Information processing device, information processing method, information processing program, and information processing system

Abstract

To reduce the burden of administrative tasks related to arbitration processing.SOLUTION: An specifying unit 18B of an information processing apparatus 10 specifies second setting information 62 including at least an arbitration method to be used in arbitration processing of a first control command for a shared system 40 based on first setting information 60 regarding settings of the arbitration processing for the shared system 40. An arbitration unit 18D executes the arbitration processing for generating a second control command to be output to the shared system 40 from the first control command based on the arbitration method represented by the specified second setting information 62.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

Technical Field

[0001] Embodiments of the present invention relate to an information processing apparatus, an information processing method, an information processing program, and an information processing system.

Background Art

[0002] In recent years, a system that enables remote operation of shared systems such as air conditioners, lighting, and electric blinds from each of a plurality of user terminal devices is known. Further, a priority level is set in advance for each user or each operating device and updated as appropriate, and when a plurality of conflicting control commands are transmitted to the shared system from a plurality of users or operating devices, arbitration processing is performed to identify one control command according to the preset priority level. A technique has been disclosed.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Patent Document 2

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] However, in the prior art, it is necessary to set a priority level in advance for each user or each operating device and update the priority level as necessary, which may increase the load of management operations related to arbitration processing.

[0005] The problem to be solved by the present invention is to provide an information processing apparatus, an information processing method, an information processing program, and an information processing system capable of reducing the load of management operations related to arbitration processing.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] The information processing device of this embodiment includes a specification unit and a mediation unit, First receiving control unit, The system includes the following: The identification unit identifies second setting information, which includes at least a mediation method to be used for mediating a first control command to the shared system, based on first setting information relating to the setting of mediation processing for the shared system. The mediation unit executes mediation processing to generate a second control command to be output from the first control command to the shared system, based on the mediation method represented by the identified second setting information. The first receiving control unit receives multiple conflicting first control commands to the shared system from multiple user terminal devices. The second setting information includes values ​​for each of the period items, which include at least one of a first period for receiving the first control command, a second period required for arbitration processing, and a third period which is the validity period of the second control command transmitted to the shared system. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0007] [Figure 1] A schematic diagram of an information processing system. [Figure 2] A schematic diagram of the display screen. [Figure 3] A schematic diagram of the display screen. [Figure 4] Schematic diagram of the types of first configuration information. [Figure 5] A schematic diagram of the display screen. [Figure 6] A schematic diagram of the data structure of the desired response table. [Figure 7] A schematic diagram of the data structure of the initial value table. [Figure 8] A schematic diagram of the display screen. [Figure 9] A schematic diagram of the display screen. [Figure 10] Diagram illustrating the mediation process. [Figure 11] A schematic diagram of the data structure of impact information. [Figure 12] A schematic diagram of the data structure of the training data. [Figure 13] A schematic diagram of the data structure of the second control instruction. [Figure 14] A schematic diagram of the display screen. [Figure 15] A flowchart illustrating the flow of information processing. [Figure 16]Flowchart showing the mediation process. [Figure 17] Hardware configuration diagram.

Embodiments for Carrying Out the Invention

[0008] Hereinafter, the information processing apparatus, information processing method, information processing program, and information processing system of the present embodiment will be described in detail with reference to the attached drawings.

[0009] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of an example of the information processing system 1 of the present embodiment.

[0010] The information processing system 1 includes an information processing apparatus 10, an administrator terminal device 20, a user terminal device 30, and a shared system 40. The information processing apparatus 10, the administrator terminal device 20, the user terminal device 30, and the shared system 40 are configured to be able to perform wired or wireless communication via a network N or the like.

[0011] The shared system 40 is a device to be remotely operated. Also, the shared system 40 is a device used jointly by a plurality of users. The shared system 40 is, for example, air conditioning, lighting, electric blinds, etc. installed in a predetermined space, but is not limited thereto. The predetermined space is, for example, a space within an office, a space within a store, etc., but is not limited thereto.

[0012] In the present embodiment, the case where the shared system 40 is air conditioning capable of adjusting the set temperature will be described by way of assumption. Note that the shared system 40 is not limited to air conditioning as described above.

[0013] The user terminal device 30 is an operation terminal operated by a user. The user terminal device 30 is, for example, a dedicated terminal for operating the shared system 40, a mobile terminal managed by the user, a smartphone, etc.

[0014] In this embodiment, the information processing system 1 is shown as an example of a configuration comprising multiple user terminal devices 30, namely user terminal devices 30A to 30C. When describing these user terminal devices 30A to 30C collectively, they will simply be referred to as user terminal device 30. Note that the user terminal devices 30 provided by the information processing system 1 may be multiple, and are not limited to a configuration comprising three user terminal devices 30.

[0015] The user terminal device 30 comprises a communication unit 32, a UI (user interface) unit 34, a storage unit 36, and a control unit 38. The communication unit 32, the UI unit 34, the storage unit 36, and the control unit 38 are connected to each other so as to be able to send and receive data or signals.

[0016] The communication unit 32 communicates with an external information processing device via a network N or the like. In this embodiment, the communication unit 32 communicates with the information processing device 10 via the network N.

[0017] The UI unit 34 has an output function that outputs various types of information and an input function that accepts operation instructions from the user. The output function includes, for example, display devices such as a display and a touch panel, and audio output devices such as speakers. The input function includes, for example, a pointing device such as a mouse, a keyboard, a touch panel, and buttons.

[0018] The storage unit 36 ​​stores various types of data. The control unit 38 performs information processing on the user terminal device 30.

[0019] The administrator terminal device 20 is an operating terminal or computer operated by the administrator of the shared system 40. The administrator terminal device 20 comprises a communication unit 22, a UI unit 24, a storage unit 26, and a control unit 28. The communication unit 22, the UI unit 24, the storage unit 26, and the control unit 28 are connected to each other so as to be able to send and receive data or signals.

[0020] In this embodiment, the administrator terminal device 20 and the user terminal device 30 are shown as separate information processing devices as an example. However, the administrator terminal device 20 and the user terminal device 30 may be configured as a single information processing device (a single operating terminal or a single computer). In this case, when a user logs in to the information processing device as an administrator, the information processing device functions as the administrator terminal device 20 with the functional configuration described in detail later, and when a user logs in to the information processing device as a user other than an administrator, the information processing device can be configured to function as the user terminal device 30 with the functional configuration described in detail later. In this case, the single information processing device or an external storage device, etc., can store in advance login user information that has been granted administrator privileges and login user information that has not been granted administrator privileges, and it can determine whether to function as the administrator terminal device 20 or the user terminal device 30 according to the privileges granted to the logged-in user information.

[0021] The communication unit 22 communicates with an external information processing device via a network N, etc. In this embodiment, the communication unit 22 It communicates with the information processing device 10 via the network N.

[0022] The UI unit 24 is the same as the UI unit 34 described above. The storage unit 26 stores various types of data. The control unit 28 performs information processing on the administrator terminal device 20.

[0023] Next, the information processing device 10 will be described in detail.

[0024] The information processing device 10 is a computer for performing mediation processing.

[0025] Arbitration processing is the process of generating a second control command to be output to the shared system 40 from multiple conflicting first control commands received from multiple user terminal devices 30.

[0026] The first control command is a control command that each of the multiple user terminal devices 30 sends to the shared system 40. The first control command includes, for example, the user's desired settings for the shared system 40. Specifically, if the shared system 40 is an air conditioner, the setting value is, for example, the set temperature.

[0027] The setting values, such as the set temperature, included in the first control command transmitted from each of the multiple user terminal devices 30 to a specific shared system 40 may differ depending on the user operating the user terminal device 30. Therefore, the information processing device 10 uses the multiple conflicting first control commands received from each of the multiple user terminal devices 30 to generate a second control command, which is a control command to be output to the shared system 40, and outputs it to the shared system 40.

[0028] The second control instruction is a control instruction sent from the information processing device 10 to the shared system 40. The second control instruction includes a setting value determined by arbitration processing of multiple conflicting first control instructions.

[0029] Details of the first control command, the second control command, and the arbitration process will be described later.

[0030] The information processing device 10 comprises a communication unit 12, a UI unit 14, a storage unit 16, and a control unit 18. The communication unit 12, UI unit 14, storage unit 16, and control unit 18 are connected to each other via a bus 17 or the like. The information processing device 10 may also be configured without the UI unit 14.

[0031] The communication unit 12 communicates with an external information processing device via a network N or the like. In this embodiment, the communication unit 12 communicates with a user terminal device 30, an administrator terminal device 20, and a shared system 40 via the network N.

[0032] The UI unit 14 is the same as the UI unit 34 described above. The storage unit 16 stores various types of data.

[0033] The control unit 18 performs information processing in the information processing device 10. The control unit 18 comprises a second receiving control unit 18A, a specific unit 18B, a first receiving control unit 18C, a mediation unit 18D, and a transmission control unit 18E.

[0034] The second receiving control unit 18A, the identification unit 18B, the first receiving control unit 18C, the arbitration unit 18D, and the transmission control unit 18E are implemented by, for example, one or more processors. For example, each of the above units may be implemented by having a processor such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit) execute a program, i.e., by software. Each of the above units may be implemented by a processor such as a dedicated IC (Integrated Circuit), i.e., by hardware. Each of the above units may be implemented by using both software and hardware. When multiple processors are used, each processor may implement one of the above units, or two or more of the above units. Furthermore, at least one of the above units included in the control unit 18 and at least one piece of data stored in the storage unit 16 may be provided on an external server device connected to the network N.

[0035] Furthermore, the second receiving control unit 18A and the first receiving control unit 18C are configured to perform different operations from each other, for example, by being configured with an API (Application Programming Interface). Also, the second receiving control unit 18A and the first receiving control unit 18C and the other parts may be implemented on separate on-premises or cloud servers, or they may be built on the same server.

[0036] The second receiving control unit 18A receives the first configuration information from the administrator terminal device 20. The second receiving control unit 18A is configured to constantly receive the first configuration information transmitted from the administrator terminal device 20.

[0037] The first configuration information refers to information regarding the settings for mediation processing for the shared system 40.

[0038] The control unit 28 of the administrator terminal device 20 receives first setting information by receiving operation input from the administrator. The control unit 28 then transmits the received first setting information to the information processing device 10 via the communication unit 22.

[0039] Figure 2 is a schematic diagram of an example of a display screen 50 shown on the UI section 24 of the administrator terminal device 20.

[0040] For example, the control unit 28 displays the display screen 50 shown in Figure 2 on the UI unit 24. Alternatively, the second receiving control unit 18A of the information processing device 10 may control the display of the display screen 50 to the UI unit 24 of the administrator terminal device 20 via the communication unit 12 and the communication unit 22.

[0041] The display screen 50 includes a detailed settings mode selection button 50A, a simple settings mode selection button 50B, and an automatic mode selection button 50C.

[0042] The Advanced Settings Mode Selection Button 50A is a button image area for selecting the Advanced Settings Mode. The Advanced Settings Mode is a setting mode that allows administrators to make highly flexible settings. By selecting the Advanced Settings Mode Selection Button 50A, administrators can set detailed values ​​for each setting item included in the first setting information.

[0043] The Easy Setup Mode Selection Button 50B is a button image area for selecting the Easy Setup Mode. The Easy Setup Mode is a setting mode in which the administrator can simply input their preferences, and the information processing device 10 will automatically perform appropriate settings according to those preferences. By selecting the Easy Setup Mode Selection Button 50B, the administrator can simply input their preferences and configure each of the setting items included in the first setting information.

[0044] The "Automatic Mode Selection Button 50C" is a button image area for selecting Automatic Mode. Automatic Mode is a setting mode in which initial values ​​are automatically set, eliminating the need for administrator configuration. By selecting Automatic Mode Selection Button 50C, the administrator can generate initial configuration information with pre-set values ​​for each setting item without having to perform detailed configuration.

[0045] First, let's explain the scenario where the administrator operates the detailed settings mode selection button 50A on the display screen 50.

[0046] When the detailed setting mode selection button 50A is operated, the control unit 28 displays a display screen 52 on the UI unit 24 for inputting setting values ​​for each setting item included in the first setting information.

[0047] Figure 3 is a schematic diagram of an example of the display screen 52. The display screen 52 is a display screen for accepting input of setting values ​​for each setting item included in the first setting information.

[0048] The first configuration information includes, as configuration items, the mediation method, algorithm, settlement method, and multiple time period items.

[0049] The mediation method refers to information that describes the method of mediation used during the mediation process. For example, the mediation method includes at least one of the following: "voting mediation," "random mediation," or "learning mediation."

[0050] "Vote mediation" is a mediation method that responds to votes cast by multiple user terminal devices 30. "Vote mediation" includes several types of mediation methods, such as "Vote mediation - number of votes," "Vote mediation - average value," and "Vote mediation - median value."

[0051] "Vote mediation / vote count" refers to a mediation method in which, among multiple competing first control commands, the first control command with the highest number of votes is used as the second control command to be sent to the shared system 40.

[0052] "Vote mediation - average value" refers to a mediation method in which the average value of the setting values ​​included in each of the multiple competing first control commands, weighted according to the number of votes, is used as the second control command to be sent to the shared system 40.

[0053] "Vote median" refers to a median value obtained from the number of votes for each of the setting values ​​included in multiple competing first control commands, and uses this median value as the second control command to be sent to the shared system 40.

[0054] "Random arbitration" is an arbitration method in which the information processing device 10 randomly selects one first control instruction from among multiple competing first control instructions.

[0055] "Learning-based mediation" is a mediation method that uses a learning model to mediate.

[0056] Furthermore, the mediation method may include a "proprietary" mediation method that is independently set by the administrator.

[0057] Figure 3 shows an example of a scenario where the administrator operates the UI unit 24 and sets "Vote Mediation - Average Value" as the mediation method.

[0058] An algorithm is an algorithm used to perform mediation processing. The information processing device 10 has multiple algorithms pre-stored. The administrator can select any algorithm to perform mediation processing via the display screen 52. The administrator can also set an algorithm they have prepared to perform mediation processing.

[0059] Specifically, the algorithm, one of the setting items included in the first control command, is a setting item used to specify the arbitration method when there are multiple implementation methods, such as when the arbitration method is "learning arbitration" or "proprietary," or when the administrator wishes to use a proprietary method. If the algorithm setting is not included in the first control command, the information processing device 10 will automatically select an algorithm corresponding to the arbitration method.

[0060] Furthermore, if the administrator sets an algorithm they have prepared as the algorithm for executing the mediation process, they only need to send the algorithm and its identification information from the administrator terminal device 20 to the information processing device 10. In addition, the identification information of the algorithm should be set in the first setting information. The information processing device 10 stores the received algorithm and its identification information in the storage unit 16 in association with each other and uses them during the mediation process. Furthermore, once a new algorithm is stored in the storage unit 16 of the information processing device 10, the administrator can select any algorithm, including the new algorithm, as the algorithm for executing the mediation process via the display screen 52. In addition, the identification information of these algorithms and the names displayed when selected may be changed as appropriate by the administrator's instructions on the UI unit 24.

[0061] A resolution method is a method used when a single first control command cannot be identified according to the corresponding arbitration method. More specifically, a resolution method represents a method for identifying one first control command from among multiple conflicting first control commands when one of them cannot be identified by the corresponding arbitration method. Examples of resolution methods include "random," "lottery," and "bet."

[0062] The "random" resolution method is a method in which, if a single first control instruction cannot be identified by the corresponding arbitration method, the information processing device 10 randomly identifies one first control instruction from among multiple conflicting first control instructions.

[0063] The "lottery" resolution method is a method in which, if a single first control command cannot be identified by the corresponding arbitration method, a single first control command is identified by a "lottery" among the users operating the user terminal devices 30 that are the source of each of the multiple conflicting first control commands. Specifically, the "lottery" resolution method is a resolution method in which each user of the multiple user terminal devices 30 "draws lots," and the first control command transmitted from the user terminal device 30 used by the user who drew the winning lot is adopted.

[0064] The "competition" method of resolution is a method of identifying a single first control command when a corresponding mediation method fails to identify one first control command. This is done by determining the winner of a predetermined competition between users operating the user terminal devices 30 that are the source of each of the competing first control commands. Examples of predetermined competitions include games where a rock-paper-scissors relationship is established using three different ways of showing fingers (rock, paper, scissors), and the winner is determined by the compatibility of these three hands. This game is sometimes called "janken" in Japan.

[0065] A period item is an item used to set the upper limit for each period when the information processing device 10 performs processing related to mediation. For example, a period item may include a first period, a second period, and a third period.

[0066] The first period refers to the period during which the information processing device 10 accepts the first control command. The first period may also be the timing when the information processing device 10 closes off accepting the first control command. In this embodiment, one example of the first period being the period during which the information processing device 10 accepts the first control command will be described. In the information processing device 10 described later, among the one or more first control commands received from one or more user terminal devices 30 during this first period, first control commands that include setting values ​​that cannot be implemented simultaneously are treated as conflicting first control commands.

[0067] The second period refers to the period required for the information processing device 10 to process information related to mediation. The second period includes the second A period and the second B period. The second A period refers to the period required for the information processing device 10 to perform pre-processing for mediation. The second B period refers to the period required for the information processing device 10 to perform mediation.

[0068] The third period refers to the validity period of the second control instruction sent to the shared system 40.

[0069] When the administrator operates the UI unit 24 and presses the detailed setting mode selection button 50A on the display screen 50 shown in Figure 2, the control unit 28 displays the display screen 52 shown in Figure 3 on the UI unit 24. As described above, the display screen 52 is a display screen for accepting input of setting values ​​for each setting item included in the first setting information.

[0070] The administrator inputs setting values ​​for each setting item by operating the UI unit 24 while checking the display screen 52. Figure 3 shows an example where the mediation method is set to "Vote Mediation - Average Value", the algorithm to "None", the settlement method to "Random", the first period to "2 minutes", the second A period to "1 minute", the second B period to "None", and the third period to "10 minutes". The scenario then assumes that the administrator has operated the setting execution instruction button 52A. The control unit 28 of the administrator terminal device 20 then transmits the first setting information, including the setting values ​​for each of these setting items input via the display screen 52, to the information processing device 10 via the communication unit 22.

[0071] In this case, the second receiving control unit 18A of the information processing device 10 receives first setting information from the administrator terminal device 20, which includes the setting values ​​for each of the multiple setting items set via the display screen 52: mediation method, algorithm, settlement method, first period, second period, and third period.

[0072] Figure 4 is a schematic diagram of an example of the types of first setting information 60 that the second receiving control unit 18A may receive from the administrator terminal device 20.

[0073] When the administrator operates the detailed setting mode selection button 50A on the display screen 50 and sets the setting value for each of the multiple setting items, the second receiving control unit 18A receives one of the first setting information 60 from the administrator terminal device 20, which is one of the first setting information 60A to first setting information 60H. The first setting information 60A to first setting information 60H are examples of the first setting information 60. Note that the values ​​shown for each period item in Figure 4 are examples and are not limited to these values. Also, as shown in the first setting information 60H, the administrator may set their own arbitration method and algorithm for executing the arbitration method via the display screen 52.

[0074] Returning to Figure 2, we continue the explanation.

[0075] Next, we will explain a scenario where the administrator operates the easy setup mode selection button 50B on the display screen 50.

[0076] When the easy setup mode selection button 50B is pressed, the control unit 28 of the administrator terminal device 20 displays a display screen 54 on the UI unit 24 to accept the user's preference for each setting item included in the first setting information.

[0077] Figure 5 is a schematic diagram of an example of the display screen 54. The display screen 54 is a screen for receiving the administrator's preferences regarding each setting item included in the first setting information. For example, the display screen 54 includes multiple preference selection buttons 54A to 54C corresponding to the type of preference.

[0078] The preference selection button 54A is a button image area for administrators to operate when they wish to configure the first setting information, which includes a mediation method that reflects the opinions of multiple users. For example, the preference selection button 54A displays the phrase "I want to reflect everyone's opinions," which represents this preference.

[0079] The preference selection button 54B is a button image area for administrators to operate when they wish to configure the first setting information, including a mediation method with a short processing time. For example, the preference selection button 54B displays the words "I want to decide quickly," which represent this preference.

[0080] The preference selection button 54C is a button image area for administrators to operate when they wish to configure the first setting information, which includes the mediation method represented by past control history. For example, the preference selection button 54C displays the words "I would like to refer to past control history" which represent this preference.

[0081] The administrator operates the UI unit 24 while checking the display screen 54, and selects one of the desired selection buttons 54A to 54C as desired.

[0082] The control unit 28 of the administrator terminal device 20 generates preference information, which represents the preference for settings received via the display screen 54, as first setting information.

[0083] For example, when the control unit 28 receives input from the desired selection button 54A, it generates first setting information 60 that includes the desired information "I want to reflect everyone's opinions." Also, for example, when the control unit 28 receives input from the desired selection button 54B, it generates first setting information 60 that includes the desired information "I want to decide quickly." Also, for example, when the control unit 28 receives input from the desired selection button 54C, it generates first setting information 60 that includes the desired information "I want to refer to past control history."

[0084] Then, the control unit 28 of the administrator terminal device 20 transmits the first setting information 60, which includes the desired information, to the information processing device 10 via the communication unit 22.

[0085] In this case, the second receiving control unit 18A of the information processing device 10 receives first setting information 60 from the administrator terminal device 20, which includes preference information that represents the administrator's preferences regarding settings, and is entered via the display screen 54.

[0086] The control unit 28 of the administrator terminal device 20 may generate the first setting information 60 by identifying a mediation method corresponding to the setting request received via the display screen 54 from the request response table, and further identifying the values ​​of other setting items from the initial value table.

[0087] Figure 6 is a schematic diagram of an example of the data structure of the desired response table 26A.

[0088] The Request Response Table 26A is a table that associates administrators' requests regarding settings with mediation methods that correspond to those requests. For example, the Request Response Table 26A registers requests such as "I want everyone's opinions to be reflected," which is represented by the Request Selection Button 54A; "I want to make a decision quickly," which is represented by the Request Selection Button 54B; and "I want to refer to past control history," which is represented by the Request Selection Button 54C. The Request Response Table 26A also registers mediation methods that satisfy these requests.

[0089] Figure 7 is a schematic diagram of an example of the data structure of the initial value table 26B. The initial value table 26B has the initial values ​​of each setting item included in the first setting information pre-registered.

[0090] The preference response table 26A and the initial value table 26B are pre-stored in the storage unit 26 of the administrator terminal device 20. Alternatively, the same tables may be pre-stored in the storage unit 16 of the information processing device 10. Each setting value included in the preference response table 26A and the initial value table 26B may be changed as appropriate by instructions from the administrator via the UI unit 24.

[0091] The control unit 28 of the administrator terminal device 20 identifies a mediation method corresponding to the setting request received via the display screen 54 from the request response table 26A. The control unit 28 also identifies the setting values ​​for setting items other than the mediation method from the initial value table 26B. Then, the control unit 28 of the administrator terminal device 20 transmits the first setting information, including the identified mediation method and the setting values ​​for each of the other identified setting items, to the information processing device 10 via the communication unit 22.

[0092] In this case, the second receiving control unit 18A of the information processing device 10 receives first setting information, including a mediation method according to the administrator's preferences regarding settings, from the administrator terminal device 20 via the display screen 54.

[0093] Returning to Figure 2, we continue the explanation.

[0094] Next, we will explain a scenario where the administrator operates the automatic mode selection button 50C on the display screen 50.

[0095] When the automatic mode selection button 50C is pressed, the control unit 28 of the administrator terminal device 20 generates automatic setting request information as first setting information. The automatic setting request information is information indicating that the setting items and the setting values ​​of the setting items should be set automatically. The control unit 28 of the administrator terminal device 20 then transmits the first setting information, including the automatic setting request information, to the information processing device 10 via the communication unit 22.

[0096] In this case, the second receiving control unit 18A of the information processing device 10 receives first setting information, including automatic setting request information, from the administrator terminal device 20.

[0097] Furthermore, if the automatic mode selection button 50C is operated, the control unit 28 of the administrator terminal device 20 may identify the setting values ​​of each setting item set in the initial value table 26B as the first setting information. Each setting value included in the initial value table 26B may be changed as appropriate by instructions from the administrator to operate the UI unit 24. The control unit 28 of the administrator terminal device 20 then transmits the identified first setting information to the information processing device 10 via the communication unit 22.

[0098] In this case, the second receiving control unit 18A of the information processing device 10 receives first setting information from the administrator terminal device 20, which consists of the setting values ​​for each setting item set in the initial value table 26B.

[0099] Furthermore, if the automatic mode selection button 50C is selected, the control unit 28 of the administrator terminal device 20 may output a message to the UI unit 24 indicating that the default values ​​will be applied to all setting items.

[0100] Figure 8 is a schematic diagram of an example of the display screen 56. The display screen 56 includes, for example, a message indicating that the initial values ​​will be applied to all setting items. Thus, the control unit 28 may display the display screen 56 on the UI unit 24 when the automatic mode selection button 50C is selected.

[0101] Furthermore, if the automatic mode selection button 50C is selected, the control unit 28 of the administrator terminal device 20 may display the setting values ​​of each setting item registered in the initial value table 26B on the UI unit 24.

[0102] Figure 9 is a schematic diagram of an example of the display screen 58. The display screen 58 includes the setting values ​​for each setting item registered in the initial value table 26B. By checking the display screen 58, the administrator can confirm which setting value is the initial value. The administrator may also change the setting value of at least one of the multiple setting items displayed on the display screen 58 by operating the UI unit 24 while checking the display screen 58. In this case, the administrator terminal device 20 should transmit the first setting information, consisting of the setting values ​​for each setting item entered via the display screen 58, to the information processing device 10 via the communication unit 22. Furthermore, even when the easy setting mode selection button 50B is selected, the control unit 28 of the administrator terminal device 20 may display the setting values ​​of each setting item, which are set according to the request entered via the display screen 54, on the UI unit 24 and accept changes to the setting values ​​of at least some of the setting items.

[0103] Furthermore, the control unit 28 of the administrator terminal device 20 may set the selection of the automatic mode selection button 50C on the display screen 50 as the initial setting. This ensures that the automatic mode selection button 50C is automatically selected even if the administrator does not make any settings from the administrator terminal device 20.

[0104] Furthermore, although the display screen 50 in Figure 2 shows three selectable modes, the selectable mode only needs to be at least one of these three modes, and is not limited to displaying all three modes as selectable.

[0105] Furthermore, although the display screen 50 shown in Figure 2 shows an example where multiple modes can be selected, it is also possible that none of the modes can be selected. In this case, the control unit 28 of the administrator terminal device 20 can perform the above processing by assuming that one of the modes pre-set as the initial setting has been selected without receiving any selection instruction from the administrator. In addition, the mode set as the initial setting may be changed as appropriate in response to operational instructions from the administrator or others on the UI unit 24. For example, an initial setting button may be displayed on the display screen 50, and when the initial setting button is pressed, a screen for changing the initial setting mode may be displayed on the UI unit 24, allowing the initial setting mode to be changed. Alternatively, the initial setting button may be displayed on a screen separate from the display screen 50.

[0106] Alternatively, instead of the button image areas for selecting each mode, such as the detailed setting mode selection button 50A, the simple setting mode selection button 50B, and the automatic mode selection button 50C included in the display screen 50, predetermined keys of an operation input mechanism such as a keyboard included in the UI unit 24 may be used as keys for selecting each of these modes.

[0107] Returning to Figure 1, we continue the explanation.

[0108] Through the above process, the second receiving control unit 18A receives the first setting information from the administrator terminal device 20.

[0109] The identification unit 18B identifies the second setting information based on the first setting information.

[0110] The second setting information is the setting information used by the mediation unit 18D, described later, during mediation processing. The second setting information includes at least a mediation method as a setting item. In this embodiment, the second setting information will be described as an example of a form that includes a mediation method, algorithm, settlement method, and period item as setting items. The mediation method, algorithm, settlement method, and period item have the same meaning as described above. As described above, the period item includes at least one of a first period, a second period, and a third period.

[0111] For example, the identification unit 18B identifies the second setting information 62 based on the first setting information 60 received by the second receiving control unit 18A.

[0112] If the first setting information 60 received by the second receiving control unit 18A is information that defines setting values ​​for each setting item of the first setting information 60, the identification unit 18B identifies the first setting information 60 as the second setting information 62.

[0113] Let's explain using Figure 4. For example, let's assume a scenario where the administrator operates the detailed setting mode selection button 50A on the display screen 50, and sets the setting values ​​for each of the multiple setting items. Let's also assume a scenario where the administrator operates the simple setting mode selection button 50B or the automatic mode selection button 50C on the display screen 50, and the administrator terminal device 20 generates first setting information 60, which includes the setting values ​​for each of the setting items. In these scenarios, the second receiving control unit 18A receives, for example, one of the first setting information 60A to first setting information 60H from the administrator terminal device 20.

[0114] The first setting information 60A to 60H shown in Figure 4 is information that defines setting values ​​for each setting item. In this case, when the identification unit 18B receives any of the first setting information 60 from the administrator terminal device 20, it identifies the received first setting information 60 as the second setting information 62. Specifically, when the identification unit 18B receives the first setting information 60A from the administrator terminal device 20, it identifies the second setting information 62A, which is the first setting information 60A, as the second setting information 62. Similarly, when the identification unit 18B receives any of the first setting information 60B to 60H from the administrator terminal device 20, it identifies the received first setting information 60, which is one of the first setting information 60 from 60B to 60H, as the second setting information 62 (second setting information 62B to 62H). The second setting information 62A to 62H are examples of the second setting information 62.

[0115] Furthermore, as described above, when the simple setting mode selection button 50B is operated via the display screen 50 (see Figure 2), the administrator terminal device 20 may transmit the first setting information 60, which includes the desired information entered via the display screen 54 (see Figure 5), to the information processing device 10.

[0116] In this case, the first setting information 60 received by the second receiving control unit 18A from the administrator terminal device 20 is information representing desired information regarding the settings. Therefore, in this case, the identification unit 18B identifies the second setting information 62, which includes a mediation method corresponding to the desired information contained in the first setting information 60. In this case, the desired response table 26A and the initial value table 26B may be stored in the storage unit 16.

[0117] In detail, the identification unit 18B identifies the arbitration method corresponding to the desire expressed by the desire information contained in the first setting information 60 from the desire correspondence table 26A of the storage unit 16, and further identifies the values ​​of other setting items from the initial value table 26B of the storage unit 16, thereby identifying the second setting information 62 which defines the setting values ​​for each of the setting items. Also, as described above, the desire correspondence table 26A and the initial value table 26B can be stored in the storage unit 16 in advance.

[0118] In detail, the identification unit 18B identifies a mediation method corresponding to the preference expressed by the preference information contained in the first setting information 60 received by the second receiving control unit 18A from the administrator terminal device 20, from the preference response table 26A. The identification unit 18B also identifies the setting values ​​of setting items other than the mediation method from the initial value table 26B. Then, the identification unit 18B identifies a second setting information 62 that includes the setting values ​​of the identified mediation method and the other identified setting items.

[0119] Furthermore, as described above, when the automatic mode selection button 50C is operated via the display screen 50 (see Figure 2), the administrator terminal device 20 may transmit first setting information 60, including automatic setting request information, to the information processing device 10 via the communication unit 22. In this case, the initial value table 26B can be stored in the storage unit 16.

[0120] In detail, in this case, the first setting information 60 that the second receiving control unit 18A receives from the administrator terminal device 20 is information that includes automatic setting request information. Therefore, in this case, the identification unit 18B identifies the second setting information 62, which includes the setting values ​​for each of the pre-stored setting items set in the initial value table 26B, according to the automatic setting request information contained in the first setting information 60. As described above, in this case, the initial value table 26B can be stored in the storage unit 16 in advance.

[0121] Through these processes, the identification unit 18B identifies, for example, one of the second setting information 62 shown in Figure 4, from second setting information 62A to second setting information 62H.

[0122] Furthermore, the identification unit 18B may use the first setting information 60 previously stored in the storage unit 16 to identify the second setting information 62, instead of the first setting information 60 received by the second receiving control unit 18A. For example, the control unit 18 stores the second setting information 62 used in the previous arbitration process as the first setting information 60 in the storage unit 16. Then, the identification unit 18B may identify the first setting information 60 stored in the storage unit 16 as the second setting information 62. In this case, the identification unit 18B can identify the second setting information 62 from the first setting information 60 stored in the storage unit 16 without receiving the first setting information 60 from the administrator terminal device 20 in response to an operation instruction from the administrator.

[0123] Through these processes, the identification unit 18B identifies one second setting information 62 that defines the setting values ​​for each of the setting items: mediation method, algorithm, settlement method, and period item (first period, second period, third period). Specifically, for example, the identification unit 18B identifies one of the second setting information 62A to 62H shown in Figure 4. As mentioned above, the setting values ​​set for the period item are just examples.

[0124] Returning to Figure 1, we continue the explanation.

[0125] The first receiving control unit 18C receives conflicting first control commands to the shared system 40 from multiple user terminal devices 30.

[0126] As described above, the first control command is a control command that each of the multiple user terminal devices 30 sends to the shared system 40. The first control command includes, for example, the user's desired setting value for the shared system 40. Specifically, if the shared system 40 is an air conditioner, the setting value is, for example, the set temperature. In this embodiment, a configuration in which the first control command includes the set temperature for the shared system 40, which is an air conditioner, will be described as an example.

[0127] A competing first control instruction is a control instruction directed to the same shared system 40. In this embodiment, a configuration in which the information processing system 1 comprises one shared system 40 will be described as an example.

[0128] For example, the first receiving control unit 18C receives first control commands received from multiple user terminal devices 30 during the first period as conflicting first control commands. As described above, the first period represents the period during which the information processing device 10 accepts first control commands. The first receiving control unit 18C receives first control commands received from user terminal devices 30 during the first period included in the second setting information 62 identified by the identification unit 18B as conflicting first control commands.

[0129] The first receiving control unit 18C will set the timing at which it first receives a first control command from any user terminal device 30 after the end timing of the previous third period of the period item included in the second setting information 62 identified by the identification unit 18B as the start timing of the first period, and will receive any first control commands received by the shared system 40 between the start timing and the first period as conflicting first control commands.

[0130] Furthermore, the first receiving control unit 18C may receive the first control commands received between the end of the previous first period of the period item included in the second setting information 62 identified by the identification unit 18B and the end of the current first period as multiple competing first control commands to the shared system 40.

[0131] Furthermore, the first receiving control unit 18C may receive the first control command from the user terminal device 30 during the first period included in the second setting information 62 identified by the identification unit 18B, and control the communication unit 12 to restrict the reception of the first control command from the user terminal device 30 during periods other than the first period.

[0132] Next, I will explain the mediation section 18D.

[0133] The arbitration unit 18D executes arbitration processing to generate a second control command to be output to the shared system 40 from a plurality of conflicting first control commands, based on the arbitration method represented by the second setting information 62 identified by the identification unit 18B.

[0134] Figure 10 is an explanatory diagram of an example of mediation processing by the mediation unit 18D.

[0135] For example, suppose that the multiple conflicting first control commands are multiple first control commands with different set values, which are set temperatures for the air conditioner. The arbitration unit 18D uses the second setting information 62 to generate a second control command with a single set value from these multiple conflicting first control commands.

[0136] For example, consider a case where multiple conflicting first control instructions each contain different set temperature values, "21°C," "25°C," and "18°C." In this case, the arbitration unit 18D uses the second setting information 62 to generate a second control instruction with a single defined set value from these multiple conflicting first control instructions. Figure 10 shows an example of the generation of a second control instruction with a set value of "21°C."

[0137] Returning to Figure 1, we continue the explanation.

[0138] The mediation process conducted by Mediation Unit 18D will be explained in detail.

[0139] The mediation unit 18D reads the algorithm represented by the second setting information 62 identified by the identification unit 18B from the storage unit 16 during the second A period represented by the second setting information 62. The algorithm is an algorithm for realizing the mediation method and is a program that describes the specific steps for realizing the mediation method. The mediation unit 18D then executes the mediation process represented by the second setting information 62 by executing the algorithm during the second period.

[0140] Furthermore, if no algorithm is set in the second setting information 62, the mediation unit 18D can read the algorithm corresponding to the mediation method included in the second setting information 62 from the storage unit 16. The storage unit 16 should pre-store identification information of mediation methods and algorithms in association with each other. The mediation unit 18D can then identify the identification information of the algorithm corresponding to the mediation method set in the second setting information 62 from the storage unit 16, and read and execute the algorithm identified by the identified identification information from the storage unit 16.

[0141] The mediation unit 18D then executes an algorithm to perform mediation processing according to the mediation method represented by the second setting information 62.

[0142] The mediation unit 18D executes the mediation process so that it is completed during the second B period, which is represented by the second setting information 62. The mediation unit 18D only needs to execute the mediation process so that it is completed during the second period. Therefore, if the time required to read and execute the algorithm exceeds the second A period, the mediation unit 18D should use the remaining time obtained by subtracting the excess time from the second B period to execute the mediation process. Also, if the time required to read and execute the algorithm is less than the second A period, the mediation unit 18D should use the sum of the remaining time in the second A period and the second B period for the mediation process.

[0143] Each period item, including the second period, represents the upper limit of the time required for each process. Therefore, by executing processes according to the periods indicated in the period items, the information processing device 10 can execute each process, such as mediation processing, within the processing time desired by the administrator.

[0144] First, let's assume that the mediation method represented by the second setting information 62 is "voting mediation." Specifically, we will assume that the second setting information 62 is one of the second setting information 62A to 62E shown in Figure 4.

[0145] As described above, "vote mediation" is a mediation method that responds to votes cast by multiple user terminal devices 30.

[0146] In this case, the arbitration unit 18D generates voting request information that includes multiple conflicting first control instructions. For example, suppose the multiple conflicting first control instructions are the three first control instructions shown in Figure 10. In this case, the arbitration unit 18D generates voting request information that includes these three first control instructions. Specifically, for example, the arbitration unit 18D generates voting request information that includes the set temperatures "21°C", "25°C", and "18°C", which are set values ​​included in the three conflicting first control instructions, respectively.

[0147] The arbitration unit 18D may also generate voting request information that includes a plurality of conflicting first control commands and impact information. The impact information is information about the impacts that occur when the shared system 40 is controlled in accordance with each of the plurality of conflicting first control commands. The impacts include information about the impact on the global environment and the impact on costs that occur when the shared system 40 is controlled.

[0148] Figure 11 is a schematic diagram of an example of the data structure for impact information. Impact information includes, but is not limited to, CO2 emissions, electricity costs, and power consumption of the shared system 40.

[0149] Returning to Figure 1, we continue the explanation.

[0150] The arbitration unit 18D generates, for example, impact information for each of the multiple conflicting first control commands, when the shared system 40 is controlled at each of the air conditioning set temperatures represented by the first control command. The arbitration unit 18D then generates voting request information by adding the generated corresponding impact information to each of the multiple conflicting first control commands.

[0151] Furthermore, the arbitration unit 18D may generate voting request information that further includes information on the remaining time available for voting. As described above, the second A period included in the second setting information 62 identified by the identification unit 18B represents the period required for the information processing device 10 to perform preprocessing for arbitration of the conflicting first control instructions. For this reason, the arbitration unit 18D may generate voting request information that further includes a countdown timer as remaining time information, which counts the remaining time until the end of the second A period included in the second setting information 62.

[0152] The mediation unit 18D then controls the transmission of the voting request information to each of the multiple user terminal devices 30. Specifically, the mediation unit 18D broadcasts the voting request information, which includes multiple conflicting first control commands, to all of the multiple user terminal devices 30 that are able to communicate with the information processing device 10. As a result, all of the multiple user terminal devices 30 located within the range where they can receive the voting request information receive it.

[0153] The control unit 38 of the user terminal device 30, upon receiving the voting request information, displays the voting request information received from the information processing device 10 on the UI unit 34. For this reason, the UI unit 34 of the user terminal device 30 displays a list of multiple types of setting values, such as set temperature, represented by multiple conflicting first control commands. Furthermore, if the voting request information includes influence information and remaining time information, the UI unit 34 displays a list of multiple types of setting values, such as set temperature, represented by multiple conflicting first control commands, as well as the influence information and countdown timer information, which is the remaining time until voting is possible.

[0154] A user using the user terminal device 30 selects a desired first control command by operating the UI unit 34. For example, a user using the user terminal device 30 selects a first control command that specifies a desired set temperature setting value. Furthermore, by checking the impact information displayed on the UI unit 34, the user can appropriately select a first control command after considering the impact on the global environment and the associated costs. Additionally, by checking the remaining voting time information, the user can select a first control command while adjusting the time required for consideration.

[0155] The control unit 38 of the user terminal device 30 receives a selection via the UI unit 34 and transmits the first control command as voting result information to the information processing device 10.

[0156] The arbitration unit 18D of the information processing device 10 generates a second control instruction from a plurality of conflicting first control instructions based on the voting result information received from each of the plurality of user terminal devices 30.

[0157] As described above, the second A period included in the second setting information 62 identified by the identification unit 18B represents the period required for the information processing device 10 to perform preprocessing before arbitrating the conflicting first control commands. For this reason, the arbitration unit 18D treats the voting result information received from multiple user terminal devices 30 between the end of the first period and the end of the second A period as voting result information to be used in the arbitration process.

[0158] Then, when the second A period included in the second setting information 62 identified by the identification unit 18B has elapsed, the identification unit 18B executes arbitration processing to generate a second control command based on the voting result information received from multiple user terminal devices 30 between the end of the first period and the end of the second A period.

[0159] The specific unit 18B generates a second control command using the voting result information received from multiple user terminal devices 30 and the arbitration method.

[0160] As mentioned above, the mediation method "Voting Mediation" includes several types of adjustment methods, such as "Voting Mediation - Number of Votes," "Voting Mediation - Average Value," and "Voting Mediation - Median Value."

[0161] First, we will explain the case where the mediation method included in the second setting information 62 identified by the identification unit 18B is "Vote Mediation - Number of Votes". The identification unit 18B executes the mediation process using an algorithm to implement the mediation method "Vote Mediation - Number of Votes".

[0162] In detail, the arbitration unit 18D generates a second control command to send to the shared system 40 the first control command with the most votes among multiple competing first control commands, based on the voting result information. That is, if the arbitration method represented by the second setting information 62 identified by the identification unit 18B is vote arbitration, and the voting result information allows for the identification of one first control command with the most votes, the arbitration unit 18D generates that one first control command as the second control command.

[0163] Specifically, consider a case where the set values ​​for the set temperatures included in multiple competing first control instructions are "21°C," "25°C," and "18°C." In this case, the arbitration unit 18D transmits voting request information containing the set values ​​"21°C," "25°C," and "18°C" included in each of these competing first control instructions to multiple user terminal devices 30. Then, consider a case where the set value included in the first control instruction with the most votes, according to the voting result information, is "21°C." In this case, the arbitration unit 18D generates a first control instruction containing the set value "21°C" as a second control instruction.

[0164] On the other hand, if the arbitration method represented by the second setting information 62 identified by the specific unit 18B is voting arbitration, there are cases where it is not possible to identify the single first control command with the most votes based on the voting result information. More specifically, if the arbitration method represented by the second setting information 62 identified by the specific unit 18B is voting arbitration, there are cases where multiple first control commands with the most votes are identified based on the voting result information.

[0165] In this case, the arbitration unit 18D generates a second control instruction from the multiple first control instructions with the most votes, according to the settlement method shown in the second setting information 62. The arbitration unit 18D generates the second control instruction using an algorithm for realizing the settlement method shown in the second setting information 62.

[0166] For example, let's assume that the method of resolution shown in the second setting information 62 is "a showdown". When the method of resolution is "a showdown", the mediation unit 18D sends a showdown screen to each of the user terminal devices 30 that are the source of the multiple first control commands with the most votes, as represented by the voting result information, in order to determine the winner and loser through a showdown. The showdown screen is, for example, a screen for executing a game to determine the winner and loser, such as the aforementioned "rock-paper-scissors".

[0167] The control unit 38 of the user terminal device 30 that is the source of the multiple first control commands with the most votes, as indicated by the voting result information, displays the battle screen received from the information processing device 10 on the UI unit 34. Users using the user terminal device 30 compete with other users using the user terminal device 30 that is the source of the competing multiple first control commands, via the battle screen displayed on the UI unit 34. For example, a user plays a game with another user via the battle screen to determine a winner and loser. The control unit 38 of each of these multiple user terminal devices 30 communicates directly or via the information processing device 10 to control the game to be repeated until a winner and loser are determined. Once a winner and loser are determined, these multiple user terminal devices 30 transmit the identification information of the user terminal device 30 used by one of the users, which represents the win or loss result, to the information processing device 10. The arbitration unit 18D of the information processing device 10 generates a second control command from among the multiple first control commands with the most votes represented by the voting result information, the first control command received from the user terminal device 30 identified by the identification information.

[0168] Furthermore, we assume that the method of resolution shown in the second setting information 62 is "drawing lots". When the method of resolution is "drawing lots", the mediation unit 18D sends a lottery screen containing multiple selection buttons to each of the user terminal devices 30 that are the source of the multiple first control commands with the most votes, as represented by the voting result information, to determine which first control command will be used as the second control command by "drawing lots". Only one winning piece of information is associated with each of the multiple selection buttons, and this information cannot be confirmed from the lottery screen.

[0169] The control unit 38 of the user terminal device 30 that is the source of the multiple first control commands with the most votes, as represented by the voting result information, displays the lottery screen received from the information processing device 10 on the UI unit 34. The user using the user terminal device 30 operates one of the desired selection buttons via the lottery screen displayed on the UI unit 34. The control unit 38 of the user terminal device 30 transmits the identification information of the received selection button to the information processing device 10. The arbitration unit 18D of the information processing device 10 identifies the user terminal device 30 that is the source of the identification information of the selection button associated with the winning information indicating that it will be used as the first control command, from among the identification information of the selection buttons received from each of the multiple user terminal devices 30. Then, the arbitration unit 18D generates the first control command received from the identified user terminal device 30 from among the multiple first control commands with the most votes, as the second control command.

[0170] Furthermore, let's consider the case where the resolution method shown in the second setting information 62 is "random". When the resolution method is "random", the arbitration unit 18D randomly selects one first control instruction from among the multiple first control instructions with the most votes, as represented by the voting result information. The arbitration unit 18D then generates the selected first control instruction as the second control instruction. For example, an algorithm to realize the "random" resolution method can be a program that randomly selects one from among the multiple first control instructions with the most votes.

[0171] Next, we will explain the case where the mediation method included in the second setting information 62 identified by the identification unit 18B is "Vote Mediation - Average Value". The identification unit 18B executes the mediation process using an algorithm to implement the mediation method "Vote Mediation - Average Value".

[0172] In detail, the arbitration unit 18D generates a second control command to send to the shared system 40 a weighted average of the setting values ​​included in each of the multiple competing first control commands, based on the voting result information, according to the number of votes.

[0173] Specifically, consider a case where the setting values ​​included in multiple conflicting first control instructions are "a", "b", and "c". In this case, the arbitration unit 18D transmits voting request information containing the setting values ​​"a", "b", and "c", which are included in each of these conflicting first control instructions, to multiple user terminal devices 30. Then, consider a case where the number of votes represented by the voting result information is N for the first control instruction with setting value "a", M for the first control instruction with setting value "b", and L for the first control instruction with setting value "c". N, M, and L are integers of 0 or greater.

[0174] In this case, the arbitration unit 18D generates a second control command that includes the weighted average value according to the number of votes as a set value, according to the following formula (1).

[0175] P=a×N+b×M+c×L / (N+M+L)...Equation (1)

[0176] In equation (1), P is the average value obtained by weighting the setpoint according to the number of votes. N, M, and L are the number of votes for the first control command containing each setpoint, and are non-negative integers.

[0177] Next, we will explain the case where the mediation method included in the second setting information 62 identified by the identification unit 18B is "Vote Mediation - Median". The identification unit 18B executes the mediation process using an algorithm to implement the mediation method "Vote Mediation - Median".

[0178] In detail, the arbitration unit 18D generates a second control command to be sent to the shared system 40, based on the voting result information, which is the median value obtained from the number of votes for each of the multiple conflicting first control commands.

[0179] Specifically, consider a case where the setting values ​​included in multiple conflicting first control instructions are "a", "b", and "c". Also, consider the relationship between these setting values ​​as a≧b≧c. In this case, the arbitration unit 18D transmits voting request information containing the setting values ​​"a", "b", and "c" included in each of these conflicting first control instructions to multiple user terminal devices 30. Then, consider the case where the number of votes represented by the voting result information is N for the first control instruction with setting value "a", M for the first control instruction with setting value "b", and L for the first control instruction with setting value "c". N, M, and L are non-negative integers.

[0180] In this case, the arbitration unit 18D arranges the setting values ​​in descending order (i.e., in the order of a, b, c) and generates a setting value that corresponds to the midpoint of the total number of votes (N+M+L), which is (N+M+L) / 2 votes (for example, setting value "b"), as a second control command to send to the shared system 40.

[0181] If the total number of votes is even, there will be two median setting values. In this case, the arbitration unit 18D may use the average of these two setting values ​​as the setting value to be used as the second control command. If there are two median setting values, the arbitration unit 18D may use the settlement method shown in the second setting information 62 to determine which of the two medians will be used as the setting value to be used as the second control command. If the settlement method is not shown in the second setting information 62, the arbitration unit 18D may determine the average of these two setting values ​​as the setting value to be used as the second control command.

[0182] Next, we will explain the case where the mediation method represented by the second setting information 62 is "random mediation". Specifically, we will assume that the second setting information 62 identified by the identification unit 18B is the second setting information 62F shown in Figure 4. The identification unit 18B executes the mediation process using an algorithm to realize the mediation method "random mediation".

[0183] As described above, "random arbitration" is an arbitration method in which the information processing device 10 randomly selects one first control instruction from among multiple competing first control instructions.

[0184] Therefore, in this case, the arbitration unit 18D generates a second control instruction by randomly selecting one first control instruction from among multiple conflicting first control instructions.

[0185] Next, we will explain the case where the mediation method represented by the second setting information 62 is "learning mediation". Specifically, we will assume that the second setting information 62 identified by the identification unit 18B is the second setting information 62G shown in Figure 4. The identification unit 18B executes the mediation process using an algorithm for realizing the mediation method "learning mediation".

[0186] As mentioned above, "learning-based mediation" is a mediation method that uses a learning model to mediate.

[0187] If the mediation method is "learning mediation," the second setting information 62 uses a learning model to obtain predicted setting values ​​from the environmental information of the mediation target.

[0188] The learning model takes environmental information as input and outputs predicted settings for the shared system 40. The environmental information input to the learning model is information representing the environment to be mediated. The environment to be mediated is the space in which the shared system 40 is installed. For example, if the shared system 40 is installed in a specific room, the environment to be mediated is the environment of that room or the outdoor space adjacent to that room. The environment to be mediated includes, but is not limited to, temperature, humidity, wind speed, and atmospheric pressure.

[0189] The mediation unit 18D can pre-train a learning model using training data and pre-store it in the memory unit 16.

[0190] Figure 12 is a schematic diagram of an example of the data structure of training data.

[0191] Figure 12 shows an example where the environmental information is the outside temperature of an outdoor space adjacent to a room that is an example of the subject of mediation. In this case, the learning data is, for example, data that associates a date and time at a certain point in the past with the outside temperature of the subject of mediation at that date and time, and the setting value that was set in the shared system 40 at that outside temperature.

[0192] The learning data can be created in advance using past control history, etc. Furthermore, the learning data only needs to include information representing the environment to be mediated, and the environment is not limited to outside temperature. For example, the environment to be mediated may be a room temperature that is generally comfortable for humans if the shared system 40 is air conditioning, or an appropriate illuminance according to the work performed at that location if the shared system 40 is lighting, etc. The information processing device 10 may also change the text of the information representing the preference displayed on the selection button image shown on the display screen 54 (see Figure 5) according to the content of the learning data. In addition, the learning data, the content of the algorithm to be executed, and the settings of the corresponding information may be made at any time from the administrator terminal device 20 via the second receiving control unit 18A.

[0193] The arbitration unit 18D then takes the outside temperature shown in the training data as input and generates a pre-trained model by training it using a known deep learning algorithm or the like so that it outputs the corresponding setting value shown in the training data as a predicted setting value. The arbitration unit 18D then stores the generated training model in, for example, the storage unit 16. The algorithm used to train the training model may be the algorithm included in the second setting information.

[0194] The arbitration unit 18D inputs the current outside temperature, which is an example of the environment to be arbitrated for the controlled shared system 40, into the learning model and obtains the predicted setpoint output from the learning model.

[0195] The arbitration unit 18D can obtain the current outside temperature, which is an example of the environment to be arbitrated for the controlled shared system 40, from a weather forecast server that distributes weather forecast information or an external information processing device via a network or the like. Alternatively, the arbitration unit 18D may obtain the predicted outside temperature at the time when the controlled shared system 40 is actually controlled. Alternatively, the information processing device 10 may be configured to include a system equipped with sensors for measuring the environment to be arbitrated, and the arbitration unit 18D may obtain the environment to be arbitrated from this system. The arbitration unit 18D only needs to be able to obtain the environment to be arbitrated, and the location of the system equipped with sensors for measuring the environment to be arbitrated is not limited to the information processing device 10. For example, the system equipped with sensors for measuring the environment to be arbitrated may be various terminals connected to the information processing device 10 via the network N, an external information processing device, etc.

[0196] Furthermore, the arbitration unit 18D may learn a learning model in real time and use the learned learning model to obtain predicted setting values. Alternatively, the arbitration unit 18D may start learning the learning model from the end of the first period. Alternatively, the arbitration unit 18D may learn the learning model in advance and input the environment to be arbitrated to the learning model at the end of the first period, thereby obtaining predicted setting values ​​as output from the learning model and reducing the computation time.

[0197] The arbitration unit 18D then generates a second control instruction in accordance with the setting values ​​included in the multiple conflicting first control instructions and the predicted setting values ​​obtained from the learning model.

[0198] For example, the arbitration unit 18D generates a second control instruction that includes the setting value closest to the predicted setting value among the setting values ​​included in a plurality of conflicting first control instructions. Alternatively, for example, the arbitration unit 18D may generate a second control instruction that includes the average value of the setting value closest to the predicted setting value and the predicted setting value as the setting value.

[0199] Next, we will explain the case where the mediation method represented by the second setting information 62 is a "unique" mediation method set independently by the administrator. Specifically, we will assume that the second setting information 62 identified by the identification unit 18B is the second setting information 62H shown in Figure 4.

[0200] In this case, the arbitration unit 18D should perform arbitration processing according to a unique method represented by the corresponding algorithm in the second setting information 62H and generate a second control command.

[0201] As described above, the arbitration unit 18D executes an arbitration process that generates a second control command to be output to the shared system 40 from a plurality of conflicting first control commands, based on the arbitration method represented by the second setting information 62 identified by the identification unit 18B.

[0202] Returning to Figure 1, we continue the explanation.

[0203] The transmission control unit 18E transmits the second control command generated by the arbitration process performed by the arbitration unit 18D to the shared system 40. The second control command includes one setting value for the shared system 40 that was identified by the arbitration process performed by the arbitration unit 18D. The transmission control unit 18E may also transmit a second control command to the shared system 40 that further includes information representing a third period, which is included in the second setting information 62 used by the arbitration unit 18D during the arbitration process. As described above, the third period represents the validity period of the second control command transmitted to the shared system 40.

[0204] Note that there may be cases where the first control command to the shared system 40 does not conflict. In this case, the transmission control unit 18E should send a second control command to the shared system 40 that includes the setting value contained in the received first control command.

[0205] In detail, for example, if the first control command sent to the shared system 40 is not in conflict, that is, if it is unique or has the same setting value, the transmission control unit 18E can simply send the first control command as a second control command to the shared system 40.

[0206] Furthermore, if there is no conflict in the first control commands to the shared system 40, the control unit 18 may use the previously adopted first control command and the currently received first control command as multiple conflicting first control commands, perform arbitration processing similar to that described above to generate a second control command, and send it to the shared system 40.

[0207] Figure 13 is a schematic diagram of an example of the data structure of a second control instruction. For example, the second control instruction includes a single setting value for the shared system 40, which is identified by arbitration processing by the arbitration unit 18D, and information representing a third period, which is the validity period of the second control instruction.

[0208] Upon receiving the second control command, the shared system 40 operates to realize the set value included in the second control command. For example, if the shared system 40 is an air conditioner, it operates to realize the set temperature, which is the set value included in the received second control command.

[0209] Furthermore, if the shared system 40 includes information representing a third period that indicates the validity period of the second control command, it may control the system to invalidate control commands received from other information processing devices, such as the user terminal device 30, during the third period.

[0210] Furthermore, when the transmission control unit 18E transmits a second control command to the shared system 40, it may transmit a message to the user terminal devices 30 that are the source of the multiple conflicting first control commands, indicating that the shared system 40 has been set as the setting value included in the second control command. In addition, the transmission control unit 18E may transmit countdown timer information, which represents the remaining time of the third period included in the second setting information 62, to the user terminal devices 30 that are the source of the multiple conflicting first control commands.

[0211] Upon receiving these messages and countdown timer information, the control unit 38 of the user terminal device 30 outputs these messages and countdown timer information to the UI unit 34.

[0212] Figure 14 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a display screen 59 for message and countdown timer information. By viewing the display screen 59, the user of the user terminal device 30 can confirm the settings set for the shared system 40 and the validity period of those settings.

[0213] Furthermore, the first receiving control unit 18C of the information processing device 10 may control the system so as not to accept new first control commands from the user terminal device 30 during the period from when the transmitting control unit 18E sends a second control command to the shared system 40 until the third period indicated in the second setting information 62 has elapsed. The transmitting control unit 18E may then send a message to the user terminal device 30, the source of the first control command, prompting it to resend the first control command because it cannot control the shared system 40 until the third period has elapsed. The control unit 38 of the user terminal device 30 can then display the received message on the UI unit 34.

[0214] Furthermore, the first receiving control unit 18C stores any new first control commands received during the period in the storage unit 16 and keeps them inactive until the third period has elapsed. The transmitting control unit 18E may then send a message to the user terminal device 30 indicating that the transmitted first control commands will become effective once the third period has elapsed, along with the remaining time until the third period has elapsed. The control unit 38 of the user terminal device 30 can then display the received message and remaining time on the UI unit 34.

[0215] Then, when the third period has elapsed, the second receiving control unit 18A of the information processing device 10 resumes receiving the first control command from the user terminal device 30. The information processing device 10 then takes the timing when it newly receives the first control command from the user terminal device 30 as the first timing of the first period, and repeatedly executes the processing represented by a series of period items along the first period, second period, and third period shown in the second setting information 62.

[0216] Therefore, the second control instruction that was executed in the shared system 40 during the previous third period will continue to be executed in the shared system 40 until the next first period begins, or until the next new second control instruction is sent to the shared system 40.

[0217] Furthermore, if a second control instruction that was executed in the shared system 40 during the previous third period continues to be executed in the shared system 40 until the next first period begins, the shared system 40 will continue to execute the second control instruction it received previously until a second control instruction corresponding to multiple conflicting first control instructions received in the next first period is sent to the shared system 40.

[0218] Furthermore, depending on the arbitration method shown in the second setting information 62, the system may transition to the second B period without going through the second A period. In this case, the information processing device 10 can identify the arbitration method shown in the second setting information 62 at the beginning of the second B period, and read and execute the algorithm for implementing the arbitration method from the storage unit 16.

[0219] Furthermore, the input of the first setting information 60 by the administrator using the administrator terminal device 20 and the transmission of the first setting information 60 from the administrator terminal device 20 to the information processing device 10 may occur while the information processing device 10 is executing processing for any of the following periods: the first to third periods, or the period between the third period and the first period. As described above, the second receiving control unit 18A of the information processing device 10 can always receive the first setting information 60 from the administrator terminal device 20. However, the first setting information 60 received by the second receiving control unit 18A during the second period, in which arbitration processing is being executed by the arbitration unit 18D, and during the third period, in which the second control command is valid, may be used to generate the second setting information 62 for use in the next second period, i.e., the next arbitration processing.

[0220] Next, an example of the information processing flow executed by the information processing device 10 of this embodiment will be described.

[0221] Figure 15 is a flowchart showing an example of the information processing flow performed by the information processing device 10 of this embodiment.

[0222] The second receiving control unit 18A receives the first setting information 60 from the administrator terminal device 20 (step S100). As described above, the second receiving control unit 18A may also obtain the first setting information 60 from the storage unit 16.

[0223] The identification unit 18B identifies the second setting information 62 using the first setting information 60 received in step S100 (step S102). Through the processing in step S102, the identification unit 18B identifies the second setting information 62 which defines the setting values ​​for each of the setting items: arbitration method, algorithm, settlement method, and period item (first period, second period, third period). Specifically, for example, the identification unit 18B identifies one of the second setting information 62 shown in Figure 4, from second setting information 62A to second setting information 62H.

[0224] The first receiving control unit 18C receives first control commands for the shared system 40 from multiple user terminal devices 30 (step S104). Next, the first receiving control unit 18C determines whether or not the first period included in the second setting information 62 identified in step S102 has elapsed (step S106). If the determination in step S106 is negative (step S106: No), the process returns to step S104. If the determination in step S106 is positive (step S106: Yes), the process proceeds to step S108. Through the processing in steps S104 and S106, the first receiving control unit 18C acquires multiple first control commands received from the user terminal devices 30 during the first period included in the second setting information 62 identified in step S102 as multiple conflicting first control commands.

[0225] Next, the arbitration unit 18D executes an arbitration process (step S108) that generates a second control command to be output to the shared system 40 from a plurality of conflicting first control commands received through the processing in steps S104 to S106, based on the arbitration method represented by the second setting information 62 identified in step S102. The detailed flow of the arbitration process will be described later.

[0226] The transmission control unit 18E transmits the second control command generated by the arbitration process in step S108 to the shared system 40 (step S110). Upon receiving the second control command, the shared system 40 operates to realize the set value included in the second control command. For example, if the shared system 40 is an air conditioner, it operates to realize the set temperature, which is the set value included in the received second control command. Then, this routine terminates.

[0227] Next, we will explain an example of the mediation process.

[0228] Figure 16 is a flowchart showing an example of the mediation process. The mediation process shown in Figure 16 is an example of a detailed flow of the mediation process in step S108 of Figure 15.

[0229] The mediation unit 18D determines whether the mediation method represented by the second setting information 62 identified in step S102 (see Figure 15) is "voting mediation" (step S200). The mediation unit 18D makes the determination in step S200 by determining whether the mediation method represented by the second setting information 62 identified in step S102 is one of "voting mediation - number of votes", "voting mediation - average value", or "voting mediation - median". If it is determined that the mediation method is "voting mediation" (step S200: Yes), the process proceeds to step S202.

[0230] In step S202, the arbitration unit 18D generates voting request information containing multiple conflicting first control commands and transmits it to each of the multiple user terminal devices 30. Specifically, the arbitration unit 18D broadcasts the voting request information containing multiple conflicting first control commands to all of the multiple user terminal devices 30 that are able to communicate with the information processing device 10. As a result, all of the multiple user terminal devices 30 located within range of receiving the voting request information receive the voting request information.

[0231] Next, the mediation unit 18D receives voting result information from the user terminal device 30 (step S204). Then, the mediation unit 18D determines whether or not the second A period included in the second setting information 62 identified in step S102 has elapsed (step S206). For example, the mediation unit 18D starts counting from the end timing of the first period determined in step S106 (see Figure 15) and determines whether or not the second A period included in the second setting information 62 identified in step S102 has elapsed. If the determination in step S206 is negative (step S206: No), the process returns to step S204. If the determination in step S206 is positive (step S206: Yes), the process proceeds to step S208.

[0232] In step S208, the mediation unit 18D determines whether the mediation method represented by the second setting information 62 identified in step S102 (see Figure 15) is "Voting Mediation - Number of Votes" (step S208). If it determines that the mediation method is "Voting Mediation - Number of Votes" (step S208: Yes), the process proceeds to step S210.

[0233] In step S210, the arbitration unit 18D determines whether it is possible to identify the one first control instruction with the most votes based on the voting result information received through the processing in steps S204 to S206 (step S210). If it is possible to identify one first control instruction (step S210: Yes), the process proceeds to step 212.

[0234] In step S212, the arbitration unit 18D generates the identified first control instruction as a second control instruction (step S212). Then, the routine terminates.

[0235] On the other hand, if the first control instruction with the most votes cannot be identified in step S210 (step S210: No), the process proceeds to step S214. In other words, if the arbitration unit 18D identifies multiple first control instructions with the most votes based on the voting result information, the process proceeds to step S214.

[0236] In step S214, the arbitration unit 18D identifies one first control command from the multiple first control commands with the most votes, according to the settlement method indicated in the second setting information 62 identified in step S102 (see Figure 15) (step S214). Then, the process proceeds to step S212.

[0237] On the other hand, if in step S208 it is determined that the mediation method represented by the second setting information 62 identified in step S102 (see Figure 15) is not "Voting Mediation - Number of Votes" (step S208: No), the process proceeds to step S216.

[0238] In step S216, the mediation unit 18D determines whether the mediation method represented by the second setting information 62 identified in step S102 (see Figure 15) is "Voting Mediation - Average Value" (step S216). If it determines that the mediation method is "Voting Mediation - Average Value" (step S216: Yes), the process proceeds to step S218.

[0239] In step S218, the arbitration unit 18D identifies a first control instruction whose setting value is the average value obtained by weighting the setting values ​​in each of the multiple conflicting first control instructions according to the number of votes (step S218). Then, the process proceeds to step S212.

[0240] On the other hand, if a negative result is determined in step S216 (step S216: No), the mediation unit 18D determines that the mediation method represented by the second setting information 62 identified in step S102 (see Figure 15) is "Voting Mediation - Median". Then, the process proceeds to step S220.

[0241] In step S220, the arbitration unit 18D identifies a first control instruction that includes the median value obtained from the number of votes as its setting value, based on the voting result information, for each of the multiple conflicting first control instructions (step S220). Then, the process proceeds to step S212.

[0242] On the other hand, if a negative determination is made in step S200 (step S200: No), the process proceeds to step S222. In step S222, the mediation unit 18D determines whether the mediation method represented by the second setting information 62 identified in step S102 (see Figure 15) is "random mediation" (step S222).

[0243] If it is determined that the arbitration method represented by the second setting information 62 identified in step S102 (see Figure 15) is "random arbitration" (step S222: Yes), the process proceeds to step S224. In step S224, the arbitration unit 18D identifies one first control instruction randomly selected from a plurality of conflicting first control instructions (step S224). Then, the process proceeds to step S212.

[0244] If a negative result is determined in step S222 (step S222: No), the process proceeds to step S226. In step S226, the mediation unit 18D determines whether the mediation method represented by the second setting information 62 identified in step S102 (see Figure 15) is "learning mediation" (step S226).

[0245] If it is determined that the mediation method represented by the second setting information 62 identified in step S102 (see Figure 15) is "learning mediation" (step S226: Yes), proceed to step S228.

[0246] In step S228, the arbitration unit 18D uses the learning model stored in the memory unit 16 to obtain predicted setting values ​​from the environmental information to be arbitrated (step S228). For example, the arbitration unit 18D inputs the current outside temperature, which is an example of the environment to be arbitrated for the controlled shared system 40, into the learning model and obtains the predicted setting values ​​output from the learning model.

[0247] Then, the arbitration unit 18D identifies the setting value to be used for the second control instruction according to the setting values ​​included in the multiple conflicting first control instructions and the predicted setting value obtained from the learning model in step S230 (step S230). Then, the arbitration unit 18D identifies the first control instruction that includes the identified setting value and proceeds to step S212.

[0248] If a negative determination is made in step S226 (step S226: No), the mediation unit 18D determines that the mediation method represented by the second setting information 62 identified in step S102 (see Figure 15) is "unique" and proceeds to step S232.

[0249] In step S232, the arbitration unit 18D performs arbitration processing according to a unique method represented by the corresponding algorithm in the second setting information 62 identified in step S102 (see Figure 15), and sets a first control instruction to be used as a second control instruction (step S232). Then, the process proceeds to step 212.

[0250] As described above, the information processing device 10 of this embodiment comprises a specification unit 18B and an arbitration unit 18D. The specification unit 18B identifies second setting information 62 which includes at least an arbitration method to be used for arbitration processing of a first control command to the shared system 40, based on first setting information 60 relating to the setting of arbitration processing for the shared system 40. The arbitration unit 18D executes arbitration processing which generates a second control command to be output to the shared system 40 from the first control command, based on the arbitration method represented by the identified second setting information 62.

[0251] In recent years, various devices have been connected to communication networks, making it possible for multiple users to remotely operate a single shared system 40. For example, a shared system 40 such as air conditioning, lighting, or electric blinds can be freely controlled by many users. When many users attempt to control a single shared system 40, conflicts in control commands occur. Therefore, arbitration processing is necessary to appropriately resolve these conflicts.

[0252] In conventional technology, administrators pre-set and update priority levels for each user or user terminal device 30 as needed. Furthermore, in conventional technology, administrators had to pre-design detailed priority settings, such as which activities to prioritize and which attributes to prioritize. In conventional technology, when multiple conflicting first control commands were sent to the shared system 40 from multiple user terminal devices 30, arbitration processing was performed to identify one first control command according to the pre-set priority levels and priority designs.

[0253] Therefore, with conventional technology, in order to perform mediation processing, administrators had to set priority levels in advance for each of the multiple users or each of the multiple user terminal devices 30, and update the priority levels as needed, which sometimes increased the administrative workload for administrators related to mediation processing. Furthermore, with the recent trend towards free addressing and ABW (Activity Based Working), which seek to allow employees to use the office more freely, there is a growing need to reduce the burden of such administrative tasks on administrators.

[0254] On the other hand, in the information processing device 10 of this embodiment, the identification unit 18B identifies second setting information 62 that includes at least an arbitration method to be used for arbitrating the first control command to the shared system 40, based on first setting information 60 relating to the setting of arbitration processing for the shared system 40. Then, the arbitration unit 18D executes arbitration processing that generates a second control command to be output to the shared system 40, based on the arbitration method represented by the identified second setting information 62.

[0255] Therefore, in the information processing device 10 of this embodiment, the mediation unit 18D can perform mediation processing without the administrator of one information processing system having to perform complicated management tasks such as setting priority levels, updating priority levels, and designing priorities for each of multiple users or each of multiple user terminal devices 30 in advance. Therefore, the information processing device 10 of this embodiment can reduce the burden of management tasks on the administrator of the information processing system 1.

[0256] Therefore, the information processing device 10 of this embodiment can reduce the workload of management tasks related to mediation processing.

[0257] Furthermore, in the information processing device 10 of this embodiment, the arbitration method included in the second setting information includes at least one of the following: voting arbitration, which is an arbitration method in response to votes from multiple user terminal devices 30; random arbitration, which randomly identifies one first control instruction from multiple competing first control instructions; and learning arbitration, which arbitrates using a learning model.

[0258] Then, if the arbitration method represented by the second setting information 62 is vote arbitration, the arbitration unit 18D of the information processing device 10 of this embodiment transmits vote request information containing a plurality of conflicting first control commands to each of the plurality of user terminal devices, and generates one first control command as a second control command from the plurality of conflicting first control commands based on the vote result information representing one first control command included in the vote request information received from each of the plurality of user terminal devices 30.

[0259] Therefore, the information processing device 10 of this embodiment can generate a second control command that takes into account the wishes of all user terminal devices 30 that can communicate with the information processing device 10 during mediation processing. Thus, in addition to the above effects, the information processing device 10 of this embodiment can improve user satisfaction regarding mediation processing.

[0260] Furthermore, the second receiving control unit 18A of the information processing device 10 in this embodiment can receive the first setting information 60 from the administrator terminal device 20. Therefore, even after the information processing system 1 is put into operation, the administrator can easily add or change the mediation method to use a mediation method different from the one currently in use. In other words, the administrator does not need to perform detailed design regarding the mediation process before the information processing system 1 is put into operation. Thus, in addition to the above effects, the information processing device 10 in this embodiment can improve convenience for the administrator.

[0261] In this embodiment, the mediation method was described as an example that includes at least one of "voting mediation," "random mediation," and "learning mediation." However, the mediation method may further include "drawing lots," "betting," etc., which correspond to the settlement methods described above.

[0262] In other words, the arbitration method included in the second setting information may include at least one of the following: "voting arbitration," which is an arbitration method in response to votes from multiple user terminal devices 30; "random arbitration," which randomly identifies one first control instruction from multiple competing first control instructions; "learning arbitration," which uses a learning model to arbitrate; "lottery," which identifies one first control instruction by drawing lots; and "competition," which identifies one first control instruction based on the outcome of a match.

[0263] The arbitration method "lottery" refers to an arbitration method in which users operating the user terminal devices 30 that are the source of multiple conflicting first control commands "draw lots," and the first control command transmitted from the user terminal device 30 used by the user who draws the winning lot is used as a second control command to be transmitted to the shared system 40.

[0264] The arbitration method "competition" is an arbitration method in which one first control command is identified based on the outcome of a predetermined competition between users operating the user terminal devices 30 that are the source of multiple competing first control commands, and the identified first control command is used as the second control command to be transmitted to the shared system 40.

[0265] In this case, the specific unit 18B identifies a second setting information 62 in which either "lottery" or "bet" is further set as the mediation method.

[0266] Therefore, in addition to determining whether the mediation method represented by the second setting information 62 is "voting mediation," "random mediation," or "learning mediation," the mediation unit 18D only needs to further determine whether the mediation method represented by the second setting information 62 is "lottery" or "competition."

[0267] If the arbitration method represented by the second setting information 62 is "lottery", the arbitration unit 18D sends a lottery screen containing multiple selection buttons to each of the user terminal devices 30 that are the source of the multiple conflicting first control commands, to determine which first control command will be used as the second control command by "lottery". Only one winning piece of information is associated with each of the multiple selection buttons, and this information cannot be confirmed from the lottery screen.

[0268] The control unit 38 of the user terminal device 30 that is the source of multiple conflicting first control commands displays the lottery screen received from the information processing device 10 on the UI unit 34. The user using the user terminal device 30 operates one of the desired selection buttons via the lottery screen displayed on the UI unit 34. The control unit 38 of the user terminal device 30 transmits the identification information of the received selection button to the information processing device 10. The arbitration unit 18D of the information processing device 10 identifies the user terminal device 30 that sent the identification information of the selection button associated with the winning information indicating that it will be used as the first control command, from among the identification information of the selection buttons received from each of the multiple user terminal devices 30. Then, the arbitration unit 18D can generate the first control command received from the identified user terminal device 30 from among the multiple conflicting first control commands as the second control command.

[0269] Furthermore, if the arbitration method represented by the second setting information 62 is "competition," the arbitration unit 18D sends a competition screen to each of the user terminal devices 30 that are the source of the multiple conflicting first control commands, in order to determine the winner of the competition. The competition screen is, for example, a screen for executing a game to determine the winner, such as the aforementioned "rock-paper-scissors."

[0270] The control unit 38 of the user terminal device 30 that is the source of multiple conflicting first control commands displays the battle screen received from the information processing device 10 on the UI unit 34. Users using the user terminal device 30 engage in a battle represented by the battle screen displayed on the UI unit 34 with other users using the user terminal device 30 that is the source of multiple conflicting first control commands. For example, a user plays a game with another user via the battle screen to determine a winner. The control unit 38 of each of these multiple user terminal devices 30 communicates directly or via the information processing device 10 to control the game to repeat until a winner is determined. Once a winner is determined, these multiple user terminal devices 30 transmit the identification information of the user terminal device 30 used by one of the users, which represents the win / loss result, to the information processing device 10. The arbitration unit 18D of the information processing device 10 only needs to generate a second control command from among a plurality of conflicting first control commands, which is the first control command received from the user terminal device 30 identified by the identification information.

[0271] Thus, the mediation unit 18D may perform mediation processing to generate a second control command to be output to the shared system 40 from a plurality of conflicting first control commands, based on an example of a mediation method represented by the second setting information 62 identified by the identification unit 18B, such as "voting mediation," "random mediation," "learning mediation," "lottery," or "competition."

[0272] Therefore, the information processing device 10 of this embodiment can generate a second control command that takes into account the wishes of all user terminal devices 30 that can communicate with the information processing device 10 during mediation processing. Thus, in addition to the above effects, the information processing device 10 of this embodiment can further improve user satisfaction with mediation processing.

[0273] In this embodiment, an example was described in which the information processing system 1 comprises one shared system 40. However, the information processing system 1 may comprise multiple shared systems 40. In this case, the first control instruction may further include identification information of the shared system 40 to be controlled. In this case, the control unit 18 of the information processing device 10 may treat multiple first control instructions for a single shared system 40 identified by the same identification information as multiple conflicting first control instructions and execute the same processing as described above.

[0274] Next, an example of the hardware configuration of the information processing device 10, administrator terminal device 20, user terminal device 30, and shared system 40 of the above embodiment will be described.

[0275] Figure 17 is a hardware configuration diagram of an example of the information processing device 10, administrator terminal device 20, user terminal device 30, and shared system 40 of the above embodiment.

[0276] The information processing device 10, administrator terminal device 20, user terminal device 30, and shared system 40 of the above embodiment are equipped with a control device such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 90B, storage devices such as a ROM (Read Only Memory) 90C, RAM (Random Access Memory) 90D, and HDD (Hard Disk Drive) 90E, an I / F unit 90A which is an interface to various devices, and a bus 90F which connects each unit, and have a hardware configuration that uses a normal computer.

[0277] In the information processing device 10, administrator terminal device 20, user terminal device 30, and shared system 40 of the above embodiment, each of the above components is realized on a computer by the CPU 90B reading a program from ROM 90C onto RAM 90D and executing it.

[0278] Incidentally, the programs for executing the respective processes executed by the information processing apparatus 10, the administrator terminal apparatus 20, the user terminal apparatus 30, and the sharing system 40 of the above embodiment may be stored in the HDD 90E. Further, the programs for executing the respective processes executed by the information processing apparatus 10, the administrator terminal apparatus 20, the user terminal apparatus 30, and the sharing system 40 of the above embodiment may be provided by being pre - incorporated in the ROM 90C.

[0279] Also, the programs for executing the above - mentioned processes executed by the information processing apparatus 10, the administrator terminal apparatus 20, the user terminal apparatus 30, and the sharing system 40 of the above embodiment may be stored in a computer - readable storage medium such as a CD - ROM, CD - R, memory card, DVD (Digital Versatile Disk), flexible disk (FD), etc. in an installable or executable file format and provided as a computer program product. Also, the programs for executing the above - mentioned processes executed by the information processing apparatus 10, the administrator terminal apparatus 20, the user terminal apparatus 30, and the sharing system 40 of the above embodiment may be stored on a computer connected to a network such as the Internet and provided by being downloaded via the network. Also, the programs for executing the above - mentioned processes executed by the information processing apparatus 10, the administrator terminal apparatus 20, the user terminal apparatus 30, and the sharing system 40 of the above embodiment may be provided or distributed via a network such as the Internet.

[0280] Incidentally, the above has described embodiments of the present invention. However, the above embodiments are presented as examples and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. This novel embodiment can be implemented in various other forms, and various omissions, replacements, and changes can be made without departing from the gist of the invention. This embodiment and its modifications are included in the scope and gist of the invention and are included in the invention described in the claims and its equivalent scope.

Explanation of Reference Numerals

[0281] 1 Information processing system 10 Information processing device 18A Second reception control unit 18B Specifying unit 18C First reception control unit 18D Mediation unit 18E Transmission control unit 20 Administrator terminal device 30 User terminal device 40 Sharing system

Claims

1. A specification unit identifies second setting information that includes at least a mediation method used for mediating a first control command to the shared system, based on first setting information relating to the setting of mediation processing for the shared system, An arbitration unit that performs arbitration processing to generate a second control command to be output from the first control command to the shared system based on the arbitration method represented by the identified second setting information, The system comprises a first receiving control unit that receives a plurality of competing first control commands to the shared system from a plurality of user terminal devices, The second setting information mentioned above is: The values ​​of each period item include at least one of the following: a first period for receiving the first control command, a second period required for the arbitration process, and a third period which is the validity period of the second control command transmitted to the shared system. Information processing device.

2. The identifying unit identifies a second set of information that includes at least a mediation method used for mediating a plurality of conflicting first control commands to the shared system, based on the first set of information. The aforementioned mediation unit, Based on the arbitration method represented by the identified second setting information, the arbitration process is executed to generate the second control command to be output to the shared system from a plurality of conflicting first control commands. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1.

3. The system includes a second receiving control unit that receives the first setting information from the administrator terminal device, The identification unit identifies the second setting information based on the received first setting information. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1.

4. The first receiving control unit, The first control command received during the first period of the period item included in the second setting information is received as a plurality of competing first control commands to the shared system. The information processing apparatus according to claim 2.

5. The first control command received between the end of the previous first period of the period item included in the second setting information and the end of the current first period is received as a plurality of competing first control commands to the shared system. The information processing apparatus according to claim 2.

6. The first receiving control unit, During the first period, the first control command is received from the user terminal device. Restricting the reception of the first control command during periods other than the first period. The information processing apparatus according to claim 2.

7. The specified part is, If the first setting information is information that defines setting values ​​for each setting item of the first setting information, the first setting information is identified as the second setting information. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1.

8. The specified part is, If the first setting information represents desired information regarding the settings, Identifying the second setting information, including the mediation method corresponding to the desired information, The information processing apparatus according to claim 1.

9. The specified part is, If the first setting information is automatic setting request information indicating that the setting items and the setting values ​​of the setting items are to be set automatically, Identifying the second setting information which includes the setting value for each of the setting items stored in advance, The information processing apparatus according to claim 1.

10. A specification unit identifies second setting information that includes at least a mediation method used for mediating a first control command to the shared system, based on first setting information relating to the setting of mediation processing for the shared system, The system includes an arbitration unit that performs arbitration processing to generate a second control command to be output from the first control command to the shared system based on the arbitration method represented by the identified second setting information, The aforementioned mediation method is, The method includes at least one of the following: voting arbitration, which is an arbitration method based on the results of voting by multiple user terminal devices with multiple first control commands as options; random arbitration, which randomly selects one first control command from multiple competing first control commands; learning arbitration, which takes a set value as input and arbitrates according to a predicted set value obtained from a pre-learned learning model; a lottery, which selects one first control command by drawing lots by multiple user terminal devices; and a competition, which selects one first control command based on the outcome of a competition using user terminal devices. The aforementioned mediation unit, If the arbitration method represented by the identified second setting information is random arbitration, then one of the first control instructions randomly selected from a plurality of conflicting first control instructions is generated as the second control instruction. Information processing device.

11. The aforementioned mediation unit, If the arbitration method represented by the identified second setting information is the vote arbitration, the voting request information, including a plurality of conflicting first control commands, is transmitted to each of the plurality of user terminal devices. Based on voting result information received from each of the multiple user terminal devices, one of the multiple competing first control commands is generated as the second control command. The information processing apparatus according to claim 10.

12. The aforementioned voting request information is, A plurality of competing first control instructions, and impact information when the shared system is controlled in response to the first control instructions, The information processing apparatus according to claim 11.

13. The aforementioned voting request information is, This includes information on the remaining time available for voting. The information processing apparatus according to claim 11.

14. The aforementioned mediation unit, If the arbitration method represented by the identified second setting information is the vote arbitration, and the first control command with the most votes can be identified by the vote result information, then the first control command is generated as the second control command. The information processing apparatus according to claim 11.

15. The second setting information mentioned above is: The method further includes a method for resolving a case in which no single first control command is identified according to the arbitration method, The aforementioned mediation unit, The arbitration method represented by the identified second setting information is the vote arbitration, and when the voting result information identifies the plurality of first control commands with the most votes, the second control command is generated from the plurality of first control commands with the most votes, according to the settlement method. The information processing apparatus according to claim 11.

16. The aforementioned mediation unit, If the arbitration method represented by the identified second setting information is a learning arbitration performed using a learning model, then the learning model, which takes environmental information as input and outputs the predicted setting value of the shared system, is used to obtain the predicted setting value from the environmental information to be arbitrated. The second control command is generated according to the setting values ​​included in a plurality of competing first control commands and the acquired predicted setting values. The information processing apparatus according to claim 10.

17. The aforementioned mediation unit, If the arbitration method represented by the identified second setting information is a lottery, then one of the first control commands determined by a lottery among the user terminal devices that are the sources of the multiple conflicting first control commands is generated as the second control command. The information processing apparatus according to claim 10.

18. The aforementioned mediation unit, If the arbitration method represented by the identified second setting information is a contest, one of the first control commands determined by the outcome of the contest between the user terminal devices that are the sources of the multiple competing first control commands is generated as the second control command. The information processing apparatus according to claim 10.

19. A transmission control unit that transmits the second control command to the shared system, An information processing apparatus according to claim 1 or claim 10, comprising:

20. A selection step of identifying second setting information that includes at least a mediation method used for mediating a first control command to the shared system, based on first setting information relating to the setting of mediation processing for the shared system, An arbitration step is to perform an arbitration process that generates a second control command to be output from the first control command to the shared system based on the arbitration method represented by the identified second setting information, The system includes a first receive control step of receiving conflicting first control commands to the shared system from multiple user terminal devices, The second setting information mentioned above is: The values ​​of each period item include at least one of the following: a first period for receiving the first control command, a second period required for the arbitration process, and a third period which is the validity period of the second control command transmitted to the shared system. Information processing methods.

21. A selection step of identifying second setting information that includes at least a mediation method used for mediating a first control command to the shared system, based on first setting information relating to the setting of mediation processing for the shared system, The process includes: an arbitration step of performing an arbitration process that generates a second control command to be output from the first control command to the shared system based on the arbitration method represented by the identified second setting information, The aforementioned mediation method is, The method includes at least one of the following: voting arbitration, which is an arbitration method based on the results of voting by multiple user terminal devices with multiple first control commands as options; random arbitration, which randomly selects one first control command from multiple competing first control commands; learning arbitration, which takes a set value as input and arbitrates according to a predicted set value obtained from a pre-learned learning model; a lottery, which selects one first control command by drawing lots by multiple user terminal devices; and a competition, which selects one first control command based on the outcome of a competition using user terminal devices. The aforementioned mediation step is, If the arbitration method represented by the identified second setting information is random arbitration, then one of the first control instructions randomly selected from a plurality of conflicting first control instructions is generated as the second control instruction. Information processing methods.

22. A selection step of identifying second setting information that includes at least a mediation method used for mediating a first control command to the shared system, based on first setting information relating to the setting of mediation processing for the shared system, An arbitration step is to perform an arbitration process that generates a second control command to be output from the first control command to the shared system based on the arbitration method represented by the identified second setting information, An information processing program for causing a computer to perform a first receive control step of receiving conflicting first control commands to the shared system from multiple user terminal devices, The second setting information mentioned above is: The values ​​of each period item include at least one of the following: a first period for receiving the first control command, a second period required for the arbitration process, and a third period which is the validity period of the second control command transmitted to the shared system. Information processing program.

23. A selection step of identifying second setting information that includes at least a mediation method used for mediating a first control command to the shared system, based on first setting information relating to the setting of mediation processing for the shared system, An information processing program for causing a computer to perform an arbitration step which involves performing an arbitration process that generates a second control command to be output from the first control command to the shared system based on the arbitration method represented by the identified second setting information, The aforementioned mediation method is, The method includes at least one of the following: voting arbitration, which is an arbitration method based on the results of voting by multiple user terminal devices with multiple first control commands as options; random arbitration, which randomly selects one first control command from multiple competing first control commands; learning arbitration, which takes a set value as input and arbitrates according to a predicted set value obtained from a pre-learned learning model; a lottery, which selects one first control command by drawing lots by multiple user terminal devices; and a competition, which selects one first control command based on the outcome of a competition using user terminal devices. The aforementioned mediation step is, If the arbitration method represented by the identified second setting information is random arbitration, then one of the first control instructions randomly selected from a plurality of conflicting first control instructions is generated as the second control instruction. Information processing program.

24. An information processing system comprising an information processing device and a shared system that communicates with the information processing device, The aforementioned information processing device is A specification unit identifies second setting information that includes at least a mediation method used for mediating a first control command to the shared system, based on first setting information relating to the setting of mediation processing for the shared system, An arbitration unit that performs arbitration processing to generate a second control command to be output from the first control command to the shared system based on the arbitration method represented by the identified second setting information, The system comprises a first receiving control unit that receives competing first control commands to the shared system from multiple user terminal devices, The second setting information mentioned above is: The values ​​of each period item include at least one of the following: a first period for receiving the first control command, a second period required for the arbitration process, and a third period which is the validity period of the second control command transmitted to the shared system. Information processing system.

25. An information processing system comprising an information processing device and a shared system that communicates with the information processing device, The aforementioned information processing device is A specification unit identifies second setting information that includes at least a mediation method used for mediating a first control command to the shared system, based on first setting information relating to the setting of mediation processing for the shared system, The system includes an arbitration unit that performs arbitration processing to generate a second control command to be output from the first control command to the shared system based on the arbitration method represented by the identified second setting information, The aforementioned mediation method is, The method includes at least one of the following: voting arbitration, which is an arbitration method based on the results of voting by multiple user terminal devices with multiple first control commands as options; random arbitration, which randomly selects one first control command from multiple competing first control commands; learning arbitration, which takes a set value as input and arbitrates according to a predicted set value obtained from a pre-learned learning model; a lottery, which selects one first control command by drawing lots by multiple user terminal devices; and a competition, which selects one first control command based on the outcome of a competition using user terminal devices. The aforementioned mediation unit, If the arbitration method represented by the identified second setting information is random arbitration, then one of the first control instructions randomly selected from a plurality of conflicting first control instructions is generated as the second control instruction. Information processing system.

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