing effect. The control unit 102 feeds back sensing information from the odor sensor 64 to appropriately control the amount of aromatic oil having a relaxing effect emitted.

[0086] The characteristics of calm, relaxation and comfort correspond to the nap scene in Figure 11. In the nap scene, the air quality is 2 The concentration is low to medium, there is no odor, and the environmental conditions are detected as a stationary heat source with constant radiant heat and quiet sound.

[0087] Effects of the embodiment The server 1 of this embodiment autonomously estimates the use situation of the room based on the sensing information of each sensor. This eliminates the need for a person to input the purpose of use of the room, and can follow changes in the purpose of use of the room, eliminating the need to input the purpose. The server 1 of this embodiment estimates the state of the person being sought based on air quality information and environmental state information. Therefore, there is no need to sense information that identifies an individual, and no privacy issues arise.

[0088] The server 1 of this embodiment estimates the state of the person being sought based on the amount or presence of odor and the type of odor components using the odor sensor 64. This makes it possible to identify the usage situation without identifying the individual. The server 1 of this embodiment provides air quality appropriate for the purpose of the activity or the purpose of space use, thereby enabling people in the room to act comfortably and efficiently toward the achievement of their purpose. In this embodiment, by controlling the air quality by changing the ventilation, temperature, wind speed, and odor for each usage scene, it may be possible to save electricity compared to the case where the air conditioner controls the air quality by controlling only the air temperature to create a suitable environment. For example, it is possible to save electricity by lowering the air temperature and emitting a peppermint aroma that has a stimulating effect, rather than providing stimulation only by lowering the air temperature in the room.

[0089] (Modification) The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and includes various modified examples. For example, the above-described embodiment has been described in detail to clearly explain the present invention, and is not necessarily limited to those having all of the configurations described. It is possible to replace a part of the configuration of one embodiment with the configuration of another embodiment, and it is also possible to add the configuration of another embodiment to the configuration of one embodiment. In addition, it is also possible to add, delete, or replace a part of the configuration of each embodiment with another configuration.

[0090] The above configurations, functions, processing units, processing means, etc. may be realized in part or in whole by hardware such as an integrated circuit. The above configurations, functions, etc. may be realized by software by a processor interpreting and executing a program that realizes each function. Information such as the program, table, file, etc. that realizes each function can be stored in a recording device such as a memory, a hard disk, or an SSD (Solid State Drive), or a recording medium such as a flash memory card or a DVD (Digital Versatile Disk).

[0091] In each embodiment, the control lines and information lines are those that are considered necessary for the explanation, and not all control lines and information lines in the product are necessarily shown. In reality, it may be considered that almost all components are connected to each other. As modified examples of the present invention, for example, the following (a) to (j) are available.

[0092] (a) The system may measure information that identifies an individual, such as, but not limited to, a person's pulse rate or pupils, to improve the accuracy of detecting the desired person's condition. (b) A flow may be provided for human feedback on the control results of the air quality control device. (c) The system may increase the number of scenes to be estimated by increasing the sensing content or adding sensing context, and is not limited thereto. (d) The scenes that the system infers are not limited to meetings, discussions, brainstorming, meals, breaks, naps, and sleep. For example, the scenes may be work, manufacturing, or shopping. (e) Measure the air quality in restaurants and CO 2 The concentration can be used to determine whether or not there are customers. It is advisable to control the temperature and humidity appropriate for dining purposes, and the release of aroma oils that stimulate appetite, and to control ventilation and deodorization to save energy when the room is vacant. In addition, it is advisable to multiply the air quality sensing data by the expected number of customers and the usage time to calculate customer attraction data that indicates customer status in terms of activity level. Customer attraction data calculated in this way can be used for store marketing. (f) Based on a series of air quality data, it may be possible to determine whether indoor conditions fall under the so-called "three Cs" (closed spaces, crowded places, and close contact) and then control ventilation. (g) In the present invention, a temperature sensor, a humidity sensor, a wind pressure sensor, an air pressure sensor, a window opening / closing sensor, a solar radiation sensor, a gas sensor, a dust sensor, and the like may further be used. (h) The air quality control device of the present invention is not limited to an air conditioner, a ventilator, and an aroma diffuser. In addition, the air conditioner, the ventilator, and the aroma diffuser are not essential as air quality control devices, and any of these may be used. (i) In the present invention, even if the temperature of the air supplied from the air conditioner is far from the desired temperature, the level of discomfort to the user can be reduced by ventilating, adjusting the air speed, and changing the odor. (j) By utilizing the fact that the present invention can provide air quality that efficiently achieves the user's objectives, it is possible to carry out control that is biased toward saving electricity for the air conditioner while leaving the efficiency of achieving the user's objectives unchanged. [Explanation of symbols]

[0093] 1 Server (Air Quality Control Device) 101 Estimation part 102 Control section 11 CPU 12 ROM 13 RAM 14 Display section 15 Communications Department 16 Control section 17 Media reader 18 Storage device 181 Control Program (Air Quality Control Program) 182 Person Status Table 183 Atmosphere Table 184 Experience Table 185 Usage scenario goal table 19 Recording media 21 Router 22 Gateway 23a~23c Repeater 24a, 24b Management terminal 3. Air conditioners (air quality control equipment) 4. Ventilation equipment (air quality control equipment) 5 Aroma diffuser (air quality control device) 61 Thermopile Sensor 62 CO 2 Sensors 63 Mike 64 Odor Sensor Conference Rooms 7a and 7b 91 Conference Room Reservation System 92 People and goods management system 93 Cleaning Schedule Management System N Network

Claims

1. An estimation unit that estimates a usage scene of the room based on indoor air quality information; A control unit that controls an air quality control device to achieve a control target appropriate for the usage situation; Equipped with The air quality information includes information sensed by an odor sensor, If the odor information in the air quality information is a stress odor, the estimation unit estimates that the person in the room is seeking calm and that the atmosphere in the room is seeking tension. An air quality control device comprising:

2. An estimation unit that estimates a usage scene of the room based on indoor air quality information; A control unit that controls an air quality control device to achieve a control target appropriate for the usage situation; Equipped with The air quality information includes information sensed by an odor sensor, If the odor information in the air quality information is a food odor, the estimation unit estimates that the person in the room is seeking activity and that the atmosphere in the room is seeking relaxation. An air quality control device comprising:

3. an estimation unit that estimates a usage scene of the indoor space based on a combination of indoor air quality information and indoor environmental state information; A control unit that controls an air quality control device to achieve a control target appropriate for the usage situation; Equipped with The air quality information includes CO ２ The information sensed by the sensor and the odor sensor is included, The environmental state information includes information sensed by a microphone, Among the air quality information, CO ２ If the concentration is equal to or greater than a predetermined value, the odor information is odorless, and the sound is equal to or less than a predetermined value, the estimation unit estimates that the person in the room is seeking stimulation. An air quality control device comprising:

4. an estimation unit that estimates a usage scene of the indoor space based on a combination of indoor air quality information and indoor environmental state information; A control unit that controls an air quality control device to achieve a control target appropriate for the usage situation; An air quality control device comprising: The air quality control device includes an aroma diffuser; If the estimation unit estimates that the person in the room is seeking activity and that the atmosphere in the room is seeking tension, the control unit further controls the aroma diffuser to emit an aroma oil having a brain activation effect or a stress reduction effect. An air quality control device comprising:

5. an estimation unit that estimates a usage scene of the indoor space based on a combination of indoor air quality information and indoor environmental state information; A control unit that controls an air quality control device to achieve a control target appropriate for the usage situation; An air quality control device comprising: The air quality control device includes an aroma diffuser; If the estimation unit estimates that the person in the room is seeking relaxation, the control unit further controls the aroma diffuser to diffuse an aromatic oil having a relaxing effect. An air quality control device comprising:

6. an estimation unit that estimates a usage scene of the indoor space based on a combination of indoor air quality information and indoor environmental state information; A control unit that controls an air quality control device to achieve a control target appropriate for the usage situation; An air quality control device comprising: The air quality control device includes an air conditioner, If the estimation unit estimates that the person in the room is seeking tension as the atmosphere in the room, the control unit sets a comfort temperature or a target temperature lower than the comfort temperature to the air conditioner. An air quality control device comprising:

7. An estimation unit estimates a usage scene of the room based on indoor air quality information including information sensed by an odor sensor; If the odor information of the air quality information is a stress odor, the estimation unit estimates that the person in the room is seeking calm and that the atmosphere in the room is seeking tension; Controlling an air quality control device to achieve a control goal appropriate for the usage scenario; An air quality control method that performs the above.

8. An estimation unit estimates a usage scene of the room based on indoor air quality information including information sensed by an odor sensor; If the odor information of the air quality information is a food odor, the estimation unit estimates that the person in the room is seeking activity and that the atmosphere in the room is seeking relaxation; Controlling an air quality control device to achieve a control goal appropriate for the usage scenario; An air quality control method that performs the above.

9. CO ２ an estimation unit estimating a usage scene in the room based on a combination of indoor air quality information including information sensed by a sensor and an odor sensor and indoor environmental state information including information sensed by a microphone; Among the air quality information, CO ２ If the concentration is equal to or greater than a predetermined value, the odor information is odorless, and the sound is equal to or less than a predetermined value, the estimation unit estimates that the person in the room is seeking stimulation; Controlling an air quality control device to achieve a control goal appropriate for the usage scenario; An air quality control method that performs the above.

10. On the computer, A step of estimating a usage scene of the room based on indoor air quality information including information sensed by an odor sensor; a step of estimating, if the odor information of the air quality information is a stress odor, that the person in the room is seeking calm and that the atmosphere in the room is seeking tension; A procedure for controlling an air quality control device to achieve a control goal appropriate for said usage scenario; Air quality control program to execute.

11. On the computer, A step of estimating a usage scene of the room based on indoor air quality information including information sensed by an odor sensor; a step of estimating, when the odor information of the air quality information is a food odor, that a person in the room is seeking activity and that a relaxation is seeking as the atmosphere in the room; A procedure for controlling an air quality control device to achieve a control goal appropriate for said usage scenario; Air quality control program to execute.

12. On the computer, CO ２ A step of estimating a usage scene in the room based on a combination of indoor air quality information including information sensed by a sensor and an odor sensor and indoor environmental state information including information sensed by a microphone; Among the air quality information, CO ２ a step of estimating that a person in the room is seeking stimulation if the concentration is equal to or greater than a predetermined value, the odor information is odorless, and the sound is equal to or less than a predetermined value; A procedure for controlling an air quality control device to achieve a control goal appropriate for said usage scenario; Air quality control program to execute.

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