Indoor environment control system, indoor environment control method, and recording medium

Abstract

An indoor environment control system is an indoor environment control system in a building including a shower room and a space adjacent to the shower room. The indoor environment control system includes: a first indoor environment information obtainer that obtains first environment information containing at least temperature information and humidity information of the shower room; a second indoor environment information obtainer that obtains second environment information containing at least temperature information and humidity information of the space; an air circulation means for circulating air between the shower room and the space; and an operation control means for controlling operation of the air circulation means. The operation control means controls the operation of the air circulation means to reduce a temperature difference between the shower room and the space.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present disclosure relates to an indoor environment control system, an indoor environment control method, and a program.BACKGROUND ART

[0002] Techniques for controlling the indoor environment of bathrooms have been conventionally known (for example, see Patent Literature (PTL) 1).CITATION LISTPatent Literature

[0003] [PTL 1] Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication No. 2000-314537SUMMARY OF INVENTIONTechnical Problem

[0004] However, bacteria such as mold grows on, for example, bathroom walls depending on how the bathroom is used.

[0005] In view of the above, the present disclosure provides an indoor environment control system, etc., that appropriately control the growth of bacteria such as mold.Solution to Problem

[0006] An indoor environment control system according to one aspect of the present disclosure is an indoor environment control system in a building including a shower room and a space adjacent to the shower room. The indoor environment control system includes: a first indoor environment information obtainer that obtains first environment information containing at least temperature information and humidity information of the shower room; a second indoor environment information obtainer that obtains second environment information containing at least temperature information and humidity information of the space; an air circulator that circulates air between the shower room and the space; and an operation controller that controls operation of the air circulator. The operation controller controls the operation of the air circulator to reduce a temperature difference between the shower room and the space.

[0007] An indoor environment control system according to another aspect of the present disclosure is an indoor environment control system in a building including a shower room and a space adjacent to the shower room. The indoor environment control system includes: one or more processors; and an air circulator that circulates air between the shower room and the space. The one or more processors: obtain first environment information containing at least temperature information and humidity information of the shower room; obtain second environment information containing at least temperature information and humidity information of the space; input the first environment information obtained and the second environment information obtained into a model to cause the model to output whether operation of the air circulator for reducing a temperature difference between the shower room and the space is necessary, the model being generated using a large amount of (i) the first environment information, (ii) the second environment information, and (iii) labeled data indicating whether the operation of the air circulator needs to be controlled; and when the operation of the air circulator is necessary, cause the air circulator to operate.

[0008] An indoor environment control method according to one aspect of the present disclosure is an indoor environment control method that is executed by a computer and is used in a building including a shower room and a space adjacent to the shower room. The indoor environment control method includes: obtaining first environment information containing at least temperature information and humidity information of the shower room; obtaining second environment information containing at least temperature information and humidity information of the space; and controlling operation of an air circulator that circulates air between the shower room and the space to reduce a temperature difference between the shower room and the space.

[0009] An indoor environment control method according to another aspect of the present disclosure is an indoor environment control method that is executed by a computer and is used in a building including a shower room and a space adjacent to the shower room. The indoor environment control method includes: obtaining first environment information containing at least temperature information and humidity information of the shower room; obtaining second environment information containing at least temperature information and humidity information of the space; and inputting the first environment information obtained and the second environment information obtained into a model to cause the model to output whether operation of an air circulator for reducing a temperature difference between the shower room and the space is necessary, the air circulator circulating air between the shower room and the space, the model being generated using a large amount of (i) the first environment information, (ii) the second environment information, and (iii) labeled data indicating whether the operation of the air circulator needs to be controlled; and when the operation of the air circulator is necessary, causing the air circulator to operate.

[0010] A program according to one aspect of the present disclosure is a program for causing a computer to execute the above-described indoor environment control method.

[0011] Note that these comprehensive or concrete aspects may be realized by a device, a method, an integrated circuit, a computer program, or a recording medium such as a computer-readable CD-ROM, and may also be realized by optionally combining devices, methods, integrated circuits, computer programs, and recording media.Advantageous Effects of Invention

[0012] An indoor environment control system according to one aspect of the present disclosure, etc., can appropriately control the growth of bacteria such as mold.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0013] FIG. 1 is a diagram schematically illustrating a configuration of an indoor environment control system according to an embodiment.

[0014] FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating a functional configuration of the indoor environment control system according to the embodiment.

[0015] FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating a functional configuration of an operation controller according to another example of the embodiment.

[0016] FIG. 4 is a flowchart for explaining an example of operation performed by the indoor environment control system according to the embodiment.

[0017] FIG. 5 is a flowchart for explaining an example of operation performed by the indoor environment control system according to the embodiment.

[0018] FIG. 6 is a flowchart for explaining an example of operation performed by the indoor environment control system according to the embodiment.

[0019] FIG. 7 is a flowchart for explaining an example of operation performed by the indoor environment control system according to the embodiment.DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENT

[0020] Hereinafter, embodiments will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.

[0021] Note that the embodiments below each describe a general or specific example. The numerical values, shapes, materials, elements, the arrangement and connection of the elements, steps, orders of the steps, etc. presented in the embodiments below are mere examples and are not intended to limit the scope of the claims. Furthermore, among the elements in the embodiments below, those not recited in any one of the independent claims representing the most generic concepts will be described as optional elements. Moreover, the drawings do not necessarily provide strictly accurate illustrations. Throughout the drawings, the same reference sign is given to substantially the same element, and redundant description is omitted or simplified.EmbodimentOverview of Indoor Environment Control System

[0022] First, an overview of an indoor environment control system according to an embodiment will be described. FIG. 1 is a diagram schematically illustrating a configuration of the indoor environment control system according to the embodiment.

[0023] Indoor environment control system 500 is a system provided all through shower room S and space R adjacent to the shower room. Indoor environment control system 500 is a system that inhibits highly humid conditions that facilitate the growth of bacteria on the wall between shower room S and space R. In this way, indoor environment control system 500 inhibits the growth of bacteria such as mold.

[0024] Here, indoor environment control system 500 not only reduce the humidity in shower room S and an empty portion (living space) of space R, but also inhibits the retention of moisture inside walls, which is a condition difficult to reduce by ventilation or the like, to inhibit the growth of bacteria such as mold on the walls, which is difficult to inhibit by ventilation or the like alone. It should be noted that the space described as shower room S here in the embodiment indicates a space inside which a large amount of water is expected to be used, such as a bathroom, a sauna, and a half bath. Accordingly, shower room S may be read as a bathroom, a sauna, a half bath, etc., as appropriate.

[0025] Moreover, indoor environment control system 500 described in the present disclosure is particularly effective in tropical and subtropical zones where a climate of high temperature and high humidity prevails throughout the year.

[0026] Here, a configuration of indoor environment control system 500 will be described in detail with reference to FIG. 2 as well. FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating a functional configuration of the indoor environment control system according to the embodiment. As illustrated in FIG. 1 and FIG. 2, indoor environment control system 500 includes first indoor environment information obtainer 21, second indoor environment information obtainer 22, outdoor environment information obtainer 23, generated humidity amount estimator 16, absolute moisture amount estimator 17, operation controller 10, air conditioner 15, ventilator 14, and air circulator 11.

[0027] Indoor environment control system 500 can be divided into a sensing section that performs sensing, an information processing section that performs information processing, and a hardware item section including elements other than elements in the sensing section. The sensing section includes first indoor environment information obtainer 21, second indoor environment information obtainer 22, and outdoor environment information obtainer 23, each of which is realized by a sensor having one or more required sensing functions. The information processing section includes generated humidity amount estimator 16, absolute moisture amount estimator 17, and operation controller 10, each of which is realized by a computer including an individual or integrated processor and memory and a program that is to be executed using these resources. As the computers that constitute the information processing section, cloud computers built on a network or edge computers provided inside a building to which indoor environment control system 500 is applied are used. The hardware item section includes air conditioner 15, ventilator 14, and air circulator 11.

[0028] First indoor environment information obtainer 21 is a sensor capable of measuring temperature and humidity. First indoor environment information obtainer 21 measures each of temperature and humidity in shower room S, and outputs, as first environment information, the temperature and humidity to the information processing section. Moreover, first indoor environment information obtainer 21 may obtain an absolute moisture amount of shower room S by estimation using the measured temperature and humidity values. Accordingly, first indoor environment information obtainer 21 may perform some of functions performed by absolute moisture amount estimator 17. Note that the connection between first indoor environment information obtainer 21 and the information processing section is established by wired or wireless communication.

[0029] Second indoor environment information obtainer 22 is a sensor capable of measuring temperature and humidity. Second indoor environment information obtainer 22 measures each of temperature and humidity in space R, and outputs, as second environment information, the temperature and humidity to the information processing section. Moreover, second indoor environment information obtainer 22 may obtain an absolute moisture amount of space R by estimation using the measured temperature and humidity values. Accordingly, second indoor environment information obtainer 22 may perform some of functions performed by absolute moisture amount estimator 17. Note that the connection between second indoor environment information obtainer 22 and the information processing section is established by wired or wireless communication.

[0030] Outdoor environment information obtainer 23 is a sensor capable of measuring temperature and humidity. Outdoor environment information obtainer 23 measures each of outside temperature and outside humidity, and outputs, as outdoor environment information, the outside temperature and outside humidity to the information processing section. Moreover, outdoor environment information obtainer 23 may obtain an absolute moisture amount of the outside by estimation using the measured temperature and humidity values. Accordingly, outdoor environment information obtainer 23 may perform some of functions performed by absolute moisture amount estimator 17. Note that the connection between outdoor environment information obtainer 23 and the information processing section is established by wired or wireless communication.

[0031] Generated humidity amount estimator 16 estimates a generated humidity amount of each of shower room S and space R from a history of temperature and humidity changes indicated in each of the first environment information and second environment information. These generated humidity amounts each are an amount of change in an absolute moisture amount in time domain. More specifically, the generated humidity amounts each are the difference in value between the absolute moisture amount at the first time point and the absolute moisture amount at the second time point.

[0032] Absolute moisture amount estimator 17 is a processor that estimates, from first environment information, second environment information, and outdoor environment information, an absolute moisture amount of each of shower room S, space R, and the outside.

[0033] Operation controller 10 is one example of operation control means, and controls operation of the hardware item section based on the first environment information, second environment information, outdoor environment information, estimated generated humidity amounts, and estimated absolute moisture amounts. The connections between operation controller 10 and each of air conditioner 15, ventilator 14, and air circulator 11 are established by wired or wireless communication. For each of hardware items included in the hardware item section, operation controller 10 generates control signals to control operation states, and transmits the control signals to each hardware item via communication. Operation controller 10 generates the control signals based on the first environment information, second environment information, outdoor environment information, estimated generated humidity amounts, and estimated absolute moisture amounts through algorithm processing, but may generate the control signals from the first environment information, second environment information, outdoor environment information, estimated generated humidity amounts, and estimated absolute moisture amounts using inferences drawn from machine learning application. For example, FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating a functional configuration of an operation controller according to another example of the embodiment. Operation controller 10a shown in FIG. 3 includes model 10b that includes, for example, a neural network model or the like. Model 10b is generated in advance by machine learning using sets (i.e., a large number of data sets) of the following items. Each of the sets includes (i) first environment information and second environment information (environment information data D1) and (ii) labeled data D2 indicating whether operation of air circulator 11 for reducing the temperature difference between shower room S and space R needs to be controlled. With this, when the obtained first environment information and obtained second environment information are input into model 10b, whether the operation of air circulator 11 needs to be controlled can be obtained as an output. By using the above-described model 10b, operation controller 10a may calculate, by estimation, whether the operation needs to be controlled. Note that model 10b may be configured to generate control information for ventilator 14 and air conditioner 15 using, as inputs, other information items such as outdoor environment information, estimated generated humidity amounts, and estimated absolute moisture amounts.

[0034] Let us go back to FIG. 1 and FIG. 2. Air conditioner 15 is a device that can generate an airflow whose at least one of temperature or humidity is adjusted, to supply (see the hollow arrow) the airflow to space R. Air conditioner 15 can generate an airflow whose temperature is lower than the temperature of the outside air by cooling operation, an airflow whose temperature is higher than the temperature of the outside air by heating operation, and an airflow whose humidity is lower than the humidity of the outside air by dehumidifying operation.

[0035] Ventilator 14 is a device that exchanges the air inside shower room S with the air outside shower room by (i) generating an airflow that moves from shower room S to the outside to generate negative pressure in shower room S and (ii) drawing gases from outside shower room S (the outside or space R) through fixtures (doors, windows, etc.) of shower room S.

[0036] Air circulator 11 is one example of air circulation means and is a device that circulates the air between space R and shower room S. Air circulator 11 includes blower fan 13 and vent 12. Blower fan 13 blows air from space R into shower room S. Vent 12 is a vent whose open state and closed state can be controlled. Vent 12 allows space R and shower room S to communicate when in the open state. In air circulator 11, blower fan 13 is arranged on the vertically lower side. With this, blower fan 13 can efficiently blows air to water that tends to settle on the vertically lower side. Note that the arrangement of blower fan 13 and vent 12 included in air circulator 11 is non-limiting. Moreover, blower fan 13 may blow air from shower room S into space R.

[0037] Vent 12 opens or closes in accordance with operation of blower fan 13. For example, vent 12 is in the open state when blower fan 13 is in operation, and vent 12 is in the closed state when blower fan 13 is not in operation.

[0038] Next, operation performed by indoor environment control system 500 will be described with reference to FIG. 4 through FIG. 7 as well. FIG. 4 through FIG. 7 each are a flowchart for explaining an example of operation performed by the indoor environment control system according to the embodiment.

[0039] First, as illustrated in FIG. 4, first indoor environment information obtainer 21 obtains first environment information (S101). The environment information is continuously obtained in time domain. Accordingly, step S101 may be read as the start of obtaining first environment information. Next, second indoor environment information obtainer 22 obtains second environment information (S102). In the same manner as step S101, step S102 may be read as the start of obtaining second environment information. Next, outdoor environment information obtainer 23 obtains outdoor environment information (S103). In the same manner as step S101, step S103 may be read as the start of obtaining outdoor environment information.

[0040] Next, as illustrated in FIG. 5, a temperature difference between shower room S and space R is calculated from the first environment information and second environment information, and whether the temperature difference is greater than threshold a is determined (S201). The temperature difference greater than threshold a indicates a large temperature difference between shower room S and space R with a wall interposed therebetween. This facilitates moisture in the air to penetrate inside the wall. For this reason, in the present embodiment, operation of air circulator 11 is controlled so as to reduce the temperature difference.

[0041] Specifically, when the temperature difference is greater than threshold a (Yes in S201), operation controller 10 causes air circulator 11 to operate, and also causes air conditioner 15 to perform cooling operation or dehumidifying operation to remove latent heat in space R (S202). Thereafter, the same processing is repeatedly performed from step S201. Note that threshold a is to be experimentally or empirically determined since threshold a changes depending on the efficiency of each of the devices and the volume of each of shower room S and space R. Moreover, if zero is applied as threshold a, operation controller 10 operates to control air circulator 11 until the temperature difference becomes zero to the extent measurable, or stated differently, such that the temperature difference is approximately zero.

[0042] Alternatively, when the temperature difference is less than or equal to threshold a (No in S201), operation controller 10 determines whether air circulator 11 is in operation (S203). When air circulator 11 is in operation (Yes in S203), operation controller 10 causes the operation of air circulator 11 and air conditioner 15 to stop, and ends the processing (S204). Alternatively, when air circulator 11 is not in operation (No in S203), operation controller 10 does nothing and ends the processing.

[0043] In parallel with the operational flow illustrated in FIG. 5, the operational flow illustrated in FIG. 6 and the operational flow illustrated in FIG. 7 are performed in parallel with each other. In FIG. 6, generated humidity amount estimator 16 estimates generated humidity amounts in the first place (S301). When the generated humidity amounts are large, the amount of condensation caused by the temperature difference between shower room S and space R increases. Accordingly, latent heat equivalent to these generated humidity amounts is removed in advance.

[0044] Specifically, when the total of the generated humidity amount of shower room S and the generated humidity amount of space R is greater than threshold b (Yes in S302), operation controller 10 causes air conditioner 15 to perform cooling operation or dehumidifying operation (S303). Thereafter, the same processing is repeatedly performed from step S301. Note that threshold b is to be experimentally or empirically determined since threshold b changes depending on the efficiency of each of the devices and the volume of each of shower room S and space R. Alternatively, when the total of the generated humidity amount of shower room S and the generated humidity amount of space R is less than or equal to threshold b (No in S302), operation controller 10 determines whether air conditioner 15 is in operation (S304). When air conditioner 15 is in operation (Yes in S304), operation controller 10 causes the operation of air conditioner 15 to stop (S305). Thereafter, the same processing is repeatedly performed from step S301. Alternatively, when air conditioner 15 is not in operation (No in S304), operation controller 10 does nothing, and the same processing is repeatedly performed from step S301.

[0045] In FIG. 7, absolute moisture amount estimator 17 estimates absolute moisture amount A2 of space R (S401). Moreover, absolute moisture amount estimator 17 estimates absolute outside moisture amount A0 of the outside (S402). When absolute moisture amount A2 is greater than absolute outside moisture amount A0, ventilator 14 is caused to operate since releasing air whose absolute moisture amount is high to the outside by ventilation can effectively inhibit condensation. However, as described above, when indoor environment control system 500 is used in an environment of high temperature and high humidity, there are many cases where the absolute outside moisture amount is greater. Accordingly, mere operation of ventilator 14 leads to, for example, great loss of energy used for cooling and the like by air conditioner 15, and is not approvable from economical and environmental points of view. For this reason, in the present embodiment, ventilator 14 is not caused to operate unless the condition that absolute moisture amount A2 is greater than absolute outside moisture amount A0 is satisfied to improve operation efficiency of air conditioner 15.

[0046] Specifically, when absolute moisture amount A2 is greater than absolute outside moisture amount A0 (Yes in S403), operation controller 10 causes ventilator 14 to operate (S404). Thereafter, the same processing is repeatedly performed from step S401. Alternatively, when absolute moisture amount A2 is less than or equal to absolute outside moisture amount A0 (No in S403), operation controller 10 determines whether ventilator 14 is in operation (S405). When ventilator 14 is in operation (Yes in S405), operation controller 10 causes the operation of ventilator 14 to stop, and ends the processing (S406). Alternatively, when ventilator 14 is not in operation (No in S405), operation controller 10 does nothing and ends the processing.Advantageous Effects, Etc.

[0047] Indoor environment control system 500 according to aspect 1 of the present disclosure is an indoor environment control system in a building including shower room S and space R adjacent to shower room S. Indoor environment control system 500 includes: first indoor environment information obtainer 21 that obtains first environment information containing at least temperature information and humidity information of shower room S; second indoor environment information obtainer 22 that obtains second environment information containing at least temperature information and humidity information of space R; air circulator 11 (air circulation means) that circulates air between shower room S and space R; and operation controller 10 (operation control means) that controls operation of air circulator 11. Operation controller 10 controls the operation of air circulator 11 to reduce a temperature difference between shower room S and space R.

[0048] According to the above, operation of air circulator 11 is controlled such that the temperature difference between shower room S and space R adjacent to shower room S which is calculated from the obtained first environment information and the obtained second environment information is not readily increased to a large temperature difference suitable for the growth of bacteria such as mold. As a result, the temperature difference between shower room S and space R can be appropriately maintained, and thus the growth of bacteria such as mold can be appropriately inhibited.

[0049] Moreover, indoor environment control system 500 according to aspect 2 is indoor environment control system 500 according to aspect 1, where air circulator 11 includes: blower fan 13 that blows air from space R into shower room S; and vent 12 whose open state and closed state can be controlled, and which allows space R and shower room S to communicate when in the open state.

[0050] According to the above, the growth of bacteria such as mold can be appropriately inhibited by controlling air circulator 11 realized by blower fan 13 and vent 12. The control of air circulator 11 may include only the blow of air by blower fan 13. Particularly, since blower fan 13 is configured to blow air into shower room S, airflow of relatively high velocity can be generated on the shower room S side where humidity tends to remain and to be high, and thus the temperature difference can be efficiently reduced.

[0051] In addition, indoor environment control system 500 according to aspect 3 is indoor environment control system 500 according to aspect 1 or 2. Indoor environment control system 500 further includes air conditioner 15 that cools, heats, or dehumidifies space R. When operation controller 10 causes air circulator 11 to operate, operation controller 10 further removes latent heat by causing air conditioner 15 to perform cooling operation or dehumidifying operation.

[0052] According to the above, cooling operation or dehumidifying operation performed by air conditioner 15 can turn the air to be supplied from the space R side by operation of air circulator 11 into air from which latent heat has been removed. As a result, the temperature difference can be more efficiently reduced. Moreover, the latent heat of a relatively high humid air to be supplied from the shower room S side to space R can be removed as well. Accordingly, in view of the temperature difference reduction, a higher efficiency can be expected by operation performed solely by air conditioner 15 in space R.

[0053] Moreover, indoor environment control system 500 according to aspect 4 is indoor environment control system 500 according to aspect 1 or 2. Indoor environment control system 500 further includes air conditioner 15 that cools, heats, or dehumidifies space R, and generated humidity amount estimator 16 that estimates a generated humidity amount of each of shower room S and space R from a history of temperature and humidity changes indicated in each of the first environment information and the second environment information. Operation controller 10 further removes latent heat equivalent to the generated humidity amounts by causing air conditioner 15 to perform cooling operation or dehumidifying operation in advance based on the generated humidity amounts estimated by generated humidity amount estimator 16.

[0054] According to the above, latent heat removal that compensates the generated humidity amounts can be performed by air conditioner 15 performing a necessary amount of cooling operation or dehumidifying operation in accordance with estimated generated humidity amounts. Therefore, the temperature difference can be more efficiently reduced.

[0055] In addition, indoor environment control system 500 according to aspect 5 is indoor environment control system 500 according to any one of aspects 1 to 4. Indoor environment control system 500 further includes: ventilator 14 that ventilates air inside at least shower room S; outdoor environment information obtainer 23 that obtains outdoor environment information containing at least moisture amount information of the outside; and absolute moisture amount estimator 17. The second environment information further contains moisture amount information. Absolute moisture amount estimator 17 estimates an absolute moisture amount of each of space R and the outside from the second environment information and the outdoor environment information. When the absolute moisture amount of space R estimated by absolute moisture amount estimator 17 is greater than the absolute moisture amount of the outside estimated by absolute moisture amount estimator 17, operation controller 10 further causes ventilator 14 to operate.

[0056] According to the above, whether ventilation is more efficient than exchanging the air inside shower room S with the air in space R can be estimated from the difference between absolute moisture amounts in advance. Accordingly, ventilator 14 can be caused to operate only when it is efficient. Particularly in tropical and subtropical zones where a climate of high temperature and high humidity prevails throughout the year, the absolute outside moisture amount of the outside tends to be greater than the absolute moisture amount of space R. Accordingly, just excessively operating ventilator 14 may not be able to release highly humid air. With consideration given to such a situation, it can be said that it is important to estimate efficiency of ventilation from the absolute moisture amounts.

[0057] Moreover, indoor environment control system 500 according to aspect 6 is indoor environment control system 500 in a building including shower room S and space R adjacent to shower room S. Indoor environment control system 500 includes: one or more processors; and air circulator 11 that circulates air between shower room S and space R. The one or more processors: obtain first environment information containing at least temperature information and humidity information of shower room S; obtain second environment information containing at least temperature information and humidity information of space R; input the first environment information obtained and the second environment information obtained into model 10b to cause model 10b to output whether operation of air circulator 11 for reducing a temperature difference between shower room S and space R is necessary; and when the operation of air circulator 11 is necessary, cause air circulator 11 to operate. Model 10b is generated using a large amount of (i) the first environment information, (ii) the second environment information, and (iii) labeled data D2 indicating whether the operation of air circulator 11 needs to be controlled.

[0058] According to the above, one or more processors can determine whether operation of air circulator 11 is necessary. The one or more processors can input the obtained first environment information and the obtained second environment information into trained model 10b that is generated in advance to output, by estimation, whether operation of air circulator 11 is necessary. Then, when the necessity for operation of air circulator 11 outputted indicates that the operation of air circulator 11 is necessary, air circulator 11 can be caused to operate.

[0059] In addition, indoor environment control system 500 according to aspect 7 is indoor environment control system 500 according to aspect 6, where model 10b is a neural network model.

[0060] According to the above, model 10b be can be realized by a neural network model.

[0061] Moreover, an indoor environment control method according to aspect 8 is an indoor environment control method that is executed by a computer and is used in a building including shower room S and space R adjacent to shower room S. The indoor environment control method includes: obtaining first environment information containing at least temperature information and humidity information of shower room S; obtaining second environment information containing at least temperature information and humidity information of space R; and controlling operation of air circulator 11 that circulates air between shower room S and space R to reduce a temperature difference between shower room S and space R.

[0062] According to the above, advantageous effects same as the advantageous effects produced by indoor environment control system 500 according to aspect 1 can be produced.

[0063] In addition, an indoor environment control method according to aspect 9 is an indoor environment control method that is executed by a computer and is used in a building including shower room S and space R adjacent to shower room S. The indoor environment control method includes: obtaining first environment information containing at least temperature information and humidity information of shower room S; obtaining second environment information containing at least temperature information and humidity information of space R; and inputting the first environment information obtained and the second environment information obtained into model 10b to cause model 10b to output whether operation of air circulator 11 for reducing a temperature difference between shower room S and space R is necessary; and when the operation of air circulator 11 is necessary, causing air circulator 11 to operate. Air circulator 11 circulates air between shower room S and space R. Model 10b is generated using a large amount of (i) the first environment information, (ii) the second environment information, and (iii) labeled data D2 indicating whether the operation of air circulator 11 needs to be controlled

[0064] According to the above, advantageous effects same as the advantageous effects produced by indoor environment control system 500 according to aspect 6 can be produced.

[0065] Moreover, a program according to aspect 10 is a program for causing a computer to execute the indoor environment control method according to aspect 9 or 10.

[0066] According to the above, advantageous effects same as the advantageous effects produced by indoor environment control system 500 can be produced with the use of a computer.Other Embodiments

[0067] The embodiment has been described hereinbefore, but the present disclosure is not limited to the above-described embodiment.

[0068] For example, in the above-described embodiment, a process performed by a particular processor may be performed by other processors. Moreover, the order of a plurality of processes may be changed, and the plurality of processes may be performed in parallel.

[0069] In addition, in the above-described embodiment, each of elements may be realized by executing a software program suitable for the element. Each element may be realized as a result of a program execution unit, such as a CPU or processor or the like, loading and executing a software program stored in a storage medium such as a hard disk or semiconductor memory.

[0070] Moreover, each element may be implemented by a hardware product. For example, each element may be a circuit (or an integrated circuit). These circuits may constitute a single circuit as a whole or may be individual circuits. These circuits may be general-purpose circuits or dedicated circuits.

[0071] These general and specific aspects of the present disclosure may be realized using a system, a device, a method, an integrated circuit, a computer program, or a computer-readable recording medium such as a CD-ROM. In addition, these general and specific aspects of the present disclosure may be realized by an optional combination of systems, devices, methods, integrated circuits, computer programs, and computer-readable recording media.

[0072] For example, the present disclosure may be realized as a program to cause a computer to execute the indoor environment control method according to the above-described embodiment. The present disclosure may also be realized as a non-transitory computer-readable recording medium on which such a program is recorded.

[0073] The present disclosure also encompasses: embodiments achieved by applying various modifications conceivable to those skilled in the art to each embodiment; or embodiments achieved by optionally combining the elements and the functions of each embodiment without departing from the spirit of the present disclosure.REFERENCE SIGNS LIST10, 10a operation controller (operation control means)

[0075] 10b model

[0076] 11 air circulator (air circulation means)

[0077] 12 vent

[0078] 13 blower fan

[0079] 14 ventilator

[0080] 15 air conditioner

[0081] 16 generated humidity amount estimator

[0082] 17 absolute moisture amount estimator

[0083] 21 first indoor environment information obtainer

[0084] 22 second indoor environment information obtainer

[0085] 23 outdoor environment information obtainer

[0086] D1 environment information data

[0087] D2 labeled data

Examples

embodiment

Overview of Indoor Environment Control System

[0022]First, an overview of an indoor environment control system according to an embodiment will be described. FIG. 1 is a diagram schematically illustrating a configuration of the indoor environment control system according to the embodiment.

[0023]Indoor environment control system 500 is a system provided all through shower room S and space R adjacent to the shower room. Indoor environment control system 500 is a system that inhibits highly humid conditions that facilitate the growth of bacteria on the wall between shower room S and space R. In this way, indoor environment control system 500 inhibits the growth of bacteria such as mold.

[0024]Here, indoor environment control system 500 not only reduce the humidity in shower room S and an empty portion (living space) of space R, but also inhibits the retention of moisture inside walls, which is a condition difficult to reduce by ventilation or the like, to inhibit the growth of bacteria su...

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present disclosure relates to an indoor environment control system, an indoor environment control method, and a program.BACKGROUND ART

[0002] Techniques for controlling the indoor environment of bathrooms have been conventionally known (for example, see Patent Literature (PTL) 1).CITATION LISTPatent Literature

[0003] [PTL 1] Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication No. 2000-314537SUMMARY OF INVENTIONTechnical Problem

[0004] However, bacteria such as mold grows on, for example, bathroom walls depending on how the bathroom is used.

[0005] In view of the above, the present disclosure provides an indoor environment control system, etc., that appropriately control the growth of bacteria such as mold.Solution to Problem

[0006] An indoor environment control system according to one aspect of the present disclosure is an indoor environment control system in a building including a shower room and a space adjacent to the shower room. The indoor environment control system includes: a first indoor environment information obtainer that obtains first environment information containing at least temperature information and humidity information of the shower room; a second indoor environment information obtainer that obtains second environment information containing at least temperature information and humidity information of the space; an air circulator that circulates air between the shower room and the space; and an operation controller that controls operation of the air circulator. The operation controller controls the operation of the air circulator to reduce a temperature difference between the shower room and the space.

[0007] An indoor environment control system according to another aspect of the present disclosure is an indoor environment control system in a building including a shower room and a space adjacent to the shower room. The indoor environment control system includes: one or more processors; and an air circulator that circulates air between the shower room and the space. The one or more processors: obtain first environment information containing at least temperature information and humidity information of the shower room; obtain second environment information containing at least temperature information and humidity information of the space; input the first environment information obtained and the second environment information obtained into a model to cause the model to output whether operation of the air circulator for reducing a temperature difference between the shower room and the space is necessary, the model being generated using a large amount of (i) the first environment information, (ii) the second environment information, and (iii) labeled data indicating whether the operation of the air circulator needs to be controlled; and when the operation of the air circulator is necessary, cause the air circulator to operate.

[0008] An indoor environment control method according to one aspect of the present disclosure is an indoor environment control method that is executed by a computer and is used in a building including a shower room and a space adjacent to the shower room. The indoor environment control method includes: obtaining first environment information containing at least temperature information and humidity information of the shower room; obtaining second environment information containing at least temperature information and humidity information of the space; and controlling operation of an air circulator that circulates air between the shower room and the space to reduce a temperature difference between the shower room and the space.

[0009] An indoor environment control method according to another aspect of the present disclosure is an indoor environment control method that is executed by a computer and is used in a building including a shower room and a space adjacent to the shower room. The indoor environment control method includes: obtaining first environment information containing at least temperature information and humidity information of the shower room; obtaining second environment information containing at least temperature information and humidity information of the space; and inputting the first environment information obtained and the second environment information obtained into a model to cause the model to output whether operation of an air circulator for reducing a temperature difference between the shower room and the space is necessary, the air circulator circulating air between the shower room and the space, the model being generated using a large amount of (i) the first environment information, (ii) the second environment information, and (iii) labeled data indicating whether the operation of the air circulator needs to be controlled; and when the operation of the air circulator is necessary, causing the air circulator to operate.

[0010] A program according to one aspect of the present disclosure is a program for causing a computer to execute the above-described indoor environment control method.

[0011] Note that these comprehensive or concrete aspects may be realized by a device, a method, an integrated circuit, a computer program, or a recording medium such as a computer-readable CD-ROM, and may also be realized by optionally combining devices, methods, integrated circuits, computer programs, and recording media.Advantageous Effects of Invention

[0012] An indoor environment control system according to one aspect of the present disclosure, etc., can appropriately control the growth of bacteria such as mold.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0013] FIG. 1 is a diagram schematically illustrating a configuration of an indoor environment control system according to an embodiment.

[0014] FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating a functional configuration of the indoor environment control system according to the embodiment.

[0015] FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating a functional configuration of an operation controller according to another example of the embodiment.

[0016] FIG. 4 is a flowchart for explaining an example of operation performed by the indoor environment control system according to the embodiment.

[0017] FIG. 5 is a flowchart for explaining an example of operation performed by the indoor environment control system according to the embodiment.

[0018] FIG. 6 is a flowchart for explaining an example of operation performed by the indoor environment control system according to the embodiment.

[0019] FIG. 7 is a flowchart for explaining an example of operation performed by the indoor environment control system according to the embodiment.DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENT

[0020] Hereinafter, embodiments will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.

[0021] Note that the embodiments below each describe a general or specific example. The numerical values, shapes, materials, elements, the arrangement and connection of the elements, steps, orders of the steps, etc. presented in the embodiments below are mere examples and are not intended to limit the scope of the claims. Furthermore, among the elements in the embodiments below, those not recited in any one of the independent claims representing the most generic concepts will be described as optional elements. Moreover, the drawings do not necessarily provide strictly accurate illustrations. Throughout the drawings, the same reference sign is given to substantially the same element, and redundant description is omitted or simplified.EmbodimentOverview of Indoor Environment Control System

[0022] First, an overview of an indoor environment control system according to an embodiment will be described. FIG. 1 is a diagram schematically illustrating a configuration of the indoor environment control system according to the embodiment.

[0023] Indoor environment control system 500 is a system provided all through shower room S and space R adjacent to the shower room. Indoor environment control system 500 is a system that inhibits highly humid conditions that facilitate the growth of bacteria on the wall between shower room S and space R. In this way, indoor environment control system 500 inhibits the growth of bacteria such as mold.

[0024] Here, indoor environment control system 500 not only reduce the humidity in shower room S and an empty portion (living space) of space R, but also inhibits the retention of moisture inside walls, which is a condition difficult to reduce by ventilation or the like, to inhibit the growth of bacteria such as mold on the walls, which is difficult to inhibit by ventilation or the like alone. It should be noted that the space described as shower room S here in the embodiment indicates a space inside which a large amount of water is expected to be used, such as a bathroom, a sauna, and a half bath. Accordingly, shower room S may be read as a bathroom, a sauna, a half bath, etc., as appropriate.

[0025] Moreover, indoor environment control system 500 described in the present disclosure is particularly effective in tropical and subtropical zones where a climate of high temperature and high humidity prevails throughout the year.

[0026] Here, a configuration of indoor environment control system 500 will be described in detail with reference to FIG. 2 as well. FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating a functional configuration of the indoor environment control system according to the embodiment. As illustrated in FIG. 1 and FIG. 2, indoor environment control system 500 includes first indoor environment information obtainer 21, second indoor environment information obtainer 22, outdoor environment information obtainer 23, generated humidity amount estimator 16, absolute moisture amount estimator 17, operation controller 10, air conditioner 15, ventilator 14, and air circulator 11.

[0027] Indoor environment control system 500 can be divided into a sensing section that performs sensing, an information processing section that performs information processing, and a hardware item section including elements other than elements in the sensing section. The sensing section includes first indoor environment information obtainer 21, second indoor environment information obtainer 22, and outdoor environment information obtainer 23, each of which is realized by a sensor having one or more required sensing functions. The information processing section includes generated humidity amount estimator 16, absolute moisture amount estimator 17, and operation controller 10, each of which is realized by a computer including an individual or integrated processor and memory and a program that is to be executed using these resources. As the computers that constitute the information processing section, cloud computers built on a network or edge computers provided inside a building to which indoor environment control system 500 is applied are used. The hardware item section includes air conditioner 15, ventilator 14, and air circulator 11.

[0028] First indoor environment information obtainer 21 is a sensor capable of measuring temperature and humidity. First indoor environment information obtainer 21 measures each of temperature and humidity in shower room S, and outputs, as first environment information, the temperature and humidity to the information processing section. Moreover, first indoor environment information obtainer 21 may obtain an absolute moisture amount of shower room S by estimation using the measured temperature and humidity values. Accordingly, first indoor environment information obtainer 21 may perform some of functions performed by absolute moisture amount estimator 17. Note that the connection between first indoor environment information obtainer 21 and the information processing section is established by wired or wireless communication.

[0029] Second indoor environment information obtainer 22 is a sensor capable of measuring temperature and humidity. Second indoor environment information obtainer 22 measures each of temperature and humidity in space R, and outputs, as second environment information, the temperature and humidity to the information processing section. Moreover, second indoor environment information obtainer 22 may obtain an absolute moisture amount of space R by estimation using the measured temperature and humidity values. Accordingly, second indoor environment information obtainer 22 may perform some of functions performed by absolute moisture amount estimator 17. Note that the connection between second indoor environment information obtainer 22 and the information processing section is established by wired or wireless communication.

[0030] Outdoor environment information obtainer 23 is a sensor capable of measuring temperature and humidity. Outdoor environment information obtainer 23 measures each of outside temperature and outside humidity, and outputs, as outdoor environment information, the outside temperature and outside humidity to the information processing section. Moreover, outdoor environment information obtainer 23 may obtain an absolute moisture amount of the outside by estimation using the measured temperature and humidity values. Accordingly, outdoor environment information obtainer 23 may perform some of functions performed by absolute moisture amount estimator 17. Note that the connection between outdoor environment information obtainer 23 and the information processing section is established by wired or wireless communication.

[0031] Generated humidity amount estimator 16 estimates a generated humidity amount of each of shower room S and space R from a history of temperature and humidity changes indicated in each of the first environment information and second environment information. These generated humidity amounts each are an amount of change in an absolute moisture amount in time domain. More specifically, the generated humidity amounts each are the difference in value between the absolute moisture amount at the first time point and the absolute moisture amount at the second time point.

[0032] Absolute moisture amount estimator 17 is a processor that estimates, from first environment information, second environment information, and outdoor environment information, an absolute moisture amount of each of shower room S, space R, and the outside.

[0033] Operation controller 10 is one example of operation control means, and controls operation of the hardware item section based on the first environment information, second environment information, outdoor environment information, estimated generated humidity amounts, and estimated absolute moisture amounts. The connections between operation controller 10 and each of air conditioner 15, ventilator 14, and air circulator 11 are established by wired or wireless communication. For each of hardware items included in the hardware item section, operation controller 10 generates control signals to control operation states, and transmits the control signals to each hardware item via communication. Operation controller 10 generates the control signals based on the first environment information, second environment information, outdoor environment information, estimated generated humidity amounts, and estimated absolute moisture amounts through algorithm processing, but may generate the control signals from the first environment information, second environment information, outdoor environment information, estimated generated humidity amounts, and estimated absolute moisture amounts using inferences drawn from machine learning application. For example, FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating a functional configuration of an operation controller according to another example of the embodiment. Operation controller 10a shown in FIG. 3 includes model 10b that includes, for example, a neural network model or the like. Model 10b is generated in advance by machine learning using sets (i.e., a large number of data sets) of the following items. Each of the sets includes (i) first environment information and second environment information (environment information data D1) and (ii) labeled data D2 indicating whether operation of air circulator 11 for reducing the temperature difference between shower room S and space R needs to be controlled. With this, when the obtained first environment information and obtained second environment information are input into model 10b, whether the operation of air circulator 11 needs to be controlled can be obtained as an output. By using the above-described model 10b, operation controller 10a may calculate, by estimation, whether the operation needs to be controlled. Note that model 10b may be configured to generate control information for ventilator 14 and air conditioner 15 using, as inputs, other information items such as outdoor environment information, estimated generated humidity amounts, and estimated absolute moisture amounts.

[0034] Let us go back to FIG. 1 and FIG. 2. Air conditioner 15 is a device that can generate an airflow whose at least one of temperature or humidity is adjusted, to supply (see the hollow arrow) the airflow to space R. Air conditioner 15 can generate an airflow whose temperature is lower than the temperature of the outside air by cooling operation, an airflow whose temperature is higher than the temperature of the outside air by heating operation, and an airflow whose humidity is lower than the humidity of the outside air by dehumidifying operation.

[0035] Ventilator 14 is a device that exchanges the air inside shower room S with the air outside shower room by (i) generating an airflow that moves from shower room S to the outside to generate negative pressure in shower room S and (ii) drawing gases from outside shower room S (the outside or space R) through fixtures (doors, windows, etc.) of shower room S.

[0036] Air circulator 11 is one example of air circulation means and is a device that circulates the air between space R and shower room S. Air circulator 11 includes blower fan 13 and vent 12. Blower fan 13 blows air from space R into shower room S. Vent 12 is a vent whose open state and closed state can be controlled. Vent 12 allows space R and shower room S to communicate when in the open state. In air circulator 11, blower fan 13 is arranged on the vertically lower side. With this, blower fan 13 can efficiently blows air to water that tends to settle on the vertically lower side. Note that the arrangement of blower fan 13 and vent 12 included in air circulator 11 is non-limiting. Moreover, blower fan 13 may blow air from shower room S into space R.

[0037] Vent 12 opens or closes in accordance with operation of blower fan 13. For example, vent 12 is in the open state when blower fan 13 is in operation, and vent 12 is in the closed state when blower fan 13 is not in operation.

[0038] Next, operation performed by indoor environment control system 500 will be described with reference to FIG. 4 through FIG. 7 as well. FIG. 4 through FIG. 7 each are a flowchart for explaining an example of operation performed by the indoor environment control system according to the embodiment.

[0039] First, as illustrated in FIG. 4, first indoor environment information obtainer 21 obtains first environment information (S101). The environment information is continuously obtained in time domain. Accordingly, step S101 may be read as the start of obtaining first environment information. Next, second indoor environment information obtainer 22 obtains second environment information (S102). In the same manner as step S101, step S102 may be read as the start of obtaining second environment information. Next, outdoor environment information obtainer 23 obtains outdoor environment information (S103). In the same manner as step S101, step S103 may be read as the start of obtaining outdoor environment information.

[0040] Next, as illustrated in FIG. 5, a temperature difference between shower room S and space R is calculated from the first environment information and second environment information, and whether the temperature difference is greater than threshold a is determined (S201). The temperature difference greater than threshold a indicates a large temperature difference between shower room S and space R with a wall interposed therebetween. This facilitates moisture in the air to penetrate inside the wall. For this reason, in the present embodiment, operation of air circulator 11 is controlled so as to reduce the temperature difference.

[0041] Specifically, when the temperature difference is greater than threshold a (Yes in S201), operation controller 10 causes air circulator 11 to operate, and also causes air conditioner 15 to perform cooling operation or dehumidifying operation to remove latent heat in space R (S202). Thereafter, the same processing is repeatedly performed from step S201. Note that threshold a is to be experimentally or empirically determined since threshold a changes depending on the efficiency of each of the devices and the volume of each of shower room S and space R. Moreover, if zero is applied as threshold a, operation controller 10 operates to control air circulator 11 until the temperature difference becomes zero to the extent measurable, or stated differently, such that the temperature difference is approximately zero.

[0042] Alternatively, when the temperature difference is less than or equal to threshold a (No in S201), operation controller 10 determines whether air circulator 11 is in operation (S203). When air circulator 11 is in operation (Yes in S203), operation controller 10 causes the operation of air circulator 11 and air conditioner 15 to stop, and ends the processing (S204). Alternatively, when air circulator 11 is not in operation (No in S203), operation controller 10 does nothing and ends the processing.

[0043] In parallel with the operational flow illustrated in FIG. 5, the operational flow illustrated in FIG. 6 and the operational flow illustrated in FIG. 7 are performed in parallel with each other. In FIG. 6, generated humidity amount estimator 16 estimates generated humidity amounts in the first place (S301). When the generated humidity amounts are large, the amount of condensation caused by the temperature difference between shower room S and space R increases. Accordingly, latent heat equivalent to these generated humidity amounts is removed in advance.

[0044] Specifically, when the total of the generated humidity amount of shower room S and the generated humidity amount of space R is greater than threshold b (Yes in S302), operation controller 10 causes air conditioner 15 to perform cooling operation or dehumidifying operation (S303). Thereafter, the same processing is repeatedly performed from step S301. Note that threshold b is to be experimentally or empirically determined since threshold b changes depending on the efficiency of each of the devices and the volume of each of shower room S and space R. Alternatively, when the total of the generated humidity amount of shower room S and the generated humidity amount of space R is less than or equal to threshold b (No in S302), operation controller 10 determines whether air conditioner 15 is in operation (S304). When air conditioner 15 is in operation (Yes in S304), operation controller 10 causes the operation of air conditioner 15 to stop (S305). Thereafter, the same processing is repeatedly performed from step S301. Alternatively, when air conditioner 15 is not in operation (No in S304), operation controller 10 does nothing, and the same processing is repeatedly performed from step S301.

[0045] In FIG. 7, absolute moisture amount estimator 17 estimates absolute moisture amount A2 of space R (S401). Moreover, absolute moisture amount estimator 17 estimates absolute outside moisture amount A0 of the outside (S402). When absolute moisture amount A2 is greater than absolute outside moisture amount A0, ventilator 14 is caused to operate since releasing air whose absolute moisture amount is high to the outside by ventilation can effectively inhibit condensation. However, as described above, when indoor environment control system 500 is used in an environment of high temperature and high humidity, there are many cases where the absolute outside moisture amount is greater. Accordingly, mere operation of ventilator 14 leads to, for example, great loss of energy used for cooling and the like by air conditioner 15, and is not approvable from economical and environmental points of view. For this reason, in the present embodiment, ventilator 14 is not caused to operate unless the condition that absolute moisture amount A2 is greater than absolute outside moisture amount A0 is satisfied to improve operation efficiency of air conditioner 15.

[0046] Specifically, when absolute moisture amount A2 is greater than absolute outside moisture amount A0 (Yes in S403), operation controller 10 causes ventilator 14 to operate (S404). Thereafter, the same processing is repeatedly performed from step S401. Alternatively, when absolute moisture amount A2 is less than or equal to absolute outside moisture amount A0 (No in S403), operation controller 10 determines whether ventilator 14 is in operation (S405). When ventilator 14 is in operation (Yes in S405), operation controller 10 causes the operation of ventilator 14 to stop, and ends the processing (S406). Alternatively, when ventilator 14 is not in operation (No in S405), operation controller 10 does nothing and ends the processing.Advantageous Effects, Etc.

[0047] Indoor environment control system 500 according to aspect 1 of the present disclosure is an indoor environment control system in a building including shower room S and space R adjacent to shower room S. Indoor environment control system 500 includes: first indoor environment information obtainer 21 that obtains first environment information containing at least temperature information and humidity information of shower room S; second indoor environment information obtainer 22 that obtains second environment information containing at least temperature information and humidity information of space R; air circulator 11 (air circulation means) that circulates air between shower room S and space R; and operation controller 10 (operation control means) that controls operation of air circulator 11. Operation controller 10 controls the operation of air circulator 11 to reduce a temperature difference between shower room S and space R.

[0048] According to the above, operation of air circulator 11 is controlled such that the temperature difference between shower room S and space R adjacent to shower room S which is calculated from the obtained first environment information and the obtained second environment information is not readily increased to a large temperature difference suitable for the growth of bacteria such as mold. As a result, the temperature difference between shower room S and space R can be appropriately maintained, and thus the growth of bacteria such as mold can be appropriately inhibited.

[0049] Moreover, indoor environment control system 500 according to aspect 2 is indoor environment control system 500 according to aspect 1, where air circulator 11 includes: blower fan 13 that blows air from space R into shower room S; and vent 12 whose open state and closed state can be controlled, and which allows space R and shower room S to communicate when in the open state.

[0050] According to the above, the growth of bacteria such as mold can be appropriately inhibited by controlling air circulator 11 realized by blower fan 13 and vent 12. The control of air circulator 11 may include only the blow of air by blower fan 13. Particularly, since blower fan 13 is configured to blow air into shower room S, airflow of relatively high velocity can be generated on the shower room S side where humidity tends to remain and to be high, and thus the temperature difference can be efficiently reduced.

[0051] In addition, indoor environment control system 500 according to aspect 3 is indoor environment control system 500 according to aspect 1 or 2. Indoor environment control system 500 further includes air conditioner 15 that cools, heats, or dehumidifies space R. When operation controller 10 causes air circulator 11 to operate, operation controller 10 further removes latent heat by causing air conditioner 15 to perform cooling operation or dehumidifying operation.

[0052] According to the above, cooling operation or dehumidifying operation performed by air conditioner 15 can turn the air to be supplied from the space R side by operation of air circulator 11 into air from which latent heat has been removed. As a result, the temperature difference can be more efficiently reduced. Moreover, the latent heat of a relatively high humid air to be supplied from the shower room S side to space R can be removed as well. Accordingly, in view of the temperature difference reduction, a higher efficiency can be expected by operation performed solely by air conditioner 15 in space R.

[0053] Moreover, indoor environment control system 500 according to aspect 4 is indoor environment control system 500 according to aspect 1 or 2. Indoor environment control system 500 further includes air conditioner 15 that cools, heats, or dehumidifies space R, and generated humidity amount estimator 16 that estimates a generated humidity amount of each of shower room S and space R from a history of temperature and humidity changes indicated in each of the first environment information and the second environment information. Operation controller 10 further removes latent heat equivalent to the generated humidity amounts by causing air conditioner 15 to perform cooling operation or dehumidifying operation in advance based on the generated humidity amounts estimated by generated humidity amount estimator 16.

[0054] According to the above, latent heat removal that compensates the generated humidity amounts can be performed by air conditioner 15 performing a necessary amount of cooling operation or dehumidifying operation in accordance with estimated generated humidity amounts. Therefore, the temperature difference can be more efficiently reduced.

[0055] In addition, indoor environment control system 500 according to aspect 5 is indoor environment control system 500 according to any one of aspects 1 to 4. Indoor environment control system 500 further includes: ventilator 14 that ventilates air inside at least shower room S; outdoor environment information obtainer 23 that obtains outdoor environment information containing at least moisture amount information of the outside; and absolute moisture amount estimator 17. The second environment information further contains moisture amount information. Absolute moisture amount estimator 17 estimates an absolute moisture amount of each of space R and the outside from the second environment information and the outdoor environment information. When the absolute moisture amount of space R estimated by absolute moisture amount estimator 17 is greater than the absolute moisture amount of the outside estimated by absolute moisture amount estimator 17, operation controller 10 further causes ventilator 14 to operate.

[0056] According to the above, whether ventilation is more efficient than exchanging the air inside shower room S with the air in space R can be estimated from the difference between absolute moisture amounts in advance. Accordingly, ventilator 14 can be caused to operate only when it is efficient. Particularly in tropical and subtropical zones where a climate of high temperature and high humidity prevails throughout the year, the absolute outside moisture amount of the outside tends to be greater than the absolute moisture amount of space R. Accordingly, just excessively operating ventilator 14 may not be able to release highly humid air. With consideration given to such a situation, it can be said that it is important to estimate efficiency of ventilation from the absolute moisture amounts.

[0057] Moreover, indoor environment control system 500 according to aspect 6 is indoor environment control system 500 in a building including shower room S and space R adjacent to shower room S. Indoor environment control system 500 includes: one or more processors; and air circulator 11 that circulates air between shower room S and space R. The one or more processors: obtain first environment information containing at least temperature information and humidity information of shower room S; obtain second environment information containing at least temperature information and humidity information of space R; input the first environment information obtained and the second environment information obtained into model 10b to cause model 10b to output whether operation of air circulator 11 for reducing a temperature difference between shower room S and space R is necessary; and when the operation of air circulator 11 is necessary, cause air circulator 11 to operate. Model 10b is generated using a large amount of (i) the first environment information, (ii) the second environment information, and (iii) labeled data D2 indicating whether the operation of air circulator 11 needs to be controlled.

[0058] According to the above, one or more processors can determine whether operation of air circulator 11 is necessary. The one or more processors can input the obtained first environment information and the obtained second environment information into trained model 10b that is generated in advance to output, by estimation, whether operation of air circulator 11 is necessary. Then, when the necessity for operation of air circulator 11 outputted indicates that the operation of air circulator 11 is necessary, air circulator 11 can be caused to operate.

[0059] In addition, indoor environment control system 500 according to aspect 7 is indoor environment control system 500 according to aspect 6, where model 10b is a neural network model.

[0060] According to the above, model 10b be can be realized by a neural network model.

[0061] Moreover, an indoor environment control method according to aspect 8 is an indoor environment control method that is executed by a computer and is used in a building including shower room S and space R adjacent to shower room S. The indoor environment control method includes: obtaining first environment information containing at least temperature information and humidity information of shower room S; obtaining second environment information containing at least temperature information and humidity information of space R; and controlling operation of air circulator 11 that circulates air between shower room S and space R to reduce a temperature difference between shower room S and space R.

[0062] According to the above, advantageous effects same as the advantageous effects produced by indoor environment control system 500 according to aspect 1 can be produced.

[0063] In addition, an indoor environment control method according to aspect 9 is an indoor environment control method that is executed by a computer and is used in a building including shower room S and space R adjacent to shower room S. The indoor environment control method includes: obtaining first environment information containing at least temperature information and humidity information of shower room S; obtaining second environment information containing at least temperature information and humidity information of space R; and inputting the first environment information obtained and the second environment information obtained into model 10b to cause model 10b to output whether operation of air circulator 11 for reducing a temperature difference between shower room S and space R is necessary; and when the operation of air circulator 11 is necessary, causing air circulator 11 to operate. Air circulator 11 circulates air between shower room S and space R. Model 10b is generated using a large amount of (i) the first environment information, (ii) the second environment information, and (iii) labeled data D2 indicating whether the operation of air circulator 11 needs to be controlled

[0064] According to the above, advantageous effects same as the advantageous effects produced by indoor environment control system 500 according to aspect 6 can be produced.

[0065] Moreover, a program according to aspect 10 is a program for causing a computer to execute the indoor environment control method according to aspect 9 or 10.

[0066] According to the above, advantageous effects same as the advantageous effects produced by indoor environment control system 500 can be produced with the use of a computer.Other Embodiments

[0067] The embodiment has been described hereinbefore, but the present disclosure is not limited to the above-described embodiment.

[0068] For example, in the above-described embodiment, a process performed by a particular processor may be performed by other processors. Moreover, the order of a plurality of processes may be changed, and the plurality of processes may be performed in parallel.

[0069] In addition, in the above-described embodiment, each of elements may be realized by executing a software program suitable for the element. Each element may be realized as a result of a program execution unit, such as a CPU or processor or the like, loading and executing a software program stored in a storage medium such as a hard disk or semiconductor memory.

[0070] Moreover, each element may be implemented by a hardware product. For example, each element may be a circuit (or an integrated circuit). These circuits may constitute a single circuit as a whole or may be individual circuits. These circuits may be general-purpose circuits or dedicated circuits.

[0071] These general and specific aspects of the present disclosure may be realized using a system, a device, a method, an integrated circuit, a computer program, or a computer-readable recording medium such as a CD-ROM. In addition, these general and specific aspects of the present disclosure may be realized by an optional combination of systems, devices, methods, integrated circuits, computer programs, and computer-readable recording media.

[0072] For example, the present disclosure may be realized as a program to cause a computer to execute the indoor environment control method according to the above-described embodiment. The present disclosure may also be realized as a non-transitory computer-readable recording medium on which such a program is recorded.

[0073] The present disclosure also encompasses: embodiments achieved by applying various modifications conceivable to those skilled in the art to each embodiment; or embodiments achieved by optionally combining the elements and the functions of each embodiment without departing from the spirit of the present disclosure.REFERENCE SIGNS LIST10, 10a operation controller (operation control means)

[0075] 10b model

[0076] 11 air circulator (air circulation means)

[0077] 12 vent

[0078] 13 blower fan

[0079] 14 ventilator

[0080] 15 air conditioner

[0081] 16 generated humidity amount estimator

[0082] 17 absolute moisture amount estimator

[0083] 21 first indoor environment information obtainer

[0084] 22 second indoor environment information obtainer

[0085] 23 outdoor environment information obtainer

[0086] D1 environment information data

[0087] D2 labeled data

Examples

embodiment

Overview of Indoor Environment Control System

[0022]First, an overview of an indoor environment control system according to an embodiment will be described. FIG. 1 is a diagram schematically illustrating a configuration of the indoor environment control system according to the embodiment.

[0023]Indoor environment control system 500 is a system provided all through shower room S and space R adjacent to the shower room. Indoor environment control system 500 is a system that inhibits highly humid conditions that facilitate the growth of bacteria on the wall between shower room S and space R. In this way, indoor environment control system 500 inhibits the growth of bacteria such as mold.

[0024]Here, indoor environment control system 500 not only reduce the humidity in shower room S and an empty portion (living space) of space R, but also inhibits the retention of moisture inside walls, which is a condition difficult to reduce by ventilation or the like, to inhibit the growth of bacteria su...

Claims

1. An indoor environment control system in a building including a shower room and a space adjacent to the shower room, the indoor environment control system comprising:a first indoor environment information obtainer that obtains first environment information containing at least temperature information and humidity information of the shower room;a second indoor environment information obtainer that obtains second environment information containing at least temperature information and humidity information of the space;an air circulator that circulates air between the shower room and the space; andan operation controller that controls operation of the air circulator, whereinthe operation controller controls the operation of the air circulator to reduce a temperature difference between the shower room and the space.

2. The indoor environment control system according to claim 1, whereinthe air circulator includes:a blower fan that blows air from the space into the shower room; anda vent whose open state and closed state can be controlled, and which allows the space and the shower room to communicate when in the open state.

3. The indoor environment control system according to claim 1, further comprising:an air conditioner that cools, heats, or dehumidifies the space, whereinwhen the operation controller causes the air circulator to operate, the operation controller further removes latent heat by causing the air conditioner to perform cooling operation or dehumidifying operation.

4. The indoor environment control system according to claim 1, further comprising:an air conditioner that cools, heats, or dehumidifies the space; anda generated humidity amount estimator that estimates a generated humidity amount of each of the shower room and the space from a history of temperature and humidity changes indicated in each of the first environment information and the second environment information, whereinthe operation controller further removes latent heat equivalent to the generated humidity amounts by causing the air conditioner to perform cooling operation or dehumidifying operation in advance based on the generated humidity amounts estimated by the generated humidity amount estimator.

5. The indoor environment control system according to claim 1, further comprising:a ventilator that ventilates air inside at least the shower room;an outdoor environment information obtainer that obtains outdoor environment information containing at least moisture amount information of an outside; andan absolute moisture amount estimator, whereinthe second environment information further contains moisture amount information,the absolute moisture amount estimator estimates an absolute moisture amount of each of the space and the outside from the second environment information and the outdoor environment information, andwhen the absolute moisture amount of the space estimated by the absolute moisture amount estimator is greater than the absolute moisture amount of the outside estimated by the absolute moisture amount estimator, the operation controller further causes the ventilator to operate.

6. An indoor environment control system in a building including a shower room and a space adjacent to the shower room, the indoor environment control system comprising:one or more processors; andan air circulator that circulates air between the shower room and the space, whereinthe one or more processors:obtain first environment information containing at least temperature information and humidity information of the shower room;obtain second environment information containing at least temperature information and humidity information of the space;input the first environment information obtained and the second environment information obtained into a model to cause the model to output whether operation of the air circulator for reducing a temperature difference between the shower room and the space is necessary, the model being generated using a large amount of (i) the first environment information, (ii) the second environment information, and (iii) labeled data indicating whether the operation of the air circulator needs to be controlled; andwhen the operation of the air circulator is necessary, cause the air circulator to operate.

7. The indoor environment control system according to claim 6, whereinthe model is a neural network model.

8. An indoor environment control method that is executed by a computer and is used in a building including a shower room and a space adjacent to the shower room, the indoor environment control method comprising:obtaining first environment information containing at least temperature information and humidity information of the shower room;obtaining second environment information containing at least temperature information and humidity information of the space; andcontrolling operation of an air circulator that circulates air between the shower room and the space to reduce a temperature difference between the shower room and the space.

9. An indoor environment control method that is executed by a computer and is used in a building including a shower room and a space adjacent to the shower room, the indoor environment control method comprising:obtaining first environment information containing at least temperature information and humidity information of the shower room;obtaining second environment information containing at least temperature information and humidity information of the space; andinputting the first environment information obtained and the second environment information obtained into a model to cause the model to output whether operation of an air circulator for reducing a temperature difference between the shower room and the space is necessary, the air circulator circulating air between the shower room and the space, the model being generated using a large amount of (i) the first environment information, (ii) the second environment information, and (iii) labeled data indicating whether the operation of the air circulator needs to be controlled; andwhen the operation of the air circulator is necessary, causing the air circulator to operate.

10. A non-transitory computer-readable recording medium for use in a computer, the recording medium having recorded thereon a computer program for causing the computer to execute the indoor environment control method according to claim 8.

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