Close-contact prevention system, close-contact prevention method, and program

Abstract

To provide an anti-crowded system capable of improving awareness of anti-crowded measures.SOLUTION: An anti-crowded system 1 includes a first acquisition unit 11A, a second acquisition unit 11B, and an index calculation unit 12. The first acquisition unit 11A acquires a piece of first information concerning the concentration of carbon dioxide in a predetermined controlled space A1. The second acquisition unit 11B acquires a piece of second information concerning the number of people in the controlled space A1. The index calculation unit 12 calculates an indicator B1 that indicates whether density measures are being implemented in the controlled space A1 based on the first information and the second information. In the indicator B1, when the number of people is a predetermined value, the lower the concentration of carbon dioxide, the higher the value.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present disclosure generally relates to a system, a method, and a program for preventing density. More particularly, the present disclosure relates to a system, a method, and a program for preventing density in a managed space. [Background technology]

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses an in-facility monitoring system that monitors environmental conditions within a facility to identify the risk of disease outbreaks caused by the environmental conditions. This in-facility monitoring system includes a display unit that displays a zone layout diagram showing the locations of multiple zones within the facility, sensors provided for each zone that measure environmental parameters related to the risk of disease outbreaks, and a control unit that generates display data for identifiably displaying environmental conditions that represent the risk of disease outbreaks in each zone on the zone layout diagram based on the measured values ​​of the environmental parameters output from the sensors. Patent Document 1 describes that the environmental parameters are related to the temperature, humidity, ventilation rate, amount of light (e.g., ultraviolet light) within the facility, and that disease can occur due to deterioration of the environmental parameters. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2019-79136 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] Nowadays, preventive measures to prevent infectious diseases (wearing masks and face guards, installing tools and equipment, providing alcohol-based disinfectant, social distancing, etc.) are being taken on a daily basis. It is also believed that raising awareness of measures to control crowding among people who use and manage facilities will also lead to the prevention of infectious diseases.

[0005] The present disclosure has been made in consideration of the above reasons, and aims to provide a density control system, a density control method, and a program that can raise awareness of density control measures. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] A denseness control system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure includes a first acquisition unit, a second acquisition unit, and an index calculation unit. The first acquisition unit acquires first information, which is a concentration of carbon dioxide in a predetermined managed space. The second acquisition unit acquires first information, which is a concentration of people in the managed space. By number The index calculation unit acquires second information. The index calculation unit calculates an index indicating whether density control measures are being implemented in the managed space based on the first information and the second information. The index has a higher value as the carbon dioxide concentration is lower, and if the number of people is below a threshold, the value remains constant regardless of the number of people. If the number of people is equal to or greater than a threshold, the value increases as the number of people decreases.

[0007] The method for preventing overcrowding according to one aspect of the present disclosure includes a first acquisition step, a second acquisition step, and an index calculation step. In the first acquisition step, first information is acquired, which is a concentration of carbon dioxide in a predetermined management space. In the second acquisition step, first information is acquired, which is a concentration of people in the management space. By number In the index calculation step, an index indicating whether density control measures are being implemented in the managed space is calculated based on the first information and the second information. The index has a higher value as the carbon dioxide concentration is lower, and if the number of people is below a threshold, the value remains constant regardless of the number of people. If the number of people is equal to or greater than a threshold, the value increases as the number of people decreases.

[0008] A program according to one aspect of the present disclosure is a program for causing one or more processors to execute the above-described countermeasure method for preventing intrusion. [Effects of the Invention]

[0009] The present disclosure has the advantage of being able to raise awareness of density countermeasures. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0010] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a schematic block diagram of the overall system including a close-contact prevention system according to one embodiment. [Figure 2] 2A and 2B are diagrams showing how indicator information is displayed on the screen in the above-mentioned close-contact prevention system. [Figure 3] Figure 3 is a graph showing indicators for the above-mentioned countermeasure system. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a flowchart for explaining the operation of the above-mentioned close contact prevention system. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0011] (1) Overview The drawings described in the following embodiments are schematic drawings, and the ratios of the sizes and thicknesses of the components in the drawings do not necessarily reflect the actual dimensional ratios.

[0012] As shown in FIG. 1, the close contact prevention system 1 according to this embodiment includes a first acquisition unit 11A, a second acquisition unit 11B, and an index calculation unit 12. As an example, this embodiment assumes that all of the multiple functions of the close contact prevention system 1 are provided in a first server 101. While the first server 101 is assumed to be configured from a single server device, it may also be configured from two or more server devices, and such server devices may form a cloud (cloud computing), for example. When the first server 101 is configured from two or more server devices, the multiple functions of the close contact prevention system 1 may be provided in a distributed manner across the two or more server devices.

[0013] The first acquisition unit 11A acquires first information related to the concentration of carbon dioxide in a predetermined management space A1. Here, as an example, the first acquisition unit 11A acquires, as the first information related to the concentration of carbon dioxide, a detection value detected by one or more CO2 sensors S1 (see FIG. 1: only one is shown in FIG. 1) installed in the management space A1.

[0014] The managed space A1 is a space within a certain facility F1 (see FIG. 1) to be managed. In the following, as an example, it is assumed that the facility F1 is an office building, and the managed space A1 is a space within the entire office building (entire building). However, the managed space A1 is not limited to a space within the entire building, but may be only one or more specific floors within the building. Furthermore, the facility F1 may include not only the building, but also the building and the site on which the building is located.

[0015] The facility F1 is not limited to an office building. Specific examples of the facility F1 include a store, a factory, a park, a school, a hospital, a hotel, a commercial facility, a nursing home, a movie theater, an art gallery, a museum, an amusement facility, a theme park, an airport, a train station, a stadium, and an event venue. The facility F1 is also not limited to a non-residential facility, and may be a residential facility such as a detached house or an apartment building (dwelling units, common areas), or a complex with stores on the lower floors and apartment buildings on the middle and upper floors.

[0016] The second acquisition unit 11B acquires second information regarding the number of people in the managed space A1. The second information may include the number of people in the managed space A1, or the human density obtained by dividing the number of people in the managed space A1 by the area. As an example, the second acquisition unit 11B acquires the second information from a second server 102 (see FIG. 1) of an LPS (Local Positioning System) 2 that detects the position information of a person H1 in the managed space A1. In this embodiment, as an example, the second server 102 is assumed to be a server separate from the first server 101, but it may also be the same server as the first server 101. Furthermore, the "number of people detection" may be performed using an entry / exit management system that can also detect the number of people. Furthermore, the number of people may be detected from images captured by an image sensor, or an image sensor may be used to interpolate detection results from other means.

[0017] The index calculation unit 12 calculates an index B1 (FIGS. 2A and 2B) indicating whether density control measures are being implemented in the managed space A1 based on the first information and the second information. When the number of people is a predetermined value, the lower the carbon dioxide concentration, the higher the value of the index B1.

[0018] Incidentally, preventive measures (wearing masks and face guards, installing tools and equipment, providing alcohol-based disinfectant, social distancing, etc.) are being taken to prevent infectious diseases, such as the new coronavirus (COVID-19), which is spreading not only in Japan but all over the world. Infectious viruses include not only coronaviruses but also influenza viruses.

[0019] In an environment where large numbers of people tend to gather in large numbers, it is important to take measures to prevent airborne and droplet infection, such as limiting the number of people and ventilating the space (density control measures).Those who use facility F1 (users) and those who manage facility F1 (administrators) need to be able to visualize the density control measures being implemented in managed space A1 and be provided with information that allows users and administrators to understand the density control measures in action.

[0020] According to the configuration of the close-contact control system 1 of this embodiment, an index B1 indicating whether density countermeasures are being implemented in the managed space A1 is calculated. Therefore, for example, by providing the index B1 to a user, the user can easily grasp the extent to which density countermeasures are being implemented in the managed space A1, thereby raising the user's awareness of density countermeasures. Furthermore, by providing the index B1 to an administrator, for example, the administrator can easily grasp a situation in which further strengthening of density countermeasures is necessary in the managed space A1. As a result, the close-contact control system 1 has the advantage of raising awareness of density countermeasures.

[0021] The method for preventing crowding according to this embodiment also includes a first acquisition step, a second acquisition step, and an index calculation step. In the first acquisition step, first information related to the concentration of carbon dioxide in a predetermined managed space A1 is acquired. In the second acquisition step, second information related to the number of people in the managed space A1 is acquired. In the index calculation step, an index B1 indicating whether density countermeasures are being implemented in the managed space A1 is calculated based on the first information and the second information. When the number of people is a predetermined value, the lower the concentration of carbon dioxide, the higher the index B1 becomes. This configuration provides a method for preventing crowding that can raise awareness of density countermeasures. This method for preventing crowding is used on a computer system (crowding countermeasure system 1). In other words, this method for preventing crowding can also be embodied as a program. The program according to this embodiment is a program for causing one or more processors to execute the method for preventing crowding according to this embodiment.

[0022] (2)Details The entire system (management system 100) including the close contact prevention system 1 and its peripheral configuration according to this embodiment will be described in detail below with reference to Figures 1 to 4. Note that at least a part of the peripheral configuration may be included in the configuration of the close contact prevention system 1.

[0023] (2.1) Overall structure 1, the management system 100 includes a close-contact prevention system 1, an LPS 2, one or more CO2 sensors S1, one or more signage 3, a cloud server 103, and one or more information terminals 300. Although only one facility F1 is shown in FIG. 1, the management system 100 can manage multiple facilities F1.

[0024] In this embodiment, it is assumed that there are multiple CO2 sensors S1, and that the multiple CO2 sensors S1 are installed in a one-to-one or many-to-one relationship with multiple areas A10 (described later). Also, in this embodiment, it is assumed that there is one signage 3, and that it is installed at the entrance E1 of the facility F1. Also, in this embodiment, there are multiple information terminals 300, and each user who uses the facility F1 (for example, an employee working in an office) carries one.

[0025] As shown in FIG. 1, the close contact prevention system 1 includes a processing unit 10, a communication unit C1 (transmission unit), and a storage unit M1. As described above, the main functions of the close contact prevention system 1 (functions of the processing unit 10, communication unit C1, storage unit M1, etc.) are provided in the first server 101, as an example. Some functions of the close contact prevention system 1 may be provided in a distributed manner in a personal computer, a laptop computer, a tablet terminal, or the like, in addition to the first server 101. In FIG. 1, the first server 101 is installed outside the facility F1, but it may also be installed inside the facility F1. When multiple functions of the close contact prevention system 1 are provided in a distributed manner in multiple devices, it is desirable that each device be connected to the other devices so that they can communicate with each other. Detailed functions of the close contact prevention system 1 will be described later.

[0026] The signage 3 has a display unit D1 that may be a liquid crystal display, an organic electroluminescence (EL) display, or an LED (light-emitting diode) vision. In this embodiment, the signage 3 is assumed to be an entrance digital signage installed near the entrance E1 of the facility F1 so as to be easily noticeable to users of the facility F1 (e.g., employees, office visitors, and other users). The signage 3 is connected to a communication device, such as a gateway, switching hub, or router, within the facility F1 and can communicate with the close-contact prevention system 1 (first server 101) via a network NT1 (see FIG. 1 ), such as the Internet. The communication method between the signage 3 and the first server 101 is not particularly limited, and at least a portion of the communication path may be established by wired communication via a communication line or wireless communication. For example, if the first server 101 is installed within the facility F1, communication between the signage 3 and the first server 101 may be established by wired communication. Wired communication is, for example, wired communication via a twisted pair cable, a dedicated communication line, or a LAN (Local Area Network) cable. Wireless communication is, for example, wireless communication compliant 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, or wireless communication such as infrared communication. The display unit D1 of the signage 3 displays (presents) information related to an index B1, which will be described later. Although only one signage 3 is shown in FIG. 1, multiple signages 3 can be installed in the facility F1.

[0027] 1, the LPS 2 includes a second server 102, a management terminal 400, one or more receivers 4, and one or more transmitters 5. The LPS 2 can communicate with the first server 101 of the close contact prevention system 1 via the network NT1.

[0028] Here, the facility F1 includes a management space A1, which is, for example, the entire space of the building. The management space A1 may be a space on a specific floor of the facility F1, or may further be a specific room (workspace) on a specific floor. The facility F1 also includes multiple areas A10 obtained by dividing the management space A1 into multiple sections. The multiple areas A10 may include a reception desk, conference room, kitchen, workspace, reception room, hallway, etc. on a specific floor within the facility F1. If the management space A1 is a workspace, the multiple areas A10 may be spaces obtained by dividing the workspace into multiple sections. The LPS2 is a system for determining whether a person H1 holding a transmitter 5 is present in each area A10 (spatial region) in the facility F1. The detailed functions of the LPS2 will be described later.

[0029] The information terminal 300 is assumed to be a smartphone (portable terminal) carried by each user (e.g., an employee working in an office) who uses the facility F1. The information terminal 300 may be a portable terminal such as a laptop computer, a tablet terminal, or a wearable terminal, in addition to a smartphone. The information terminal 300 is not limited to a portable terminal, and may also be a desktop personal computer. The information terminal 300 has a display unit D2 that comprises a liquid crystal display or the like. Application software for communicating with the cloud server 103 is pre-installed in the information terminal 300. The display unit D2 displays (presents) information related to an index B1, which will be described later.

[0030] The CO2 sensor S1 is installed, for example, in at least one of the multiple areas A10 of the facility F1. If the area A10 is indoors, the CO2 sensor S1 may be placed on a wall or the like of the area A10. Multiple CO2 sensors S1 may be placed in one area A10. The multiple CO2 sensors S1 have different identification information. The identification information of the CO2 sensor S1 is stored in a non-volatile memory or the like provided in the CO2 sensor S1.

[0031] The CO2 sensor S1 is assumed to be an optical sensor that detects the concentration of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere by utilizing the absorption characteristics of infrared rays, but other than optical sensors, it may be an electrochemical sensor that uses an electrochemical reaction for detection, or a semiconductor sensor that uses a semiconductor such as tin oxide for detection. The CO2 sensor S1 can detect carbon dioxide concentrations in the range of 0 to 5000 ppm, for example.

[0032] The CO2 sensor S1 transmits a detected value relating to the concentration of detected carbon dioxide to the second server 102 of the LPS 2 at any time. The detected value of the CO2 sensor S1 may be transmitted to the first server 101 of the close contact prevention system 1 without going through the second server 102.

[0033] The cloud server 103 is connected to the network NT1 and can communicate with the close contact prevention system 1 (first server 101) and the information terminal 300 via the network NT1. The cloud server 103 manages information related to the index B1 received from the first server 101. The cloud server 103 also manages facility information for identifying the facility F1 (identification information such as the facility name, address, company name, and IP address of the second server 102). The cloud server 103 also manages terminal information related to multiple information terminals 300 (identification information such as the name and employee number of the user carrying the information terminal 300, the IP address of the information terminal 300, and email addresses). It is preferable that the cloud server 103 manages the facility information and the terminal information in association with each other. The cloud server 103 transmits information related to the index B1 to the information terminal 300 to display on the screen of the information terminal 300. In this example, the cloud server 103 is a server separate from the first server 101, but it may be the same server as the first server 101.

[0034] (2.2) Composition of LPS The configuration of the LPS 2 (the transmitter 5, the receiver 4, the second server 102, and the management terminal 400) will be explained in more detail below.

[0035] The transmitter 5 is used to identify the position of the person H1. In other words, the LPS2 treats the position of the transmitter 5 as the position of the person H1, assuming that the person H1 is carrying the transmitter 5. The transmitter 5 has the function of transmitting a wireless signal. The transmitter 5 transmits a wireless signal at a predetermined period. The wireless signal may include identification information of the transmitter 5. The identification information is unique information that can be used to distinguish multiple transmitters 5 from one another. The identification information is stored, for example, in a memory unit possessed by the transmitter 5. The memory unit is, for example, a non-volatile memory such as an EEPROM (Electrically Erasable Programmable Read Only Memory).

[0036] In this embodiment, the wireless signal is a radio wave. In particular, the medium of the wireless signal is a radio wave suitable for short-range wireless communication. An example of short-range wireless communication is Bluetooth (registered trademark) Low Energy. In this case, the identification information is, for example, a Bluetooth (registered trademark) Device Address. The short-range wireless communication is not limited to Bluetooth (registered trademark) Low Energy, but may also be, for example, Wi-Fi (registered trademark). The transmitter 5 is of a size and weight that can be carried by the person H1. The transmitter 5 is, for example, a beacon. The beacon wirelessly transmits a radio signal (beacon signal) called, for example, an advertisement packet at a predetermined time interval and with a predetermined transmission power. The transmitter 5 may also be realized by a mobile terminal such as a smartphone, a tablet terminal, or a wearable terminal, or a personal computer.

[0037] The receiver 4 (scanner) is used to identify the location of the transmitter 5 (i.e., the location of the person H1 carrying the transmitter 5). The receiver 4 has a function of receiving a wireless signal from the transmitter 5. The receiver 4 is also communicatively connected to the second server 102 via a communication device such as a switching hub. The communication method between the receiver 4 and the second server 102 is not particularly limited, and at least a portion of the communication path may be established by wired communication via a communication line, or may be established by wireless communication.

[0038] When the receiver 4 receives the wireless signal transmitted from the transmitter 5, it transmits the identification information contained in the wireless signal and information on the reception strength of the wireless signal to the second server 102. The information on the reception strength of the wireless signal is, for example, a received signal strength indicator (RSSI). For example, the receiver 4 may transmit the RSSI information to the second server 102 when the RSSI is equal to or greater than a predetermined value.

[0039] The receiver 4 is installed, for example, in at least one of the multiple areas A10 of the facility F1. If the area A10 is indoors, the receiver 4 may be placed on the ceiling of the area A10. Multiple receivers 4 may be placed in one area A10. By placing multiple receivers 4 in one area A10, it is expected that the accuracy of identifying the location of the transmitter 5 can be improved. The multiple receivers 4 have different identification information from each other. The identification information of the receiver 4 is stored in a non-volatile memory or the like provided in the receiver 4.

[0040] The second server 102 is installed, for example, in a management room G1 (or a monitoring room, etc.) of the facility F1. Here, it is assumed that the second server 102 is configured from a single server device. The second server 102 may be configured from a plurality of server devices, and such a plurality of server devices may form, for example, a cloud (cloud computing). As described above, the second server 102 may be the same server as the first server 101.

[0041] The second server 102 has a communication unit 21 including a communication interface for communicating with multiple receivers 4. In this embodiment, the communication unit 21 further includes a communication interface for communicating with one or more CO2 sensors S1. However, if one or more CO2 sensors S1 are configured to communicate with the first server 101 without going through the second server 102, the communication interface for communicating with the CO2 sensor S1 may be omitted from the communication unit 21. The communication method between the CO2 sensor S1 and the second server 102 is not particularly limited, and at least a portion of the communication path may be established by wired communication via a communication line or by wireless communication.

[0042] The signal received by the communication unit 21 from each receiver 4 includes, for example, the reception strength of the wireless signal received by the receiver 4 from the transmitter 5, the identification information of the receiver 4, and the identification information of the transmitter 5 contained in the wireless signal. Furthermore, the signal received by the communication unit 21 from each CO2 sensor S1 includes, for example, the identification information of the CO2 sensor S1 and information on the detected value related to the concentration of carbon dioxide.

[0043] The wireless signal transmitted from the transmitter 5 may contain, in addition to the identification information of the transmitter 5, attribute information representing the attributes of the person H1 carrying the transmitter 5. For example, if an employee (person H1) working in an office in the facility F1 carries the transmitter 5, the wireless signal may contain information such as an employee number as attribute information for identifying the employee. In this case, the signal received by the second server 102 from each receiver 4 may contain the attribute information of the person H1.

[0044] The second server 102 further includes a storage unit 22 such as a read-only memory (ROM), a random access memory (RAM), or an EEPROM. The storage unit 22 has an area for storing determination information used to determine whether the transmitter 5 is present in the area A10. For example, the determination information includes information on the management space A1, information on the multiple areas A10, information on the receiver 4, and information on the transmitter 5. The information on the management space A1 and each area A10 is information for identifying the size and shape of the management space A1 and each area A10. The information on the receiver 4 includes information for identifying the receiver 4 (identification information) and location information of the receiver 4. The location information of the receiver 4 is, for example, coordinates indicating the location of the receiver 4 within the facility F1. The information on the transmitter 5 includes information for identifying the transmitter 5 (identification information). The storage unit 22 also has an area for storing information for identifying the CO2 sensor S1 (identification information) and location information of the CO2 sensor S1.

[0045] The second server 102 further includes a processing unit 20. The processing unit 20 is configured to perform overall control of the second server 102, i.e., to control the communication unit 21 and the storage unit 22. The processing unit 20 can be realized, for example, by a computer system including one or more processors (microprocessors) and one or more memories. That is, the one or more processors function as the processing unit 20 by executing one or more programs (applications) stored in one or more memories. Here, the programs are pre-recorded in the memory of the processing unit 20, but they may also be provided via a telecommunications line such as the Internet or by being recorded on a non-transitory recording medium such as a memory card.

[0046] The processing unit 20 acquires information about the reception strength at the receiver 4 of the wireless signal periodically transmitted from the transmitter 5 at a predetermined cycle. The reception strength information is, for example, RSSI, more specifically, an instantaneous value of RSSI. The predetermined cycle is, for example, 0.1 to 0.5 seconds. The processing unit 20 acquires the reception strength information received from the receiver 4 at a predetermined sampling cycle. The sampling cycle is set longer than the predetermined cycle of the wireless signal transmitted from the transmitter 5. The sampling cycle is, for example, several seconds to several tens of seconds.

[0047] The processing unit 20 determines (estimates) the position of the transmitter 5 based on information about the reception strength at the receiver 4. Specifically, the processing unit 20 determines the position of the transmitter 5 based on the position information of the receiver 4 and information about the reception strength (RSSI) of the wireless signal acquired at a sampling period. The position information of the receiver 4 is, for example, coordinate information of the receiver 4 within the facility F1. The reception strength at the receiver 4 tends to decrease as the distance between the receiver 4 and the transmitter 5 increases. Therefore, it is possible to estimate the distance from the receiver 4 to the transmitter 5 based on the reception strength of the wireless signal at the receiver 4. The processing unit 20 estimates a range (for example, a circumference centered on the receiver 4) in which the transmitter 5 may exist, based on the position information of the receiver 4 stored in the memory unit 22. In other words, the processing unit 20 determines the position (coordinates) of the transmitter 5 within the facility F1 by performing positioning using, for example, the position information of the receiver 4 (for example, coordinate information within the facility F1) and the reception strength information (RSSI) at the receiver 4. In the present embodiment, as an example, the processing unit 20 determines (estimates) the position of the transmitter 5 by three-point positioning. Specifically, the processing unit 20 obtains ranges in which the transmitter 5 may be located from different receivers 4, for example, and determines the position where all ranges overlap as the position of the transmitter 5. In other words, the processing unit 20 determines the position of the transmitter 5 by three-point positioning using, for example, coordinate information of each of the three receivers 4 and information on the reception strength of each of these three receivers 4. The positioning used to estimate the coordinates of the transmitter 5 is not limited to three-point positioning, and may be, for example, one-point positioning, two-point positioning, or four-point positioning.

[0048] Then, based on the determined position of the transmitter 5, the processing unit 20 determines in which area A10 the person H1 carrying the transmitter 5 is located, and stores the determination result in the memory unit 22 as position information of the person within the managed space A1. The position information of the person obtained by the LPS2 can be used to control various electrical devices within the facility F1 and to provide services to users. In addition, the position information of the person obtained by the LPS2 can be transmitted to the management terminal 400 of the administrator and displayed on the monitor of the management terminal 400, thereby supporting the administrator's management work.

[0049] Here, the processing unit 20 generates first information regarding the concentration of carbon dioxide in the managed space A1 and second information regarding the number of people in the managed space A1, and transmits these to the first server 101 via the communication unit 21. The processing unit 20 also transmits the above-mentioned person location information (hereinafter sometimes referred to as "third information") to the first server 101 via the communication unit 21. The first information, second information, and third information may be transmitted periodically at the same timing, or may be transmitted periodically at different timings. Furthermore, these pieces of information may not be transmitted "periodically," but may be transmitted at any timing. Below, the first information, second information, and third information will be described in detail.

[0050] [First information] The first information includes information about the detection values ​​of the multiple CO2 sensors S1 installed in the managed space A1 (i.e., information about the detection results). Specifically, the first information may include information about the detection values ​​of each CO2 sensor S1, information about statistical values ​​for the managed space A1 as a whole calculated from the detection values ​​of the multiple CO2 sensors S1, and information about detection values ​​or statistical values ​​for each area A10. The "statistical value" here refers to the average, median, maximum, or minimum value of the detection values ​​of the multiple CO2 sensors S1. The "average value" may be the overall average value of the detection values ​​of the multiple CO2 sensors S1, or it may be an average value excluding, for example, certain detection values. For example, extremely low detection values ​​may be excluded from the calculation of the average value. In short, the first information includes statistical values ​​generated based on multiple numerical values ​​of carbon dioxide concentration obtained from the multiple CO2 sensors S1 installed in the managed space A1.

[0051] The processing unit 20 generates first information by identifying which area A10 the detected value corresponds to based on the detected value and the location information of the CO sensor S1 that detected the detected value. The processing unit 20 generates the first information at predetermined intervals, for example, and transmits it to the first server 101.

[0052] The first information is transmitted in association with identification information that can identify the facility F1 (which may be the IP address of the second server 102 or the name information of the facility F1). The name information of the facility F1 is, for example, "A City First Office." The identification information of the facility F1 is stored in the storage unit 22.

[0053] When the first information includes information on the detected value for each CO2 sensor S1, the information on the detected value is transmitted in association with the identification information of the CO2 sensor S1 that detected the detected value. When the first information includes information on the detected value or the statistical value for each area A10, the information on the detected value or the statistical value is transmitted in association with the identification information (which may be name information) of the area A10. The name information is, for example, "1st floor conference room 1," "2nd floor conference room 2," "2nd floor workspace," etc. The identification information of the area A10 is stored in the memory unit 22.

[0054] In this embodiment, the processing related to the generation of the first information (calculation of statistical values, etc.) is performed by the processing unit 20 of the second server 102, but it may also be performed by the first server 101. That is, the first server 101 may receive detection values ​​from the multiple CO2 sensors S1, and the processing unit 10 may calculate statistical values ​​for the entire management space A1 and statistical values ​​for each area A10.

[0055] [Second information] The second information includes information on the number of people in the management space A1. Here, the information on the number of people is assumed to be information on the absolute number of people in the entire management space A1. Specifically, the second information may include information that the number of people in the management space A1 is "50 people." However, the second information may also be information on the density of people, specifically, information obtained by dividing the number of people by the area of ​​the management space A1 (for example, 0.1 people / m 2) is also acceptable.

[0056] As described above, the processing unit 20 determines in which area A10 the person H1 carrying the transmitter 5 is located, based on the position of the transmitter 5. The processing unit 20 tallys up the determination results, calculates the number of people in the management space A1, and generates second information. The processing unit 20 generates the second information, for example, at regular intervals, and transmits it to the first server 101. The second information is transmitted in association with identification information capable of identifying the facility F1 (which may be the IP address of the second server 102 or the name information of the facility F1).

[0057] [Third information] The third information (people location information) includes information that links information for identifying each area A10 (which may be name information) with information on the number of people in that area A10. The number of people information in the third information is assumed to be information on the absolute number of people in each area A10. Specifically, the third information may include information that the number of people in area A10 called "1st floor conference room 1" is "3 people" and information that the number of people in area A10 called "2nd floor workspace" is "15 people." However, the number of people information in the third information may also be information on people density, specifically information obtained by dividing the number of people by the area of ​​the relevant area A10 (for example, 0.1 people / m 2 ) is also acceptable.

[0058] As described above, the processing unit 20 determines in which area A10 the person H1 carrying the transmitter 5 is located, based on the position of the transmitter 5. Using the determination result, the processing unit 20 calculates the number of people in each area A10 and generates the third information. The processing unit 20 generates the third information, for example, at specified intervals, and transmits it to the first server 101. The third information is transmitted in association with identification information capable of identifying the facility F1 (which may be the IP address of the second server 102 or the name information of the facility F1).

[0059] The management terminal 400 is installed, for example, in the management room G1 of the facility F1, similar to the second server 102. The management terminal 400 has a monitor (display unit D3). The management terminal 400 is a terminal used by an administrator who manages the facility F1 in the management room G1. Application software for communicating with the first server 101 and the second server 102 is pre-installed in the management terminal 400. The management terminal 400 communicates with the first server 101 and the second server 102, and displays various information on the display unit D3 to support the administrator's management work. In particular, the display unit D3 displays (presents) information related to the index B1, which will be described later.

[0060] (2.3) Configuration of the Denseness Prevention System The configuration of the close contact prevention system 1 (the processing unit 10, the communication unit C1, and the storage unit M1) will be described in more detail below.

[0061] The communication unit C1 includes a communication interface for communicating with the equipment on the facility F1 side (such as the second server 102 and the signage 3) and the cloud server 103 via the network NT1. The communication unit C1 corresponds to the “transmission unit” in this disclosure, and transmits information related to the index B1 to the cloud server 103.

[0062] The memory unit M1 includes a ROM, a RAM, an EEPROM, or the like. The memory unit M1 stores information (first information, second information, third information, etc.) received via the communication unit C1. The memory unit M1 also stores information related to the index B1. At least some of the functions of the memory unit M1 may be provided in the memory of the processing unit 10.

[0063] The processing unit 10 is configured to perform overall control of the first server 101, i.e., to control the communication unit C1 and the storage unit M1. The processing unit 10 can be realized, for example, by a computer system including one or more processors (microprocessors) and one or more memories. That is, the one or more processors execute one or more programs (applications) stored in one or more memories to function as the processing unit 10. Here, the programs are pre-recorded in the memory of the processing unit 10, but they may also be provided via a telecommunications line such as the Internet or recorded on a non-transitory recording medium such as a memory card.

[0064] 1, the processing unit 10 has a first acquisition unit 11A, a second acquisition unit 11B, a third acquisition unit 11C, an index calculation unit 12, a display control unit 13, an administrative notification unit 14, a user notification unit 15, a management unit 16, a proposal unit 17, and a prediction unit 18. That is, the processing unit 10 has the functions of each of the above-mentioned units.

[0065] The first acquisition unit 11A is configured to acquire first information regarding the concentration of carbon dioxide in the management space A1 of the facility F1 (first acquisition step). The first acquisition unit 11A acquires the first information received from the second server 102 via the communication unit C1.

[0066] The second acquisition unit 11B is configured to acquire second information relating to the number of people in the management space A1 (second acquisition step). The second acquisition unit 11B acquires the second information received from the second server 102 via the communication unit C1.

[0067] The third acquisition unit 11C is configured to acquire position information (third information) of a person within the management space A1. The third acquisition unit 11C acquires the third information received from the second server 102 via the communication unit C1.

[0068] The index calculation unit 12 is configured to calculate an index B1 indicating whether density countermeasures are being implemented in the management space A1 based on the first information and the second information (index calculation step). Furthermore, the index calculation unit 12 calculates an index B1 for each of a plurality of areas A10 into which the management space A1 is divided based on the first information, the second information, and the location information (third information). That is, here, both a single index B1 (overall index) for the management space A1 as a whole and an index B1 (area index) for each area A10 are calculated.

[0069] Here, the index B1 in this embodiment will be described. The information of the index B1 is digitally displayed on the screen IM1 as "density countermeasure level," as shown in, for example, Figures 2A and 2B. It is assumed that the screen IM1 can be displayed, for example, on the display unit D1 of the signage 3, the display unit D2 of the information terminal 300, and the display unit D3 of the management terminal 400. The index calculation unit 12 calculates the index B1 as needed so that the latest "density countermeasure level" is always displayed on the screen IM1. As an example, the screen IM1 in Figures 2A and 2B displays information on the index B1 (overall index) of the management space A1.

[0070] 2A and 2B includes an image area R1 in the center that indicates an index B1 as a numerical value. The numerical value of the index B1 can range from 0.0 to 5.0, for example. In this embodiment, a higher numerical value of the index B1 indicates that density control measures such as limiting the number of people and ventilation are being implemented sufficiently.

[0071] Screen IM1 also includes image region R2, which displays index B1 at an arc-shaped level, surrounding image region R1. This level display area (indicator K1) is linked to the value of index B1 and expands or contracts circumferentially in response to the increase or decrease in the value. Specifically, indicator K1 is divided into 50 equal circumferential regions. For every 0.1 increase in the value of index B1, one region of a specific display color increases clockwise from the top of image region R2. If the value is 5.0, indicator K1 displays a roughly circular shape. In short, indicator K1 displays the level of crowd control measures in a manner that is intuitively easy for users to understand. Figure 2A shows screen IM1 when the value of index B1 is 4.9, and Figure 2B shows screen IM1 when the value of index B1 is 4.3. Comparing the indicator K1 in Figure 2A and the indicator K1 in Figure 2B, it can be seen that the length of indicator K1 changes depending on the value.

[0072] Screen IM1 also includes, at its upper part, an image area R3 showing character string data for "Crowdness Countermeasure Level" in Japanese and English. Screen IM1 also includes, at its lower part, an image area R4 showing character string data (including symbols) of an explanation for "Crowdness Countermeasure Level."

[0073] On screen IM1, the background is displayed in black, and the character string data for "crowding prevention level" and the character string data (including symbols) of the explanation related to "crowding prevention level" are displayed in white. The numerical value of indicator B1 is also displayed in white. The display color of indicator K1 (the display color of the portion indicated by dotted hatching in Figures 2A and 2B) preferably changes depending on the value, for example. For example, if the numerical value is 4.0 or higher, the display color of indicator K1 may be light blue; if the numerical value is 2.0 or higher but less than 4.0, the display color may be yellow; and if the numerical value is less than 2.0, the display color may be red. Changing the display color of indicator K1 makes it easier for users to intuitively understand the "crowding prevention level."

[0074] When the displayed indicator B1 is an area indicator for a certain area A10, it is preferable that the screen IM1 also displays information that lets the user know which area A10 it is (for example, the name information of the area A10, such as "1st floor conference room 1").

[0075] Next, the index B1 will be described in more detail with reference to Fig. 3. Fig. 3 shows a graph (determination characteristics J1 to J8) that represents the relationship between the number of people (here, the absolute number in the entire management space A1), the carbon dioxide concentration (here, the average value of the detection values ​​from all CO2 sensors S1), and the numerical value of the index B1. In Fig. 3, the horizontal axis represents the number of people, and the vertical axis represents the numerical value of the index B1. The determination characteristics J1 to J8 shown in Fig. 3 are an example that shows the relationship between the number of people, the carbon dioxide concentration, and the numerical value of the index B1.

[0076] The judgment characteristics J1 to J8 are information used by the index calculation unit 12 to calculate the numerical value of the index B1, and are stored in the storage unit M1. The information on the judgment characteristics J1 to J8 may be stored in the form of a data table, or may be stored in the form of an arithmetic expression, etc.

[0077] Each of the determination characteristics J1 to J8 indicates a change in the value of the index B1 relative to a change in the number of people at a certain carbon dioxide concentration. Specifically, the determination characteristic J1 indicates a change in the value of the index B1 relative to a change in the number of people at a concentration of 550 ppm. Similarly, the determination characteristics J2 to J8 indicate a change in the value of the index B1 relative to a change in the number of people at concentrations of 660 ppm, 770 ppm, 880 ppm, 910 ppm, 1010 ppm, 1110 ppm, and 1210 ppm, respectively. For convenience, only eight representative determination characteristics J1 to J8 are shown in FIG. 3, but multiple determination characteristics may be prepared, for example, in units of 1 ppm.

[0078] For example, if the carbon dioxide concentration at a certain point in time (e.g., the current time) is 550 ppm, the index calculation unit 12 applies the determination characteristic J1, and if the number of people at that time is between 0 and less than 40, determines the numerical value of the index B1 to be "4.9" based on the determination characteristic J1. Also, for example, if the carbon dioxide concentration at a certain point in time (e.g., the current time) is 910 ppm, the index calculation unit 12 applies the determination characteristic J5, and if the number of people at that time is between 0 and less than 40, determines the numerical value of the index B1 to be "3.0" based on the determination characteristic J5.

[0079] In this embodiment, when the number of people is a predetermined value, the lower the carbon dioxide concentration, the higher the numerical value of index B1. In other words, the determination characteristics J1 to J8 are set so that when the number of people is a predetermined value, the lower the carbon dioxide concentration, the higher the numerical value of index B1. In Fig. 3, for example, it can be seen that regardless of the number of people (predetermined value) from 0 to 70, the lower the carbon dioxide concentration, from 1210 ppm to 550 ppm, the higher the numerical value of index B1 that is determined.

[0080] Also, in this embodiment, as can be seen from FIG. 3, for all of the determination characteristics J1 to J8, the numerical value of index B1 changes when the number of people reaches a certain threshold (here, 40 people, as an example). That is, when the carbon dioxide concentration is a predetermined numerical value, if the number of people is less than the threshold (40 people), the numerical value of index B1 is constant regardless of the number of people. On the other hand, when the carbon dioxide concentration is a predetermined numerical value, if the number of people is equal to or greater than the threshold (40 people), the numerical value of index B1 becomes higher as the number of people decreases. In other words, when the carbon dioxide concentration is a predetermined numerical value, if the number of people is equal to or greater than the threshold, the numerical value of index B1 becomes lower as the number of people increases. Threshold information is stored in memory unit M1.

[0081] As explained above, when the carbon dioxide concentration at a certain point in time (for example, the present time) is 550 ppm, the index calculation unit 12 determines the numerical value of index B1 to be "4.9" (a constant value) based on the judgment characteristic J1, regardless of the number of people at that time as long as the number of people is between 0 and less than 40. Here, even when the carbon dioxide concentration is 550 ppm, the index calculation unit 12 determines the numerical value of index B1 corresponding to each number of people as long as the number of people is 40 or more. Specifically, when the carbon dioxide concentration is 550 ppm, the index calculation unit 12 determines the numerical value of index B1 to be "4.7" if the number of people is 50, determines the numerical value of index B1 to be "4.5" if the number of people is 60, and determines the numerical value of index B1 to be "4.3" if the number of people is 70.

[0082] The threshold is a value above which it is recommended to limit the number of people in facility F1. Recently, some companies have imposed limits on the number of people allowed to come to work, and the threshold may be the allowable number of people for facility F1 set by the company. In FIG. 3, the threshold is 40 people, but it is preferable to set it appropriately depending on the size of managed space A1 or the usage patterns of users who use managed space A1. For example, because the usage patterns of users may differ between offices and stores, the threshold may be changed depending on the type of managed space A1. The close contact prevention system 1 accepts changes to the threshold setting, for example, via operational input to the management terminal 400.

[0083] In this way, when the carbon dioxide concentration is a predetermined value, if the number of people is equal to or greater than the threshold, the more people there are, the lower the value of index B1 becomes, making it easier to obtain index B1 that corresponds to the size and usage of managed space A1, etc. As a result, the reliability of index B1 is improved.

[0084] Furthermore, the index calculation unit 12 may calculate the "numerical value H" of the index B1 based on, for example, the following arithmetic expressions (1) to (4). Here, since the threshold is 40 people, the number of people is set as the standard, and the conditions are divided into condition (I) and condition (II). Condition (I): If the number of people is 40 or more, CO2 concentration ≦900ppm: H=a1-CO2 concentration / c1-number of people / b1...Formula (1) CO2 concentration>900ppm: H=a2-CO2 concentration / c2-number of people / b2...Formula (2) Condition (II): If the number of people is 39 or less, CO2 concentration ≦900ppm: H=a1-CO2 concentration / c1-40 / b1...Equation (3) CO2 concentration>900ppm: H=a2-CO2 concentration / c2-40 / b2...Equation (4) In the above equations (1) to (4), a1, b1, c1, a2, b2, and c2 are specified values ​​(a1≠a2, b1≠b2, and c1≠c2).

[0085] If the number of people is 40 or more and the carbon dioxide concentration is 900 ppm or less, the index calculation unit 12 calculates the numerical value H using the above-mentioned arithmetic formula (1). In the above-mentioned arithmetic formula (1), when the carbon dioxide concentration is a predetermined numerical value, the numerical value H decreases as the number of people increases. Also, in the above-mentioned arithmetic formula (1), when the number of people is a predetermined value, the numerical value H decreases as the carbon dioxide concentration increases.

[0086] If the number of people is 40 or more and the carbon dioxide concentration is greater than 900 ppm, the index calculation unit 12 calculates the value H using the above-mentioned arithmetic formula (2). In the above-mentioned arithmetic formula (2), when the carbon dioxide concentration is a predetermined value, the value H decreases as the number of people increases. Also, in the above-mentioned arithmetic formula (2), when the number of people is a predetermined value, the value H decreases as the carbon dioxide concentration increases.

[0087] If the number of people is 39 or less and the carbon dioxide concentration is 900 ppm or less, the index calculation unit 12 calculates the value H using the above-mentioned arithmetic formula (3). In the above-mentioned arithmetic formula (3), when the carbon dioxide concentration is a predetermined value, the value H remains constant even if the number of people increases or decreases. Also, in the above-mentioned arithmetic formula (3), the value H decreases as the carbon dioxide concentration increases, regardless of the number of people.

[0088] If the number of people is 39 or less and the carbon dioxide concentration is greater than 900 ppm, the index calculation unit 12 calculates the value H using the above-mentioned arithmetic formula (4). In the above-mentioned arithmetic formula (4), when the carbon dioxide concentration is a predetermined value, the value H remains constant even if the number of people increases or decreases. Also, in the above-mentioned arithmetic formula (4), the value H decreases as the carbon dioxide concentration increases, regardless of the number of people.

[0089] If the calculation result of the numerical value H according to the arithmetic expressions (1) to (4) is 5 or greater, the index calculation unit 12 sets the numerical value H to 5. If the calculation result of the numerical value H according to the arithmetic expressions (1) to (4) is 1 or less, the index calculation unit 12 sets the numerical value H to 1.

[0090] In this embodiment, as can be seen from FIG. 3, when the number of people is equal to or greater than a threshold value (40 people), the rate of change of the numerical value of index B1 is set to be different between determination characteristics J1 to J4 and determination characteristics J5 to J8. That is, when the carbon dioxide concentration is a first concentration, if the number of people is equal to or greater than a threshold value, the numerical value of index B1 increases at a first rate of change as the number of people decreases. When the carbon dioxide concentration is a second concentration different from the first concentration, if the number of people is equal to or greater than a threshold value, the numerical value of index B1 increases at a second rate different from the first rate of change as the number of people decreases. In the example of FIG. 3, the first concentrations correspond to 550 ppm, 660 ppm, 770 ppm, and 880 ppm, and the second concentrations correspond to 910 ppm, 1010 ppm, 1110 ppm, and 1210 ppm. In the example of FIG. 3, the second density is higher than the first density, and the second rate of change is higher than the first rate of change (see the slopes of the determination characteristics J1 to J8 above the threshold).

[0091] In this way, when the number of people is equal to or greater than the threshold, the reliability of index B1 is further improved by changing the rate of change of the numerical value of index B1 depending on differences in carbon dioxide concentration. When using the above arithmetic formulas (1) to (4), the difference between the first rate of change and the second rate of change can be realized by adjusting the magnitude relationship between a1 and a2, the magnitude relationship between b1 and b2, and the magnitude relationship between c1 and c2.

[0092] In this embodiment, the index calculation unit 12 calculates the index B1 (area index) of the area A10 based on the first information and the third information, using the same determination characteristics J1 to J8 and thresholds as those for the index B1 (overall index) of the management space A1. That is, the index calculation unit 12 calculates the area index of the area A10 based on the carbon dioxide concentration in each area A10 included in the first information and the number of people in that area A10 included in the third information. The index B1 (area index) of the area A10 may be calculated using determination characteristics and thresholds different from those for the index B1 (overall index) of the management space A1.

[0093] The display control unit 13 is configured to display information relating to the index B1 on the display units (here, the display unit D1 of the signage 3, the display unit D2 of the information terminal 300, and the display unit D3 of the management terminal 400).

[0094] Specifically, the display control unit 13 transmits information on the latest index B1 calculated at any time by the index calculation unit 12 to the signage 3 on the facility F1 side via the communication unit C1, and causes a screen IM1 including the numerical value of the index B1 and an indicator K1 to be displayed on the display unit D1 of the signage 3. It is preferable that the index B1 (overall index) of the management space A1 is displayed on the display unit D1 of the signage 3.

[0095] Therefore, when employees working in the office (facility F1) and visitors to the office enter the office, they can find out the extent to which density control measures are currently being implemented within facility F1 by checking the "density control level" displayed on signage 3 at entrance E1.

[0096] The display control unit 13 also transmits information on the latest index B1 calculated at any time by the index calculation unit 12 to the management terminal 400 on the facility F1 side via the communication unit C1, and causes the screen IM1 to be displayed on the display unit D3 of the management terminal 400. It is preferable that the management terminal 400 be able to view the index B1 (overall index) of the management space A1 and the index B1 (area index) of each area A10.

[0097] The overcrowding control system 1 not only displays the screen IM1 on the management terminal 400 but also provides notifications to the management terminal 400 to raise awareness of overcrowding control measures. Specifically, the management notification unit 14 is configured to notify the management terminal 400 managing the managed space A1 when at least one of the carbon dioxide concentration, number of people, and index B1 meets a predetermined condition. The "notification" here may be achieved by displaying a message on the display unit D3 or by outputting an audio message. For example, if the carbon dioxide concentration exceeds 1210 ppm (the predetermined condition is met), the management notification unit 14 issues a warning on the browser of the management terminal 400, urging the administrator to ventilate the managed space A1. Furthermore, if the number of people exceeds 70 (the predetermined condition is met), the management notification unit 14 issues a warning on the browser of the management terminal 400, urging the administrator to reduce (or disperse) the number of people in the managed space A1. Furthermore, for example, if the numerical value of index B1 falls below "2.0" (a predetermined condition is met), the management notification unit 14 sends a warning notice on the browser of the management terminal 400, urging the manager to reduce (or disperse) the number of people in the managed space A1 and ventilate the space. When the manager receives such a "warning notice," the manager may, for example, open the doors and windows in the facility F1, adjust the ventilation fan in the facility F1 to increase the ventilation volume, or make an announcement in the building urging the manager to disperse the number of people. If the management terminal 400 is a mobile terminal such as a smartphone carried by the manager, the "warning notice" may be sent by email.

[0098] By sending this "notification" to the management terminal 400, the administrator can learn through the management terminal 400 that at least one of the carbon dioxide concentration, number of people, and index B1 has met the predetermined condition. As a result, it becomes easier to improve density countermeasures.

[0099] The display control unit 13 also transmits the latest information on the index B1 to the cloud server 103 via the communication unit C1. The display control unit 13 displays information on the index B1 managed on the cloud server 103 on the screen (display unit D2) of the information terminal 300. The timing of displaying the index B1 on the information terminal 300 is not particularly limited. The display control unit 13 transmits information on the index B1 and facility information on the facility F1 of the index B1 to the cloud server 103, identifies one or more information terminals 300 linked to the facility information, and displays the information on the index B1 on the display unit D2 of the corresponding information terminal 300. It is preferable that the display unit D2 of the information terminal 300 displays the index B1 (overall index) of the management space A1, and displays the index B1 (area index) of a specific area A10 in response to a user's operation input to the information terminal 300.

[0100] The information on the index B1 may be constantly displayed and automatically updated while the user is running a browser (or a dedicated application) on the information terminal 300. However, here, it is assumed that the display is triggered by the occurrence of a predetermined event. Specifically, the user notification unit 15 notifies the information terminal 300 of a user who can use the managed space A1 of information on the index B1, triggered by the occurrence of a predetermined event. A "predetermined event" is, for example, when a user starts a browser (or a dedicated application) on the information terminal 300 and executes an operation input requesting information on the index B1. The "predetermined event" may also be when a predetermined time (e.g., 8:00 a.m.) occurs. The predetermined time may be set by an operation input on the information terminal 300. The "predetermined event" may also be when the information terminal 300 (or the transmitter 5 of the LPS 2) is located within a predetermined position or range, or when it leaves the predetermined position or range. The location information of the information terminal 300 is obtained, for example, using a Global Positioning System (GPS). For example, the browser may be started and information about the index B1 may be notified when the information terminal 300 enters within a predetermined radius of the facility F1. Alternatively, the browser may be started and information about the index B1 may be notified when an employee carrying the transmitter 5 enters an area A10 within the facility F1. The notification of the information about the index B1 may be made by push notification or by email.

[0101] In this way, users who can use the management space A1 can know the index B1 through the information terminal 300. For example, an employee (user) can check the index B1 on the information terminal 300 before coming to work, and if the index B1 is low, the employee can decide to switch to teleworking instead of coming to work.

[0102] The management unit 16 centrally manages multiple indicators B1 in multiple management spaces A1, including the management space A1. In this embodiment, the entire building space of one office (facility F1) is defined as one management space A1, and the management unit 16 centrally manages multiple indicators B1 in multiple facilities F1 (management spaces A1). Specifically, in addition to the facility F1 (first office in City A) shown in FIG. 1, the management unit 16 also manages indicators B1 for facilities F1, such as a second office in City B and a third office in City C. In other words, the close-contact prevention system 1 communicates with not only the LPS 2 installed in the first office, but also the LPS 2 installed in the second and third offices via the network NT1, and receives first information, second information, and third information.

[0103] Recently, as employees' work styles have become more diverse, they are free to choose the place (office) where they want to work based on their own goals, which is known as "decentralization of the workplace." In other words, employees may be free to choose which of several shared offices they want to work in that day.

[0104] In such "workplace decentralization," indicator B1 (degree of density control measures) can be one factor in determining which office an employee selects. For example, an employee may wish to select the office with sufficient density control measures implemented, preferably among a first office in City A, a second office in City B, and a third office in City C. Based on the multiple indicators B1, the suggestion unit 17 suggests one or more of the multiple managed spaces A1 as the user's destination to the information terminal 300 of the user who can use any of the multiple managed spaces A1. For example, when the information terminal 300 receives an operational input from the user requesting a destination suggestion, it transmits a suggestion request signal to the first server 101 via the cloud server 103.

[0105] In response to the proposal request signal, the proposal unit 17 determines the managed space A1 that has the highest index B1, for example, based on the latest indexes B1 for all managed spaces A1 managed by the management unit 16, and proposes that managed space A1 as a destination via the information terminal 300. Specifically, if the index B1 of the first office in City A is "4.0," the index B1 of the second office in City B is "4.3," and the index B1 of the third office in City C is "4.9," the proposal unit 17 proposes the third office in City C as the user's destination. A message indicating that the third office in City C is proposed as a destination is displayed on the display unit D2 of the information terminal 300, for example, together with map information.

[0106] The suggestion unit 17 may determine the management space A1 based on a setting value for the index B1 set by the user. The information terminal 300 includes the setting value input by the user in a proposal request signal and transmits the signal to the first server 101 via the cloud server 103. For example, if the setting value is "4.0", the suggestion unit 17 may suggest all management spaces A1 whose index B1 is "4.0" or greater as destinations.

[0107] The suggestion unit 17 may also suggest, as the user's destination, a plurality of management spaces A1 (offices) with the highest numerical values ​​of the index B1. Alternatively, the suggestion unit 17 may suggest a destination by presenting, on the information terminal 300, a list of all management spaces A1 (offices) arranged in descending order of the index B1 together with the numerical values ​​of the index B1.

[0108] By providing the function of the proposing unit 17 in this way, the user can receive, via the information terminal 300, a proposal for a management space A1 in which there is a high possibility that adequate measures against density have been taken, for example.

[0109] Furthermore, the close-contact control system 1 of this embodiment has the function of predicting not only the index B1 based on actual values ​​such as the first information, second information, and third information, but also the future index B1 and proposing a destination based on the prediction. In other words, the prediction unit 18 predicts the future index B1 in the managed space A1 based on the index B1 calculated at a certain point in time. The proposal unit 17 proposes a destination based on the prediction result of the prediction unit 18. Specifically, the prediction unit 18 predicts the index B1 one hour from now based on the index B1 of the managed space A1 at the current time (e.g., 9:00 AM) and the change trend (transition) of the index B1 up to the current time. The prediction unit 18 may improve the prediction accuracy of the future index B1 by referring to the change trend of the number of people at the same time in the past (e.g., 9:00 AM the previous day).

[0110] By providing the function of the prediction unit 18 in this way, the user can receive a proposal for the management space A1 based on the predicted future index B1 through the information terminal 300. In other words, it becomes easier to avoid a situation where the user is disappointed when he or she arrives at the office where the index B1 is "4.9" at 8:00 a.m. before coming to work, only to find that the index B1 displayed on the signage 3 has dropped to "4.0" one hour later at 9:00 a.m.

[0111] The suggestion unit 17 preferably has a function of analyzing the tendencies (preferences) of the setting values, etc. of each user and proposing a management space A1 (office) that suits the user. In this case, the information terminal 300 receives information (answer) regarding whether the user actually selected the proposed management space A1 (office) as a destination, and transmits the information to the first server 101. The suggestion unit 17 accumulates the answer as feedback information in the memory unit M1, analyzes the feedback information, and uses the analysis results to propose the management space A1 (office) from the next time onwards.

[0112] (2.4) Operation The operation of the close contact prevention system 1 will be described below with reference to Fig. 4 (flowchart diagram). Note that the order of processing in the following operation example is merely an example and is not particularly limited.

[0113] The close contact prevention system 1 acquires first information about the concentration of carbon dioxide in the managed space A1 from the second server 102 of the LPS2 (step ST1). The close contact prevention system 1 also acquires second information about the number of people (e.g., absolute number) in the managed space A1 from the second server 102 (step ST2). The close contact prevention system 1 also acquires third information (person location information) in the managed space A1 from the second server 102 (step ST3).

[0114] The crowding control system 1 determines which judgment characteristic to apply from the judgment characteristics J1 to J8 based on the first information, second information, and third information, and uses the determined judgment characteristic to calculate the index B1 (overall index) of the managed space A1 and the index B1 (area index) of the area A10 (step ST4).

[0115] The close contact prevention system 1 displays the calculated latest index B1 (overall index) on the display unit D1 of the signage 3, the display unit D2 of the information terminal 300, and the display unit D3 of the management terminal 400 (step ST5). The close contact prevention system 1 displays not only the index B1 (overall index) but also at least some of the indexes B1 (area indexes) of multiple areas A10 in response to operational inputs from users (employees, visitors, etc.) and managers.

[0116] <Advantages> In this way, the close-contact control system 1 of this embodiment calculates an index B1 that indicates whether or not density countermeasures are being implemented in the managed space A1. As a result, the close-contact control system 1 has the advantage of being able to raise awareness of density countermeasures.

[0117] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the indicator B1 is visualized by displaying it on the display units D1 to D3, which further improves the awareness of users (employees, visitors, etc.) and managers regarding density countermeasures.

[0118] In particular, in this embodiment, the index B1 is calculated not only as the index B1 (overall index) of the management space A1, but also as the index B1 (area index) for each area A10, thereby improving awareness of density countermeasures in smaller division ranges.

[0119] (3) Variations The above embodiment is merely one of various embodiments of the present disclosure. The above embodiment can be modified in various ways depending on the design, etc., as long as the object of the present disclosure can be achieved. Furthermore, functions similar to the close-contact prevention system 1 according to the above embodiment may be embodied in a close-contact prevention method, a computer program, or a non-transitory recording medium on which a computer program is recorded.

[0120] Modifications of the above embodiment are listed below. The modifications described below can be applied in appropriate combinations. Hereinafter, the above embodiment may also be referred to as a "basic example."

[0121] The intrusion prevention system 1 of the present disclosure includes a computer system. The computer system is primarily composed of a processor and memory as hardware. The processor executes a program stored in the computer system's memory to realize the functions of the intrusion prevention system 1 of the present disclosure. The program may be pre-stored in the computer system's memory, provided via a telecommunications line, or provided on a non-transitory recording medium readable by the computer system, such as a memory card, optical disk, or hard disk drive. The processor of the computer system is composed of one or more electronic circuits, including a semiconductor integrated circuit (IC) or a large-scale integrated circuit (LSI). The integrated circuits, such as ICs and LSIs, are referred to by different names depending on the degree of integration, and include integrated circuits called system LSIs, very large-scale integrations (VLSIs), or ultra-large-scale integrations (ULSIs). Furthermore, field-programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), which are programmable after the LSI is manufactured, or logic devices capable of reconfiguring the connections within the LSI or the circuit partitions within the LSI, can also be used as processors. The electronic circuits may be integrated into one chip or distributed across multiple chips. The chips may be integrated into one device or distributed across multiple devices. The computer system referred to here includes a microcontroller having one or more processors and one or more memories. Therefore, the microcontroller is also composed of one or more electronic circuits including a semiconductor integrated circuit or a large-scale integrated circuit.

[0122] Furthermore, it is not essential that the multiple functions of the close contact prevention system 1 be concentrated in one housing. For example, the components of the close contact prevention system 1 may be distributed across multiple housings.

[0123] Conversely, multiple functions of the close contact prevention system 1 may be integrated into one housing. Furthermore, at least some of the functions of the close contact prevention system 1, for example, some of the functions of the close contact prevention system 1 may be realized by the cloud (cloud computing) or the like.

[0124] In the basic example, for all of the determination characteristics J1 to J8, the numerical value of index B1 is constant regardless of the number of people as long as the number of people is less than a threshold value (40 people in FIG. 3). However, for at least one of the determination characteristics J1 to J8, there may not be a range of people for which such a numerical value is constant, and the numerical value of index B1 may increase as the number of people decreases. In other words, when the carbon dioxide concentration is a predetermined numerical value, the numerical value of index B1 may increase as the number of people decreases.

[0125] In the basic example, for all of the determination characteristics J1 to J8, if the number of people is equal to or greater than a threshold (40 people in FIG. 3), the numerical value of index B1 decreases linearly with a constant gradient as the number of people increases. However, for at least one of the determination characteristics J1 to J8, if the number of people is equal to or greater than a threshold, the numerical value of index B1 may decrease curvedly as the number of people increases. In other words, the gradient of the determination characteristic does not have to be constant.

[0126] In the basic example, the number of people in the managed space A1 and the number of people in each area A10 were obtained based on the location information of the LPS2. However, the "number of people" is not limited to being based on the location information of the LPS2. For example, the "number of people" within the imaging range (area A10) may be estimated by extracting features of people in an image from image information captured by an imaging device such as a camera. For example, the camera may be a security camera installed in an office or store.

[0127] The "number of people" may also be estimated from the authentication results of an access control system that may be installed in facility F1, such as an office. For example, person H1 holds an authentication card they carry over an authentication device that may be installed at the entrance E1 of the office or in front of the door of each area A10, and if authentication is successful, the door is automatically unlocked. The number of people in managed space A1 and area A10 may be estimated by counting the number of successful authentications at the time of entry and exit.

[0128] The "number of people" may also be estimated using one or more thermal sensors installed in facility F1. Although it may be difficult to accurately determine the number of people using a thermal sensor, for example, if area A10 is a small area such as a private room, and the detection result of the thermal sensor determines that person H1 is present, the number of people can be determined to be "1 person."

[0129] In the basic example, it is assumed that facility F1 is an office, and the proposing unit 17 proposes a destination office from among multiple offices based on indicator B1, using "distributed workplaces" as an example. For example, if facility F1 is a store such as a restaurant, the proposing unit 17 may propose a destination restaurant from among multiple restaurants based on indicator B1. This allows the user to dine at a restaurant that has better density countermeasures in place.

[0130] In the basic example, the index B1 (density prevention measure level) was calculated for the purpose of display (visualization) and notification on the signage 3, the information terminal 300, and the management terminal 400. The index B1 (density prevention measure level) may be used for feedback control of the equipment installed in the facility F1 (air conditioners, ventilation fans, air purifiers, automatic windows, automatic shutters, etc.). In other words, when the index B1 falls below a specified value, the equipment may be controlled to automatically ventilate the room or to disinfect the space by releasing hypochlorous acid or the like.

[0131] (4) Summary As described above, the denseness control system (1) according to the first aspect includes a first acquisition unit (11A), a second acquisition unit (11B), and an index calculation unit (12). The first acquisition unit (11A) acquires first information related to the concentration of carbon dioxide in a predetermined managed space (A1). The second acquisition unit (11B) acquires second information related to the number of people in the managed space (A1). The index calculation unit (12) calculates an index (B1) indicating whether density control measures are being implemented in the managed space (A1) based on the first information and the second information. When the number of people is a predetermined value, the lower the carbon dioxide concentration, the higher the numerical value of the index (B1).

[0132] According to this aspect, an index (B1) indicating whether density countermeasures are being implemented in the managed space (A1) is calculated. As a result, the close-contact control system (1) has the advantage of being able to raise awareness of density countermeasures.

[0133] Regarding the close contact prevention system (1) according to the second aspect, in the first aspect, when the carbon dioxide concentration is a predetermined value, the index (B1) becomes higher as the number of people decreases.

[0134] According to this embodiment, the reliability of the indicator (B1) is improved.

[0135] Regarding the close contact prevention system (1) according to the third aspect, in the first aspect, when the carbon dioxide concentration is a predetermined value, if the number of people is less than a threshold value, the index (B1) is a constant value regardless of the number of people. When the carbon dioxide concentration is a predetermined value, if the number of people is equal to or greater than a threshold value, the index (B1) becomes higher as the number of people decreases.

[0136] According to this embodiment, the reliability of the indicator (B1) is improved.

[0137] Regarding the close-contact prevention system (1) according to the fourth aspect, in the third aspect, when the carbon dioxide concentration is a first concentration, if the number of people is equal to or greater than a threshold, the index (B1) increases at a first rate of change as the number of people decreases. When the carbon dioxide concentration is a second concentration different from the first concentration, if the number of people is equal to or greater than a threshold, the index (B1) increases at a second rate of change different from the first rate of change as the number of people decreases.

[0138] According to this aspect, when the number of people is equal to or greater than the threshold value, the rate of change is changed depending on the difference in carbon dioxide concentration, thereby further improving the reliability of the index (B1).

[0139] With respect to the close-contact prevention system (1) according to the fifth aspect, in the fourth aspect, the second concentration is higher than the first concentration, and the second rate of change is higher than the first rate of change.

[0140] According to this aspect, when the number of people is equal to or greater than the threshold value, the rate of change for higher carbon dioxide concentrations is made larger than that for lower carbon dioxide concentrations, thereby further improving the reliability of the index (B1).

[0141] The close contact prevention system (1) according to a sixth aspect is any one of the first to fifth aspects, and further includes a display control unit (13) that causes the display units (D1 to D3) to display information about the indicator (B1).

[0142] According to this aspect, the indicator (B1) is visualized, which further improves awareness of density countermeasures.

[0143] With respect to the close contact prevention system (1) according to the seventh aspect, in any one of the first to sixth aspects, the first information includes a statistical value generated based on a plurality of numerical values ​​of carbon dioxide concentration obtained from a plurality of CO2 sensors (S1) arranged within the management space (A1).

[0144] According to this aspect, the first information includes a statistical value, which further improves the reliability of the index (B1).

[0145] The close-contact prevention system (1) according to an eighth aspect is any one of the first to seventh aspects, and further includes a third acquisition unit (11C) that acquires position information of a person within the managed space (A1). The index calculation unit (12) calculates an index (B1) for each of a plurality of areas (A10) obtained by dividing the managed space (A1) based on the first information, the second information, and the position information.

[0146] According to this aspect, the index (B1) is calculated for each of the plurality of areas (A10), thereby raising awareness of density countermeasures in smaller divided areas.

[0147] The dense communication control system (1) according to a ninth aspect is any one of the first to eighth aspects, and further includes a transmission unit (communication unit C1) and a display control unit (13). The transmission unit (communication unit C1) transmits information related to the index (B1) to the cloud server (103). The display control unit (13) displays the information related to the index (B1) managed on the cloud server (103) on the screen of the information terminal (300).

[0148] According to this aspect, it becomes easier to visualize the index (B1) on the screen of the information terminal (300).

[0149] The close contact prevention system (1) according to a tenth aspect is any one of the first to ninth aspects, and further includes a management notification unit (14). When at least one of the carbon dioxide concentration, the number of people, and the index (B1) satisfies a predetermined condition, the management notification unit (14) notifies the management terminal (400) that manages the managed space (A1) of this fact.

[0150] According to this aspect, for example, the manager of the management space (A1) can know through the management terminal (400) that at least one of the carbon dioxide concentration, the number of people, and the index (B1) satisfies a predetermined condition.

[0151] The close contact prevention system (1) according to an eleventh aspect is any one of the first to tenth aspects, and further includes a user notification unit (15). The user notification unit (15) notifies information about the index (B1) to an information terminal (300) of a user who can use the management space (A1) when a predetermined event occurs as a trigger.

[0152] According to this embodiment, for example, a user who can use the management space (A1) can know the index (B1) through the information terminal (300).

[0153] The close contact prevention system (1) according to a twelfth aspect is any one of the first to eleventh aspects, and further includes a management unit (16) and a proposal unit (17). The management unit (16) centrally manages a plurality of indicators (B1) for a plurality of managed spaces (A1) including the managed space (A1). The proposal unit (17) proposes one or more of the plurality of managed spaces (A1) as a destination for a user to an information terminal (300) of the user who can use any of the plurality of managed spaces (A1) based on the plurality of indicators (B1).

[0154] According to this aspect, the user can receive, via the information terminal (300), a proposal for a management space (A1) that is highly likely to have adequately implemented measures against density, for example.

[0155] The denseness control system (1) according to a thirteenth aspect is the twelfth aspect, further comprising a prediction unit (18) that predicts a future index (B1) in the managed space (A1) based on an index (B1) calculated at a certain point in time. The suggestion unit (17) suggests a destination based on the prediction result of the prediction unit (18).

[0156] According to this aspect, the user can receive, through the information terminal (300), a proposal for the management space (A1) based on the predicted future index (B1).

[0157] A fourteenth aspect of the method for preventing overcrowding includes a first acquisition step, a second acquisition step, and an index calculation step. In the first acquisition step, first information relating to the concentration of carbon dioxide in a predetermined management space (A1) is acquired. In the second acquisition step, second information relating to the number of people in the management space (A1) is acquired. In the index calculation step, an index (B1) indicating whether density prevention measures are being implemented in the management space (A1) is calculated based on the first information and the second information. When the number of people is a predetermined value, the lower the concentration of carbon dioxide, the higher the numerical value of the index (B1).

[0158] According to this aspect, it is possible to provide a method for preventing overcrowding that can raise awareness of countermeasures against overcrowding.

[0159] A program according to a fifteenth aspect is a program for causing one or more processors to execute the countermeasure method according to the fourteenth aspect.

[0160] According to this aspect, it is possible to provide a function that can raise awareness of density countermeasures.

[0161] The configurations according to the second to thirteenth aspects are not essential for the close contact prevention system (1) and can be omitted as appropriate. [Explanation of symbols]

[0162] 1. Crowding prevention system 11A 1st acquisition part 11B 2nd acquisition part 11C 3rd acquisition part 12 Indicator calculation part 13 Display control unit 14 Management notification section 15 User Notification Section 16 Management Department 17 Proposal Department 18 Prediction Department 103 Cloud Server 300 Information terminal 400 Management terminal A1 Management space A10 Area B1 indicator C1 Communication unit (transmitter) D1~D3 display section S1 CO2 Sensor

Claims

1. a first acquisition unit that acquires first information that is a concentration of carbon dioxide in a predetermined management space; a second acquisition unit that acquires second information that is the number of people in the management space; an index calculation unit that calculates an index indicating whether a density countermeasure is being implemented in the management space based on the first information and the second information; Equipped with The index has a higher value as the concentration of carbon dioxide is lower, and if the number of people is less than a threshold, the value is constant regardless of the number of people, and if the number of people is equal to or greater than a threshold, the index has a higher value as the number of people decreases. Countermeasure system.

2. The indicator is When the concentration of carbon dioxide is a first concentration, if the number of people is equal to or greater than the threshold value, the value increases at a first rate of change as the number of people decreases, When the concentration of carbon dioxide is a second concentration higher than the first concentration, if the number of people is equal to or greater than the threshold value, the numerical value increases at a second rate of change that is greater than the first rate of change as the number of people decreases. The close contact prevention system according to claim 1.

3. The index has a maximum value and a minimum value set therefor, the index calculation unit sets the maximum value as the index when the calculated numerical value of the index is equal to or greater than the maximum value, and sets the minimum value as the index when the calculated numerical value of the index is equal to or less than the minimum value; The close contact prevention system according to claim 1 or 2.

4. Further, a display control unit is provided to display information about the index on a display unit. The close contact prevention system according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

5. The first information is a plurality of COs arranged in the management space. ２ a statistical value generated based on a plurality of values ​​of the carbon dioxide concentration respectively acquired from the sensors; The close contact prevention system according to any one of claims 1 to 4.

6. a third acquisition unit that acquires position information of a person within the management space; the index calculation unit calculates the index for each of a plurality of areas obtained by dividing the management space into a plurality of areas based on the first information, the second information, and the position information; The close contact prevention system according to any one of claims 1 to 5.

7. a transmitting unit that transmits information about the index to a cloud server; a display control unit that displays information about the index managed on the cloud server on a screen of an information terminal; Further comprising: The close contact prevention system according to any one of claims 1 to 6.

8. and a management notification unit that notifies a management terminal that manages the managed space of a fact that at least one of the carbon dioxide concentration, the number of people, and the index satisfies a predetermined condition. The close contact prevention system according to any one of claims 1 to 7.

9. a user notification unit that notifies information about the index to an information terminal of a user who can use the managed space, when a predetermined event occurs as a trigger; The close contact prevention system according to any one of claims 1 to 8.

10. a management unit that centrally manages a plurality of the indices in a plurality of management spaces including the management space; a suggestion unit that suggests one or more of the plurality of managed spaces as a destination of a user to an information terminal of the user who can use any of the plurality of managed spaces based on the plurality of indicators; Further comprising: The close contact prevention system according to any one of claims 1 to 9.

11. a prediction unit that predicts the future index in the management space based on the index calculated at a certain point in time and changes in the index in the past up to the certain point in time, the suggestion unit suggests the destination based on the prediction result of the prediction unit. The close contact prevention system according to claim 10.

12. a first acquisition step of acquiring first information which is a concentration of carbon dioxide in a predetermined management space; a second acquisition step of acquiring second information which is the number of people in the management space; an index calculation step of calculating an index indicating whether a density countermeasure is being implemented in the management space based on the first information and the second information; Including, The index has a higher value as the concentration of carbon dioxide is lower, and if the number of people is less than a threshold, the value is constant regardless of the number of people, and if the number of people is equal to or greater than a threshold, the index has a higher value as the number of people decreases. Methods for preventing crowding.

13. A program for causing one or more processors to execute the method for preventing congestion according to claim 12.

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