Environmental control system, nap system, air curtain system, environmental control method, and program

The environmental control system addresses the challenge of accurately adjusting air environments by using biometric and geographical data to estimate and control air conditioning systems, enhancing comfort through precise thermal management.

JP7727965B2Active Publication Date: 2025-08-22PANASONIC INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY MANAGEMENT CO LTD
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Patent Information

Application Number
JP2021183707
Authority / Receiving Office
JP · JP
Patent Type
Patents
Current Assignee / Owner
Filing Date
2021-11-10
Publication Date
2025-08-22
Estimated Expiration
2041-11-10

AI Technical Summary

Technical Problem

Existing air conditioning systems struggle to accurately adjust the air environment in real spaces to ensure occupant comfort, particularly considering individual biometric and environmental factors.

Method used

An environmental control system that includes a human information acquisition unit, air environment detection unit, memory unit, and air conditioning control unit, which utilizes biometric and geographical information to estimate and adjust the air environment based on a simulation model, incorporating factors like seasonal circadian rhythms to achieve a target comfort state.

Benefits of technology

The system accurately adjusts the air environment to enhance occupant comfort by considering individual biometric and geographical factors, ensuring thermal comfort and well-being.

✦ Generated by Eureka AI based on patent content.

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Patent Text Reader

Abstract

To provide an environment control system in which an air environment in a real space can be adjusted with good accuracy so that a person inside the real space feels comfortable, and to provide a nap system, an air curtain system, an environment control method, and a program.SOLUTION: In an environment control system 1, a person information acquisition part 11 acquires person information including biological information of a person H1 in a real space RS1. An air environment detection part 12 detects a real air environment. A storage part 14 stores data of a simulation model SM1 where a human model HM1 simulating the person H1 exists in a virtual space VS1 simulating the real space RS1. An estimation part 15 applies the person information and the real air environment to the simulation model SM1, and estimates the state of the person H1. An air conditioning control part 16 controls an air conditioning system 2 so that the state of the person H1 comes into a target state.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1
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Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to an environmental control system, a nap system, an air curtain system, an environmental control method, and a program. [Background technology]

[0002] The evaluation system of Patent Document 1 aims to improve the accuracy of evaluation of the state of a human model. The evaluation system includes a first acquisition unit, a second acquisition unit, and an evaluation unit. The first acquisition unit acquires model information. The model information is information about a human model consisting of model data of a person placed in a virtual space. The second acquisition unit acquires environmental information. The environmental information is information about an environment that is associated with the virtual space and can have a specific effect on the human model, and the environment includes one or more elements such as temperature (heat), lighting (light), sound, smell, and air quality. The evaluation unit evaluates the state of the human model based on the model information and the environmental information. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] International Publication No. 2020 / 174886 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] Conventionally, there are control systems that control air conditioning systems that adjust the air environment of a space. Such control systems are required to accurately adjust the air environment of a space (real space) so that people in the space feel comfortable.

[0005] The present disclosure has been made in consideration of the above-mentioned problems, and aims to provide an environmental control system, a nap system, an air curtain system, an environmental control method, and a program that can accurately adjust the air environment of a real space so that people in the real space feel comfortable. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] An environmental control system according to one aspect of the present disclosure controls an air conditioning system that adjusts a real air environment, which is an air environment in a real space. The environmental control system includes a human information acquisition unit, an air environment detection unit, a memory unit, an estimation unit, and an air conditioning control unit. The human information acquisition unit acquires human information including biometric information of a person in the real space. The air environment detection unit detects the real air environment. The memory unit stores data of a simulation model in which a human model simulating the person exists in a virtual space that simulates the real space. The estimation unit applies the human information and the real air environment to the simulation model to estimate the state of the person. The air conditioning control unit controls the air conditioning system so that the state of the person becomes a target state. The person information includes at least one of the person's place of birth, place of growth, and race. The air conditioning control unit estimates the person's seasonal circadian rhythm from at least one of the person's place of birth, place of growth, and race, and determines the target state based on the seasonal circadian rhythm.

[0007] A nap system according to one aspect of the present disclosure includes the above-described environmental control system, the air conditioning system, and a nap box having a nap space for the person to take a nap as the real space.

[0008] An air curtain system according to one aspect of the present disclosure includes the above-described environmental control system and the air conditioning system, and the air conditioning system forms an air curtain by blowing air into the real space.

[0009] An environmental control method according to one aspect of the present disclosure controls an air conditioning system that adjusts a real air environment, which is an air environment in a real space. The environmental control method includes a human information acquisition step, an air environment detection step, an estimation step, and an air conditioning control step. The human information acquisition step acquires human information including biometric information of a person in the real space. The air environment detection step detects the real air environment. The estimation step applies the human information and the real air environment to a simulation model in which a human model simulating the person exists in a virtual space that simulates the real space, to estimate the state of the person. The air conditioning control step controls the air conditioning system so that the state of the person becomes a target state. The person information includes at least one of the person's place of birth, place of habitation, and race. The air conditioning control step estimates the person's seasonal circadian rhythm from at least one of the person's place of birth, place of habitation, and race, and determines the target state based on the seasonal circadian rhythm.

[0010] A program according to one aspect of the present disclosure causes a computer system to execute the above-described environmental control method. [Effects of the Invention]

[0011] According to the present disclosure, the air environment of a real space can be adjusted with precision so that people in the real space feel comfortable. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0012] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing the configuration of an environmental control system according to an embodiment. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing a real space of the environmental control system. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is a perspective view showing a simulation model of the environmental control system. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing an environment control method according to the embodiment. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing the configuration of an environmental control system according to a first modified example of the above embodiment. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a perspective view showing a nap box of the nap system equipped with the environmental control system. [Figure 7]FIG. 7 is a schematic diagram showing the configuration of the nap system. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a schematic diagram showing the configuration of an air curtain system equipped with the environmental control system. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0013] The following embodiments generally relate to an environmental control system, a nap system, an air curtain system, an environmental control method, and a program. More specifically, the following embodiments relate to an environmental control system, a nap system, an air curtain system, an environmental control method, and a program that control an air conditioning system that adjusts a real air environment, which is an air environment in a real space.

[0014] Note that the embodiments and modifications described below are merely examples of the present disclosure, and the present disclosure is not limited to the embodiments and modifications. Various modifications other than these embodiments and modifications are possible depending on the design, etc., as long as they do not deviate from the technical concept of the present disclosure.

[0015] (1) Overview The environmental control system 1 shown in FIG. 1 is a system that accurately adjusts the real air environment, which is the air environment of the real space RS1, so that a person H1 in the real space RS1 feels comfortable.

[0016] The real space RS1 may be either an indoor space or an outdoor space.

[0017] Indoor spaces include, for example, buildings, rooms, shared spaces, and box-shaped structures. Buildings include, for example, office buildings, offices, factories, commercial facilities, hospitals, elderly care facilities, apartment buildings, detached houses, and schools. Rooms include, for example, offices, working spaces, conference rooms, stores, living rooms, hospital rooms, and classrooms. Shared spaces include, for example, lobbies and waiting rooms. Box-shaped structures are hollow structures that can accommodate people, such as nap booths and karaoke booths.

[0018] The outdoor spaces may include, for example, outdoor stores, outdoor rest areas, outdoor stadiums, and outdoor event venues.

[0019] However, the real space RS1 is not limited to a specific space.

[0020] The environmental control system 1 controls an air conditioning system 2 that adjusts the real air environment, which is the air environment of the real space RS1. The environmental control system 1 includes a human information acquisition unit 11, an air environment detection unit 12, a memory unit 14, an estimation unit 15, and an air conditioning control unit 16. The human information acquisition unit 11 acquires human information, including biometric information, of a person H1 in the real space RS1. The air environment detection unit 12 detects the real air environment. The memory unit 14 stores data of a simulation model SM1 in which a human model HM1 simulating the person H1 exists in a virtual space VS1 that simulates the real space RS1. The estimation unit 15 applies the human information and the real air environment to the simulation model SM1 to estimate the state of the person H1. The air conditioning control unit 16 controls the air conditioning system 2 so that the state of the person H1 becomes a target state.

[0021] That is, the environmental control system 1 estimates the state of the person H1 in the real space RS1 using the person information, the real air environment, and the simulation model SM1, and controls the air conditioning system 2 so that the state of the person H1 becomes a target state. As a result, the environmental control system 1 can accurately adjust the air environment of the real space RS1 so that the person H1 in the real space RS1 feels comfortable.

[0022] (2)Details The environmental control system 1 includes an air conditioning control system 10, a human information acquisition unit 11, an air environment detection unit 12, and an initial information acquisition unit 13, and controls an air conditioning system 2. The air conditioning system 2 adjusts the real air environment, which is the air environment of the real space RS1.

[0023] (2.1) Real Space As shown in Fig. 2, the real space RS1 of this embodiment is assumed to be a rectangular indoor space surrounded by a wall 91, a floor 92, and a ceiling 93. A door 94 is installed in the wall 91, and people enter and exit the real space RS1 through the door 94. In Fig. 2, a person H1 enters the real space RS1 from outside the real space RS1 through the door 94 and is present in the real space RS1.

[0024] (2.2) Air Conditioning System The air conditioning system 2 adjusts the real air environment, which is the air environment of the real space RS1.

[0025] As shown in FIG. 2, the air conditioning system 2 of this embodiment includes a blower 21 and a ventilation device 22.

[0026] The fan 21 draws in air in the real space RS1 and blows the air into the real space RS1. That is, the fan 21 blows air toward the person H1 who is present in the real space RS1.

[0027] The ventilation device 22 includes at least one of a ventilation fan and a window opening / closing device for the real space RS1. The ventilation fan introduces air outside the real space RS1 into the real space RS1. The window opening / closing device introduces air outside the real space RS1 into the real space RS1 by opening a window in the real space RS1 using a motor, a cylinder, or the like.

[0028] That is, the air conditioning system 2 can adjust the temperature, humidity, and air volume in the real space RS1 as the real air environment by adjusting the air blowing in the real space RS1 and the introduction of outside air into the real space RS1.

[0029] (2.3) Human information acquisition department The person information acquisition unit 11 acquires person information of the person H1 in the real space RS1, and outputs the acquired person information to the air-conditioning control system 10.

[0030] Specifically, the person information acquisition unit 11 acquires biometric information and ethnic and geographical information of the person H1 as the person information of the person H1.

[0031] (biometric information) The biological information includes the height, weight, age, sex, skin temperature, body fat percentage, basal metabolic rate, activity level, heart rate, respiration, blood oxygen, BMI (Body Mass Index), posture, and movement of person H1.

[0032] The human information acquisition unit 11 has, for example, an imaging device that captures an image of the real space RS1. In this case, the human information acquisition unit 11 can estimate biometric information such as height, weight, age, sex, BMI, posture, and movement by performing image recognition processing on the image captured by the imaging device. Furthermore, if the imaging device has an infrared camera function, the human information acquisition unit 11 can estimate biometric information such as skin temperature based on the captured image.

[0033] The human information acquisition unit 11 has a communication unit that performs wireless communication in accordance with standards such as Wi-Fi (registered trademark), Bluetooth (registered trademark), ZigBee (registered trademark), or low-power radio (specified low-power radio) that does not require a license. In this case, the human information acquisition unit 11 can acquire biological information such as skin temperature, body fat percentage, basal metabolic rate, activity level, heart rate, respiration, and blood oxygen level from a wearable device or smartwatch worn by the person H1. Furthermore, the skin temperature, activity level, heart rate, respiration, and blood oxygen level are biological information that change over time while the person H1 is present in the real space RS1, and the human information acquisition unit 11 can intermittently (periodically) acquire the skin temperature, activity level, heart rate, respiration, and blood oxygen level.

[0034] (ethnic / geographical information) The ethnic and geographic information includes at least one of the information of the place of birth, place of upbringing, and race of the person H1, which influence the individual thermal sensation of the person H1.

[0035] The climate zone of one's birthplace and upbringing (tropical, dry, temperate, cool, alpine, etc.) can affect a person's thermal sensation. For example, people who grew up in tropical regions generally tend to be sensitive to cold, while people who grew up in cool regions generally tend to be sensitive to heat. Furthermore, people who grew up in temperate regions generally have circadian rhythms that fluctuate with the seasons (seasonal circadian rhythms), and their thermal sensations also tend to fluctuate with the seasons.

[0036] Furthermore, race can also affect a person's thermal sensitivity. For example, people of Western descent generally tend to tolerate the cold better than people of Asian descent.

[0037] If the person information acquisition unit 11 has a communication unit that performs wireless communication, it can acquire ethnic and geographical information from a personal authentication medium (such as an employee ID card, membership card, or IC card such as an ID card, a smartphone, or a tablet terminal) carried by person H1.

[0038] (2.4) Air environment detection unit The air environment detection unit 12 detects the real air environment of the real space RS1, and outputs information on the detected real air environment to the air conditioning control system 10.

[0039] The air environment detection unit 12 has, for example, a temperature sensor, a humidity sensor, an air volume sensor, etc. In this case, the air environment detection unit 12 detects the temperature, humidity, air volume, etc. at each of a plurality of locations in the real space RS1 as the real air environment.

[0040] Furthermore, the air environment detection unit 12 monitors the operation of the air conditioning system 2, and also detects the operating state of the air conditioning system 2 as the real air environment. Specifically, the air environment detection unit 12 also detects the operating state of the blower 21 and the operating state of the ventilation device 22 as the real air environment. The operating state of the blower 21 is the amount (air volume) and direction (wind direction) of air sent out from the blower 21 to the real space RS1. The operating state of the ventilation device 22 is the amount (outside air introduction amount) of outside air introduced into the real space RS1 by the ventilation device 22, and the temperature of the outside air (outside air temperature).

[0041] That is, the air environment detection unit 12 detects the spatial distribution of temperature, humidity, air volume, and the like in the real space RS1.

[0042] (2.5) Initial information acquisition part The initial information acquisition unit 13 acquires biological information when the person H1 enters the real space RS1 as initial biological information, and outputs the acquired initial biological information to the air-conditioning control system 10.

[0043] Specifically, the initial information acquisition unit 13 detects the core body temperature, skin temperature, and heart rate of the person H1 immediately before or immediately after the person H1 enters the real space RS1 as the initial biological information of the person H1.

[0044] The initial information acquisition unit 13 has, for example, a contact-type deep body thermometer. In this case, the initial information acquisition unit 13 can detect the initial value of the deep body temperature of the person H1 by measuring the deep body temperature of the person H1 immediately before or immediately after the person H1 enters the real space RS1.

[0045] Furthermore, the initial information acquiring unit 13 acquires, as initial biological information, the initial values ​​of the skin temperature and heart rate (values ​​immediately after entering the real space RS1) acquired as biological information by the human information acquiring unit 11 described above.

[0046] (2.6) Air conditioning control system The air conditioning control system 10 includes a memory unit 14, an estimation unit 15, and an air conditioning control unit 16.

[0047] The air conditioning control system 10 preferably includes a computer system. The computer system executes a program to realize some or all of the functions of the air conditioning control system 10. The computer system's main hardware component is a processor that operates according to the program. The processor can be of any type, as long as it can realize the functions by executing the program. The processor is composed of one or more electronic circuits, including a semiconductor integrated circuit (IC) or an LSI (Large Scale Integration). While ICs and LSIs are used here, the names may vary depending on the degree of integration, and may also be called system LSIs, VLSIs (Very Large Scale Integration), or ULSIs (Ultra Large Scale Integration). Field-programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), which are programmed after the LSI is manufactured, or reconfigurable logic devices that can reconfigure the connections within the LSI or set up circuit partitions within the LSI, can also be used for the same purpose. Multiple electronic circuits may be integrated on a single chip or provided on multiple chips. Multiple chips may be integrated into a single device or provided on multiple devices. The program is recorded on a non-transitory recording medium such as a computer-readable ROM, an optical disk, a hard disk drive, etc. The program may be pre-stored on the recording medium, or may be supplied to the recording medium via a wide area communication network including the Internet.

[0048] The computer system may be implemented as a single computer device or multiple computers linked together, or may be configured as a cloud computing system.

[0049] (2.6.1) Storage section The memory unit 14 stores data of a simulation model SM1 shown in FIG. 3. The simulation model SM1 is a virtual model in which a human model HM1 exists in a virtual space VS1. The virtual space VS1 is a virtual model that simulates a real space RS1. The human model HM1 is a virtual human body model that simulates a person H1. Note that the memory unit 14 is preferably a rewritable non-volatile memory such as an EEPROM (Electrically Erasable Programmable Read Only Memory) or a flash memory.

[0050] (Virtual space) Virtual space VS1 simulates real space RS1 and is a rectangular virtual space surrounded by a wall model 91M, a floor model 92M, and a ceiling model 93M. Wall model 91M, floor model 92M, and ceiling model 93M are virtual models of wall 91, floor 92, and ceiling 93, respectively. A door model 94M, which is a virtual model of door 94, is disposed in wall model 91M. In other words, virtual space VS1 is a virtual model of a space having spatial attributes such as the shape and size of virtual space VS1, the materials of wall model 91M, floor model 92M, and ceiling model 93M, the position and material of door model 94M, and the spatial distribution of temperature, humidity, and airflow in virtual space VS1.

[0051] Furthermore, the virtual space VS1 further includes an air conditioning model 2M as a virtual model of the air conditioning system 2 installed in the real space RS1. The air conditioning model 2M of this embodiment includes a blower model 21M, which is a virtual model of the blower 21, and a ventilation model 22M, which is a virtual model of the ventilation device 22. The blower model 21M is a virtual model having attributes such as air volume and wind direction. The ventilation model 22M is a virtual model having attributes such as the amount of outside air introduced and the outside temperature.

[0052] The virtual space VS1 is a virtual model capable of simulating the transfer, conduction, balance, and loss of heat in the real space RS1. Furthermore, it is preferable that the virtual space VS1 is a virtual model capable of simulating the heat balance between the inside of the real space RS1 and the outside of the real space RS1.

[0053] In other words, the virtual space VS1 is a virtual model that makes it possible to analyze the spatial distribution of temperature, humidity, and air volume in the real space RS1 that includes the air conditioning system 2.

[0054] (Human Model) The human model HM1 is a virtual human body model that simulates a person H1.

[0055] The human model HM1 has at least model attributes that allow the human model HM1 to have a shape that resembles a human body. The model attributes are attributes related to the structure, posture, and movement of the human body.

[0056] The model attributes include, for example, attributes for each body part of the human body, such as the head, chest, abdomen, legs, and arms, and attributes for each organ, such as the eyes, ears, nose, and mouth, etc. The model attributes also include attributes for each tissue, such as the bones, muscles, blood, and skin of the human body.

[0057] Furthermore, the human model HM1 has skeletons and joints similar to or simplified from those of a human body, and can move in the same way as a human body. Therefore, the human model HM1 can assume postures such as standing, lying down, and sitting, and can perform movements (behaviors) such as walking, raising its arms, and grasping an object. Attributes related to the postures and movements of the human model HM1 are also included in the model attributes.

[0058] Furthermore, the human model HM1 also has personal attributes for setting personal information of the person H1. The personal attributes are attributes for setting personal information for each person, such as weight, age, sex, skin temperature, deep body temperature, skin wetness rate, body fat rate, basal metabolic rate, activity level, heart rate, respiration, blood oxygen level, BMI, posture, movement, place of birth, place of upbringing, and race. In other words, the personal attributes are set as personal information that differs for each person.

[0059] The human model HM1 exists in the virtual space VS1 as a virtual model having the above-mentioned model attributes and personal attributes.

[0060] The human model HM1 may be a virtual model based on, for example, the ASHRAE (American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers) model, the JOS (Joint System Thermoregulation Model), etc. However, the human model HM1 is not limited to a specific model as long as it is a biological model having model attributes and individual attributes.

[0061] (2.6.2) Estimation part The estimation unit 15 estimates the state of the person H1 in the real space RS1 by applying the real air environment, the person information (biometric information, and ethnic and geographical information), and the initial biometric information to the simulation model SM1. In this embodiment, the state of the person H1 estimated by the estimation unit 15 is the skin temperature, the core body temperature, and the skin wetness rate of the person H1.

[0062] Specifically, the estimation unit 15 applies the real air environment to the spatial attributes of the virtual space VS1. That is, the estimation unit 15 makes the spatial distributions of temperature, humidity, and air volume in the virtual space VS1 the same as the spatial distributions of temperature, humidity, and air volume in the real space RS1. Furthermore, the estimation unit 15 makes the operating state of the air conditioning model 2M in the virtual space VS1 the same as the operating state of the air conditioning system 2 in the real space RS1.

[0063] Furthermore, the estimation unit 15 sets the shape and size of the virtual space VS1, the materials of the wall model 91M, floor model 92M, and ceiling model 93M, and the position and material of the door model 94M, etc., based on BIM (Building Information Modeling) data, design data, construction data, etc. of the real space RS1. The BIM data, design data, construction data, etc. of the real space RS1 may be stored in the storage unit 14, or may be acquired from an external server via a wide area communication network including the Internet, etc.

[0064] Furthermore, before starting the simulation, the estimation unit 15 sets (initializes) the model attributes and personal attributes of the human model HM1.

[0065] The model attributes are attributes related to the structure, posture, and movement of the human body. The estimation unit 15 sets standard data of the structure of the human body as the model attributes related to the structure of the human body. The estimation unit 15 sets data based on biometric information (posture and movement) as the model attributes related to the posture and movement. It is preferable that the model attributes related to the posture and movement change in the same way when the posture and movement of the person H1 in the real space RS1 change.

[0066] The personal attributes are attributes related to weight, age, sex, skin temperature, deep temperature, skin wetness rate, body fat rate, basal metabolic rate, activity level, heart rate, respiration, blood oxygen, BMI, posture, movement, birthplace, place of birth, and race. The estimation unit 15 sets data based on person information (biometric information, ethnic and geographic information) and initial biometric information as personal attributes. The initial biometric information is biometric information when person H1 enters real space RS1, and is set as the personal attribute as the initial value of biometric information that may change after entering real space RS1.

[0067] As a result, the human model HM1 is set with personal information of person H1, such as weight, age, sex, skin temperature, deep temperature, skin wetness rate, body fat percentage, basal metabolic rate, activity level, heart rate, breathing, blood oxygen, BMI, posture, movements, place of birth, place of upbringing, and race.

[0068] Then, the estimation unit 15 starts estimation processing using the simulation model SM1 in which the human model HM1 exists in the virtual space VS1. That is, the estimation unit 15 performs a spatial thermal analysis of the virtual space VS1 and a human body thermal analysis of the human model HM1. At this time, the estimation unit 15 performs the spatial thermal analysis of the virtual space VS1 and the human body thermal analysis of the human model HM1 while reflecting, in the simulation model SM1, human information (biometric information, human classification information) intermittently acquired over time by the human information acquisition unit 11 and the real air environment intermittently detected over time by the air environment detection unit 12. In addition, the estimation unit 15 analyzes heat exchange between the virtual space VS1 and the human model HM1 and also analyzes thermal interaction between the virtual space VS1 and the human model HM1.

[0069] After starting the simulation, the estimation unit 15 analyzes the temporal change in the heat distribution of the human model HM1 while analyzing the interaction between the heat distribution in the virtual space VS1 and the heat distribution in the human model HM1. That is, the estimation unit 15 uses the simulation model SM1 to analyze the local skin temperature, deep body temperature, and skin wetness rate of the human model HM1 over time. The local skin temperature, deep body temperature, and skin wetness rate are the skin temperature, deep body temperature, and skin wetness rate of each part of the human model HM1, such as the head, face, earlobes, fingers, arms, chest, abdomen, thighs, calves, insteps, and toes.

[0070] Then, the estimation unit 15 regards the local skin temperature, deep body temperature, and skin wetness rate of the human model HM1 as the estimation results of the state of the person H1. That is, the estimation unit 15 estimates the state of the person H1 by regarding the local skin temperature, deep body temperature, and skin wetness rate of the human model HM1 as the local skin temperature, deep body temperature, and skin wetness rate of the person H1.

[0071] As described above, the estimation unit 15 estimates the state of the person H1 based on both the physical characteristics of the person H1 and the ethnic and geographical characteristics of the person H1. As a result, the estimation unit 15 can accurately estimate the state of the person H1 in the real space RS1.

[0072] (2.6.3) Air conditioning control unit The air conditioning control unit 16 controls the air conditioning system 2 so that the state of the person H1 becomes a target state. In this embodiment, the target state is a skin temperature, a core body temperature, and a skin wetness rate that make the person H1 feel comfortable.

[0073] First, the thermal sensation of person H1 differs depending on the physical characteristics of person H1. For example, obese people tend to be more tolerant of cold and less tolerant of heat than thin people. Also, women tend to be more tolerant of heat and less tolerant of cold than men. Similarly, thermal sensation differs depending on other physical characteristics such as body fat percentage, basal metabolic rate, activity level, heart rate, respiration, blood oxygen, and BMI.

[0074] Furthermore, the thermal sensation of a person H1 differs depending on the ethnic and geographical characteristics of that person H1. For example, people of Western descent tend to be more tolerant of cold than people of Asian descent. Also, people who grew up in tropical regions tend to be more sensitive to cold than people who grew up in temperate or cool zones, and people who grew up in cool zones tend to be more sensitive to heat than people who grew up in temperate or tropical zones. Furthermore, people who grew up in temperate zones have seasonal circadian rhythms, and their thermal sensations tend to fluctuate with the seasons.

[0075] That is, the thermal sensation of person H1 is influenced by their physical characteristics and ethnic and geographical characteristics. Therefore, the air conditioning control unit 16 determines the target state based on the person information (biometric information, and ethnic and geographical information) of person H1. Therefore, the target state takes into account the personal thermal sensation of person H1.

[0076] Furthermore, the thermal sensation of person H1 is also affected by seasonal circadian rhythms based on ethnic and geographical characteristics. Therefore, it is preferable that the air conditioning control unit 16 estimates the seasonal circadian rhythm of person H1 from the ethnic and geographical information of person H1 and determines the target state using the estimated seasonal circadian rhythm as well.

[0077] Then, the air conditioning control unit 16 controls the air conditioning system 2 so that the state of the person H1 becomes the target state. In other words, the air conditioning control unit 16 controls the air conditioning system 2 so that the state of the human model HM1 becomes the target state.

[0078] Specifically, the air conditioning control unit 16 controls the air conditioning system 2, which changes the real air environment (temperature, humidity, and airflow) of the real space RS1 and the biological information of the person H1. Therefore, the estimation unit 15 continues to intermittently estimate the state of the person H1 by intermittently reflecting the changing real air environment and the biological information of the person H1 in the simulation model SM1 (virtual space VS1, human model HM1). Then, the air conditioning control unit 16 feedback-controls the air conditioning system 2 so that the state of the person H1 (the state of the human model HM1) approaches a target state.

[0079] As described above, the air conditioning control unit 16 performs air conditioning control (control of the air conditioning system 2) taking into consideration the personal thermal sensation of person H1 based on the physical characteristics and ethnic and geographical characteristics of person H1. As a result, the air conditioning control unit 16 can accurately adjust the air environment of real space RS1 so that person H1 in real space RS1 feels comfortable.

[0080] (2.7) Advantages The environmental control system 1 can accurately estimate the state of the person H1 in the real space RS1 by applying not only the biometric information of the person H1 but also the ethnic and geographical information of the person H1 to the human model HM1.

[0081] Furthermore, the environmental control system 1 can accurately estimate the individual thermal sensation of the person H1 by using not only the biological information of the person H1 but also the ethnic and geographical information of the person H1. Furthermore, the environmental control system 1 can estimate the seasonal circadian rhythm of the person H1 from the ethnic and geographical information of the person H1, and can further accurately estimate the individual thermal sensation of the person H1 by further using the seasonal circadian rhythm.

[0082] Furthermore, the environmental control system 1 can accurately determine the target conditions that person H1 feels comfortable in, such as skin temperature, core body temperature, and skin wetness rate, based on the personal thermal sensation of person H1.

[0083] The environmental control system 1 controls the air conditioning system 2 so that the state of person H1 becomes the above-mentioned target state, and therefore can adjust the air environment of real space RS1 so that person H1 in real space RS1 feels comfortable.

[0084] For example, if person H1 is obese, the environmental control system 1 controls the air conditioning system 2 to relatively lower the temperature and humidity in real space RS1 and relatively increase the air volume and the amount of outside air introduced. In other words, the environmental control system 1 can adjust the real air environment so that obese person H1, who is sensitive to heat, feels comfortable.

[0085] Furthermore, the environmental control system 1 is able to estimate the state of the sympathetic nerves of person H1 based on the heart rate of person H1, and can adjust the state of the sympathetic nerves of person H1 by controlling the air conditioning system 2. In other words, the environmental control system 1 can adjust the state of the sympathetic nerves so that person H1 feels comfortable.

[0086] Furthermore, if the interval between person H1's heartbeats is short, the environmental control system 1 can estimate that person H1 has just exercised. Therefore, the environmental control system 1 initially keeps the temperature of real space RS1 relatively low, but controls the air conditioning system 2 to gradually increase the temperature of real space RS1 to prevent body heat loss due to sweat. Therefore, the environmental control system 1 can adjust the real air environment so that person H1 feels comfortable after exercising.

[0087] Furthermore, by using the ethnic and geographic information of person H1, the environmental control system 1 can adjust the air environment of real space RS1 taking into consideration the thermal sensation of person H1, which is influenced by race, place of birth, place of upbringing, etc. Also, the environmental control system 1 can adjust the air environment of real space RS1 taking into consideration the seasonal circadian rhythm of person H1. In other words, the environmental control system 1 can adjust the real air environment taking into consideration the thermal sensation that differs depending on the ethnic and geographic characteristics of person H1.

[0088] (3) Environmental control methods To summarize the above operations of the environmental control system 1, the environmental control system 1 executes the environmental control method shown in FIG.

[0089] The environmental control method controls an air conditioning system 2 that adjusts the real air environment, which is the air environment of a real space RS1. The environmental control method includes an initial information acquisition step S1, a person information acquisition step S2, an air environment detection step S3, an estimation step S4, and an air conditioning control step S5.

[0090] In the initial information acquisition step S1, the initial information acquisition unit 13 acquires biological information when the person H1 enters the real space RS1 as initial biological information, and outputs the acquired initial biological information to the air-conditioning control system 10.

[0091] In the person information acquisition step S2, the person information acquisition unit 11 acquires person information of the person H1 in the real space RS1 and outputs the acquired person information to the air-conditioning control system 10.

[0092] In the air environment detection step S3, the air environment detection unit 12 detects the real air environment of the real space RS1, and outputs information on the detected real air environment to the air conditioning control system .

[0093] In the estimation step S4, the estimation unit 15 applies the real air environment, person information (biometric information, and ethnic and geographical information), and initial biometric information to the simulation model SM1 to estimate the state of the person H1 in the real space RS1.

[0094] In the air conditioning control step S5, the air conditioning control unit 16 controls the air conditioning system 2 so that the state of the person H1 becomes the target state.

[0095] The above-described environmental control method can accurately adjust the air environment of the real space RS1 so that the person H1 in the real space RS1 feels comfortable.

[0096] (4) First Modification As shown in FIG. 5, the air conditioning control system 10 preferably further includes a demand acquisition unit 17.

[0097] The request acquisition unit 17 has a function of acquiring the requests of the person H1 regarding the actual air environment. The air conditioning control unit 16 prioritizes request control, which controls the air conditioning system 2 based on the requests of the person H1, over estimated control, which controls the air conditioning system 2 so that the state of the person H1 becomes a target state.

[0098] Specifically, the requirement acquisition unit 17 transmits and receives signals to and from a mobile information terminal such as a smartphone or tablet terminal carried by the person H1 by performing wireless communication in accordance with standards such as Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, ZigBee, or low-power wireless that does not require a license. By operating the mobile information terminal, the person H1 transmits a requirement signal including information about the real air environment (hot, slightly hot, comfortable, slightly cold, cold, etc.) to the air conditioning control system 10.

[0099] In the air conditioning control system 10, when the request acquisition unit 17 receives a request signal, the air conditioning control unit 16 performs request control to control the air conditioning system 2 based on the request of the person H1. For example, if the request of the person H1 is "hot," the air conditioning control unit 16 controls the air conditioning system 2 as request control to lower the temperature of the real space RS1. For example, if the request of the person H1 is "cold," the air conditioning control unit 16 controls the air conditioning system 2 as request control to raise the temperature of the real space RS1.

[0100] When the demand acquisition unit 17 receives a demand signal while performing the estimation control, the air conditioning control unit 16 prioritizes the demand control over the estimation control. As described in the above embodiment, the estimation control is a feedback control of the air conditioning system 2 so that the state of the person H1 becomes the target state.

[0101] By further including the desire acquisition unit 17, the air conditioning control system 10 can realize a real air environment that meets the desires of the person H1.

[0102] (5) Nap system The above-mentioned real space RS1 may be a nap space RS11 of a nap box NB1 shown in FIG. 6. The nap box NB1 is a rectangular box, and the internal space of the nap box NB1 is the nap space RS11. The nap space RS11 is a space for a person H1 to take a nap. The person H1 is assumed to be, for example, a medical professional, a factory worker, a construction worker, or someone who works night shifts or three-shift work, or someone who is busy, but is not limited to a specific person.

[0103] The nap system NS1 in Figure 7 includes an environmental control system 1, an air conditioning system 2, and a nap box NB1. The air conditioning system 2 adjusts the real air environment, which is the air environment of the nap space RS11. The environmental control system 1 adjusts the real air environment so that a person H1 in the nap space RS11 feels comfortable.

[0104] Since the nap box NB1 is relatively compact in size, it is difficult to use a large air conditioning device such as an air conditioner as the air conditioning system 2, and it is preferable to use a relatively small air conditioning device such as a blower 21 and a ventilation device 22.

[0105] (6) Air curtain system The above-described environmental control system 1 may be used in an air curtain system CS1 shown in Fig. 8. The air curtain system CS1 includes the environmental control system 1 and an air conditioning system 2. Note that Fig. 8 illustrates a real space RS12 as the above-described real space RS1.

[0106] The air conditioning system 2 includes a blower 23 provided on the ceiling of the real space RS12 and an intake device 24 provided on the floor of the real space RS12. The blower 23 has an elongated air outlet 231 that blows air from the ceiling of the real space RS12 toward the floor. The intake device 24 has an elongated air inlet 241 that is located below the blower 231 and draws air from the real space RS12. Therefore, the air blown out from the blower 231 on the ceiling of the real space RS12 flows downward and is drawn into the intake 241 on the floor of the real space RS12. Therefore, an air curtain C1 (air screen) is formed in the real space RS12 by the air flowing from the blower 231 toward the intake 241. The air curtain C1 is a planar airflow that flows from the ceiling of the real space RS12 toward the floor.

[0107] Then, person H1 is positioned below air outlet 231 (above air intake 241) and is enveloped in air curtain C1. Droplets, dust, etc. in the air around person H1 are sucked into air intake 241 by air curtain C1. Therefore, air curtain C1 can reduce the amount of droplets, dust, etc. in the air around person H1.

[0108] Furthermore, the environmental control system 1 generates the air curtain C1 so that the person H1 feels comfortable, thereby creating an environment in which the person H1 can easily engage in activities such as conversation.

[0109] (7) Other variations The air conditioning control unit 16 may acquire feedback control (estimation control) instructions for the air conditioning system 2 from a learning model constructed by machine learning by inputting the local skin temperature, core body temperature, and skin wetness rate of the human model HM1, human information (biometric information, and ethnic and geographic information), and the actual air environment, etc., of the human model HM1. Specifically, a learning model is constructed by learning using a large amount of training data. The learning model preferably uses a neural network constructed by machine learning such as deep learning. The learning model may also use other algorithms such as a support vector machine.

[0110] The state of the person H1 estimated by the estimation unit 15 may be at least one of the skin temperature, deep body temperature, and skin wetness rate of the person H1. Furthermore, the state of the person H1 estimated by the estimation unit 15 may include other than the skin temperature, deep body temperature, and skin wetness rate of the person H1.

[0111] The air conditioning system 2 may include an air conditioning device that adjusts the temperature and humidity in the real space RS1.

[0112] (8) Summary An environmental control system (1) according to a first aspect of the embodiment described above controls an air conditioning system (2) that adjusts a real air environment, which is the air environment of a real space (RS1). The environmental control system (1) includes a human information acquisition unit (11), an air environment detection unit (12), a memory unit (14), an estimation unit (15), and an air conditioning control unit (16). The human information acquisition unit (11) acquires human information, including biometric information, of a person (H1) in the real space (RS1). The air environment detection unit (12) detects the real air environment. The memory unit (14) stores data of a simulation model (SM1) in which a human model (HM1) simulating a person (H1) exists in a virtual space (VS1) that simulates the real space (RS1). The estimation unit (15) applies the human information and the real air environment to the simulation model (SM1) to estimate the state of the person (H1). The air conditioning control unit (16) controls the air conditioning system (2) so that the state of the person (H1) becomes a target state.

[0113] The above-described environmental control system (1) can accurately adjust the air environment of the real space (RS1) so that the person (H1) in the real space (RS1) feels comfortable.

[0114] The environmental control system (1) of the second aspect according to the above-described embodiment preferably further includes an initial information acquisition unit (13) that acquires, as initial biological information, biological information of a person (H1) when the person (H1) enters the real space (RS1) in the first aspect. The estimation unit (15) applies the person information, the real air environment, and the initial biological information to the simulation model (SM1) to estimate the state of the person (H1).

[0115] The above-described environmental control system (1) can adjust the air environment of the real space (RS1) with even greater precision so that the person (H1) in the real space (RS1) feels comfortable.

[0116] In the environmental control system (1) of the third aspect according to the above-described embodiment, in the first or second aspect, it is preferable that the estimation unit (15) estimates the state of the person (H1) for each part of the person (H1).

[0117] The above-described environmental control system (1) can estimate the state of the person (H1) in detail.

[0118] In the fourth aspect of the environmental control system (1) according to the above-described embodiment, in any one of the first to third aspects, the state of the person (H1) estimated by the estimation unit (15) is preferably at least one of the skin temperature, core body temperature, and skin wetness rate of the person (H1).

[0119] The above-described environmental control system (1) can estimate the state of the person (H1) involved by the comfort of the person (H1).

[0120] Preferably, the environmental control system (1) of the fifth aspect according to the above-described embodiment further includes a request acquisition unit (17) that acquires a request of a person (H1) regarding the actual air environment in any one of the first to fourth aspects. The air conditioning control unit (16) prioritizes request control, which controls the air conditioning system (2) based on the request of the person (H1), over estimated control, which controls the air conditioning system (2) so that the state of the person (H1) becomes a target state.

[0121] The above-described environmental control system (1) can realize a realistic air environment that meets the needs of a person (H1).

[0122] In the sixth aspect of the environmental control system (1) according to the above-described embodiment, in any one of the first to fifth aspects, the person information preferably includes at least one of the birthplace, place of upbringing, and race of the person (H1).

[0123] The above-described environmental control system (1) can accurately estimate the personal thermal sensation of the person (H1).

[0124] In the environmental control system (1) of the seventh aspect according to the above-described embodiment, in the sixth aspect, it is preferable that the air conditioning control unit (16) estimates the seasonal circadian rhythm of the person (H1) from at least one of the place of birth, place of upbringing, and race of the person (H1), and determines the target state based on the seasonal circadian rhythm.

[0125] The above-described environmental control system (1) can estimate the personal thermal sensation of the person (H1) with higher accuracy.

[0126] The eighth aspect of the nap system (NS1) according to the above-described embodiment includes an environmental control system (1) according to any one of the first to seventh aspects, an air conditioning system (2), and a nap box (NB1) having a nap space (RS11) for a person (H1) to take a nap as a real space (RS1).

[0127] The nap system (NS1) described above can accurately adjust the air environment of the real space (RS1) so that the person (H1) in the real space (RS1) feels comfortable.

[0128] An air curtain system (CS1) of a ninth aspect according to the above-described embodiment includes the environmental control system (1) of any one of the first to seventh aspects and an air conditioning system (2). The air conditioning system (2) forms an air curtain (C1) by blowing air into a real space (RS1).

[0129] The air curtain system (CS1) described above can precisely adjust the air environment in the real space (RS1) so that the person (H1) in the real space (RS1) feels comfortable. Furthermore, the air curtain (C1) can reduce droplets and dust contained in the air around the person (H1).

[0130] An environmental control method according to a tenth aspect of the above-described embodiment controls an air conditioning system (2) that adjusts a real air environment, which is the air environment of a real space (RS1). The environmental control method includes a human information acquisition step (S2), an air environment detection step (S3), an estimation step (S4), and an air conditioning control step (S5). The human information acquisition step (S2) acquires human information, including biometric information, of a person (H1) in the real space (RS1). The air environment detection step (S3) detects the real air environment. The estimation step (S4) estimates the state of the person (H1) by applying the human information and the real air environment to a simulation model (SM1) in which a human model (HM1) that simulates the person (H1) exists in a virtual space (VS1) that simulates the real space (RS1). The air conditioning control step (S5) controls the air conditioning system (2) so that the state of the person (H1) becomes a target state.

[0131] The above-described environmental control method can accurately adjust the air environment of the real space (RS1) so that the person (H1) in the real space (RS1) feels comfortable.

[0132] A program according to an eleventh aspect of the above-described embodiment causes a computer system to execute the environment control method according to the tenth aspect.

[0133] The above-mentioned program can accurately adjust the air environment of the real space (RS1) so that the person (H1) in the real space (RS1) feels comfortable. [Explanation of symbols]

[0134] 1. Environmental Control System 11 Person information acquisition department 12 Air environment detection unit 13 Initial information acquisition section 14 Storage section 15 Estimation part 16 Air conditioning control unit 17 Request Acquisition Department 2. Air conditioning system RS1 Real Space H1 people VS1 Virtual Space HM1 Human Model SM1 Simulation Model NS1 Nap System RS11 Nap Space CS1 Air Curtain System C1 Air Curtain S2 Person information acquisition step S3 Air environment detection step S4 Estimation step S5 Air conditioning control step

Claims

1. An environmental control system for controlling an air conditioning system that adjusts a real air environment, which is an air environment of a real space, a person information acquisition unit that acquires person information including biometric information of a person in the real space; an air environment detection unit that detects the actual air environment; a storage unit that stores data of a simulation model in which a human model that simulates the person exists in a virtual space that simulates the real space; an estimation unit that estimates a state of the person by applying the person information and the real air environment to the simulation model; an air conditioning control unit that controls the air conditioning system so that the state of the person becomes a target state; The person information includes at least one of the person's place of birth, place of origin, and race; The air conditioning control unit estimates a seasonal circadian rhythm of the person from at least one of the person's place of birth, place of growth, and race, and determines the target state based on the seasonal circadian rhythm. Environmental control system.

2. an initial information acquisition unit that acquires the biometric information when the person enters the real space as initial biometric information; The estimation unit estimates the state of the person by applying the person information, the real air environment, and the initial biological information to the simulation model. The environmental control system of claim 1.

3. The estimation unit estimates the state of the person for each part of the person.

3. The environmental control system of claim 1 or 2.

4. The state of the person estimated by the estimation unit is at least one of the skin temperature, the core body temperature, and the skin wetness rate of the person.

4. The environmental control system of claim 1.

5. a request acquisition unit that acquires a request from the person regarding the actual air environment, The air conditioning control unit prioritizes demand control, which controls the air conditioning system based on the demand of the person, over estimated control, which controls the air conditioning system so that the state of the person becomes the target state.

5. The environmental control system of any one of claims 1 to 4.

6. An environmental control system according to any one of claims 1 to 5; the air conditioning system; a nap box having a nap space for the person to take a nap as the real space; Nap system.

7. An environmental control system according to any one of claims 1 to 5; the air conditioning system, The air conditioning system forms an air curtain by blowing air into the real space. do Air curtain system.

8. An environmental control method for controlling an air conditioning system that adjusts a real air environment, which is an air environment in a real space, comprising: a person information acquisition step of acquiring person information including biometric information of a person in the real space; an air environment detection step of detecting the actual air environment; an estimation step of applying the person information and the real air environment to a simulation model in which a human model simulating the person exists in a virtual space simulating the real space, and estimating a state of the person; an air conditioning control step of controlling the air conditioning system so that the state of the person becomes a target state, The person information includes at least one of the person's place of birth, place of origin, and race; The air conditioning control step estimates a seasonal circadian rhythm of the person from at least one of the person's place of birth, place of growth, and race, and determines the target state based on the seasonal circadian rhythm. Environmental control methods.

9. A computer system that executes the environmental control method according to claim 8. program.

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