Environmental control system and environmental control method

Abstract

To provide an environmental control system capable of controlling an environment of a space according to the condition of people located in the space.SOLUTION: An environmental control system 10 is provided, comprising an acquisition unit 34 configured to acquire sensing information on people located in a space 80, and a control unit 35 configured to provide first environmental control for relaxing the people on the basis of the acquired sensing information.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an environmental control system and an environmental control method. [Background technology]

[0002] There are known techniques for controlling the environment in an indoor space. Patent Document 1 discloses a fragrance emitting device that controls the release of fragrance components into a room in conjunction with changes in the amount of air blown. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2002-137631 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] The present invention provides an environmental control system and the like that can control the environment of a space depending on the state of a person located in the space. [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] An environmental control system according to one aspect of the present invention includes an acquisition unit that acquires sensing information targeted at a person located in a space, and a control unit that performs a first environmental control to calm the person based on the acquired sensing information.

[0006] An environmental control method according to one aspect of the present invention is an environmental control method executed by a computer, and includes an acquisition step of acquiring sensing information targeted at a person located in a space, and a control step of performing a first environmental control to calm the person based on the acquired sensing information. [Effects of the Invention]

[0007] An environmental control system according to one aspect of the present invention can control the environment of a space in accordance with the state of a person located in the space. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0008] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing the functional configuration of an environmental control system according to an embodiment. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a space to which the environmental control system according to the embodiment is applied. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is a flowchart of a first operation example of the environmental control system according to the embodiment. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating the criteria for determination based on the amount of conversation. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 is a flowchart of a second operation example of the environmental control system according to the embodiment. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a diagram showing an example of the usage reservation information. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating an example of usage history information. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a flowchart of a third operation example of the environmental control system according to the embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0009] Hereinafter, the embodiments will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. Note that the embodiments described below are all comprehensive or specific examples. The numerical values, shapes, materials, components, component placement and connection forms, steps, and step order shown in the following embodiments are merely examples and are not intended to limit the present invention. Furthermore, among the components in the following embodiments, components not recited in independent claims will be described as optional components.

[0010] It should be noted that the drawings are schematic diagrams and are not necessarily strict illustrations. In addition, in the drawings, substantially the same components are denoted by the same reference numerals, and overlapping descriptions may be omitted or simplified.

[0011] (Embodiment) [composition] First, the configuration of an environmental control system according to an embodiment will be described. Fig. 1 is a block diagram showing the functional configuration of an environmental control system according to an embodiment. Fig. 2 is a diagram showing a space to which an environmental control system according to an embodiment is applied.

[0012] The environmental control system 10 is a system that performs a first environmental control to calm people located in a space 80 such as a conference room, and a second environmental control to activate people located in the space 80. For example, the environmental control system 10 performs the first environmental control when it determines that communication between multiple people located in the space 80 (such as a discussion in a meeting) is too active, and performs the second environmental control when it determines that communication between multiple people located in the space 80 is not active (too calm), thereby optimizing communication between multiple people. Note that in FIG. 2, the space 80 is a closed space (room) separated by walls, but it may also be a space that is not separated by walls.

[0013] 1, the environmental control system 10 specifically includes a sensor group 20, a control device 30, and an airflow generating device 40. Also shown in FIG. 1 is a reservation management system 50.

[0014] The sensor group 20 senses people located in the space 80 and transmits sensing information (sensing results) to the control device 30. The sensor group 20 includes an image sensor 21 and a sound sensor 22. For example, one of each sensor is installed in the space 80, but multiple sensors may be installed.

[0015] The image sensor 21 is a so-called camera, and captures an image (video or still image) in the space 80 that shows a person located in the space 80. The image sensor 21 also transmits image information of the captured image to the control device 30 as sensing information targeting the person located in the space 80.

[0016] The sound sensor 22 is a so-called microphone, and acquires sounds in the space 80. The sounds acquired by the sound sensor 22 include speech sounds of people located in the space 80. The sound sensor 22 transmits sound information of the acquired sounds to the control device 30 as sensing information targeted at people located in the space 80.

[0017] The control device 30 is a controller that controls the airflow generation device 40 installed in the space 80. The control device 30 is realized, for example, by an edge server installed in a facility including the space 80, a cloud server installed outside the facility, or a personal computer. Specifically, the control device 30 includes a communication unit 31, an information processing unit 32, and a storage unit 33.

[0018] The communication unit 31 is a communication module (communication circuit) that enables the control device 30 to communicate with the sensor group 20, the airflow generation device 40, and the reservation management system 50. The communication performed by the communication unit 31 is, for example, wired communication, but may also be wireless communication. There is no particular limitation on the communication standard used for the communication.

[0019] The information processing unit 32 processes information relating to environmental control in the space 80. The information processing unit 32 is realized by, for example, a microcomputer, but may also be realized by a processor.

[0020] The information processing unit 32 has, as functional components, an acquisition unit 34 and a control unit 35. The functions of the acquisition unit 34 and the control unit 35 are realized, for example, by a microcomputer or a processor constituting the information processing unit 32 executing a computer program stored in the storage unit 33. The respective functions of the acquisition unit 34 and the control unit 35 will be described in detail below.

[0021] The storage unit 33 is a storage device that stores information necessary for the above information processing, computer programs executed by the information processing unit 32, etc. The storage unit 33 is realized by, for example, an HDD (Hard Disk Drive), but may also be realized by a semiconductor memory or the like.

[0022] The airflow generating device 40 includes a plurality of ducts 41 (see FIG. 2) provided slightly below the ceiling of the space 80, and a blower (not shown) that sends air into the plurality of ducts 41. Each of the plurality of ducts 41 is long, and a slit-shaped air outlet is provided on the bottom surface of the duct 41 along the longitudinal direction of the duct 41.

[0023] When the blower operates, airflows are generated from the outlets of the multiple ducts 41 toward the floor side of the space 80. At this time, the spaces between the multiple ducts 41 become negative pressure, and air from the space above the multiple ducts 41 is drawn into the space. As a result, the airflow generating device 40 can blow out a downflow airflow with excellent linearity that is a combination of the airflows blown out from the outlets of the multiple ducts 41 and the airflow based on the drawn air.

[0024] The specific embodiment of the airflow generating device 40 is not limited to the embodiment shown in FIG. 2, and may be a general air blower, ventilation device, air cleaner, air conditioner, or the like.

[0025] The reservation management system 50 is a system that manages reservations for use of the space 80 (hereinafter simply referred to as reservations) when the space 80 is a conference room or the like. For example, a user can reserve the space 80 by accessing the reservation management system 50 using an information terminal such as a personal computer, smartphone, or tablet terminal and performing a predetermined operation. The reservation details are stored in the reservation management system 50 as usage reservation information. After the user has used the space 80, the usage reservation information is stored as usage history information.

[0026] [Example 1] The following describes a first operational example of the environmental control system 10. FIG.

[0027] The control unit 35 of the control device 30 performs normal control of the airflow generation device 40 (S11). In normal control, the airflow generation device 40 generates an airflow at any setting instructed by a person located in the space 80 via a remote controller (not shown), for example. Note that, in Operation Example 1, the processing from step S12 onwards is described as being performed during such normal control, but the processing from step S12 onwards may also be performed while the airflow generation device 40 is stopped.

[0028] During normal control, the communication unit 31 receives sound information from the sound sensor 22 installed in the space 80 (S12). The acquisition unit 34 acquires the received sound information (S13).

[0029] The sound information includes the voices of multiple people located in space 80. Therefore, control unit 35 calculates the amount of conversation (estimated amount) for the most recent predetermined period based on the acquired sound information (S14). For example, control unit 35 calculates the average speech volume for the predetermined period and regards the calculated average speech volume as the amount of conversation. Control unit 35 may also calculate the length of a cumulative speech period by subtracting a period in which no one is speaking from the predetermined period and regard the calculated length of the cumulative speech period as the amount of conversation. Control unit 35 may also take into account both the speech volume and the speech period, calculate an integral value by integrating the speech volume and the speech period over the predetermined period, and regard the calculated integral value as the amount of conversation. The predetermined period is, for example, a period of about 10 minutes to 1 hour, but is not particularly limited thereto.

[0030] Next, the control unit 35 makes a determination based on the calculated amount of conversation (S15). FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating the criteria for determination based on the amount of conversation. As shown in FIG. 4, in determination based on the amount of conversation, a range equal to or greater than the second threshold and equal to or less than the first threshold is determined to be an appropriate range, and if the amount of conversation is less than the second threshold, it is determined that communication between multiple people located in space 80 is not active. On the other hand, if the amount of conversation exceeds the first threshold, it is determined that communication between multiple people is too active (heated up).

[0031] When the control unit 35 determines that the amount of conversation exceeds the first threshold (amount of conversation > first threshold in S15), it performs a first environmental control to calm the person located in the space 80 (S16). For example, the control unit 35 uses the communication unit 31 to send a control signal to the airflow generating device 40, causing the airflow generating device 40 to generate a stronger airflow than during normal control. Furthermore, if the temperature of the airflow generated by the airflow generating device 40 can be adjusted, the control unit 35 may generate an airflow at a temperature slightly lower than that during normal control. The environmental control system 10 can cool down the person located in the space 80 by using the first environmental control.

[0032] On the other hand, if the control unit 35 determines that the amount of conversation is less than the second threshold (amount of conversation<second threshold in S15), it performs a second environmental control to activate people located in the space 80 (S17). For example, the control unit 35 generates a gently fluctuating airflow by varying the strength of the airflow by sending a control signal to the airflow generating device 40. Furthermore, if the temperature of the airflow generated by the airflow generating device 40 can be adjusted, the control unit 35 may generate an airflow at a temperature slightly higher than that of normal control. By using the second environmental control, the environmental control system 10 can make the space 80 closer to an environment that encourages conversation.

[0033] Furthermore, when the control unit 35 determines that the conversation volume is within the appropriate range of not less than the second threshold value and not more than the first threshold value (appropriate in S15), normal control continues.

[0034] Although not shown in Fig. 3, the processes of steps S12 to S17 are periodically repeated. Here, the first environmental control and the second environmental control may be continued until the conversation volume falls within an appropriate range, or may be terminated before the next conversation volume determination result is obtained and normal control is resumed. In other words, the first environmental control and the second environmental control may be continuously performed until the next determination result is obtained (until the next determination is made), or may be performed for a limited period of time so as to end before the next determination is made. If the first environmental control and the second environmental control are performed for a limited period of time (in other words, momentarily), an effect can be obtained in which people are more likely to perceive the environmental changes caused by the first environmental control and the second environmental control as stimulating.

[0035] As described above, the environmental control system 10 acquires sound information including the voices of people located in the space 80, and selectively executes a first environmental control for calming people and a second environmental control for activating people based on the acquired sound information. In the first operational example, both the first environmental control and the second environmental control control the overall environment of the space 80.

[0036] Such an environmental control system 10 can optimize communication between multiple people in the space 80.

[0037] In addition, in the first environmental control, the control device 30 may control at least one of a lighting device, a sound output device, a fragrance output device, etc. (not shown) instead of or in addition to the airflow generating device 40. For example, in the first environmental control, the control device 30 may cause the lighting device to emit white light with a high color temperature, cause the sound output device to output a subtle natural environmental sound, or cause the fragrance output device to emit a fragrance with a calming effect. In other words, in the first environmental control, it is sufficient that at least one of the air environment, light environment, and sound environment in the space 80 is controlled.

[0038] Similarly, in the second environmental control, the control device 30 may control at least one of a lighting device, a sound output device, a fragrance output device, etc. (not shown) instead of or in addition to the airflow generating device 40. For example, in the second environmental control, the control device 30 may cause the lighting device to emit white light with a low color temperature, cause the sound output device to output casual jazz music, or cause the fragrance output device to emit a citrus fragrance. In other words, in the second environmental control, it is sufficient that at least one of the air environment, the light environment, and the sound environment in the space 80 is controlled.

[0039] Furthermore, in the above-mentioned operation example 1, a judgment was made by setting a threshold value for the amount of conversation, but if a threshold value is set for the amount of change in the amount of conversation, the environmental control system 10 can also perform first environmental control when the amount of conversation suddenly increases and second environmental control when the amount of conversation suddenly decreases.

[0040] The amount of conversation is also an example of a parameter for determining whether or not communication between multiple people in the space 80 is active. For example, in addition to the amount of conversation, the amount of movement of multiple people in the space 80 may be taken into consideration to determine whether or not communication between multiple people in the space 80 is active. In this case, the acquisition unit 34 acquires image information from the image sensor 21 to identify the amount of movement of people.

[0041] [Example 2] The first environmental control in Operation Example 1 controls the overall environment of space 80, but the first environmental control may also control only the environment around a specific person located in space 80. In other words, the first environmental control may be control that provides stimulation only to a specific person located in space 80. Hereinafter, Operation Example 2 of such environmental control system 10 will be described. FIG. 5 is a flowchart of Operation Example 2 of environmental control system 10.

[0042] In Operation Example 2, the sound sensor 22 includes a microphone array and is installed on a desk where multiple people are seated (a desk surrounded by multiple people) in the space 80. This allows the control device 30 to identify the direction in which the person who made the sound is located based on the sound information output by the sound sensor 22. The airflow generation device 40 is a blower that can change the blowing direction, or is configured with multiple blowers so that it can generate airflows in multiple directions, and is installed, for example, near the sound sensor 22.

[0043] The communication unit 31 of the control device 30 receives sound information from the sound sensor 22 installed in the space 80 (S21). The acquisition unit 34 acquires the received sound information (S22).

[0044] The control unit 35 processes the acquired sound information to determine whether the person who uttered the voice included in the sound information is angry (S23). In the determination of step S23, for example, AI (Artificial Intelligence) that can analyze human emotions based on sound information is used.

[0045] If it is determined that the person who made the voice is not angry (No in S23), the operation ends. If it is determined that the person who made the voice is angry (Yes in S23), the control unit 35 identifies the direction in which the person who made the voice is located from the sound information acquired in step S22 (S24).

[0046] Then, the control unit 35 controls the airflow generating device 40 to generate an airflow in the identified direction (S25). That is, a first environmental control is performed to control only the environment around the person presumed to be angry. Specifically, the control unit 35 can perform the first environmental control by transmitting a control signal to the airflow generating device 40 via the communication unit 31. Note that the generation of the airflow in step S25 is performed, for example, for a limited period of time, and is terminated (stopped) before the next determination is made.

[0047] As described above, the environmental control system 10 acquires sound information including the voice of a person located in the space 80, and executes a first environmental control to calm the person based on the acquired sound information. In the second operational example, the first environmental control selectively controls the environment around a specific person in the space 80.

[0048] Such a climate control system 10 can attempt to calm a particular individual.

[0049] In addition, in the first environmental control, the control device 30 may control a fragrance generating device (not shown) in addition to the airflow generating device 40. In this case, the control device 30 can selectively generate a fragrance around a specific person by carrying the fragrance generated by the fragrance generating device through the airflow generated by the airflow generating device 40.

[0050] Furthermore, in the above-described operation example 2, an angry person is determined based on sound information, but an angry person can also be determined based on image information transmitted by the image sensor 21. In this case, the acquisition unit 34 acquires image information from the image sensor 21, and the control unit 35 determines whether or not a person shown in an image indicated by the acquired image information is angry, based on the acquired image information. For example, an AI capable of analyzing a person's emotions based on image information is used in this determination.

[0051] In addition, when a person who is about to get angry (a person who is about to utter an angry voice) can be identified based on at least one of sound information and image information, the control unit 35 can also perform a first environmental control that controls the environment around the person who is about to get angry.

[0052] It may also be possible to more accurately identify the location of an angry person by using both sound information and image information or by acquiring the person's location information from another system such as a positioning system. In such cases, the environmental control system 10 may locally (pinpoint) the airflow generated by the airflow generating device 40 onto a specific part of the person, such as their forehead. In this case, it is preferable to use a device capable of generating a highly directional airflow, such as a circulator, as the airflow generating device 40.

[0053] In addition, in operation example 2, a first environmental control that selectively controls the environment around a specific person located in space 80 was described, but the environmental control system 10 may also perform a second environmental control that selectively controls the environment around a specific person located in space 80.

[0054] For example, the control unit 35 may identify a person who talks little among multiple people located in the space 80 based on at least one of the sound information and the image information, and selectively control the environment around that person. Specifically, the control unit 35 may control the airflow generating device 40 to generate an airflow toward the person who talks little, or may control the airflow generating device 40 and the fragrance generating device to generate an airflow containing a citrus fragrance toward the person who talks little.

[0055] [Example 3] By the way, usage reservation information is stored in the reservation management system 50 of the space 80. Fig. 6 is a diagram showing an example of the usage reservation information, and the usage reservation information includes one or more individual reservation information (one line of information in Fig. 6).

[0056] When the use of the space 80 is completed, the individual reservation information corresponding to that use can be used as usage history information. Here, the reservation management system 50 can include the usage status in the usage history information by inquiring about the usage status of the space 80 from the control device 30. Figure 7 is a diagram showing an example of usage history information, and the usage history information includes one or more individual history information (one line of information in Figure 7).

[0057] The usage status is the status of the user's behavior (activity) in the space 80, for example, the amount of conversation the user engages in. The reservation management system 50 can include information indicating the amount of conversation the user engages in (see the "Amount of Conversation" column in FIG. 7) in the usage history information by inquiring of the control device 30 about the determination result of the amount of conversation (see step S15 in operation example 1). In the example in FIG. 7, the amount of conversation is defined as three levels: high, appropriate, and low.

[0058] The control device 30 may control the environment of the space 80 based on such usage reservation information and usage history information. Hereinafter, a third operational example of the environmental control system 10 will be described. Figure 8 is a flowchart of the third operational example of the environmental control system 10.

[0059] The communication unit 31 of the control device 30 receives the use reservation information and the use history information from the reservation management system 50 (S31). The acquisition unit 34 acquires the received use reservation information and the received use history information (S32).

[0060] Based on the acquired usage reservation information, the control unit 35, when it is a predetermined time (for example, 30 minutes before) when the space 80 is reserved, identifies from the acquired usage history information the individual history information that is most similar to the content of the individual reservation information scheduled after the predetermined time (time period, day of the week, length of reservation time, user, purpose of use, person making reservation, etc.) (S33). If there are multiple pieces of most similar individual history information, the control unit 35 identifies the most recent individual history information.

[0061] Next, the control unit 35 determines the amount of conversation in the identified individual history information (S34). If the amount of conversation in the identified individual history information is high (high amount of conversation in S34), the control unit 35 performs first environmental control to calm the people located in the space 80 (S35). In other words, if communication (conversation) was heated in a similar case in the past, the control unit 35 performs first environmental control before the space 80 is used to calm the communication. As a result, the user begins using the space 80 with the first environmental control in place. As described above, the first environmental control may be performed by controlling at least one of the airflow generating device 40, the lighting device, the sound output device, and the fragrance emitting device.

[0062] On the other hand, if the amount of conversation in the identified individual history information is low (low amount of conversation in S34), the control unit 35 performs second environmental control to activate the person located in the space 80 (S36). In other words, if communication (conversation) has been calm in similar past cases, the control unit 35 performs second environmental control in advance before the space 80 is used, in order to activate communication. As a result, the user will start using the space 80 with the second environmental control in place. As described above, the second environmental control only needs to control at least one of the airflow generation device 40, the lighting device, the sound output device, and the fragrance generation device.

[0063] If the amount of conversation in the identified individual history information is appropriate (appropriate in S34), the control unit 35 does not perform environmental control. In other words, if the communication (conversation) in a similar past case was appropriate, the control unit 35 does not perform environmental control before the space 80 is used. As a result, the user will start using the space 80 without environmental control being performed.

[0064] In this way, the environmental control system 10 acquires usage history information indicating the state of the user when the space 80 was used in the past, and when there are plans to use the space 80, it controls the environment of the space 80 in advance based on the acquired usage history information.

[0065] Such an environmental control system 10 can optimize communication among users of the space 80.

[0066] [Variations] In the above embodiment, the environmental control system 10 has been described as a system capable of performing both the first environmental control and the second environmental control. However, the environmental control system 10 may be realized as a system that performs only the first environmental control of the first and second environmental controls, or as a system that performs only the second environmental control of the first and second environmental controls. Furthermore, the environmental control system 10 may be realized as a system specialized in performing pre-environmental control, as in Operation Example 3.

[0067] Furthermore, in the first operational example, the environmental control system 10 selectively executes the first environmental control targeting the entire space 80 (unspecified people) and the second environmental control targeting the entire space 80. However, the environmental control system 10 may selectively execute the first environmental control targeting a portion of the space 80 (specified people) and the second environmental control targeting the entire space 80. Furthermore, the environmental control system 10 may selectively execute the first environmental control targeting the entire space 80 and the second environmental control targeting a portion of the space 80.

[0068] Furthermore, in operation example 2, when it is determined that a specific person is angry, a first environmental control is performed targeting a part of space 80 (specific person), but operation example 2 and operation example 1 may be combined so that when it is determined that a specific person is angry, a first environmental control is performed targeting the entire space 80 (unspecified people).

[0069] [Effects, etc.] As described above, the environmental control system 10 includes an acquisition unit 34 that acquires sensing information targeted at a person located in the space 80, and a control unit 35 that performs a first environmental control to calm the person based on the acquired sensing information.

[0070] Such an environmental control system 10 can control the environment of the space 80 in accordance with the state of the person located in the space 80. Specifically, the environmental control system 10 can try to calm the person located in the space 80.

[0071] Also, for example, in the first environmental control, the entire environment of the space 80 is controlled.

[0072] Such an environmental control system 10 can attempt to calm unspecified people (all people in the space 80) located in the space 80. Specifically, the environmental control system 10 can attempt to calm discussions in meetings held in the space 80.

[0073] Also, for example, in the first environmental control, the environment around the person in the space 80 is selectively controlled.

[0074] Such an environmental control system 10 may attempt to calm only certain individuals located in the space 80 .

[0075] Furthermore, for example, the control unit 35 further performs a second environmental control for making people active based on the acquired sensing information.

[0076] Such an environmental control system 10 may attempt to encourage activity in persons located in the space 80 .

[0077] Also, for example, in the second environmental control, the entire environment of the space 80 is controlled.

[0078] Such an environmental control system 10 can attempt to invigorate unspecified people located in the space 80. Specifically, the environmental control system 10 can invigorate discussions in meetings held in the space 80.

[0079] Also, for example, in the second environmental control, the environment around the person in the space 80 is selectively controlled.

[0080] Such an environmental control system 10 may attempt to activate only certain individuals located in the space 80 .

[0081] Furthermore, for example, the acquisition unit 34 further acquires usage history information indicating the state of the user when the space 80 was previously used. When there is a plan to use the space 80, the control unit 35 controls the environment of the space 80 in advance based on the acquired usage history information.

[0082] Such an environmental control system 10 can control the environment of the space 80 before the space 80 is actually used.

[0083] Furthermore, for example, in the first environmental control, the air environment in the space 80 is controlled by causing the airflow generating device 40 provided in the space 80 to generate an airflow.

[0084] Such an environmental control system 10 may attempt to calm a person located in the space 80 by generating airflow.

[0085] Furthermore, for example, in the first environmental control, the air environment in the space 80 is controlled by causing a fragrance generator provided in the space 80 to emit a fragrance.

[0086] Such an environmental control system 10 may attempt to calm a person located in the space 80 by producing a scent.

[0087] Furthermore, for example, the control unit 35 makes a determination based on the acquired sensing information and performs a first environmental control based on the result of the determination. The first environmental control performed by the control unit 35 ends before the next determination is made.

[0088] Such an environmental control system 10 performs the first environmental control for a limited period of time, thereby making it easier for people to sense the change in the environment caused by the first environmental control as a stimulus.

[0089] The environmental control method executed by a computer such as the environmental control system 10 includes an acquisition step S13 (or S22) of acquiring sensing information targeted at a person located in the space 80, and a control step S16 (or S25) of performing a first environmental control to calm the person based on the acquired sensing information.

[0090] Such an environmental control method can control the environment of the space 80 according to the state of the person located in the space 80. Specifically, the environmental control method can try to calm the person located in the space 80.

[0091] (Other embodiments) Although the embodiments have been described above, the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments.

[0092] For example, in the above embodiment, the environmental control system is realized by multiple devices. In this case, the components (especially functional components) of the environmental control system may be distributed among the multiple devices in any manner. The environmental control system may also be realized as a single device. For example, the environmental control system may be realized as a single device corresponding to the control device.

[0093] The order of the processes described in the above embodiment is merely an example. The order of multiple processes may be changed, or multiple processes may be executed in parallel. Furthermore, a process executed by a specific processing unit may be executed by another processing unit.

[0094] In the above-described embodiments, each component may be realized by executing a software program suitable for that component, or by a program execution unit such as a CPU or processor reading and executing a software program recorded on a recording medium such as a hard disk or semiconductor memory.

[0095] Furthermore, each component may be realized by hardware. For example, each component may be a circuit (or integrated circuit). These circuits may form a single circuit as a whole, or each may be a separate circuit. Furthermore, each of these circuits may be a general-purpose circuit or a dedicated circuit.

[0096] Furthermore, the general or specific aspects of the present invention may be realized as a system, an apparatus, a method, an integrated circuit, a computer program, or a computer-readable recording medium such as a CD-ROM. Also, the present invention may be realized as any combination of a system, an apparatus, a method, an integrated circuit, a computer program, and a recording medium. For example, the present invention may be implemented as an environmental control method executed by a computer such as an environmental control system, or may be realized as a program for causing a computer to execute such an environmental control method. Also, the present invention may be realized as a computer-readable non-transitory recording medium on which such a program is recorded.

[0097] In addition, the present invention also includes forms obtained by applying various modifications to each embodiment that a person skilled in the art would think of, or forms realized by arbitrarily combining the components and functions of each embodiment within the scope that does not deviate from the spirit of the present invention. [Explanation of symbols]

[0098] 10 Environmental Control System 20 Sensors 21 Image Sensor 22 Sound Sensor 30 Control device 31 Communications Department 32 Information Processing Department 33 Storage section 34 Acquisition Department 35 Control Unit 40 Airflow Generator 41 Duct 50 Reservation Management System 80 space

Claims

1. an acquisition unit that acquires sensing information indicating a sensing result of the amount of conversation of a plurality of people located in a space; a control unit that performs a first environmental control to strengthen an airflow of an airflow generating device provided in the space when it is determined that the amount of conversation of the plurality of people indicated by the acquired sensing information exceeds a first threshold, and that performs a second environmental control to repeatedly change the strength of the airflow of the airflow generating device when it is determined that the amount of conversation of the plurality of people indicated by the acquired sensing information is less than a second threshold that is smaller than the first threshold. Environmental control system.

2. In the first environmental control, the entire environment of the space is controlled. The environmental control system of claim 1 .

3. In the second environmental control, the entire environment of the space is controlled.

3. The environmental control system according to claim 1 or 2.

4. The acquisition unit further acquires a plurality of pieces of individual history information, each of which indicates users who have used the space in the past and the amount of conversation of the users, as well as individual reservation information indicating users who are planning to use the space next; The control unit identifies individual history information that is most similar to the acquired individual reservation information from the acquired plurality of pieces of individual history information, and performs the first environmental control or the second environmental control in advance before the space is next used based on the amount of conversation indicated by the identified individual history information. The environmental control system according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

5. In the first environmental control, an aroma is further generated by an aroma generating device provided in the space, thereby controlling the air environment in the space. The environmental control system according to any one of claims 1 to 4.

6. the control unit periodically determines the amount of conversation indicated by the sensing information, The first environmental control or the second environmental control executed by the control unit is terminated before the next determination is made. The environmental control system according to any one of claims 1 to 5.

7. 1. A computer-implemented method for controlling an environment, comprising: an acquisition step of acquiring sensing information indicating a sensing result of the amount of conversation of a plurality of people located in a space; and a control step of performing a first environmental control to strengthen an airflow of an airflow generating device provided in the space when it is determined that the amount of conversation of the plurality of people indicated by the acquired sensing information exceeds a first threshold, and performing a second environmental control to repeatedly change the strength of the airflow of the airflow generating device when it is determined that the amount of conversation of the plurality of people indicated by the acquired sensing information is less than a second threshold that is smaller than the first threshold. Environmental control methods.

8. A program for causing the computer to execute the environmental control method described in claim 7.

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