Environmental control device and environmental control system

Abstract

The environmental control device is an environmental control device that controls an environmental adjustment device that adjusts environmental control factors of at least one target space, and comprises a state identification unit that identifies state transition data specifying the transitions of user states present in at least one target space in chronological order, and an equipment control unit that controls the environmental adjustment device based on the state transition data, wherein the equipment control unit comprises a control start control unit that starts controlling the environmental adjustment device based on the state transition data identified by the state identification unit, and a control end control unit that ends controlling the environmental adjustment device based on the state transition data identified by the state identification unit.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an environment control device and an environment control system that control the environment of a target space. Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, there is an environment control device that improves the environment in a space where a worker is present in order to increase the worker's work efficiency (see, for example, Patent Document 1). The environment control device of Patent Document 1 includes an air conditioner that adjusts the environment of a target space, and applies environmental stimuli to a user present in the target space by controlling the environment of the target space with the air conditioner. When an external stimulus such as sound adversely affects the user in addition to the environmental stimulus provided by the air conditioner, the environment control device of Patent Document 1 controls the air conditioner to cancel the adverse effect, thereby maintaining the user's work efficiency. Prior Art Literature Patent Literature

[0003] Patent Document 1 Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2019-66173 Summary of the Invention Problem to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] The environment control device of Patent Document 1 performs control targeting the user's current state, and no consideration has been given to specifying a state suitable for the user in advance and controlling the environment based on the specified state. For this reason, the environment control device of Patent Document 1 does not pay any attention to the timing of starting and ending a state suitable for the user.

[0005] If a user can efficiently initiate or terminate a certain state, it can lead to benefits such as improved intellectual productivity. Therefore, if an environmental control device can efficiently initiate or terminate such states through environmental control of the target space in which the user resides, it would be advantageous in improving the functionality of the environmental control device. However, the environmental control device described in Patent Document 1 does not even consider the timing of the initiation and termination of states, and therefore could not perform the above-mentioned environmental control.

[0006] This disclosure aims to solve the above-mentioned problems and to provide an environmental control device and environmental control system that can efficiently initiate and terminate user states by controlling the environment of the target space at the start and end of pre-specified states. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] The environmental control device relating to this disclosure is A user may exist. Ring of the object space boundary An environmental control device that controls, A state estimation unit that estimates the user's state, and -za multiple State transition data that specifies the state transitions in chronological order. memory do memory Department and, The memory unit remembered State transition data and the user's state estimated by the state estimation unit Based , adjust the environment It comprises an equipment control unit that controls environmental control equipment, and the equipment control unit is storage section but memory Based on the state transition data , relating to a predetermined state among multiple states Control start control unit that initiates control of environmental adjustment equipment. rank Preparation The device control unit is configured to perform transition control, which transitions the user's state estimated by the state estimation unit to a predetermined state, before the start of the control start control unit. It is.

[0008] The environmental control system relating to this disclosure comprises the above-mentioned environmental control device and environmental adjustment equipment. [Effects of the Invention]

[0009] The environmental control device and environmental control system according to this disclosure include a state identification unit that identifies state transition data specifying the state transitions of a user present in at least one target space in chronological order. The state transition data specifies the transitions of the user's state in chronological order. The equipment control unit includes a control start control unit that starts controlling the environmental adjustment equipment based on the state transition data specifying the user's state transitions in chronological order, and a control end control unit that ends controlling the environmental adjustment equipment based on the state transition data identified by the state identification unit. With this configuration, the environmental control device and environmental control system according to this disclosure can control the environment of the target space at the start and end of predetermined states, and can efficiently start and end the user's state. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0010] [Figure 1] This is an explanatory diagram of the usage configuration of the environmental control system according to Embodiment 1. [Figure 2] This is a block diagram showing the configuration of the environmental control system according to Embodiment 1. [Figure 3] This figure shows an example of a work schedule in the environmental control device according to Embodiment 1. [Figure 4] This figure shows an example of a work schedule for the environmental control device according to Embodiment 1. [Figure 5] This figure shows an example of state transition data in the environmental control device according to Embodiment 1. [Figure 6] This is a flowchart showing the operation flow of the environmental control device according to Embodiment 1. [Figure 7] This figure shows an example of another work schedule for the environmental control device according to Embodiment 1. [Figure 8] This figure shows an example of a work schedule setting screen in an environmental control device according to Embodiment 2. [Figure 9] This is a block diagram showing the configuration of the environmental control system according to Embodiment 3. [Figure 10]It is a diagram showing an example of a state conversion table in the environmental control device according to Embodiment 3. [Figure 11] It is a diagram showing an example of a difference correspondence table in the environmental control device according to Embodiment 3. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0011] Embodiment 1. FIG. 1 is an explanatory diagram of a usage mode of an environmental control system 100 according to Embodiment 1. The environmental control system 100 of Embodiment 1 is a system that controls the environment of a target space W to smooth the state transition of a user present in the target space W, improves the user's work efficiency, and achieves improvement in intellectual productivity.

[0012] An environmental adjustment device 10 that adjusts the environment of the target space W is installed in the target space W. The environmental adjustment device 10 is a device that adjusts environmental control factors in the target space W. The environmental control factors are, for example, temperature, humidity, brightness, sound, color, odor, CO₂ concentration, and the like. The environmental adjustment device 10 only needs to be a device capable of adjusting at least one of these environmental control factors. In the illustrated example, as the environmental adjustment device 10, an air conditioner 11 that adjusts the temperature of the target space W, an illumination device 12 that adjusts the brightness of the target space W, an acoustic device 13 that generates sound, and an aroma generator 14 that generates odor are installed in the target space W.

[0013] The air conditioner 11, the illumination device 12, and the acoustic device 13 are installed on a ceiling, and the aroma generator 14 is installed on a desk. The installation positions of the air conditioner 11, the illumination device 12, the acoustic device 13, and the aroma generator 14 are not limited to the positions shown in the drawing, and may be installed at other locations. The environmental adjustment device 10 may further include, for example, a humidifier, a dehumidifier, an air cleaner, an odor removing device, a silencer, a ventilator, and the like.

[0014] A biometric information sensor 20 is installed in the target space W to detect the user's biometric information. Biometric information includes, for example, heart rate, blood pressure, body temperature, sweating, pupil diameter, eye movements, and electroencephalogram (EEG). The biometric information sensor 20 is composed of, for example, an optical wristwatch-type heart rate sensor or an earphone-type EEG device. Figure 1 shows an example of a wearable sensor held by the user as the biometric information sensor 20, but it is not limited to wearable sensors. The biometric information sensor 20 may also be composed of, for example, a non-contact heart rate sensor using millimeter waves or microwaves. Alternatively, the heart rate may be sensed by an imaging device.

[0015] The target space W is further equipped with a thermal imaging device 30 and an imaging device 40. The thermal imaging device 30 is a device that captures a thermal image of the target space W. The thermal imaging device 30 can measure the surface temperature of a person's skin, etc., non-contact. The thermal imaging device 30 is, for example, an infrared sensor. As an example, the thermal imaging device 30 includes a thermopile in which multiple infrared sensors are arranged in an array shape. In this case, the thermal imaging device 30 can estimate the user's position and movement by measuring the surface temperature in a matrix. The imaging device 40 is a device that photographs the target space W. The imaging device 40 is, for example, composed of a camera.

[0016] The user is holding a mobile terminal 60. The mobile terminal 60 functions as an operation display unit that displays information and receives operation input.

[0017] Figure 2 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the environmental control system 100 according to Embodiment 1. The environmental control system 100 includes an environmental adjustment device 10 and an environmental control device 50. The environmental control device 50 is connected to the environmental adjustment device 10, a bio-information sensor 20, a thermal imaging device 30, an imaging device 40, and a mobile terminal 60 via a network N. The network N is, for example, Bluetooth®, Wi-Fi, or the Internet.

[0018] The environmental control device 50 is composed of, for example, a remote control, a PC, or a tablet. The remote control is configured as the environmental control device 50 by installing the programs for each function of the control unit 51 of the environmental control device 50 (described later) on the remote control, etc. Alternatively, the environmental control device 50 may be composed of a mobile terminal 60 held by the user. The environmental control device 50 may reside on a cloud connected to the network N.

[0019] The environmental control device 50 comprises a control unit 51, a storage unit 52, and an operation display unit 53. The control unit 51 is composed of, for example, dedicated hardware or a CPU (also called a Central Processing Unit, central processing unit, processing unit, arithmetic unit, microprocessor, or processor) that executes a program stored in the storage unit 52.

[0020] If the control unit 51 is dedicated hardware, it may be, for example, a single circuit, a composite circuit, an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit), an FPGA (Field-Programmable Gate Array), or a combination thereof. Each of the functional units realized by the control unit 51 may be realized by individual hardware, or each functional unit may be realized by a single piece of hardware.

[0021] When the control unit 51 is a CPU, each function performed by the control unit 51 is realized by software, firmware, or a combination of software and firmware. The software and firmware are written as programs and stored in the memory unit 52. The CPU realizes each function of the control unit 51 by reading and executing the programs stored in the memory unit 52.

[0022] Furthermore, some of the functions of the control unit 51 may be implemented using dedicated hardware, while other functions may be implemented using software or firmware.

[0023] The control unit 51 includes a state identification unit 51a, an equipment control unit 51b, and a state estimation unit 51c. The state identification unit 51a identifies state transition data S based on the work schedule 52a1 and work correspondence table 52b described later. State transition data S is a set of states specified in chronological order, as shown in Figure 5 described later. State transition data S is a set of user state transitions specified in chronological order, specifying a time period and a user state appropriate for that time period. Here, "state" in this specification refers to, for example, concentration level (low, medium, high), relaxation, tension, recharge, stress, drowsiness, activity, or creativity. Stress refers to high stress, low stress, moderate stress necessary for work, or stress unnecessary for work.

[0024] The device control unit 51b determines the control content of the environmental adjustment device 10 based on the state transition data S and controls the environmental adjustment device 10. The device control unit 51b includes a control start control unit 51b1, a control end control unit 51b2, and a control continuation control unit 51b3.

[0025] The control start control unit 51b1 starts controlling the environmental adjustment device 10 based on the state transition data S identified by the state identification unit 51a. Specifically, the control start control unit 51b1 performs start control associated with the start of the state specified in the state transition data S. The control end control unit 51b2 ends control of the environmental adjustment device 10 based on the state transition data S identified by the state identification unit 51a. Specifically, the control end control unit 51b2 performs end control associated with the end of the state specified in the state transition data S. The control continuation control unit 51b3 performs continuation control between the start control and the end control.

[0026] The start control is a control that controls the environmental adjustment device 10 so that an environmental change occurs that prompts the start of a state. Prompting the start of a state means prompting the user's state to smoothly transition from the current state to a specified state. Specifically, for example, if the specified state is a state of low concentration, it means prompting the user's state to smoothly transition to a state of low concentration.

[0027] Termination control is a control that controls the environmental adjustment device 10 so that an environmental change occurs that prompts the termination of a state. Prompting the termination of a state means prompting the user's state to smoothly terminate its current state. Specifically, prompting the termination of a state means, for example, prompting the user to smoothly terminate a highly focused state if the user's current state is one of high concentration. Smooth termination of a highly focused state means, for example, that the user's state transitions from a highly focused state to a neutral state of low concentration, or from a highly focused state to a released state. Specifically, termination control when terminating a highly focused state may include, for example, dimming the brightness of the target space W.

[0028] Continuity control is a type of control performed between start control and end control. The device control unit 51b is characterized by its start control and end control functions, and the content of the continuity control is not particularly limited. As an example of continuity control, it is a type of control that changes the environment of the target space W so that the user can continue a certain "state" specified by the state transition data S. In continuity control, the device control unit 51b senses the user and estimates the user's current state using the state estimation unit 51c (described later), and then controls the environment adjustment device 10 based on the estimation result.

[0029] The state estimation unit 51c estimates the user's state based on sensor information from the bio-information sensor 20. For example, if the user's heart rate is higher than a set value, the state estimation unit 51c estimates that the user is in a state of tension. Alternatively, the state estimation unit 51c may estimate the user's state based on images of the target space W obtained by the thermal imaging device 30 or the imaging device 40. Based on the captured images, the state estimation unit 51c identifies behavioral changes such as the user's posture, location, amount of movement, and speed of movement, and estimates the user's state based on these behavioral changes. For example, if the captured images obtained by the imaging device 40 or the thermal imaging device 30 indicate that the user has moved a large amount within the target space W, the state estimation unit 51c estimates that the user is "active".

[0030] The memory unit 52 stores various types of information and is composed of, for example, ROM, flash memory, EPROM, or EEPROM. The memory unit 52 stores work schedules 52a1 such as the user's work schedule, work correspondence tables 52b, and control programs.

[0031] The operation display unit 53 displays information and receives operation input. The operation display unit 53 is, for example, a touch panel display panel. Although the operation display unit 53 integrates the operation unit and the display unit, the operation unit and the display unit may be provided separately. In the case where the operation unit and the display unit are provided separately, the operation unit is, for example, a physical push-button or switch, and the display unit is, for example, a liquid crystal panel. The operation display unit 53 receives operation input from the user and outputs the operation content to the device control unit 51b.

[0032] Figure 3 shows an example of a work schedule 52a1 in the environmental control device 50 according to Embodiment 1. The work schedule 52a1 is a sequence of tasks arranged chronologically. In the work schedule 52a1 in Figure 3, a schedule is set in which very simple tasks, precision tasks, and simple tasks are performed sequentially between 8:50 and 12:00.

[0033] Figure 4 shows an example of a work correspondence table 52b in the environmental control device 50 according to Embodiment 1. The work correspondence table 52b is a table that associates work with a state suitable for that work. In the work correspondence table 52b of Figure 4, the user state suitable for each of the following is set: precision work, simple work, very simple work, break, and idea meeting. In addition to the work items in the work correspondence table 52b, other items such as creative work and meetings can be set as appropriate depending on the operation of the system.

[0034] Figure 5 shows an example of state transition data S in the environmental control device 50 according to Embodiment 1. The state transition data S in Figure 5 is identified based on the work schedule 52a1 in Figure 3 and the work correspondence table 52b in Figure 4. The identification of the state transition data S is performed by the state identification unit 51a. In the state transition data S in Figure 5, the upper time corresponds to the start time or end time of each work in the work schedule 52a1, and the lower time indicates the start time of the start control and end control, respectively.

[0035] In Figure 5, the area enclosed by the dotted line indicates the period during which either or both start and end control are performed. The time period from 9:50 to 10:00, during which no state is set, is the period when the user has left the target space W, and is managed as a state-unset period in the state transition data S. In other words, a state-unset period refers to a period during which a certain state and the next state are not consecutive, and the state between a certain state and the next state is not specified.

[0036] The control of the environmental control device 50, which is performed based on the state transition data S in Figure 5, will be described below.

[0037] (1) 8:45~8:55 Start control The equipment control unit 51b first starts the following start control associated with the start of the first state at 8:45, which is a first predetermined time (e.g., 5 minutes) before 8:50, the start time of the first state, "low concentration," specified in the state transition data S. Specifically, the equipment control unit 51b controls the environment adjustment device 10 so that the user can smoothly transition from the current state to the "low concentration" state. By setting the start time of the start control to a first predetermined time before the start time of "low concentration," the equipment control unit 51b has the advantage of guiding the user to a state where they can efficiently start work from the start time. Note that the start time of the start control is not limited to a first predetermined time before the start time of "low concentration," but may be the same time as the start time of "low concentration."

[0038] The environmental control settings that allow the user to smoothly transition from their current state to a "low" concentration state are pre-set and stored in the memory unit 52. For example, if the user's state at 8:45 is assumed to be that of someone who has just arrived at work in the summer and is feeling the heat, the control settings are set to allow the user to cool down and enter a "low" concentration state. For example, the control settings are set to operate the air conditioning unit 11 so that it blows air onto the user. In this case, the environmental control device 50 can improve user comfort in addition to achieving a smooth transition of state.

[0039] The end time of the start control may be 8:50 if the start time of the start control is 8:45, or 8:55 if the start time of the start control is 8:50. The end time of the start control is after the start time of the start control and is not particularly limited as long as it is in the first half of the "low concentration" period. In this example, the end time of the start control is assumed to be 8:55.

[0040] The environmental control device 50 can smoothly transition the user's state to a "low" concentration state through the above-mentioned start control.

[0041] (2) 8:55~9:45 Continuous control The device control unit 51b controls the environmental adjustment device 10 based on the estimation results of the state estimation unit 51c so that the user can maintain a "low" level of concentration. For example, if the device control unit 51b detects that the user's level of concentration has decreased based on the estimation results of the state estimation unit 51c, it controls the environmental adjustment device 10 so that the user can maintain a "low" level of concentration.

[0042] The environmental control device 50 can maintain a "low" concentration level for the user through the continuous control described above.

[0043] (3) 9:45~9:50 Termination control The device control unit 51b starts the following termination control associated with the termination of the "low concentration" state at 9:45, which is two predetermined times (for example, 5 minutes) before the termination time of 9:50 for the "low concentration" state. Specifically, the device control unit 51b controls the environment adjustment device 10 to create an environment in which the user can smoothly terminate the "low concentration" state. The environment assumed to be one in which the current state can be smoothly terminated, and the environmental control performed to create that environment, can be arbitrarily set according to the operation of the system. In the following, as an example of an environment in which the current state can be smoothly terminated, an environment in which the user can be placed in a neutral state is assumed. In this specification, as an example, regardless of the current state, the following control is performed as environmental control that smoothly terminates the current state and places the user in a neutral state (hereinafter sometimes referred to as neutral control).

[0044] (Example of environmental control in termination control) The equipment control unit 51b controls the air conditioning unit 11 to direct airflow towards the user. The equipment control unit 51b controls the lighting device 12 so that the brightness of the lighting decreases. Specifically, for example, the equipment control unit 51b controls the lighting device 12 so that the illuminance on the desk surface decreases by 200 Lux. The equipment control unit 51b controls the lighting device 12 so that the color temperature of the lighting changes to a warmer color. Specifically, for example, the equipment control unit 51b controls the lighting device 12 so that the color temperature of the desk surface decreases by 1000K. The equipment control unit 51b controls the sound device 13 to increase the noise level. Specifically, for example, the equipment control unit 51b controls the sound device 13 to generate a sound that is 6 dB higher than the sound pressure level of ambient noise outside the target space W. The equipment control unit 51b generates, for example, an odor that the user does not like from the fragrance generator 14. The above environmental control measures may be implemented individually or in combination.

[0045] Note that while the termination time for termination control is set to 9:50 here, which is the termination time for the "low" concentration level, it is not limited to this time. In the illustrated example, there is a period of no state setting between this state and the next state, "high" concentration level, so the termination time for termination control may be set to a time within this period of no state setting.

[0046] The environmental control device 50 can smoothly terminate the user's "low concentration" state through the termination control described above.

[0047] (4) 9:55~10:05 Start control The device control unit 51b initiates the following start control associated with the start of the "high" concentration state at 9:55, which is three predetermined time intervals (for example, 5 minutes) before the start time of 10:00. Specifically, the device control unit 51b controls the environment adjustment device 10 to create an environment that allows the user to smoothly transition from the current neutral state to the "high" concentration state. The contents of the environment control that allows the user to smoothly transition from the current neutral state to the "high" concentration state are stored in the storage unit 52 in advance. The contents of this environment control can be arbitrarily set according to the operation of the system, and an example is described below. The following environment control is not limited to the transition from the neutral state to the "high" concentration state, but is an example of control suitable for the transition from the neutral state to a state in which concentration increases.

[0048] (Example of environmental control in startup control) The equipment control unit 51b controls the air conditioning unit 11 so that the user's perceived temperature on their head is lowered. The equipment control unit 51b controls the lighting device 12 so that the brightness of the lighting increases. Specifically, for example, the equipment control unit 51b controls the lighting device 12 so that the illuminance on the desk surface increases by 250 Lux. The equipment control unit 51b controls the lighting device 12 so that the color temperature of the lighting changes to a cooler color. Specifically, for example, the equipment control unit 51b controls the lighting device 12 so that the color temperature of the desk surface increases by 1000K. • The device control unit 51b, if there is conversation noise in the surroundings, emits a sound similar to it from the sound device 13 to mask the sound. The equipment control unit 51b generates an odor from the fragrance generator 14. Specifically, for example, the equipment control unit 51b generates a citrus or minty odor from the fragrance generator 14. The above environmental control measures may be implemented individually or in combination.

[0049] The start time of the start control is not limited to 9:55, which is the third predetermined time (e.g., 5 minutes) before the start time of the "high" concentration period; it can be any time after the end of the end control for the "low" concentration period. Therefore, the start time of the start control may be 9:50, which is the end time for the "low" concentration period. Alternatively, the start time of the start control may be 10:00, which is the start time for the "high" concentration period. The end time of the start control may be 10:00 if the start time of the start control is 9:55, or it may be 10:00 or later. If the start time of the start control is 10:00, it may be 10:05, for example. The end time of the start control is after the start time of the start control and may be in the first half of the "low" concentration period; it is not particularly limited. In this example, the end time of the start control is assumed to be 10:05.

[0050] The environmental control device 50 can smoothly transition the user's state to a "high" concentration state through the above-mentioned start control.

[0051] (5) 10:05~10:55 Continuous control The device control unit 51b controls the environmental adjustment device 10 based on the estimation result of the state estimation unit 51c so that the user can maintain a "high" concentration state.

[0052] The environmental control device 50, through the continuous control described above, can enable the user to maintain a "high" level of concentration.

[0053] (6) 10:55~11:00 Termination control The device control unit 51b initiates the following termination control associated with the termination of the "high" concentration state at 10:55, which is four predetermined time intervals (e.g., 5 minutes) before 11:00, the termination time of the "high" concentration state. Specifically, the device control unit 51b controls the environment adjustment device 10 to create an environment where the user can smoothly terminate the "high" concentration state. The device control unit 51b performs the control described in "Examples of Environment Control in Termination Control" above to bring the user to a neutral state. Note that the termination control here may be the same as the environment control in (3) above, or it may be a different environment control. The termination control here is performed until 11:00, which is the start time of the next state, the "medium" concentration state.

[0054] The environmental control device 50 can smoothly terminate the "high" state of user concentration through the termination control described above.

[0055] (7) 11:00~11:05 Start control When the start time for the "medium" concentration level reaches 11:00, the equipment control unit 51b initiates the following start control associated with the start of the "medium" concentration level. Specifically, the equipment control unit 51b controls the environment adjustment device 10 to create an environment where the user can smoothly transition from the current neutral state to the "medium" concentration level state. The equipment control unit 51b performs the controls listed in "Examples of Environmental Control in Environmental Control" above to enable the user to smoothly transition to the "medium" concentration level state. Note that the start control here may be the same environmental control as the start control in (4) above, or it may be a different environmental control. The end time of the start control is not particularly limited, as mentioned above. In this example, it is assumed to be 11:05.

[0056] The environmental control device 50 can smoothly transition the user's state to a "medium" concentration level state through the above-mentioned start control.

[0057] (8) 11:05~11:55 Continuous control The device control unit 51b controls the environmental adjustment device 10 based on the estimation result of the state estimation unit 51c so that the user can maintain a "medium" level of concentration.

[0058] The environmental control device 50 enables the user to maintain a "medium" level of concentration through the continuous control described above.

[0059] (9) 11:55~12:00 Termination control The equipment control unit 51b initiates termination control associated with the end of the "medium" concentration state at 11:55, which is five predetermined time intervals (e.g., 5 minutes) before 12:00, the end time of the "medium" concentration state. Specifically, the equipment control unit 51b controls the environment adjustment device 10 to create an environment where the user can smoothly exit the "medium" concentration state. This termination control may be the same as the termination control in (3) or (6) above, or it may be a different environment control. In short, the termination control should be an environment control that allows the user to smoothly exit the "medium" concentration state.

[0060] The environmental control device 50 can smoothly terminate the user's "medium" concentration state through the termination control described above.

[0061] The first to fifth predetermined times in the above control are not limited to 5 minutes, but may be set as appropriate based on the system operation. Furthermore, the first to fifth predetermined times are not limited to the same time, but may be different. In addition, the first to fifth predetermined times may be changed for each user. Furthermore, the control methods for each environmental control factor in the start control and end control may also be set for each user.

[0062] Although the state identification unit 51a was described as identifying the state transition data S based on the work schedule 52a1, the state transition data S itself may be registered in the storage unit 52, and the state transition data S may be retrieved from the storage unit 52 for identification.

[0063] Furthermore, while the above examples show states in the state transition data S that relate to the degree of concentration, the data is not limited to these, and may include states such as relaxation or tension.

[0064] Figure 6 is a flowchart showing the operation flow of the environmental control device 50 according to Embodiment 1. The state identification unit 51a of the equipment control unit 51b identifies state transition data S based on the work schedule 52a1 and work correspondence table 52b stored in the storage unit 52. The equipment control unit 51b controls the environmental adjustment equipment 10 based on the state transition data S identified in step S1 (steps S2 to S11). Specifically, the control start control unit 51b1 performs start control when the start time of start control arrives (step S2) (step S3). The control start control unit 51b1 terminates start control when the end time of start control arrives (step S4) (step S5). Subsequently, the control continuation control unit 51b3 performs continuation control (step S6).

[0065] The control termination control unit 51b2 performs termination control when the start time of termination control arrives (step S7) (step S8). The control termination control unit 51b2 terminates termination control when the end time of termination control arrives (step S9) (step S10). Then, the control termination control unit 51b2 checks if the current time is the end time of the state transition data S (step S11), and if the current time is not the end time of the state transition data S, it returns to step S2. If it returns to step S2, the equipment control unit 51b repeats the same process. If the current time in step S11 is the end time of the state transition data S, the equipment control unit 51b terminates control of the environmental adjustment device 10 based on the state transition data S.

[0066] In the above example, the target space W is shown as one example, but there may be multiple target spaces W that are subject to environmental control by the installation of the environmental adjustment equipment 10. For example, in an office space, there may be multiple target spaces W such as workrooms, conference rooms, offices, and break rooms. In this case, it is conceivable that the user moves between target spaces W. For example, the user may first perform very simple tasks in a workroom after arriving at work, and then move from the workroom to a drafting room to perform detailed work. In this case, the control by the equipment control unit 51b is the same as above, except that the target space W being controlled changes.

[0067] An example of the work schedule 52a2 in the above case is shown below.

[0068] Figure 7 shows an example of another work schedule 52a2 in the environmental control device 50 according to Embodiment 1. In addition to the work schedule 52a1 shown in Figure 3, the work schedule 52a2 in Figure 7 further includes information that identifies the target space W as the space in which the work is performed for each task. The work schedule 52a2 in Figure 7 includes identification names of the target space W, such as "workroom," "drafting room," and "office," as information that identifies the target space W. Based on the work schedule 52a2, the state identification unit 51a identifies state transition data S that associates the target space W with each task. Based on the identified state transition data S, the equipment control unit 51b controls the environmental adjustment equipment 10 of the target space W associated with each task for each task.

[0069] As mentioned above, the state identification unit 51a may identify the state transition data S without using the work schedule 52a1, so the state transition data S may contain information about the target space W associated with that state in addition to the state itself. For example, the state transition data S may include information such as "workroom" when the concentration level is "low", "drafting room" when the concentration level is "high", and "office" when the concentration level is "low".

[0070] In the case of the above work schedule 52a2, the equipment control unit 51b controls the environmental control equipment 10 installed in the workroom during the control of (1) to (3) above. The equipment control unit 51b also controls the environmental control equipment 10 installed in the drafting room during the control of (4) to (6) above. The equipment control unit 51b also controls the environmental control equipment 10 installed in the office during the control of (7) to (9) above.

[0071] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 7, if there is a change in the work location, such as moving from the workroom to the drafting room, the equipment control unit 51b may be controlled as follows. Here, for example, consider the case where the user moves from the workroom to the drafting room via the corridor. In this case, the corridor is considered one of the target spaces W, and the control termination control unit 51b2 may perform state termination control (neutral control) for the environmental adjustment equipment 10 that controls the environmental control factors of the corridor for 5 minutes, for example from 9:50, and the control start control unit 51b1 may perform start control for 5 minutes from 9:55. In this case, the control termination control unit 51b2 may determine the start time of termination control based on the work schedule 52a1, or it may also do as follows, for example. The control termination control unit 51b2 may start termination control at the timing when it detects that the user has left the workroom and moved to the corridor based on image recognition using the image of the target space W obtained by the imaging device 40 or the thermal imaging device 30.

[0072] Furthermore, although the above explanation described an example where there is one user in the target space W, similar control can be performed even when multiple users gather in the target space W, such as in a conference room. When multiple users gather in the target space W, for example, users can be assigned priorities in advance, and the environmental control device 50 can control the environmental adjustment equipment 10 based on the state transition data S of the user with the highest priority.

[0073] As described above, the environmental control device 50 of Embodiment 1 is a device that controls an environmental adjustment device 10 that adjusts the environmental control factors of at least one target space W. The environmental control device 50 includes a state identification unit 51a that identifies state transition data S that specify the state transitions of users present in at least one target space W in chronological order, and an equipment control unit 51b that controls the environmental adjustment device 10 based on the state transition data S. The equipment control unit 51b includes a control start control unit 51b1 that starts controlling the environmental adjustment device 10 based on the state transition data S identified by the state identification unit 51a, and a control end control unit 51b2 that ends controlling the environmental adjustment device 10 based on the state transition data S identified by the state identification unit 51a.

[0074] With the above configuration, the environmental control device 50 controls the environment of the target space when a state is started and ended, thus enabling efficient start and end of the user's state. Therefore, the environmental control device 50 can smooth the user's state transitions, improve the user's work efficiency, and enhance intellectual productivity. Furthermore, the environmental control device 50 can contribute to shortening the user's working hours through its effect on improving intellectual productivity, and can shorten the operating time of the environmental adjustment equipment 10 by shortening the usage time of the target space W. Since the environmental control device 50 can shorten the operating time of the environmental adjustment equipment 10, it can reduce power consumption. As described above, the environmental control device 50 can be made more functional than conventional devices that do not perform start and end control.

[0075] The control start control unit 51b1 performs start control, which is associated with the start of a state in the state transition data S, and controls the environmental adjustment device 10 so that an environmental change occurs that prompts the start of the state. The control end control unit 51b2 performs end control, which is associated with the end of a state in the state transition data S, and controls the environmental adjustment device 10 so that an environmental change occurs that prompts the end of the state.

[0076] With the above configuration, the environmental control device 50 controls the environment of the target space when a state is started and ended, thus enabling efficient start and end of the user's state. Therefore, the environmental control device 50 can smooth the user's state transitions, improve the user's work efficiency, and enhance intellectual productivity. Furthermore, the environmental control device 50 can contribute to shortening the user's working hours through its effect on improving intellectual productivity, and can shorten the operating time of the environmental adjustment equipment 10 by shortening the usage time of the target space W. Since the environmental control device 50 can shorten the operating time of the environmental adjustment equipment 10, it can reduce power consumption. As described above, the environmental control device 50 can be made more functional than conventional devices that do not perform start and end control.

[0077] The control start control unit 51b1 identifies the start time of the first state based on the state transition data S, and starts the start control associated with the start of the first state before the identified start time.

[0078] With the above configuration, the environmental control device 50 can smoothly transition the user's state back to the initial state.

[0079] The control termination control unit 51b2 identifies the end time of the state based on the state transition data S, and starts termination control associated with the end of the state at a time earlier than the identified end time.

[0080] With the above configuration, the environmental control device 50 can smoothly terminate a state when the user is in a state specified in the state transition data S.

[0081] If a state specified in the state transition data S is not continuous with the next state, and there is a state-unset period between the state and the next state, the control start control 51b1 starts the start control associated with the start of the next state at a time within the state-unset period. If a state specified in the state transition data S is continuous with the next state, the control start control 51b1 starts the start control associated with the start of the next state at the start time of the next state.

[0082] With the above configuration, the environmental control device 50 can smoothly transition the user's state to the next state, both when there is a period of no state set and when there is no such period, when transitioning from a certain state to the next state as specified in the state transition data S.

[0083] At least one target space includes multiple target spaces W. The state transition data S includes information that identifies one of the multiple target spaces W associated with each state. Based on the identified state transition data S, the device control unit 51b controls the environmental adjustment device 10 of the target space W associated with each state.

[0084] With the above configuration, the environmental control device 50 can perform environmental control for multiple target spaces W.

[0085] The environmental control device 50 includes a user's work schedule 52a1 and a work correspondence table 52b that associates work with a state suitable for that work. The state identification unit 51a identifies state transition data S based on the work schedule 52a1 and the work correspondence table 52b.

[0086] With the above configuration, the environmental control device 50 can make the state specified in the state transition data S based on the user's work schedule 52a1.

[0087] At least one target space W includes multiple target spaces W. The work schedule 52a2 further includes information that identifies one of the multiple target spaces W as the space in which to perform each task. The state identification unit 51a identifies state transition data S associated with each task based on the work schedule 52a2. The equipment control unit 51b controls the environmental adjustment equipment 10 of the target space W associated with each task based on the identified state transition data S.

[0088] With the above configuration, the environmental control device 50 can perform environmental control for multiple target spaces W.

[0089] Embodiment 2. Embodiment 2 differs from Embodiment 1 in the method of identifying the state transition data S in the state identification unit 51a of the control unit 51. The following description will focus on the configurations in Embodiment 2 that differ from those in Embodiment 1, while configurations not described in Embodiment 2 are the same as those in Embodiment 1.

[0090] In the first embodiment described above, the state identification unit 51a identified the state transition data S based on the work schedule 52a1 and the work correspondence table 52b. In the second embodiment, the state identification unit 51a identifies the state transition data S based on a person's self-report.

[0091] The status identification unit 51a displays the work schedule setting screen 60a shown in Figure 8 on the operation display unit 53, and first acquires the work schedule 52a1 based on the user's operation input on the work schedule setting screen 60a. The work schedule setting screen 60a may be displayed on the operation display unit 53 of the environmental control device 50, or it may be displayed on a mobile terminal 60 held by the user.

[0092] Figure 8 shows an example of a work schedule setting screen 60a in the environmental control device 50 according to Embodiment 2. The work schedule setting screen 60a has a setting field A, a confirmation field B, and a completion button C.

[0093] Setting field A is a field for setting the work schedule. Setting field A has a work setting field 61 for setting the work, a time setting field 62 for setting the time, and a confirm button 63. Work setting field 61 has multiple work buttons 61a. In the illustrated example, the work buttons 61a are buttons for selecting "very simple work", "simple work", "precise work", "break", "idea meeting", and "other".

[0094] The time setting field 62 has a time input field 62a and a time selection field 62b. The time input field 62a has "Start," "End," and "Pause" buttons 62a1. The time input field 62a further has a time specification field 62a2. In the time input field 62a, when a time is entered in the time specification field 62a2 and one of the "Start," "End," or "Pause" buttons 62a1 is pressed, the time entered in the time specification field 62a2 is set as the time of the pressed button 62a1. The "Pause" button is used to set a period of no status setting or a time when no specific work is being performed.

[0095] The time selection field 62b has multiple time selection buttons 62b1 for selecting a start time and multiple time selection buttons 62b2 for selecting an end time. In the time selection field 62b, for example, if the time selection button 62b1 for "8:30" in the "Start" section is pressed, the start time is set to 8:30.

[0096] Confirmation Field B is the section displayed for the user to confirm the work schedule set in Setting Field A. Confirmation Field B displays work information, including the work, start time, and end time, in a list format.

[0097] The following describes an example of how to set a schedule to start precision work at 8:30 in the work schedule setting screen 60a with the above configuration. The user presses the "Precision Work" work button 61a, enters 8:30 in the time specification field 62a2 of the time input field 62a, then presses the "Start" button 62a1, and then presses the OK button 63. The pressed button is displayed differently from the other buttons, for example, by being shaded. Then, when the OK button 63 is pressed, the entered work information is displayed in the confirmation field B.

[0098] By repeating this process, the work information is entered and set sequentially. When the input of the work information is complete and the completion button C is pressed, the work information displayed in the confirmation field B is stored in the storage unit 52 and the setting of the work schedule 52a1 is completed. Note that the work schedule setting screen 60a shown in Figure 8 and the above operation example are just examples and can be set arbitrarily as appropriate.

[0099] Furthermore, while we have used input for tasks here, it is also possible to input actions and classify them as tasks. Classifying tasks by inputting actions means, for example, when the action "data input" is input for a task, the system classifies the task from a database linked to specific actions and tasks stored in the memory unit 52 and converts it to "ultra-simple task." Note that the tasks listed in the task schedule 52a1 may have the same content as the input and be converted during control. This allows the user to check the schedule of specific tasks, and enables the environment control to perform control appropriate to the set tasks.

[0100] Thus, the state transition data S is not limited to those identified based on a work schedule 52a1 such as a work schedule, but may also be identified based on a work schedule 52a1 based on a person's self-declaration. Here, the method of self-declaration is not limited to operation input. The method of self-declaration may also be, for example, voice input, and the work schedule 52a1 may be entered orally. The control in the equipment control unit 51b based on the state transition data S is the same as in Embodiment 1.

[0101] Embodiment 2 is a different method for identifying state transition data S from Embodiment 1. Although the above describes an identification method based on self-declaration, other methods, such as the following, may also be used.

[0102] The state identification unit 51a may estimate the user's next task and the start time of the task based on image recognition using the captured image of the target space W obtained by the imaging device 40 or the thermal imaging device 30, and may also identify state transition data S. The state identification unit 51a identifies the user's next task based on the captured image and behavioral changes such as the user's movements and changes in the display screen. The state identification unit 51a identifies the start time based on the captured image and behavioral changes such as the user's movements.

[0103] Specifically, for example, the state identification unit 51a identifies from the image of the target space W taken at around 10:55 that the user's work will end around 11:00 and that the user will then perform simple tasks, based on behavioral changes such as behavioral habits of the user performing precision work. Furthermore, based on the identified end time, the state identification unit 51a identifies that the start time is 11:00. In other words, the state identification unit 51a may also identify state transition data S at 11:00, indicating a state transition to a "medium" level of concentration corresponding to simple tasks, based on the image taken. In addition, the state identification unit 51a may also have information about the target space W associated with that state.

[0104] As described above, the environmental control device 50 of Embodiment 2 includes a work correspondence table 52b that associates work with a state suitable for that work. The state identification unit 51a acquires a work schedule 52a1 based on the user's self-declaration and identifies state transition data S based on the acquired work schedule 52a1 and the work correspondence table 52b.

[0105] With the above configuration, the environmental control device 50 of Embodiment 2 has the same effects as Embodiment 1, and also provides a method for identifying state transition data S based on a person's self-reported operation. Although the above explanation was given using the example where the work schedule is work schedule 52a1, the same applies when the work schedule is work schedule 52a2.

[0106] The environmental control device 50 of Embodiment 2 may identify state transition data S based on image recognition of captured images of the target space W.

[0107] With the above configuration, the environmental control device 50 of Embodiment 2 has the same effects as Embodiment 1 and Embodiment 2, and can also provide a method for identifying state transition data S based on image recognition of captured images.

[0108] Embodiment 3. Embodiment 3 describes a method for determining the control content in the device control unit 51b. The following description will focus on the configurations of Embodiment 3 that differ from those of Embodiments 1 and 2, while configurations not described in Embodiment 3 are the same as those in Embodiments 1 and 2.

[0109] Figure 9 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the environmental control system 100 according to Embodiment 3. In addition to the components shown in Figure 1, the environmental control device 50 of Embodiment 3 further includes a state conversion table 52c, which associates states with numerical values ​​indicating the level of those states, and a difference correspondence table 52d, which registers control content corresponding to the difference between two numerical values ​​in the state conversion table 52c. The state conversion table 52c and the difference correspondence table 52d are stored in the storage unit 52.

[0110] Figure 10 shows an example of a state conversion table 52c in the environmental control device 50 according to Embodiment 3. In the example in Figure 10, levels 3 to 8 are associated with each state.

[0111] Figure 11 shows an example of a difference correspondence table 52d in the environmental control device 50 according to Embodiment 3. The difference correspondence table 52d is a table in which control content is registered such that the stimulus given to the user becomes stronger as the difference increases. Figure 11 shows an example of a difference correspondence table 52d corresponding to the control of desk surface illuminance. In the difference correspondence table 52d of Figure 11, the change range of desk surface illuminance is registered for each of the differences from 1 to 4, and it is set so that the change range of desk surface illuminance increases as the difference increases.

[0112] For example, in the case of difference correspondence table 52d, which corresponds to room temperature control, difference correspondence table 52d contains registered room temperature change ranges corresponding to each difference. The room temperature change range in difference correspondence table 52d is set to increase as the difference increases. It should be noted that the control to increase the intensity of the stimulus given to the subject is not limited to the control that increases the range of change of a certain environmental factor according to the difference, as described above, but can be set as appropriate according to the operation of the system.

[0113] In Embodiment 3, the device control unit 51b controls the environmental control device 10 with an intensity corresponding to the degree of change between the current state and the state before that state during start control. In end control, the device control unit 51b controls the environmental control device 10 with an intensity corresponding to the degree of change between the current state and the state after that state. Specifically, the device control unit 51b identifies the degree of change as a difference based on the state conversion table 52c, and determines the control content of the environmental control device 10 based on the difference and the difference correspondence table 52d.

[0114] In the above embodiment 1, the device control unit 51b performed the same environmental control in the start control of, for example, the transition from the "neutral state to the 'high' concentration state" as described in (4) above, and the transition from the "neutral state to the 'medium' concentration state" as described in (7) above.

[0115] In contrast, the equipment control unit 51b of Embodiment 3 determines the control content based on the state conversion table 52c and the difference correspondence table 52d, thereby performing different controls for, for example, the start control in (4) and the start control in (7). In the start controls of (4) and (7), when controlling to increase the desk surface illuminance, the equipment control unit 51b makes the range of change in the desk surface illuminance different. To explain using the examples of the tables in Figures 10 and 11, the difference corresponding to the transition from the "neutral state to the 'high' concentration state" in (4) is "3", and the range of change is "300 Lux". For this reason, the equipment control unit 51b controls the lighting device 12 so that the desk surface illuminance increases by 300 Lux as the start control in (4). Also, the difference corresponding to the transition from the "neutral state to the 'medium' concentration state" in (7) is "2", and the range of change is "250 Lux". Therefore, as the start control described in (7) above, the equipment control unit 51b controls the lighting device 12 so that the desk surface illuminance increases by 250 Lux. The equipment control unit 51b similarly determines the control content and performs the control in the case of the end control.

[0116] As described above, in the environmental control device 50 of Embodiment 3, the control start control unit 51b1 controls the environmental control device 10 with an intensity corresponding to the degree of change between the state and the state before the state during start control. In end control, the control end control unit 51b2 controls the environmental control device 10 with an intensity corresponding to the degree of change between the state and the state after the state during end control. The environmental control device 50 of Embodiment 3 includes a state conversion table 52c in which states and numerical values ​​indicating the level of those states are associated, and a difference correspondence table 52d in which control contents corresponding to the difference between two numerical values ​​in the state conversion table 52c are registered. The device control unit 51b identifies the degree of change as a difference based on the state conversion table 52c, and determines the control contents of the environmental control device 10 based on the difference and the difference correspondence table 52d.

[0117] With the above configuration, the environmental control device 50 of Embodiment 3 has the same effects as Embodiments 1 and 2, and also performs environmental control according to the degree of change in state before and after state transition, thereby enabling more efficient state transitions for the user. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0118] 10 Environmental adjustment equipment, 11 Air conditioning equipment, 12 Lighting equipment, 13 Sound equipment, 14 Aroma generator, 20 Biometric information sensor, 30 Thermal imaging equipment, 40 Imaging equipment, 50 Environmental control equipment, 51 Control unit, 51a State identification unit, 51b Equipment control unit, 51b1 Control start control unit, 51b2 Control end control unit, 51b3 Control continuation control unit, 51c State estimation unit, 52 Storage unit, 52a1 Work schedule, 52a2 Work schedule, 52b Work correspondence table, 52c State conversion table, 52d Difference correspondence table, 53 Operation display unit, 60 Mobile terminal, 60a Work schedule setting screen, 61 Work setting field, 61a Work button, 62 Time setting field, 62a Time input field, 62a1 Button, 62a2 Time specification field, 62a4 Time specification field, 62b Time selection field, 62b1 Time selection button, 62b2 Time selection button, 63 Confirm button, 100 Environment control system, A Setting field, B Confirmation field, C Complete button, N Network, S State transition data, W Target space.

Claims

1. An environmental control device for controlling the environment of a target space in which a user may be present, A state estimation unit that estimates the state of the user, A storage unit that stores state transition data specifying the transitions between multiple states of the aforementioned user in chronological order, The system comprises a device control unit that controls environmental adjustment equipment that adjusts the environment based on the state transition data stored in the storage unit and the user's state estimated by the state estimation unit, The aforementioned equipment control unit is The control start control unit initiates control of the environmental adjustment device for a predetermined state among the plurality of states based on the state transition data stored in the storage unit, The aforementioned equipment control unit is An environmental control device configured to perform transition control, which transitions the user's state estimated by the state estimation unit to the predetermined state, before the start of the control start control unit.

2. The equipment control unit is: The system includes a control termination control unit that terminates control of the environmental adjustment device for a predetermined state based on the state transition data stored in the storage unit, The control initiation control unit is, Control associated with the start of the state in the state transition data, wherein start control is performed to control the environmental adjustment device so that an environmental change occurs that prompts the start of the state, The control termination control unit is, The environmental control device according to claim 1, which performs termination control associated with the termination of the state in the state transition data, wherein it controls the environmental adjustment device so that an environmental change occurs that prompts the termination of the state.

3. The control initiation control unit is, The environmental control device according to claim 2, which identifies the start time of the first state based on the state transition data and starts the start control associated with the start of the first state before the identified start time.

4. The equipment control unit is The environmental control device according to claim 2, further comprising a continuous control unit that performs continuous control to maintain the predetermined state between the start control of the control start control unit and the end control of the control end control unit.

5. The control termination control unit is, The environmental control device according to any one of claims 2 to 4, which identifies the end time of the state based on the state transition data and starts the termination control associated with the end of the state at a time earlier than the identified end time.

6. The control initiation control unit is, The environmental control device according to claim 2, wherein if a certain state specified in the state transition data and the next state are not consecutive, and there is a state-unset period between the certain state and the next state in which no state is specified, the start control associated with the start of the next state is started at a time within the state-unset period.

7. The control initiation control unit is, The environmental control device according to claim 2, wherein, if a certain state specified in the state transition data is consecutive with the next state, the start control associated with the start of the next state is started at the start time of the next state.

8. The aforementioned target space includes multiple target spaces, The state transition data includes information that identifies one of the multiple target spaces associated with each state, The aforementioned equipment control unit is An environmental control device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, which controls the environmental control device of the target space associated with each state based on the state transition data.

9. The control initiation control unit is, The environmental control device is controlled with an intensity corresponding to the degree of change between the aforementioned state and the state prior to the aforementioned state. The control termination control unit is, The environmental control device according to any one of claims 2 to 4, which controls the environmental adjustment device with an intensity corresponding to the degree of change between the aforementioned state and the state after the aforementioned state.

10. A state conversion table that associates states with numerical values ​​indicating the level of those states, The system comprises a difference correspondence table in which control content corresponding to the difference between two of the numerical values ​​in the state conversion table is registered, The aforementioned equipment control unit is The environmental control device according to claim 9, which identifies the degree of change as a difference based on the state conversion table and determines the control content of the environmental adjustment device based on the difference and the difference correspondence table.

11. The aforementioned environment includes temperature, humidity, brightness, sound, color, odor, and CO2. ２ An environmental control device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, comprising at least one of the concentrations.

12. An environmental control device for controlling an environmental adjustment device that adjusts environmental control factors of at least one target space, A state identification unit identifies state transition data that specifies the transitions of user states in at least one target space in chronological order, A device control unit that controls the environmental adjustment device based on the state transition data, A state conversion table that associates states with numerical values ​​indicating the level of those states, The system comprises a difference correspondence table in which control content corresponding to the difference between two of the numerical values ​​in the state conversion table is registered, The aforementioned equipment control unit is A control start control unit that starts controlling the environmental adjustment device based on the state transition data identified by the state identification unit, The system comprises a control termination control unit that terminates control of the environmental adjustment device based on the state transition data identified by the state identification unit, The control start control unit, The environmental control device is controlled with an intensity corresponding to the degree of change between the aforementioned state and the state prior to the aforementioned state. The control termination control unit, The environmental control device is controlled with an intensity corresponding to the degree of change between the aforementioned state and the state after the aforementioned state. The aforementioned equipment control unit is An environmental control device that identifies the degree of change as a difference based on the state conversion table, and determines the control content of the environmental adjustment device based on the difference and the difference correspondence table.

13. An environmental control device according to any one of claims 1 to 3 or claim 12, An environmental control system comprising the aforementioned environmental adjustment equipment.

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