Environmental control system, environmental adjustment system, environmental control method, and program

Abstract

The present disclosure addresses the problem of providing an environment control system, an environment adjustment system, an environment control method, and a program that are capable of adjusting, with a simple configuration, the thermal environment in an air-conditioned space such that a person in the air-conditioned space feels comfortable. In an environment control system (1), a target inference unit (12) defines, as a local thermal environment, the thermal environment of air in contact with a person (H1) using an air-conditioned space (R1), and, on the basis of person-specific information (D1) specific to the person (H1), infers, as a target thermal environment, a local thermal environment in which the person (H1) feels comfortable. An air-conditioning control unit (13) controls an air-conditioning system (2) on the basis of the target thermal environment.

Description

Technical Field

[0006]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to an environmental control system, an environmental conditioning system, an environmental control method, and a program.

Background Art

[0002] The environmental conditioning device of Patent Document 1 is an air conditioning control device that conditions the environment of a target space.

[0003] The environmental conditioning device predicts the thermal sensation of a target person in a target space using the biometric information of the target person. The environmental conditioning device grasps the comfort of the target person based on the predicted value of the thermal sensation of the target person and performs air conditioning control that appeals to the comfort. Thermal sensation is an index representing the comfort of a target person in a target space. As an index of thermal sensation, for example, PMV (Predicted Mean Vote) is used. Further, the environmental conditioning device includes a machine learning device that learns the thermal sensation of a target person using a machine learning method.

[0004] Specifically, the environmental conditioning device acquires at least one of parameters correlated with each of the brain waves, skin blood flow, skin temperature, sweating amount, and heart rate of the target person as the biometric information of the target person. The environmental conditioning device infers a predicted value of the thermal sensation of the target person from the acquired biometric information based on the learned model obtained as a result of learning. Then, the environmental conditioning device performs air conditioning control based on the predicted value.

[0005] In order to improve the accuracy of the estimated value of the comfort of the target person, the above-described environmental conditioning device of Patent Document 1 needs to acquire biometric information such as a person's brain waves, skin blood flow, skin temperature, sweating amount, and heart rate. That is, the environmental conditioning device needs to continuously acquire such biometric information in real time while performing air conditioning control.

[0006] As a result, there is a problem that the configuration of the device becomes large in order to adjust the thermal environment of the air-conditioned space so that a person feels comfortable.

Prior Art Documents

[0007] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2021-89134 [Overview of the Initiative]

[0008] The purpose of this disclosure is to provide an environmental control system, an environmental adjustment system, an environmental control method, and a program that can adjust the thermal environment of an air-conditioned space to make people in the air-conditioned space feel comfortable, with a simple configuration.

[0009] An environmental control system according to one aspect of this disclosure controls an air conditioning system that adjusts the thermal environment of an air-conditioned space. The environmental control system includes a target estimation unit and an air conditioning control unit, A measurement data acquisition unit, a sensory estimation unit, and an evaluation information creation unit. The system includes the following: The target estimation unit defines the thermal environment of the air in contact with a person using the air-conditioned space as the local thermal environment, and estimates the local thermal environment that the person finds comfortable as the target thermal environment based on person-specific information, which is information unique to that person. The air conditioning control unit controls the air conditioning system based on the target thermal environment. The measurement data acquisition unit acquires measurement data of the person's skin temperature from a wearable terminal attached to the person's body surface. The sensation estimation unit estimates corrected thermal sensation as the person's thermal sensation based on the measurement data. The evaluation information creation unit creates evaluation information including the estimated result of the corrected thermal sensation. The person-specific information includes innate attribute information relating to the person's innate attributes. The innate attribute information includes at least one piece of information: race, place of birth, and date of birth. The target estimation unit estimates the target thermal environment based on the person-specific information and the evaluation information. The sensation estimation unit determines the difference between a first skin temperature, which is the skin temperature measured when the person enters the air-conditioned space, and a second skin temperature, which is the skin temperature measured when the person exits the air-conditioned space, as a long-term difference, and estimates the corrected thermal sensation based on the long-term difference.

[0010] An environmental control system according to one aspect of this disclosure comprises the above-described environmental control system and the air conditioning system controlled by the environmental control system.

[0011] An environmental control method according to one aspect of this disclosure controls an air conditioning system that adjusts the thermal environment of an air-conditioned space. The environmental control method includes a target estimation step and an air conditioning control step, The steps include: a step to acquire measurement data, a step to estimate sensations, and a step to create evaluation information. This includes the following: The target estimation step defines the thermal environment of the air in contact with a person using the air-conditioned space as the local thermal environment, and estimates the local thermal environment that the person finds comfortable as the target thermal environment based on person-specific information, which is information unique to the person. The air conditioning control step controls the air conditioning system based on the target thermal environment. In the measurement data acquisition step, measurement data of the person's skin temperature is acquired from a wearable device attached to the person's body surface. In the sensation estimation step, corrected thermal sensation is estimated as the person's thermal sensation based on the measurement data. In the evaluation information creation step, evaluation information including the estimated result of the corrected thermal sensation is created. The person-specific information includes innate attribute information relating to the person's innate attributes. The innate attribute information includes at least one piece of information: race, place of birth, and date of birth. In the target estimation step, the target thermal environment is estimated based on the person-specific information and the evaluation information. In the sensation estimation step, the difference between a first skin temperature, which is the skin temperature measured when the person enters the air-conditioned space, and a second skin temperature, which is the skin temperature measured when the person exits the air-conditioned space, is determined as a long-term difference, and the corrected thermal sensation is estimated based on the long-term difference.

[0012] A program relating to one aspect of this disclosure causes a computer system to execute the environment control method described above. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0013] [Figure 1] Figure 1 is a block diagram showing the configuration of an environmental adjustment system equipped with an environmental control system according to an embodiment. [Figure 2] Figure 2 is a flowchart showing the environmental control method described above. [Figure 3] Figure 3 is a block diagram showing the configuration of an environmental adjustment system equipped with the first modified environmental control system. [Figure 4] Figure 4 is a flowchart showing the processing of the evaluation information acquisition unit described above. [Figure 5] Figure 5 is a block diagram showing the configuration of an environmental adjustment system equipped with a fourth modified environmental control system. [Figure 6] Figure 6 is a perspective view showing the appearance of the wearable device described above. [Figure 7] Figure 7 is a flowchart showing the operation of the environmental control system described above. [Figure 8] Figure 8 is a graph showing the relationship between short-term differences and real-time thermal / cold sensation. [Figure 9] Figure 9 is a graph showing the relationship between long-term differences and corrected thermal sensation. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0014] The following embodiments generally relate to environmental control systems, environmental adjustment systems, environmental control methods, and programs. More specifically, the following embodiments relate to environmental control systems, environmental adjustment systems, environmental control methods, and programs for controlling an air conditioning system that adjusts the thermal environment of an air-conditioned space.

[0015] Note that each embodiment and modification described below is merely an example of the present disclosure, and the present disclosure is not limited to each embodiment and modification. Even outside of these embodiments and modifications, various changes can be made according to the design and the like as long as the technical idea of the present disclosure is not deviated from.

[0016] (1) Overview The environmental adjustment system 100 shown in FIG. 1 includes an environmental control system 1 and an air conditioning system 2. The environmental adjustment system 100 is a system that adjusts the thermal environment of the air-conditioned space R1 so that the person H1 in the air-conditioned space R1 feels comfortable.

[0017] The air-conditioned space R1 may be either an indoor space or an outdoor space.

[0018] The indoor space is assumed to be, for example, a building, a room, a shared space, and a box-shaped structure, etc. Buildings are, for example, office buildings, offices, factories, commercial facilities, hospitals, elderly facilities, apartment houses, detached houses, and schools, etc. Rooms are offices, working spaces, conference rooms, stores, living rooms, hospital rooms, and classrooms, etc. Shared spaces are lobbies and waiting rooms, etc. The box-shaped structure is a hollow structure capable of accommodating people, such as a rest box and a karaoke box.

[0019] The outdoor space is assumed to be, for example, outdoor stores, outdoor rest areas, outdoor stadiums, and outdoor event venues, etc.

[0020] However, the air-conditioned space R1 is not limited to a specific space.

[0021] The environmental control system 1 controls the air conditioning system 2, which adjusts the thermal environment within the air-conditioned space R1. The environmental control system 1 comprises a target estimation unit 12 and an air conditioning control unit 13. The target estimation unit 12 considers the thermal environment of the air in contact with a person H1 using the air-conditioned space R1 as the local thermal environment, and estimates the local thermal environment that person H1 finds comfortable as the target thermal environment based on person-specific information D1, which is information unique to person H1. The air conditioning control unit 13 controls the air conditioning system 2 based on the target thermal environment.

[0022] The environmental control system 1, having the above configuration, uses person-specific information D1, which is information unique to person H1. Therefore, it does not need to acquire biological information (such as a person's brain waves, skin blood flow, skin temperature, sweating amount, and heart rate) in real time and continuously, as described in Patent Document 1 above. Accordingly, the environmental control system 1 can adjust the thermal environment of the air-conditioned space R1 with a simple configuration so that person H1 in the air-conditioned space R1 feels comfortable.

[0023] Furthermore, the environmental control system 1 uses a target thermal environment based on the person-specific information D1 of person H1 within the air-conditioned space R1, thereby quickly achieving a comfortable thermal environment while suppressing the occurrence of a thermal environment that causes discomfort to person H1.

[0024] Furthermore, the environmental control system 1 can accurately influence the temperature sensation of person H1 by controlling the local thermal environment, which is the thermal environment of the air in contact with person H1.

[0025] The environmental control system 100 comprises an environmental control system 1 and an air conditioning system 2 controlled by the environmental control system 1. The environmental control system 100 having the above configuration can achieve the same effects as the environmental control system 1.

[0026] (2) Details The environmental control system 100 comprises an environmental control system 1 and an air conditioning system 2. Preferably, the environmental control system 100 further comprises an operation terminal 3 and a human detection unit 4.

[0027] (2.1) Air conditioning system The air conditioning system 2 adjusts the thermal environment within the air-conditioned space R1.

[0028] Specifically, the air conditioning system 2 includes at least one of an air conditioner, a blower, and a ventilation device. The air conditioner has both a cooling function and a heating function, and can adjust the temperature and humidity of the air-conditioned space R1 by blowing conditioned air with adjusted temperature and humidity into the air-conditioned space R1. The blower has a blowing function that blows air with adjusted airflow into the air-conditioned space R1, and can adjust the airflow in the air-conditioned space R1 by generating airflow in the air-conditioned space R1. The ventilation device has a ventilation function that discharges indoor air from the air-conditioned space R1 to the outside of the air-conditioned space R1 and draws in outdoor air from outside the air-conditioned space R1, thereby exchanging indoor and outdoor air in the air-conditioned space R1.

[0029] In this embodiment, the air conditioning system 2 includes an air conditioner, a blower, and a ventilation device. Such an air conditioning system 2 has the temperature and humidity of the conditioned air blown into the air-conditioned space R1, the airflow rate of the blown air, and the ventilation rate as control parameters. Hereafter, the control parameters temperature, humidity, airflow rate, and ventilation rate will be referred to as the temperature parameter, humidity parameter, airflow rate parameter, and ventilation rate parameter, respectively. The air conditioning system 2 then obtains target value data for each control parameter (temperature parameter, humidity parameter, airflow rate parameter, and ventilation rate parameter) from the environmental control system 1 and performs cooling, heating, blowing, and ventilation operations by setting target values ​​for each control parameter.

[0030] (2.2) Operation terminal The operating terminal 3 is an information terminal that can be operated by person H1, such as a smartphone, tablet, or personal computer. The operating terminal 3 can transmit various data it generates to the environmental control system 1 by wired or wireless communication with the environmental control system 1, and can also receive monitoring data indicating the status of the environmental control system 1 from the environmental control system 1 and display the monitoring data on the screen. The operating terminal 3 may be configured to be portable by person H1 or to be installed in the air-conditioned space R1.

[0031] Wired communication refers to wired communication via, for example, twisted-pair cables, dedicated communication lines, or LAN (Local Area Network) cables. Wireless communication refers to wireless communication compliant with standards such as Wi-Fi (registered trademark) or unlicensed low-power radio (specified low-power radio).

[0032] (2.3) Environmental control systems The environmental control system 1 comprises a unique information acquisition unit 11, a target estimation unit 12, an air conditioning control unit 13, and a storage unit 14.

[0033] Furthermore, it is preferable that the environmental control system 1 includes a computer system. The computer system executes a program to realize some or all of the functions of the environmental control system 1. The computer system primarily comprises a processor that operates according to the program. The type of processor is not limited as long as it can realize its functions by executing a program. The processor consists of one or more electronic circuits, including a semiconductor integrated circuit (IC) or a Large Scale Integration (LSI). Here, we refer to them as ICs and LSIs, but the terminology changes depending on the degree of integration; they may also be called system LSIs, VLSIs (Very Large Scale Integrations), or ULSIs (Ultra Large Scale Integrations). An FPGA (Field-Programmable Gate Array), programmed after the LSI is manufactured, or a reconfigurable logic device that allows for the reconfiguration of internal junctions or the setup of internal circuit compartments within the LSI, can also be used for the same purpose. Multiple electronic circuits may be integrated onto a single chip or provided on multiple chips. Multiple chips may be aggregated into a single device or provided on multiple devices. The program is recorded on a non-temporary recording medium such as a computer-readable ROM, optical disc, or hard disk drive. The program may be pre-stored on the recording medium or supplied to the recording medium via a wide-area communication network, including the Internet.

[0034] A computer system may be implemented using either a single computer device or multiple computer devices working in conjunction with each other. Furthermore, a computer system may be built as a cloud computing system.

[0035] (2.3.1) Unique information acquisition part The unique information acquisition unit 11 acquires unique person information D1 of person H1 within the air-conditioned space R1.

[0036] Person-specific information D1 is information unique to person H1 who uses the air-conditioned space R1. Person-specific information D1 is information about factors that affect person H1's thermal sensation, and preferably includes at least one of the following: innate attribute information regarding person H1's innate attributes, physical information regarding person H1's body, constitutional information regarding person H1's constitution, and preference information regarding person H1's preferences for the thermal environment. In this embodiment, person-specific information D1 includes all of person H1's innate attribute information, physical information, constitutional information, and preference information. Furthermore, person-specific information D1 includes person identification information that has been pre-assigned to the corresponding person H1, making it possible to recognize whose person-specific information D1 it is.

[0037] Such person-specific information D1 does not include biometric information such as a person's brain waves, skin blood flow, skin temperature, sweating amount, and heart rate, and is not information that changes in real time while person H1 is present in the air-conditioned space R1. In other words, once the person-specific information acquisition unit 11 acquires person-specific information D1 of person H1 when person H1 enters the air-conditioned space R1 or when person H1 is present in the air-conditioned space R1, it does not need to monitor changes in the acquired person-specific information. To put it another way, the person-specific information acquisition unit 11 does not need to continuously acquire person-specific information D1 while person H1 is present in the air-conditioned space R1. As a result, the person-specific information acquisition unit 11 can acquire person-specific information D1 with a simple structure or algorithm.

[0038] For example, if the unique information acquisition unit 11 has a communication unit that performs wireless communication, it can acquire unique person information D1 from a personal authentication medium (such as an employee ID card, membership card, or other IC card, smartphone, or tablet terminal) carried by person H1. At this time, the unique information acquisition unit 11 can perform authentication processing to identify person H1 using the identification information stored on the personal authentication medium.

[0039] Furthermore, if the unique information acquisition unit 11 has an imaging device that images the air-conditioned space R1, it can extract person-specific information D1 of person H1 within the air-conditioned space R1 by applying image recognition processing to the image captured by the imaging device. In this case, it is preferable that the unique information acquisition unit 11 inputs the captured image into a learning model, and the learning model extracts person-specific information D1 from the captured image.

[0040] Furthermore, if the unique information acquisition unit 11 has an imaging device that images the air-conditioned space R1, it may perform an authentication process to identify person H1 using the image captured by the imaging device and acquire the unique person information D1 of the authenticated person H1 from an external server.

[0041] The unique information acquisition unit 11 stores the acquired person-specific information D1 in the storage unit 14.

[0042] The following describes the innate attribute information, physical information, constitutional information, and preference information included in the individual-specific information D1.

[0043] (Congenital attribute information) The innate attribute information of person H1 is information about person H1's innate, unchangeable attributes, and preferably includes at least one piece of information: race, sex, place of birth, and date of birth. In this embodiment, the innate attributes of person H1 include all of the information: race, sex, place of birth, and date of birth.

[0044] Race can influence a person's perception of temperature. For example, people of European descent tend to be more tolerant of cold than people of Asian descent.

[0045] Gender can also influence a person's perception of temperature. For example, men tend to feel hotter than women, and women tend to feel colder than men.

[0046] The climate zone of one's birthplace (tropical, arid, temperate, cold, alpine climate, etc.) can also influence a person's perception of temperature. For example, people born in tropical climates tend to be more sensitive to cold, while those born in cold climates tend to be more sensitive to heat. Also, for example, people born in temperate climates have a circadian rhythm that fluctuates with the seasons, and their perception of temperature tends to fluctuate with the seasons.

[0047] A person's date of birth can also influence their sense of temperature. For example, people born in summer tend to be more tolerant of heat, while those born in winter tend to be more tolerant of cold.

[0048] (Physical information) The physical information of person H1 preferably includes at least one piece of information: height, weight, body fat percentage, basal metabolic rate, body mass index, and muscle mass. In this embodiment, the physical information of person H1 includes all of the following pieces of information: height, weight, body fat percentage, basal metabolic rate, body mass index, and muscle mass.

[0049] Height can affect a person's perception of temperature. For example, shorter people tend to be more sensitive to heat than taller people because their heads are closer to the ground.

[0050] Body weight and body fat percentage can also affect a person's perception of temperature. For example, the heavier a person is, the more sensitive they tend to be to heat and the more tolerant they tend to be to cold. Also, the higher a person's body fat percentage, the more sensitive they tend to be to heat and the more tolerant they tend to be to cold.

[0051] Basal metabolic rate can also affect a person's sense of temperature. For example, people with a higher basal metabolic rate tend to be more tolerant of cold.

[0052] Body Mass Index (BMI) can also affect a person's perception of temperature. For example, the higher a person's BMI, the more sensitive they tend to be to heat and the more tolerant they tend to be to cold.

[0053] Muscle mass can also affect a person's sense of temperature. For example, people with more muscle mass tend to be more resistant to cold.

[0054] (Constitutional information) The constitutional information preferably includes at least one piece of information regarding the degree of heat sensitivity, the degree of cold sensitivity, the amount of sweating, and the degree of cold sensitivity. In this embodiment, the constitutional information includes all of the following: the degree of heat sensitivity, the degree of cold sensitivity, the amount of sweating, and the degree of cold sensitivity.

[0055] For example, the more sensitive a person is to heat, the more vulnerable they tend to be to heat. Similarly, the more sensitive a person is to cold, the more vulnerable they tend to be to cold.

[0056] The amount of sweating can also affect a person's sense of temperature. For example, the more a person sweats, the more tolerant they tend to be of heat.

[0057] The degree of one's sensitivity to cold can also affect their perception of temperature. For example, the more one's sensitivity to cold, the more likely they are to be sensitive to cold.

[0058] (Preference information) The preference information preferably includes information on temperature and at least one preference for clothing. In this embodiment, the preference information includes information on all preferences for temperature and clothing.

[0059] Temperature preferences can influence a person's perception of heat and cold. For example, people who prefer relatively high temperatures tend to be more tolerant of heat and less tolerant of cold. Conversely, people who prefer relatively low temperatures tend to be more tolerant of cold and less tolerant of heat.

[0060] Clothing preferences can also influence a person's perception of temperature. For example, people who prefer to wear relatively thick clothing tend to be more sensitive to cold, while those who prefer to wear relatively thin clothing tend to be more sensitive to heat.

[0061] (2.3.2) Storage section The storage unit 14 preferably has an electrically rewritable non-volatile semiconductor memory. Alternatively, the storage unit 14 may have a storage medium such as an HDD (hard disk drive), SSD (solid state drive), or memory card.

[0062] The memory unit 14 stores the person-specific information D1 acquired by the unique information acquisition unit 11. The memory unit 14 also stores the data of the learning model M1 and the 3D model M2, which will be described later.

[0063] (2.3.3) Target estimation part The target estimation unit 12 estimates the local thermal environment that person H1 finds comfortable, based on the person-specific information D1 acquired by the unique information acquisition unit 11, as the target thermal environment.

[0064] The local thermal environment is the thermal environment of the air in contact with a person H1 using the air-conditioned space R1. Specifically, the local thermal environment is the thermal environment of the local space that is in contact with and surrounds the skin of person H1. The local space corresponds to a part of the air-conditioned space R1 and may be either a space that covers the entire person H1 or a space that covers a part of the person H1. Furthermore, it is preferable that the local space is a thin space that is in contact with the skin of person H1.

[0065] The target thermal environment is the local thermal environment that person H1 finds comfortable. Specifically, the target thermal environment includes the temperature, humidity, and airflow in the local space surrounding person H1. The temperature, humidity, and airflow in the local space that person H1 finds comfortable depends on person H1's individual thermal sensitivity. In other words, the temperature, humidity, and airflow in the local space that person H1 finds comfortable depends on person H1's unique information D1.

[0066] The target estimation unit 12 then preferably estimates the target thermal environment based on the person-specific information D1 using the learning model M1 stored in the memory unit 14. The learning model M1 is a model that takes person-specific information D1 as input and outputs information on the target thermal environment corresponding to the input person-specific information D1. The learning model M1 is constructed by machine learning using a large amount of person-specific information D1 as training data. For example, the learning model M1 is preferably constructed by machine learning such as deep learning using a neural network. Alternatively, the learning model may be a model that uses other algorithms such as multiple regression analysis or support vector machines.

[0067] (2.3.4) Air Conditioning Control Unit The air conditioning control unit 13 controls the air conditioning system 2 based on the target thermal environment.

[0068] The air conditioning system 2 adjusts the temperature, humidity, and airflow of the air-conditioned space R1 using control parameters (temperature parameter, humidity parameter, airflow parameter, ventilation parameter). The air conditioning control unit 13 controls the temperature, humidity, and airflow of the air-conditioned space R1 by setting target values ​​for the control parameters of the air conditioning system 2.

[0069] Specifically, the memory unit 14 stores a 3D model M2, which is a 3D simulation model. The 3D model M2 is a 3D model that simulates an air-conditioned space R1 equipped with an air conditioning system 2. The 3D model M2 has a spatial model, which is a 3D model of the air-conditioned space R1; an air conditioning model, which is a 3D model of the air conditioning system 2; and a human model, which is a 3D model of a person H1. The air conditioning model has parameters set as model parameters, such as the temperature and humidity of the conditioned air, the airflow rate of the supplied air, and the ventilation rate, which are the control factors of the air conditioning system 2.

[0070] The air conditioning control unit 13 performs a thermal fluid simulation using the 3D model M2 to analyze the thermal environment of the air-conditioned space R1. The air conditioning control unit 13 changes each model parameter of the air conditioning model so that the thermal environment around the human model in the 3D model M2 (corresponding to the local thermal environment) matches the target thermal environment. The air conditioning control unit 13 sets each of the model parameter values ​​that make the thermal environment around the human model in the 3D model M2 match the target thermal environment as the target value. The air conditioning control unit 13 then outputs the target value data to the air conditioning system 2. The air conditioning system 2 sets the target values ​​for the control parameters and performs cooling, heating, fanning, and ventilation operations.

[0071] As described above, the air conditioning control unit 13 uses a three-dimensional model M2 to perform thermal fluid simulations to determine target values ​​for matching the local thermal environment of person H1 within the air-conditioned space R1 to the target thermal environment. The air conditioning control unit 13 then sets these target values ​​as control parameters for the air conditioning system 2, thereby controlling the temperature, humidity, and airflow of the air-conditioned space R1. Consequently, the local thermal environment of person H1 within the air-conditioned space R1 is controlled to the target thermal environment. As a result, the local thermal environment of person H1 becomes a thermal environment adapted to person H1's sense of temperature, and person H1 can feel comfortable in the thermal environment of the air-conditioned space R1.

[0072] (2.3.5) Advantages As described above, the environmental control system 1 controls the thermal environment of the air-conditioned space R1 so that it achieves a target thermal environment based on the person-specific information D1 of person H1 within the air-conditioned space R1. Therefore, the environmental control system 1 can adjust the thermal environment of the air-conditioned space to make people feel comfortable within the air-conditioned space with a simple configuration.

[0073] Furthermore, the environmental control system 1 uses a target thermal environment based on the person-specific information D1 of person H1 within the air-conditioned space R1, thereby quickly achieving a comfortable thermal environment while suppressing the occurrence of a thermal environment that causes discomfort to person H1.

[0074] Furthermore, the environmental control system 1 can accurately influence the temperature sensation of person H1 by controlling the local thermal environment, which is the thermal environment of the air in contact with person H1.

[0075] (3) Environmental control method The environmental control system 1 described above includes a computer system. The program of this embodiment causes the computer system to execute the environmental control method shown in the flowchart of Figure 2. The environmental control method includes a target estimation step S2 and an air conditioning control step S3. Preferably, the environmental control method further includes a person-specific information acquisition step S1.

[0076] In the person-specific information acquisition step S1, the person-specific information acquisition unit 11 acquires person-specific information D1 of person H1 in the air-conditioned space R1. Preferably, the person-specific information D1 includes at least one of person H1's innate attribute information, physical information, constitution information, and preference information.

[0077] In the target estimation step S2, the target estimation unit 12 estimates the local thermal environment that person H1 finds comfortable, based on person-specific information D1, as the target thermal environment.

[0078] In the air conditioning control step S3, the air conditioning control unit 13 controls the air conditioning system 2 based on the target thermal environment. As a result, the temperature, humidity, and airflow of the air-conditioned space R1 are adjusted so that the local thermal environment of person H1 within the air-conditioned space R1 becomes the target thermal environment.

[0079] This environmental control method also has a simple configuration and can adjust the thermal environment of the air-conditioned space R1 so that a person H1 inside the air-conditioned space R1 feels comfortable.

[0080] (4) First variation Figure 3 shows the configuration of the environmental control system 1A as a first modified example of the embodiment described above. In addition to the configuration of the environmental control system 1 (see Figure 1), the environmental control system 1A further includes an evaluation information acquisition unit 15 and a location information acquisition unit 16.

[0081] The evaluation information acquisition unit 15 acquires information regarding person H1's evaluation of the thermal environment adjusted by the air conditioning system 2 as evaluation information D2.

[0082] Specifically, person H1 creates evaluation information D2 by operating an operating terminal 3, such as a smartphone, tablet, or personal computer, when finishing use of the air conditioning system 2 and while using the air conditioning system 2 (for example, when operating the air conditioning system 2). Person H1 selects one of the following options for the thermal environment adjusted by the air conditioning system 2: "comfortable," "a little hot," "a little cold," "too hot," or "too cold." The operating terminal 3 then transmits the evaluation information D2, including the selection result, to the environmental control system 1. The evaluation information D2 further includes the identification information of person H1.

[0083] Then, in the environmental control system 1A, as shown in the flowchart in Figure 4, the evaluation information acquisition unit 15 determines whether or not it has received evaluation information D2 from the operation terminal 3 (evaluation information acquisition step S11). If the evaluation information acquisition unit 15 has received evaluation information D2, it saves the evaluation information D2 in the storage unit 14 (see Figure 1) (evaluation information storage step S12).

[0084] From this point forward, when a person H1 is present in the air-conditioned space R1, the target estimation unit 12 estimates the target thermal environment using the person-specific information D1 stored in the memory unit 14, as well as the evaluation information D2. That is, if evaluation information D2 is available, the target estimation unit 12 estimates the target thermal environment based on the person-specific information D1 and the evaluation information D2. For example, if the evaluation information D2 for person H1 is "too hot," the target estimation unit 12 adjusts the target thermal environment based on the person-specific information D1 so that person H1 in the air-conditioned space R1 feels cooler. Also, if the evaluation information D2 for person H1 is "a little cold," the target estimation unit 12 slightly adjusts the target thermal environment based on the person-specific information D1 so that person H1 in the air-conditioned space R1 feels warmer.

[0085] Therefore, the environmental control system 1A can create a thermal environment that is more suitable to the individual thermal sensation of person H1 by using not only person-specific information D1 of person H1 in the air-conditioned space R1, but also evaluation information D2 of person H1.

[0086] Furthermore, a human detection unit 4 is installed in the air-conditioned space R1. The human detection unit 4 is equipped with at least one of a radio wave sensor, a pyroelectric sensor, an ultrasonic sensor, and a camera to detect the position of a person H1 within the air-conditioned space R1. The human detection unit 4 then creates position information D3 indicating the position of the person H1 within the air-conditioned space R1 and transmits the position information D3 to the environmental control system 1.

[0087] The location information acquisition unit 16 acquires location information D3 from the person detection unit 4, which indicates the location of person H1 within the air-conditioned space R1.

[0088] The air conditioning control unit 13 then controls the air conditioning system 2 based on the target thermal environment and location information D3. Specifically, the air conditioning control unit 13 can recognize the location of person H1 in the air-conditioned space R1 based on the location information D3. Therefore, the air conditioning control unit 13 controls the air conditioning system 2 so that the thermal environment at person H1's location becomes the target thermal environment.

[0089] Therefore, the environmental control system 1A can more accurately control the local thermal environment of person H1 by recognizing the position of person H1 within the air-conditioned space R1.

[0090] (5) Second variation Person-specific information D1 may include information about factors that influence person H1's sense of temperature, such as person H1's place of origin and age.

[0091] The learning model M1 can be any model that has the function of estimating the target thermal environment based on person-specific information D1, and the algorithm used in the learning model M1 is not limited to a specific algorithm.

[0092] (6) Third variation The above-mentioned air-conditioned space R1 may be the sleeping space of a nap box. The nap box is, for example, a rectangular box, and the internal space of the nap box becomes the sleeping space. The sleeping space is a space for a person to take a nap. Person H1 is assumed to be a person who is engaged in night shift or three-shift work, or a busy person, such as a medical worker, factory worker, or construction worker, but is not limited to a specific person. Since the nap box is relatively compact in size, it is difficult to use large air conditioning equipment such as an air conditioner as the air conditioning system 2, and it is preferable to use relatively small air conditioning equipment such as a blower and a ventilation system.

[0093] Furthermore, the environmental control systems 1 and 1A described above may be used in an air conditioning system 2 that generates a downflow airflow, such as an air curtain system.

[0094] (7) Fourth variation Figure 5 shows the configuration of the environmental control system 1B as a fourth modified example of the embodiment described above. The inventors have obtained through experiments and other means that there is a high correlation between the skin temperature of the human body surface, particularly the skin temperature of the wrist, and a person's sense of warmth and coldness, and this modified example is based on that finding.

[0095] In the environmental control system 1B, person H1 wears a wearable terminal 5 on their body surface. The wearable terminal 5 is, for example, a wristband or watch type as shown in Figure 6, and is attached to person H1's wrist with a belt or the like, and is in close contact with the skin of person H1's wrist. In other words, the wearable terminal 5 is worn on person H1's wrist. The wearable terminal 5 has a skin temperature measurement function and measures the skin temperature of person H1's wrist and transmits the measurement data (measurement result) to the environmental control system 1B via wireless communication. Furthermore, the wearable terminal 5 stores person H1's unique information D1 and transmits the unique information D1 to the environmental control system 1B via wireless communication. The wireless communication is, for example, wireless communication conforming to standards such as Bluetooth®, Bluetooth low energy, Wi-Fi®, ZigBee®, or unlicensed low-power wireless (specified low-power wireless).

[0096] Furthermore, the environmental control system 100 includes a configuration for determining whether the wearable terminal 5 is inside the air-conditioned space R1, or a configuration for detecting the entry and exit of the wearable terminal 5 into and out of the air-conditioned space R1. For example, in this modified example, a beacon terminal that periodically transmits a beacon signal is installed in the air-conditioned space R1. The wearable terminal 5 determines that it is in the air-conditioned space R1 while it is receiving a beacon signal. When the wearable terminal 5 begins receiving a beacon signal, it transmits person-specific information D1 to the environmental control system 1B. In addition, the wearable terminal 5 can operate in either the periodic measurement mode or the triggered measurement mode described below, and can transmit skin temperature measurement data to the environmental control system 1B while it is receiving a beacon signal.

[0097] When the wearable device 5 operates in periodic measurement mode, it periodically measures skin temperature while receiving a beacon signal and transmits the skin temperature measurement data to the environmental control system 1B. The first time the wearable device 5 transmits measurement data corresponds to when person H1 enters the air-conditioned space R1. The last time the wearable device 5 transmits measurement data corresponds to when person H1 leaves the air-conditioned space R1.

[0098] When the wearable terminal 5 operates in trigger measurement mode, it measures skin temperature when it receives the first beacon signal, when a certain amount of time has elapsed since the last beacon signal was received, and when a predetermined operation or action (trigger) occurs by person H1, and transmits the skin temperature measurement data to the environmental control system 1B. When the wearable terminal 5 transmits the first measurement data, it corresponds to when person H1 enters the air-conditioned space R1. When the wearable terminal 5 transmits the last measurement data, it corresponds to when person H1 leaves the air-conditioned space R1. The predetermined operation or action of person H1 is a trigger, such as a specific operation of the wearable terminal 5, or a specific movement of the arm wearing the wearable terminal 5 (for example, swinging the arm). In other words, when the wearable terminal 5 operates in trigger measurement mode, in addition to when it receives the first and last beacon signals, it also measures skin temperature when a predetermined trigger occurs, and transmits the skin temperature measurement data to the environmental control system 1B. For example, person H1, who is in an air-conditioned space R1, operates or performs an action on the wearable device 5 when they feel uncomfortable.

[0099] As shown in Figure 5, the environmental control system 1B further includes a measurement data acquisition unit 17, a sensation estimation unit 18, and an evaluation information creation unit 19, in addition to the configuration of the environmental control system 1 (see Figure 1). The measurement data acquisition unit 17 acquires measurement data of the skin temperature of person H1 from a wearable terminal 5 attached to the body surface of person H1. The sensation estimation unit 18 estimates corrected thermal sensation as the thermal sensation of person H1 based on the measurement data. The evaluation information creation unit 19 creates evaluation information D4, which includes the estimated result of corrected thermal sensation. Then, the target estimation unit 12 estimates the target thermal environment based on person-specific information D1 and evaluation information D4.

[0100] Furthermore, the environmental control system 1B not only generates evaluation information D4 based on the skin temperature of person H1's wrist measured by the wearable terminal 5, but also performs real-time control of the air conditioning system 2.

[0101] In the process of generating evaluation information D4, the sensory estimation unit 18 calculates the difference between the first skin temperature T1, which is the skin temperature measured when person H1 enters the air-conditioned space R1, and the second skin temperature T2, which is the skin temperature measured when person H1 exits the air-conditioned space R1, as the long-term difference ΔTb. Then, the sensory estimation unit 18 estimates the corrected thermal sensation based on the long-term difference ΔTb. The evaluation information creation unit 19 creates evaluation information D4, which includes the estimated result of the corrected thermal sensation.

[0102] In the real-time control of the air conditioning system 2, the sensation estimation unit 18 estimates the real-time thermal sensation of person H1 based on measurement data, using the short-term difference ΔTa, which is the difference between two skin temperatures measured at two different timings while person H1 is in the air-conditioned space R1. Then, the air conditioning control unit 13 controls the air conditioning system 2 based on the estimated real-time thermal sensation while person H1 is in the air-conditioned space R1.

[0103] The operation of the environmental control system 1B will be explained below using the flowchart in Figure 7. In this modified example, the environmental control system 1B includes a wearable terminal 5. However, the wearable terminal 5 may be included in the environmental control system 1B, or it may not be included in the environmental control system 1B. The wearable terminal 5 is included in at least the environmental adjustment system 100.

[0104] First, when person H1 enters the air-conditioned space R1 (step S21), the unique information acquisition unit 11 acquires unique person information D1 from the wearable terminal 5. Based on the unique person information D1 acquired by the unique information acquisition unit 11, the target estimation unit 12 estimates the local thermal environment that person H1 finds comfortable as the target thermal environment. The air conditioning control unit 13 controls the air conditioning system 2 based on the target thermal environment.

[0105] Furthermore, the wearable terminal 5 begins receiving beacon signals. When the wearable terminal 5 begins receiving beacon signals, it transmits the first measurement data of skin temperature to the environmental control system 1B as the measurement data of the first skin temperature T1 (step S22). The first skin temperature T1 is the skin temperature measured when person H1 enters the air-conditioned space R1.

[0106] Next, the wearable device 5 determines whether its measurement mode is periodic measurement mode or triggered measurement mode. For example, the wearable device 5 determines whether its measurement mode is periodic measurement mode or not (step S23).

[0107] If the measurement mode is set to periodic measurement mode, the wearable terminal 5 transmits the measurement data of the first skin temperature T1, and after a predetermined cycle has elapsed (step S24), it measures the skin temperature and transmits the skin temperature measurement data to the environmental control system 1B (step S25). In other words, the wearable terminal 5 periodically transmits skin temperature measurement data.

[0108] If the measurement mode is not the periodic measurement mode, the wearable terminal 5 determines that the measurement mode is the trigger measurement mode, and after transmitting the measurement data of the first skin temperature T1, when a predetermined operation or action (trigger) occurs by person H1 (step S26), it measures the skin temperature and transmits the skin temperature measurement data to the environmental control system 1B (step S27).

[0109] [Real-time control] In the environmental control system 1B, the measurement data acquisition unit 17 receives the measurement data. The sensation estimation unit 18 monitors the changes in the skin temperature of person H1 present in the air-conditioned space R1 in real time based on the measured skin temperature, and estimates the person H1's thermal sensation as real-time thermal sensation.

[0110] The sensory estimation unit 18 can monitor changes in the skin temperature of person H1 present in the air-conditioned space R1 in real time based on skin temperature measured periodically in periodic measurement mode. The sensory estimation unit 18 then calculates the difference between two time-series adjacent skin temperatures from among multiple periodically measured skin temperatures as the short-term difference ΔTa, and estimates the thermal sensation of person H1 based on the short-term difference ΔTa as the real-time thermal sensation (step S28).

[0111] Furthermore, the sensory estimation unit 18 can also monitor changes in the skin temperature of person H1 present in the air-conditioned space R1 in real time based on the skin temperature measured in trigger measurement mode. The sensory estimation unit 18 then calculates the difference between two time-series adjacent skin temperatures, including the first skin temperature T1 and the skin temperature when the trigger occurred, as the short-term difference ΔTa, and estimates the thermal sensation of person H1 based on the short-term difference ΔTa as the real-time thermal sensation (step S28).

[0112] Thus, in step S28, the sensory estimation unit 18 estimates the thermal sensation of person H1 present in the air-conditioned space R1 in real time based on the short-term difference ΔTa. The thermal sensation estimated in real time by the sensory estimation unit 18 is called the real-time thermal sensation. That is, the sensory estimation unit 18 estimates the real-time thermal sensation of person H1 based on measurement data, which is the short-term difference ΔTa, which is the difference between two skin temperatures measured at two different timings while person H1 is present in the air-conditioned space R1. Specifically, the sensory estimation unit 18 calculates the short-term difference ΔTa as the value obtained by subtracting the time-series earlier skin temperature from the time-series later skin temperature. If the short-term difference ΔTa is a positive value, the skin temperature is rising, and if the short-term difference ΔTa is a negative value, the skin temperature is falling.

[0113] Figure 8 is a graph showing the relationship between the 5-minute short-term difference ΔTa and real-time thermal sensation for a person in an air-conditioned space R1. The multiple plots in Figure 8 correspond to the results for different people. The greater the short-term difference ΔTa, the more likely a person is to feel hot in real-time thermal sensation, and the greater the short-term difference ΔTa, the more likely a person is to feel cold in real-time thermal sensation.

[0114] Therefore, the sensory estimation unit 18 estimates real-time thermal sensation by comparing the first upper threshold K1 and the first lower threshold K2 with the short-term difference ΔTa. The first lower threshold K2 is a value smaller than the first upper threshold K1. If the short-term difference ΔTa is greater than the first upper threshold K1, the sensory estimation unit 18 estimates that person H1 feels hot in real time. If the short-term difference ΔTa is smaller than the first lower threshold K2, the sensory estimation unit 18 estimates that person H1 feels cold in real time. If the short-term difference ΔTa is less than or equal to the first upper threshold K1 and greater than or equal to the first lower threshold K2, the sensory estimation unit 18 estimates that person H1 feels neither hot nor cold in real time. For example, the first upper threshold K1 is set to +0.5℃ and the first lower threshold K2 is set to -0.5℃.

[0115] The air conditioning control unit 13 of the environmental control system 1B controls the air conditioning system 2 in real time (real-time control) based on the real-time thermal comfort estimation results while a person H1 is present in the air-conditioned space R1 (step S29). That is, the air conditioning control unit 13 controls the air conditioning system 2 in real time based on the real-time thermal comfort estimation results while the measurement data acquisition unit 17 is receiving measurement data.

[0116] If the sensory estimation unit 18 estimates that person H1 feels hot in real time, the air conditioning control unit 13 controls the air conditioning system 2 in a direction that reduces the degree of heat that person H1 feels. If the sensory estimation unit 18 estimates that person H1 feels cold in real time, the air conditioning control unit 13 controls the air conditioning system 2 in a direction that reduces the degree of cold that person H1 feels. If the sensory estimation unit 18 estimates that person H1 feels neither hot nor cold in corrected thermal sensation, the air conditioning control unit 13 maintains the current operation of the air conditioning system 2.

[0117] Then, while receiving the beacon signal, the wearable device 5 determines that person H1 is present in the air-conditioned space R1 (has not left) (step S30), and returns to step S23 to repeat the processing from step S23 onward.

[0118] Thus, the environmental control system 1B controls the air conditioning system 2 in real time based on the real-time estimation results of the thermal comfort while person H1 is present in the air-conditioned space R1.

[0119] Therefore, the environmental control system 1B can quickly suppress any discomfort caused by the temperature sensation felt by a person H1 in the air-conditioned space R1. When the wearable terminal 5 is operating in periodic measurement mode, the air conditioning system 2 can be automatically controlled in real time. When the wearable terminal 5 is operating in trigger measurement mode, the air conditioning system 2 can be controlled in real time at any desired time by operating or performing actions on the wearable terminal 5 when a person H1 in the air-conditioned space R1 feels uncomfortable.

[0120] [Evaluation information generation process] When the wearable device 5 stops receiving beacon signals, it determines that person H1 has left the air-conditioned space R1 (step S30). When the wearable device 5 determines that person H1 has left the air-conditioned space R1, it terminates the skin temperature measurement (step S31).

[0121] Wearable terminal 5 operating in periodic measurement mode periodically measured skin temperature and transmitted the measurement data from the time person H1 entered the air-conditioned space R1 until they left. Wearable terminal 5 operating in trigger measurement mode measured skin temperature when person H1 entered, when they left, and when a trigger occurred, and transmitted the skin temperature measurement data to the environmental control system 1B. The sensory estimation unit 18 designates the first measurement data from among the multiple measurement data received by the measurement data acquisition unit 17 as the first measurement data. The sensory estimation unit 18 designates the skin temperature indicated by the first measurement data as the first skin temperature T1. The first skin temperature T1 indicates the skin temperature when person H1 entered the air-conditioned space R1. The sensory estimation unit 18 also designates the last measurement data from among the multiple measurement data received by the measurement data acquisition unit 17 as the second measurement data. The sensory estimation unit 18 designates the skin temperature indicated by the second measurement data as the second skin temperature T2. The second skin temperature T2 indicates the skin temperature when person H1 leaves the air-conditioned space R1.

[0122] The sensory estimation unit 18 then calculates the difference between the first skin temperature T1 and the second skin temperature T2 as the long-term difference ΔTb, and estimates the corrected thermal sensation of person H1 based on the long-term difference ΔTb (step S32). Specifically, the sensory estimation unit 18 calculates the long-term difference ΔTb as the value obtained by subtracting the first skin temperature T1 from the second skin temperature T2. That is, the long-term difference ΔTb is the value obtained by subtracting the first skin temperature T1 from the second skin temperature T2. If the long-term difference ΔTb is a positive value, the skin temperature is rising, and if the long-term difference ΔTb is a negative value, the skin temperature is falling.

[0123] Figure 9 is a graph showing the relationship between the long-term difference ΔTb and corrected thermal sensation when a person stays in an air-conditioned space R1 for 60 minutes. The multiple plots in Figure 9 correspond to the results of different people. The greater the long-term difference ΔTb, the more likely a person is to feel hotter as a corrected thermal sensation, and the greater the long-term difference ΔTb, the more likely a person is to feel colder as a corrected thermal sensation.

[0124] Therefore, the sensory estimation unit 18 estimates the corrected thermal sensation by comparing the second upper threshold K11 and the second lower threshold K12 with the long-term difference ΔTb. The second lower threshold K12 is a smaller value than the second upper threshold K11. If the long-term difference ΔTb is greater than the second upper threshold K11, the sensory estimation unit 18 estimates that person H1 feels hot as a corrected thermal sensation. If the long-term difference ΔTb is smaller than the second lower threshold K12, the sensory estimation unit 18 estimates that person H1 feels cold as a corrected thermal sensation. If the long-term difference ΔTb is less than or equal to the second upper threshold K11 and greater than or equal to the second lower threshold K12, the sensory estimation unit 18 estimates that person H1 feels neither hot nor cold as a corrected thermal sensation. For example, the second upper threshold K11 is set to +1.5℃ and the second lower threshold K12 is set to -1.5℃. In this modified example, the sensory estimation unit 18 estimates corrected thermal sensation based on the skin temperature of a person's wrist, which has a high correlation with a person's thermal sensation, thus improving the accuracy of the estimation of corrected thermal sensation. Furthermore, the sensory estimation unit 18 estimates corrected thermal sensation based on the long-term difference ΔTb, thus improving the accuracy of the estimation of corrected thermal sensation.

[0125] The evaluation information creation unit 19 creates evaluation information D4, which includes the estimated results of corrected thermal sensation by the sensory estimation unit 18 (step S33). The evaluation information creation unit 19 saves the created evaluation information D4 in the storage unit 14 (see Figure 5).

[0126] From this point forward, when a person H1 is present in the air-conditioned space R1, the target estimation unit 12 estimates the target thermal environment using the evaluation information D4 in addition to the person-specific information D1 stored in the memory unit 14. That is, if evaluation information D4 is available, the target estimation unit 12 estimates the target thermal environment based on the person-specific information D1 and the evaluation information D4. For example, if person H1's evaluation information D4 is "hot," the target estimation unit 12 adjusts the target thermal environment based on the person-specific information D1 so that person H1 in the air-conditioned space R1 feels cooler. Also, if person H1's evaluation information D2 is "cold," the target estimation unit 12 adjusts the target thermal environment based on the person-specific information D1 so that person H1 in the air-conditioned space R1 feels warmer.

[0127] Therefore, the environmental control system 1B can create a thermal environment that is more suitable to the individual thermal sensation of person H1 by using not only person-specific information D1 of person H1 in the air-conditioned space R1, but also evaluation information D4 of person H1.

[0128] Furthermore, in the environmental control system 1B, the thermal sensation of person H1 can be automatically fed back to the target thermal environment without person H1 having to operate the operation terminal 3 to create evaluation information D2 (see Figure 3). As a result, the environmental control system 1B reduces the burden on person H1 required for thermal sensation feedback, and improves the reliability of the feedback by reducing this burden (avoiding missing feedback data, avoiding input of inaccurate feedback data, etc.).

[0129] (8) Summary An environmental control system (1, 1A, 1B) according to the first embodiment controls an air conditioning system (2) that adjusts the thermal environment of an air-conditioned space (R1). The environmental control system (1) comprises a target estimation unit (12) and an air conditioning control unit (13). The target estimation unit (12) defines the thermal environment of the air in contact with a person (H1) using the air-conditioned space (R1) as the local thermal environment, and estimates the local thermal environment that the person (H1) finds comfortable as the target thermal environment based on person-specific information (D1), which is information unique to the person (H1). The air conditioning control unit (13) controls the air conditioning system (2) based on the target thermal environment.

[0130] The environmental control systems described above (1, 1A, 1B) use person-specific information (D1), which is information unique to a person (H1), so there is no need to acquire the person's (H1) biometric information (such as brain waves, skin blood flow, skin temperature, sweating amount, and heart rate) in real time. As a result, the environmental control systems (1, 1A) can adjust the thermal environment of the air-conditioned space (R1) with a simple configuration so that the person (H1) inside the air-conditioned space (R1) feels comfortable.

[0131] In the second embodiment of the environmental control system (1, 1A, 1B) according to the embodiment, in the first embodiment, the person-specific information (D1) preferably includes at least one of the following: innate attribute information relating to the innate attributes of the person (H1), physical information relating to the body of the person (H1), constitutional information relating to the constitution of the person (H1), and preference information relating to the preferences of the person (H1) regarding the thermal environment.

[0132] The environmental control systems described above (1, 1A, 1B) use information on factors that influence a person's (H1) thermal sensation as person-specific information (D1). As a result, the environmental control systems (1, 1A) can accurately estimate the target thermal environment that a person (H1) finds comfortable.

[0133] In the third embodiment of the environmental control system (1, 1A, 1B) according to the embodiment, in the second embodiment, the innate attribute information preferably includes at least one piece of information: race, sex, place of birth, and date of birth.

[0134] The environmental control systems described above (1, 1A, 1B) can accurately estimate the target thermal environment that a person (H1) finds comfortable.

[0135] In the fourth embodiment of the environmental control system (1, 1A, 1B) according to the embodiment, in the second or third embodiment, the physical information preferably includes at least one of the following: height, weight, body fat percentage, basal metabolic rate, body mass index, and muscle mass.

[0136] The environmental control systems described above (1, 1A, 1B) can accurately estimate the target thermal environment that a person (H1) finds comfortable.

[0137] In the fifth embodiment of the environmental control system (1, 1A, 1B) according to the embodiment, it is preferable that in any one of the second to fourth embodiments, the constitutional information includes at least one piece of information on the degree of heat sensitivity, the degree of cold sensitivity, the amount of sweating, and the degree of cold sensitivity.

[0138] The environmental control systems described above (1, 1A, 1B) can accurately estimate the target thermal environment that a person (H1) finds comfortable.

[0139] In the sixth embodiment of the environmental control system (1, 1A, 1B) according to the embodiment, in any one of the second to fifth embodiments, the preference information preferably includes information on temperature and at least one preference for clothing.

[0140] The environmental control systems described above (1, 1A, 1B) can accurately estimate the target thermal environment that a person (H1) finds comfortable.

[0141] The environmental control system (1A) of the seventh embodiment preferably further comprises an evaluation information acquisition unit (15) in any one of the first to sixth embodiments. The evaluation information acquisition unit (15) acquires information regarding a person's (H1) evaluation of the thermal environment adjusted by the air conditioning system (2) as evaluation information (D2). The target estimation unit (12) estimates the target thermal environment based on the person-specific information (D1) and the evaluation information (D2).

[0142] The aforementioned environmental control system (1A) can create a thermal environment that is more suitable to the individual thermal sensation of a person (H1) by using not only the person's (H1) specific information (D1) but also the person's (H1) evaluation information (D2).

[0143] The environmental control system (1B) of the eighth embodiment preferably further comprises a measurement data acquisition unit (17), a sensation estimation unit (18), and an evaluation information creation unit (19) in any one of the first to seventh embodiments. The measurement data acquisition unit (17) acquires measurement data of the skin temperature of a person (H1) from a wearable terminal (5) attached to the body surface of the person (H1). The sensation estimation unit (18) estimates corrected thermal sensation as the thermal sensation of the person (H1) based on the measurement data. The evaluation information creation unit (19) creates evaluation information (D4) including the estimated result of corrected thermal sensation. The target estimation unit (12) estimates the target thermal environment based on person-specific information (D1) and evaluation information (D4).

[0144] The environmental control system (1B) described above can create a thermal environment that is more suitable to the individual thermal sensation of a person (H1) by using not only the person's (H1) specific information (D1) but also the person's (H1) evaluation information (D4). Furthermore, the environmental control system (1B) can reduce the burden on the person (H1) required for thermal sensation feedback, thereby improving the reliability of the feedback.

[0145] In the ninth embodiment of the environmental control system (1B), in the eighth embodiment, the wearable terminal (5) is preferably worn on the wrist of a person (H1).

[0146] The aforementioned environmental control system (1B) estimates corrected thermal sensation based on the skin temperature of a person's wrist, which has a high correlation with a person's thermal sensation, thus improving the accuracy of the estimation of corrected thermal sensation.

[0147] In the environmental control system (1B) of the tenth embodiment, in the eighth or ninth embodiment, the sensory estimation unit (18) preferably determines the difference between a first skin temperature (T1), which is the skin temperature measured when a person (H1) enters the air-conditioned space (R1), and a second skin temperature (T2), which is the skin temperature measured when a person (H1) exits the air-conditioned space (R1), as the long-term difference (ΔTb). The sensory estimation unit (18) estimates the corrected thermal sensation based on the long-term difference (ΔTb).

[0148] The aforementioned environmental control system (1B) estimates corrected thermal comfort based on the long-term difference (ΔTb), thus improving the accuracy of the estimation of corrected thermal comfort.

[0149] In the 11th embodiment of the environmental control system (1B), in the 10th embodiment, the long-term difference (ΔTb) is preferably the value obtained by subtracting the first skin temperature (T1) from the second skin temperature (T2). The sensory estimation unit (18) estimates that the person (H1) feels hot if the long-term difference (ΔTb) is greater than the upper threshold (K11). The sensory estimation unit (18) estimates that the person (H1) feels cold if the long-term difference (ΔTb) is less than the lower threshold (K12), which is less than the upper threshold (K11).

[0150] The environmental control system (1B) described above can easily implement the estimation process for corrected thermal sensation.

[0151] In the 12th embodiment of the environmental control system (1B), in the 10th or 11th embodiment, the sensory estimation unit (18) preferably estimates a real-time thermal sensation based on the short-term difference (ΔTa), which is the difference between two skin temperatures measured at two different timings while the person (H1) is in the air-conditioned space (R1), as the thermal sensation of the person (H1) based on measurement data. The air conditioning control unit (13) controls the air conditioning system (2) based on the real-time thermal sensation estimation result while the person (H1) is in the air-conditioned space (R1).

[0152] The aforementioned environmental control system (1B) can quickly suppress the discomfort caused by the temperature sensation felt by a person (H1) in an air-conditioned space (R1).

[0153] In the 13th embodiment of the environmental control system (1B), in any one of the 8th to 12th embodiments, it is preferable that the wearable terminal (5) measures skin temperature when a predetermined operation or action occurs by a person (H1).

[0154] The aforementioned environmental control system (1B) can control the air conditioning system (2) in real time at any desired time.

[0155] The 14th embodiment of the environmental control system (1A) preferably further comprises a location information acquisition unit (16) that acquires information indicating the location of a person (H1) in the air-conditioned space (R1) as location information (D3) in any one of the first to 13 embodiments. The air conditioning control unit (13) controls the air conditioning system (2) based on the target thermal environment and the location information (D3).

[0156] The aforementioned environmental control system (1A) can more accurately control the local thermal environment of a person (H1) by recognizing the location of the person (H1) within the air-conditioned space (R1).

[0157] An environmental control system (100) according to the 15th embodiment comprises an environmental control system (1, 1A, 1B) according to any one of the first to 14 embodiments, and an air conditioning system (2) controlled by the environmental control system (1, 1A, 1B).

[0158] The above-described environmental control system (100) has a simple configuration and can adjust the thermal environment of the air-conditioned space (R1) so that a person (H1) inside the air-conditioned space (R1) feels comfortable.

[0159] An environmental control method according to a 16th embodiment controls an air conditioning system (2) that adjusts the thermal environment of an air-conditioned space (R1). The environmental control method includes a target estimation step (S2) and an air conditioning control step (S3). In the target estimation step (S2), the thermal environment of the air in contact with a person (H1) using the air-conditioned space (R1) is defined as the local thermal environment, and based on person-specific information (D1), which is information unique to the person (H1), the local thermal environment that the person (H1) finds comfortable is estimated as the target thermal environment. In the air conditioning control step (S3), the air conditioning system (2) is controlled based on the target thermal environment.

[0160] The above-described environmental control method has a simple configuration and can adjust the thermal environment of the air-conditioned space (R1) so that the person (H1) inside the air-conditioned space (R1) feels comfortable.

[0161] The program of the 17th embodiment causes the computer system to execute the environment control method of the 16th embodiment.

[0162] The program described above has a simple configuration and can adjust the thermal environment of an air-conditioned space (R1) so that a person (H1) inside the air-conditioned space (R1) feels comfortable. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0163] 100 Environmental Control Systems 1, 1A, 1B Environmental Control System 12 Target estimation part 13. Air Conditioning Control Unit 15. Evaluation Information Acquisition Section 16 Location information acquisition section 17 Measurement data acquisition unit 18 Sensory estimation unit 19. Evaluation Information Creation Department 2. Air conditioning system 5. Wearable devices R1 Air conditioned space H1 people D1 Person-specific information D2 Evaluation Information D3 Location Information S2 Target Estimation Step S3 Air Conditioning Control Step T1 1st skin temperature T2 2nd skin temperature ΔTa short-term difference ΔTb long-term difference K11 Second Upper Threshold (Upper Threshold) K12 Second Lower Threshold (Lower Threshold)

Claims

1. An environmental control system that controls an air conditioning system that adjusts the thermal environment of an air-conditioned space, A target estimation unit defines the thermal environment of the air in contact with a person using the air-conditioned space as the local thermal environment, and estimates the local thermal environment that the person finds comfortable as the target thermal environment based on person-specific information, which is information unique to that person. An air conditioning control unit that controls the air conditioning system based on the target thermal environment, A measurement data acquisition unit that acquires measurement data of the person's skin temperature from a wearable device attached to the person's body surface, A sensory estimation unit that estimates corrected thermal sensation as the thermal sensation of the person based on the measurement data, The system includes an evaluation information creation unit that creates evaluation information including the estimated results of the corrected thermal sensation, The person-specific information includes innate attribute information relating to the person's innate attributes, The aforementioned innate attribute information includes at least one piece of information: race, place of birth, and date of birth. The target estimation unit estimates the target thermal environment based on the person-specific information and the evaluation information. The aforementioned sensory estimation unit, The difference between the first skin temperature, which is the skin temperature measured when the person enters the air-conditioned space, and the second skin temperature, which is the skin temperature measured when the person exits the air-conditioned space, is calculated as the long-term difference. Based on the aforementioned long-term difference, the corrected thermal sensation is estimated. Environmental control system.

2. The person-specific information further includes at least one of the following: physical information relating to the person's body, physical information relating to the person's constitution, and preference information relating to the person's preferences regarding the thermal environment. The environmental control system according to claim 1.

3. The aforementioned innate attribute information further includes gender The environmental control system according to claim 1.

4. The aforementioned physical information includes at least one piece of information such as height, weight, body fat percentage, basal metabolic rate, body mass index, and muscle mass. The environmental control system according to claim 2.

5. The aforementioned constitutional information includes at least one piece of information regarding the degree to which one is sensitive to heat, the degree to which one is sensitive to cold, the amount of sweating, and the degree to which one is prone to feeling cold. The environmental control system according to claim 2.

6. The aforementioned preference information includes information on temperature and at least one preference for clothing. The environmental control system according to claim 2.

7. The system further includes an evaluation information acquisition unit that acquires information regarding the person's evaluation of the thermal environment adjusted by the air conditioning system as evaluation information, The target estimation unit estimates the target thermal environment based on the person-specific information and the evaluation information. The environmental control system according to claim 1.

8. The wearable device is attached to the wrist of the person. The environmental control system according to claim 1.

9. The long-term difference is the value obtained by subtracting the first skin temperature from the second skin temperature, The aforementioned sensory estimation unit, If the aforementioned long-term difference is greater than the upper threshold, it is presumed that the person is feeling hot. If the aforementioned long-term difference is less than the lower threshold which is less than the upper threshold, then it is presumed that the person is feeling cold. The environmental control system according to claim 1.

10. The sensation estimation unit estimates a real-time thermal sensation based on the short-term difference, which is the difference between two skin temperatures measured at two different timings while the person is in the air-conditioned space, as the thermal sensation of the person based on the measurement data. The air conditioning control unit controls the air conditioning system based on the real-time temperature sensation estimation results while the person is present in the air-conditioned space. The environmental control system according to claim 1.

11. The wearable terminal measures the skin temperature when a predetermined operation or action of the person occurs. The environmental control system according to claim 1.

12. The unit further comprises a location information acquisition unit that acquires information indicating the position of the person in the air-conditioned space as location information, The air conditioning control unit controls the air conditioning system based on the target thermal environment and the location information. The environmental control system according to claim 1.

13. The environmental control system of Claim 1, The system comprises the air conditioning system controlled by the environmental control system. Environmental control system.

14. An environmental control method for controlling an air conditioning system that adjusts the thermal environment of an air-conditioned space, A target estimation step in which the thermal environment of the air in contact with a person using the air-conditioned space is defined as the local thermal environment, and the local thermal environment that the person finds comfortable is estimated as the target thermal environment based on person-specific information, which is information unique to the person; An air conditioning control step in which the air conditioning system is controlled based on the target thermal environment, A measurement data acquisition step of acquiring measurement data of the person's skin temperature from a wearable device attached to the person's body surface, A sensory estimation step of estimating corrected thermal sensation as the thermal sensation of the person based on the measurement data, The step includes creating evaluation information that includes the estimated results of the corrected thermal sensation, The person-specific information includes innate attribute information relating to the person's innate attributes, The aforementioned innate attribute information includes at least one piece of information: race, place of birth, and date of birth. In the target estimation step, the target thermal environment is estimated based on the person-specific information and the evaluation information. In the aforementioned sensory estimation step, The difference between the first skin temperature, which is the skin temperature measured when the person enters the air-conditioned space, and the second skin temperature, which is the skin temperature measured when the person exits the air-conditioned space, is calculated as the long-term difference. Based on the aforementioned long-term difference, the corrected thermal sensation is estimated. Environmental control methods.

15. To cause a computer system to execute the environmental control method of Claim 14. program.

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