Spatial environment setting method, information processing device, and computer program

Abstract

A first user state reception unit 34 at a server 30 acquires information about a first user that is active in a first space. A second user state reception unit 36 at the server 30 acquires information about a second user that is active in a second space and has scheduled a joint event with the first user. On the basis of the information about the first user and the information about the second user, a determination unit 38 at the server 30 determines whether the activity of the first user or the second user is different from activity related to the joint event at the start time of the joint event. On the basis of the results of the determination, a decision unit 40 at the server 30 creates spatial environment setting information for at least one of the first space and the second space. A control information output unit 42 at the server 30 outputs the created spatial environment setting information to an output device 12 in the corresponding space.

Description

Spatial environment setting method, information processing device, and computer program

[0001] The present disclosure relates to data processing technology, and more particularly to a spatial environment setting method, an information processing device, and a computer program.

[0002] There are known technologies for controlling devices installed in a space to improve people's living and working environments, etc. For example, Patent Literature 1 proposes a technology for controlling devices that change the environment of a target area using information on the state of the spatial environment and the physical state of people so that the states of multiple people in the target area approach a target state.

[0003] International Publication No. 2024 / 004093

[0004] When pursuing well-being through interactions between people, it may be necessary to act with consideration for others and change plans depending on the other person's situation. Patent Literature 1 describes a technology for supporting the actions of people in a target area, but does not describe a technology for supporting people's actions in response to changes in plans. One objective of the present disclosure is to provide a technology for supporting people's actions in response to changes in plans through spatial environment configuration.

[0005] In order to solve the above problem, a spatial environment setting method of one aspect of the present disclosure includes an information processing device that acquires information about a first user who is acting in a first space, acquires information about a second user who is acting in a second space different from the first space and who is planning a joint event with the first user, determines whether the first user or the second user is engaging in behavior that is different from behavior associated with the joint event at the start of the joint event based on the information about the first user and the information about the second user, creates spatial environment setting information for at least one of the first space and the second space based on the result of the determination, and outputs the created spatial environment setting information to a controlled device of the corresponding space.

[0006] Another aspect of the present disclosure is an information processing device including: a first acquisition unit that acquires information about a first user who is active in a first space; a second acquisition unit that acquires information about a second user who is active in a second space different from the first space and who is planning to hold a joint event with the first user; a determination unit that determines whether the first user or the second user is engaging in an activity different from an activity related to the joint event at the start of the joint event based on the information about the first user and the information about the second user; a determination unit that creates space environment setting information for at least one of the first space and the second space based on a determination result by the determination unit; and an output unit that outputs the space environment setting information created by the determination unit to a control target device of the corresponding space.

[0007] Any combination of the above components, or any conversion of the expression of the present disclosure between a system, a computer program, a recording medium on which a computer program is recorded, etc., is also valid as an aspect of the present disclosure.

[0008] According to the technology of the present disclosure, it is possible to support people's actions in response to changes in plans through spatial environment settings.

[0009] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing the configuration of a spatial environment setting system according to a first embodiment. FIG. 2 is a flowchart showing the operation of a server according to the first embodiment. FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an example of spatial environment setting information. FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of spatial environment setting information. FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing the operation of a server according to a second embodiment. FIG. 6 is a diagram showing an example of relationship levels. FIG. 7 is a diagram showing an example of spatial environment setting information.

[0010] The subject of the device or method disclosed herein includes a computer. The computer executes a program to realize the functions of the subject of the device or method disclosed herein. The computer includes, as its main hardware configuration, a processor that operates according to the program. The type of processor is not important as long as it can realize the functions by executing the program. The processor is composed of one or more electronic circuits, including a semiconductor integrated circuit (IC) or a large-scale integration (LSI). The electronic circuits may be integrated into a single chip or may be provided on multiple chips. The multiple chips may be integrated into a single device or may be provided on multiple devices. The program may be recorded on a non-transitory recording medium such as a computer-readable read-only memory (ROM), an optical disk, or a hard disk drive, or on a temporary storage medium such as a computer-readable random access memory (RAM). The program may be stored in advance on a recording medium, or may be supplied to a recording medium or storage medium via a wide area communication network including the Internet.

[0011] When pursuing well-being in social interactions, it is sometimes necessary to act with consideration for others and to change planned activities. For example, if you have an appointment (event) to eat with friends, even if you are busy at work, it is desirable to finish work early to keep the appointment, or to notify the other person of a change in meeting time. In the embodiment, a technology is proposed that supports people's actions in response to changes in plans through spatial environment configuration based on the situations of multiple people participating in the event together.

[0012] Hereinafter, an event (e.g., going out, a date, a meal, etc.) that multiple people participate in together will be referred to as a "joint event." In the embodiment, a first user and a second user plan to hold a joint event. Furthermore, before the start of the joint event, the first user and the second user act in different spaces. Before the start of the joint event, the space in which the first user acts (exists) will be referred to as a first space, and the space in which the second user acts (exists) will be referred to as a second space.

[0013] 1 shows the configuration of a spatial environment setting system 10 according to a first embodiment. The spatial environment setting system 10 is an information processing system in which a plurality of devices operate in cooperation with each other, and includes output devices 12a, 12b, and 12c, input devices 14, 18, and 22, a setting information storage device 28, and a server 30. The devices in the spatial environment setting system 10 are connected to each other via a communication network such as a LAN, a WAN, or the Internet.

[0014] 1 includes a block diagram showing the functional blocks of each device in the spatial environment setting system 10. Each block shown in the block diagram in this specification can be realized in hardware terms by computer processors (e.g., CPUs), memory, and other elements, electronic circuits, and mechanical devices, and in software terms by computer programs, etc., but the functional blocks shown here are realized by the cooperation of these elements. Therefore, those skilled in the art will understand that these functional blocks can be realized in various ways by combining hardware and software.

[0015] Each of the output devices 12a, 12b, and 12c is an electrical device (such as a home appliance) that is installed in a space used by a user and serves as a space environment adjustment device that adjusts the environment of the space. The output devices 12a, 12b, and 12c are also collectively referred to as "output device 12."

[0016] In the first embodiment, the output device 12a is a lighting device that outputs light with a color temperature and brightness specified by the control information. The output device 12b is an audio device that outputs a type of sound specified by the control information at a specified volume. The output device 12c is an aroma diffuser that diffuses a type of aroma specified by the control information. The output device 12 may include devices other than lighting devices, audio devices, and aroma diffusers, such as an air conditioner or a circulator. In the first embodiment, the output devices 12a, 12b, and 12c are installed in both the first space and the second space.

[0017] The input device 14 acquires information about the first user. The information about the first user is, for example, information about the first user's state, including biometric information about the first user and information resulting from the first user's actions. In this embodiment, the input device 14 is an information processing device that manages state information about the first user (hereinafter also referred to as "first user state information"). The input device 14 stores information for personally identifying the first user, such as the first user's biometric information (e.g., information about appearance, outline, fingerprint, voiceprint, iris, etc.). The input device 14 also detects the state of the first user based on images captured by a camera (not shown) and detection results from various sensors. The state of the first user includes information resulting from the first user's actions, such as the space in which the first user exists, whether the first user is awake, or whether the first user is working. The input device 14 includes a first user state transmission unit 16. The first user state transmission unit 16 transmits the first user state information to the server 30 in response to a request from the server 30, or autonomously or periodically.

[0018] The input device 18 acquires information about the second user. The information about the second user is, for example, information about the second user's status, including biometric information about the second user and information resulting from the second user's actions. In this embodiment, the input device 18 is an information processing device that manages status information about the second user (hereinafter also referred to as "second user status information"). The input device 18 stores information for personally identifying the second user, such as the second user's biometric information (e.g., information about appearance, outline, fingerprint, voiceprint, iris, etc.). The input device 18 also detects the status of the second user based on images captured by a camera (not shown) and detection results from various sensors. The status of the second user includes information resulting from the second user's actions, such as the space in which the second user exists, whether the second user is awake, or whether the second user is working. The input device 18 includes a second user status transmission unit 20. The second user status transmission unit 20 transmits the second user status information to the server 30 in response to a request from the server 30, or autonomously or periodically.

[0019] The input device 14 and the input device 18 may be one device. In other words, the functions of the input device 14 and the functions of the input device 18 may be implemented in a single device.

[0020] The input device 22 is a device into which a user inputs operations that instruct the operation of the output device 12. The input device 14 may be a remote control device or a general-purpose information terminal (e.g., a PC, a tablet terminal, or a smartphone). Although one input device 22 is illustrated in FIG. 1, the spatial environment setting system 10 may include multiple input devices 22, one for each space and / or one for each user.

[0021] The input device 22 includes a spatial environment setting unit 24 and an information presentation unit 26. The spatial environment setting unit 24 transmits information (hereinafter also referred to as "spatial environment setting information") regarding the setting of the spatial environment of a predetermined space (e.g., the first space or the second space) input by the first user or the second user to the server 30. The spatial environment setting information includes information specifying the operation mode of each output device 12 installed in the first space and the second space.

[0022] For example, the spatial environment setting information includes identification information of the space to be set, a set time (e.g., a start time for spatial environment control), instructions for the output device 12a (lighting equipment), instructions for the output device 12b (audio equipment), and instructions for the output device 12c (aroma diffuser). The set time may be a future time or may also be referred to as a scheduled time. The instructions for the output device 12a (lighting equipment) include designation of the color temperature and brightness of the lighting. The instructions for the output device 12b (audio equipment) include designation of the type (genre) and volume of the audio. The instructions for the output device 12c (aroma diffuser) include designation of the type of aroma.

[0023] The information presenting unit 26 includes a display unit that displays various information including text and images, and also includes a display control unit that controls the information display on the display unit.

[0024] The setting information storage device 28 stores the spatial environment setting information transmitted from the input device 22. In the first embodiment, the setting information storage device 28 is provided outside the server 30, but as a modified example, the server 30 may be configured to have the functions of the setting information storage device 28.

[0025] The server 30 is an information processing device that supports spatial environment setting for each space in which the first user and the second user act. In the first embodiment, the server 30 is a server installed in the cloud. However, as a modified example, the server 30 may be a home server installed in a user's home. Furthermore, the functions of the server 30 may be incorporated into a device (e.g., a HEMS controller) installed in the user's home.

[0026] The server 30 includes a spatial environment setting receiving unit 32, a first user state receiving unit 34, a second user state receiving unit 36, a determining unit 38, a deciding unit 40, and a control information output unit 42. A computer program implementing the functions of these multiple functional blocks may be installed in the storage of the server 30. The processor of the server 30 may perform the functions of these multiple functional blocks by reading this computer program into main memory and executing it.

[0027] The spatial environment setting receiving unit 32 receives spatial environment setting information transmitted from the input device 14. The spatial environment setting receiving unit 32 transmits the received spatial environment setting information to the setting information storage device 28 for storage. The input device 14 transmits spatial environment setting information for setting a spatial environment related to a joint event to the server 30 as spatial environment setting information related to the joint event. The spatial environment setting receiving unit 32 receives the spatial environment setting information related to the joint event and stores it in the setting information storage device 28.

[0028] The first user status receiving unit 34 receives the first user status information transmitted from the input device 14. The second user status receiving unit 36 ​​receives the second user status information transmitted from the input device 18.

[0029] In the first embodiment, event information including the start time and start conditions of a joint event created by the first user or the second user is registered in advance in the server 30 or the setting information storage device 28. The start conditions of the joint event include information defining the state or behavior of the first user at the start of the joint event and the state or behavior of the second user at the start of the joint event. Note that "the start time of the joint event" includes a predetermined time before the start of the joint event (for example, 5 minutes or 10 minutes before).

[0030] The determination unit 38 determines whether the first user or the second user is engaging in an action different from an action related to the joint event at the start of the joint event, based on the first user status information received by the first user status receiving unit 34 and the second user status information received by the second user status receiving unit 36. In the first embodiment, the action related to the joint event includes a user's status or action defined as a start condition for the joint event. That is, the determination unit 38 determines whether the status or action of the first user or the second user at the start of the joint event satisfies the start condition for the joint event, and detects this when the start condition for the joint event is not satisfied.

[0031] The determination unit 40 and the control information output unit 42 may be referred to as an environment setting unit or a device control unit. The determination unit 40 determines and creates space environment setting information that sets the space environment of at least one of the first space in which the first user acts and the second space in which the second user acts, based on the determination result by the determination unit 38. The control information output unit 42 outputs the space environment setting information created by the determination unit 40 to a space environment adjustment device (i.e., the output device 12) in the corresponding space (i.e., at least one of the first space and the second space). The space environment setting information may be referred to as a space environment setting condition, and in the embodiment, includes control information for operating the output device 12.

[0032] In the first embodiment, when it is determined that the first user or the second user is performing an action related to the joint event at the start of the joint event, in other words, when it is determined that the start condition of the joint event indicated by the event information is satisfied, the decision unit 40 decides to set the spatial environment of at least one of the first space and the second space to a spatial environment related to the joint event indicated by the spatial environment setting information.

[0033] On the other hand, if the decision unit 40 determines that the first user or the second user is behaving differently from the behavior associated with the joint event at the start of the joint event, in other words, if it determines that the start conditions for the joint event indicated by the event information are not satisfied, it decides to set the spatial environment of at least one of the first space and the second space to a spatial environment different from the spatial environment associated with the joint event indicated by the spatial environment setting information.

[0034] The control information output unit 42 transmits, to the output device 12 installed in the first space, control information for operating the output device 12 in the mode determined by the determination unit 40. The control information output unit 42 also transmits, to the output device 12 installed in the second space, control information for operating the output device 12 in the mode determined by the determination unit 40.

[0035] When the determination unit 40 determines that the spatial environment is to be set in a spatial environment related to the joint event indicated by the spatial environment setting information, the control information output unit 42 transmits control information specifying the operation mode indicated by the spatial environment setting information to the output device 12. Furthermore, when the determination unit 40 determines that the spatial environment is to be set in a spatial environment different from the spatial environment related to the joint event indicated by the spatial environment setting information, the control information output unit 42 transmits control information specifying the operation mode indicated by the different spatial environment to the output device 12.

[0036] 2 is a flowchart showing the operation of the server 30 of the first embodiment. The operation of the spatial environment setting system 10 of the first embodiment will be described below with reference to FIG.

[0037] In this example, the first user and the second user plan to have a meal in the second space from 6:00 PM as a joint event. The first user will work in the first space, and the second user will take a nap in the second space until 6:00 PM. Event information regarding this joint event is registered in advance in the server 30 from the terminal of the first user, the terminal of the second user, or the input device 22. The server 30 may store the registered event information in the setting information storage device 28. This event information specifies 6:00 PM as the start time, and specifies as start conditions that the first user has finished working and the second user is awake.

[0038] 3 shows an example of spatial environment setting information. As shown in the table at the top of FIG. 3 , a first user inputs spatial environment setting information defining a spatial environment of a first space at 6:00 p.m. in the future (e.g., a relaxation mode following the completion of work) into the input device 22, and causes the input device 22 to transmit the spatial environment setting information to the server 30. Also, as shown in the table at the top of FIG. 3 , a second user inputs spatial environment setting information defining a spatial environment of a second space at 6:00 p.m. in the future (e.g., a cafe mode suitable for eating) into the input device 22, and causes the input device 22 to transmit the spatial environment setting information to the server 30. Returning to FIG. 2 , the spatial environment setting receiving unit 32 of the server 30 acquires the spatial environment setting information for the first space and the spatial environment setting information for the second space, and stores the respective spatial environment setting information in the setting information storage device 28 (S10).

[0039] The input device 14 periodically transmits first user presence status information indicating the behavior (status) of the first user to the server 30, and the first user presence status receiving unit 34 of the server 30 receives the first user presence status transmitted from the input device 14 (S11). The input device 14 periodically transmits second user presence status information indicating the behavior (status) of the second user to the server 30. The second user presence status receiving unit 36 ​​of the server 30 receives the second user presence status transmitted from the input device 14 (S12).

[0040] The determination unit 38 of the server 30 determines whether the behavior (state) of the first user or the second user at the start of the joint event differs from the behavior (state) specified by the start condition of the joint event indicated by the event information (S13). In this example, the determination unit 38 determines whether the first user has finished their work and whether the second user is awake before 18:10 (i.e., 17:50). If the first user has finished their work and the second user is awake at 17:50, the determination unit 38 determines that the behavior of the first user or the second user at the start of the joint event matches the behavior specified by the start condition of the joint event indicated by the event information. On the other hand, if the first user has not finished their work or the second user is not awake at 17:50, the determination unit 38 determines that the behavior of the first user or the second user at the start of the joint event differs from the behavior specified by the start condition of the joint event.

[0041] If it is determined that the behavior (state) of the first user or the second user at the start of the joint event matches the behavior (state) specified in the start conditions of the joint event (N in S13), the determination unit 40 of the server 30 determines to apply the spatial environment specified in the pre-registered spatial environment setting information for each of the first space and the second space (S14). In this example, the determination unit 40 determines to apply the spatial environment shown in the table at the top of Figure 3.

[0042] If it is determined that the behavior (state) of the first user or the second user at the start of the joint event is different from the behavior (state) specified in the start conditions of the joint event (Y in S13), the decision unit 40 decides to apply a spatial environment for each of the first space and the second space that is different from the spatial environment specified in the spatial environment setting information registered in advance and that is suitable for the situation of the first user and the second user (S15).

[0043] The control information output unit 42 of the server 30 transmits, to each output device 12 installed in the first space, control information for setting the spatial environment of the first space to the spatial environment determined by the determination unit 40. In addition, the control information output unit 42 transmits, to each output device 12 installed in the second space, control information for setting the spatial environment of the second space to the spatial environment determined by the determination unit 40 (S16).

[0044] An example will be described in which it is determined in S14 that the spatial environment specified in the pre-registered spatial environment setting information is to be applied. The control information output unit 42 may transition the spatial environment of the first space to a relax mode by transmitting control information specifying the operation mode indicated in the table (first user) in the upper part of FIG. 3 to each output device 12 installed in the first space. The control information output unit 42 may transition the spatial environment of the second space to a cafe mode by transmitting control information specifying the operation mode indicated in the table (second user) in the upper part of FIG. 3 to each output device 12 installed in the second space.

[0045] An example will be described in which it is determined in S15 that a spatial environment different from the spatial environment specified in the pre-registered spatial environment setting information is to be applied. The determination unit 40 may reset the start time of the joint event to 18:30 and cancel the spatial environment setting for 18:00 shown in the upper table of FIG. 3 . In this case, the determination unit 40 may determine to maintain the spatial environment for each of the first space and the second space up to before 18:00. Furthermore, the determination unit 40 may determine, at 18:15, to set the spatial environment of the second space to a spatial environment that encourages the second user to wake up, as shown in the lower table of FIG. 3 (second user). Furthermore, the determination unit 40 may determine, at 18:30, to set the spatial environment of the first space to a spatial environment for a relaxation mode indicating the end of work, as shown in the lower table of FIG. 3 (first user).

[0046] If the second user continues to take a nap at the original start time of the joint event, the spatial environment setting system 10 delays the start time of the joint event and controls the spatial environment to match the new start time. Thus, according to the spatial environment setting system 10, if the first user or the second user is engaging in an activity different from the activity related to the joint event even as the start time of the joint event approaches, at least one of the first space and the second space is set to a spatial environment different from the spatial environment related to the joint event. This makes it possible to support changes in the activities of the first and second users (changes to scheduled activities).

[0047] Furthermore, the spatial environment setting system 10 can support users' smooth behavior by taking into account the circumstances of each of the parties sharing a shared event and estimating the preparations of each party before the joint event, whether or not there will be any changes in their activities, etc. For example, if a married couple has a joint event to "cook together at 6 p.m.", a predetermined time before the joint event may be set as a threshold and used as start trigger information for the start of preparation for the joint event. For example, if a married couple resides in the same residence, 5:45 p.m. may be registered as start trigger information for the start of preparation for the joint event.

[0048] Next, the behavioral and status information of each of the husband and wife as of 5:45 PM is acquired, and the status of each party preparing for the joint event is estimated. Suppose the spatial environment of the husband's study was originally scheduled to be changed at 5:45 PM, and the husband and wife were guided to move to the kitchen at 6:00 PM. If it is determined that the wife, one of the parties in the joint event, is still taking a nap at 5:45 PM, it may be determined that the joint event cannot start at 6:00 PM, and the device may be controlled to delay the timing of changing the environment in the space where the husband is present.

[0049] As a result, the husband can indirectly grasp the status of the other person (wife) sharing the joint event without having to check it himself, and continue working. This not only supports smooth interaction between users, but also reduces frustration and enables smooth communication.

[0050] The start trigger information for the preparation start time for the joint event may be set by accepting input information from the parties involved. Alternatively, the start trigger information for the preparation start time may be automatically set based on the basic travel time estimated from the distance, by acquiring location information of the parties involved using GPS or the like while estimating the parties' behavior using sensor information or the like, and calculating the distance from the location information of the joint event.

[0051] Furthermore, when the preparation times for a joint event differ among the parties (e.g., two people) sharing the joint event, for example, when the behavioral information of a first user who has a longer preparation time does not change or the spatial environment setting is maintained even before the scheduled preparation time of the first user, the spatial environment change time for the second user who has a shorter preparation time may be automatically delayed, and the second user may be notified that the start of the joint event will be delayed. Note that, in order to reduce interference with the second user's behavior, it is preferable not to notify the second user that the start of the joint event will be delayed when it is detected that the behavioral information of the first user who has a longer preparation time does not change or that the spatial environment setting is maintained, but to notify the second user that the start of the joint event will be delayed when it is detected that the second user's preparation time is before the scheduled preparation time of the first user.

[0052] On the other hand, if the second user who takes a short time to get ready maintains the spatial environment setting and does not change his / her behavioral information even before the preparation time for the joint event, the first user who takes a long time to get ready may be notified that the start of the joint event will be delayed.In parallel with this, since the first user who takes a long time to get ready is preparing for the joint event, the spatial environment may be changed so that an alarm is issued to the second user who takes a short time to get ready, for example, every five minutes.

[0053] A modified example will be described. When the first space and the second space are close to each other, the determination unit 40 of the server 30 may determine to set the spatial environment of at least one of the first space and the second space to a spatial environment different from that when the first space and the second space are distant from each other. The first space and the second space being close to each other may mean that the distance between the first space and the second space is less than a predetermined threshold, or may mean that the first space and the second space are adjacent to each other. Furthermore, the first user or the second user may register spatial information indicating that the first space and the second space are close to each other in the server 30.

[0054] FIG. 4 shows an example of spatial environment setting information. The spatial environment setting information in FIG. 4 corresponds to the spatial environment setting information shown in the table at the bottom of FIG. 3. When the first space and the second space are separated from each other, for example, when spatial information indicating that the first space and the second space are close to each other is not registered, the determination unit 40 may set the spatial environment of the second space to the spatial environment shown in the table at the bottom of FIG. 3 (second user). On the other hand, when the first space and the second space are close to each other, for example, when spatial information indicating that the first space and the second space are close to each other is registered, the determination unit 40 may set the spatial environment of the second space to the spatial environment shown in the table at the bottom of FIG. 4 (second user).

[0055] When a first space of a first user and a second space of a second user are close to each other, generating a sound in the second space to wake up the second user may affect the environment in the first space where the first user is working, thereby interfering with the first user's work. Therefore, when the first space and the second space are close to each other, the space environment setting information of FIG. 4 may be applied to switch the device control mode in the second space so that the lights flash without generating a sound.

[0056] Another modified example will be described. FIG. 5 shows an example of spatial environment setting information. Here, the first user is scheduled to work in the first space until 3:00 p.m., and the second user is scheduled to work in the second space until 3:00 p.m. The start condition for the joint event is that both the first user and the second user have finished work. Furthermore, in order to start the joint event at 3:00 p.m., the spatial environment of both the first space and the second space is scheduled to be switched to relaxation mode. In other words, relaxation mode is set as the spatial environment related to the joint event. The relaxation mode is a spatial environment in which the brightness of the lighting is reduced, as shown in the table (first user) in the upper part of FIG. 5.

[0057] Assume that at the start of the joint event (3:00 p.m.), the first user's work had finished, but the second user's work was still ongoing. In this case, the determination unit 40 of the server 30 may maintain the work mode spatial environment as the spatial environment of the second space, as shown in the table (second user) in the upper part of FIG. 5 . Furthermore, because the second user engaged in an action that differs from the start conditions of the joint event at the start of the joint event, the determination unit 40 may set the spatial environment of the first space to a spatial environment (e.g., work mode) that is different from the spatial environment related to the joint event (relaxation mode). An example of setting the spatial environment of the first space to work mode is shown in the table (first user) in the middle part of FIG. 5 .

[0058] Then, at 3:30 PM, the input device 22, in response to an operation by the second user, transmits to the server 30 spatial environment setting information for transitioning the spatial environment of the second space to a spatial environment related to the joint event (relaxation mode). An example of this spatial environment setting information is shown in the table (second user) in the middle section of Fig. 5. The control information output unit 42 of the server 30 transmits control information based on this spatial environment setting information to each output device 12 in the second space, transitioning the second space to relaxation mode.

[0059] The decision unit 40 of the server 30 detects, based on the spatial environment setting information transmitted from the input device 22, that the spatial environment of the second space has been transitioned to a spatial environment (relaxation mode) related to a joint event. As shown in the table (first user) in the lower part of FIG. 5 , the decision unit 40 decides to transition the spatial environment of the first space to a spatial environment (relaxation mode) related to a joint event for two minutes. That is, upon the transition of the spatial environment of the second space to a spatial environment related to a joint event, the decision unit 40 transitions the spatial environment of the first space to a spatial environment related to a joint event for a predetermined short period of time. This can prompt the first user to start a joint event with the second user.

[0060] Another modified example will now be described. When it is determined that the first user or the second user is performing an action related to the joint event at the original start time of the joint event defined by the event information, the determination unit 40 of the server 30 may set the spatial environment of at least one of the first space and the second space to the spatial environment related to the joint event at the original start time of the joint event defined by the event information.

[0061] On the other hand, if it is determined that the first user or the second user is engaging in an activity different from the activity related to the joint event at the original start time of the joint event defined by the event information, the determination unit 40 may change the start time of the joint event to a time later than the original start time. For example, the determination unit 40 may determine a time that is delayed by a predetermined time (e.g., 30 minutes) from the original start time as the new start time of the joint event. In this case, the process of setting the spatial environment of at least one of the first space and the second space to a spatial environment different from the spatial environment related to the joint event may be skipped. The determination unit 40 may set the spatial environment of at least one of the first space and the second space to the spatial environment related to the joint event at the new start time of the joint event. This modification also achieves the same effects as the first embodiment.

[0062] Another modified example will now be described. As partially described in the first embodiment, when it is determined that the first user or the second user is behaving differently from the behavior associated with the joint event at the start of the joint event, the determination unit 40 of the server 30 may suppress changes to the spatial environment of at least one of the first space in which the first user acts and the second space in which the second user acts. In other words, in the above case, the determination unit 40 may maintain the spatial environment of at least one of the first space in which the first user acts and the second space in which the second user acts.

[0063] For example, suppose a husband as a first user and a wife as a second user plan to have dinner together at 6 p.m. as a joint event. The husband had planned to work in his study until 6 p.m., but if the wife is still asleep in the living room at 6 p.m., the husband may continue working in the study after 6 p.m., and there is no need to turn off the lights in the study at 6 p.m. as originally planned. Therefore, the determination unit 40 of the server 30 may refrain from changing the environmental settings for the study even at 6 p.m., in other words, may maintain the environmental settings for the study.

[0064] Second Embodiment A second embodiment of the present disclosure will be described, focusing on differences from the first embodiment. Components of the second embodiment that are the same as or equivalent to those of the first embodiment will be assigned the same reference numerals as those of the first embodiment, and descriptions that overlap with those of the first embodiment will be omitted as appropriate.

[0065] The configuration of the spatial environment setting system 10 of the second embodiment is similar to the configuration of the spatial environment setting system 10 of the first embodiment shown in Fig. 1. Furthermore, the functional blocks included in the server 30 of the second embodiment are similar to the functional blocks included in the server 30 of the first embodiment shown in Fig. 1.

[0066] The determination unit 38 of the server 30 further functions as a relationship determination unit. In addition to determining whether the first user or the second user is behaving differently from the behavior associated with the joint event at the start of the joint event, the determination unit 38 further determines whether the relationship between the first user and the second user satisfies a predetermined condition. When it is determined that the first user or the second user is behaving differently from the behavior associated with the joint event at the start of the joint event and when the relationship between the first user and the second user satisfies the predetermined condition, the determination unit 40 of the server 30 sets the spatial environment of at least one of the first space and the second space to a spatial environment different from the spatial environment associated with the joint event.

[0067] 6 is a flowchart showing the operation of the server 30 of the second embodiment. The processes of S20 to S22 are the same as S10 to S12 of the first embodiment shown in FIG.

[0068] As in the first embodiment, if the judgment unit 38 of the server 30 determines that the behavior (state) of the first user or the second user at the start of the joint event matches the behavior (state) specified by the start conditions of the joint event indicated by the event information (N in S23), the decision unit 40 of the server 30 decides to apply the spatial environment specified in the spatial environment setting information registered in advance to each of the first space and the second space (S24).

[0069] Unlike the first embodiment, if the determination unit 38 of the server 30 determines that the behavior (state) of the first user or the second user at the start of the joint event differs from the behavior (state) specified by the start condition of the joint event indicated by the event information (Y in S23), the determination unit 38 further determines the relationship level between the first user and the second user. The relationship level is an index value that indicates the depth of the relationship between the first user and the second user.

[0070] 7 shows examples of relationship levels. The relationship label a is a label indicating the social relationship between the first user and the second user, and is registered by the first user or the second user in the server 30. For example, the relationship label may be "9" or higher for family members within the second degree of kinship, "5" for colleagues in the same company, or "7" for classmates in the same school.

[0071] The intimacy level b is a value based on the subjective opinions of the first user and the second user. For example, the first user and the second user may each register a value on a scale of 1 to 10 indicating their intimacy level with the server 30. The server 30 may calculate the average value of the intimacy levels registered by the first user and the second user as the intimacy level between the first user and the second user. The determination unit 38 of the server 30 determines the relationship level between the first user and the second user based on the sum of the relationship label a and the intimacy level b.

[0072] The relationship label for a is not limited to 10 levels. For example, the relationship label for a may be three levels: "3" for family or relatives, "2" for belonging to the same community (company, etc.), and "1" for others, and the threshold for the relationship level may be changed accordingly. On the other hand, if the level of intimacy differs between a husband and wife and siblings within a family, the level may be changed to 5 or 10 levels to increase the resolution. Furthermore, since it is assumed that each user will select the intimacy level for b in advance, it is desirable that the level of intimacy can be selected in equal or greater detail than the relationship label for a. Therefore, it is considered appropriate that the intimacy level for b is set to about 10 levels.

[0073] 6 , the determination unit 38 determines whether the relationship between the first user and the second user is deep, and in the second embodiment, determines whether the relationship level between the first user and the second user is equal to or greater than a predetermined threshold (S25). This threshold may be "B," and the determination unit 38 may determine whether the relationship label is "B" or greater (i.e., the relationship label is "A" or "B"). An appropriate value for this threshold may be determined based on the knowledge of the system developer or experiments using the spatial environment setting system 10.

[0074] If the relationship level between the first user and the second user is determined to be above a predetermined threshold (Y in S25), the decision unit 40 of the server 30 decides to apply a spatial environment to each of the first space and the second space that is different from the spatial environment specified in the pre-registered spatial environment setting information and that is suitable for the situation of the first user and the second user (S26).

[0075] If the relationship level between the first user and the second user is determined to be less than a predetermined threshold, for example, if the relationship label between the first user and the second user is "C" or less (N in S25), the process proceeds to S24, and the spatial environment specified in the pre-registered spatial environment setting information is applied. The process of S27 is the same as S16 in FIG. 2 described in the first embodiment, and therefore will not be described again.

[0076] As processing S26, the decision unit 40 of the server 30 may decide to set the spatial environment of the first space in which the first user acts to a spatial environment different from the spatial environment related to the joint event, and to the same spatial environment as the second space in which the second user acts.

[0077] FIG. 8 shows an example of space environment setting information. In this example, a first user works in a first space, and a second user works in a second space. The first user and the second user are scheduled to finish work at 3:00 p.m. (the start condition for the joint event) and start the joint event. The first user and the second user have a close relationship (e.g., friends or lovers). The table in the upper part of FIG. 8 shows the initial space environment setting information. In the initial space environment setting information, the space environment was set to transition to a relaxation mode at 3:00 p.m. in both the first and second spaces.

[0078] In reality, the second user had not finished his work by 3:00 PM, so the spatial environment of the second space remained in work mode even at 3:00 PM (the second user in the middle table of FIG. 8 ). The determination unit 40 of the server 30 may detect this based on the spatial environment setting information transmitted from the input device 18. In this case, the behavior of the second user at the start of the joint event did not satisfy the start condition, and the relationship level between the first user and the second user was equal to or greater than a predetermined value, so the determination unit 40 sets the spatial environment of the first space to the same spatial environment (work mode) as that of the second space (the first user in the middle table of FIG. 8 ) as the processing of S26 in FIG. 6 .

[0079] Thereafter, at 18:30, the second user finished work and the spatial environment of the second space was changed to relaxation mode (the second user in the table at the bottom of FIG. 8 ). The decision unit 40 may detect this based on the spatial environment setting information transmitted from the input device 18. The decision unit 40 sets the spatial environment of the first space to the same spatial environment as the second space, i.e., changes the spatial environment of the first space from work mode to relaxation mode (the first user in the table at the bottom of FIG. 8 ).

[0080] According to the spatial environment setting system 10 of the second embodiment, the spatial environment of at least one of the first space and the second space can be set more appropriately by taking into account the relationship between the first user and the second user. For example, if a friend or a partner who works in a distant location works beyond the scheduled time, by setting the same spatial environment until the other person finishes work, the other person can be notified of the timing when the other person's work is finished and can be supported to take action that is considerate of the other person's situation.

[0081] The present disclosure has been described above based on the first and second embodiments. The embodiments are merely examples, and it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various modifications are possible in the combination of each component or each treatment process of the embodiments, and that such modifications are also within the scope of the present disclosure.

[0082] Any combination of the above-described embodiments and multiple modifications is also useful as an embodiment of the present disclosure. A new embodiment resulting from a combination combines the effects of the combined embodiments and modifications. It will also be understood by those skilled in the art that the functions to be performed by each component recited in the claims can be realized by each component shown in the embodiments and modifications, either alone or in combination.

[0083] <Supplementary Notes> The above description of the embodiment and modified examples discloses the following technology. [Technology 1] A space environment setting method in which an information processing device: acquires information about a first user acting in a first space; acquires information about a second user acting in a second space different from the first space and who is planning a joint event with the first user; determines, based on the information about the first user and the information about the second user, whether the first user or the second user is behaving differently from behavior associated with the joint event at the start of the joint event; creates space environment setting information for at least one of the first space and the second space based on the result of the determination; and outputs the created space environment setting information to a control target device for the corresponding space. This space environment setting method can set an appropriate space environment for at least one of the first space and the second space based on whether the first user or the second user is behaving differently from behavior associated with the joint event at the start of the joint event, thereby improving the well-being of each of the first user and the second user. [Technology 2] The spatial environment setting method according to Technology 1, wherein, if it is determined that the first user or the second user is performing an action related to the joint event at the start of the joint event, the spatial environment of at least one of the first space and the second space is set to a spatial environment related to the joint event. According to this spatial environment setting method, if the first user or the second user is performing an action related to the joint event at the start of the joint event, at least one of the first user's space and the second user's space is set to a spatial environment related to the joint event, thereby supporting the actions of the first user and the second user (e.g., the start of an action for the joint event). [Technology 3] The spatial environment setting method according to Technology 1 or 2, wherein, if it is determined that the first user or the second user is performing the different action at the start of the joint event, the spatial environment of at least one of the first space and the second space is set to a spatial environment different from the spatial environment related to the joint event.According to this spatial environment setting method, if a first user or a second user is engaging in an activity that differs from the activity associated with the joint event even as the start time of the joint event approaches, at least one of the first user's space and the second user's space is set to a spatial environment that differs from the spatial environment associated with the joint event, thereby supporting changes in the activities of the first user and the second user (changes to scheduled activities). [Technology 4] The spatial environment setting method according to Technology 1 or 2, wherein if it is determined that the first user or the second user is engaging in the different activity at the start of the joint event, changes to the spatial environment of at least one of the first space and the second space are suppressed. According to this spatial environment setting method, if a first user or a second user is engaging in an activity that differs from the activity associated with the joint event even as the start time of the joint event approaches, the previous spatial environment of at least one of the first user's space and the second user's space is maintained, thereby supporting changes in the activities of the first user and the second user (changes to scheduled activities). [Technology 5] The spatial environment setting method according to Technology 1 or 2, wherein, when the first space and the second space are close to each other, the information processing device sets the spatial environment of at least one of the first space and the second space to a spatial environment different from that when the first space and the second space are far apart. This spatial environment setting method can prevent the spatial environment of the first space (or the second space) from having an undesirable effect on the spatial environment of the second space (or the first space) when the first space and the second space are close to each other. [Technology 6] The spatial environment setting method according to Technology 1, wherein, when it is determined that the second user is performing the different behavior at the start of the joint event and the spatial environment of the first space is set to a spatial environment different from that related to the joint event, and then the spatial environment of the second space transitions to that related to the joint event, the information processing device sets the spatial environment of the first space to the spatial environment related to the joint event. This spatial environment setting method can encourage the first user to engage in joint behavior with the second user.[Technology 7] The spatial environment setting method according to Technology 1, wherein, when it is determined that the first user or the second user is engaging in the different behavior at the start of the joint event and the relationship between the first user and the second user satisfies a predetermined condition, the information processing device sets the spatial environment of at least one of the first space and the second space to a spatial environment different from the spatial environment related to the joint event. This spatial environment setting method allows the spatial environment of at least one of the first space and the second space to be set more appropriately by taking into account the relationship between the first user and the second user. [Technology 8] The spatial environment setting method according to Technology 7, wherein, when an index value indicating the depth of the relationship between the first user and the second user is equal to or greater than a predetermined value, the information processing device sets the spatial environment of the first space to a spatial environment of the second space that is different from the spatial environment related to the joint event. This spatial environment setting method allows the first user to be aware of the situation of the second user when the relationship between the first user and the second user is deep. [Technology 9] An information processing device comprising: a first acquisition unit that acquires information about a first user who is active in a first space; a second acquisition unit that acquires information about a second user who is active in a second space different from the first space and who is planning a joint event with the first user; a determination unit that determines whether the first user or the second user is behaving differently from an activity related to the joint event at the start of the joint event based on the information about the first user and the information about the second user; a decision unit that creates spatial environment setting information for at least one of the first space and the second space based on the determination result by the determination unit; and an output unit that outputs the spatial environment setting information created by the decision unit to a control target device of the corresponding space. With this information processing device, as with the information processing method of Technology 1, it is possible to set at least one of the first space and the second space to an appropriate spatial environment, thereby improving the well-being of each of the first user and the second user.[Technology 10] A computer program for causing an information processing device to execute the following: acquire information about a first user who is active in a first space, acquire information about a second user who is active in a second space different from the first space and who is planning a joint event with the first user, determine whether the first user or the second user is behaving differently from an activity related to the joint event at the start of the joint event based on the information about the first user and the information about the second user, create space environment setting information for at least one of the first space and the second space based on the result of the determination, and output the created space environment setting information to a control target device for the corresponding space. According to this computer program, as with the information processing method of Technology 1, it is possible to set at least one of the first space and the second space to an appropriate space environment, thereby improving the well-being of each of the first user and the second user.

[0084] The technology of the present disclosure can be applied to information processing devices and information processing systems.

[0085] REFERENCE SIGNS LIST 10 spatial environment setting system, 12 output device, 30 server, 32 spatial environment setting receiving unit, 34 first user state receiving unit, 36 second user state receiving unit, 38 determination unit, 40 decision unit, 42 control information output unit.

Claims

1. A space environment setting method in which an information processing device acquires information about a first user who is active in a first space, acquires information about a second user who is active in a second space different from the first space and who is planning a joint event with the first user, determines whether the first user or the second user is behaving differently from the behavior associated with the joint event at the start of the joint event based on the information about the first user and the information about the second user, creates space environment setting information for at least one of the first space and the second space based on the result of the determination, and outputs the created space environment setting information to a controlled device for the corresponding space.

2. The spatial environment setting method of claim 1, wherein if it is determined that the first user or the second user is performing an action related to the joint event at the start of the joint event, the spatial environment of at least one of the first space and the second space is set to a spatial environment related to the joint event.

3. A spatial environment setting method as described in claim 1 or 2, wherein if it is determined that the first user or the second user is taking the different behavior at the start of the joint event, the spatial environment of at least one of the first space and the second space is set to a spatial environment different from the spatial environment related to the joint event.

4. A spatial environment setting method as described in claim 1 or 2, wherein if it is determined that the first user or the second user is taking the different behavior at the start of the joint event, changes to the spatial environment of at least one of the first space and the second space are suppressed.

5. A spatial environment setting method as described in claim 1 or 2, wherein when the first space and the second space are close to each other, the information processing device sets the spatial environment of at least one of the first space and the second space to a spatial environment different from that when the first space and the second space are far apart.

6. The spatial environment setting method of claim 1, wherein, when it is determined that the second user is taking the different behavior at the start of the joint event and the spatial environment of the first space is set to a spatial environment different from the spatial environment related to the joint event, and then the spatial environment of the second space transitions to the spatial environment related to the joint event, the information processing device sets the spatial environment of the first space to the spatial environment related to the joint event.

7. The spatial environment setting method of claim 1, wherein, when it is determined that the first user or the second user is taking the different behavior at the start of the joint event and the relationship between the first user and the second user satisfies a predetermined condition, the information processing device sets the spatial environment of at least one of the first space and the second space to a spatial environment different from the spatial environment related to the joint event.

8. The spatial environment setting method according to claim 7, wherein the information processing device sets the spatial environment of the first space to the spatial environment of the second space as a spatial environment different from the spatial environment related to the joint event when an index value indicating the depth of the relationship between the first user and the second user is equal to or greater than a predetermined value.

9. An information processing device comprising: a first acquisition unit that acquires information about a first user who is acting in a first space; a second acquisition unit that acquires information about a second user who is acting in a second space different from the first space and who is planning a joint event with the first user; a judgment unit that determines whether the first user or the second user is acting differently from an action related to the joint event at the start of the joint event based on the information about the first user and the information about the second user; a decision unit that creates space environment setting information for at least one of the first space and the second space based on the judgment result by the judgment unit; and an output unit that outputs the space environment setting information created by the decision unit to a controlled device in the corresponding space.

10. A computer program for causing an information processing device to perform the following operations: acquire information about a first user acting in a first space; acquire information about a second user acting in a second space different from the first space and who is planning a joint event with the first user; determine, based on the information about the first user and the information about the second user, whether the first user or the second user is acting differently from the behavior associated with the joint event at the start of the joint event; create space environment setting information for at least one of the first space and the second space based on the result of the determination; and output the created space environment setting information to a controlled device for the corresponding space.

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