Environmental control system, environmental control method, and program

Abstract

An environment control system (10) comprises: a first acquisition unit (92a) that acquires at least one piece of information from among position information and schedule information of a first user; a second acquisition unit (92b) that acquires environment information on a specific facility determined on the basis of the at least one piece of acquired information, the specific facility being located on the movement path of the first user or being located at the current position of the first user; a third acquisition unit (92c) that acquires trend information; a determination unit (92d) that determines details of control of a device for the first user on the basis of the acquired environment information and acquired trend information; and a control unit (92e) that controls a device installed in the specific facility in accordance with the determined details of control.

Description

[Technical Field]

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

[0002] Environmental control technologies are known that place devices such as air conditioners and lighting equipment in facilities such as offices, commercial facilities, lodging facilities, and schools to create an appropriate space within the facility. For example, technologies are known that optimize the control of devices such as air conditioners and lighting equipment. Also known are building management systems (BMS) that connect multiple devices placed within a facility to a network and perform appropriate control of the entire facility. As an example of such environmental control technology, Patent Document 1 discloses an operating method for an environmental control device. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Special Publication No. 2014-507021 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] The present invention provides an environmental control system and an environmental control method that can realize an environment that suits the current social climate. [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] An environmental control system according to one aspect of the present invention includes a first acquisition unit that acquires at least one of location information and schedule information of a first user; a second acquisition unit that acquires environmental information for a target facility that is determined based on the acquired at least one of the information, the target facility being a facility located on the first user's travel route or a facility where the first user is currently located; a third acquisition unit that acquires trend information that is determined based on at least one of search history information of an unspecified number of users and SNS (Social Networking Service) usage information of an unspecified number of users; a determination unit that determines control content for devices for the first user based on the acquired environmental information and the acquired trend information; and a control unit that controls devices installed in the target facility in accordance with the determined control content.

[0006] An environmental control method according to one aspect of the present invention includes a first acquisition step of acquiring at least one of location information and schedule information of a first user; a second acquisition step of acquiring environmental information for a target facility determined based on the acquired at least one of the information, the target facility being a facility located on the first user's travel route or a facility where the first user is currently located; a third acquisition step of acquiring trend information determined based on at least one of search history information of an unspecified number of users and SNS usage information of the unspecified number of users; a determination step of determining control content for devices for the first user based on the acquired environmental information and the acquired trend information; and a control step of controlling devices installed in the target facility in accordance with the determined control content. [Effects of the Invention]

[0007] The environmental control system and the environmental control method according to one aspect of the present invention can realize an environment that is in line with the current social climate. [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 an overview of an event-driven architecture. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is a flowchart of a specific example of the operation of the environmental control system according to the embodiment. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a flowchart of the billing process of the environmental control system according to the embodiment. [Figure 5] Figure 5 is a flowchart of information processing using a machine learning model. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0009] Hereinafter, embodiments will be described 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 positions, connection forms, steps, and step sequences 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 duplicated explanations may be omitted or simplified.

[0011] (Embodiment) [composition] An environmental control system according to an embodiment will now be described. Fig. 1 is a block diagram showing the functional configuration of an environmental control system according to an embodiment.

[0012] The environmental control system 10 is a system that provides a comfortable environment to users of a facility called a spatial package 20. Hereinafter, the user receiving the environment will also be referred to as a first user. The spatial package 20 refers to the entire facility, but may also refer to a portion of the space within the facility. In this case, the spatial package 20 may include a meeting area package for holding meetings and conferences, an office area package for performing daily tasks, a rest area package for promoting fatigue recovery, and a concentration area package for individual tasks to be performed intensively. Note that while FIG. 1 illustrates only one spatial package 20, the environmental control system 10 may also target multiple spatial packages 20.

[0013] Specifically, the environmental control system 10 includes a sensor group 30, a device group 40, a controller 50, a mobile terminal 60, a wearable sensor 70, an information providing server group 80, and a server device 90. The controller 50, the mobile terminal 60, the wearable sensor 70, the information providing server group 80, and the server device 90 can communicate with each other via a wide area communication network 100 such as the Internet.

[0014] The sensor group 30 is composed of multiple sensors arranged in the spatial package 20, and senses the environment within the spatial package 20 or a person located within the spatial package 20. The sensor group 30 includes an air quality sensor 30a, a brightness sensor 30b, an LPS (Local Positioning System) 30c, a biometric sensor 30d, and a camera 30e. Although only one of each sensor is shown in FIG. 1, the sensor group 30 may include two or more of each sensor.

[0015] The air quality sensor 30a is a sensor that senses air quality data within the spatial package 20. Here, air quality includes temperature, humidity, carbon dioxide concentration, particulate concentration, and hypochlorous acid concentration. In other words, the air quality sensor 30a includes a temperature sensor, humidity sensor, carbon dioxide concentration sensor, particulate concentration sensor, hypochlorous acid concentration sensor, air ion counter, differential mobility meter, and electron spin resonance device.

[0016] The brightness sensor 30b senses brightness data (specifically, illuminance, etc.) within the spatial package 20. The brightness sensor 30b is realized by, for example, a photoelectric conversion element such as a photodiode.

[0017] LPS30c is a system that measures the current position of a transmitter carried by a first user based on the signal reception strength in wireless communication between a plurality of wireless communication devices distributed within spatial package 20 and the transmitter. The transmitter may be a dedicated device for LPS30c, or a general-purpose terminal such as a mobile terminal 60 used by the first user may be used as the transmitter. If the transmitter is attached to a fixture or facility, LPS30c can also measure the position of the fixture or facility.

[0018] The biosensor 30d senses the vital data of the first user in a non-contact manner, and includes a body temperature sensor, a pulse wave sensor, a respiration sensor, and a body movement sensor.

[0019] In other words, the camera 30e is an image sensor that captures an image (still image or video) inside the spatial package 20 and outputs the video data of the captured image.

[0020] The device group 40 is made up of multiple devices arranged in the spatial package 20 and is controlled by a controller 50. The device group 40 includes lighting devices 40a, ventilation devices 40b, air conditioning devices 40c, sterilization devices 40d, video devices 40e, and audio devices 40f. While only one of each device is shown in FIG. 1, the device group 40 may include two or more of each device. Although not shown, the device group 40 may also include office automation equipment such as a copier, a fax machine, or a multifunction device with both a copier and fax function.

[0021] The lighting device 40a illuminates the interior (indoors) of the spatial package 20. The lighting device 40a is, for example, a base light, but may also be a ceiling light, a down light, a pendant light, a spotlight, or a bracket light. The lighting device 40a may also be a device that illuminates the exterior (outdoors) of the spatial package 20.

[0022] The ventilation equipment 40b is equipment that ventilates the space inside the spatial package 20. The ventilation equipment 40b is, for example, a total heat exchanger (ERV: Energy Recovery Ventilator), but may also be a ventilation equipment that does not involve heat exchange, such as a ventilation fan.

[0023] The air conditioning equipment 40c is an air conditioning equipment that adjusts the temperature of the space inside the spatial package 20. The air conditioning equipment 40c is an air conditioning equipment that can adjust the temperature of the air blown out from the air conditioning equipment 40c by having a heat exchanger (not shown) or the like.

[0024] The sterilization device 40d is a device that sterilizes the air in the space within the spatial package 20. The sterilization device 40d sterilizes the air in the space within the spatial package 20, for example, by releasing a mist of hypochlorous acid water into the space. The strength of sterilization is adjusted, for example, by the amount (concentration) of the mist of hypochlorous acid water released into the space.

[0025] The sterilization device 40d may sterilize the air in the space by collecting the air in the space, sterilizing the collected air with hypochlorous acid water, and discharging the collected air into the space. The sterilization device 40d may also be a device that sterilizes the air in the space by a means other than hypochlorous acid water, such as ozone. Sterilization means reducing the effectiveness of infectious substances such as viruses or bacteria, for example, by reducing the number of infectious substances.

[0026] The sterilization device 40d may also sterilize the air in the space by discharging charged atomized water particles into the space. In this case, the sterilization device 40d generates nanometer-sized charged atomized water particles containing hydroxyl radicals by supplying water to a discharge electrode and electrostatically atomizing the water. The sterilization device 40d may also sterilize the air in the space by discharging positive and negative air ions into the space. In this case, the sterilization device 40d discharges ions into the air by corona discharge or plasma discharge, and the ions combine with components in the air to generate active species.

[0027] The video device 40e presents an image to the first user in the spatial package 20. The video device 40e is a display device realized by a display panel such as a liquid crystal panel or an organic EL panel, but may also be a projector that projects an image.

[0028] The audio device 40f presents sound to the first user inside the spatial package 20. The audio device 40f is, for example, a speaker device fixedly disposed inside the spatial package 20, but may also be a smart speaker or the like.

[0029] The controller 50 is a local controller that can communicate with the sensor group 30 and the device group 40 via a local communication network. The controller 50 acquires sensing data obtained by sensing by the sensor group 30 and device data indicating the operating status of the device group 40 in real time via the local communication network. The controller 50 also transmits the acquired sensing data and device data to the server device 90 in real time. Here, real time does not mean in the strict sense, but means that the data is transmitted substantially in real time.

[0030] Furthermore, the controller 50 controls (actuates) the device group 40 based on, for example, a control command obtained from the server device 90. One controller 50 is provided in the spatial package 20, but multiple controllers 50 may be provided. Furthermore, if the server device 90 can directly communicate with the sensor group 30 and the device group 40, the controller 50 may be omitted.

[0031] The mobile terminal 60 is a portable information terminal used by the first user. The mobile terminal 60 is, for example, a smartphone, a tablet terminal, or a notebook personal computer. The mobile terminal 60 is equipped with a positioning module compatible with GPS or the quasi-zenith satellite system, and can transmit current location information indicating the current location of the mobile terminal 60 to the server device 90. The mobile terminal 60 also stores image information of images (photographs) taken by the first user by operating the mobile terminal 60.

[0032] The wearable sensor 70 is a biosensor worn by the first user and senses the first user's vital data. The wearable sensor 70 is worn on the first user's head, arm, leg, or the like. The wearable sensor 70 is, for example, a heart rate sensor, a body temperature sensor, an electroencephalogram sensor, a sweat sensor, a respiration sensor, a body movement sensor, a blood pressure sensor, or a blood flow sensor.

[0033] The information providing server group 80 provides information to the server device 90. The information providing server group 80 includes a weather information providing server 80a, a traffic and operation information providing server 80b, a schedule information providing server 80c, a POS (Point Of Sales) information providing server 80d, an economic information providing server 80e, a search information providing server 80f, an SNS (Social Networking Service) information providing server 80g, etc. Note that the weather information providing server 80a, the traffic and operation information providing server 80b, the schedule information providing server 80c, the POS information providing server 80d, the economic information providing server 80e, the search information providing server 80f, and the SNS information providing server 80g are provided, for example, by different businesses.

[0034] The weather information providing server 80a is a server that manages weather information such as information indicating the current weather, information indicating the current weather advisory or weather warning, information indicating the weather for the current day or the next day and thereafter (weather forecast information), pollen information, etc. The weather information providing server 80a provides the weather information to the server device 90.

[0035] The traffic and operation information providing server 80b is a server that manages traffic information such as traffic congestion information, road closure information, and accident information, as well as operation information such as delays, suspensions, and cancellations of JR, private railways, Shinkansen lines, and flights. The traffic and operation information providing server 80b provides traffic information and operation information to the server device 90.

[0036] The schedule information providing server 80c manages the schedule information of the first user (i.e., plan information indicating how the first user spends a day). The schedule information providing server 80c is, for example, a server corresponding to a schedule management application (e.g., Office365 (registered trademark)) used by the first user via an information terminal such as the mobile terminal 60. The schedule information providing server 80c provides the schedule information to the server device 90.

[0037] The POS information providing server 80d is a server that manages information indicating the sales status (inventory, sales amount, etc.) of goods of businesses (e.g., retail businesses) that use the spatial package 20. In other words, this information is business data related to the business results of the businesses. The POS information providing server 80d provides the server device 90 with information indicating the sales status of goods.

[0038] The economic information providing server 80e is a server that manages economic information such as information on stock prices around the world and information on currency rates, etc. The economic information providing server 80e provides the economic information to the server device 90.

[0039] The search information providing server 80f is a server that accumulates the Internet search histories of an unspecified number of users, including the first user, as search history information. The search information providing server 80f provides the search history information of the first user to the server device 90. The search information providing server 80f also provides the server device 90 with top search keyword information determined from the search history information of the unspecified number of users. The top search keyword information is, for example, information indicating the most frequently used keywords (or a predetermined number of keywords from the top) in searches during a recent specified period (such as one day or one week).

[0040] The SNS information providing server 80g is a server that accumulates SNS usage information (information on comments posted by each user, information on photos posted by each user, etc.) of an unspecified number of users including the first user. The SNS information providing server 80g provides frequently used keyword information to the server device 90. The frequently used keyword information is, for example, information indicating the most frequently posted keywords (or a predetermined number of keywords from the top) in the most recent predetermined period (such as one day or one week).

[0041] The server device 90 is a cloud server that controls at least a portion of the device group 40 based on at least a portion of the sensing data obtained from the sensor group 30, the information obtained from the information providing server group 80, and the vital data obtained from the wearable sensor 70. The server device 90 serves as a control center that manages one or more spatial packages 20. The server device 90 includes a communication unit 91, an information processing unit 92, and a memory unit 93.

[0042] The communication unit 91 is a communication circuit that enables the server device 90 to communicate with other devices through the wide area communication network 100. The communication performed by the communication unit 91 may be wireless communication or wired communication. There are no particular limitations on the communication standard of the communication performed by the communication unit 91.

[0043] The information processing unit 92 performs information processing for controlling the device group 40. Specifically, the information processing unit 92 is realized by a microcomputer or a processor. The information processing unit 92 has, as functional components, a first acquisition unit 92a, a second acquisition unit 92b, a third acquisition unit 92c, a determination unit 92d, a control unit 92e, and a billing processing unit 92f. The functions of the first acquisition unit 92a, the second acquisition unit 92b, the third acquisition unit 92c, the determination unit 92d, the control unit 92e, and the billing processing unit 92f are realized, for example, by the microcomputer or processor constituting the information processing unit 92 executing a computer program stored in the storage unit 93. The functions of the first acquisition unit 92a, the second acquisition unit 92b, the third acquisition unit 92c, the determination unit 92d, the control unit 92e, and the billing processing unit 92f will be described in detail below.

[0044] The storage unit 93 is a storage device that stores various information necessary for the information processing, the computer programs, etc. The storage unit 93 is realized by, for example, an HDD (Hard Disk Drive), but may also be realized by a semiconductor memory.

[0045] [Operation Overview] Next, an overview of the operation of the environmental control system 10 will be described. The sensor group 30 and the information providing server group 80 arranged in the space package 20 function as event creators. Data obtained by sensing by the sensor group 30 and information provided by the information providing server group 80 are aggregated in a server device 90 via a protocol such as MQTT (Message Queuing Telemetry Transport) or REST (Representational State Transfer), and the aggregated information is treated as asynchronous events. The server device 90 analyzes the events (information), and after analyzing each event, one or more event consumers connect it to an actuate (action) of the space package 20, thereby performing real-time event processing analysis.

[0046] Event creators are connected and disconnected as needed in the environmental control system 10. For this reason, the environmental control system 10 does not operate unchanged according to the original specifications, but is expanded and improved in response to changes in the macro environment, changes in the people who install the space package 20, and changes in the organization.

[0047] The space package 20 is, for example, an office building or a commercial facility. When a user visits the space package 20, the devices arranged in the space package 20 are controlled based on the route the user took to arrive at the space package 20, how the user moved around the space package 20, information indicating the user's preferences (search history information, etc.), the user's vital data, the user's mental data, weather information, traffic information, etc.

[0048] In this way, the environmental control system 10 does not perform routine processing, but rather treats dynamically changing and continuously generated diverse data and information groups as events, analyzes a series of events, and performs adaptive processing in real time.

[0049] Each application group, such as facility and equipment usage analysis, flow line and vital sign analysis, performs the next process without waiting for a response from the application that sent the message. Each application group is independent, but they are loosely coupled and work together. The functions required for each event are realized by the corresponding application group performing the processing, resulting in a series of event processing.

[0050] As a platform for analyzing and processing events in event-driven event consumers, an architecture can be considered in which events generated by an event creator are divided into three steps: data and information acquisition, scene analysis, and action and collaboration. Figure 2 shows an overview of an event-driven architecture (EDA).

[0051] Of these, the third step, action and collaboration, is realized by the server device 90 linking with external applications such as AI, big data, and existing systems, but human judgment may also be added. For example, by incorporating the judgment of a human decision-maker into a situation-recognizing application, it is possible to have machines handle relatively simple and massive data processing, while humans handle advanced inference.

[0052] [Example of operation] Next, a description will be given of a specific example of the operation of the environmental control system 10. FIG.

[0053] In the specific example of operation, the server device 90 is a server used by business operator A, and the sensors 30 and devices 40 arranged in the space package 20 are provided by business operator A. Business operator B's offices and commercial facilities are located within the space package 20, and the user is an employee of business operator B who commutes from his or her home to the office or other location within the space package 20. Note that "provided by business operator A" includes information provided by businesses within a mutually cooperative business ecosystem. Furthermore, the collection of data and information in the specific example of operation is performed based on the permission of the first user. For example, the first user is registered in the environmental control system 10 as an employee of business operator B, and the scope of the permission is determined, for example, in accordance with business operator B's company regulations, taking into account the first user's privacy.

[0054] When the first user arrives at a spatial package 20 (such as an office or commercial facility), the LPS 30c detects the user's mobile terminal 60 (S11). The first acquisition unit 92a of the server device 90 acquires information indicating that the first user has been detected, output by the LPS 30c, as the first user's location information (S12). Upon acquiring this information, the determination unit 92d determines the spatial package 20 in which the first user is currently located as the target spatial package 20 (S13).

[0055] It is not essential that the detection of the first user is performed by the LPS 30c, and for example, the arrival of the first user at the spatial package 20 may be detected by an access control system (not shown) provided in the spatial package 20. In other words, information output from the access control system may be used as the location information of the first user. Also, current location information of the mobile terminal 60 measured by the mobile terminal 60 may be used as the location information of the first user.

[0056] Next, the first acquisition unit 92a acquires first user information related to the first user (S14). The first user information is information related to a person known as the first user, and includes vital data of the first user, emotional data of the first user, search history information of the first user, image information of images (photographs) stored in the mobile terminal 60 of the first user, and playback history information of songs played by the mobile terminal 60. The search history information, image information, and playback history information are examples of preference information indicating the user's preferences. The search history information may be information indicating one or more search keywords that have been used most recently, or may be information indicating one or more search keywords that have been used frequently in a recent predetermined period.

[0057] For example, the controller 50 acquires vital data sensed by the biosensor 30d from the biosensor 30d located near the first user detected by the LPS 30c, and transmits the vital data to the server device 90. This allows the first acquisition unit 92a to acquire the vital data of the first user via the communication unit 91. The first acquisition unit 92a may acquire the vital data of the first user from the wearable sensor 70. The vital data is an example of information indicating the mental and physical state of the first user. Note that the information indicating the mental and physical state of the first user includes information indicating the state of the first user's five senses.

[0058] The controller 50 also transmits video data of the video captured by the camera 30e to the server device 90. The second acquisition unit 92b can estimate the emotion of the first user by performing image processing on the facial image of the first user included in the video data. In other words, the first acquisition unit 92a can acquire emotion data of the first user. Emotion data is an example of information indicating the mental and physical state of a user. Any existing method may be used to estimate emotion from a facial image.

[0059] Furthermore, the search information providing server 80f provides the search history information of the first user to the server device 90. This allows the first acquisition unit 92a to acquire the search history information of the first user via the communication unit 91.

[0060] Furthermore, the mobile terminal 60 transmits image information of the image (photograph) stored in the mobile terminal 60 of the first user to the server device 90. This allows the first acquisition unit 92a to acquire the image information of the first user via the communication unit 91.

[0061] Next, the second acquisition unit 92b acquires environmental information (S15). The environmental information acquired by the second acquisition unit 92b is, for example, environmental data around the first user and device data of the device group 40 located near the first user. Note that it is sufficient for the second acquisition unit 92b to acquire at least one of these data.

[0062] For example, the controller 50 can acquire environmental data (air quality data and brightness data) sensed by the air quality sensor 30a and brightness sensor 30b located near the first user detected by the LPS 30c, and transmit the data to the server device 90. This allows the second acquisition unit 92b to acquire the environmental data via the communication unit 91.

[0063] The environmental information may include information indicating the degree of congestion in the target spatial package 20. For example, the LPS 30c can detect the number of people and their positions in the spatial package 20, and the controller 50 can transmit the detection result of the LPS 30c to the server device 90 as information indicating the degree of congestion. This allows the second acquisition unit 92b to acquire the information indicating the degree of congestion via the communication unit 91.

[0064] Furthermore, the controller 50 can acquire device data (such as the brightness settings of the lighting devices 40a, the settings of the ventilation devices 40b, and the temperature settings of the air conditioning devices 40c) of the device group 40 located near the first user, and transmit the data to the server device 90. This allows the second acquisition unit 92b to acquire the device data of the device group 40 located near the first user via the communication unit 91.

[0065] Next, the third acquisition unit 92c acquires trend information (S16). Trend information is real-time information that indicates the interests of the general public, in other words, the latest macro-environment information. The trend information acquired by the third acquisition unit 92c is at least one of top search keyword information determined based on search history information of an unspecified number of users and frequently used keyword information determined based on SNS usage information of an unspecified number of users.

[0066] For example, the search information providing server 80f can transmit keyword information that is highly searched for in the search system to the server device 90, and the SNS information providing server 80g can transmit keyword information that is frequently used in the SNS to the server device 90. This allows the third acquisition unit 92c to acquire the keyword information that is highly searched for and the keyword information that is frequently used via the communication unit 91.

[0067] When acquiring the real-time trend information described above, controllable information is selected by referring to a device keyword table that corresponds to the control parameters of the device group 40 and is defined for each device included in the device group 40. The device keyword table is stored in, for example, the storage unit 93. The control parameters specifically include the brightness of the lighting device 40a, the color temperature of the lighting device 40a, the ventilation volume of the ventilation device 40b, the set temperature of the air conditioning device 40c, the air volume of the air conditioning device 40c, and the sterilization strength of the sterilization device 40d.

[0068] The device keyword table stores keywords related to the five senses that correspond to the control parameters, such as bright, dark, gorgeous, and sharp for the lighting device 40a, odors such as smell and stench, infectious disease-related words such as virus, cold, influenza, corona, mask, cluster, and number of infected people for the ventilation device 40b and the sterilization device 40d, and hot, cold, high humidity, low humidity, sticky, rainy season, and dry for the air conditioning device 40c. Then, based on the acquired top search keyword information and frequently used keyword information, the device keyword table is referenced to select information for outputting the control parameters of the device group 40.

[0069] In addition, when acquiring real-time trend information centered on control of the video device 40e and the audio device 40f, information that matches the interests and preferences of the first user may be extracted. In this case, as an example, the first user information acquired by the first acquisition unit 92a is compared with the above-mentioned top search keyword information and frequently used keyword information by content-based filtering to extract similar information.

[0070] Specifically, in step S12, the location of the first user, such as prefecture, city, town, village, building, or commercial facility, is detected from the location information of the first user. Furthermore, in step S14, the information in which the first user is interested is detected from the preference information mentioned above. To determine the information in which the first user is interested, the first user's search history information is used to estimate the fields and content in which the first user is interested, such as region, lifestyle, society, politics and economy, IT and science, entertainment, and sports, based on the information obtained in order of frequency from the search history.

[0071] Furthermore, labels of what is depicted in the image are obtained from frequently appearing songs in the song playback history information and, to the extent permitted by the first user, from images (photographs) stored in the mobile terminal 60 through an image recognition API (Application Programming Interface) or the like, and the first user's preferences are estimated from the frequently appearing labels obtained from the subjects. Note that the preference information in the search history information, image information, and playback history information may also be recorded together with environmental information obtained by the second acquisition unit 92b in step S15, including information on search, shooting, playback, and changes over time as necessary.

[0072] Next, in step S16, similar information is extracted from the location information and preference information acquired as described above, with reference to the similarly acquired top search results and frequently used keyword information. Here, in extracting similar information, content-based filtering as described above is performed, and similar information is extracted from the keyword information, tag information assigned to that information, and feature words acquired by natural language processing.

[0073] The acquisition of first user information in step S14, the acquisition of environmental information in step S15, and the acquisition of trend information in step S16 correspond to the acquisition of data and information in an event-driven architecture.

[0074] Next, the determination unit 92d determines the control content of the group of devices 40 for the first user based on the search history information acquired by the first acquisition unit 92a, the environmental information acquired by the second acquisition unit 92b, and the trend information acquired by the third acquisition unit 92c (S17).

[0075] For example, if trends of "cold" and "dark" are extracted for winter, information including the trends of "cold" and "dark" is extracted from the weather information providing server 80a, the search information providing server 80f, and the SNS information providing server 80g. From the extracted information, information such as the prefecture, city, town, or village where the first user is located is further selected, and information including the location of "Tokyo," where the first user is located, is selected.

[0076] The decision unit 92d determines that the Tokyo area is cold and dark, and so for example, increases the brightness of the lighting device 40a, sets the color temperature to incandescent color or the like, and increases the set temperature of the air conditioning device 40c, and selects bright scenery, images with a melody, and music that the first user prefers for the video device 40e and the audio device 40f in accordance with the preference information, thereby determining the control content of the space package 20.

[0077] Furthermore, if trends of "infection" and "increase" are extracted in the area where the first user is located, information including the trends of "infection" and "increase" is extracted from the search information providing server 80f and the SNS information providing server 80g. The determining unit 92d determines the situation as a high infection situation by, for example, increasing the operation levels (ventilation volume, amount (concentration) of mist, ions, and charged fine particle water) of the ventilation device 40b and the sterilization device 40d above normal. Furthermore, for the video device 40e and the audio device 40f, images and music with scenery, music melody, and music that are relaxing (provide a sense of security) and that the first user prefers are selected in accordance with the preference information, and the control content of the space package 20 is determined.

[0078] The determination by the determination unit 92d uses, for example, a machine learning model. The determination of the control content by the determination unit 92d corresponds to the analysis of a scene in an event-driven architecture.

[0079] This machine learning model is constructed using learning data generated by, for example, adding evaluation information (reward) to information (first user information, environmental information, and trend information) previously collected by the environmental control system 10, but it may also be constructed by a system separate from the environmental control system 10. When the information acquired in steps S14 to S16 is input, this machine learning model outputs the above-mentioned control parameters of the device group 40 that the first user would find comfortable in the situation indicated by the input information.

[0080] The control unit 92e controls the device group 40 installed in the target spatial package 20 in accordance with the determined control content (S18). The control of the device group 40 by the control unit 92e corresponds to action and collaboration in an event-driven architecture.

[0081] The control unit 92e, for example, sends a control command to the controller 50 via the communication unit 91 to set the control parameters output from the determination unit 92d for the lighting devices 40a, the ventilation devices 40b, the air conditioning devices 40c, and the sterilization devices 40d arranged in the area where the first user's seat is located, and causes the devices to operate. This creates an environment that is estimated to be comfortable for the first user. Note that at this time, the first user has not yet arrived at the area where the first user's seat is located, and the control of the devices 40 is performed in advance.

[0082] Next, the determination unit 92d acquires evaluation information indicating the first user's evaluation of the executed control (S19). The evaluation information may be based on an evaluation value input by the first user to the mobile terminal 60 or the like, or may be based on sensing data sensed by the sensor group 30 or the wearable sensor 70. Note that the evaluation information may be acquired during control of the device group 40, rather than after control of the device group 40.

[0083] Next, the determination unit 92d generates learning data by adding the evaluation information acquired in step S19 to the first user information acquired in step S14, the environmental information acquired in step S15, the trend information acquired in step S16, and the control content (control parameters of the device group 40) decided in step S17, and updates the machine learning model using the generated learning data. That is, the determination unit 92d updates the method for deciding the control content (S20).

[0084] As described above, the environmental control system 10 repeatedly acquires and analyzes data and controls the group of devices 40 installed in the area the first user will visit. In other words, the environmental control system 10 proactively controls the group of devices 40 in a predictive or responsive manner, adapting to moment-to-moment changes in the first user's situation. This allows the group of devices 40 to be controlled optimally in response to changes in the situation (in the above example, adjusting the indoor environment, such as room temperature). When the first user arrives at each area, an environment that the first user finds comfortable is already realized. From the first user's perspective, the area they are visiting can be considered to already be an environment suitable for the first user (an environment presumed to be suitable for the first user). Furthermore, for business operator B, who uses the space package 20 as an office, the first user can work in a comfortable environment, which can be expected to improve business performance. In other words, the space package 20 can be considered to already be an environment suitable for business operator B.

[0085] In the above step S13, the spatial package 20 where the first user is currently located is set as the target spatial package 20, but the spatial package 20 located on the first user's travel route (i.e., the spatial package 20 that the first user will visit next) may also be set as the target spatial package 20. The spatial package 20 located on the first user's travel route can be identified by the first user's location information (such as current location information measured by the mobile terminal 60) or schedule information.

[0086] Furthermore, the environmental control system 10 may charge the first user or the business operator B for controlling the device group 40 (that is, for providing the environment to the first user). Figure 4 is a flowchart of the charging process.

[0087] First, the accounting processing unit 92f acquires the evaluation information of the first user (S21). For example, when the user inputs an evaluation value to the mobile terminal 60, the accounting processing unit 92f acquires the input evaluation value as the evaluation information of the first user using the communication unit 91.

[0088] The charging processing unit 92f charges the first user based on the acquired evaluation information of the first user (S22). Specifically, the charging processing unit 92f stores in the storage unit 93 charging information that associates the identification information of the first user with the amount charged to the first user. The charging processing unit 92f charges a predetermined service fee, and may, for example, provide a discount to the first user who provides a detailed response regarding the poorly rated portion, or charge the first user a premium amount if the acquired evaluation information indicates a high (good) rating. In addition, an optional charge based on evaluation of control performance, so-called tipping, may be performed.

[0089] The evaluation information may be based on vital data sensed by the biosensor 30d or the wearable sensor 70. For example, heart rate data among the vital data may be used as an index of the degree of relaxation. When the first user desires a relaxing environment, if the degree of relaxation is improved by control of the device group 40 of the environmental control system 10, a billing process may be performed according to the degree of improvement.

[0090] Furthermore, after the above-described operations are performed daily, at a predetermined timing, such as the end of a fiscal year, the billing processing unit 92f uses the communication unit 91 to acquire the evaluation value entered by the representative of operator B into an information terminal (not shown) as evaluation information for operator B (S23).

[0091] The billing processing unit 92f charges business operator B based on the acquired evaluation information of business operator B (S24). Specifically, the billing processing unit 92f stores, in the storage unit 93, billing information that associates identification information of business operator B with the amount to be charged to business operator B. The billing processing unit 92f charges a predetermined service fee, and, for example, if the productivity of employees belonging to business operator B improves as a result of control of the space package 20, it infers that business operator B has a high (good) evaluation and charges business operator B a premium amount. The improvement in productivity may take into consideration at least one of the following: employee concentration, comfort, happiness, safety such as infection control measures, interaction between employees and with outside parties, and recovery of vital signs, mental health, etc.

[0092] Furthermore, if the sales (number of sales or sales amount) of the products and services within the spatial package 20 increase as a result of the control of the spatial package 20, it may be inferred that the evaluation of the business operator B is high (good), and a premium amount may be charged to the business operator B.

[0093] In this way, the environmental control system 10 may charge the first user and the business operator B for providing the environment. It is not necessary to charge both the first user and the business operator B, but it is sufficient to charge at least one of the first user and the business operator B. Furthermore, the premium amount may be higher the higher the rating, and the charging may be a fixed fee based on a contract (for example, a certain amount per year) rather than a variable fee based on rating information.

[0094] Furthermore, the environmental control system 10 may charge the first user and the business operator B for controlling the group of devices 40 arranged in the spatial package 20, regardless of the evaluation of the first user or the business operator B. In this case, the charge for the control of the group of devices 40 may be a flat-rate system based on a contract, or may be charged each time actuation of the group of devices 40 (sensing of the first user and the associated control) is performed. For example, the charge may be based on at least one of the number of times the group of devices 40 is controlled and the control time.

[0095] [Variation 1] The determination of the control content in step S17 of the specific example of the above operation may be performed based on collaborative filtering. In this case, control history information of the group of devices 40 for a plurality of second users other than the first user is stored in advance in the storage unit 93. The control history information associates control parameters of the group of devices 40 (how the group of devices 40 was controlled), evaluation information on the control of the group of devices 40, and second user information (preference information of the second user) about the second user who received an environment provided by the control of the group of devices 40. Specifically, the second user information includes search history information, image information, and playback history information.

[0096] The determination unit 92d, for example, refers to the control history information to determine one or more pieces of second user information that have a relatively high similarity (i.e., a similarity equal to or greater than a predetermined value) with the first user information (preference information of the first user) acquired in step S14. The determination unit 92d can determine, as the control content for the first user, the control parameter with the highest evaluation in the evaluation information among the control parameters linked to the one or more pieces of second user information that have been determined.

[0097] The method described above is collaborative filtering based on a so-called memory-based method, but collaborative filtering based on a memory-based method may be either a user-based method that focuses on the similarities between users or an item-based method that focuses on the similarities between items.

[0098] In addition to collaborative filtering based on the memory-based method, collaborative filtering based on a model-based method that models user preferences may also be employed. In this case, specific models that are used include cluster models created for each group of users with similar preferences, function models that calculate item evaluation values ​​from users' thought patterns, probability models, and sequential recommendation models.

[0099] When collaborative filtering is used, the process of step S15 (obtaining environmental information) and the process of step S16 (obtaining trend information) are not essential and may be omitted.

[0100] [Variation 2] In the specific example of operation, the operation of the environmental control system 10 in a situation where the first user heads to an office or commercial facility (goes to work) has been described, but the environmental control system 10 can also perform the following operations in other situations.

[0101] For example, consider a scenario in which the first user arrives at a satellite office other than the office designated as the target spatial package 20 in the specific example of the operation. In this case, the server device 90 can determine that the first user will arrive at the satellite office by obtaining schedule information from the schedule information providing server 80c. In this case, the server device 90 determines the satellite office as the target spatial package. Based on the first user's request, if the first user is to perform a task that is expected to demonstrate creativity in the satellite office, the server device 90 operates the ventilation device 40b installed in the conference room of the satellite office to ventilate the conference room and reduce the carbon dioxide concentration in the conference room. The server device 90 also projects an image onto the wall of the conference room using the video device 40e and operates the air conditioning device 40c installed in the conference room to simulate a natural environment. In other words, the server device 90 controls the spatial package 20 in advance to stimulate conversations between employees in the conference room.

[0102] Furthermore, when the first user finishes work at the satellite office and heads home, the server device 90 can predict that an event will be held near the satellite office and that public transportation will be congested, based on information provided by an event information management server (not shown; for example, a server that provides a concert ticket sales site). In this case, the server device 90 urges the first user to leave the satellite office early via the mobile terminal 60 or the like.

[0103] Furthermore, based on the information provided by the weather information providing server 80a, the server device 90 can predict that the weather will worsen when the first user returns home. In this case, the server device 90 also urges the first user to leave the satellite office early via the mobile terminal 60 or the like. Furthermore, if it is predicted that it will rain and the first user will need to take shelter from the rain, the server device 90 issues an online coupon to the mobile terminal 60 that can be used at a commercial facility (such as a cafe) on the route from the satellite office to the first user's home. This commercial facility is also one of the space packages 20 belonging to the environmental control system 10. In other words, the server device 90 can control the devices 40 installed in the commercial facility.

[0104] The server device 90, anticipating that the first user will stop by the commercial facility, creates an environment in the commercial facility that the first user will find comfortable. For example, the server device 90 lowers the set temperature of the air conditioning equipment 40c and increases the airflow to prevent high humidity and discomfort. The server device 90 also causes the video equipment 40e installed in the commercial facility to output an image of tree shade and the audio equipment 40f installed in the commercial facility to play music that is estimated to be the first user's favorite. The server device 90 may also subtly suggest to employees (store clerks) working at the commercial facility, via an information terminal installed in the commercial facility, that they suggest to the first user products or services that are eligible for online coupons.

[0105] The server device 90 charges the first user for issuing the online coupon and controlling the device group 40. Furthermore, for the business operator C who has a store in the commercial facility, this means that the first user has been attracted to the business operator C. If the business operator C is successful in attracting the first user to the commercial facility, the business operator C is charged a usage fee for the environmental control system 10 (basic usage fee and success fee, etc.). At this time, the determination of whether or not to charge a success fee (determination of whether or not the first user has visited the commercial facility) may be made based on sensing by the sensor group 30, or may be made based on a feedback response from the first user (for example, information input to the mobile terminal 60).

[0106] Here, collaborative filtering or the like is used to determine what kind of online coupon to issue and how to control the device group 40. What kind of online coupon to issue and how to control the device group 40 may be determined in cooperation with another system (for example, an online coupon recommendation system).

[0107] In the specific example of operation, it has been explained that the first user's permission has been obtained for the acquisition of information. However, when the first user leaves the space package 20 related to business operator B (for example, when the first user is in the commercial facility), the acquisition of information may be changed to a range personally set by the first user. For example, the location information, search history information, music playback history information, and image information of the mobile terminal 60 are private information of the first user and have no direct relationship to business. Therefore, acquisition may not be permitted when the first user is located in the space package 20 related to business operator B.

[0108] [Information processing using machine learning models] Next, the information processing using the machine learning model explained in the specific example of operation will be explained in more detail. Figure 5 is a flowchart of the information processing using the machine learning model.

[0109] The first acquisition unit 92a, the second acquisition unit 92b, and the third acquisition unit 92c acquire the above-mentioned information as input information (S51), and the determination unit 92d performs at least one of failure / life analysis, facility / equipment usage analysis, and traffic flow / vital analysis from the input information in accordance with the control content determination rules, and determines control content that is in line with at least one of the preferences, comfort, concentration, and efficiency of the first user, such as a customer (S52).

[0110] The control content determination rule is expressed, for example, by an action value function that determines the value of the control content, and the determiner 92d determines, using the action value function, the control content that is estimated to have the highest reward from the input information as the control content for the input information. The reward here can be rephrased as, for example, suitability to the preferences of the first user, improvement in the comfort of the first user, improvement in the first user's concentration, efficient use of the facility, efficient use of the group of devices 40, etc.

[0111] After step S52, the control unit 92e executes control (actuation, action) of the device group 40 arranged in the spatial package 20 based on the determined control content (S53), and the determination unit 92d acquires evaluation information indicating the first user's evaluation of the executed control (S54). The evaluation information here has substantially the same meaning as the evaluation information described in the billing process above. As described above, the evaluation information may be based on an evaluation value input to the mobile terminal 60 or the like, or may be based on sensing data sensed by the sensor group 30 or the wearable sensor 70. Note that the evaluation information may be acquired during control of the device group 40, rather than after control of the device group 40.

[0112] Next, the determination unit 92d calculates a reward based on the evaluation information acquired in step S54 (S55). The determination unit 92d also updates the control content determination rule using the calculated reward (S56). The determination unit 92d learns a control content adapted to the first user (i.e., a control content that will provide the greatest reward), for example, by reinforcement learning based on the calculated reward. That is, in the specific example of operation, when evaluation information (reward) is obtained, the machine learning model is updated during operation by using, as learning data, data in which the evaluation information is added to the information and data that were the basis for controlling the device group 40.

[0113] It should be noted that Q-learning, TD-learning, or the like may be used to update the control content determination rules.

[0114] [Effects, etc.] As described above, the environmental control system 10 includes a first acquisition unit 92a that acquires at least one of location information and schedule information of the first user; a second acquisition unit 92b that acquires environmental information of a target facility that is determined based on the acquired at least one of the information, the target facility being a facility located on the first user's travel route or a facility where the first user is currently located; a third acquisition unit 92c that acquires trend information that is determined based on at least one of search history information of an unspecified number of users and SNS usage information of an unspecified number of users; a determination unit 92d that determines control content of devices for the first user based on the acquired environmental information and the acquired trend information; and a control unit 92e that controls devices installed in the target facility in accordance with the determined control content.

[0115] Such an environmental control system 10 can realize an environment that is in line with the social climate by controlling devices based on trend information that can be said to indicate social conditions and trends.

[0116] Furthermore, for example, the environmental control system 10 further includes a storage unit 93 that stores a device keyword table defined in correspondence with the control parameters of the devices. When the trend information includes a device keyword, the determination unit 92d changes the corresponding control parameter and determines the control content of the device for the first user.

[0117] Such an environmental control system 10 can realize an environment that is suited to the current social climate by using the device keyword table.

[0118] Also, for example, the first acquisition unit 92a further acquires first user information including search history information of the first user, and the determination unit 92d determines the control content based on the acquired first user information, the acquired environmental information, and the acquired trend information.

[0119] Such an environmental control system 10 can realize an environment that meets the preferences of the first user by controlling devices based on first user information including search history information that can be said to indicate the preferences of the first user.

[0120] Furthermore, for example, the first user information includes at least one of information indicating the mental and physical state of the first user and image information stored in the mobile terminal 60 of the first user.

[0121] Such an environmental control system 10 can create an environment that meets the preferences of the first user based on information indicating the first user's physical and mental state and image information stored in the first user's mobile terminal 60.

[0122] Furthermore, for example, the determination unit 92d further updates the method for determining the control content based on the first user's evaluation information regarding the control performed in accordance with the control content.

[0123] Such an environmental control system 10 can update the method for determining the control content based on the evaluation of the first user.

[0124] Furthermore, for example, the environmental information includes information indicating the degree of congestion in the target facility.

[0125] Such an environmental control system 10 can realize an environment that meets the preferences of the first user based on the degree of congestion in the target facility.

[0126] Furthermore, for example, the acquisition of information by the first acquisition unit 92a, the second acquisition unit 92b, and the third acquisition unit 92c, the determination of control content by the determination unit 92d, and the control of equipment by the control unit 92e are based on an event-driven architecture.

[0127] Such an environmental control system 10 can realize an environment that meets the preferences of the first user based on an event-driven architecture.

[0128] Also, for example, the determination unit 92d determines the control content by performing collaborative filtering using the acquired first user information and control history information of the device for multiple second users other than the first user, which includes second user information related to the second users.

[0129] Such an environmental control system 10 can realize an environment that meets the preferences of the first user through collaborative filtering.

[0130] Moreover, for example, the environmental control system 10 further includes a billing processing unit 92f that charges for the control performed in accordance with the control content.

[0131] Such an environmental control system 10 can charge the first user or the business B to which the first user belongs.

[0132] Furthermore, an environmental control method executed by a computer such as the environmental control system 10 includes a first acquisition step of acquiring at least one of location information and schedule information of a first user; a second acquisition step of acquiring environmental information for a target facility determined based on the acquired at least one of the information, the target facility being a facility located on the first user's travel route or a facility where the first user is currently located; a third acquisition step of acquiring trend information determined based on at least one of search history information of an unspecified number of users and SNS usage information of an unspecified number of users; a determination step of determining control content for devices for the first user based on the acquired environmental information and the acquired trend information; and a control step of controlling devices installed in the target facility in accordance with the determined control content.

[0133] Such an environmental control method can realize an environment that is in line with the social climate by controlling devices based on trend information that can be said to indicate social conditions and trends.

[0134] (Other embodiments) Although the embodiments have been described above, the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments.

[0135] For example, in the above embodiment, the spatial package was intended to be an office building or commercial facility, but it may also be other facilities such as a home, accommodation facility, hall, studio, hospital, school, factory, or warehouse.

[0136] The method of determining the control content in the above embodiment is merely an example. For example, weather information provided by a weather information providing server may be used to determine the control content. For example, the algorithm for determining the control content may incorporate a factor such as increasing the set temperature of the air conditioner when the temperature indicated by the weather information is relatively low.

[0137] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, the environmental control system mainly uses vital data (e.g., body temperature, sweat rate) of the first user provided by a wearable sensor, but it is also possible to acquire vital data from devices other than a wearable sensor. For example, the environmental control system can estimate the pulse level of the first user based on an image acquired by an image sensor (camera) provided in a mobile terminal. The pulse level is estimated based on the image based on the relationship that when blood flow associated with a change in pulse rate is large, light reflection from the first user's body surface (blood vessels) decreases, and conversely, when blood flow is small, light reflection from the first user's body surface increases.

[0138] The environmental control system may also estimate the mental state (mental data) of the first user from fluctuations in the pulse rate level. In estimating the mental state, if the pulse rate level fluctuates greatly, it is estimated that autonomic nervous activity is high and the first user's mental state is good, and conversely, if the pulse rate fluctuates little, it is estimated that autonomic nervous activity is low and the first user's mental state may be impaired.

[0139] In the above embodiment, the environmental control system is realized by cloud computing, but may be realized by fog computing. Also, the environmental control system may be realized on-premise.

[0140] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, the environmental control system is realized by a plurality of devices, but it may also be realized as a single device. For example, the environmental control system may be realized as a single device corresponding to a server device. When the environmental control system is realized by a plurality of devices, the components (particularly functional components) of the environmental control system may be distributed in any manner among the plurality of devices. For example, some or all of the functional components of the server device may be provided by the controller.

[0141] Furthermore, the information and data transmission paths in the above-described embodiments are merely examples and are not particularly limited. In the above-described embodiments, when two devices transmit and receive information and data via communication, a relay device (not shown) may be interposed between the two devices.

[0142] In the above-described embodiment, the processing performed by a specific processing unit may be performed by another processing unit. The order of multiple processing operations may be changed, or multiple processing operations may be performed in parallel.

[0143] 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.

[0144] 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.

[0145] 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, etc. Furthermore, the general or specific aspects of 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.

[0146] For example, the present invention may be realized as an environmental control method executed by a computer such as an environmental control system, or as a program for causing a computer to execute such an environmental control method. The present invention may also be realized as a computer-readable non-transitory recording medium on which such a program is recorded.

[0147] 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 of the present invention. [Explanation of symbols]

[0148] 10 Environmental Control System 20 Spatial Package (Facilities) 40 Equipment group (equipment) 60 Mobile Devices 80g SNS information server 90 Server equipment 91 Communications Department 92 Information Processing Department 92a First Acquisition Department 92b Second Acquisition Department 92c Third Acquisition Department 92d Decision section 92e Control Unit 92f Billing processing unit

Claims

1. a first acquisition unit that acquires at least one of location information of a first user and schedule information indicating places that the first user plans to visit; a second acquisition unit that acquires device data of devices installed in a target facility that is determined based on at least one of the acquired information, the target facility being a facility located on a travel route of the first user or a facility where the first user is currently located; a third acquisition unit that acquires trend information indicating a predetermined number of keywords that are most frequently used among keywords used in searches or keywords used on SNS in an area to which the target facility belongs, by communicating with at least one of a search history management server that manages search history information of an unspecified number of users and an SNS information providing server that manages SNS (Social Networking Service) usage information of an unspecified number of users; a storage unit that stores a device keyword table that indicates the correspondence between device control contents and keywords; a determination unit that determines, from among control contents of devices associated with the keywords indicated by the acquired trend information in the device keyword table, control contents of the device indicated by the device data as control contents of the device; a control unit that controls the device indicated by the device data in accordance with the determined control content. Environmental control system.

2. the first acquisition unit further acquires first user information including search history information of the first user; The determination unit determines the control content by using a keyword that matches a preference of the first user, which is determined based on the first user information, among keywords indicated by the acquired trend information. The environmental control system of claim 1 .

3. The first user information includes at least one of information indicating the mental and physical state of the first user and image information stored in the mobile terminal of the first user. The environmental control system of claim 2 .

4. The determination unit further updates a method for determining the control content based on evaluation information of the first user regarding the control according to the control content. The environmental control system according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

5. A computer-implemented environmental control method, comprising: a first acquisition step of acquiring at least one of location information of a first user and schedule information indicating places that the first user plans to visit; a second acquisition step of acquiring device data of devices installed in a target facility determined based on at least one of the acquired information, the target facility being a facility located on a travel route of the first user or a facility where the first user is currently located; a third acquisition step of acquiring trend information indicating a predetermined number of keywords with the highest frequency of use among keywords used in searches or keywords used on SNS in the area to which the target facility belongs by communicating with at least one of a search history management server that manages search history information of an unspecified number of users and an SNS information providing server that manages SNS usage information of the unspecified number of users; a determining step of determining, as the control content of the device, the control content of the device indicated by the device data from among the control content of the device associated with the keyword indicated by the acquired trend information in a device keyword table indicating the correspondence relationship between the control content of the device and a keyword; and a control step of controlling the device indicated by the device data in accordance with the determined control content. Environmental control methods.

6. A program for causing the computer to execute the environmental control method described in claim 5.

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