Information processing system, information processing method, and program

Abstract

[Problem] To reduce the workload of a manager performing air-conditioning control for a plurality of air-conditioning spaces and the inconveniencing of a user due to the air-conditioning spaces. [Solution] A control unit 11 for a management server 10 constituting an information processing system performs air-conditioning control for a plurality of air-conditioning spaces, acquires building information relating to a building having the plurality of air-conditioning spaces, and sets the relative priority of the air-conditioning control for the plurality of air-conditioning spaces on the basis of the acquired building information or setting information generated from the building information.

Description

Information Processing System, Information Processing Method, and Program

[0001] The present disclosure relates to an information processing system, an information processing method, and a program.

[0002] A technique has been proposed for setting the priority of air conditioning according to the environmental state of an air-conditioned space, which is a unit of air conditioning control (for example, Patent Document 1). In such a technique, the setting of the priority of air conditioning is performed for only one space.

[0003] Japanese Patent No. 3584571

[0004] An administrator who controls the air conditioning of a building conducts hearings with the users of the air-conditioned spaces and sets the priority of air conditioning for each air-conditioned space. Therefore, as the number of air-conditioned spaces to be managed increases, the workload of the administrator and the effort of the users of the air-conditioned spaces who respond to the hearings increase accordingly. In particular, the workload of an administrator who controls the air conditioning of a large-scale property having many air-conditioned spaces becomes enormous. The present disclosure aims to reduce the workload of an administrator who controls the air conditioning of a plurality of air-conditioned spaces and the effort of the users of the air-conditioned spaces.

[0005] The information processing system disclosed herein, which achieves the above objectives, has a control unit that performs air conditioning control for multiple air-conditioned spaces, and the control unit acquires building information relating to a building having the multiple air-conditioned spaces, and sets the relative priority of air conditioning control for the multiple air-conditioned spaces based on the acquired building information or setting information generated from said building information. In this case, the workload of the manager performing air conditioning control for the multiple air-conditioned spaces and the effort of the users can be reduced. Here, the building information may include information on the actual performance of air conditioning control. In this case, it becomes possible to allocate power in accordance with the actual performance of the air conditioning equipment. The building information may also include usage information for each air-conditioned space associated with that space. In this case, it becomes possible to allocate power in accordance with the actual performance of the air-conditioned space. Furthermore, the control unit may plan the distribution of power to the multiple air-conditioned spaces according to the priority at predetermined time intervals, reset the previously set priority based on the usage information acquired most recently from the building information acquired periodically, and modify the plan according to the reset priority. In this case, air conditioning can be provided that meets the needs of users of the air-conditioned space. The control unit may also set the priority at predetermined intervals. In this case, power can be allocated in accordance with the actual conditions of the air-conditioned space, which differ depending on the time of day. The control unit may also set the priority based on the learning results obtained by machine learning the building information. In this case, the accuracy of the set priority will increase as the building information is accumulated. Furthermore, the information processing method disclosed herein that achieves the above objectives is an information processing method in which a control unit that performs air conditioning control for multiple air-conditioned spaces acquires building information relating to a building having the multiple air-conditioned spaces, and sets the relative priority of air conditioning control for the multiple air-conditioned spaces based on the acquired building information or setting information generated from said building information. In this case, the workload of the administrator who performs air conditioning control for multiple air-conditioned spaces and the effort required of users can be reduced.Furthermore, the program disclosed herein, which achieves the above objectives, is a program that causes a control unit that performs air conditioning control for multiple air-conditioned spaces to acquire building information relating to a building having the multiple air-conditioned spaces, and to set the relative priority of air conditioning control for the multiple air-conditioned spaces based on the acquired building information or setting information generated from said building information. In this case, the workload of the administrator who performs air conditioning control for multiple air-conditioned spaces and the effort required of the users can be reduced.

[0006] This figure shows an example of the overall configuration of an information processing system to which this embodiment is applied. This figure shows an example of the hardware configuration of the management server constituting the information processing system of Figure 1. This figure shows an example of the functional configuration of the control unit of the management server of Figure 2. This flowchart shows an example of the processing flow for setting priorities among the processing of the management server. This figure shows a specific example of a building to which the information processing system of Figure 1 is applied. This figure shows the outdoor unit of an air conditioner included in the information processing system of Figure 1. This figure shows the outdoor unit of an air conditioner installed in the building of Figure 6. This flowchart shows an example of the processing flow for setting priorities by using machine learning on building information among the processing of the management server.

[0007] The embodiments will be described in detail below with reference to the attached drawings. <Overall Configuration of Information Processing System 1> Figure 1 is a diagram showing an example of the overall configuration of the information processing system 1 to which this embodiment is applied. The information processing system 1 is configured by connecting a management server 10, air conditioning control devices 30-1 to 30-n (where n is an integer value of 1 or more), and an administrator terminal 70 via a network 90. ​​Each of the air conditioning control devices 30-1 to 30-n is connected to m units (where m is an integer value of 1 or more) of air conditioners 50 that provide air conditioning for the space to be air-conditioned (hereinafter referred to as the "air-conditioned space"). Hereinafter, when it is not necessary to describe the air conditioning control devices 30-1 to 30-n individually, they will be collectively referred to as the "air conditioning control device 30".

[0008] The management server 10, which constitutes the information processing system 1, is an information processing device that acts as a server for managing the entire information processing system 1. The air conditioning control device 30 is a control device that performs air conditioning control for multiple air-conditioned spaces by controlling the operation of m air conditioners 50. The administrator terminal 70 is an information processing device such as a personal computer, tablet terminal, or smartphone that is operated by a building manager who manages a building with multiple air-conditioned spaces. The network 90 is, for example, a LAN (= Local Area Network) or the internet.

[0009] The information processing system 1 sets relative priorities (hereinafter simply referred to as "priorities") for air conditioning control of multiple air-conditioned spaces based on information about the building managed by the building manager (hereinafter referred to as "building information"). The building information that forms the basis for setting priorities includes, for example, information on the performance of air conditioning control of multiple air-conditioned spaces, information on the use of multiple air-conditioned spaces, and names set for each air-conditioned space (e.g., president's office, conference room, office, library). The performance information on air conditioning control includes, for example, information on the temperature setting history of the air conditioner 50, the measurement history of temperature (refrigerant temperature, discharge temperature, etc.), operating time, and remote control operation history. The usage information also includes, for example, schedules managed for each air-conditioned space or for each user of an air-conditioned space, and information such as population density calculated from the size of the air-conditioned space and the number of users.

[0010] Furthermore, the information processing system 1 can also set the relative priority of air conditioning control for multiple air-conditioned spaces based not on the acquired building information itself, but on information for setting priorities (hereinafter referred to as "setting information") generated from the building information.

[0011] Information processing system 1 plans the distribution of power to multiple air-conditioned spaces according to the priority set for each air-conditioned space in the building. Information processing system 1 can also plan the distribution of power to multiple air-conditioned spaces at predetermined time intervals (e.g., days, hours, minutes, seconds, etc.) or at predetermined timings.

[0012] Here, the predetermined timing refers to, for example, the timing for implementing demand response (DR). Demand response is when a retail electricity provider requests electricity consumers (building managers in this embodiment) to cooperate in adjusting their electricity demand during a specified period in accordance with the electricity supply and demand situation.

[0013] [Management Server 10] The management server 10, which constitutes the information processing system 1, transmits various information to the air conditioning control device 30, the administrator terminal 70, and external sources, and enables the execution of various processes. The management server 10 also acquires various information transmitted from the air conditioning control device 30, the administrator terminal 70, and external sources, and enables the execution of various processes.

[0014] For example, the management server 10 acquires building information transmitted from the air conditioning control device 30 and the administrator terminal 70. The building information may be transmitted to the management server 10 periodically, or it may be transmitted as needed at predetermined intervals. The management server 10 sets a priority for each air-conditioned space in the building based on the acquired building information itself, or the setting information generated from the building information. The priority is set in multiple stages. For example, it may be set in three stages such as High, Middle, Low, or 1, 2, 3, or it may be set in four stages such as A, B, C, D, or 1, 2, 3, 4. It may also be set in other ways (for example, two stages, five or more stages, etc.).

[0015] The timing and frequency of the management server 10 setting priorities are not particularly limited. For example, the priority may be set once and not reset, or it may be set (reset) each time building information is acquired that is transmitted periodically. Alternatively, the priority may be set at predetermined intervals (e.g., days, hours, minutes, seconds), or it may be set in real time. Furthermore, the priority may be set based on the learning results obtained by machine learning the building information.

[0016] The management server 10 plans the distribution of power to multiple air-conditioned spaces in the building according to the priority set for each air-conditioned space, and transmits information about this plan (hereinafter referred to as the "distribution plan") to the air conditioning control device 30. The contents of the distribution plan are reviewed and modified as appropriate according to the usage status of the air-conditioned spaces. Specifically, the management server 10 resets the previously set priority based on the most recently acquired usage information from the building information periodically transmitted from the administrator terminal 70. Then, the management server 10 modifies the distribution plan according to the reset priority. A specific example of modification of the distribution plan will be described later with reference to Figure 5.

[0017] [Air Conditioning Control Device 30] The air conditioning control device 30, which constitutes the information processing system 1, transmits various information to the management server 10, the air conditioner 50, and the administrator terminal 70, and enables them to perform various processes. The air conditioning control device 30 also acquires various information transmitted from the management server 10, the air conditioner 50, and the administrator terminal 70, and enables them to perform various processes.

[0018] For example, the air conditioning control device 30 acquires the distribution plan planned by the management server 10 and controls the operation of m units of air conditioners 50 according to the acquired distribution plan. A specific example of the control of the operation of the air conditioners 50 carried out according to the distribution plan will be described later with reference to Figure 5. In addition, the air conditioning control device 30 records the actual air conditioning control information of the m units of air conditioners 50 and transmits it to the management server 10 at a predetermined timing.

[0019] [Administrator Terminal 70] The administrator terminal 70, which constitutes the information processing system 1, is capable of transmitting various types of information to the management server 10, the air conditioning control device 30, and external sources. The administrator terminal 70 is also capable of acquiring various types of information transmitted from the management server 10, the air conditioning control device 30, and external sources, and executing various processes.

[0020] For example, the administrator terminal 70 manages building usage information and transmits it to the management server 10 at predetermined intervals. The administrator terminal 70 also retrieves the distribution plan planned by the management server 10 and displays it on a display or the like.

[0021] The configuration of the information processing system 1 described above is just one example; the information processing system 1 as a whole only needs to have the functionality to perform the processing described above. For this reason, some or all of the functions for performing the processing described above may be shared or performed collaboratively by each information processing device within the information processing system 1. In other words, some or all of the functions of the management server 10 may be assigned to the functions of the air conditioning control device 30 or the administrator terminal 70. Furthermore, some or all of the functions of each information processing device constituting the information processing system 1 may be transferred to other servers, etc., not shown in the diagram. This will facilitate processing for the information processing system 1 as a whole, and also allow for complementary processing.

[0022] <Hardware Configuration> [Hardware Configuration of Management Server 10] Figure 2 shows an example of the hardware configuration of the management server 10 that constitutes the information processing system 1 shown in Figure 1. The management server 10 includes a control unit 11, a memory 12, a storage unit 13, a communication unit 14, an operation unit 15, and a display unit 16. These units are connected by a data bus, an address bus, a PCI (Peripheral Component Interconnect) bus, etc.

[0023] The control unit 11 is a processor that controls the functions of the management server 10 through the execution of various software such as the OS (operating system) and application software. In this embodiment, various processes are executed on any computer. This computer may be implemented as a processor as hardware, a program as software, or a combination thereof. This computer may be a general-purpose computer, a computer for a specific purpose, a workstation, or any other system capable of executing various processes.

[0024] The processor is configured to perform various processes in cooperation with the program. The processor can function as each unit or each means in this embodiment. The execution order of the processes performed by the processor is not limited to the order described in this embodiment and can be changed as needed.

[0025] A processor can be configured with one or more hardware components. The types of hardware that make up a processor are not limited to any particular type. For example, a processor may be a CPU (Central Processing Unit), an MPU (Micro Processing Unit), a programmable logic device such as an FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array), a dedicated circuit for executing specific processing such as an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit), a GPU (Graphic Processing Unit), or hardware such as an NPU (Neural Processing Unit).

[0026] A processor can be configured not only with a combination of multiple hardware components of the same type, but also with a combination of multiple hardware components of different types. When multiple hardware components are configured to perform one or more processes of a given processor, the multiple hardware components may reside in physically separate devices or in the same device. Hardware is composed of electrical circuits, etc., which are combinations of circuit elements such as semiconductor elements.

[0027] In any embodiment, the execution order of various processes by the processor is not limited to the order described in each embodiment and can be changed as necessary. The program may be firmware or software such as microcode. The program may also be, for example, a group of program modules. Each function constituting the group of program modules may be implemented by a processor configured to execute each function. The program in each embodiment may be program code or multiple code segments stored in one or more non-temporary computer-readable media (e.g., semiconductor memory, magnetic or optical storage media, or other storage).

[0028] A program may be divided and stored on multiple non-temporary computer-readable media located on devices that are physically separated from each other. Program code and multiple code segments may be represented by any combination of procedures, functions, subprograms, routines, subroutines, modules, software packages, classes, instructions, data structures, and program statements. Program code and multiple code segments may be connected to other code segments or hardware circuits by sending and receiving information, data, arguments, parameters, or memory contents.

[0029] Memory 12 is a storage area that stores various software and data used for its execution, and is used as a work area during calculations. Memory 12 is composed of, for example, RAM (Random Access Memory).

[0030] The storage unit 13 is a storage area that stores input data for various software and output data from various software. The storage unit 13 is composed of, for example, an HDD (Hard Disk Drive), an SSD (Solid State Drive), or semiconductor memory used to store programs and various setting data. The storage unit 13 is provided with a database for storing various information. An example of a database provided in the storage unit 13 is a database that stores building information.

[0031] The communication unit 14 transmits and receives data between the air conditioning control device 30, the administrator terminal 70, and the outside world via the network 90. ​​The operation unit 15 consists of, for example, a keyboard, mouse, mechanical buttons, and switches, and accepts input operations.

[0032] The operation unit 15 also includes a touch sensor that forms a touch panel integrally with the display unit 16. The display unit 16 is composed of, for example, a liquid crystal display or an organic EL (Electro-Luminescence) display used for displaying information, and displays image and text data. The display unit 16 displays a user interface, etc.

[0033] [Hardware configuration of the air conditioning control device 30, air conditioner 50, and administrator terminal 70] The air conditioning control device 30, air conditioner 50, and administrator terminal 70 each include a control unit, memory, storage unit, communication unit, operation unit, and display unit, respectively, corresponding to the control unit 11, memory 12, storage unit 13, communication unit 14, operation unit 15, and display unit 16 shown in Figure 2.

[0034] <Functional Configuration> [Functional Configuration of the Control Unit 11 of the Management Server 10] Figure 3 shows an example of the functional configuration of the control unit 11 of the management server 10 shown in Figure 2. The control unit 11 of the management server 10 functions as an acquisition unit 111 that acquires various types of information, a management unit 112 that records and manages various types of information, and a generation unit 113 that generates various types of information. In addition, the control unit 11 functions as a setting unit 114 that sets priorities, a distribution unit 115 that plans the distribution of power, and a transmission control unit 116 that controls the transmission of various types of information.

[0035] The acquisition unit 111 acquires various types of information via the communication unit 14 (see Figure 2). For example, the acquisition unit 111 acquires air conditioning control performance information transmitted as building information from the air conditioning control device 30. The acquisition unit 111 also acquires usage information for multiple air-conditioned spaces transmitted as building information from the administrator terminal 70.

[0036] The management unit 112 stores and manages the building information (performance information on air conditioning control and usage information of multiple air-conditioned spaces) acquired by the acquisition unit 111 in the database of the storage unit 13 (see Figure 2).

[0037] The generation unit 113 generates setting information from the building information acquired by the acquisition unit 111. The setting unit 114 sets the priority of multiple air-conditioned spaces based on the building information acquired by the acquisition unit 111 or the setting information generated by the generation unit 113.

[0038] The distribution unit 115 plans the distribution of power to multiple air-conditioned spaces according to the priority set by the setting unit 114. For example, the distribution unit 115 plans the distribution of power that can be used for air conditioning (power consumption: kW) or delta kilowatts (ΔkW) allocated to each building. Delta kilowatts (ΔkW) refers to securing in advance power sources with the necessary capacity for each time period at the time of actual supply and demand, in a state in which the output can be adjusted.

[0039] The transmission control unit 116 controls the transmission of various information via the communication unit 14 to the air conditioning control device 30, the administrator terminal 70, and external sources. For example, the transmission control unit 116 controls the transmission of the priority set by the setting unit 114 to the administrator terminal 70. The transmission control unit 116 also controls the transmission of the distribution plan planned by the distribution unit 115 to the air conditioning control device 30.

[0040] <Processing Flow of Management Server 10> Figure 4 is a flowchart showing an example of the processing flow for setting priorities in the management server 10. In the example in Figure 4, priorities are not set based on the building information itself, but rather setting information is generated from the building information, and priorities are set based on that setting information. Furthermore, priorities are set at predetermined time intervals.

[0041] When building information is transmitted (YES in step 41), the management server 10 acquires and manages the transmitted building information (step 42). On the other hand, when the building information has not been transmitted (NO in step 41), the management server 10 repeats the determination process of step 41. Here, the building information transmitted to the management server 10 includes, for example, the actual performance information of air-conditioning control of a plurality of air-conditioned spaces transmitted from the air-conditioning control device 30 and the usage information of a plurality of air-conditioned spaces transmitted from the administrator terminal 70.

[0042] The management server 10 generates setting information from the building information acquired in step 42 (step 43). Then, the management server 10 sets priorities for each air-conditioned space in the building based on the generated setting information (step 44). Next, the management server 10 plans the power distribution for a plurality of air-conditioned spaces according to the set priorities (step 45).

[0043] When a predetermined time has elapsed after setting the priorities (YES in step 46), the management server 10 returns to the determination process of step 41. As a result, the priorities will be set again.

[0044] <Specific Example> Fig. 5 is a diagram showing a specific example of a building to which the information processing system 1 of Fig. 1 is applied. Fig. 5 shows a building 200 to which the information processing system 1 is applied, a management server 10 that manages the entire information processing system 1, and an administrator terminal 70 operated by the building administrator of the building 200. In addition, an air-conditioning control device 30-1 that controls the operation (for example, temperature setting) of each of two air-conditioning units 50 that perform air-conditioning in the air-conditioned space 311 of the building 200 and one air-conditioning unit 50 that performs air-conditioning in the air-conditioned space 312 of the building 200 is shown. In addition, an air-conditioning control device 30-2 that controls the operation of one air-conditioning unit 50 that performs air-conditioning in the air-conditioned space 321 of the building 200 is shown. In addition, an air-conditioning control device 30-3 that controls the operation of each of one air-conditioning unit 50 that performs air-conditioning in the air-conditioned space 331 of the building 200 and one air-conditioning unit 50 that performs air-conditioning in the air-conditioned space 332 of the building 200 is shown.

[0045] In Figure 5, the air conditioning control device 30-1 and the air-conditioned spaces 311 and 312 that are subject to air conditioning control by the air conditioning control device 30-1 constitute the air conditioning system 301 of the building 200. Furthermore, the air conditioning control device 30-2 and the air-conditioned space 321 that are subject to air conditioning control by the air conditioning control device 30-2 constitute the air conditioning system 302 of the building 200. In addition, the air conditioning control device 30-3 and the air-conditioned spaces 331 and 332 that are subject to air conditioning control by the air conditioning control device 30-3 constitute the air conditioning system 303 of the building 200.

[0046] Here, suppose that the amount of power available for air conditioning in building 200 is predetermined, and that this power is less than the power required to fully operate the six air conditioners 50 installed in building 200. In this case, the management server 10 sets the priority for each of the air-conditioned spaces 311, 312, 321, 331, and 332, and plans the distribution of power according to the set priority. The priority is set based on the building information itself, or on configuration information generated from the building information, as described above.

[0047] [Specific example of setting priorities] For example, suppose that from the names of the air-conditioned spaces included in the building information provided by the administrator terminal 70, it is determined that air-conditioned space 311 is zone A of the office on the second floor of building 200, and air-conditioned space 312 is zone B of the office on the second floor of building 200. Also, suppose that air-conditioned space 321 is the president's office on the third floor of building 200, air-conditioned space 331 is zone A of the conference room on the first floor of building 200, and air-conditioned space 332 is zone B of the conference room on the first floor of building 200. In this case, the management server 10 may, for example, set a higher priority for the president's office (air-conditioned space 321), where comfort is a priority.

[0048] Also, for example, it is assumed that from the performance information of air-conditioning control included in the building information provided by the air-conditioning control device 30, it is specified that the indoor set temperature for cooling in the A zone (air-conditioned space 311) of the office with many users and the B zone (air-conditioned space 312) of the office remains low. In this case, the management server 10 may, for example, set a high priority for the A zone (air-conditioned space 311) of the office and the B zone (air-conditioned space 312) of the office, which may affect the comfort (or work efficiency) of many users.

[0049] Also, for example, it is assumed that from the performance information of air-conditioning control included in the building information provided by the air-conditioning control device 30, it is specified that the suction temperature for cooling in the A zone (air-conditioned space 331) of the conference room and the B zone (air-conditioned space 332) of the conference room is high. In this case, the management server 10 may, for example, set a low priority for the A zone (air-conditioned space 331) of the conference room and the B zone (air-conditioned space 332) of the conference room.

[0050] Also, for example, it is assumed that from the usage information of the air-conditioned space (for example, the schedule of conference room reservations) included in the building information provided by the administrator terminal 70, a time zone when the conference room is not used is specified. In this case, the management server 10 may, for example, set a low priority for the A zone (air-conditioned space 331) of the conference room and the B zone (air-conditioned space 332) of the conference room during the time zone when the conference room is not used.

[0051] In addition to the above information, the building information that serves as the basis when the management server 10 sets the priority includes, for example, the past average indoor set temperature as the performance information of air-conditioning control, the cumulative past operation time as the performance information of air-conditioning control, and the like. When the past average indoor set temperature is high, the priority may be set low. On the contrary, when the past average indoor set temperature is low, the priority may be set high. Also, when the cumulative past operation time is long, the priority may be set high. On the contrary, when the cumulative past operation time is short, the priority may be set low. Furthermore, when the number of users in the air-conditioned space can be counted by installing a human presence sensor or the like in the air-conditioned space, the priority of the air-conditioned space with a high calculated population density may be set high, and the priority of the air-conditioned space with a low population density may be set low.

[0052] [Specific example of resetting priorities] For example, suppose that due to the identification of time periods when meeting rooms are not in use from the air-conditioned space usage information (e.g., meeting room reservation schedule) included in the building information provided by the administrator terminal 70, the priority of meeting room zone A (air-conditioned space 331) and meeting room zone B (air-conditioned space 332) was set low during the time periods when meeting rooms are not in use. However, since meeting room reservation schedules are subject to change, there may be times when meeting rooms are needed urgently.

[0053] In this case, the management server 10 identifies the time period during which the meeting room will be used from the air-conditioned space usage information (for example, meeting room reservation schedule) included in the most recently acquired building information. The management server 10 then readjusts the priority of meeting room zone A (air-conditioned space 331) and meeting room zone B (air-conditioned space 332), which were previously set to a low priority, to a higher priority.

[0054] <Other Embodiments> The configurations described above are not limited to the embodiments and their variations, and can be modified without departing from the spirit of the invention. In other words, it is understood that a variety of changes in form and details are possible without departing from the spirit and scope of the claims. Not limited to the configurations described above, some parts of the configurations described above may be omitted, or other functions may be added to the configurations described above. Furthermore, although multiple embodiments have been described above, configurations included in one embodiment may be swapped with configurations included in other embodiments, or configurations included in one embodiment may be added to other embodiments.

[0055] For example, in the above-described embodiment, the actual air conditioning control information recorded as building information by the air conditioning control device 30 is directly acquired by the management server 10, but the system is not limited to this. For example, the actual air conditioning control information recorded as building information by the air conditioning control device 30 may be compiled by the administrator terminal 70 before being provided to the management server 10.

[0056] Furthermore, in the above-described embodiment, once the power distribution is planned by the management server 10, the distribution plan is directly provided to the air conditioning control device 30, but the system is not limited to this configuration. For example, the distribution plan from the management server 10 may be compiled by the administrator terminal 70 before being provided to the air conditioning control device 30.

[0057] Furthermore, in the above-described embodiment, power distribution is planned according to the priority set by the management server 10, but the priority set by the management server 10 may be reviewed on the administrator terminal 70. This would allow the building manager to respond according to the situation.

[0058] Furthermore, the building information that serves as the basis for setting priorities may include the actual operation history of the air conditioning control of multiple air-conditioned spaces, as well as the measurement history from various sensors installed on the air conditioner 50. In this case, the actual operation history of the air conditioner 50 may include, for example, the temperature setting history, operating time, remote control operation history, and operating status history. The measurement history from various sensors installed on the air conditioner 50 may include, for example, the intake temperature, refrigerant temperature, room temperature, humidity, and the number of people.

[0059] Furthermore, the performance information of air conditioning control for multiple air-conditioned spaces may include information obtained from the outdoor unit of the air conditioner 50. Figure 6 is a diagram showing the outdoor unit 51 of the air conditioner 50 included in the information processing system 1 of Figure 1. Figure 7 is a diagram showing the outdoor unit 51 of the air conditioner 50 installed in the building of Figure 6. The performance information of air conditioning control for multiple air-conditioned spaces included in the building information that forms the basis for setting priorities may include the operating performance of the outdoor unit 51 of the air conditioner 50 and the measurement history from various sensors installed on the outdoor unit 51. In this case, the operating performance of the outdoor unit 51 may include, for example, a history of the operating state. Furthermore, the measurement history from various sensors installed on the outdoor unit 51 may include, for example, a measurement history of the outside air temperature.

[0060] Furthermore, if building information, including performance data on air conditioning control in multiple air-conditioned spaces, is to be used for machine learning and prioritization is set based on the learning results, the process may be executed in the following manner, for example. Figure 8 is a flowchart showing an example of the process flow of setting prioritization by using machine learning on building information among the processes of the management server 10.

[0061] When the management server 10 acquires building information (YES in step 81), it generates configuration information from the acquired building information (step 82). Specifically, the management server 10 generates configuration information by converting the acquired building information based on a predetermined logic. On the other hand, if building information has not been acquired (NO in step 81), the management server 10 repeats the decision process in step 81.

[0062] The management server 10 manages a model (hereinafter referred to as the "priority estimation model") that estimates priority based on the input configuration information and outputs the estimation result. The management server 10 trains the priority estimation model with the configuration information generated in step 82 (step 83). The training frequency of the priority estimation model is not particularly limited. For example, the accuracy of the output priority estimation result can be improved by periodically retraining the priority estimation model at predetermined timings.

[0063] Next, the management server 10 inputs the configuration information generated in step 82 into the trained priority estimation model to output the priority estimation result (step 84). The timing of outputting the priority estimation result is not particularly limited. For example, the priority estimation result may be output every 30 minutes.

[0064] Next, the management server 10 sets a priority for each air-conditioned space in the building based on the priority estimation results output from the priority estimation model (step 85), and plans the distribution of power to the multiple air-conditioned spaces according to the set priorities (step 86). After a predetermined amount of time has elapsed since setting the priorities in step 85 (YES in step 87), the management server 10 returns to the decision process in step 81. This results in the priorities being set again. The power distribution plan planned in step 86 is transmitted from the management server 10 to the air conditioning control device 30 as a command for air conditioning control, for example.

[0065] Each of the embodiments described above can be understood as follows. In other words, the information processing system of the present disclosure (for example, information processing system 1 in Figure 1) has a control unit (for example, control unit 11 in Figure 2) that performs air conditioning control for a plurality of air-conditioned spaces (for example, air-conditioned spaces 311, 312, 321, 331, 332 in Figure 5), and the control unit is an information processing system that acquires building information relating to a building having a plurality of air-conditioned spaces, and sets the relative priority of air conditioning control for the plurality of air-conditioned spaces based on the acquired building information or setting information generated from the building information. In this case, the distribution of power for the plurality of air-conditioned spaces is determined based on the priority set for each air-conditioned space. As a result, it becomes unnecessary to interview users of the air-conditioned spaces, thus reducing the workload for administrators and the effort for users.

[0066] Here, the building information may include performance data on air conditioning control. In this case, the priority that forms the basis for allocating power to multiple air-conditioned spaces is set based on the performance data of air conditioning control. As a result, it becomes possible to allocate power in a manner that is in line with the actual performance of the air conditioning equipment.

[0067] Furthermore, the building information may include usage information for each air-conditioned space. In this case, the priority that forms the basis for allocating power to multiple air-conditioned spaces is set based on the usage information for each air-conditioned space. As a result, it becomes possible to allocate power in a way that is more in line with the actual conditions of each air-conditioned space.

[0068] Furthermore, the control unit may plan the distribution of power to multiple air-conditioned spaces according to priority at predetermined time intervals, and may reset the previously set priorities based on the most recently acquired usage information (e.g., meeting room reservation status) from the building information acquired periodically, and modify the plan according to the reset priorities. In this case, since the distribution of power according to priority is planned at predetermined time intervals, it can be used not only for temporary use, such as when implementing demand response, but also for energy management during normal times. Moreover, since priorities are reset based on the most recently acquired usage information (e.g., fluid information such as meeting room reservation status), it is possible to realize air conditioning that is in line with the needs of users of the air-conditioned spaces.

[0069] Furthermore, the control unit may set priorities at predetermined intervals. In this case, the priorities that serve as the basis for distributing power to multiple air-conditioned spaces are set at predetermined intervals. As a result, it becomes possible to distribute power in a way that is in line with the actual conditions of air-conditioned spaces, which differ depending on the time of day.

[0070] Furthermore, the control unit may set priorities based on the learning results obtained by machine learning the building information. In this case, the priorities that serve as the basis for allocating power to multiple air-conditioned spaces are set based on the learning results obtained by machine learning the building information. As a result, the accuracy of the set priorities increases as more building information is accumulated.

[0071] Furthermore, the information processing method disclosed herein, which achieves the above objectives, is an information processing method in which a control unit that performs air conditioning control for multiple air-conditioned spaces acquires building information relating to a building having multiple air-conditioned spaces, and sets the relative priority of air conditioning control for the multiple air-conditioned spaces based on the acquired building information or setting information generated from the building information. In this case, the distribution of power for the multiple air-conditioned spaces is determined based on the priority set for each air-conditioned space. As a result, interviews with users of the air-conditioned spaces become unnecessary, thus reducing the workload for administrators and the effort required of users.

[0072] Furthermore, the program disclosed herein, which achieves the above objectives, is a program that causes a control unit that performs air conditioning control for multiple air-conditioned spaces to acquire building information relating to a building having multiple air-conditioned spaces, and to set the relative priority of air conditioning control for the multiple air-conditioned spaces based on the acquired building information or setting information generated from the building information. In this case, the distribution of power for the multiple air-conditioned spaces is determined based on the priority set for each air-conditioned space. As a result, it becomes unnecessary to interview users of the air-conditioned spaces, thus reducing the workload for administrators and the effort required of users.

[0073] 1... Information processing system, 10... Management server, 11... Control unit, 30... Air conditioning control unit, 50... Air conditioner, 51... Outdoor unit, 70... Administrator terminal, 90... Network, 111... Acquisition unit, 112... Management unit, 113... Generation unit, 114... Setting unit, 115... Distribution unit, 116... Transmission control unit

Claims

1. An information processing system having a control unit that performs air conditioning control for multiple air-conditioned spaces, wherein the control unit acquires building information relating to a building having the multiple air-conditioned spaces, and sets the relative priority of air conditioning control for the multiple air-conditioned spaces based on the acquired building information or setting information generated from said building information.

2. The information processing system according to claim 1, wherein the building information includes performance information on air conditioning control.

3. The information processing system according to claim 1, wherein the building information includes usage information for each air-conditioned space associated with that space.

4. The information processing system according to claim 3, wherein the control unit plans the distribution of power to the multiple air-conditioned spaces according to the priority at predetermined time intervals, resets the previously set priority based on the usage information most recently acquired from the building information acquired periodically, and modifies the plan according to the reset priority.

5. The information processing system according to claim 1, wherein the control unit sets the priority at predetermined intervals.

6. The information processing system according to claim 1, wherein the control unit sets the priority based on the learning results obtained by machine learning the building information.

7. An information processing method comprising: a control unit that performs air conditioning control for multiple air-conditioned spaces, which acquires building information relating to a building having the multiple air-conditioned spaces, and sets the relative priority of air conditioning control for the multiple air-conditioned spaces based on the acquired building information or setting information generated from said building information.

8. A program that causes a control unit, which performs air conditioning control for multiple air-conditioned spaces, to acquire building information relating to a building having the multiple air-conditioned spaces, and to set the relative priority of air conditioning control for the multiple air-conditioned spaces based on the acquired building information or setting information generated from said building information.

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