User Attribute Information Management Device and User Attribute Information Management System

Abstract

This user attribute information management device (20) comprises: a collection unit (201) that collects apparatus data from an apparatus possessed by a user, said apparatus data including operation information that is information corresponding to an operation related to the running of the apparatus and received by the apparatus, and apparatus surroundings information; and a first user attribute information storage unit that stores information on a first user attribute that is a user attribute indicating a feature of the user and input by the user. The user attribute information management device (20) also comprises: a user attribute estimation unit (203) that, on the basis of the apparatus data collected by the collection unit (201), estimates a second user attribute that is a user attribute; a user attribute difference detection unit (206) that detects a difference between the first user attribute and the second user attribute; a notification unit (207) that, if a difference is detected, transmits an update-prompting notification to a user communication terminal possessed by the user, said notification prompting the update of the information on the first user attribute; and a management device communication unit (208) that communicates with an external apparatus.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a user attribute information management apparatus and a user attribute information management system for managing information on user attributes indicating characteristics of a user who owns a device.

Background Art

[0002] Device manufacturers can perform data analysis using user attributes by managing information on users of devices, such as users of the devices or administrators of the devices, and can utilize the results of the data analysis for marketing or promotion. For this reason, device manufacturers obtain and manage customer information by prompting registration of user attribute information, which is personal information regarding the user who owns the device and indicates the characteristics of the user, at the start of use of the device. However, the user attribute information input by the user may be inaccurate, such as input omissions or input errors, or the user attribute information input by the user may become outdated with long-term use of the device, often becoming noise in data analysis using user attribute information.

[0003] Patent Document 1 discloses an information update method for estimating the presence or absence of a change in a user's lifestyle based on operation log information including the operation date and time of home electric appliances owned by the user, and transmitting a personal information update request to the user's information processing terminal when it is estimated that there has been a change in the lifestyle. The operation log information is information that records the operation content when the home electric appliance is operated by the user. The operation log information includes the operation date and time of the home electric appliance, the operation day of the week of the home electric appliance, a user ID (Identification), which is an identifier for uniquely identifying the user, and a device ID, which is an identifier for uniquely identifying the home electric appliance. Thus, in the technology of Patent Document 1, it is estimated from the operation log information that the user's lifestyle has changed, and the user is prompted to update the user's personal information.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2020-035093 [Summary of the Invention] [Problems to be Solved by the Invention]

[0005] However, even if conditions such as the operation time zone of the home appliance obtained from the operation date and time of the home appliance included in the operation log information change, the user's attribute information does not necessarily change. For this reason, in the technology of Patent Document 1, although the user's attribute information has not actually changed, notifications prompting the update of the user's attribute information frequently reach the user from the server, increasing the processing load on the server to send notifications to the user and causing annoyance to the user.

[0006] The present disclosure has been made in view of the above, and an object thereof is to obtain a user attribute information management device that can improve the user attribute estimation system, suppress notification processing for prompting the user to update the user attribute, and suppress the user from feeling annoyance. [Means for Solving the Problems]

[0007] In order to solve the above-described problems and achieve the object, a user attribute information management device according to the present disclosure includes a collection unit that collects device data including operation information, which is information corresponding to an operation related to the operation of a device received by a device owned by a user, and information on the external world of the device, from the device, and a first user attribute information storage unit that stores information on a first user attribute, which is a user attribute indicating characteristics of the user input by the user. The user attribute information management device includes a user attribute estimation unit that estimates a second user attribute, which is a user attribute, based on the device data collected by the collection unit, a user attribute difference detection unit that detects a difference between the first user attribute and the second user attribute, and a notification unit that transmits an update promotion notification for prompting the update of the information on the first user attribute to a user communication terminal owned by the user when a difference is detected, and a management device communication unit that communicates with an external device. The user attribute estimation unit calculates the accuracy of the estimation of the second user attribute when estimating the second user attribute. The user attribute difference detection unit detects the difference between the first user attribute and the second user attribute for each item of the user attribute, based on the magnitude of the difference between the first user attribute and the second user attribute and the accuracy of the estimation of the second user attribute. The user attribute estimation unit calculates the accuracy calculation formula for calculating the accuracy of the estimation of the second user attribute based on the device data used for the estimation of the second user attribute and the second user attribute, and uses the device data used for the estimation of the second user attribute and the second user attribute to calculate the accuracy of the estimation of the second user attribute.

Advantages of the Invention

[0008] The user attribute information management device according to the present disclosure can improve the user attribute estimation system, suppress the notification process that prompts the user to update the user attributes, and suppress the user from feeling bothered.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0009]

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Modes for Carrying Out the Invention

[0010] Hereinafter, the user attribute information management device and the user attribute information management system according to the embodiments will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.

[0011] Embodiment 1. FIG. 1 is a system configuration diagram showing the configuration of a user attribute information management system 1 according to Embodiment 1. The user attribute information management system 1 according to Embodiment 1 manages user attributes, which are personal information of users who own electronic devices, which are devices installed in buildings such as houses. In the present Embodiment 1, the case where the electronic device is an air conditioner provided indoors in a house and performing air conditioning of the indoor air that is the air conditioning target space will be described.

[0012] The user attribute information management system 1 includes an air conditioner 10, a user attribute information management device 20, and a user communication terminal 30. The air conditioner 10, the user attribute information management device 20, and the user communication terminal 30 can exchange information with each other via the Internet 40 by being connected to the Internet 40, which is a network. Hereinafter, each of the air conditioner 10, the user attribute information management device 20, and the user communication terminal 30 will be described.

[0013] First, the air conditioner 10 will be described. The air conditioner 10 includes an indoor unit 11 installed indoors in a house, an outdoor unit 12 installed outdoors, and a remote controller 13 that transmits a control instruction command for the air conditioner 10 to the indoor unit 11. Hereinafter, the remote controller may sometimes be referred to as a remote control. The indoor unit 11 and the outdoor unit 12 are connected in a state where two-way communication of information is possible with each other. Also, the indoor unit 11 and the outdoor unit 12 are connected by a refrigerant pipe (not shown) that circulates refrigerant.

[0014] The air conditioner 10 forms one complete refrigeration cycle with the indoor unit 11 and the outdoor unit 12. The air conditioner 10 uses refrigerant that circulates between the indoor unit 11 and the outdoor unit 12 through the refrigerant pipe to perform heat transfer between the air in the indoor space to be air-conditioned and the outside air, which is the outdoor air, and realizes air conditioning for the indoor space. That is, the indoor unit 11 and the outdoor unit 12 are connected by a refrigerant pipe, and the outdoor unit 12 changes the pressure of the refrigerant flowing in the refrigerant pipe by a compressor (not shown) provided in the outdoor unit 12 to perform air conditioning by heat absorption and heat dissipation of the refrigerant.

[0015] The indoor unit 11 has the functions of a general indoor unit of an air conditioner. The indoor unit 11 is arranged indoors and blows conditioned air into the room. The indoor unit 11 operates the compressor provided in the outdoor unit 12 based on the set temperature set in the air conditioning control unit 117 (to be described later), the indoor temperature, and the outdoor temperature, and performs cooling operation or heating operation.

[0016] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the functional configuration of the indoor unit 11 of the air conditioner 10 according to Embodiment 1. The indoor unit 11 includes an indoor unit air conditioning unit 111, an indoor temperature and humidity sensor 112, an indoor unit human presence sensor 113, an indoor unit camera 114, an indoor unit storage unit 115, an indoor unit communication unit 116, and an air conditioning control unit 117. Each component of the indoor unit 11 described above can exchange information with each other.

[0017] The indoor unit air conditioner 111 has an air conditioning function in the indoor unit of a general air conditioner. The indoor unit air conditioner 111 includes an indoor heat exchanger that performs heat exchange between the air taken into the indoor unit 11 and the refrigerant flowing in the refrigerant circuit, a blower fan that sends the conditioned air heat-exchanged by the indoor heat exchanger from the indoor unit 11 into the room, and an air direction adjustment unit that adjusts the direction in which the conditioned air is sent out from the indoor unit 11, etc.

[0018] The indoor temperature and humidity sensor 112 measures the indoor temperature, which is the temperature of the indoor air, and the indoor humidity, which is the humidity of the indoor air, at a predetermined cycle. The indoor temperature and humidity sensor 112 transmits the measured indoor temperature and indoor humidity as sensor information to the air conditioning control unit 117.

[0019] The indoor unit occupancy sensor 113 detects people in the room where the indoor unit 11 is installed at a predetermined cycle. The indoor unit occupancy sensor 113 transmits the detection result as sensor information to the air conditioning control unit 117. For the indoor unit occupancy sensor 113, for example, an infrared sensor can be used. When the indoor unit occupancy sensor 113 is an infrared sensor, the indoor unit occupancy sensor 113 senses the infrared rays in the room where the indoor unit 11 is installed to generate a thermal image, which is a sensor image of the room, and transmits the generated sensor image as sensor information to the air conditioning control unit 117. Note that the indoor unit occupancy sensor 113 may detect the number of people present in the room from the thermal image and transmit the number of people present to the air conditioning control unit 117.

[0020] The indoor unit camera 114 photographs the room where the indoor unit 11 is installed. The indoor unit camera 114 transmits the photographed image of the room as image information to the air conditioning control unit 117.

[0021] The indoor unit storage unit 115 is a storage unit that stores information such as various control setting values and programs for controlling the operation of the air conditioner 10. In addition, the indoor unit storage unit 115 stores information such as operation information and sensor information, which will be described later, as device data, which will be described later. The indoor unit storage unit 115 is a non-volatile storage unit and is composed of a semiconductor storage medium such as a flash memory.

[0022] The indoor unit communication section 116 communicates with an external communication section which is a communication section provided in each component other than the air conditioner 10 in the user attribute information management system 1. The indoor unit communication section 116 has a function of transmitting and receiving data with an external device through a communication circuit such as communication using a wired LAN, a wireless LAN, Bluetooth (registered trademark), or a communication network of a mobile information terminal carrier. For example, the indoor unit communication section 116 is connected to a router installed in a house wirelessly or by wire, and establishes a communication connection with an external device through the router and the Internet 40.

[0023] The indoor unit communication section 116 communicates with a management device communication section 208 (to be described later) of the user attribute information management device 20 through the Internet 40. Further, the indoor unit communication section 116 communicates with a remote controller communication section 134 (to be described later) of the remote controller 13. The communication method between the indoor unit communication section 116 and the remote controller 13 may be wired communication or wireless communication using Wi-Fi (registered trademark) (Wireless Fidelity) or Bluetooth or the like.

[0024] The air conditioning control section 117 is a control section that controls the overall operation of the air conditioner 10, and controls the operations of the indoor unit 11 and the outdoor unit 12 to control the operation of the air conditioner 10. That is, the air conditioning control section 117 operates a compressor provided in the outdoor unit 12 based on a set temperature set in the air conditioning control section 117, an indoor temperature, and an outdoor temperature, and performs cooling or heating operation.

[0025] The air conditioning control unit 117 receives the operation information transmitted from the remote controller control unit 135 as described later, stores the operation information in the indoor unit storage unit 115, and controls the operations of the indoor unit 11 and the outdoor unit 12 according to the operation information to control the operation of the air conditioner 10. Further, the air conditioning control unit 117 may store the received operation information in the air conditioning control unit 117. The air conditioning control unit 117 transmits the operation information stored in the indoor unit storage unit 115 to the user attribute information management device 20 as device data via the indoor unit communication unit 116 and the Internet 40.

[0026] The operation information is information related to the operation of the air conditioner 10, is control instruction information for instructing the control of the operation of the air conditioner 10 acquired in the air conditioner 10, and is information corresponding to the operation received from the user by the remote control operation unit 131 described later.

[0027] The air conditioning control unit 117 receives the sensor information transmitted from the indoor temperature and humidity sensor 112 and the indoor unit human presence sensor 113, and transmits the sensor information to the user attribute information management device 20 as device data. Further, the air conditioning control unit 117 receives the image information transmitted from the indoor unit camera 114, and transmits the image information to the user attribute information management device 20 as device data.

[0028] Note that the indoor unit 11 may be provided with other sensors such as an air quality sensor that measures the air quality of the indoor air. Thereby, the indoor unit 11 can acquire the air quality of the indoor air, which is the measurement result, as sensor information, and transmit the sensor information to the user attribute information management device 20 as device data.

[0029] The outdoor unit 12 has an air conditioning function in a general outdoor unit of an air conditioner. The outdoor unit 12 is provided with components such as an outdoor heat exchanger that is an outdoor-side heat exchanger connected to a refrigerant pipe, an outdoor unit blower that forms an air flow passing through the outdoor heat exchanger, and an outdoor air temperature and humidity sensor (not shown) that detects the outdoor air temperature and outdoor air humidity at a predetermined cycle.

[0030] Note that the outdoor unit 12 may be provided with other sensors such as an air quality sensor that measures the air quality of the outside air. Thereby, the outdoor unit 12 can acquire the air quality of the outside air, which is the measurement result, as sensor information, and transmit the sensor information to the user attribute information management device 20 as device data.

[0031] Note that in the first embodiment, the case where the air conditioner 10 is a separate type air conditioner having an indoor unit 11 arranged indoors and an outdoor unit 12 arranged outdoors is described. However, the air conditioner 10 may be an integrated type air conditioner.

[0032] The remote controller 13 is an operating device of the air conditioner 10 that transmits control instruction information for the air conditioner 10 to the indoor unit 11 to control the operation of the air conditioner 10. FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing the functional configuration of the remote controller 13 of the air conditioner 10 according to the first embodiment. The remote controller 13 includes a remote controller operation unit 131, a remote controller display unit 132, a remote controller storage unit 133, a remote controller communication unit 134, and a remote controller control unit 135. Each component of the remote controller 13 described above can exchange information with each other.

[0033] The remote control operation unit 131 receives setting operations related to air conditioning of the air conditioner 10 requested by the user. That is, the remote control operation unit 131 is an interface for remotely controlling the operation of the air conditioner 10, and receives operations related to the operation of the air conditioner 10 from the user. The remote control operation unit 131 is configured such that the user can arbitrarily select various functions related to the air conditioning operation in the air conditioner 10, such as starting the operation of the air conditioner 10, stopping the operation of the air conditioner 10, selecting the operation mode of the air conditioner 10 including the automatic wind direction tracking control, changing the set temperature, changing the set humidity, setting the air volume, setting the wind direction, and changing the setting of operation prohibition items. When the remote control operation unit 131 receives an operation from the user, it outputs information corresponding to the user's operation as operation information to the remote control unit 135.

[0034] The remote control display unit 132 is a display unit that displays various types of information, and displays information and status necessary for air conditioning by the air conditioner 10, such as the set temperature and operation mode of the air conditioner 10, and switches and displays a screen corresponding to the operation on the remote control operation unit 131.

[0035] The remote control storage unit 133 stores various types of information necessary for the air conditioning process in the air conditioner 10, and temporarily or permanently stores information such as setting contents for display on the remote control display unit 132 and image data related to the setting contents.

[0036] The remote control communication unit 134 enables two-way communication of information with the indoor unit communication unit 116 of the indoor unit 11. Note that the communication between the remote control communication unit 134 and the indoor unit communication unit 116 may be wireless communication or wired communication.

[0037] The remote control control unit 135 controls the operation of the entire remote control 13. The remote control control unit 135 controls the remote control 13 based on the operation information transmitted from the remote control operation unit 131. In addition, the remote control control unit 135 transmits the operation information transmitted from the remote control operation unit 131 to the air conditioning control unit 117 of the indoor unit 11. The remote control control unit 135 has a clock function.

[0038] In addition, in the first embodiment, the case where the remote control 13 is used as the operation device of the air conditioner 10 is described, but a communication terminal such as a smartphone or a tablet may be used as the operation device of the air conditioner 10. In this case, the communication terminal has the functions of the remote control 13. For example, the user communication terminal 30 may be used as the operation device of the air conditioner 10.

[0039] Next, the user attribute information management device 20 will be described. The user attribute information management device 20 manages user attribute information that is personal information of the user who owns the air conditioner 10, which is an electronic device, and indicates the characteristics of the user.

[0040] User attributes are characteristics belonging to a user, that is, the characteristics of the user. Specifically, user attributes include age, gender, occupation, family composition, place of residence, the user's physical characteristics, information about the dwelling, and so on. The user's physical characteristics include the user's height and the user's weight, and so on. User attribute information, which is information about user attributes, can also be said to be the user's personal information.

[0041] The manufacturer of the air conditioner 10 can perform data analysis using user attributes by managing information about the users of the air conditioner 10, such as the user of the air conditioner 10 or the administrator of the air conditioner 10. As a result, the manufacturer of the air conditioner 10 can utilize the results of the data analysis for marketing or promotion. The manufacturer of the air conditioner 10 obtains and manages customer information by prompting the registration of user attribute information, which is personal information about the user who owns the air conditioner 10 and indicates the characteristics of the user, at the start of use of the air conditioner 10.

[0042] On the other hand, user attribute information input by the user may be inaccurate, such as input omissions or input errors, or may become outdated due to long-term use of the device by the user, often becoming noise in data analysis using user attribute information. For this reason, a user attribute information management device 20 that can appropriately manage user attribute information in line with the current situation is useful and desired by the manufacturer of the air conditioner 10.

[0043] The installation location of the user attribute information management device 20 is not particularly limited. For example, it may be installed at the business office of the manufacturer of the air conditioner 10, or may be installed at the business office of the cloud service provider as a cloud server.

[0044] FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing the functional configuration of the user attribute information management device 20 according to Embodiment 1. The user attribute information management device 20 includes a collection unit 201, a device data storage unit 202, a user attribute estimation unit 203, an app information storage unit 204, a registered user attribute storage unit 205, a user attribute difference detection unit 206, a notification unit 207, a management device communication unit 208, and a management device control unit 209. Each component of the user attribute information management device 20 can exchange information with each other.

[0045] The collection unit 201 collects the device data of the air conditioner 10 from the air conditioner 10. The collection unit 201 stores the collected device data in the device data storage unit 202. Further, the collection unit 201 collects the app information of the user communication terminal 30 from the user communication terminal 30. The collection unit 201 stores the collected app information in the app information storage unit 204.

[0046] The device data is information related to the operation of the air conditioner 10 that is acquired by the air conditioner 10 and stored in the air conditioner 10. The device data includes information such as operation information and external information. That is, the device data is information related to the operation of the device owned by the user, which is acquired by the device and stored in the device, and includes information such as operation information and external information.

[0047] As described above, the operation information is information related to the operation of the air conditioner 10, and is control instruction information for instructing the control of the operation of the air conditioner 10 acquired by the air conditioner 10, and is information corresponding to the operation received by the remote control operation unit 131 from the user described later. That is, the operation information is information related to the operation of the device owned by the user, which is control instruction information for instructing the control of the operation of the device, and is also information corresponding to the operation related to the operation of the device received by the device owned by the user.

[0048] Examples of operation information include the operating time of the air conditioner 10, the stop time of the air conditioner 10, the operating duration of the air conditioner 10, the operation time which is the time when a device operation is performed on the air conditioner 10 by the user, the operation mode of the air conditioner 10, the temperature and humidity settings of the air conditioner 10, and the like.

[0049] External information is information about the external environment surrounding the air conditioner 10 acquired in the air conditioner 10. Examples of external information include the temperature, humidity, and air quality inside the room which is the space to be air-conditioned by the air conditioner 10, the temperature, humidity, and air quality outside the room, sensor information acquired from the indoor unit human sensor 113, image information acquired from the indoor unit camera 114, and the like.

[0050] That is, it can be said that the device data includes control instruction information for instructing the control of the device, which is information related to the operation of the device acquired in the device owned by the user, and information about the external environment of the device acquired in the device owned by the user.

[0051] The device data storage unit 202 stores and accumulates the device data of the air conditioner 10 acquired from the air conditioner 10.

[0052] The app information storage unit 204 stores the app information acquired from the user communication terminal 30. The app information is information about the application software 3041 installed on the user communication terminal 30 and used to provide the functions of the air conditioner 10 to the user, and is information about the operation content operated by the user regarding the functions executed using the application software 3041 installed on the user communication terminal 30. That is, the app information is information about the application software installed on a communication device that can communicate with the air conditioner 10 which is a device and can operate the functions of the air conditioner 10 and is used to provide the functions of the device to the user, and is information about the operation content operated by the user regarding the functions executed using the application software installed on the communication device. Communication devices that can communicate with the air conditioner 10 which is a device and can operate the functions of the air conditioner 10 include communication terminals such as the user communication terminal 30.

[0053] For example, the application software 3041 includes software that realizes a function for operating the operation of the air conditioner 10. In this case, the information regarding the application software 3041 includes the time zone when the user operated the application software 3041, the setting content set by the user operating the application software 3041, information set for assistance when the user uses the application software 3041, and the like.

[0054] When the application software 3041 is software that realizes a function for operating the operation of the air conditioner 10, the communication terminal control unit 305 of the user communication terminal 30 described later controls the communication terminal operation unit 301 and the communication terminal display unit 302 of the user communication terminal 30 based on the application software 3041, thereby realizing an operation function unit that provides the user with a function for operating the operation of the air conditioner 10. In this case, the application information can be paraphrased as information regarding the operation function unit provided to the user for operating the operation of the air conditioner 10.

[0055] The registered user attribute storage unit 205 stores information on user attributes input by the user in the past. The registered user attribute storage unit 205 is the first user attribute information storage unit in the user attribute information management device 20.

[0056] Hereinafter, the user attributes input by the user in the past are referred to as registered user attributes. Also, the information on the user attributes input by the user in the past is referred to as registered user attribute information. The registered user attributes can be said to be the first user attributes in Embodiment 1. Also, the registered user attribute information can be said to be the first user attribute information in Embodiment 1.

[0057] The registered user attributes are registered and stored in the registered user attribute storage unit 205 by the user, for example, when the air conditioner 10 is installed in the house and the use of the air conditioner 10 is started. The user can access the registration site of the user attributes via the Internet 40 using a device such as the user communication terminal 30 or a personal computer to input the information of the user attributes. The information of the user attributes input at the registration site of the user attributes is stored in the registered user attribute storage unit 205 as the registered user attribute information under the control of the management device control unit 209.

[0058] The user attribute estimation unit 203 estimates the user attributes based on the device data stored in the device data storage unit 202 or the app information stored in the app information storage unit 204. Hereinafter, the user attributes estimated by the user attribute estimation unit 203 are referred to as estimated user attributes. Also, the information of the user attributes estimated by the user attribute estimation unit 203 is referred to as estimated user attribute information. The estimated user attributes can be said to be the second user attributes in the first embodiment. The estimated user attribute information can be said to be the second user attribute information in the first embodiment. The user attribute estimation unit 203 has a calendar function and a clock function.

[0059] The user attribute difference detection unit 206 compares the registered user attributes with the estimated user attributes and detects the difference between the registered user attributes and the estimated user attributes. When the user attribute difference detection unit 206 detects the difference between the registered user attributes and the estimated user attributes, the user attribute difference detection unit 206 transmits the difference detection information indicating that the difference between the registered user attributes and the estimated user attributes has been detected to the notification unit 207.

[0060] When the user attribute difference detection unit 206 detects a difference between the registered user attribute and the estimated user attribute, the notification unit 207 sends an update promotion notification to the user communication terminal 30 owned by the user, which is a notification to prompt the update of the registered user attribute information. Specifically, when the notification unit 207 receives the difference detection information sent from the user attribute difference detection unit 206, it sends an update promotion notification, which is a notification to prompt the update of the registered user attribute information, to the user communication terminal 30 owned by the user via the management device communication unit 208.

[0061] The management device communication unit 208 communicates with the communication units of devices external to the user attribute information management device 20 via the Internet 40. The management device communication unit 208 communicates with the indoor unit communication unit 116 of the indoor unit 11 and the communication terminal communication unit 303 of the user communication terminal 30 described later via the Internet 40.

[0062] The management device control unit 209 controls the operation of the entire user attribute information management device 20.

[0063] Next, the components of the user communication terminal 30 will be described. The user communication terminal 30 is a communication terminal owned by the user and can communicate with the user attribute information management device 20 via the Internet 40. Also, the user communication terminal 30 can communicate with the air conditioner 10 via the Internet 40. Thus, the user communication terminal 30 can be used as an operation device for the air conditioner 10. That is, the user communication terminal 30 can be said to be a communication device that can communicate with the air conditioner 10, which is a device, and can operate the functions of the air conditioner 10.

[0064] FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing the functional configuration of the user communication terminal 30 according to Embodiment 1. The user communication terminal 30 includes a communication terminal operation unit 301, a communication terminal display unit 302, a communication terminal communication unit 303, a communication terminal storage unit 304, and a communication terminal control unit 305. Each component in the user communication terminal 30 can exchange information with each other. Note that the user communication terminal 30 shown in Embodiment 1 is a device separate from the remote controller 13 and can be realized by using a communication device such as a mobile phone terminal such as a smartphone used by the user or a tablet terminal.

[0065] The communication terminal operation unit 301 is an operation unit for inputting various types of information into the user communication terminal 30. When the communication terminal operation unit 301 receives an operation from the user, it transmits information corresponding to the user's operation as operation information to the communication terminal control unit 305. The communication terminal operation unit 301 receives an operation from the user for inputting new user attribute information for updating the registered user attribute information registered in the user attribute information management device 20. The communication terminal operation unit 301 transmits information corresponding to the operation of inputting new user attribute information for updating as operation information to the communication terminal control unit 305.

[0066] The communication terminal display unit 302 displays various types of information such as the operation content received by the communication terminal operation unit 301 under the control of the communication terminal control unit 305.

[0067] The communication terminal communication unit 303 communicates with external devices via the Internet 40. When the communication terminal communication unit 303 receives an update promotion notification, which is a notification to prompt an update of the registered user attribute information, transmitted from the notification unit 207 of the user attribute information management device 20, it transmits the received update promotion notification to the communication terminal control unit 305. Further, when the communication terminal communication unit 303 receives operation information corresponding to an operation for inputting new user attribute information by the user from the communication terminal control unit 305, it transmits the operation information to the management device communication unit 208 of the user attribute information management device 20.

[0068] The communication terminal storage unit 304 stores various types of information necessary for controlling the user communication terminal 30. Further, the communication terminal storage unit 304 stores application software 3041 for realizing the functions provided by the air conditioner 10 to the user. An example of the application software 3041 is software that realizes a function for operating the operation of the air conditioner 10.

[0069] The communication terminal control unit 305 controls the operation of the entire user communication terminal 30. Further, the communication terminal control unit 305 performs control to display various types of information on the communication terminal display unit 302. That is, the communication terminal control unit 305 has functions as an image processing unit and a display control unit. When the communication terminal control unit 305 receives an update promotion notification that is a notification to prompt the update of the registered user attribute information, it performs control to display the update promotion notification on the communication terminal display unit 302.

[0070] In addition, the communication terminal control unit 305 performs control to display an update data input screen on the communication terminal display unit 302. The update data input screen is an input screen for the user to input new user attribute information for updating the registered user attribute information registered in the user attribute information management device 20. When the communication terminal control unit 305 receives operation information corresponding to an operation in which the user inputs new user attribute information on the update data input screen from the communication terminal operation unit 301, it performs control to transmit the operation information to the user attribute information management device 20 via the communication terminal communication unit 303.

[0071] Next, the operation of the user attribute information management system 1 will be described. FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing the procedure of the operation of the user attribute information management system 1 according to the first embodiment.

[0072] In step S110, the device data and application information of the air conditioner 10 are collected and stored. Specifically, the collection unit 201 of the user attribute information management device 20 repeatedly performs a process of acquiring the device data of the air conditioner 10 from the air conditioner 10 and storing the acquired device data of the air conditioner 10 in the device data storage unit 202. Thereby, the collection and storage of the device data of the air conditioner 10 are performed.

[0073] The timing of collecting the device data of the air conditioner 10 in the collection unit 201 may be regular timing or irregular timing.

[0074] For example, the air conditioning control unit 117 of the indoor unit 11 of the air conditioner 10 spontaneously transmits the device data of the air conditioner 10 to the collection unit 201 of the user attribute information management device 20 at a predetermined cycle. Specifically, the air conditioning control unit 117 spontaneously transmits the device data stored in the indoor unit storage unit 115 to the user attribute information management device 20 via the indoor unit communication unit 116.

[0075] In the user attribute information management device 20, the management device communication unit 208 receives the device data transmitted from the air conditioning control unit 117. The management device communication unit 208 transmits the received device data to the collection unit 201. When the collection unit 201 receives the device data transmitted from the management device communication unit 208, the collection unit 201 stores and accumulates the received device data in the device data storage unit 202. The predetermined cycle is, for example, 10 minutes. By repeating the above processes, the collection and storage of the device data of the air conditioner 10 are performed.

[0076] Also, the air conditioning control unit 117 may spontaneously transmit the device data of the air conditioner 10 to the collection unit 201 of the user attribute information management device 20 when the state of the air conditioner 10 changes. Also in this case, when the collection unit 201 of the user attribute information management device 20 receives the device data of the air conditioner 10 transmitted from the air conditioning control unit 117, the collection unit 201 stores and accumulates the received device data of the air conditioner 10 in the device data storage unit 202.

[0077] When the state of the air conditioner 10 changes, for example, when the air conditioner 10 starts operating from a stopped state, or when the operating air conditioner 10 stops, etc., the time when the operating state changes can be cited.

[0078] Also, when the air conditioning control unit 117 is requested by the collection unit 201 of the user attribute information management device 20 to transmit the device data of the air conditioner 10, the air conditioning control unit 117 may transmit the device data of the air conditioner 10 to the collection unit 201. Specifically, the collection unit 201 of the user attribute information management device 20 transmits a device data request notification for requesting the device data of the air conditioner 10 to the air conditioning control unit 117 of the air conditioner 10 at a predetermined cycle.

[0079] When the air conditioning control unit 117 receives the device data request notification transmitted from the collection unit 201, as a response to the device data request notification, the air conditioning control unit 117 transmits the device data of the air conditioner 10 to the collection unit 201. When the collection unit 201 receives the device data of the air conditioner 10 transmitted from the air conditioning control unit 117, the collection unit 201 stores and accumulates the received device data of the air conditioner 10 in the device data storage unit 202.

[0080] Also, in step S110, the collection and accumulation of application information are performed in the same manner as the collection and accumulation of device data. Specifically, the collection unit 201 of the user attribute information management device 20 repeatedly performs a process of acquiring the application information of the user communication terminal 30 from the user communication terminal 30 and storing the acquired application information in the application information storage unit 204. Thereby, the collection and accumulation of application information are performed. Note that instead of the collection unit 201, a dedicated application information collection unit that collects application information and stores it in the application information storage unit 204 may be provided. The collection timing and collection method of the application information of the user communication terminal 30 in the collection unit 201 can be the same as those in the case of collecting the device data of the air conditioner 10 described above.

[0081] For example, the communication terminal control unit 305 of the user communication terminal 30 spontaneously transmits the application information of the user communication terminal 30 to the collection unit 201 of the user attribute information management device 20 at a predetermined cycle. Specifically, the communication terminal control unit 305 spontaneously transmits the application information stored in the communication terminal storage unit 304 to the user attribute information management device 20 via the communication terminal communication unit 303.

[0082] Next, in step S120, it is determined whether the current time is the timing for estimating the user attributes. Specifically, the user attribute estimation unit 203 of the user attribute information management device 20 determines whether the current time is the timing for estimating the user attributes.

[0083] The timing for estimating the user attributes by the user attribute estimation unit 203 is preferably the timing when the user attributes are likely to have changed since the previous execution of the user attribute estimation by the user attribute estimation unit 203. Specifically, the user attribute estimation unit 203 determines whether the current time is the timing for estimating the user attributes based on determination conditions such as whether a predetermined period has elapsed since the previous execution of the user attribute estimation, or whether the distribution of device data has changed.

[0084] When it is determined that a predetermined period has elapsed since the previous execution of the user attribute estimation, the user attribute estimation unit 203 has a calendar function and a clock function, and counts the elapsed period since the previous execution of the user attribute estimation. Also, the user attribute estimation unit 203 stores a predetermined period. The predetermined period is the period of the execution interval of the user attribute estimation.

[0085] Then, when a predetermined period has elapsed since the previous execution of the user attribute estimation, the user attribute estimation unit 203 determines that the current time has reached the timing for estimating the user attributes. Also, when a predetermined period has not elapsed since the previous execution of the user attribute estimation, the user attribute estimation unit 203 determines that the current time has not reached the timing for estimating the user attributes.

[0086] Also, when it is determined that the distribution of the device data has changed, the user attribute estimation unit 203 analyzes the distribution of the latest device data and the distribution of the past device data for which a predetermined period has elapsed since being stored in the device data storage unit 202 among the device data collected from the air conditioner 10 and stored in the device data storage unit 202. Examples of changes in the distribution of device data include, for example, changes in the distribution of the operation time of the remote controller 13, changes in the distribution of the set contents in the operation of the remote controller 13, and the like.

[0087] For example, in the operation information of the device data stored in the device data storage unit 202, a change in the distribution of the operation time of the remote controller 13 is that in the operation information of the past device data, the remote controller 13 was only operated in the morning and evening, while in the operation information of the latest device data, the remote controller 13 is also operated during the day.

[0088] Also, for example, in the operation information of the device data stored in the device data storage unit 202, a change in the distribution of the set contents in the operation of the remote controller 13 is that in the operation information of the past device data, the set temperature for the cooling operation was 25°C, while in the operation information of the latest device data, the set temperature for the cooling operation has changed to 27°C.

[0089] Then, when the distribution of the latest device data has changed from the distribution of the past device data, the user attribute estimation unit 203 determines that the current time has reached the timing for estimating the user attribute. Also, when the distribution of the latest device data has not changed from the distribution of the past device data, the user attribute estimation unit 203 determines that the current time has not reached the timing for estimating the user attribute. The determination criterion for determining when the distribution of the device data has changed based on how much the distribution of the latest device data has changed from the distribution of the past device data is stored in the user attribute estimation unit 203 in advance. The determination criterion can be changed to any criterion.

[0090] In the first embodiment, the user attribute estimation unit 203 starts the user attribute estimation process when three months have elapsed since the previous user attribute estimation was performed.

[0091] If it is determined that the current time is not the timing for estimating the user attributes, the process proceeds to No in step S120 and returns to step S110. If it is determined that the current time is the timing for estimating the user attributes, the process proceeds to Yes in step S120 and advances to step S130.

[0092] In step S130, the user attributes are estimated. Specifically, the user attribute estimation unit 203 estimates the user attributes based on the device data stored in the device data storage unit 202. Alternatively, the user attribute estimation unit 203 estimates the user attributes using, in addition to the device data stored in the device data storage unit 202, the application information stored in the application information storage unit 204. Then, the user attribute estimation unit 203 transmits the estimated user attributes, which are the estimated user attributes, to the user attribute difference detection unit 206.

[0093] Hereinafter, an example in which the user attribute estimation unit 203 estimates the user attributes will be described. When the user attribute estimation unit 203 estimates the user attributes using the operation information of the device data, for example, by analyzing the operation time of the air conditioner 10, the stop time of the air conditioner 10, and the operation time, which is the time when a device operation is performed on the air conditioner 10 by the user, it is possible to estimate the time zone when the user of the air conditioner 10 is at home with respect to the user attributes of the user of the air conditioner 10.

[0094] In addition, the user attribute estimation unit 203 can estimate the user attributes based on the change in the distribution of the device data described above.

[0095] The user attribute estimation unit 203 can estimate the lifestyle of the user's family from the time zone when the air conditioner 10 is used. For example, assume that the user attribute estimation unit 203 analyzes the operation time of the remote control 13 and obtains an analysis result that the remote control 13 is only operated in the morning and evening, that is, the air conditioner 10 is only used in the morning and evening. In this case, the user attribute estimation unit 203 can estimate that the user is single or that the user's family is a dual-income family and there is no one at home during the day.

[0096] Also, assume that the user attribute estimation unit 203 analyzes the change in the distribution of the operation time of the remote control 13, and in the operation information of the device data stored in the device data storage unit 202, the remote control 13 was only operated in the morning and evening in the operation information of the past device data, while in the operation information of the latest device data, the remote control 13 has changed to be operated also during the day. In this case, the user attribute estimation unit 203 can estimate that a child has been born to the user and the user or the user's family is at home also during the day.

[0097] The user attribute estimation unit 203 can estimate the family composition of the user from the setting content of the air conditioner 10. For example, assume that the user attribute estimation unit 203 analyzes the setting content in the operation of the remote control 13, and cases where the set temperature of the cooling operation is set to 28°C and where the set temperature of the cooling operation is set to 25°C are extracted for the same indoor temperature and humidity. In this case, the user attribute estimation unit 203 can estimate that at least two people are living in the house to be analyzed.

[0098] Also, assume that the user attribute estimation unit 203 analyzes the change in the distribution of the setting content in the operation of the remote control 13, and in the operation information of the device data stored in the device data storage unit 202, the set temperature of the cooling operation was 25°C in the operation information of the past device data, but has changed to 27°C in the operation information of the latest device data. In this case, the user attribute estimation unit 203 can estimate that the number of cohabitants of the user has increased.

[0099] In addition, when the state of the room can be grasped by devices such as a camera or a sensor provided in the air conditioner 10, the user attribute estimation unit 203 can estimate user attributes such as the number of household members, the age group, and the presence or absence of pets for the user of the air conditioner 10 by analyzing the image acquired by the devices such as the camera or the sensor. Further, when the acquired image is high-definition, it is also possible to estimate physical characteristics of household members such as the height or weight of household members, or information such as the floor plan of the rooms in the house. In this case, the image is external information of the device data.

[0100] FIG. 7 is a diagram showing an example of a sensor image acquired by the air conditioner 10 of the user attribute information management system 1 according to Embodiment 1. For example, assume a case where a sensor image 14, which is a thermal image as shown in FIG. 7, is obtained by an infrared sensor, which is an indoor human presence sensor 113 provided in the air conditioner 10. The sensor image 14 is a kind of device data. The user attribute estimation unit 203 acquires the latest sensor image from the device data storage unit 202 among the sensor images stored in the device data storage unit 202.

[0101] In the sensor image 14 shown in FIG. 7, a human-shaped part 141, a human-shaped part 142, and a human-shaped part 143, which are shape parts indicating the shape of a person, can be confirmed. The user attribute estimation unit 203 extracts the human-shaped part, which is a shape part indicating the shape of a person, from the sensor image 14. That is, the user attribute estimation unit 203 extracts the human-shaped part 141, the human-shaped part 142, and the human-shaped part 143 from the sensor image 14. In this way, the user attribute estimation unit 203 can recognize the people in the room where the indoor unit 11 of the air conditioner 10 in the house is installed by extracting the human-shaped part from the sensor image 14.

[0102] In the sensor image 14, the humanoid part 143 has a relatively lower head-to-body ratio compared to the other humanoid parts, namely the humanoid part 141 and the humanoid part 142. Therefore, when the humanoid parts 141, 142, and 143 can be confirmed over several days in the sensor image obtained by the air conditioner 10 in the same manner as the sensor image 14, the user attribute estimation unit 203 can estimate that the family composition of the user of the air conditioner 10 is a three-person family with one child. That is, when the humanoid parts 141, 142, and 143 are extracted from the sensor image over a predetermined multi-day estimation period, the user attribute estimation unit 203 can estimate the number of household members from the number of humanoid parts extracted from the sensor image 14 and can estimate that the family composition of the user of the air conditioner 10 is a three-person family with one child.

[0103] The predetermined multi-day estimation period is a reference period for the user attribute estimation unit 203 to estimate the family composition of the user from the sensor image obtained by the air conditioner 10.

[0104] In this way, the user attribute estimation unit 203 can estimate various user attributes based on the sensor image 14 obtained by the air conditioner 10. It should be noted that the extraction of the humanoid shape from the sensor image 14 can be performed by a general technique of pattern recognition such as template matching.

[0105] In the above description, the case where the user attribute estimation unit 203 extracts the shape part indicating the human shape from the sensor image 14, which is a thermal image obtained by the infrared sensor that is the indoor unit human presence sensor 113, has been shown. The user attribute estimation unit 203 may also extract the shape part indicating the human shape from the image obtained by the indoor unit camera 114.

[0106] In addition, the user attribute estimation unit 203 can estimate the user's residential area by comparing the temporal correlation between the indoor and outdoor temperature and humidity and the weather information of the whole country. The user attribute estimation unit 203 can connect to the source of weather information such as a weather information site via the management device communication unit 208 and the Internet 40 to obtain the weather information of each place.

[0107] FIG. 8 is a characteristic diagram 15 showing an example of the temperature change analyzed by the user attribute estimation unit 203 of the user attribute information management device 20 according to the first embodiment. In FIG. 8, the horizontal axis represents the date. In FIG. 8, the vertical axis represents the temperature. The characteristic curve 151 in FIG. 8 shows the temperature change in the room where the air conditioner 10 in the house is installed, obtained from the sensor provided in the air conditioner 10. The characteristic curve 152 in FIG. 8 shows the temperature change in area A obtained from the weather information acquired from the source of weather information such as a weather information site via the Internet 40. The characteristic curve 153 in FIG. 8 shows the temperature change in area B obtained from the weather information acquired from the source of weather information such as a weather information site via the Internet 40. Note that the characteristic curve 151 may be the temperature change outside the house of the residence, obtained from the sensor provided in the air conditioner 10. The indoor temperature data is the external information of the device data.

[0108] In this case, the user attribute estimation unit 203 can estimate the user's residential area based on the indoor temperature data shown in the characteristic diagram 15 of FIG. 8 and the temperature data of each place obtained via the Internet 40. That is, the user attribute estimation unit 203 compares the characteristic curve 151 showing the indoor temperature change, the characteristic curve 152 showing the temperature change in area A, and the characteristic curve 153 showing the temperature change in area B, and can consider that the user's residential area is likely to be area A where the temporal correlation with the characteristic curve 151 is high.

[0109] That is, the user attribute estimation unit 203 compares the characteristic curve 151, the characteristic curve 152, and the characteristic curve 153, and determines that the temperature range of the air temperature of the characteristic curve 151 is relatively closer to the temperature range of the air temperature of the characteristic curve 152 than the temperature range of the air temperature of the characteristic curve 153. Further, the user attribute estimation unit 203 compares the characteristic curve 151, the characteristic curve 152, and the characteristic curve 153, and determines that the change state of the air temperature of the characteristic curve 151 is relatively closer to the change state of the air temperature of the characteristic curve 152 than the change state of the air temperature of the characteristic curve 153.

[0110] Thereby, the user attribute estimation unit 203 determines that the characteristic curve 152 has a higher correlation with the characteristic curve 151 than the characteristic curve 153. Then, the user attribute estimation unit 203 considers that the user's residential area is likely to be area A corresponding to the characteristic curve 152, which has a higher correlation with the characteristic curve 151, and estimates that the user's residential area is area A. Note that the temporal correlation between the characteristic curves can be obtained by a general time-series data analysis method.

[0111] In addition, the user attribute estimation unit 203 can estimate the user's occupation by analyzing the indoor temperature obtained from the indoor temperature and humidity sensor 112 provided in the air conditioner 10. That is, the user attribute estimation unit 203 analyzes the indoor temperature, which is the device data stored in the device data storage unit 202, for a predetermined period. Here, when the user attribute estimation unit 203 determines that the cooling operation of the air conditioner 10 is not performed during the time period when the indoor temperature is high only on weekdays, the user attribute estimation unit 203 can estimate that the user is out working during the time period when the air conditioner 10 is not operating. Thereby, the user attribute estimation unit 203 can estimate the user's occupation.

[0112] That is, based on the indoor temperature data, which is the device data stored in the device data storage unit 202, the user attribute estimation unit 203 determines that the state where the indoor temperature during the day is higher than a predetermined threshold indoor temperature and the cooling operation of the air conditioner 10 is not being performed occurs only on weekdays. When such a determination is made, the user attribute estimation unit 203 estimates that the user has gone out to work outside the house during the time when the cooling operation of the air conditioner 10 is not being performed. Then, the user attribute estimation unit 203 can estimate that the user's occupation is not an occupation that can be carried out indoors in the house. The indoor temperature is the external information of the device data.

[0113] Also, when the application software 3041 includes software that realizes a function for operating the air conditioner 10, in order to distinguish between multiple air conditioners 10 installed in the house, a device name can be set for each air conditioner 10. The user attribute estimation unit 203 can also estimate the user attributes from the device names set for distinguishing between multiple air conditioners 10. In this case, the device name can be said to be application information.

[0114] Hereinafter, a case where application software that realizes a simple operation switching function for turning on or off the operation of the air conditioner 10 is installed in the user communication terminal 30 will be described as an example. That is, the application software 3041 includes application software that realizes an operation switching function for turning on or off the operation of the air conditioner 10.

[0115] FIG. 9 is a diagram showing an application screen 3021 in the user attribute information management system 1 according to Embodiment 1. The application screen 3021 shown in FIG. 9 is displayed on the communication terminal display unit 302 of the user communication terminal 30, and is a screen for receiving an operation from the user to turn on or off the operation of the air conditioner 10, that is, a screen for turning on or off the operation of the air conditioner 10. The application screen 3021 is displayed on the communication terminal display unit 302 when the communication terminal control unit 305 of the user communication terminal 30 executes the application software 3041 stored in the communication terminal storage unit 304 of the user communication terminal 30.

[0116] In the example shown in FIG. 9, the operation switching function realized by the application software 3041 manages two air conditioners 10 installed in the house. In the operation switching function, in order to distinguish between the two air conditioners 10, the device name "Living room air conditioner" is set for one of the two air conditioners 10, and the device name "Children's room air conditioner" is set for the other of the two air conditioners 10.

[0117] In the application screen 3021 shown in FIG. 9, an operation area 3022 and an operation area 3023, which are operation areas for operating the air conditioner 10, are displayed. The operation area 3022 is an operation area for turning on or off the operation of one air conditioner 10 for which the device name "Living room air conditioner" is set. The operation area 3023 is an operation area for turning on or off the operation of the other air conditioner 10 for which the device name "Children's room air conditioner" is set. The operation of the air conditioner 10 in the operation area 3022 and the operation area 3023 is performed using the communication terminal operation unit 301.

[0118] The user can set the device names for each of the two air conditioners 10 in the application software 3041 by operating another application screen for setting the device name of the air conditioner 10 in the operation switching function. The communication terminal control unit 305 sets the device name of the air conditioner 10 input by the user's operation in the application software 3041 and stores it in the communication terminal storage unit 304. The device name of the air conditioner 10 is stored in association with the identification information for uniquely identifying the corresponding air conditioner 10.

[0119] Also, the communication terminal control unit 305 transmits the information on the device name of the air conditioner 10 stored in the communication terminal storage unit 304 to the collection unit 201 of the user attribute information management device 20 via the communication terminal communication unit 303. The collection unit 201 receives the information on the device name of the air conditioner 10 transmitted from the communication terminal control unit 305 and stores the information on the device name as application information in the application information storage unit 204. That is, the device names of the two air conditioners 10 are a type of application information.

[0120] Then, the user attribute estimation unit 203 can estimate that a child is included in the user's family composition based on the application information stored in the application information storage unit 204. That is, the user attribute estimation unit 203 analyzes the device name of the air conditioner, which is the application information stored in the application information storage unit 204, and can estimate that there is a children's room in the house, that is, there is a child in the user's family, from the device name of the air conditioner 10 such as "air conditioner in the children's room". In this way, the user attribute estimation unit 203 can estimate that there is a child in the user's family as a user attribute based on the application information stored in the application information storage unit 204.

[0121] As described above, the user attribute estimation unit 203 can estimate the user attributes from the device data stored in the device data accumulation unit 202 or the application information stored in the application information storage unit 204.

[0122] In addition, when estimating user attributes, the user attribute estimation unit 203 calculates the accuracy of the estimation. In the case of the example of the sensor image 14 shown in FIG. 7 described above, the accuracy of the estimation when the user attribute estimation unit 203 estimates that the user's family is a three-person family is different between the case where three persons are confirmed in the sensor image 14 every day and the case where three persons are confirmed in the sensor image 14 only once a week.

[0123] The accuracy of the estimation is the degree of certainty of the user attributes estimated by the user attribute estimation unit 203. The accuracy of the estimation can be expressed as an integer value in the range of, for example, 0 to 100. In this case, the larger the numerical value, the higher the accuracy of the estimation.

[0124] For example, when it is estimated that the user's family composition is a three-person family when three persons are confirmed every day in the sensor image 14, the accuracy of the estimation is expressed as 90, which is a relatively high numerical value. Also, when it is estimated that the user's family composition is a three-person family when three persons are confirmed only once a week in the sensor image 14, the accuracy of the estimation is expressed as 30, which is a relatively low numerical value. In this way, by calculating the accuracy of the estimation numerically when estimating user attributes, it becomes possible to mechanically handle the accuracy of the estimation.

[0125] The information on the accuracy of the estimation is, for example, based on the conditions of the device data used for the determination of the user attributes and the content of the estimated user attributes, and a calculation formula for the accuracy of the estimation for calculating the information on the accuracy of the estimation is stored in the user attribute estimation unit 203 in advance. When estimating user attributes, the user attribute estimation unit 203 calculates the accuracy of the estimation using the calculation formula for the accuracy of the estimation, the conditions of the device data, and the content of the estimated user attributes.

[0126] Further, the information on the accuracy of estimation may be associated with, for example, the conditions of the device data used for determining user attributes and the content of the estimated user attributes, and stored in the user attribute estimation unit 203. As an example, the condition of the device data that three persons are confirmed daily in the sensor image 14, the user attribute that the user's family composition is a three-person family, and the information on the accuracy of estimation: 90 are associated with each other and stored in the user attribute estimation unit 203 in advance as accuracy-related information. Also, the condition of the device data that three persons are confirmed only once a week in the sensor image 14, the user attribute that the user's family is a three-person family, and the information on the accuracy of estimation: 30 are associated with each other and stored in the user attribute estimation unit 203 in advance.

[0127] When the user attribute estimation unit 203 estimates that the user's family composition is a three-person family based on the device data that three persons are confirmed daily in the sensor image 14, the user attribute estimation unit 203 calculates the numerical value "90" associated with the condition of the device data that three persons are confirmed daily in the sensor image 14 and the user attribute that the user's family composition is a three-person family as the accuracy of estimation. That is, the user attribute estimation unit 203 performs a calculation to extract the numerical value "90" as the accuracy of estimation from the accuracy-related information stored in the user attribute estimation unit 203.

[0128] When the user attribute estimation unit 203 estimates that the user's family is a three-person family based on the device data that three persons are confirmed only once a week in the sensor image 14, the user attribute estimation unit 203 calculates the numerical value "30" associated with the condition of the device data that three persons are confirmed only once a week in the sensor image 14 and the user attribute that the user's family is a three-person family as the accuracy of estimation. That is, the user attribute estimation unit 203 performs a calculation to extract the numerical value "30" as the accuracy of estimation from the accuracy-related information stored in the user attribute estimation unit 203.

[0129] Thus, even when the same user attribute is estimated, the accuracy of estimation differs depending on the conditions of the device data used.

[0130] Note that the accuracy of the estimation may be calculated using not only a single estimation when estimating user attributes but also the results of multiple past estimations. For example, even if the accuracy is 30 in a single estimation when estimating user attributes, a higher accuracy may be calculated if the same estimation result is derived over a predetermined long period. The higher accuracy is, for example, 40.

[0131] Next, in step S140, it is determined whether there is a difference between the estimated user attributes and the registered user attributes. Specifically, the user attribute difference detection unit 206 compares the estimated user attributes, which are the user attributes estimated by the user attribute estimation unit 203, with the registered user attributes, which are the user attributes registered in the registered user attribute storage unit 205 by the user in the past, and determines whether there is a difference between the two.

[0132] For example, if the family composition shown in the registered user attributes for the family composition is 1 person, but 4 people are always confirmed in the detection results by the camera or sensor provided in the air conditioner 10, the estimated user attributes for the family composition estimated by the user attribute estimation unit 203 will be a family of 4 people. In this case, the user attribute difference detection unit 206 can determine that there is a difference between "1 person", which is the content of the registered user attributes for the family composition, and "a family of 4 people", which is the content of the estimated user attributes for the family composition estimated by the user attribute estimation unit 203.

[0133] Here, "there is a difference between the registered user attributes and the estimated user attributes" means that the registered user attributes include user attributes of a plurality of items and at least a part of the registered user attributes and the estimated user attributes are different. The user attribute difference detection unit 206 determines whether there is a difference between the registered user attributes and the estimated user attributes based on a predetermined difference determination criterion.

[0134] The difference determination criterion is a criterion for the user attribute difference detection unit 206 to determine whether there is a difference between the registered user attribute and the estimated user attribute. That is, the difference determination criterion is a criterion for determining when the user attribute difference detection unit 206 determines that "there is a difference between the registered user attribute and the estimated user attribute" when the registered user attribute and the estimated user attribute are different to what extent. The difference determination criterion is determined in advance and stored in the user attribute difference detection unit 206.

[0135] The difference determination criterion is determined by setting a threshold value for the accuracy of estimation for each item of user attributes. For example, in the case of the user attribute of the residential area, there is a difference determination criterion determined in advance that when "the accuracy of estimation of the estimated user attribute for the residential area is 80 or more, and the distance between the registered area indicated by the registered user attribute and the residential area indicated by the estimated user attribute is 200 km or more", it is regarded that "there is a difference between the registered user attribute and the estimated user attribute". Thus, as a determination criterion, the difference determination criterion includes the condition of the magnitude of the difference between the registered user attribute and the estimated user attribute for each item of user attributes and the condition of the accuracy of estimation of the estimated user attribute.

[0136] In this case, the user attribute difference detection unit 206 compares the estimated user attribute information and the registered user attribute information, and determines that "there is a difference between the registered user attribute and the estimated user attribute" when the estimated user attribute and the registered user attribute satisfy the difference determination criterion that "the accuracy of estimation of the estimated user attribute for the residential area is 80 or more, and the distance between the registered area indicated by the registered user attribute and the residential area indicated by the estimated user attribute is 200 km or more". The user attribute difference detection unit 206 compares the estimated user attribute information and the registered user attribute information, and determines that "there is no difference between the registered user attribute and the estimated user attribute" when the estimated user attribute and the registered user attribute do not satisfy the difference determination criterion that "the accuracy of estimation of the estimated user attribute for the residential area is 80 or more, and the distance between the registered area indicated by the registered user attribute and the residential area indicated by the estimated user attribute is 200 km or more".

[0137] In this way, the user attribute difference detection unit 206 compares the estimated user attribute information with the registered user attribute information, and when the estimated user attribute and the registered user attribute meet the difference determination criteria, it determines that "there is a difference between the registered user attribute and the estimated user attribute", that is, "the difference between the registered user attribute and the estimated user attribute has been detected". Also, when the user attribute difference detection unit 206 compares the estimated user attribute information with the registered user attribute information and the estimated user attribute and the registered user attribute do not meet the difference determination criteria, it determines that "there is no difference between the registered user attribute and the estimated user attribute", that is, "the difference between the registered user attribute and the estimated user attribute has not been detected".

[0138] That is, the user attribute difference detection unit 206 can detect the difference between the registered user attribute and the estimated user attribute based on the magnitude of the difference between the registered user attribute and the estimated user attribute for each item of the user attribute and the accuracy of the estimation of the estimated user attribute. Specifically, the user attribute difference detection unit 206 can detect the difference between the registered user attribute and the estimated user attribute when the magnitude of the difference between the registered user attribute and the estimated user attribute for each item of the user attribute and the accuracy of the estimation of the estimated user attribute are each equal to or greater than a predetermined threshold value. In the above example, "80" corresponds to the threshold value of the estimation accuracy. Also, in the above example, "200 km" corresponds to the threshold value of the magnitude of the difference between the registered user attribute and the estimated user attribute for each item of the user attribute.

[0139] When it is determined that there is no difference between the estimated user attribute and the registered user attribute, it becomes No in step S140 and returns to step S110. When it is determined that there is a difference between the estimated user attribute and the registered user attribute, it becomes Yes in step S140 and proceeds to step S150. When the user attribute difference detection unit 206 determines that it has detected the difference between the registered user attribute and the estimated user attribute, it transmits difference detection information indicating that the difference between the registered user attribute and the estimated user attribute has been detected to the notification unit 207.

[0140] In step S150, an update promotion notice, which is a notice prompting an update of the registered user attribute information, is sent to the user communication terminal 30 owned by the user. Specifically, when the notification unit 207 receives the difference detection information, the notification unit 207 sends an update promotion notice, which is a notice prompting an update of the registered user attribute information, to the user communication terminal 30 owned by the user. That is, the notification unit 207 sends the update promotion notice to the user communication terminal 30 via the management device communication unit 208 and the Internet 40. Then, the process proceeds to step S160.

[0141] In step S160, the update promotion notice is displayed on the communication terminal display unit 302. Specifically, in the user communication terminal 30, the communication terminal communication unit 303 receives the update promotion notice sent from the notification unit 207. The communication terminal communication unit 303 sends the received update promotion notice to the communication terminal control unit 305. When receiving the update promotion notice, the communication terminal control unit 305 performs control to display the update promotion notice on the communication terminal display unit 302.

[0142] In addition, the communication terminal control unit 305 performs control to display an update data input screen on the communication terminal display unit 302, prompting the user to update the user attribute information. Then, the process proceeds to step S170.

[0143] By performing the above-described processing, in the user attribute information management system 1, when the user attribute information management device 20 estimates the estimated user attribute based on the device data and detects the difference between the registered user attribute and the estimated user attribute, the user attribute information management device 20 sends an update promotion notice, which is a notice prompting an update of the registered user attribute information, to the user communication terminal 30. Further, when the user attribute information management device 20 estimates the estimated user attribute based on the application information and detects the difference between the registered user attribute and the estimated user attribute, the user attribute information management device 20 can send an update promotion notice, which is a notice prompting an update of the registered user attribute information, to the user communication terminal 30. Therefore, the user attribute information management device 20 can send the update promotion notice to the user communication terminal 30 at an appropriate timing when it is estimated that there is a change in the user attribute.

[0144] As a result, in the user attribute information management system 1, even when the user attributes have not changed, the frequent transmission of unnecessary update promotion notifications from the user attribute information management device 20 to the user communication terminal 30 is suppressed, and the processing load of transmitting the update promotion notification to the user communication terminal 30 can be suppressed. And in the user attribute information management device 20, since the processing load can be suppressed, a decrease in processing speed can be suppressed, and also, since it is not necessary to use an expensive electronic device such as a computer with high processing specifications for the user attribute information management device 20, the user attribute information management device 20 can be configured at low cost.

[0145] Also, in the user attribute information management system 1, it is possible to suppress or eliminate the user's annoyance and discomfort caused by the frequent transmission of update promotion notifications to the user communication terminal 30 even when the user attributes have not changed, and it is possible to increase the possibility that the user updates the user attribute information.

[0146] In step S170, it is determined whether new user attribute information for updating the registered user attribute information registered in the user attribute information management device 20 has been input to the user communication terminal 30. Specifically, the communication terminal control unit 305 of the user communication terminal 30 determines whether new user attribute information for updating the registered user attribute information registered in the user attribute information management device 20 has been input to the user communication terminal 30.

[0147] When the user updates the registered user attribute information, the user inputs new user attribute information for updating the registered user attribute information from the update data input screen. When the user does not update the registered user attribute information, the user closes the update promotion notification screen without inputting new user attribute information for updating the registered user attribute information from the update data input screen.

[0148] The communication terminal operation unit 301 receives from the user an operation of inputting new user attribute information for updating the registered user attribute information from the update data input screen. The communication terminal operation unit 301 transmits information corresponding to the operation of inputting new user attribute information as operation information to the communication terminal control unit 305.

[0149] When the communication terminal control unit 305 receives operation information corresponding to the operation of inputting new user attribute information within a predetermined period after displaying the update data input screen, it determines that new user attribute information for updating the registered user attribute information has been input to the user communication terminal 30. When the communication terminal control unit 305 does not receive operation information corresponding to the operation of inputting new user attribute information within a predetermined period after displaying the update data input screen, it determines that new user attribute information for updating the registered user attribute information has not been input to the user communication terminal 30.

[0150] If it is determined that new user attribute information has not been input to the user communication terminal 30, it becomes No in step S170 and a series of processes ends. If it is determined that new user attribute information has been input to the user communication terminal 30, it becomes Yes in step S170 and proceeds to step S180.

[0151] In step S180, when the communication terminal control unit 305 receives operation information corresponding to the operation of inputting new user attribute information from the communication terminal operation unit 301, it transmits the operation information to the user attribute information management device 20 via the communication terminal communication unit 303. That is, the communication terminal control unit 305 transmits new user attribute information to the user attribute information management device 20. Then, it proceeds to step S190.

[0152] In step S190, the registered user attribute information is updated. Specifically, the management device control unit 209 of the user attribute information management device 20 receives the new user attribute information transmitted from the user communication terminal 30 via the management device communication unit 208. The management device control unit 209 updates the registered user attribute information of the item corresponding to the received new user attribute information with the received new user attribute information. That is, the management device control unit 209 updates the registered user attribute information of the item corresponding to the received new user attribute information in the registered user attribute information stored in the registered user attribute storage unit 205 with the received new user attribute information. Thereby, the correct registered user attribute information corresponding to the current state of the user is stored in the registered user attribute storage unit 205.

[0153] Therefore, the management device control unit 209 has a function as an update unit that executes the update of the registered user attribute information. Here, the case where the management device control unit 209 has a function as an update unit is shown, but an update unit independent of the management device control unit 209 may be provided separately.

[0154] As described above, in the user attribute information management system 1 according to the first embodiment, when the user attribute information management device 20 estimates the estimated user attribute based on the device data and detects the difference between the registered user attribute and the estimated user attribute, the user attribute information management device 20 transmits an update promotion notification, which is a notification to prompt the update of the registered user attribute information, to the user communication terminal 30. Further, when the user attribute information management device 20 estimates the estimated user attribute based on the application information and detects the difference between the registered user attribute and the estimated user attribute, the user attribute information management device 20 can transmit an update promotion notification, which is a notification to prompt the update of the registered user attribute information, to the user communication terminal 30. For this reason, in the user attribute information management device 20, the update promotion notification can be transmitted to the user communication terminal 30 at an appropriate timing when it is estimated that there is a change in the user attribute.

[0155] And in the user attribute information management system 1, the device data is information related to the operation of the air conditioner 10, which is a device owned by the user, and is control instruction information for instructing the control of the operation of the air conditioner 10 obtained in the air conditioner 10. The device data includes operation information corresponding to the operation received from the user and external information of the external environment surrounding the air conditioner 10 obtained in the air conditioner 10. Thereby, in the user attribute information management system 1, by estimating the user attributes using not only the operation information of the air conditioner 10 but also the external information of the air conditioner 10, the estimation accuracy of the user attributes can be improved.

[0156] Further, in the user attribute information management system 1, when the estimated user attributes are estimated based on the device data or the application information and the difference between the registered user attributes and the estimated user attributes is detected, an update promotion notification, which is a notification prompting the update of the registered user attribute information, is transmitted to the user communication terminal 30. Thereby, in the user attribute information management system 1, it is possible to suppress the frequent transmission of unnecessary update promotion notifications from the user attribute information management device 20 to the user communication terminal 30 even though the user attributes have not changed, and it is possible to suppress the processing load of transmitting the update promotion notification to the user communication terminal 30. And in the user attribute information management device 20, since the processing load can be suppressed, a decrease in the processing speed can be suppressed. Also, since it is not necessary to use an expensive electronic device such as a computer with high processing specifications for the user attribute information management device 20, the user attribute information management device 20 can be configured at low cost.

[0157] In addition, in the user attribute information management system 1, it is possible to suppress or eliminate the annoyance and discomfort felt by the user due to the frequent transmission of update promotion notifications to the user communication terminal 30 even though the user attributes have not changed, and it is also possible to increase the possibility that the user updates the registered user attribute information. Then, in the user attribute information management system 1, as the possibility of updating the registered user attribute information increases, for example, the manufacturer of the air conditioner 10 can improve the accuracy of data analysis using the user attributes, and utilize the results of more accurate data analysis for marketing or promotion.

[0158] In addition, in the user attribute information management system 1, if the registered user attributes have not been updated within a predetermined period despite having previously sent an update promotion notification to the user communication terminal 30, it may be considered that there has been no change in the user attributes of the corresponding user, or that the corresponding user does not desire to update the user attribute information. In this case, even when the user attribute information management device 20 detects a difference between the registered user attributes and the estimated user attributes again after sending the update promotion notification to the user communication terminal 30, it will not send the update promotion notification to the user communication terminal 30 during the predetermined period. By performing such processing in the user attribute information management system 1, it is possible to avoid the user feeling annoyance and discomfort due to the frequent transmission of update promotion notifications to the user communication terminal 30.

[0159] Note that in the above, the case where the device is an air conditioner has been shown, but the device may be a household electrical appliance installed in the user's home, such as a refrigerator, washing machine, microwave oven, oven, audio equipment, television, and personal computer.

[0160] Therefore, according to the user attribute information management system 1 according to Embodiment 1, it is possible to obtain a user attribute information management system that can appropriately manage user attribute information that conforms to the current situation while suppressing the notification process that promotes the update of user attributes to the user by improving the user attribute estimation system and suppressing the user from feeling annoyance.

[0161] Embodiment 2. In Embodiment 1, the case where an update promotion notification that promotes the update of user attributes is transmitted to the user communication terminal 30 when it is determined in the user attribute difference detection unit 206 that there is a change in user attributes between the registered user attributes and the estimated user attributes was described. In this Embodiment 2, the case where the user attribute difference detection unit 206 analyzes the estimated user attributes as the correct user attributes will be described.

[0162] FIG. 10 is a system configuration diagram showing the configuration of the user attribute information management system 1a according to Embodiment 2. The user attribute information management system 1a according to this Embodiment 2 includes an air conditioner 10 and a user attribute information management device 20a. That is, the user attribute information management system 1a is different from the user attribute information management system 1 according to Embodiment 1 in that it has a user attribute information management device 20a instead of the user attribute information management device 20.

[0163] FIG. 11 is a block diagram showing the functional configuration of the user attribute information management device 20a according to Embodiment 2. The user attribute information management device 20a is different from the user attribute information management device 20 according to Embodiment 1 in that it has a registered user attribute storage unit 205a instead of the registered user attribute storage unit 205.

[0164] The registered user attribute storage unit 205a stores registered user attribute information, which is information on user attributes input by the user in the past, in the same manner as the registered user attribute storage unit 205 of the user attribute information management device 20 according to Embodiment 1. The difference between the registered user attribute storage unit 205a of the user attribute information management device 20a and the registered user attribute storage unit 205 of the user attribute information management device 20 according to Embodiment 1 is that the registered user attribute storage unit 205a also stores estimated user attribute information, which is information on estimated user attributes estimated by the user attribute estimation unit 203 of the user attribute information management device 20a.

[0165] FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing the operation procedure of the user attribute information management system 1a according to Embodiment 2. The user attribute information management system 1a according to Embodiment 2 can perform the same processing as the user attribute information management system 1 according to Embodiment 1 described above. Therefore, the user attribute information management system 1a has the same effects as the user attribute information management system 1 according to Embodiment 1. In addition, the user attribute information management system 1a can perform the processing described below.

[0166] Steps S110 to S140 are the same as in the case of the flowchart shown in FIG. 6 in Embodiment 1.

[0167] If it is determined that there is no difference between the estimated user attributes and the registered user attributes, the process goes to No in step S140 and returns to step S110. If it is determined that there is a difference between the estimated user attributes and the registered user attributes, the process goes to Yes in step S140 and proceeds to step S210.

[0168] In step S210, the estimated user attribute information associated with the registered user attribute information corresponding to the item is stored in the registered user attribute storage unit 205a. Specifically, when the user attribute difference detection unit 206 determines that it has detected a difference between the registered user attributes and the estimated user attributes, the user attribute difference detection unit 206 transmits difference detection information indicating that it has detected a difference between the registered user attributes and the estimated user attributes, and the estimated user attribute information, to the management device control unit 209.

[0169] When the management device control unit 209 receives the difference detection information and the estimated user attribute information, it extracts the registered user attribute information of the item corresponding to the received estimated user attribute information from the registered user attribute information stored in the registered user attribute storage unit 205a. Then, the management device control unit 209 associates the received estimated user attribute information with the extracted registered user attribute information and stores it in the registered user attribute storage unit 205a. Note that the user attribute difference detection unit 206 may transmit only the estimated user attribute information to the management device control unit 209.

[0170] That is, the management device control unit 209 associates the received estimated user attribute information with the registered user attribute information of the item corresponding to the estimated user attribute information, which is the registered user attribute information stored in the registered user attribute storage unit 205a, and stores it in the registered user attribute storage unit 205a. Therefore, the registered user attribute storage unit 205a stores the registered user attribute information of the item corresponding to the estimated user attribute information, which is the registered user attribute information stored in the registered user attribute storage unit 205a, in association with the estimated user attribute information.

[0171] As described above, in the second embodiment, when there is a difference between the estimated user attribute and the registered user attribute, the estimated user attribute information associated with the registered user attribute information corresponding to the item is stored and managed in the registered user attribute storage unit 205a. Thereby, in the user attribute information management system 1a according to the second embodiment, obtaining correct user attribute information according to the current user state does not rely only on user registration, but automatically supplements or corrects the insufficient or incorrect part in the registered user attribute information with appropriate user attribute information and can manage it appropriately.

[0172] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of user attribute information stored in the registered user attribute storage unit 205a of the user attribute information management apparatus 20a according to Embodiment 2. In the example shown in FIG. 13, when it is determined in the user attribute difference detection unit 206 that there is a difference between the registered user attribute and the estimated user attribute regarding the family composition, the estimated user attribute information and the registered user attribute information stored in the registered user attribute storage unit 205a are shown. The corresponding estimated user attribute information and registered user attribute information for each item are associated and stored in a table format. In the example shown in FIG. 13, in the row of the family composition item in the table, in the column of the estimated user attribute, the information of "a family of four", which is the estimated user attribute information, is stored.

[0173] For example, when an employee of the manufacturer of the air conditioner 10 performs data analysis using user attributes for marketing or promotion, if the estimated user attribute information is stored in the column of the estimated user attribute in the table of the registered user attribute storage unit 205a of the user attribute information management apparatus 20a, the analysis is performed using the estimated user attribute information instead of the registered user attribute information.

[0174] Thereby, even when there is an input omission or input error in the registered user attribute information registered by the user, and the registered user attribute information is not updated even if an update promotion notice is sent to the user communication terminal 30, the manufacturer's employee can perform the analysis using the estimated user attribute information that seems to be correct. And by performing the analysis using the estimated user attribute information, it is possible to perform the analysis with the user attribute information in which the insufficient part or the error part in the registered user attribute information is supplemented or corrected, and the accuracy and reliability of the analysis result are further improved.

[0175] Next, the hardware configurations of the control units 80 according to Embodiments 1 and 2 will be described. The control unit 80 according to Embodiments 1 and 2 corresponds to the air conditioning control unit 117 of the air conditioner 10, the remote control unit 135 of the remote control 13, the collection unit 201, the user attribute estimation unit 203, the user attribute difference detection unit 206, the notification unit 207, the management device control unit 209 of the user attribute information management device 20, and the communication terminal control unit 305 of the user communication terminal 30 according to Embodiments 1 and 2. Each function of the control unit 80 according to Embodiments 1 and 2 is realized by a processing circuit. The processing circuit may be dedicated hardware or a processing device that executes a program stored in a storage device.

[0176] When the processing circuit is dedicated hardware, the processing circuit corresponds to a single circuit, a composite circuit, a programmed processor, a parallel programmed processor, an application specific integrated circuit, a field programmable gate array, or a combination thereof. FIG. 14 is a diagram showing a configuration in which each function of the control unit 80 according to Embodiments 1 and 2 is realized by hardware. A logic circuit 81a for realizing the functions of the control unit 80 is incorporated in the processing circuit 81.

[0177] When the processing circuit 81 is a processing device, the functions of the control unit 80 are realized by software, firmware, or a combination of software and firmware.

[0178] FIG. 15 is a diagram showing a configuration in which the respective functions of the control unit 80 according to Embodiments 1 and 2 are realized by software. The processing circuit 81 includes a processor 811 that executes a program 81b, a random access memory 812 used by the processor 811 as a work area, and a storage device 813 that stores the program 81b. By expanding and executing the program 81b stored in the storage device 813 on the random access memory 812 by the processor 811, the functions of the control unit 80 are realized. Software or firmware is described in a programming language and stored in the storage device 813. The processor 811 can be exemplified by a central processing unit, but is not limited thereto. As the storage device 813, a semiconductor memory such as a RAM (Random Access Memory), a ROM (Read Only Memory), a flash memory, an EPROM (Erasable Programmable Read Only Memory), or an EEPROM (registered trademark) (Electrically Erasable Programmable Read Only Memory) can be applied. The semiconductor memory may be a non-volatile memory or a volatile memory. In addition to the semiconductor memory, a magnetic disk, a flexible disk, an optical disk, a compact disk, a mini disk, or a DVD (Digital Versatile Disc) can be applied as the storage device 813. Note that the processor 811 may output and store data such as calculation results in the storage device 813, or may store the data in an auxiliary storage device (not shown) via the random access memory 812. By integrating the processor 811, the random access memory 812, and the storage device 813 on one chip, the functions of the control unit 80 can be realized by a microcomputer.

[0179] The processing circuit 81 realizes the functions of the control unit 80 by reading and executing the program 81b stored in the storage device 813. The program 81b can also be said to cause a computer to execute procedures and methods for realizing the functions of the control unit 80.

[0180] Note that the processing circuit 81 may implement a part of the functions of the control unit 80 with dedicated hardware and implement a part of the functions of the control unit 80 with software or firmware.

[0181] In this way, the processing circuit 81 can implement each of the above functions by hardware, software, firmware, or a combination thereof.

[0182] The configurations shown in the above embodiments are examples, and it is possible to combine them with other known technologies, combine the embodiments with each other, or omit or change a part of the configuration without departing from the gist.

Description of Reference Numerals

[0183] 1,1a User attribute information management system, 10 Air conditioner, 11 Indoor unit, 12 Outdoor unit, 13 Remote controller, 14 Sensor image, 15 Characteristic diagram, 20,20a User attribute information management device, 30 User communication terminal, 40 Internet, 80 Control unit, 81 Processing circuit, 81a Logic circuit, 81b Program, 111 Indoor unit air conditioning section, 112 Indoor temperature and humidity sensor, 113 Indoor unit human presence sensor, 114 Indoor unit camera, 115 Indoor unit memory section, 116 Indoor unit communication section, 117 Air conditioning control section, 131 Remote controller operation section, 132 Remote controller display section, 133 Remote controller memory section, 134 Remote controller communication section, 135 Remote controller control section, 141,142,143 Human-shaped part, 151,152,153 Characteristic curve, 201 Collection section, 202 Equipment data storage section, 203 User attribute estimation section, 204 Application information memory section, 205,205a Registered user attribute memory section, 206 User attribute difference detection section, 207 Notification section, 208 Management device communication section, 209 Management device control section, 301 Communication terminal operation section, 302 Communication terminal display section, 303 Communication terminal communication section, 304 Communication terminal memory section, 305 Communication terminal control section, 811 Processor, 812 Random access memory, 813 Storage device, 3021 Application screen, 3022,3023 Operation area, 3041 Application software.

Claims

1. A collection unit that collects device data including operation information corresponding to an operation related to the operation of the device received by a device owned by a user and information about the external environment of the device from the device; A first user attribute information storage unit that stores information on a first user attribute that is a user attribute indicating characteristics of the user input by the user; A user attribute estimation unit that estimates a second user attribute that is the user attribute based on the device data collected by the collection unit; A user attribute difference detection unit that detects a difference between the first user attribute and the second user attribute; A notification unit that transmits an update promotion notification that prompts an update of the information on the first user attribute to a user communication terminal owned by the user when the difference is detected; A management device communication unit that communicates with an external device; comprising: When estimating the second user attribute, the user attribute estimation unit calculates the accuracy of the estimation of the second user attribute; The user attribute difference detection unit detects the difference between the first user attribute and the second user attribute based on, for each item of the user attribute, the magnitude of the difference between the first user attribute and the second user attribute and the accuracy of the estimation of the second user attribute; The user attribute estimation unit uses an estimation accuracy calculation formula for calculating the accuracy of the estimation of the second user attribute based on the device data used for the estimation of the second user attribute and the second user attribute, the device data used for the estimation of the second user attribute, and the second user attribute to calculate the accuracy of the estimation of the second user attribute. A user attribute information management device.

2. The user attribute estimation unit estimates the second user attribute using information on the content operated by the user regarding a function executed using application software installed on a communication device that is communicable with the device and capable of operating the function of the device. The user attribute information management device according to claim 1.

3. An update unit that receives information on the new user attributes transmitted from the user communication terminal and updates the information on the first user attributes stored in the first user attribute information storage unit with the information on the new user attributes. The user attribute information management device according to claim 1 or 2.

4. The user attribute estimation unit extracts a human-shaped part indicating the shape of a person from an image of the interior of the room where the device is installed, which is acquired by the device, and estimates the number of household members of the house where the device is installed as the second user attribute from the number of the extracted human-shaped parts. The user attribute information management device according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

5. The user attribute estimation unit estimates the residential area of the user as the second user attribute based on data on temperature changes acquired by a sensor provided in the device and data on temperature changes acquired from a source of weather information outside the user attribute information management device. The user attribute information management device according to any one of claims 1 to 4.

6. The first user attribute information storage unit stores the information on the first user attributes stored in the first user attribute information storage unit, which corresponds to the information on the second user attributes, in association with the information on the second user attributes. The user attribute information management device according to any one of claims 1 to 5.

7. A user attribute information management system including a user attribute information management device that manages information on user attributes indicating characteristics of a user who owns a device, and a user communication terminal owned by the user. The user attribute information management device includes A collection unit that collects device data including operation information, which is information corresponding to an operation related to the operation of the device received by the device, and information on the outside of the device, from the device. A first user attribute information storage unit that stores information on a first user attribute, which is a user attribute indicating the characteristics of the user input by the user; A user attribute estimation unit that estimates a second user attribute, which is the user attribute, based on the device data collected by the collection unit; A user attribute difference detection unit that detects a difference between the first user attribute and the second user attribute; A notification unit that transmits, to a user communication terminal owned by the user, an update promotion notification that prompts an update of the information on the first user attribute when the difference is detected; A management device communication unit that communicates with an external device; and includes When estimating the second user attribute, the user attribute estimation unit calculates the accuracy of the estimation of the second user attribute, For each item of the user attribute, the user attribute difference detection unit detects a difference between the first user attribute and the second user attribute based on the magnitude of the difference between the first user attribute and the second user attribute and the accuracy of the estimation of the second user attribute, The user attribute estimation unit uses an estimation accuracy calculation formula for calculating the accuracy of the estimation of the second user attribute based on the device data used for the estimation of the second user attribute and the second user attribute, the device data used for the estimation of the second user attribute, and the second user attribute to calculate the accuracy of the estimation of the second user attribute, The user communication terminal includes a communication terminal communication unit that communicates with the user attribute information management device; and a display unit that displays the update promotion notification transmitted from the user attribute information management device. and includes A user attribute information management system.

8. The user attribute estimation unit estimates the second user attribute by using information on the content of operations performed by the user regarding functions executed using application software installed in a communication device that can communicate with the device and can operate the functions of the device. The user attribute information management system according to claim 7.

9. An update unit that receives information on the new user attribute transmitted from the user communication terminal and updates the information on the first user attribute stored in the first user attribute information storage unit with the information on the new user attribute. The user attribute information management system according to claim 7 or 8.

10. The user attribute estimation unit extracts a human-shaped part indicating the shape of a person from an image of the interior of the room where the device is installed, which is obtained by the device, and estimates the number of household members in the house where the device is installed as the second user attribute from the number of the extracted human-shaped parts. The user attribute information management system according to any one of claims 7 to 9.

11. The user attribute estimation unit estimates the user's residential area as the second user attribute based on data on temperature changes obtained by a sensor provided in the device and data on temperature changes obtained from a source of weather information outside the user attribute information management device. The user attribute information management system according to any one of claims 7 to 10.

12. The first user attribute information storage unit stores the information on the first user attribute stored in the first user attribute information storage unit and corresponding to the information on the second user attribute in association with the information on the second user attribute. The user attribute information management system according to any one of claims 7 to 11.

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