Environment control system, environment adjustment system, environment 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

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

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

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

[0003] The environmental adjustment device predicts the thermal sensation of a subject in a target space using the subject's biological information. The environmental adjustment device grasps the comfort of the subject based on the predicted value of the subject's thermal sensation and performs air conditioning control to promote comfort. The thermal sensation is an index that represents the comfort of the subject in the target space. For example, a predicted mean vote (PMV) is used as an index of thermal sensation. The environmental adjustment device also includes a machine learning device that learns the subject's thermal sensation using machine learning techniques.

[0004] Specifically, the environmental adjustment device acquires at least one of the parameters correlated with the subject's brain waves, skin blood flow, skin temperature, sweat rate, and heart rate as biometric information of the subject. Based on the trained model obtained as a result of the training, the environmental adjustment device infers a predicted value of the subject's thermal sensation from the acquired biometric information. The environmental adjustment device then performs air conditioning control based on the predicted value.

[0005] In order to improve the accuracy of the estimated comfort level of a subject, the environmental conditioning device of Patent Document 1 needs to acquire biological information such as brain waves, skin blood flow, skin temperature, sweat rate, and heart rate of the subject. In other words, the environmental conditioning device needs to continuously acquire such biological information in real time while performing air conditioning control.

[0006] As a result, there has been a problem in that the device configuration has become large in order to adjust the thermal environment of the air-conditioned space so that people feel comfortable.

[0007] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2021-89134

[0008] The object of the present 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 so that people in the air-conditioned space feel comfortable with a simple configuration.

[0009] An environmental control system according to one aspect of the present 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. The target estimation unit defines the thermal environment of air in contact with a person using the air-conditioned space as a local thermal environment, and estimates the local thermal environment in which the person feels comfortable as a target thermal environment based on person-specific information that is information specific to the person. The air conditioning control unit controls the air conditioning system based on the target thermal environment.

[0010] An environmental adjustment system according to one aspect of the present disclosure includes 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 the present 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 target estimation step defines the thermal environment of air in contact with a person using the air-conditioned space as a local thermal environment, and estimates the local thermal environment in which the person feels comfortable as a target thermal environment based on person-specific information that is information specific to the person. The air conditioning control step controls the air conditioning system based on the target thermal environment.

[0012] A program according to one aspect of the present disclosure causes a computer system to execute the above-described environmental control method.

[0013] FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing the configuration of an environmental adjustment system including an environmental control system of an embodiment. FIG. 2 is a flowchart showing the environmental control method of the same. FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing the configuration of an environmental adjustment system including an environmental control system of a first modified example. FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing the processing of the evaluation information acquisition unit of the same. FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing the configuration of an environmental adjustment system including an environmental control system of a fourth modified example. FIG. 6 is a perspective view showing the appearance of the wearable terminal of the same. FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing the operation of the same environmental control system. FIG. 8 is a graph showing the relationship between short-term difference and real-time thermal sensation. FIG. 9 is a graph showing the relationship between long-term difference and corrected thermal sensation.

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

[0015] Note that the embodiments and modifications described below are merely examples of the present disclosure, and the present disclosure is not limited to the embodiments and modifications. Various modifications other than these embodiments and modifications are possible depending on the design, etc., as long as they do not deviate from the technical concept of the present disclosure.

[0016] (1) Overview The environmental conditioning system 100 shown in Fig. 1 includes an environmental control system 1 and an air conditioning system 2. The environmental conditioning system 100 is a system that adjusts the thermal environment of the air-conditioned space R1 so that a 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] Indoor spaces include, for example, buildings, rooms, shared spaces, and box-shaped structures. Buildings include, for example, office buildings, offices, factories, commercial facilities, hospitals, elderly care facilities, apartment buildings, detached houses, and schools. Rooms include, for example, offices, working spaces, conference rooms, stores, living rooms, hospital rooms, and classrooms. Shared spaces include, for example, lobbies and waiting rooms. Box-shaped structures are hollow structures that can accommodate people, such as nap booths and karaoke booths.

[0019] The outdoor spaces may include, for example, outdoor stores, outdoor rest areas, outdoor stadiums, and outdoor event venues.

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

[0021] The environmental control system 1 controls an air conditioning system 2 that adjusts the thermal environment within the air-conditioned space R1. The environmental control system 1 includes 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 who uses the air-conditioned space R1 as a local thermal environment, and estimates, as a target thermal environment, a local thermal environment in which the person H1 feels comfortable, based on person-specific information D1 that is information specific to the 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-described configuration uses person-specific information D1 that is information specific to person H1, and therefore does not need to continuously acquire biological information (such as the person's brain waves, skin blood flow, skin temperature, sweat rate, and heart rate) in real time as in the above-described Patent Document 1. Therefore, with a simple configuration, the environmental control system 1 can adjust the thermal environment of the air-conditioned space R1 so that person H1 in the air-conditioned space R1 feels comfortable.

[0023] Furthermore, by using a target thermal environment based on person-specific information D1 of person H1 in air-conditioned space R1, the environmental control system 1 can quickly achieve a comfortable thermal environment while preventing the thermal environment from becoming one that makes person H1 feel uncomfortable.

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

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

[0026] (2) Details The environmental adjustment system 100 includes an environmental control system 1 and an air conditioning system 2. It is preferable that the environmental adjustment system 100 further includes 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 in the air-conditioned space R1.

[0028] Specifically, the air conditioning system 2 includes at least one of an air conditioner, a blower, and a ventilator. The air conditioner has 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 of blowing air with adjusted air volume into the air-conditioned space R1, and can adjust the air volume in the air-conditioned space R1 by generating an air current in the air-conditioned space R1. The ventilator has a ventilation function of exhausting the inside air in the air-conditioned space R1 to the outside and drawing the outside air outside the air-conditioned space R1 into the air-conditioned space R1, and can exchange the inside air with the outside 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. The air conditioning system 2 has, as control parameters, the temperature and humidity of the conditioned air blown into the air-conditioned space R1, the air volume of the blown air, and the ventilation volume. Hereinafter, the control parameters, temperature, humidity, air volume, and ventilation volume, are referred to as the temperature parameter, humidity parameter, air volume parameter, and ventilation volume parameter, respectively. The air conditioning system 2 acquires target value data for each control parameter (temperature parameter, humidity parameter, air volume parameter, and ventilation volume parameter) from the environmental control system 1 and sets target values ​​for each control parameter to perform cooling, heating, ventilation, and ventilation operations.

[0030] (2.2) Operation Terminal The operation terminal 3 is an information terminal that can be operated by the person H1, such as a smartphone, tablet terminal, or personal computer. The operation terminal 3 performs wired or wireless communication with the environmental control system 1, thereby transmitting various data generated by the operation terminal 3 to the environmental control system 1, receiving monitoring data indicating the status of the environmental control system 1 from the environmental control system 1, and displaying the monitoring data on a screen. The operation terminal 3 may be configured to be either portable by the person H1 or installed in the air-conditioned space R1.

[0031] The wired communication is, for example, wired communication via a twisted pair cable, a dedicated communication line, a LAN (Local Area Network) cable, etc. The wireless communication is, for example, wireless communication conforming to standards such as Wi-Fi (registered trademark) or low-power wireless (specified low-power wireless) that does not require a license.

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

[0033] The environmental control system 1 preferably 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's main hardware component is a processor that operates according to the program. The processor may be of any type, as long as it can realize the functions by executing the program. The processor may be composed of one or more electronic circuits, including a semiconductor integrated circuit (integrated circuit) or an LSI (large-scale integration). While the terms IC and LSI are used here, the names may vary depending on the degree of integration, and may also be referred to as a system LSI, VLSI (very large-scale integration), or ULSI (ultra-large-scale integration). Field-programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), which are programmed after the LSI is manufactured, or reconfigurable logic devices that can reconfigure the connections within the LSI or set up circuit partitions within the LSI, can also be used for the same purpose. Multiple electronic circuits may be integrated on a single chip or provided on multiple chips. Multiple chips may be integrated into a single device or provided on multiple devices. The program is recorded on a non-transitory recording medium such as a computer-readable ROM, an optical disk, a hard disk drive, etc. The program may be stored in the recording medium in advance, or may be supplied to the recording medium via a wide area communication network including the Internet.

[0034] The computer system may be implemented as a single computer device or as multiple computers linked together, and may also be configured as a cloud computing system.

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

[0036] The person-specific information D1 is information specific to the person H1 who uses the air-conditioned space R1. The person-specific information D1 is information about factors that affect the thermal sensation of the person H1, and preferably includes at least one of innate attribute information related to the innate attributes of the person H1, physical information related to the body of the person H1, constitutional information related to the constitution of the person H1, and preference information related to the person H1's preferences regarding thermal environments. In this embodiment, the person-specific information D1 includes all of the innate attribute information of the person H1, the physical information of the person H1, the constitutional information of the person H1, and the preference information of the person H1. Furthermore, the person-specific information D1 includes person identification information that is 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 biological information such as a person's brain waves, skin blood flow, skin temperature, sweat rate, and heart rate, and is not information that changes in real time while the person H1 is present in the air-conditioned space R1. In other words, once the unique information acquisition unit 11 acquires the person-specific information D1 of the person H1 when the person H1 enters (enters) the air-conditioned space R1 or when the person H1 is present in the air-conditioned space R1, there is no need for the unique information acquisition unit 11 to monitor changes in the acquired person-specific information. In other words, the unique information acquisition unit 11 does not need to continuously acquire the person-specific information D1 while the person H1 is present in the air-conditioned space R1. As a result, the unique information acquisition unit 11 can acquire the person-specific information D1 with a simple structure or algorithm.

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

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

[0040] In addition, if the unique information acquisition unit 11 has an imaging device that captures images of 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 person unique information D1 of the authenticated person H1 from an external server.

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

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

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

[0044] Race can affect a person's sensitivity to heat and cold. For example, people of Western descent tend to tolerate cold better than people of Asian descent.

[0045] Gender can also affect a person's thermal sensitivity. For example, men tend to be more sensitive to heat than women, and women tend to be more sensitive to cold than men.

[0046] The climate zone of one's birthplace (tropical, dry, temperate, cold, alpine, etc.) can also affect a person's thermal sensation. For example, people born in tropical regions tend to be more sensitive to cold, while people born in cold regions tend to be more sensitive to heat. Also, people born in temperate regions have circadian rhythms that fluctuate with the seasons (seasonal circadian rhythms), and their thermal sensations also tend to fluctuate with the seasons.

[0047] Date of birth can also affect a person's thermal sensitivity: for example, people born in the summer tend to tolerate heat better, while those born in the winter tend to tolerate cold better.

[0048] (Physical Information) The physical information of person H1 preferably includes at least one of 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 height, weight, body fat percentage, basal metabolic rate, body mass index, and muscle mass.

[0049] Height can affect a person's thermal sensitivity. For example, shorter people tend to be less tolerant of 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 thermal sensation. For example, the heavier a person is, the more sensitive they tend to be to heat and cold. Also, the higher their body fat percentage is, the more sensitive they tend to be to heat and cold.

[0051] Basal metabolic rate can also affect a person's thermal sensation. For example, the higher a person's basal metabolic rate, the more resistant they tend to be to cold.

[0052] Body mass index (BMI) can also affect a person's thermal sensitivity. For example, people with a higher BMI tend to be more sensitive to heat and more sensitive to cold.

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

[0054] (Constitution Information) The constitution information preferably includes at least one of information on the degree of sensitivity to heat, the degree of sensitivity to cold, the amount of sweating, and the degree of sensitivity to cold. In this embodiment, the constitution information includes information on the degree of sensitivity to heat, the degree of sensitivity to cold, the amount of sweating, and the degree of sensitivity to cold.

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

[0056] The amount of sweating can also affect a person's thermal sensation. For example, the more a person sweats, the more likely they are to tolerate heat.

[0057] The degree of sensitivity to cold can also affect a person's thermal sensation. For example, the greater the sensitivity to cold, the more sensitive a person is to the cold.

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

[0059] Temperature preferences can affect a person's thermal sensation. For example, people who prefer relatively high temperatures tend to be tolerant of heat and sensitive to cold. People who prefer relatively low temperatures tend to be tolerant of cold and sensitive to heat.

[0060] Clothing preferences can also affect a person's thermal sensation. For example, people who prefer to wear relatively thick clothing tend to be more sensitive to cold, while people who prefer to wear relatively thin clothing tend to be more sensitive to heat.

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

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

[0063] (2.3.3) Target Estimation Unit The target estimation unit 12 estimates, based on the person specific information D1 acquired by the specific information acquisition unit 11, a local thermal environment in which the person H1 feels comfortable as a target thermal environment.

[0064] The local thermal environment is the thermal environment of the air in contact with the person H1 who uses the air-conditioned space R1. Specifically, the local thermal environment is the thermal environment of a local space that comes into contact with the skin of the person H1 and covers the 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, the local space is preferably a thin space that comes into contact with the skin of the person H1.

[0065] The target thermal environment is a local thermal environment that person H1 feels comfortable in. Specifically, the target thermal environment is the temperature, humidity, air volume, etc. in the local space surrounding person H1. The temperature, humidity, and air volume of the local space that person H1 feels comfortable in depend on the individual thermal sensation of person H1. In other words, the temperature, humidity, and air volume of the local space that person H1 feels comfortable in depend on person-specific information D1 of person H1.

[0066] The target estimation unit 12 preferably estimates the target thermal environment based on the person-specific information D1 using a learning model M1 stored in the storage unit 14. The learning model M1 is a model that receives the 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 number of pieces 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. The learning model may also be a model using other algorithms such as multiple regression analysis or a support vector machine.

[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 air volume of the air-conditioned space R1 using control parameters (temperature parameter, humidity parameter, air volume parameter, ventilation volume parameter). Therefore, the air conditioning control unit 13 controls the temperature, humidity, and air volume 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 three-dimensional model M2, which is a three-dimensional simulation model. The three-dimensional model M2 is a three-dimensional model that simulates an air-conditioned space R1 equipped with an air-conditioning system 2. The three-dimensional model M2 has a space model that is a three-dimensional model of the air-conditioned space R1, an air-conditioning model that is a three-dimensional model of the air-conditioning system 2, and a person model that is a three-dimensional model of a person H1. In the air-conditioning model, parameters such as the temperature and humidity of the conditioned air, the air volume of the blown air, and the ventilation volume, which are control factors of the air-conditioning system 2, are set as model parameters.

[0070] The air conditioning control unit 13 executes a thermal fluid simulation using the three-dimensional 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 (corresponding to a local thermal environment) around the human model in the three-dimensional model M2 matches the target thermal environment. The air conditioning control unit 13 sets the values ​​of the model parameters that make the thermal environment around the human model in the three-dimensional model M2 match the target thermal environment as target values. The air conditioning control unit 13 then outputs the target value data to the air conditioning system 2. The air conditioning system 2 sets target values ​​for the control parameters and performs each of the cooling, heating, air circulation, and ventilation operations.

[0071] As described above, the air conditioning control unit 13 uses the three-dimensional model M2 to perform a thermal fluid simulation to determine target values ​​for matching the local thermal environment of person H1 in the air-conditioned space R1 to the target thermal environment. The air conditioning control unit 13 then controls the temperature, humidity, and air volume of the air-conditioned space R1 by setting target values ​​for the control parameters of the air-conditioning system 2. Therefore, the local thermal environment of person H1 in 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 that is adapted to the thermal sensation of person H1, 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 to achieve a target thermal environment based on the person-specific information D1 of the person H1 in the air-conditioned space R1. Therefore, the environmental control system 1 can adjust the thermal environment of the air-conditioned space with a simple configuration so that the person in the air-conditioned space feels comfortable.

[0073] Furthermore, by using a target thermal environment based on person-specific information D1 of person H1 in air-conditioned space R1, the environmental control system 1 can quickly achieve a comfortable thermal environment while preventing the thermal environment from becoming one that makes person H1 feel uncomfortable.

[0074] Furthermore, the environmental control system 1 can accurately affect the thermal sensation of the person H1 by controlling the local thermal environment, which is the thermal environment of the air in contact with the 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 Fig. 2. The environmental control method includes a target estimation step S2 and an air conditioning control step S3. It is preferable that the environmental control method further includes a person-specific information acquisition step S1.

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

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

[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 air volume of the air-conditioned space R1 are adjusted so that the local thermal environment of the person H1 in 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 the person H1 in the air-conditioned space R1 feels comfortable.

[0080] (4) First Modification Fig. 3 shows the configuration of an environmental control system 1A as a first modification of the above-described embodiment. In addition to the configuration of the environmental control system 1 (see Fig. 1), the environmental control system 1A further includes an evaluation information acquisition unit 15 and a position information acquisition unit 16.

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

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

[0083] 4, in the environmental control system 1A, the evaluation information acquisition unit 15 determines whether or not evaluation information D2 has been received from the operation terminal 3 (evaluation information acquisition step S11). If the evaluation information acquisition unit 15 receives the evaluation information D2, the evaluation information acquisition unit 15 stores the evaluation information D2 in the storage unit 14 (see FIG. 1) (evaluation information storage step S12).

[0084] Thereafter, when person H1 is present in the air-conditioned space R1, the target estimation unit 12 estimates the target thermal environment using the evaluation information D2 in addition to the person-specific information D1 stored in the memory unit 14. 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 person H1's evaluation information D2 is "too hot," the target estimation unit 12 corrects 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 "a little cold," the target estimation unit 12 slightly corrects 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 realize a thermal environment that is more suited 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] A human detection unit 4 is also installed in the air-conditioned space R1. The human detection unit 4 includes at least one of a radio wave sensor, a pyroelectric sensor, an ultrasonic sensor, and a camera, and detects the position of a human H1 in the air-conditioned space R1. The human detection unit 4 then creates position information D3 indicating the position of the human H1 in the air-conditioned space R1 and transmits the position information D3 to the environmental control system 1.

[0087] The position information acquisition unit 16 acquires, from the human detection unit 4, position information D3 indicating the position of the person H1 in 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 the position information D3. Specifically, the air conditioning control unit 13 can recognize the position of the person H1 in the air-conditioned space R1 based on the position information D3. The air conditioning control unit 13 then controls the air conditioning system 2 so that the thermal environment at the position of the person H1 becomes the target thermal environment.

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

[0090] (5) Second Modification The person specific information D1 may include information on factors that affect the thermal sensation of the person H1, such as the place of birth and age of the person H1.

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

[0092] (6) Third Modification The air-conditioned space R1 described above may be a nap space in a nap box. The nap box is, for example, a rectangular box, and the interior space of the nap box is the nap space. The nap space is a space for a person to take a nap. The person H1 is assumed to be, for example, a medical professional, a factory worker, or a construction worker who works night shifts or three-shift work, or a busy person, but is not limited to a specific person. Note that, because the nap box is relatively compact in size, it is difficult to use a large air conditioning device such as an air conditioner as the air conditioning system 2. Therefore, it is preferable to use a relatively small air conditioning device such as a blower or a ventilator.

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

[0094] (7) Fourth Modification Fig. 5 shows the configuration of an environmental control system 1B as a fourth modification of the above-described embodiment. The inventors have found through experiments and the like that there is a high correlation between the skin temperature of a person's body surface, particularly the skin temperature of the wrist, and a person's thermal sensation, and this modification is based on this finding.

[0095] In the environmental control system 1B, a person H1 wears a wearable device 5 on their body surface. The wearable device 5 is, for example, a wristband-type or watch-type device as shown in FIG. 6 , and is attached to the wrist of the person H1 with a belt or the like and is in close contact with the skin of the wrist of the person H1. That is, the wearable device 5 is worn on the wrist of the person H1. The wearable device 5 has a skin temperature measurement function, measures the skin temperature of the wrist of the person H1, and transmits the measurement data (measurement results) to the environmental control system 1B via wireless communication. Furthermore, the wearable device 5 stores person-specific information D1 of the person H1 and transmits the person-specific information D1 to the environmental control system 1B via wireless communication. The wireless communication is wireless communication compliant with standards such as Bluetooth (registered trademark), Bluetooth low energy, Wi-Fi (registered trademark), ZigBee (registered trademark), or unlicensed low-power radio (specified low-power radio).

[0096] The environment adjustment system 100 also includes a configuration for determining whether the wearable device 5 is within the air-conditioned space R1 or a configuration for detecting the wearable device 5 entering and exiting the air-conditioned space R1. For example, in this modified example, a beacon device that periodically transmits a beacon signal is installed in the air-conditioned space R1. The wearable device 5 determines that the wearable device 5 is present in the air-conditioned space R1 while receiving the beacon signal. When the wearable device 5 starts receiving the beacon signal, it transmits person-specific information D1 to the environment control system 1B. Furthermore, the wearable device 5 operates in either the periodic measurement mode or the trigger measurement mode described below, and can transmit skin temperature measurement data to the environment control system 1B while receiving the beacon signal.

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

[0098] When the wearable device 5 operates in the trigger measurement mode, the wearable device 5 measures the skin temperature when it receives the first beacon signal, when a certain time has elapsed since it last received the beacon signal, and when a predetermined operation or movement (trigger) by person H1 occurs, and transmits the skin temperature measurement data to the environmental control system 1B. The time when the wearable device 5 transmits the first measurement data corresponds to the time when person H1 enters the air-conditioned space R1. The time when the wearable device 5 transmits the last measurement data corresponds to the time when person H1 exits the air-conditioned space R1. The predetermined operation or movement by person H1 is a trigger, and is, for example, a specific operation of the wearable device 5 or a specific movement of the arm wearing the wearable device 5 (e.g., swinging the arm). In other words, when the wearable device 5 operates in the trigger measurement mode, the wearable device 5 measures the skin temperature when a predetermined trigger occurs in addition to when it receives the first and last beacon signals, and transmits the skin temperature measurement data to the environmental control system 1B. For example, a person H1 present in the air-conditioned space R1 operates or moves the wearable terminal 5 when feeling uncomfortable.

[0099] As shown in Fig. 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 components of the environmental control system 1 (see Fig. 1). The measurement data acquisition unit 17 acquires measurement data of the skin temperature of the person H1 from a wearable device 5 attached to the body surface of the person H1. The sensation estimation unit 18 estimates a 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 the corrected thermal sensation. The target estimation unit 12 then estimates a target thermal environment based on the person-specific information D1 and the evaluation information D4.

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

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

[0102] In the real-time control of the air-conditioning system 2, the sensation estimation unit 18 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 times while the person H1 is present in the air-conditioned space R1, as the thermal sensation of the person H1 based on the measurement data. The air-conditioning control unit 13 then controls the air-conditioning system 2 based on the estimated real-time thermal sensation while the person H1 is present in the air-conditioned space R1.

[0103] The operation of the environmental control system 1B will be described below with reference to the flowchart in Fig. 7. In this modification, the environmental control system 1B includes a wearable terminal 5. However, the environmental control system 1B may include the wearable terminal 5, or may not include the wearable terminal 5. The wearable terminal 5 is included in at least the environmental adjustment system 100.

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

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

[0106] Next, the wearable terminal 5 determines whether its measurement mode is the regular measurement mode or the trigger measurement mode. For example, the wearable terminal 5 determines whether its measurement mode is the regular measurement mode (step S23).

[0107] If the measurement mode is the periodic measurement mode, after transmitting the measurement data of the first skin temperature T1, when one predetermined period has elapsed (step S24), the wearable device 5 measures the skin temperature and transmits the measurement data of the skin temperature to the environmental control system 1B (step S25). That is, the wearable device 5 periodically transmits the measurement data of the skin temperature.

[0108] If the measurement mode is not the regular 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 movement (trigger) of the person H1 occurs (step S26), measures the skin temperature and transmits the measurement data of the skin temperature 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 measurement data. The sensation estimation unit 18 monitors in real time changes in the skin temperature of the person H1 present in the air-conditioned space R1 based on the measured skin temperature, and estimates the thermal sensation of the person H1 as a real-time thermal sensation.

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

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

[0112] Thus, in step S28, the sensation estimator 18 estimates the thermal sensation of the 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 sensation estimator 18 is referred to as the real-time thermal sensation. That is, the sensation estimator 18 estimates the real-time thermal sensation based on the short-term difference ΔTa, which is the difference between two skin temperatures measured at two different times while the person H1 is present in the air-conditioned space R1, as the thermal sensation of the person H1 based on the measurement data. Specifically, the sensation estimator 18 calculates the short-term difference ΔTa by subtracting the earlier skin temperature in the chronological order from the later skin temperature in the chronological order. If the short-term difference ΔTa is a positive value, the skin temperature is increasing, and if the short-term difference ΔTa is a negative value, the skin temperature is decreasing.

[0113] Fig. 8 is a graph showing the relationship between the five-minute short-term difference ΔTa and real-time thermal sensation for a person in the air-conditioned space R1. The multiple plots in Fig. 8 correspond to the results for multiple people. As the short-term difference ΔTa increases, the person tends to feel hotter in terms of real-time thermal sensation, and as the short-term difference ΔTa decreases, the person tends to feel colder in terms of real-time thermal sensation.

[0114] Therefore, the sensation estimation unit 18 estimates a 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 sensation estimation unit 18 estimates that the person H1 feels hot as a real-time thermal sensation. If the short-term difference ΔTa is smaller than the first lower threshold K2, the sensation estimation unit 18 estimates that the person H1 feels cold as a real-time thermal sensation. If the short-term difference ΔTa is equal to or smaller than the first upper threshold K1 and equal to or larger than the first lower threshold K2, the sensation estimation unit 18 estimates that the person H1 feels neither hot nor cold as a real-time thermal sensation. For example, the first upper threshold K1 is set to +0.5°C, and the first lower threshold K2 is set to -0.5°C.

[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 sensation estimation result while the 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 sensation estimation result while the measurement data acquisition unit 17 is receiving measurement data.

[0116] If the sensation estimation unit 18 estimates that the person H1 feels hot based on the real-time thermal sensation, the air conditioning control unit 13 controls the air conditioning system 2 to reduce the degree of heat felt by the person H1. If the sensation estimation unit 18 estimates that the person H1 feels cold based on the real-time thermal sensation, the air conditioning control unit 13 controls the air conditioning system 2 to reduce the degree of cold felt by the person H1. If the sensation estimation unit 18 estimates that the person H1 feels neither hot nor cold based on the corrected thermal sensation, the air conditioning control unit 13 maintains the current operation of the air conditioning system 2.

[0117] Then, while the wearable device 5 is receiving the beacon signal, it determines that the 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 onwards.

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

[0119] Therefore, the environmental control system 1B can quickly reduce the discomfort felt by the person H1 in the air-conditioned space R1 due to the thermal sensation. When the wearable terminal 5 is operating in the periodic measurement mode, the air-conditioning system 2 can be automatically controlled in real time. When the wearable terminal 5 is operating in the trigger measurement mode, the air-conditioning system 2 can be controlled in real time at any timing by operating or moving the wearable terminal 5 when the person H1 in the air-conditioned space R1 feels uncomfortable.

[0120] [Evaluation Information Generation Process] When the wearable device 5 stops receiving the beacon signal, it determines that the person H1 has left the air-conditioned space R1 (step S30). When it determines that the person H1 has left the air-conditioned space R1, the wearable device 5 ends the measurement of the skin temperature (step S31).

[0121] The wearable device 5 operating in the periodic measurement mode periodically measured the skin temperature of the person H1 from the time the person H1 entered the air-conditioned space R1 until the person H1 left and transmitted the measurement data. The wearable device 5 operating in the trigger measurement mode measured the skin temperature when the person H1 entered and left, and when a trigger occurred, and transmitted the skin temperature measurement data to the environmental control system 1B. The sensation estimation unit 18 designated the first measurement data among the multiple measurement data received by the measurement data acquisition unit 17 as the first measurement data. The sensation estimation unit 18 designated 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 the person H1 entered (entered) the air-conditioned space R1. The sensation estimation unit 18 designated the last measurement data among the multiple measurement data received by the measurement data acquisition unit 17 as the second measurement data. The sensation estimation unit 18 designated 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 the person H1 exits (leaves) the air-conditioned space R1.

[0122] Then, the sensation estimation unit 18 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 the person H1 based on the long-term difference ΔTb (step S32). Specifically, the sensation estimation unit 18 calculates the long-term difference ΔTb 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 increasing, and if the long-term difference ΔTb is a negative value, the skin temperature is decreasing.

[0123] Fig. 9 is a graph showing the relationship between the long-term difference ΔTb and the corrected thermal sensation when a person stays in the air-conditioned space R1 for 60 minutes. The multiple plots in Fig. 9 correspond to the results of multiple people. As the long-term difference ΔTb increases, the person tends to feel hotter in terms of the corrected thermal sensation, and as the long-term difference ΔTb decreases, the person tends to feel colder in terms of the corrected thermal sensation.

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

[0125] The evaluation information creating unit 19 creates evaluation information D4 including the estimation result of the corrected thermal sensation by the sensation estimating unit 18 (step S33). The evaluation information creating unit 19 stores the created evaluation information D4 in the storage unit 14 (see FIG. 5).

[0126] Thereafter, when 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 storage 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 the evaluation information D4 of person H1 is "hot," the target estimation unit 12 corrects 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 of person H1 is "cold," the target estimation unit 12 corrects 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 realize a thermal environment that is more suited to the individual thermal sensation of person H1 by using not only the person-specific information D1 of person H1 in the air-conditioned space R1 but also the evaluation information D4 of person H1.

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

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

[0130] The above-described environmental control systems (1, 1A, 1B) use person-specific information (D1) that is information specific to a person (H1), and therefore do not need to acquire biological information of the person (H1) in real time (such as the person's brain waves, skin blood flow, skin temperature, sweat rate, and heart rate). As a result, the environmental control systems (1, 1A) can, with a simple configuration, adjust the thermal environment of the air-conditioned space (R1) so that the person (H1) in the air-conditioned space (R1) feels comfortable.

[0131] In the environmental control system (1, 1A, 1B) of the second aspect of the embodiment, in the first aspect, it is preferable that the person-specific information (D1) includes at least one of 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 thermal environments.

[0132] The above-described environmental control systems (1, 1A, 1B) use information on factors that affect the thermal sensation of a person (H1) as person-specific information (D1), and as a result, the environmental control systems (1, 1A) can accurately estimate a target thermal environment in which the person (H1) feels comfortable.

[0133] In the environmental control system (1, 1A, 1B) of the third aspect of the embodiment, in the second aspect, it is preferable that the innate attribute information includes at least one of information on race, sex, place of birth, and date of birth.

[0134] The above-described environmental control system (1, 1A, 1B) can accurately estimate a target thermal environment in which a person (H1) feels comfortable.

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

[0136] The above-described environmental control system (1, 1A, 1B) can accurately estimate a target thermal environment in which a person (H1) feels comfortable.

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

[0138] The above-described environmental control system (1, 1A, 1B) can accurately estimate a target thermal environment in which a person (H1) feels comfortable.

[0139] In the environmental control system (1, 1A, 1B) of the sixth aspect of the embodiment, in any one of the second to fifth aspects, it is preferable that the preference information includes information regarding temperature and at least one clothing preference.

[0140] The above-described environmental control system (1, 1A, 1B) can accurately estimate a target thermal environment in which a person (H1) feels comfortable.

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

[0142] The above-mentioned environmental control system (1A) can realize a thermal environment that is more suited to the individual thermal sensation of the person (H1) by using the person's (H1) evaluation information (D2) in addition to the person's (H1) specific information (D1).

[0143] An environmental control system (1B) according to an eighth aspect of the present embodiment is preferably any one of the first to seventh aspects, further comprising a measurement data acquisition unit (17), a sensation estimation unit (18), and an evaluation information creation unit (19). The measurement data acquisition unit (17) acquires measurement data of the skin temperature of the person (H1) from a wearable device (5) attached to the body surface of the person (H1). The sensation estimation unit (18) estimates a 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 the corrected thermal sensation. The target estimation unit (12) estimates a target thermal environment based on the person-specific information (D1) and the evaluation information (D4).

[0144] The above-mentioned environmental control system (1B) can realize a thermal environment more suited to the individual thermal sensation of the person (H1) by using the person's (H1) evaluation information (D4) in addition to the person's (H1) specific information (D1). Furthermore, the environmental control system (1B) reduces the burden on the person (H1) required for thermal sensation feedback, and the reduced burden can improve the reliability of the feedback.

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

[0146] The above-described environmental control system (1B) estimates a corrected thermal sensation based on the skin temperature of a person's wrist, which has a high correlation with a person's thermal sensation, and therefore the accuracy of estimating the corrected thermal sensation is improved.

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

[0148] The above-described environmental control system (1B) estimates a corrected thermal sensation based on the long-term difference (ΔTb), and therefore, the accuracy of estimating the corrected thermal sensation is improved.

[0149] In an environmental control system (1B) according to an eleventh aspect of the present embodiment, in the tenth aspect, the long-term difference (ΔTb) is preferably a value obtained by subtracting the first skin temperature (T1) from the second skin temperature (T2). The sensation estimation unit (18) estimates that the person (H1) feels hot if the long-term difference (ΔTb) is greater than an upper threshold (K11). The sensation estimation unit (18) estimates that the person (H1) feels cold if the long-term difference (ΔTb) is smaller than a lower threshold (K12) that is smaller than the upper threshold (K11).

[0150] The above-described environmental control system (1B) can easily realize the process of estimating the corrected thermal sensation.

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

[0152] The above-described environmental control system (1B) can quickly reduce the discomfort caused by the thermal sensation felt by a person (H1) present in the air-conditioned space (R1).

[0153] In the environmental control system (1B) of the thirteenth aspect of the embodiment, in any one of the eighth to twelfth aspects, it is preferable that the wearable terminal (5) measures the skin temperature when a predetermined operation or movement of the person (H1) occurs.

[0154] The above-mentioned environmental control system (1B) can control the air conditioning system (2) in real time at any timing.

[0155] The environmental control system (1A) of a fourteenth aspect of the present embodiment is preferably any one of the first to thirteenth aspects, further comprising a position information acquisition unit (16) that acquires information indicating the position of a person (H1) in the air-conditioned space (R1) as position information (D3). The air-conditioning control unit (13) controls the air-conditioning system (2) based on the target thermal environment and the position information (D3).

[0156] The above-described environmental control system (1A) can more accurately control the local thermal environment of the person (H1) by recognizing the position of the person (H1) in the air-conditioned space (R1).

[0157] An environmental adjustment system (100) of a fifteenth aspect of the embodiment comprises an environmental control system (1, 1A, 1B) of any one of the first to fourteenth aspects, and an air conditioning system (2) controlled by the environmental control system (1, 1A, 1B).

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

[0159] An environmental control method according to a sixteenth aspect of the present 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). The target estimation step (S2) defines the thermal environment of air in contact with a person (H1) using the air-conditioned space (R1) as a local thermal environment, and estimates, as a target thermal environment, a local thermal environment in which the person (H1) feels comfortable based on person-specific information (D1) that is information specific to the person (H1). The air conditioning control step (S3) controls the air conditioning system (2) based on the target thermal environment.

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

[0161] A program according to a seventeenth aspect of the present embodiment causes a computer system to execute the environment control method according to the sixteenth aspect.

[0162] The above-mentioned program can adjust the thermal environment of the air-conditioned space (R1) with a simple configuration so that the person (H1) in the air-conditioned space (R1) feels comfortable.

[0163] REFERENCE SIGNS LIST 100 Environmental adjustment system 1, 1A, 1B Environmental control system 12 Target estimation unit 13 Air conditioning control unit 15 Evaluation information acquisition unit 16 Position information acquisition unit 17 Measurement data acquisition unit 18 Sensory estimation unit 19 Evaluation information creation unit 2 Air conditioning system 5 Wearable terminal R1 Air-conditioned space H1 Person D1 Person-specific information D2 Evaluation information D3 Position information S2 Target estimation step S3 Air conditioning control step T1 First skin temperature T2 Second skin temperature ΔTa Short-term difference ΔTb Long-term difference K11 Second upper threshold (upper limit threshold) K12 Second lower limit threshold (lower limit threshold)

Claims

1. An environmental control system for controlling an air conditioning system that adjusts a thermal environment of an air-conditioned space, a target estimation unit that estimates, as a target thermal environment, a local thermal environment in which the person feels comfortable based on person-specific information that is information specific to the person; and An air conditioning control unit that controls the air conditioning system based on the target thermal environment, The person specific information includes innate attribute information regarding an innate attribute of the person, The innate attribute information includes at least one of information on race, place of birth, and date of birth. Environmental control system.

2. The person specific information further includes at least one of physical information regarding the body of the person, constitutional information regarding the constitution of the person, and preference information regarding the preference of the person regarding the thermal environment. The environmental control system of claim 1.

3. The innate attribute information further includes gender. The environmental control system of claim 1.

4. The physical information includes at least one of height, weight, body fat percentage, basal metabolic rate, body mass index, and muscle mass.

3. The environmental control system of claim 2.

5. The physical constitution information includes at least one piece of information on the degree of sensitivity to heat, the degree of sensitivity to cold, the amount of sweating, and the degree of sensitivity to cold.

3. The environmental control system of claim 2.

6. The preference information includes information regarding at least one preference of temperature and clothing.

3. The environmental control system of claim 2.

7. An evaluation information acquisition unit that acquires, as evaluation information, information regarding the person's evaluation of the thermal environment adjusted by the air conditioning system, The target estimation unit estimates the target thermal environment based on the person specific information and the evaluation information.

2. The environmental control system of claim 1.

8. a measurement data acquisition unit that acquires measurement data of the person's skin temperature from a wearable device attached to a body surface of the person; a sensation estimation unit that estimates a corrected thermal sensation as the thermal sensation of the person based on the measurement data; An evaluation information creation unit that creates evaluation information including an estimation result of the corrected thermal sensation, The target estimation unit estimates the target thermal environment based on the person specific information and the evaluation information.

2. The environmental control system of claim 1.

9. The wearable device is worn on the person's wrist.

9. The environmental control system of claim 8.

10. The sensation estimation unit is calculating a long-term difference between a first skin temperature measured when the person enters the air-conditioned space and a second skin temperature measured when the person exits the air-conditioned space; and The corrected thermal sensation is estimated based on the long-term difference.

9. The environmental control system of claim 8.

11. the long-term difference is the second skin temperature minus the first skin temperature, The sensation estimation unit is If the long-term difference is greater than an upper threshold, it is assumed that the person feels hot; If the long-term difference is less than a lower threshold that is less than the upper threshold, it is assumed that the person feels cold. The environmental control system of claim 10.

12. the sensation estimation unit estimates, as the thermal sensation of the person based on the measurement data, a real-time thermal sensation based on a short-term difference that is a difference between two skin temperatures measured at two different times while the person is present in the air-conditioned space; and The air conditioning control unit controls the air conditioning system based on the estimation result of the real-time thermal sensation while the person is present in the air-conditioned space. The environmental control system of claim 10.

13. The wearable device measures the skin temperature when a predetermined operation or movement of the person occurs.

9. The environmental control system of claim 8.

14. A position information acquisition unit that acquires information indicating a position of the person in the air-conditioned space as position information, The air conditioning control unit controls the air conditioning system based on the target thermal environment and the position information.

2. The environmental control system of claim 1.

15. The environmental control system of claim 1; the air conditioning system controlled by the environmental control system; Environmental regulation system.

16. An environmental control method for controlling an air conditioning system that adjusts a thermal environment of an air-conditioned space, comprising: a target estimation step of estimating, as a target thermal environment, a thermal environment of air in contact with a person using the air-conditioned space, the local thermal environment in which the person feels comfortable, based on person-specific information that is information specific to the person; and an air conditioning control step of controlling the air conditioning system based on the target thermal environment, The person specific information includes innate attribute information regarding an innate attribute of the person, The innate attribute information includes at least one of information on race, place of birth, and date of birth. Environmental control methods.

17. A computer system is configured to execute the environmental control method of claim 16. program.