Heat stroke onset risk determination device, heat stroke onset risk determination method, heat stroke onset risk determination program, air conditioner, and heat stroke onset risk determination system

Abstract

Provided are a heat stroke onset risk determination device, a heat stroke onset risk determination method, a heat stroke onset risk determination program, a heat stroke onset risk determination system, an air conditioner, and a heat stroke onset risk determination system for determining the risk of onset of heat stroke upon reflecting heat acclimation.　This heat stroke onset risk determination device 20 comprises: an acquisition unit 30 that calculates a heat environment index value which is an index for determining the heat environment; a setting unit 40 that, when days in which the heat environment index value is equal to or higher than a pre-established determination reference value continue for at least a number of days that is required for heat acclimation and is established in advance, sets the determination reference value so as to be high; and a determination unit 50 that determines that there is a risk of onset of heat stroke when the heat environment index value is equal to or higher than the determination reference value.

Description

Heat stroke onset risk determination device, heat stroke onset risk determination method, heat stroke onset risk determination program, air conditioner, and heat stroke onset risk determination system

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a heat stroke onset risk determination device, a heat stroke onset risk determination method, a heat stroke onset risk determination program, an air conditioner, and a heat stroke onset risk determination system.

[0002] Heat stroke occurs when heat accumulates in the body due to abnormal body temperature regulation functions in a hot environment. To prevent heat stroke, there is a known device that monitors a heat environment index value, which is an index for determining a hot environment, and outputs an alarm when it is determined that the risk of heat stroke onset is high based on the value of the heat environment index value.

[0003] The risk of heat stroke onset varies among individuals depending on their physical condition. Therefore, a device that outputs an alarm for heat stroke prevention reflecting individual differences has been proposed. For example, in Patent Document 1, after determining an alarm level by comparing the value of a heat environment index value (heat index) with a predetermined reference value, the severity of the alarm level is determined based on a predetermined setting for each age group, attribute, and place of residence of the subject, thereby outputting an alarm reflecting individual differences in tolerance to heat.

[0004] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2022-041043

[0005] The device of Patent Document 1 does not consider heat acclimation, in which the body becomes accustomed to heat and the tolerance to heat improves. Therefore, the device of Patent Document 1 may not be able to output an alarm according to the risk of heat stroke onset that changes due to heat acclimation.

[0006] The present disclosure has been made to solve the above problems, and an object thereof is to provide a heat stroke onset risk determination device, a heat stroke onset risk determination method, a heat stroke onset risk determination program, an air conditioner, and a heat stroke onset risk determination system that determine the risk of heat stroke onset reflecting heat acclimation.

[0007] The heatstroke risk assessment device relating to this disclosure includes: an acquisition unit that calculates a heat environment index value, which is an index for determining a hot environment; a setting unit that sets the value of the judgment standard higher if the number of days on which the heat environment index value is equal to or greater than a predetermined judgment standard value continues for a predetermined number of days required for heat acclimatization; and a determination unit that determines that there is a risk of heatstroke occurring when the heat environment index value is equal to or greater than the judgment standard value.

[0008] The heatstroke risk assessment method relating to this disclosure includes an acquisition step of calculating a heat environment index value, which is an index for assessing the hot environment; a setting step of setting a higher value for the judgment criteria if the number of days on which the heat environment index value is equal to or greater than a predetermined judgment criteria value continues for a predetermined number of days required for heat acclimatization; and a determination step of determining that there is a risk of heatstroke if the heat environment index value is equal to or greater than the judgment criteria value set in the setting step.

[0009] The heatstroke risk assessment program described herein causes a computer to perform the following steps: an acquisition step of calculating a heat environment index value, which is an index for determining the heat environment; a setting step of setting a higher value for the judgment criteria if the number of days on which the heat environment index value is equal to or greater than a predetermined judgment criteria value continues for a predetermined number of days required for heat acclimatization; and a determination step of determining that there is a risk of heatstroke if the heat environment index value is equal to or greater than the judgment criteria value set in the setting step.

[0010] The air conditioning system according to this disclosure includes: an acquisition unit that calculates a heat stress environment index value, which is an index for determining the heat stress environment; a setting unit that sets a higher value for the determination criteria if the number of days on which the heat stress environment index value is equal to or greater than a predetermined determination criteria value is greater than or equal to a predetermined number of days required for heat acclimatization; a determination unit that determines that there is a risk of heatstroke occurring when the heat stress environment index value is equal to or greater than the determination criteria value; and a control unit that controls the air conditioning function based on the determination result of the determination unit.

[0011] The heatstroke risk determination system relating to this disclosure comprises a heatstroke risk determination device comprising: an acquisition unit that calculates a heat environment index value, which is an index for determining a hot environment; a setting unit that sets the value of the judgment standard higher if the number of days on which the heat environment index value is equal to or greater than a predetermined judgment standard value continues for a predetermined number of days required for heat acclimatization; and a determination unit that determines that there is a risk of heatstroke occurring when the heat environment index value is equal to or greater than the judgment standard value; and an air conditioning device comprising a control unit that controls the air conditioning function based on the determination result of the determination unit.

[0012] According to the heatstroke risk assessment device, heatstroke risk assessment method, heatstroke risk assessment program, air conditioning device, and heatstroke risk assessment system related to this disclosure, the risk of developing heatstroke can be determined in accordance with heat acclimatization.

[0013] This is a system block diagram showing a heatstroke risk determination system according to Embodiment 1 of this disclosure. This is a diagram for explaining heat acclimatization. This is a hardware configuration diagram showing a heatstroke risk determination device according to Embodiment 1 of this disclosure. This is a flowchart showing a heatstroke risk determination method according to Embodiment 1 of this disclosure. This is a diagram showing the relationship between the heat index and temperature for each region. This is a system block diagram showing a heatstroke risk determination system according to Modification 2 of Embodiment 1 of this disclosure. This is a system block diagram showing a heatstroke risk determination system according to Modification 3 of Embodiment 1 of this disclosure. This is a system block diagram showing a heatstroke risk determination system according to Embodiment 2 of this disclosure. This is a flowchart showing a heatstroke risk determination method according to Embodiment 2 of this disclosure. This is a diagram showing an example of a thermal image acquired by a heatstroke risk determination device according to Modification 1 of Embodiment 2 of this disclosure. This is a system block diagram showing a heatstroke risk determination system according to Modification 1 of Embodiment 2 of this disclosure.

[0014] In the following, examples of a heatstroke risk assessment device, heatstroke risk assessment method, heatstroke risk assessment program, air conditioning system, and heatstroke risk assessment system related to this disclosure will be described with reference to drawings. In the drawings, identical or corresponding parts are given the same reference numeral, and their descriptions will be omitted without repetition.

[0015] Embodiment 1. <Configuration of Embodiment 1> First, a heatstroke risk determination system 100 equipped with a heatstroke risk determination device 20 according to Embodiment 1 of this disclosure will be described with reference to Figure 1. Figure 1 is a system block diagram of the heatstroke risk determination system 100.

[0016] The heatstroke risk assessment system 100 is a system that assesses the risk of heatstroke, reflecting heat acclimatization, based on a heat environment index value, which is an index for assessing a hot environment, and outputs results based on the assessment. A hot environment is an environment in which there is a risk of heatstroke, and the heat environment index value is, in other words, an index for determining whether or not there is a risk of heatstroke in that environment.

[0017] As shown in Figure 1, the heatstroke risk determination system 100 comprises an environmental sensor 10, a heatstroke risk determination device 20, and an output device 70. The environmental sensor 10, the heatstroke risk determination device 20, and the output device 70 are installed in the air conditioning system 80. The environmental sensor 10 and the heatstroke risk determination device 20, and the heatstroke risk determination device 20 and the output device 70 are connected via wires, allowing for mutual input and output.

[0018] The environmental sensor 10 is a sensor that senses the temperature and humidity environment of the area to be judged, which is the area in which the person to be judged is located. Here, the area to be judged is the effective range of sensing by the environmental sensor 10. For example, if the environmental sensor 10 is installed indoors, the indoor space in which the environmental sensor 10 is installed is the area to be judged, and if the environmental sensor 10 is installed outdoors, such as at a weather station, the area to be judged is the range predetermined as the effective range of sensing. The environmental sensor 10 acquires the environmental sensor values ​​of the area to be judged necessary for the heatstroke risk judgment device 20 to determine the risk of heatstroke. In other words, the environmental sensor values ​​are the values ​​acquired by the environmental sensor 10 in order to calculate the heat stress environment index value, and are, for example, the temperature and relative humidity of the area to be judged.

[0019] The heatstroke risk assessment device 20 consists of an acquisition unit 30, a setting unit 40, a determination unit 50, and a storage unit 60. The acquisition unit 30 includes an environmental sensor value acquisition unit 31 that acquires environmental sensor values ​​from an environmental sensor 10, and a heat stress environment index value calculation unit 32 that calculates a heat stress environment index value from the environmental sensor values. The setting unit 40 sets a judgment criterion value used to determine the risk of heatstroke onset, reflecting heat acclimatization, based on the heat stress environment index value calculated by the acquisition unit 30. The determination unit 50 determines the risk of heatstroke onset based on the heat stress environment index value calculated by the acquisition unit 30 and the judgment criterion value set by the setting unit 40. The storage unit 60 stores a program 61 and a database 62 for realizing each function of the heatstroke risk assessment device 20.

[0020] The output device 70 is a device that outputs based on the determination result of the determination unit 50 of the heatstroke risk determination device 20. The output device 70 is, for example, a display device that displays the determination result of the determination unit 50, or a control device that controls the air conditioning function of the air conditioning system based on the determination result of the determination unit 50.

[0021] As described above, the heatstroke risk assessment system 100 calculates a heat stress index value from environmental sensor values ​​acquired by the environmental sensor 10, assesses the risk of heatstroke based on the calculated heat stress index value and a judgment criterion value that reflects heat acclimatization, and outputs the assessment result. Depending on the heat stress index value, the environmental sensor values ​​used to calculate the heat stress index value and the calculation method differ. Below, as an example of the heatstroke risk assessment system 100, we will describe the case in which the risk of heatstroke is assessed based on the heat index (WBGT: Wet Bulb Globe Temperature), which is an example of a heat stress index value.

[0022] The heat stress index is an indicator used to assess a hot environment by incorporating temperature, humidity, and radiant heat, which have a significant impact on the body's heat balance. The heat stress index is used as a guideline for preventing heatstroke, and its unit is degrees Celsius (°C). For example, in daily life, a heat stress index of less than 21°C is considered "safe," 21°C to less than 25°C is considered "caution," 25°C to less than 28°C is considered "warning," 28°C to less than 31°C is considered "severe warning," and 31°C or higher is considered "dangerous."

[0023] The environmental sensor 10 is, for example, a temperature and humidity sensor that acquires temperature and relative humidity. Specifically, the temperature and humidity sensor is installed in the indoor unit of the air conditioner 80. For example, the temperature and humidity sensor is installed at the air intake of the indoor unit to control the air conditioning function of the air conditioner 80 so that the indoor space reaches a set temperature. The temperature and humidity sensor acquires the temperature and relative humidity of the indoor space where the indoor unit is installed, which is the area to be judged, as environmental sensor values. The temperature and humidity sensor then outputs the acquired temperature and relative humidity to the heatstroke risk determination device 20.

[0024] The heatstroke risk assessment device 20 calculates a heat index, which is an example of a heat stress environment index, based on the temperature and relative humidity of the area to be assessed obtained from the temperature and humidity sensor, and determines the risk of developing heatstroke based on the calculated heat index.

[0025] The environmental sensor value acquisition unit 31 periodically acquires the temperature and relative humidity of the indoor space where the indoor unit, which is the area to be judged, is installed, from the temperature and humidity sensor. For example, the environmental sensor value acquisition unit 31 acquires the current temperature and relative humidity every hour and stores them in the database 62 of the storage unit 60 along with the acquisition date and time information. Note that the timing at which the environmental sensor value acquisition unit 31 acquires the temperature and relative humidity is not limited to every hour. The timing at which the environmental sensor value acquisition unit 31 acquires the temperature and relative humidity is acceptable as long as it is a timing that can capture changes in the environment of the area to be judged. The timing at which the environmental sensor value acquisition unit 31 acquires the temperature and relative humidity may be changed depending on the season and the area to be judged.

[0026] The heat stress index calculation unit 32 calculates the heat stress index from the temperature and relative humidity acquired by the environmental sensor value acquisition unit 31. More specifically, the heat stress index calculation unit 32 calculates the heat stress index based on the temperature and relative humidity acquired by the environmental sensor value acquisition unit 31 and a simplified heat stress index estimation chart pre-stored in the database 62 of the storage unit 60. Here, the simplified heat stress index estimation chart shows the relationship between the heat stress index, temperature, and relative humidity. The heat stress index calculation unit 32 outputs the calculated heat stress index to the setting unit 40 and the determination unit 50.

[0027] The setting unit 40 sets judgment criteria values ​​based on the calculated heat index in order to determine the risk of developing heatstroke while reflecting heat acclimatization. Before explaining how to set judgment criteria values ​​that reflect heat acclimatization, let's first explain the judgment criteria values.

[0028] The judgment criterion value is a predetermined standard value for a heat environment index used to determine whether or not an area is a hot environment. When making a judgment based on the heat index, which is an example of a heat environment index, the threshold value of the heat index that determines whether or not an area is judged to be a hot environment is set as the judgment criterion value. The judgment criterion value is predetermined for each area to be judged. The reason for setting the judgment criterion value at a predetermined value for each area to be judged is to reflect regional differences in tolerance to heat.

[0029] Regional differences in heat tolerance will be explained using Figure 2. Figure 2 shows the relationship between the daily maximum heat index and the number of heatstroke cases in three regions with different climate zones. Figure 2(a) shows the subarctic region, Figure 2(b) shows the temperate region, and Figure 2(c) shows the subtropical region. In Figure 2, the heat index is shown by a solid line, and the number of heatstroke cases is shown by a dashed line. The heat index and the number of heatstroke cases shown in Figure 2 are based on data published by the Fire and Disaster Management Agency of the Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications. In addition, the temperate region shown in Figure 2(b) has a larger population and therefore a larger number of heatstroke cases compared to the subarctic region shown in Figure 2(a) and the subtropical region shown in Figure 2(c), but the number of heatstroke cases per 1,000 people in each region is about the same.

[0030] As shown in Figure 2, the heat index value at which the number of heatstroke cases increases differs depending on the climate zone of the region. In the subarctic region shown in Figure 2(a), the number of heatstroke cases increases when the heat index exceeds 21°C, and when the heat index reaches 27°C, the proportion of heatstroke cases is similar to that of temperate and subtropical regions. This is because subarctic regions have lower tolerance to heat compared to temperate and subtropical regions. Similarly, temperate regions have lower tolerance to heat compared to subtropical regions.

[0031] Therefore, the judgment criteria values ​​are predetermined for each area to be judged. Specifically, relatively low values ​​are predetermined for areas to be judged with low tolerance to heat, and relatively high values ​​are predetermined for areas to be judged with high tolerance to heat. In addition, the judgment criteria values ​​are predetermined based on the relationship between the past heat index and the number of heatstroke patients in each area to be judged. For example, as shown in Figure 2, the judgment criteria values ​​are set as the heat index at which the number of heatstroke patients begins to increase: 22°C for subarctic regions, 26°C for temperate regions, and 28°C for subtropical regions. Note that the judgment criteria values ​​determined for each area to be judged are not limited to the above values. The judgment criteria values ​​determined for each area to be judged are stored in the database 62 of the storage unit 60.

[0032] Next, we will explain how the setting unit 40 sets the judgment criteria value, which reflects heat acclimatization. The setting unit 40 sets a higher value for the judgment criteria value if the number of days on which the heat index acquired by the acquisition unit 30 is equal to or higher than the predetermined number of days required for heat acclimatization continues for more than a predetermined number of days. For example, the setting unit 40 sets the value of the judgment criteria value higher by 1°C increments.

[0033] Here, we will explain heat acclimatization using Figure 2. As shown in Figure 2, the number of heatstroke patients tends to increase as the heat index rises. Focusing on Figure 2(b), in the fifth week of June, the fourth week of July, and the second week of August, when the number of heatstroke patients increases, the heat index is around 30°C in all cases, but the number of heatstroke patients gradually decreases. This indicates that the human body becomes accustomed to the heat and its sweating function improves, making it possible to regulate body temperature even in hot environments. This process, where the human body becomes accustomed to the heat and its tolerance to heat improves, is called heat acclimatization.

[0034] Generally, it is estimated that it takes about 14 days for a person to acclimatize to heat. If a person is exposed to a hot environment for longer than the number of days required for acclimatization, their body becomes accustomed to the heat and their tolerance to heat improves, thus reducing the risk of heatstroke even in the same hot environment. Therefore, the setting unit 40 sets a higher value for the judgment criterion if the number of days on which the heat index is above the judgment criterion value continues for 14 days or more, which is the number of days required for heat acclimatization. The setting unit 40 allows the judgment criterion value to be set in accordance with heat acclimatization. It should be noted that the number of days required for heat acclimatization is not limited to 14 days, and it is desirable to set it based on the relationship between past heat index, the number of heatstroke patients, and the number of days. In addition, in order to reflect regional differences in tolerance to heat, the number of days required for heat acclimatization may be set for each area to be judged.

[0035] Furthermore, an upper limit may be set for the judgment criteria value. As shown in Figures 2(b) and 2(c), when the temperature is 31°C or higher, which is considered "dangerous" in the guidelines for daily life using the heat index, the human body cannot cope with the heat through heat acclimatization alone, and is more likely to develop heatstroke. For this reason, the setting unit 40 may be configured to set a higher judgment criteria value when the number of days on which the heat index is above the judgment criteria value continues for a predetermined number of days required for heat acclimatization, and the judgment criteria value is below a predetermined upper limit. The upper limit is a value at which the risk of developing heatstroke is considered high even in a heat-acclimatized state, for example, 31°C. According to the setting unit 40, the judgment criteria value can be set to reflect an environment that is likely to cause heatstroke even in a heat-acclimatized state. Furthermore, the upper limit is not limited to 31°C, and it is desirable to set it based on the relationship between past heat index and the number of heatstroke patients. In addition, in order to reflect regional differences in tolerance to heat, the upper limit may be set for each area to be judged.

[0036] Furthermore, the setting unit 40 initializes the judgment criterion value when the highest daily value of the heat index is below the initialization criterion value for a predetermined number of consecutive days. The initialization criterion value is a heat index value considered to have a low risk of heatstroke, for example, 21°C, which is considered "safe" in the guidelines for daily life using the heat index. The predetermined number of days is the number of days required for the body to return to its state before heat acclimatization, for example, 30 days. By initializing the judgment criterion value with the setting unit 40, when the body returns to its state before heat acclimatization, such as when summer ends, the judgment criterion value can be reset to the initial value before heat acclimatization was reflected, and the judgment criterion value can be set to an appropriate value. In other words, the setting unit 40 allows the judgment criterion value to be adjusted to an appropriate value before and after the heat acclimatization period. Note that the initialization criterion value and the number of days are not limited to the above values, and it is desirable that they be set based on the relationship between past heat index, the number of heatstroke patients, and the number of days. Furthermore, in order to reflect regional differences in tolerance to heat, the initialization threshold and the number of days may be set for each region to be judged.

[0037] The determination unit 50 determines the risk of developing heatstroke based on the heat environment index value calculated by the acquisition unit 30 and the judgment criterion value set by the setting unit 40. Specifically, the determination unit 50 determines that there is a risk of developing heatstroke if the heat index calculated by the acquisition unit 30 is equal to or greater than the judgment criterion value set by the setting unit 40. In other words, the determination unit 50 determines whether the area to be judged is a hot environment, that is, whether there is a risk of developing heatstroke for the person being judged who is in the area to be judged, based on the judgment criterion value that reflects heat acclimatization. The determination unit 50 outputs the judgment result to the output device 70.

[0038] The output device 70 is a device provided in the air conditioning system 80 that outputs based on the determination result of the determination unit 50. As described above, the output device 70 is, for example, a display device that displays the determination result of the determination unit 50, or a control device that controls the air conditioning function of the air conditioning system 80 based on the determination result of the determination unit 50.

[0039] If the output device 70 is a display device, the display device displays the judgment result input from the judgment unit 50 in the form of characters or images on a screen provided on the indoor unit. According to the heatstroke risk judgment system 100 equipped with a display device, the risk of heatstroke can be notified to the subject of judgment who is present in the indoor space where the indoor unit is installed, which is the judgment target area.

[0040] If the output device 70 is a control device, the control device controls the air conditioning function of the air conditioning system 80 based on the determination result input from the determination unit 50. For example, if the determination unit 50 determines that there is a risk of heatstroke, the control device receives the determination result from the determination unit 50 and lowers the air conditioning set temperature based on the determination result. With the heatstroke risk determination system 100 equipped with a control device, the air conditioning system 80 can be controlled based on whether or not there is a risk of heatstroke, thereby reducing the risk of heatstroke.

[0041] The memory unit 60 stores the program 61 and the database 62. The heatstroke risk determination device 20 reads and executes the program 61 stored in the memory unit 60 to perform the heatstroke risk determination process.

[0042] Program 61 is a heatstroke onset risk determination program for causing a computer to function as the heatstroke onset risk determination device 20 according to Embodiment 1 and execute the heatstroke onset risk determination method according to Embodiment 1. Specifically, Program 61 causes the computer to execute an acquisition step of calculating a heat index, a setting step of setting a high value of the determination reference value when the days in which the days with a heat index equal to or higher than the determination reference value continue for more than a predetermined number of days required for heat acclimatization, and a determination step of determining that there is a risk of heatstroke onset when the heat index is equal to or higher than the determination reference value set in the setting step.

[0043] Database 62 stores information for calculating a heat index, information for executing the determination of the risk of heatstroke onset, and information for executing the setting of the value of the determination reference value. Specifically, Database 62 stores a simple estimation diagram of the heat index, a determination reference value for each determination target area, the number of days required for heat acclimatization, an upper limit value of the determination reference value, an initialization reference value, and the number of consecutive days of the initialization reference value for initializing the determination reference value.

[0044] Next, the hardware configuration of the heatstroke onset risk determination device 20 will be described with reference to FIG. 3. FIG. 3 is a hardware configuration diagram of the heatstroke onset risk determination device 20.

[0045] As shown in FIG. 3, the heatstroke onset risk determination device 20 includes an arithmetic device 1, a storage device 2, an auxiliary storage device 3, an input device 4, and an output device 5. Further, the arithmetic device 1, the storage device 2, the auxiliary storage device 3, the input device 4, and the output device 5 are connected via a signal line 6.

[0046] The arithmetic unit 1 is a device that realizes each function of the determination unit 50 shown in FIG. 1. The arithmetic unit 1 realizes each function of the determination unit 50 of the heatstroke onset risk determination device 20 by reading the necessary program 61 from the auxiliary storage device 3 and executing the process. The arithmetic unit 1 is, for example, a processor, and the processor is an IC (Integrated Circuit) that performs arithmetic processing. Specific examples of the processor are, for example, a CPU (Central Processing Unit), a DSP (Digital Signal Processor), and a GPU (Graphics Processing Unit). Further, the arithmetic unit 1 may be a personal computer, a microcomputer board, or an FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array) board, etc.

[0047] The storage device 2 is the main storage device of the heatstroke onset risk determination device 20. The main storage device temporarily stores the calculations of the processes performed by the arithmetic unit 1. The storage device 2 is, for example, a RAM (Random Access Memory).

[0048] The auxiliary storage device 3 is the storage unit 60 shown in FIG. 1 and is the auxiliary storage device of the heatstroke onset risk determination device 20. The auxiliary storage device 3 stores the program 61 necessary to realize each function of the determination unit 50 of the heatstroke onset risk determination device 20, the information for executing the determination of the heatstroke onset risk, and a database 62 that stores the information used when performing the process for setting the value of the determination reference value. The auxiliary storage device 3 is, for example, a ROM (Read Only Memory), an HDD (Hard Disk Drive), or a SSD (Solid State Drive).

[0049] The input device 4 is the acquisition unit 30 shown in FIG. 1 and is the input interface of the heatstroke onset risk determination device 20. The input device 4 inputs, for example, the heat index of the determination target area acquired by the temperature and humidity sensor to the arithmetic unit 1.

[0050] Output device 5 is the output interface of the heatstroke risk determination device 20. Output device 5 outputs the determination result of the determination unit 50 to output device 70 which includes a display device or control unit.

[0051] Signal line 6 is a transmission path for sending and receiving data between the components shown in Figure 3.

[0052] <Determination Method of Embodiment 1> Next, the procedure for determining the risk of developing heatstroke according to Embodiment 1 will be explained using Figure 4. Figure 4 is a flowchart of the method for determining the risk of developing heatstroke according to Embodiment 1.

[0053] As shown in Figure 4, first, the acquisition unit 30 calculates the heat index of the area to be judged (step S11). Specifically, the environmental sensor value acquisition unit 31 of the acquisition unit 30 acquires the temperature and relative humidity of the indoor space where the indoor unit is installed, which is the area to be judged, from the temperature and humidity sensor, and the heat environment index value calculation unit 32 of the acquisition unit 30 calculates the heat index of the indoor space where the indoor unit is installed based on the indoor temperature and relative humidity acquired by the environmental sensor value acquisition unit 31 and the simplified heat index estimation diagram stored in the memory unit 60. Step S11 is performed at predetermined acquisition intervals when the heatstroke risk determination device 20 is in operation. For example, in step S11, the acquisition unit 30 calculates the heat index of the area to be judged every hour.

[0054] Next, the setting unit 40 determines whether the number of days on which the heat index calculated by the acquisition unit 30 is above a predetermined judgment criterion value has continued for a predetermined number of days or longer than the number of days required for heat acclimatization (step S12). Here, the judgment criterion value is a value predetermined for each area to be judged. For example, the judgment criterion value is set to 22°C if the area to be judged is a subarctic region, 26°C if it is a temperate region, and 28°C if it is a subtropical region. The area to be judged only needs to be known at the implementation stage of step S12. The area to be judged may be set by the person being judged inputting it into the heatstroke risk judgment device 20, or it may be set using the air conditioner 80, temperature and humidity sensor, or GPS information installed in the heatstroke risk judgment device 20. The number of days required for heat acclimatization is, for example, 14 days.

[0055] If the number of days on which the heat index is above the judgment threshold value continues for more than the number of days required for heat acclimatization (Yes in step S12), the system determines whether the judgment threshold value is below a predetermined upper limit (step S13). Here, the upper limit is a value at which the risk of heatstroke is considered high even in a heat-acclimatized state, for example, 31°C. The setting unit 40 then sets the judgment threshold value higher if the number of days on which the heat index is above the judgment threshold value continues for more than the number of days required for heat acclimatization (Yes in step S12), AND the judgment threshold value is below a predetermined upper limit (step S13). Specifically, the setting unit 40 sets the judgment threshold value 1°C higher.

[0056] If the number of days on which the heat index is above the judgment threshold value has not continued for more than the number of days required for heat acclimatization (No. in step S12), the setting unit 40 determines whether the number of days on which the index is below the initialization threshold value has continued for a predetermined number of days or more (step S15). Here, the initialization threshold value is a heat index value that is considered to have a low risk of heatstroke, for example, 21°C. The predetermined number of days is the number of days required for the body to return to the state before heat acclimatization, for example, 30 days. If the number of days on which the index is below the initialization threshold value has continued for a predetermined number of days or more (Yes in step S15), the setting unit 40 considers that the body of the person being judged in the judgment target area has returned to the state before heat acclimatization and initializes the judgment threshold value (step S16). If the number of days on which the index is below the initialization threshold value has not continued for a predetermined number of days or more (No. in step S15), the setting unit 40 maintains the judgment threshold value (step S17).

[0057] Once the setting unit 40 has finished setting the judgment criteria value, the judgment unit 50 determines whether the heat index is equal to or greater than the judgment criteria value set by the setting unit 40 (step S18). If it is determined that the heat index is equal to or greater than the judgment criteria value set by the setting unit 40 (Yes in step S18), the judgment unit 50 determines that there is a risk of heatstroke (step S19). If it is determined that the heat index is less than the judgment criteria value set by the setting unit 40 (No in step S18), the judgment unit 50 determines that there is no risk of heatstroke (step S20).

[0058] The determination result of the risk of developing heatstroke, determined by the determination unit 50, is output to the output device 70. For example, if the output device 70 is a display device installed on the air conditioner 80, the determination result of the determination unit 50 is output to the display device, and the display device notifies the risk of developing heatstroke in the area to be determined by displaying the determination result. If the output device 70 is a control device installed on the air conditioner 80 that controls the air conditioning function of the air conditioner 80, the determination result of the determination unit 50 is output to the control device, and the control device reduces the risk of developing heatstroke by controlling the air conditioning function based on the determination result.

[0059] As described above, the heatstroke risk determination method according to Embodiment 1 includes an acquisition step (step S11) for calculating the heat index, a setting step (steps S12-S17) for setting a higher value for the judgment criterion if the number of days on which the heat index is equal to or above a predetermined judgment criterion value is greater than or equal to a predetermined number of days required for heat acclimatization is greater than or equal to a predetermined number of days, and a determination step (steps S18-S20) for determining that there is a risk of heatstroke occurring when the heat index is equal to or above the judgment criterion value. According to the heatstroke risk determination method according to Embodiment 1, the judgment criterion value used to determine the risk of heatstroke occurring can be set according to heat acclimatization, so that the risk of heatstroke occurring can be determined in a way that reflects heat acclimatization.

[0060] In the above description, an example of an environmental sensor 10 that acquires environmental sensor values ​​for a target area necessary for the heatstroke risk determination device 20 to determine the risk of heatstroke based on the heat index as a heat environment index value was explained in which a temperature and humidity sensor is included, but the device is not limited to this. The environmental sensor 10 may also be a heat index sensor that acquires the heat index. A heat index sensor measures the wet bulb temperature, black globe temperature, and dry bulb temperature, and calculates the heat index from the measured temperatures using a built-in microcontroller. When the environmental sensor 10 is equipped with a heat index sensor, the acquisition unit 30 acquires the heat index from the heat index sensor, and the setting unit 40 and the determination unit 50 perform settings and determinations based on the heat index acquired by the acquisition unit 30.

[0061] Here, temperature and humidity sensors are less expensive than heat index sensors. Therefore, when a temperature and humidity sensor is included as the environmental sensor 10, the heatstroke risk assessment system can calculate the heat index at a lower cost compared to when a heat index sensor is included. For this reason, the heatstroke risk assessment system 100, which includes a temperature and humidity sensor as the environmental sensor 10, can determine the risk of heatstroke at a relatively lower cost compared to when a heat index sensor is included.

[0062] <Effects of Embodiment 1> The operation and effects of the heatstroke risk determination device 20, heatstroke risk determination method, heatstroke risk determination program 61, air conditioning device 80, and heatstroke risk determination system 100 according to Embodiment 1 of this disclosure will be described.

[0063] The heatstroke risk determination device 20 according to Embodiment 1 of the present disclosure includes: an acquisition unit 30 that calculates a heat environment index value, which is an index for determining a hot environment; a setting unit 40 that sets the value of the judgment standard higher if the number of days on which the heat environment index value acquired by the acquisition unit 30 is equal to or greater than a predetermined judgment standard value continues for a predetermined number of days required for heat acclimatization; and a determination unit 50 that determines that there is a risk of heatstroke occurring when the heat environment index value is equal to or greater than the judgment standard value.

[0064] The heatstroke risk determination method according to Embodiment 1 of this disclosure includes: an acquisition step of calculating a heat environment index value, which is an index for determining a hot environment; a setting step of setting a higher value for the judgment criteria if the number of days on which the heat environment index value is equal to or greater than a predetermined judgment criteria value continues for a predetermined number of days required for heat acclimatization; and a determination step of determining that there is a risk of heatstroke if the heat environment index value is equal to or greater than the judgment criteria value set in the setting step.

[0065] The heatstroke risk determination program 61 according to Embodiment 1 of this disclosure causes a computer to perform the following steps: an acquisition step of calculating a heat environment index value, which is an index for determining a hot environment; a setting step of setting a higher value for the judgment criteria if the number of days on which the heat environment index value is equal to or greater than a predetermined judgment criteria value continues for a predetermined number of days required for heat acclimatization; and a determination step of determining that there is a risk of heatstroke if the heat environment index value is equal to or greater than the judgment criteria value set in the setting step.

[0066] The air conditioning system 80 according to Embodiment 1 of the present disclosure includes: an acquisition unit 30 that calculates a heat environment index value, which is an index for determining the heat environment; a setting unit 40 that sets a higher value for the determination criteria if the number of days on which the heat environment index value is equal to or greater than a predetermined determination criteria value is greater than or equal to a predetermined number of days required for heat acclimatization; a determination unit 50 that determines that there is a risk of heatstroke occurring when the heat environment index value is equal to or greater than the determination criteria value; and a control unit that controls the air conditioning function based on the determination result of the determination unit 50.

[0067] The heatstroke risk determination system 100 according to Embodiment 1 of this disclosure comprises a heatstroke risk determination device 20 which includes an acquisition unit 30 that calculates a heat environment index value, which is an index for determining a hot environment; a setting unit 40 that sets the value of the judgment standard higher when the number of days on which the heat environment index value is equal to or greater than a predetermined judgment standard value is greater than or equal to a predetermined number of days required for heat acclimatization; and a determination unit 50 that determines that there is a risk of heatstroke occurring when the heat environment index value is equal to or greater than the judgment standard value; and an air conditioning device 80 which includes a control unit that controls the air conditioning function based on the determination result of the determination unit 50. The determination unit 50 sets the value of the judgment standard higher when the number of days on which the heat environment index value is equal to or greater than a predetermined number of days required for heat acclimatization is greater than or equal to a predetermined number of days.

[0068] According to Embodiment 1 of this disclosure, the heatstroke risk determination device 20, heatstroke risk determination method, heatstroke risk determination program 61, air conditioner 80, and heatstroke risk determination system 100, if a hot environment with a risk of heatstroke persists for the number of days required for heat acclimatization, the body of the person being assessed is deemed to have acclimatized to the heat, and the judgment criterion value used to determine the risk of heatstroke can be increased. In other words, the judgment criterion value used to determine the risk of heatstroke can be set according to the state of heat acclimatization. Therefore, according to Embodiment 1 of this disclosure, the heatstroke risk determination device 20, heatstroke risk determination program 61, heatstroke risk determination method, air conditioner 80, and heatstroke risk determination system 100 determine the risk of heatstroke using a judgment criterion value that reflects heat acclimatization, thus the risk of heatstroke can be determined in a way that reflects heat acclimatization.

[0069] Furthermore, according to the first embodiment of this disclosure, the air conditioning system 80 and the heatstroke risk determination system 100 can be controlled based on whether or not there is a risk of heatstroke, thereby reducing the risk of heatstroke.

[0070] The heatstroke risk determination device 20, heatstroke risk determination program, heatstroke risk determination method, air conditioning device 80, and heatstroke risk determination system 100 according to Embodiment 1 of this disclosure determine the risk of heatstroke based on predetermined determination criteria values ​​for each area to be determined. By determining the risk of heatstroke based on predetermined determination criteria values ​​for each area to be determined, it is possible to determine the risk of heatstroke with higher accuracy, reflecting regional differences in tolerance to heat.

[0071] The determination unit 50 according to Embodiment 1 of this disclosure sets the value of the judgment standard higher when the number of days on which the heat index is equal to or higher than the judgment standard value continues for a predetermined number of days required for heat acclimatization, and the judgment standard value is less than a predetermined upper limit value. According to the determination unit 50, the judgment standard value can be set while taking into account environments that are likely to cause heatstroke even in a heat-acclimatized state. Therefore, by determining the risk of developing heatstroke using a judgment standard value that more accurately reflects heat acclimatization, the risk of developing heatstroke can be determined with higher accuracy.

[0072] Modification 1. Modification 1 of Embodiment 1 will be described. Embodiment 1 described an example in which the risk of developing heatstroke is determined based on the heat index. In the modification of Embodiment 1, an example will be described in which the risk of developing heatstroke is determined based on a value obtained by subtracting a predetermined value for each target area from the temperature of the target area.

[0073] In Modification 1 of Embodiment 1, the heat environment index value, which is an index for determining whether or not there is a risk of heatstroke in a hot environment, is a value obtained by subtracting a predetermined value for each target area from the temperature of the target area. First, the heat environment index value will be explained using Figure 5. Figure 5 is a diagram showing the relationship between the daily maximum value of the heat index and the daily maximum value of the temperature in three regions with different climate zones. Figure 5(a) shows the subarctic region, Figure 5(b) shows the temperate region, and Figure 5(c) shows the subtropical region. In Figure 5, the heat index is shown by a solid line and the temperature is shown by a dashed line. The heat index shown in Figure 5 is based on data published by the Fire and Disaster Management Agency of the Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications, and the temperature shown in Figure 5 is based on data published by the Japan Meteorological Agency of the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism.

[0074] As shown in Figure 5, the daily maximum temperature increases and decreases in the same way as the daily maximum heat index. Furthermore, the daily maximum temperature tends to be higher than the daily maximum heat index, and the difference between the daily maximum temperature and the daily maximum heat index varies depending on the climate zone. In the subarctic region shown in Figure 5(a), the daily maximum temperature is 2-3°C higher than the daily maximum heat index; in the temperate region shown in Figure 5(b), the daily maximum temperature is 3-4°C higher than the daily maximum heat index; and in the subtropical region shown in Figure 5(c), the daily maximum temperature is 0-1°C higher than the daily maximum heat index.

[0075] As described above, there is a correlation between the daily maximum temperature and the daily maximum heat index for each climate zone. Therefore, a heat environment index value that can substitute for the heat index can be calculated based on the daily maximum temperature and climate zone information. Specifically, the heat environment index value can be obtained by subtracting a predetermined value for each target area from the temperature of the target area. Here, the predetermined value for each target area is the difference between the temperature and the heat index of the target area, and is determined, for example, based on previously acquired temperature and heat index data.

[0076] Next, the configuration of the heatstroke risk determination system 100 according to a modified example of Embodiment 1 will be explained with reference to Figure 1.

[0077] The heatstroke risk determination system 100 according to a modification of Embodiment 1 differs from the heatstroke risk determination system 100 according to Embodiment 1 in that, as described above, the heat environment index value used to determine the risk of heatstroke is the value obtained by subtracting a predetermined value for each target area from the temperature of the target area. Specifically, the heatstroke risk determination system 100 differs from Embodiment 1 in its environmental sensor 10 and heatstroke risk determination device 20.

[0078] The environmental sensor 10 according to the first modification of Embodiment 1 is a temperature sensor that acquires the temperature of the area to be judged. Specifically, the temperature sensor is installed in the indoor unit of the air conditioner 80. The temperature sensor acquires the temperature of the indoor space where the indoor unit is installed, which is the area to be judged, as an environmental sensor value, and outputs the acquired temperature to the heatstroke risk determination device 20. Here, the temperature sensor is less expensive than a heat index sensor that can acquire wet bulb temperature, black globe temperature, and dry bulb temperature.

[0079] The heatstroke risk determination device 20 according to Modification 1 of Embodiment 1 calculates a heat stress environment index value based on the temperature of the indoor space where the indoor unit is installed, obtained from a temperature sensor. This index value is obtained by subtracting a predetermined value for each target area from the temperature of the target area, and the risk of heatstroke is determined based on the calculated heat stress environment index value. The configuration that differs from Embodiment 1 will be described in detail.

[0080] First, the environmental sensor value acquisition unit 31 according to the modified example 1 of Embodiment 1 periodically acquires the temperature of the indoor space where the indoor unit is installed from a temperature sensor. Next, the heat stress environment index value calculation unit 32 according to the modified example 1 of Embodiment 1 calculates a value obtained by subtracting a predetermined value for each target area from the temperature of the target area. Then, the determination unit 50 according to the modified example 1 of Embodiment 1 determines the risk of developing heatstroke based on the value obtained by subtracting a predetermined value for each target area from the temperature of the target area. Here, the predetermined value for each target area is the difference between the temperature and the heat stress index for each target area, and is stored in the database 62 of the storage unit 60.

[0081] More specifically, the acquisition unit 30 performs an acquisition step in place of step S11 in Figure 4, which involves acquiring the temperature of the area to be judged, and calculating a heat stress environment index value by subtracting a predetermined value for each area to be judged stored in the storage unit 60 from the acquired temperature of the area to be judged. Furthermore, the determination unit 50 uses the value obtained by subtracting a predetermined value for each area to be judged from the temperature of the area to be judged as the heat stress environment index value, and performs a setting step (corresponding to steps S12-S17 in Figure 4) which sets the value of the judgment standard higher if the number of days on which the heat stress environment index value is equal to or greater than the judgment standard value continues for more than the number of days required for heat acclimatization, and a determination step (corresponding to steps S18-S20 in Figure 4) which determines that there is a risk of developing heatstroke if the heat stress environment index value is equal to or greater than the judgment standard value set in the setting step.

[0082] According to the heatstroke risk determination system 100 of Modification 1 of Embodiment 1 of this disclosure, a heat stress environment index value can be calculated to determine whether or not a hot environment exists where there is a risk of heatstroke, based on the temperature of the area to be determined, which is acquired by a temperature sensor that is less expensive than a heat stress index sensor. Therefore, according to the heatstroke risk determination system 100 of Modification 1 of Embodiment 1 of this disclosure, the risk of heatstroke can be determined relatively inexpensively. In other words, according to the heatstroke risk determination system 100 of Modification 1 of Embodiment 1 of this disclosure, the risk of heatstroke can be determined without using an expensive heat stress index sensor.

[0083] Modification 2. Modification 2 of Embodiment 1 will be described. In Embodiment 1, a heatstroke risk determination system 100 was described in which a temperature and humidity sensor, a heatstroke risk determination device 20, and an output device 70 were provided on an air conditioner 80. In Modification 2 of Embodiment 1, a heatstroke risk determination system 100a will be described in which an environmental sensor 10a and a heatstroke risk determination device 20a are provided outside the air conditioner 80a, and an output device 70 is provided on the air conditioner 80a.

[0084] The heatstroke risk determination system 100a related to the air conditioning system of Embodiment 1 will be explained with reference to Figure 6. Figure 6 shows a system block diagram of the heatstroke risk determination system 100a.

[0085] As shown in Figure 6, the heatstroke risk determination system 100a consists of an environmental sensor 10a and a heatstroke risk determination device 20a located outside the air conditioner 80a, and an air conditioner 80a equipped with an output device 70. The environmental sensor 10a, the heatstroke risk determination device 20a, and the air conditioner 80a are each equipped with a communication unit (not shown). The environmental sensor 10a and the heatstroke risk determination device 20a, and the heatstroke risk determination device 20a and the air conditioner 80a are mutually connected via wireless communication, enabling input and output.

[0086] The environmental sensor 10a is installed in a location that the user wishes to designate as the area to be judged. The environmental sensor 10a transmits the temperature and relative humidity in the area to be judged to the heatstroke risk determination device 20a. The environmental sensor 10a may also be an IoT device capable of communicating with a communication terminal (not shown). If the temperature sensor 10c is an IoT device, the timing of acquiring the temperature and relative humidity in the area to be judged may be controlled by the user's operation of the communication terminal.

[0087] The heatstroke risk assessment device 20a is, for example, a server on the cloud, which calculates a heat index based on the temperature and relative humidity received from the environmental sensor 10a and can determine the risk of heatstroke at the location where the environmental sensor 10a is installed. The assessment result from the heatstroke risk assessment device 20a is transmitted to the air conditioning system 80a and output to the output device 70 provided in the air conditioning system 80a.

[0088] According to the heatstroke risk determination system 100a of the modified embodiment 1, the risk of heatstroke in a target area where the environmental sensor 10a is installed can be determined. Furthermore, if the environmental sensor 10a is an IoT device and the timing of acquiring temperature and relative humidity can be controlled by a communication terminal, the determination by the heatstroke risk determination device 20a can be started by starting sensing by the environmental sensor 10a from a remote location.

[0089] Modification 3. Modification 3 of Embodiment 1 will now be described. In Embodiment 1, a heatstroke risk determination system 100 was described in which an environmental sensor 10, a heatstroke risk determination device 20, and an output device 70 were installed in an air conditioner 80. In Modification 3 of Embodiment 1, a heatstroke risk determination system 100b will be described in which the environmental sensor 10 and the heatstroke risk determination device 20 are installed in an air conditioner 80b, and the output device 70b is installed outside the air conditioner 80b.

[0090] A heatstroke risk assessment system 100b according to a modification 3 of Embodiment 1 will be described with reference to Figure 7. Figure 7 shows a system block diagram of the heatstroke risk assessment system 100b.

[0091] As shown in Figure 7, the heatstroke risk determination system 100b consists of an environmental sensor 10 and a heatstroke risk determination device 20 provided on the air conditioner 80b, and an output device 70b provided outside the air conditioner 80b. The air conditioner 80b and the output device 70b are equipped with a communication unit (not shown), and the air conditioner 80b and the output device 70b are connected to each other via wireless communication, enabling mutual input and output.

[0092] The environmental sensor 10 and the heatstroke risk determination device 20 have the same configuration as in Embodiment 1. The output device 70b differs from Embodiment 1 in that it is provided outside the air conditioner 80b. The output device 70b is, for example, a display terminal that displays the determination result of the determination unit 50 of the heatstroke risk determination device 20, and displays the determination result of the determination unit 50 even at a location far from where the air conditioner 80b is installed. For example, if an air conditioner 80b with a built-in heatstroke risk determination device 20 is installed in the house where the person to be judged resides, and the family of the person to be judged possesses the display terminal which is the output device 70b, information on the risk of heatstroke in the area to be judged where the person to be judged is located can be notified to the family of the person to be judged.

[0093] According to the heatstroke risk determination system 100b of the modified embodiment 1 (modification 3), the heatstroke risk determination result by the heatstroke risk determination device 20 can be confirmed remotely.

[0094] In the modified examples 2 and 3 of Embodiment 1, the case in which the heatstroke risk determination device calculates a heat index and determines the risk of heatstroke based on the temperature and relative humidity acquired by the environmental sensor 10 was described, but the invention is not limited to this. The environmental sensor 10 in the heatstroke risk determination systems 100a and 100b of Embodiment 1 may be a heat index sensor or a temperature sensor, and the heat environment index value used by the heatstroke risk determination device to determine the risk of heatstroke may be a value obtained by subtracting a predetermined value for each target area from the temperature of the target area.

[0095] In Embodiment 1, Modification 1 of Embodiment 1, Modification 2, and Modification 3, examples were described in which the environmental sensor 10, the heatstroke risk determination device 20, and the output device 70 are built into the air conditioning system 80. However, it is not necessary for the environmental sensor 10, the heatstroke risk determination device 20, and the output device 70 to be built into the air conditioning system 80.

[0096] Embodiment 2. Embodiment 1 of this disclosure described a heatstroke risk determination device 20 that determines there is a risk of heatstroke if the heat environment index value, which determines whether or not there is a risk of heatstroke in a hot environment, is equal to or greater than a judgment criterion value. Embodiment 2 of this disclosure describes a heatstroke risk determination device 220 that determines there is a risk of heatstroke if the heat environment index value is equal to or greater than a judgment criterion value, and the thermoregulatory function of the person being judged is also determined to be abnormal. In Embodiment 2, the same reference numerals are used for the same components as in Embodiment 1 of this disclosure, and descriptions of the same or corresponding parts are omitted. The heatstroke risk determination device 220 according to Embodiment 2 will be described below with reference to the drawings. Embodiment 2 of this disclosure relates to a heatstroke risk determination device 220, a heatstroke risk determination method using the heatstroke risk determination device 220, a heatstroke risk determination program 261 that causes a computer to execute the heatstroke risk determination method, and a heatstroke risk determination system 200 that includes an air conditioning system equipped with the heatstroke risk determination device 220.

[0097] First, a heatstroke risk determination system 200 equipped with a heatstroke risk determination device 220 according to Embodiment 2 of this disclosure will be described with reference to Figure 8. Figure 8 is a system block diagram of the heatstroke risk determination system 200.

[0098] The heatstroke risk assessment system 200 assesses the risk of heatstroke, reflecting heat acclimatization, based on both a heat environment index and a thermoregulatory function index, which is an index for assessing thermoregulatory function. The system then outputs the assessment results. Here, thermoregulatory function refers to the function of maintaining body temperature within a certain range. In a hot environment, the risk of heatstroke increases if there is an abnormality in thermoregulatory function. By assessing abnormalities in thermoregulatory function in addition to determining whether or not it is a hot environment, the risk of heatstroke can be assessed with higher accuracy.

[0099] As shown in Figure 8, the heatstroke risk determination system 200 includes an environmental sensor 10 and output device 70 similar to those in Embodiment 1, and a biosensor 90 and heatstroke risk determination device 220 different from those in Embodiment 1. The environmental sensor 10 and the heatstroke risk determination device 20, the biosensor 90 and the heatstroke risk determination device 220, and the heatstroke risk determination device 220 and the output device 70 are mutually connected for input and output.

[0100] The biosensor 90 is a sensor that senses the biological information of the person being assessed. The biosensor 90 acquires biosensor values ​​necessary for the heatstroke risk assessment device 220 to determine the body temperature regulation function of the person being assessed.

[0101] The heatstroke risk assessment device 220 determines whether the heat environment index value is above the judgment threshold value, and also determines whether the thermoregulatory function of the person being assessed is abnormal based on the biological information acquired from the biosensor 90. The heatstroke risk assessment device 220 determines the risk of developing heatstroke based on the judgment result of the environment of the area to be assessed based on the heat environment index value, and the judgment result of the thermoregulatory function of the person being assessed.

[0102] The heatstroke risk assessment device 220 consists of a setting unit 40 similar to that of Embodiment 1, and an acquisition unit 230, a determination unit 250, and a storage unit 260 that differ from those of Embodiment 1. The acquisition unit 230 includes an environmental sensor value acquisition unit 31 and a heat stress environment index value calculation unit 32, as well as a biosensor value acquisition unit 231 that acquires biosensor values ​​from a biosensor 90, and a thermoregulatory function index value calculation unit 232 that calculates a thermoregulatory function index value from the biosensor values. The determination unit 250 determines the risk of heatstroke based on the heat stress environment index value and the thermoregulatory function index value. Specifically, the determination unit 250 performs the following: determination of the environment of the area to be judged based on the heat stress environment index value similar to that of Embodiment 1, and determination of the thermoregulatory function of the person to be judged based on the heat stress environment index value and the thermoregulatory function index value. The storage unit 260 stores a program 261 and a database 262 for realizing each function of the heatstroke risk assessment device 220. In the following section, as an example of a heatstroke risk assessment device 220, we will explain an example of determining an abnormality in the thermoregulatory function of a subject based on an autonomic nervous system function index value, which is an example of a thermoregulatory function index value.

[0103] The autonomic nervous system regulates essential life-sustaining functions, including sweating, and autonomic nervous system function index values ​​are indicators of the activity state of the autonomic nervous system. By evaluating the autonomic nervous system function index values ​​of a subject in an environment where sweating should lower body temperature, i.e., a hot environment, the activity state of the subject's sweating function can be determined. If the activity state of the subject's sweating function is insufficient, it can be determined that the subject's thermoregulatory function is abnormal. The heatstroke risk determination system 200 according to Embodiment 2 performs a determination of the subject's thermoregulatory function based on the hot environment index value and the autonomic nervous system function index value, and reflects the determination result of the subject's thermoregulatory function in the determination of the risk of developing heatstroke.

[0104] The biosensor 90 according to Embodiment 2 is a heart rate sensor that acquires heart rate information of the person to be judged. Specifically, the heart rate sensor is a sensor that acquires heart rate information non-contact, for example, a sensor that uses millimeter waves. The heart rate sensor is installed in the indoor unit of the air conditioner 80 and acquires the heart rate information of the person to be judged who is present in the indoor space where the indoor unit is installed, as a biosensor value, non-contact. The heart rate sensor outputs the acquired heart rate information to the heatstroke risk determination device 220.

[0105] The heatstroke risk assessment device 220 according to Embodiment 2 calculates an autonomic nervous system function index value (LF / HF: Low Frequency / High Frequency), which is an example of an autonomic nervous system function index, based on the heart rate information of the person to be assessed obtained from a heart rate sensor, and determines the risk of developing heatstroke based on the calculated autonomic nervous system function index value. The configuration that differs from Embodiment 1 will be described in detail.

[0106] The biosensor value acquisition unit 231 according to Embodiment 2 periodically acquires the heart rate information of the person to be judged from the heart rate sensor. For example, the biosensor value acquisition unit 231 according to Embodiment 2 acquires the current heart rate information of the person to be judged every 5 minutes and stores it in the database 262 of the storage unit 260 along with the acquisition date and time information. Note that the timing at which the biosensor value acquisition unit 231 according to Embodiment 2 acquires heart rate information is not limited to 5 minutes. The timing at which the biosensor value acquisition unit 231 according to Embodiment 2 acquires heart rate information is any timing that can capture a change in the thermoregulatory function of the person to be judged, and the acquisition timing may be increased in hot environments. Furthermore, the timing at which the biosensor value acquisition unit 231 according to Embodiment 2 acquires heart rate information may be changed according to the season and the area to be judged.

[0107] The thermoregulatory function index value calculation unit 232 according to Embodiment 2 calculates an autonomic nervous system function index value as a thermoregulatory function index value from the heart rate information of the person to be judged, which is acquired by the biosensor value acquisition unit 231 according to Embodiment 2.

[0108] The determination unit 250 according to Embodiment 2 determines the risk of developing heatstroke based on the heat environment index value and the autonomic nervous system function index value. Specifically, the determination unit 250 according to Embodiment 2 performs the following: determination of the environment of the area to be determined based on the heat environment index value, and determination of the thermoregulatory function of the person to be determined based on the heat environment index value and the autonomic nervous system function index value.

[0109] The determination of the environment of the target area based on the heat stress environment index value by the determination unit 250 according to Embodiment 2 is the same as the determination by the determination unit 50 according to Embodiment 1. The determination of the thermoregulatory function of the subject based on the heat stress environment index value and autonomic nervous system function index value by the determination unit 250 according to Embodiment 2 will be described in detail.

[0110] The determination unit 250 according to Embodiment 2 first determines whether the autonomic nervous system function index value acquired by the acquisition unit 230 according to Embodiment 2 is within a predetermined normal range. Here, the predetermined normal range is the range of autonomic nervous system function index values ​​when autonomic nervous system function is normal, and is generally in the range of 0.8 to 2.0. Autonomic nervous system function index values ​​are said to have little difference depending on age and gender, and by determining whether the autonomic nervous system function index value of the person being judged is within the normal range, it is possible to determine whether essential life-sustaining functions, including sweating function, are in a normal state.

[0111] Autonomic nervous system function index values ​​are also influenced by factors other than sweating function. Therefore, the determination unit 250 according to Embodiment 2 determines that the sweating function of the subject is normal if the autonomic nervous system function index value is within the normal range in an environment where sweating should lower body temperature, i.e., a hot environment. If the sweating function of the subject is normal, the determination unit 250 according to Embodiment 2 determines whether the subject is sweating or not by determining whether the current value of the autonomic nervous system function index value has risen compared to the previously obtained value. The autonomic nervous system function index value rises when sweating occurs, but it can also rise due to factors other than sweating. Therefore, when the autonomic nervous system function index value rises in a hot environment, the determination unit 250 according to Embodiment 2 determines that the subject is sweating normally and that the subject's thermoregulatory function is normal. Conversely, when the autonomic nervous system function index value does not rise in a hot environment, the determination unit 250 according to Embodiment 2 determines that the subject is not sweating and that the subject's thermoregulatory function is abnormal. Here, "when the autonomic nervous system function index value is not elevated" means when the autonomic nervous system function index value is constant or has decreased.

[0112] As described above, the determination unit 250 according to Embodiment 2 determines that the body temperature regulation function of the person being judged is abnormal if, as a result of determining the environment of the area to be judged based on the heat environment index value, the area to be judged is determined to be a hot environment, and the autonomic nervous system function index value calculated by the acquisition unit 230 according to Embodiment 2 is within a predetermined normal range and the autonomic nervous system function index value has not increased.

[0113] The storage unit 260 according to Embodiment 2 stores a program 261 and a database 262. The heatstroke risk determination device 220 according to Embodiment 2 reads and executes the program 261 stored in the storage unit 260 according to Embodiment 2, thereby performing the process of determining the risk of heatstroke.

[0114] The program 261 according to Embodiment 2 is a heatstroke risk determination program that causes a computer to function as a heatstroke risk determination device 220 according to Embodiment 2 and to execute the heatstroke risk determination method according to Embodiment 2. Specifically, the program 261 according to Embodiment 2 causes the computer to execute an acquisition step of calculating a heat stress environment index value and an autonomic nervous system function index value; a setting step of setting a higher value for the judgment criteria value if the number of days on which the heat stress environment index value is equal to or greater than the judgment criteria value is higher than a predetermined number of days; and a determination step of determining that there is a risk of heatstroke if the heat stress environment index value is equal to or greater than the judgment criteria value set in the setting step and the body temperature regulation function of the person being judged is determined to be abnormal based on the autonomic nervous system function index value.

[0115] The database 262 according to Embodiment 2 stores information for determining the risk of developing heatstroke and information for setting the values ​​of the judgment criteria. Specifically, in addition to the information stored in the database 62 according to Embodiment 1, the database 262 stores values ​​within the normal range of autonomic nervous system function indicators.

[0116] <Determination Method of Embodiment 2> Next, the procedure for determining the risk of heatstroke according to Embodiment 2 will be explained using Figure 9. Figure 9 is a flowchart of the heatstroke risk determination method according to Embodiment 2. Note that the heatstroke risk determination method according to Embodiment 2 is the same as the heatstroke risk determination method according to Embodiment 1 from step S11 to step S17, so Figure 9 shows steps S14, S16, or from step S17 onwards as shown in Figure 4.

[0117] As described above, in the heatstroke risk determination method according to Embodiment 2, similar to the heatstroke risk determination method according to Embodiment 1, first, the acquisition unit 230 and the setting unit 40 acquire heat stress environment index values ​​and set judgment criteria values ​​(steps S11-S17). Subsequently, as shown in Figure 9, the acquisition unit 230 calculates the autonomic nervous system function index value of the person to be judged (step S21). In detail, the biosensor value acquisition unit 231 of the acquisition unit 230 acquires the heart rate information of the person to be judged from the heart rate sensor, and the thermoregulatory function index value calculation unit 232 of the acquisition unit 230 calculates the autonomic nervous system function index of the person to be judged based on the heart rate information of the person to be judged acquired by the biosensor value acquisition unit 231. Step S21 is performed at predetermined acquisition time intervals when the heatstroke risk determination device 220 is in operation. For example, in step S21, the acquisition unit 230 calculates the autonomic nervous system function index value of the person to be judged every 5 minutes.

[0118] Next, similar to step S18 of the heatstroke risk determination method according to Embodiment 1, the determination unit 250 determines whether the heat stress environment index value is equal to or greater than the determination criterion value set by the setting unit 40 (step S22).

[0119] If the heat stress environment index value is determined to be equal to or greater than the judgment criterion value set by the setting unit 40 (Yes in step S22), the area to be judged is considered a heat stress environment. If the area to be judged is determined to be a heat stress environment, the judgment unit 250 determines whether the subject's thermoregulatory function is abnormal based on the subject's autonomic nervous system function index value, and if the subject's thermoregulatory function is abnormal, it determines that the subject is at risk of developing heatstroke. Specifically, first, the judgment unit 250 determines whether the autonomic nervous system function index value is within a predetermined normal range in the heat stress environment (step S23). If the autonomic nervous system function index value is within a predetermined normal range in the heat stress environment (Yes in step S23), the judgment unit 250 determines that the subject's sweating function is normal. Next, in order to determine whether the subject's sweating is sufficient, the judgment unit 250 determines whether the autonomic nervous system function index value is rising in the heat stress environment (step S24). If the autonomic nervous system function index value is determined to be elevated in a hot environment (Yes in step S24), the determination unit 250 determines that the subject's thermoregulatory function is normal and that the subject is not at risk of developing heatstroke (step S25). If the autonomic nervous system function index value is determined not to be elevated in a hot environment (No in step S24), the determination unit 250 determines that the subject's thermoregulatory function is abnormal and that the subject is at risk of developing heatstroke (step S26).

[0120] If the autonomic nervous system function index value is determined to be outside the predetermined normal range in a hot environment (No. in step S23), the determination unit 250 determines that the person being judged has abnormal sweating function and has already developed heatstroke (step S27).

[0121] If the heat stress environment index value is determined not to be equal to or greater than the judgment criterion value set by the setting unit 40 (No. in step S22), the area to be judged is considered not to be a heat stress environment. If the area to be judged is determined not to be a heat stress environment, the judgment unit 250 determines whether or not the autonomic nervous system function index value of the person being judged is within a predetermined normal range (step S28). If, under environmental conditions that are not a heat stress environment, the autonomic nervous system function index value is determined to be within a predetermined normal range (Yes in step S28), the judgment unit 250 determines that the life-sustaining functions of the person being judged, including sweating function, are normal, and that the person being judged is not at risk of developing heatstroke (step S29). If, under environmental conditions that are not a heat stress environment, the autonomic nervous system function index value is determined to be outside the predetermined normal range (No. in step S28), the judgment unit 250 determines that the life-sustaining functions of the person being judged, including sweating function, are not normal, and that the person being judged is not suffering from heatstroke but is in poor physical condition (step S30).

[0122] As described above, the heatstroke risk determination method according to Embodiment 2 includes an acquisition step (step S11) for calculating a heat environment index value, a setting step (steps S12-S17) for setting a higher value for the judgment criteria if the number of days on which the heat environment index value is equal to or greater than a predetermined judgment criterion value is greater than or equal to a predetermined number of days required for heat acclimatization is greater than or equal to a predetermined number of days, and a determination step (steps S22-S26) for determining that the thermoregulatory function of the person being judged is abnormal and that there is a risk of developing heatstroke if the heat environment index value of the area to be judged is equal to or greater than the judgment criterion value, the autonomic nervous system function index value of the person being judged is within a predetermined normal range, and the autonomic nervous system function index value of the person being judged has not increased. According to the heatstroke risk determination method according to Embodiment 2, similar to Embodiment 1, it is possible to determine whether or not the area to be judged is a hot environment by reflecting heat acclimatization. Furthermore, according to the heatstroke risk determination method according to Embodiment 2, it is possible to determine the thermoregulatory function of the person being judged and reflect this in the determination of the risk of developing heatstroke. Therefore, according to the heatstroke risk assessment method of Embodiment 2, it is possible to assess the risk of developing heatstroke with greater accuracy by reflecting the individual's condition, including heat acclimatization.

[0123] In the above description, an example was explained in which the system includes a heart rate sensor that acquires heart rate information of the person being assessed, and an acquisition unit 230 that calculates autonomic nervous system function index values ​​based on the heart rate information acquired by the heart rate sensor. However, the heart rate sensor and the acquisition unit 230 are not limited to those described above. The heart rate sensor may be a sensor that calculates and outputs autonomic nervous system function index values ​​based on the acquired heart rate information, and the acquisition unit 230 may acquire autonomic nervous system function index values ​​from the heart rate sensor.

[0124] The above describes an example in which a non-contact sensor using millimeter waves is provided as a heart rate sensor, but it is not limited to this as long as it is possible to acquire autonomic nervous system function index values ​​or heart rate information for calculating autonomic nervous system function index values. For example, a camera that takes visible images or near-infrared images may be provided as the biosensor 90 in order to acquire heart rate information for calculating autonomic nervous system function index values. Known techniques can be used to acquire heart rate information from visible images or near-infrared images.

[0125] Furthermore, although the above describes an example in which the heart rate sensor is installed in the air conditioning unit 80, it is not limited to this. The heart rate sensor may be installed outside the air conditioning unit 80 and may exchange signals with the heatstroke risk determination device 220 via a communication unit (not shown). In this case, the heart rate sensor is not limited to a non-contact type, but may be a contact type sensor worn by the person being assessed. However, a non-contact type heart rate sensor is preferable. With a non-contact heart rate sensor, it is possible to determine the risk of developing heatstroke with high accuracy, reflecting the individual's condition including heat acclimatization, without the person being assessed wearing the heart rate sensor. In addition, with a non-contact heart rate sensor that can acquire biometric information of multiple people being assessed, such as a camera that captures visible or near-infrared images, it is possible to determine the risk of developing heatstroke for multiple people present in the assessment area.

[0126] <Effects of Embodiment 2> The operation and effects of the heatstroke risk determination device 220, heatstroke risk determination method, heatstroke risk determination program 261, air conditioning device 80, and heatstroke risk determination system 200 according to Embodiment 2 of this disclosure will be described.

[0127] The heatstroke risk determination device 220 according to Embodiment 2 of this disclosure includes, in addition to the configuration of the heatstroke risk determination device 20 according to Embodiment 1, an acquisition unit 230 that further calculates a thermoregulatory function index value, which is an index for determining the thermoregulatory function of the person to be determined, and a determination unit 250 that further determines whether the thermoregulatory function of the person to be determined is abnormal based on the thermoregulatory function index value, and determines that there is a risk of heatstroke if the heat environment index value is equal to or greater than the judgment standard value and the thermoregulatory function of the person to be determined is determined to be abnormal. Here, the thermoregulatory function index value includes the autonomic nervous system function index value. Furthermore, the determination unit 250 determines that the thermoregulatory function of the person to be determined is abnormal if the heat environment index value is equal to or greater than the judgment standard value, the autonomic nervous system function index value is within a predetermined normal range, and the autonomic nervous system function index value is not rising.

[0128] According to Embodiment 2 of this disclosure, the heatstroke risk determination device 220, heatstroke risk determination method, heatstroke risk determination program 261, air conditioning device, and heatstroke risk determination system 200 can determine the risk of developing heatstroke after determining the thermoregulatory function of the person being assessed. Therefore, according to Embodiment 2 of this disclosure, the heatstroke risk determination device 220, heatstroke risk determination program 261, heatstroke risk determination method, air conditioning device, and heatstroke risk determination system 200 can determine the risk of developing heatstroke with high accuracy that reflects the individual's condition.

[0129] Modification 1. Modification 1 of Embodiment 2 will be described. Embodiment 2 described an example in which the thermoregulatory function of a subject is determined based on the autonomic nervous system function index value of the subject. Modification 1 of Embodiment 2 describes an example in which the thermoregulatory function of a subject is determined based on the body surface temperature of the subject and the surface temperature of the clothing the subject is wearing.

[0130] First, a heatstroke risk assessment system 200 according to a modified example 1 of Embodiment 2 of this disclosure will be described with reference to Figure 8.

[0131] Modification 1 of Embodiment 2 differs from Embodiment 2 in that the thermoregulatory function index value used to determine the risk of developing heatstroke is the surface temperature of the person being assessed and the surface temperature of the clothing the person is wearing. Specifically, the heatstroke risk assessment system 200 according to Modification 1 of Embodiment 2 differs from Embodiment 2 in its biosensor 90 and heatstroke risk assessment device 220.

[0132] The biosensor 90 according to the modified example 1 of Embodiment 2 is a thermal image sensor that acquires temperature distribution information of a target area for determination. Specifically, the thermal image sensor non-contactively measures the radiant heat distribution and reference temperature of an object, and acquires temperature distribution information of the object by converting the radiant heat distribution information to absolute temperature based on the reference temperature. The thermal image sensor is installed in the indoor unit of the air conditioner 80 and non-contactively acquires temperature distribution information of the indoor space in which the indoor unit is installed as a biosensor value. The thermal image sensor outputs the temperature distribution information of the indoor space in which the indoor unit is installed to the heatstroke risk determination device 220.

[0133] The heatstroke risk determination device 220 according to Modification 1 of Embodiment 2 calculates the surface temperature of the subject's body and the surface temperature of the clothing they are wearing based on temperature distribution information of the indoor space where the indoor unit is installed, obtained from a thermal image sensor, and determines the risk of heatstroke based on the calculated surface temperature of the subject's body and the surface temperature of their clothing. The configuration that differs from Embodiment 2 will be described in detail.

[0134] The biosensor value acquisition unit 231 according to the modified example 1 of Embodiment 2 periodically acquires temperature distribution information of the indoor space where the indoor unit is installed from a thermal image sensor. The biosensor value acquisition unit 231 according to the modified example 1 of Embodiment 2 acquires, for example, the current temperature distribution information of the indoor space where the indoor unit is installed every 5 minutes and stores it, along with the acquisition date and time information, in the database 262 of the storage unit 260 according to the modified example 1 of Embodiment 2. Note that the timing at which the biosensor value acquisition unit 231 according to the modified example 1 of Embodiment 2 acquires temperature distribution information of the area to be judged is not limited to 5 minutes. The timing at which the biosensor value acquisition unit 231 according to the modified example 1 of Embodiment 2 acquires temperature distribution information of the area to be judged may be any timing that can capture a change in the thermoregulatory function of the person being judged, and the acquisition timing may be increased in hot environments. Furthermore, the timing at which the biosensor value acquisition unit 231 according to the modified example 1 of Embodiment 2 acquires temperature distribution information of the area to be judged may be changed depending on the season and the area to be judged.

[0135] The thermoregulatory function index value calculation unit 232 according to the modified example 1 of Embodiment 2 calculates the body surface temperature of the person to be judged and the surface temperature of the clothing worn by the person to be judged, based on the temperature distribution information of the area to be judged acquired by the biosensor value acquisition unit 231 according to the modified example 1 of Embodiment 2.

[0136] Here, the method by which the thermoregulatory function index calculation unit 232 calculates the surface temperature of the person to be judged and the surface temperature of the clothing worn by the person to be judged will be described. The thermoregulatory function index calculation unit 232 detects the area of ​​the person to be judged from the temperature distribution information of the area to be judged using known techniques. For example, the thermoregulatory function index calculation unit 232 detects the area encompassing the range of surface temperatures from 28°C to 38°C as the area of ​​the person to be judged. Alternatively, when the ambient temperature is high, the thermoregulatory function index calculation unit 232 may use the shape or size of the person to detect the area of ​​the person to be judged. The thermoregulatory function index calculation unit 232 then distinguishes between the area of ​​the person to be judged and the area of ​​the clothing worn by the person to be judged, based on the surface temperature distribution of the area of ​​the person to be judged and the predetermined reference temperature range of each area. The thermoregulatory function index calculation unit 232 outputs the average or maximum value of the surface temperature in the distinguished area of ​​the person to be judged and the area of ​​the clothing to the judgment unit 250 as the surface temperature of the person to be judged and the surface temperature of the clothing. Furthermore, the thermoregulatory function index value calculation unit 232 may distinguish between the facial area and the skin area other than the face within the area of ​​the person being assessed, and output these values ​​to the judgment unit 250 as the surface temperature of the face and the surface temperature of the area other than the face. In addition, if the person being assessed is wearing glasses, a mask, hair, etc., and there is an area within the area of ​​the person being assessed with an extremely low surface temperature, it is desirable for the thermoregulatory function index value calculation unit 232 to exclude the temperature of that area from the value used to calculate the surface temperature of the person being assessed.

[0137] The determination unit 250 according to Modification 1 of Embodiment 2 determines the risk of developing heatstroke based on the heat environment index value, the body surface temperature of the person being judged, and the surface temperature of the clothing worn by the person being judged. Specifically, the determination unit 250 according to Modification 1 of Embodiment 2 performs the same environmental determination of the area to be judged as in Embodiment 2, and the determination of the body temperature regulation function of the person being judged, which is different from that of Embodiment 2. The determination of the body temperature regulation function of the person being judged based on the body surface temperature and the surface temperature of the clothing by the determination unit 250 according to Modification 1 of Embodiment 2 will be explained using Figure 10. Figure 10 is a diagram showing the relationship between the surface temperature of the person being judged and the clothing and the state of the person being judged. Figure 10(a) shows the surface temperature distribution when there is a fever, Figure 10(b) shows the surface temperature distribution when there is sweating, Figure 10(c) shows the surface temperature distribution when heat dissipation is sufficient, and Figure 10(d) shows the surface temperature distribution when heat dissipation is difficult. In Figure 10, f represents the face area, c represents the clothing area, and b represents the skin area other than the face.

[0138] The determination unit 250 according to Modification 1 of Embodiment 2 first determines whether the person to be determined has a fever. If the person to be determined has a fever, as shown in Figure 10(a), the surface temperature of the person to be determined, that is, the surface temperature of the facial area f1 and the surface temperature of the skin area b1 other than the face, will be relatively high. The determination unit 250 according to Modification 1 of Embodiment 2 determines whether the person to be determined has a fever by using the surface temperature of the person to be determined, which is expected to be relatively high when the person to be determined has a fever, as the fever threshold, and determining whether the body surface temperature of the person to be determined is above or below the predetermined fever threshold. Specifically, the determination unit 250 according to Modification 1 of Embodiment 2 determines that the person to be determined has a fever if the surface temperature of the person to be determined is above or below the predetermined fever threshold, and determines that the person to be determined does not have a fever if the surface temperature of the person to be determined is below the predetermined fever threshold.

[0139] When determining whether a person has a fever or not, it is desirable to use the surface temperature of the face region f, which is less affected by ambient temperature compared to other regions, as the surface temperature of the person being judged. Generally, when the axillary body temperature is 38°C or higher, the maximum surface temperature of the face region f will be 36°C. Therefore, when using the maximum surface temperature of the face region as the surface temperature of the person being judged, the fever threshold is set to 35°C. However, the fever threshold is not limited to 35°C and may be determined based on past records of the surface temperature of the face region of the person being judged. Furthermore, the determination unit 250 according to the modified example 1 of Embodiment 2 only needs to be able to determine whether the person being judged has a fever or not, and may also determine whether the surface temperature of other regions of the face region is above the fever threshold. In this case, it is desirable that the fever threshold be determined based on past records of the surface temperature of each region of the person being judged.

[0140] If the surface temperature of the person being evaluated is below the fever threshold and it is determined that the person is not experiencing fever, the determination unit 250 according to Modification 1 of Embodiment 2 determines whether the person is sweating sufficiently in order to determine the person's thermoregulatory function. If the person is sweating sufficiently, as shown in Figure 10(b), the surface temperature of the person being evaluated, that is, the surface temperature of the facial area f1 and the surface temperature of the skin area b1 other than the face, will be relatively low. This is because when the person is sweating sufficiently and exposed to wind, the surface temperature decreases due to the heat of vaporization of the sweat. The determination unit 250 according to Modification 1 of Embodiment 2 determines whether the person is sweating sufficiently by using the expected surface temperature of the person being evaluated when they are sweating sufficiently as the sweat threshold and determining whether the person's body surface temperature is above the predetermined sweat threshold. Specifically, the determination unit 250 according to the modified example 1 of Embodiment 2 determines that the sweating of the person being judged is insufficient if the surface temperature of the person being judged is above the sweating threshold, and determines that the sweating of the person being judged is sufficient if the surface temperature of the person being judged is below the sweating threshold.

[0141] When determining whether a person's body surface temperature is above the sweat threshold, it is desirable to use the body surface temperature of the face region, which is less affected by ambient temperature compared to other regions. Generally, when the face region is sufficiently wet with sweat and exposed to wind, the body surface temperature of the face region will be around 30°C. Therefore, when using the face region's surface temperature as the body surface temperature of the person being determined, the sweat threshold is set at 30°C. However, the sweat threshold is not limited to 30°C and may be determined based on past records of the face region's body surface temperature. Furthermore, the determination unit 250 according to the modified example 1 of Embodiment 2 only needs to be able to determine whether the person being determined is sweating and their body surface temperature has decreased, and may also determine whether the body surface temperature of other regions of the face region is above the sweat threshold. In this case, it is desirable that the sweat threshold be determined based on past records of the body surface temperature of each region of the person being determined.

[0142] Even if the determination unit 250 according to Modification 1 of Embodiment 2 determines that the sweating of the person being evaluated is insufficient, heat dissipation may be sufficient depending on the condition of the clothing the person is wearing. For example, if the person is wearing breathable clothing, not only will there be sufficient heat dissipation due to evaporative cooling from sweating, but there will also be sufficient heat conduction from the skin to the clothing. Here, heat dissipation is the thermoregulatory function that operates when body temperature rises, and it is the process of releasing the heat generated in the body to the surrounding environment. If heat dissipation is sufficient, the thermoregulatory function can be said to be normal. In other words, even if the determination unit 250 according to Modification 1 of Embodiment 2 determines that the sweating of the person being evaluated is insufficient, if the person is wearing breathable clothing and there is sufficient heat conduction from the skin to the clothing, the thermoregulatory function can be determined to be normal. When heat conduction from the subject's skin to the clothing is sufficient, the temperature difference between the subject's surface temperature and the clothing's surface temperature is relatively small, as shown in Figure 10(c). Conversely, when heat conduction from the subject's skin to the clothing is insufficient, that is, when heat dissipation is hindered by the clothing, the clothing's surface temperature is lower than the subject's surface temperature, and the temperature difference between the subject's surface temperature and the clothing's surface temperature is relatively large, as shown in Figure 10(d). The determination unit 250 uses the temperature difference between the subject's surface temperature and the clothing's surface temperature, which is assumed to occur when heat conduction from the subject's skin to the clothing is insufficient, as a heat dissipation threshold, and determines whether the temperature difference between the subject's surface temperature and the clothing's surface temperature is greater than or equal to a predetermined heat dissipation threshold, thereby determining whether sufficient heat conduction from the skin to the clothing is occurring. Specifically, the determination unit 250 according to the modified example 1 of Embodiment 2 determines that if the temperature difference between the surface temperature of the person being determined and the surface temperature of the clothing is greater than or equal to the heat dissipation threshold, then heat conduction from the person's skin to the clothing is insufficient, and the person's thermoregulatory function is abnormal.Furthermore, the determination unit 250 according to the modified example 1 of Embodiment 2 determines that sufficient heat conduction from the skin of the person being determined to the clothing and sufficient heat dissipation by the sweating person is achieved when the temperature difference between the surface temperature of the person being determined and the surface temperature of the clothing is less than the heat dissipation threshold.

[0143] As described above, the determination unit 250 determines that the thermoregulatory function of the person being judged is abnormal if, as a result of determining the environment of the area to be judged based on the heat environment index value, the area to be judged is determined to be a hot environment, and the surface temperature of the person being judged is between a predetermined heat threshold and a sweat threshold, and the temperature difference between the surface temperature of the body and the surface temperature of the clothing is greater than or equal to a predetermined heat dissipation threshold.

[0144] The storage unit 260 according to the modified example 1 of Embodiment 2 stores a different program 261 and database 262 than those in Embodiment 2. The heatstroke risk determination device 220 according to the modified example 1 of Embodiment 2 performs heatstroke risk determination processing by reading and executing the program 261 stored in the storage unit 260 according to the modified example 1 of Embodiment 2.

[0145] The program 261 according to Modification 1 of Embodiment 2 is a heatstroke risk determination program that causes a computer to function as a heatstroke risk determination device 220 according to Modification 1 of Embodiment 2 and to execute the heatstroke risk determination method according to Modification 1 of Embodiment 2. Specifically, the program 261 causes the computer to execute an acquisition step of calculating a heat stress environment index value, the body surface temperature of the person to be judged, and the surface temperature of the clothing worn by the person to be judged; a setting step of setting a higher value for the judgment criteria if the number of days on which the heat stress environment index value is equal to or greater than the judgment criteria value is higher than the predetermined number of days; and a determination step of determining that there is a risk of heatstroke if the heat stress environment index value is equal to or greater than the judgment criteria value set in the setting step, and the body surface temperature of the person to be judged and the surface temperature of the clothing worn by the person to be judged determine that the person's thermoregulatory function is abnormal.

[0146] The database 262 according to the modified example 1 of Embodiment 2 stores information for determining the risk of developing heatstroke and information for setting the values ​​of the determination criteria. Specifically, the database 262 according to the modified example 1 of Embodiment 2 stores the fever threshold, the sweating threshold, and the heat dissipation threshold in addition to the information stored in the database 62 according to Embodiment 1.

[0147] <Determination Method for Modification 1 of Embodiment 2> Next, the procedure for determining the risk of developing heatstroke according to Modification 1 of Embodiment 2 will be explained using Figure 11. Figure 11 is a flowchart of the method for determining the risk of developing heatstroke according to Modification 1 of Embodiment 2. Note that the method for determining the risk of developing heatstroke according to Modification 1 of Embodiment 2 is the same as the method for determining the risk of developing heatstroke according to Embodiment 1 from step S11 to step S17, so Figure 11 shows steps S14, S16, or steps S17 and later as shown in Figure 4.

[0148] As described above, in the heatstroke risk determination method according to Modification 1 of Embodiment 2, similar to the heatstroke risk determination method according to Embodiment 1, first, the acquisition unit 230 and the setting unit 40 acquire heat stress environment index values ​​and set judgment criteria values ​​(steps S11-S17). Subsequently, as shown in Figure 11, the acquisition unit 230 according to Modification 1 of Embodiment 2 calculates the body surface temperature of the person to be judged and the surface temperature of the clothing worn by the person to be judged (step S31). Specifically, the biosensor value acquisition unit 231 acquires temperature distribution information of the area to be judged from the thermal image sensor, and the thermoregulatory function index value calculation unit 232 calculates the body surface temperature of the person to be judged and the surface temperature of the clothing worn by the person to be judged based on the temperature distribution information of the area to be judged acquired by the biosensor value acquisition unit 231. Step S31 is performed at predetermined acquisition time intervals when the heatstroke risk determination device 220 is in operation. For example, in step S31, the acquisition unit 230 calculates the body surface temperature of the person being judged and the surface temperature of the clothing the person is wearing every 5 minutes.

[0149] Next, similar to step S18 of the heatstroke risk determination method according to Embodiment 1, the determination unit 250 according to Modification 1 of Embodiment 2 determines whether the heat stress environment index value is equal to or greater than the determination criterion value set by the setting unit 40 (step S32).

[0150] If the heat stress environment index value is determined to be equal to or greater than the judgment criterion value set by the setting unit 40 (Yes in step S32), the area to be judged is considered to be a heat stress environment. If the area to be judged is determined to be a heat stress environment, the judgment unit 250 according to the modified example 1 of Embodiment 2 determines whether the body temperature regulation function of the person being judged is sufficient based on the body surface temperature of the person being judged, and if the body temperature regulation function of the person being judged is abnormal, it determines that the person being judged is at risk of developing heatstroke. Specifically, first, the judgment unit 250 according to the modified example 1 of Embodiment 2 determines whether the body surface temperature of the person being judged is equal to or greater than a predetermined fever threshold (step S33). If the surface temperature of the person being judged is less than a predetermined fever threshold in a heat stress environment (No in step S33), the judgment unit 250 according to the modified example 1 of Embodiment 2 determines that the person being judged is not experiencing fever. Next, the determination unit 250 according to the modified example 1 of Embodiment 2 determines whether the sweating of the person being judged is sufficient, by determining whether the surface temperature of the person being judged is above a predetermined sweating threshold (step S34). If the surface temperature of the person being judged is above a predetermined sweating threshold (Yes in step S34), the determination unit 250 according to the modified example 1 of Embodiment 2 determines that the sweating of the person being judged is insufficient. Then, the determination unit 250 according to the modified example 1 of Embodiment 2 determines whether the temperature difference between the surface temperature and the surface temperature of the clothing is above a predetermined heat dissipation threshold, by determining whether the heat conduction from the skin to the clothing is sufficient (step S35). If the temperature difference between the surface temperature and the surface temperature of the clothing is above a predetermined heat dissipation threshold (Yes in step S35), the determination unit 250 according to the modified example 1 of Embodiment 2 determines that there is a risk of heatstroke because the sweating and heat conduction from the skin to the clothing of the person being judged are insufficient, that is, because heat dissipation is difficult (step S36).

[0151] If the body surface temperature of the person being assessed is above a predetermined fever threshold in a hot environment (Yes in step S33), the determination unit 250 according to the modified example 1 of Embodiment 2 determines that the person is experiencing fever and has already developed heatstroke (step S37). If the body surface temperature of the person being assessed is below a predetermined sweating threshold in a hot environment (No in step S34), the determination unit 250 according to the modified example 1 of Embodiment 2 determines that the person is sweating sufficiently, so heat dissipation is adequate and there is no risk of developing heatstroke (step S38). Furthermore, even if the body surface temperature of the person being evaluated is above a predetermined sweating threshold in a hot environment (Yes in step S34), if the temperature difference between the body surface temperature and the surface temperature of the clothing is below a predetermined heat dissipation threshold (No in step S35), the determination unit 250 according to the modified example 1 of Embodiment 2 determines that although the person being evaluated is not sweating sufficiently, there is sufficient heat conduction from the skin to the clothing, i.e., sufficient heat dissipation, and therefore there is no risk of developing heatstroke (step S38).

[0152] If the heat stress environment index value is determined not to be equal to or greater than the judgment criterion value set by the setting unit 40 (No. in step S32), the area to be judged is considered not to be a heat stress environment. If the area to be judged is determined not to be a heat stress environment, the judgment unit 250 according to the modified example 1 of Embodiment 2 determines whether the body temperature regulation function of the person being judged is sufficient based on the surface temperature of the person being judged (step S39). If, under environmental conditions that are not a heat stress environment, the surface temperature of the person being judged is equal to or greater than a predetermined fever threshold (Yes in step S39), the judgment unit 250 according to the modified example 1 of Embodiment 2 determines that the person being judged is not suffering from heatstroke but has a fever (step S40). If, under environmental conditions that are not a heat stress environment, the surface temperature of the person being judged is less than a predetermined fever threshold (No. in step S39), the judgment unit 250 according to the modified example 1 of Embodiment 2 determines that the person being judged is not at risk of developing heatstroke (step S41).

[0153] As described above, the heatstroke risk determination method according to Modification 1 of Embodiment 2 includes an acquisition step (step S11) for calculating a heat environment index value, a setting step (steps S12-S17) for setting a higher value for the judgment criterion if the number of days on which the heat environment index value is equal to or greater than a predetermined judgment criterion value is greater than or equal to a predetermined number of days required for heat acclimatization is greater than or equal to a predetermined number of days, an acquisition step (step S31) for calculating the body surface temperature of the person to be judged and the surface temperature of the clothing worn by the person to be judged, and a determination step (steps S32-S36) for determining that the thermoregulatory function of the person to be judged is abnormal and there is a risk of heatstroke if the heat environment index value of the area to be judged is equal to or greater than a judgment criterion value, the body surface temperature of the person to be judged is between a predetermined heat threshold and a predetermined sweat threshold, and the temperature difference between the body surface temperature of the person to be judged and the surface temperature of the clothing is equal to or greater than a predetermined heat dissipation threshold. According to the heatstroke risk determination method according to Modification 1 of Embodiment 2, similar to Embodiment 1, it is possible to determine whether or not the area to be judged is a hot environment by reflecting heat acclimatization. Furthermore, according to the heatstroke risk determination method of Modification 1 of Embodiment 2, the thermoregulatory function of the person being assessed can be determined and reflected in the determination of the risk of developing heatstroke. Therefore, according to the heatstroke risk determination method of Modification 1 of Embodiment 2, it is possible to determine the risk of developing heatstroke with higher accuracy by reflecting the individual's condition, including heat acclimatization.

[0154] In the above description, an example was explained comprising a thermal image sensor that measures the radiant heat distribution and reference temperature of the area to be determined, and acquires temperature distribution information of the area to be determined by converting the radiant heat distribution information to absolute temperature based on the reference temperature, and an acquisition unit 230 that calculates the body surface temperature of the person to be determined and the surface temperature of the clothing worn by the person to be determined based on the temperature distribution information of the area to be determined acquired by the thermal image sensor. However, the thermal image sensor and acquisition unit 230 are not limited to the above. The thermal image sensor may only measure the radiant heat distribution and reference temperature of the person to be determined, and the acquisition unit 230 may calculate temperature distribution information of the area to be determined based on the radiant heat distribution and reference temperature of the person to be determined acquired from the thermal image sensor, and calculate the body surface temperature of the person to be determined and the surface temperature of the clothing worn by the person to be determined based on the calculated temperature distribution information of the area to be determined. Furthermore, the thermal image sensor may be a sensor that measures only the radiant heat distribution information of the person to be determined, and the environmental sensor 10 may measure the reference temperature.

[0155] A thermal imaging sensor is a sensor that can acquire temperature distribution information, which is biometric information of a subject, without contact. A thermal imaging sensor capable of acquiring biometric information of a subject without contact allows for highly accurate assessment of the risk of developing heatstroke, reflecting an individual's condition including heat acclimatization, without the subject wearing the sensor. Furthermore, because a thermal imaging sensor can acquire biometric information of multiple subjects without contact, it can perform heatstroke risk assessments for multiple subjects within a target area.

[0156] <Effects and Effects of Modification 1 of Embodiment 2> The operation and effects of the heatstroke risk determination device 220, heatstroke risk determination method, heatstroke risk determination program 261, air conditioning device 80, and heatstroke risk determination system 200 according to Modification 1 of Embodiment 2 of this disclosure will be described.

[0157] The heatstroke risk determination device 220 according to Embodiment 2 of this disclosure includes, in addition to the configuration of the heatstroke risk determination device 20 according to Embodiment 1, an acquisition unit 230 that further calculates the surface temperature of the body of the person to be determined and the surface temperature of the clothing worn by the person to be determined, and a determination unit 250 according to Modification 1 of Embodiment 2 that further determines whether the body temperature regulation function of the person to be determined is abnormal based on the surface temperature of the body of the person to be determined and the surface temperature of the clothing worn by the person to be determined acquired by the acquisition unit 230, and determines that there is a risk of heatstroke if the heat environment index value is equal to or greater than a predetermined judgment standard value and the body temperature regulation function of the person to be determined is abnormal. In detail, the determination unit 250 determines that the body temperature regulation function of the person to be determined is abnormal if the surface temperature is between a predetermined heat threshold and a predetermined sweat threshold, and the temperature difference between the surface temperature and the surface temperature of the clothing is equal to or greater than a predetermined heat dissipation threshold.

[0158] According to the heatstroke risk determination device 220, heatstroke risk determination method, heatstroke risk determination program 261, air conditioner 80, and heatstroke risk determination system 200 according to Modification 1 of Embodiment 2 of this disclosure, the risk of developing heatstroke can be determined after determining the thermoregulatory function of the person being assessed. Therefore, according to the heatstroke risk determination device 220, heatstroke risk determination method, heatstroke risk determination program 261, air conditioner, and heatstroke risk determination system 200 according to Modification 1 of Embodiment 2 of this disclosure, it is possible to determine the risk of developing heatstroke with high accuracy that reflects the individual's condition.

[0159] In Embodiment 2 and Modification 1 of Embodiment 2, examples of determining the thermoregulatory function of the person being evaluated were described. However, the methods for determining the thermoregulatory function of the person being evaluated in Embodiment 2 and Modification 1 of Embodiment 2 may be combined. That is, the heatstroke risk determination device may determine the thermoregulatory function of the person being evaluated based on the autonomic nervous system function index value, body temperature, and surface temperature of clothing, and then determine the risk of developing heatstroke based on the determination result. By combining the methods for determining the thermoregulatory function of the person being evaluated in Embodiment 2 and Modification 1 of Embodiment 2, the accuracy of determining the thermoregulatory function of the person being evaluated is improved, and therefore the risk of developing heatstroke can be determined with higher accuracy.

[0160] Although the present disclosure has been described above based on each embodiment, the present disclosure is not limited to each embodiment. Furthermore, combining, modifying, or omitting each embodiment as appropriate is also within the scope of the technical idea of ​​the present disclosure.

[0161] 100, 200 Heatstroke risk assessment system 10 Environmental sensors 20, 220 Heatstroke risk assessment device 30, 230 Acquisition unit 31 Environmental sensor value acquisition unit 32 Heat stress environment index value calculation unit 40 Setting unit 50, 250 Judgment unit 60, 260 Storage unit 61, 261 Program 62, 262 Database 70 Output device 80 Air conditioning device 90 Biometric sensor 231 Biometric sensor value acquisition unit 232 Thermoregulation function index value calculation unit

Claims

1. A heat acclimatization heatstroke risk determination device comprising: an acquisition unit that calculates a heat environment index value, which is an index for determining a hot environment; a setting unit that sets the value of the judgment criterion higher when the number of days on which the heat environment index value is equal to or greater than a predetermined judgment criterion value is greater than or equal to a predetermined number of days required for heat acclimatization; and a determination unit that determines that there is a risk of developing heatstroke when the heat environment index value is equal to or greater than the judgment criterion value.

2. The heat stress environment index value is the value obtained by subtracting a predetermined value for each area to be judged from the temperature of the area to be judged, as described in claim 1, for the heat stroke risk determination device.

3. The heatstroke risk determination device according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the judgment criterion value is a value predetermined for each area to be judged.

4. The heatstroke risk determination device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the determination unit sets the value of the determination standard higher when the number of days on which the heat environment index value is equal to or greater than the determination standard value continues for a predetermined number of days required for heat acclimatization, and the determination standard value is less than a predetermined upper limit.

5. The heatstroke risk determination device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the acquisition unit further calculates a thermoregulatory function index value, which is an index for determining the thermoregulatory function of the person to be judged; the determination unit further determines an abnormality in the thermoregulatory function of the person to be judged based on the thermoregulatory function index value calculated by the acquisition unit; and if the heat stress environment index value is equal to or greater than the determination standard value and the thermoregulatory function of the person to be judged is determined to be abnormal, the determination unit determines that there is a risk of developing heatstroke.

6. The heatstroke risk determination device according to claim 5, wherein the thermoregulatory function index value includes an autonomic nervous system function index value, and the determination unit determines that the thermoregulatory function of the person being judged is abnormal when the heat environment index value is equal to or greater than the determination standard value and the autonomic nervous system function index value is not within a predetermined normal range.

7. The thermoregulatory function index value includes the body surface temperature and the surface temperature of the clothing worn by the person to be judged, and the determination unit determines that the thermoregulatory function of the person to be judged is abnormal when the body surface temperature is above a predetermined fever threshold, or when the body surface temperature is above a predetermined sweating threshold and the temperature difference between the body surface temperature and the surface temperature of the clothing is above a predetermined heat dissipation threshold, as described in claim 5.

8. A method for determining the risk of heatstroke, comprising: an acquisition step of calculating a heat stress environment index value, which is an index for determining a heat stress environment; a setting step of setting a higher value for the determination criteria if the number of days on which the heat stress environment index value is equal to or greater than a predetermined determination criteria value continues for a predetermined number of days required for heat acclimatization; and a determination step of determining that there is a risk of developing heatstroke if the heat stress environment index value is equal to or greater than the determination criteria value set in the setting step.

9. A heatstroke risk determination program that causes a computer to perform the following steps: an acquisition step of calculating a heat stress environment index value, which is an index for determining a hot environment; a setting step of setting the value of the judgment criteria higher if the number of days on which the heat stress environment index value is equal to or greater than a predetermined judgment criterion value is greater than or equal to a predetermined number of days required for heat acclimatization; and a determination step of determining that there is a risk of developing heatstroke if the heat stress environment index value is equal to or greater than the judgment criterion value.

10. An air conditioning system comprising: an acquisition unit that calculates a heat stress environment index value, which is an index for determining a hot environment; a setting unit that sets the value of the judgment standard higher if the number of days on which the heat stress environment index value is equal to or greater than a predetermined judgment standard value continues for a predetermined number of days required for heat acclimatization; a determination unit that determines that there is a risk of heatstroke occurring when the heat stress environment index value is equal to or greater than the judgment standard value; and a control unit that controls the air conditioning function based on the determination result of the determination unit.

11. A heatstroke risk determination device comprising: an acquisition unit that calculates a heat stress environment index value, which is an index for determining a hot environment; a setting unit that sets the value of the judgment standard higher when the number of days on which the heat stress environment index value is equal to or greater than a predetermined judgment standard value continues for a predetermined number of days required for heat acclimatization; and a determination unit that determines that there is a risk of heatstroke occurring when the heat stress environment index value is equal to or greater than the judgment standard value; and an air conditioning device that controls the air conditioning function based on the determination result of the determination unit.

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