JP7765693B2 - Control system, information processing device and program - Google Patents

Description

This disclosure relates to a control system, an information processing device, and a program.

Patent Document 1 describes a temperature and humidity control system and method in which the temperature and humidity set value management unit sets an amount of change to the humidity set value in a direction opposite (decreasing) the direction of change (increasing) of the indoor humidity (actual value) that would be expected to change during defrosting operation, and during defrosting operation, the temperature and humidity set value management unit lowers the humidity set value sent to the control calculation unit by the predetermined amount of change.

Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2004-20033

In a space where an adjustment device for adjusting the environment is installed, for example, the preset environment may change. In this case, it is possible to install a large number of detection units that detect environmental changes in each location where you want to suppress environmental changes, and suppress the environmental changes in response to the environment detected by the detection units. However, in this case, it becomes necessary to install a relatively large number of detection units, and to change the installation locations of the detection units in response to changes in the locations where you want to suppress changes.

The present disclosure aims to efficiently control the environment of a target location in space to a predetermined goal.

The control system disclosed herein is a control system comprising: a detection unit that detects environmental changes or factors of the environmental changes at a second location in a space that is different from a first location in the space; a prediction unit that predicts the impact on the first location and/or people or objects at the first location in response to the detection by the detection unit; and a control unit that controls an adjustment device that adjusts the environment of the space to approach a predetermined target in response to the prediction by the prediction unit.

This control system makes it possible to efficiently control the environment of a target location in space to a predetermined target.

The control unit may be configured to control the adjustment device to reduce the effect predicted by the prediction unit if the effect prevents the spatial environment from approaching the predetermined goal.

In this way, it becomes possible to control the environment at a target location in space to a predetermined target even if there are environmental changes at a different location that prevent this.

The control unit may be configured to control the adjustment device using the effect predicted by the prediction unit if the effect contributes to the spatial environment approaching the predetermined target.

In this way, it becomes possible to control the environment of a target location in space to a predetermined target, even if there are contributing environmental changes at a different location.

The detection unit may detect a change in temperature at the second location, and the control unit may control the adjustment device so that the temperature at the first location in the space and/or the temperature of people or objects at the first location approaches the predetermined target.

In this way, the temperature at a target location in space can be controlled to a predetermined target even when there are temperature changes at different locations.

The detection unit may detect an increase or decrease in the number of people or objects at the second location, and the control unit may control the adjustment device so that the temperature at the first location in the space and/or the people or objects at the first location approaches the predetermined target.

In this way, the temperature at a target location in a space can be controlled to a predetermined target even when there is an increase or decrease in the number of people or objects in different locations.

The detection unit may detect the opening or closing of a door or window at the second location, and the control unit may control the adjustment device so that the temperature at the first location in the space and/or of people or objects at the first location approaches the predetermined target.

In this way, the temperature at a target location in a space can be controlled to a predetermined target even when doors or windows are opened or closed in different locations.

The prediction unit may use a physical model that models the space and the adjustment device in that space.

In this way, it is possible to control the environment of a target position in space to a predetermined target, taking into account the space and the adjustment devices in the space, with less computational effort than if a physical model were not used.

The prediction unit may further use the physical model that models an object that affects the environment in the space, different from the adjustment device.

In this way, it is possible to control the environment of a target location in space to a predetermined target, taking into account things other than adjustment devices that affect the environment in space, with less computational effort than if a physical model were not used.

The information processing device disclosed herein is an information processing device that includes an acquisition unit that acquires information regarding environmental changes or factors of the environmental changes at a second position in a space that is different from a first position in the space; a prediction unit that predicts the impact on the first position and/or people or objects at the first position in accordance with the acquisition of the information by the acquisition unit; and an output unit that outputs control information for an adjustment device to make adjustments to approach a predetermined target in accordance with the prediction by the prediction unit.

This information processing device makes it possible to efficiently control the environment of a target location in space to a predetermined target.

The program disclosed herein also enables a computer to perform the following functions: detect environmental changes or factors of the environmental changes at a second location in a space that is different from a first location in the space; predict the impact on the first location and/or people or objects at the first location based on the detection; and control an adjustment device that adjusts the environment of the space to approach a predetermined goal based on the prediction.

A computer with this program installed can efficiently control the environment of a target location in space to a predetermined goal.

1 is a diagram showing an example of the overall configuration of an environmental control system to which an embodiment of the present invention is applied; FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of a hardware configuration of an information processing device according to an embodiment of the present invention. 1 is a block diagram showing an example of a functional configuration of an information processing device according to an embodiment of the present invention; 10 is a flowchart showing a first operation example of the information processing device according to the present embodiment. FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of an input screen for inputting spatial information acquired in the present embodiment. FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of an input screen for inputting information on a target temperature acquired in the present embodiment. FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of temperature information acquired in the present embodiment. FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of the temperature of each section predicted in the present embodiment. FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of control of an air conditioning device using control parameters output in this embodiment. 10 is a flowchart showing a second operation example of the information processing device according to the present embodiment.

The following describes the embodiments in detail with reference to the attached drawings.

[Overall configuration of environmental control system]
FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an example of the overall configuration of an environmental control system 10 to which the present embodiment is applied. The environmental control system 10 is an example of a control system, and is a system that controls the environment in a target space 100. There are various environments in the target space 100, such as temperature, humidity, carbon dioxide concentration, and odor, and there are various adjustment devices that adjust the environment for each of these environments. However, the following description will take temperature as an example of the environment and an air conditioner as an example of the adjustment device. As shown in the figure, the environmental control system 10 includes an air conditioner 200, a control device 300, a temperature sensor 400, an input/output device 500, and an information processing device 600.

The target space 100 is a space whose environment is to be controlled by the environmental control system 10. Here, an office space is taken as an example of the target space 100. In the following description, the horizontal direction of the target space 100 is referred to as the planar direction, and the vertical direction is referred to as the height direction. The target space 100 is a space surrounded by walls 110, doors 120, a floor 130, and a ceiling (not shown). A window 140 is provided in the wall 110. Also installed in the target space 100 are indoor units 210a-210c and a remote controller 240 (hereinafter referred to as the "remote control") of the air conditioning unit 200, which will be described later, a third temperature sensor 430 (an aftermarket sensor), which will be described later, and an input/output device 500, which will be described later. Furthermore, although not shown, the target space 100 is equipped with fixtures that emit heat, such as lighting, computers, monitors, and printers (hereinafter referred to as "heat-generating fixtures"), and fixtures that do not emit heat, such as desks, chairs, sofas, tables, and rugs (hereinafter referred to as "non-heat-generating fixtures"). Furthermore, although not shown, the target space 100 is equipped with fixtures such as curtains and blinds (hereinafter referred to as "window fixtures") that control the external environment outside the target space 100, such as temperature, humidity, amount of solar radiation, and solar radiation angle, which affect the inside of the target space 100 through the windows 140.

The air conditioning device 200 conditions the air in the target space 100. The air conditioning device 200 has indoor units 210a-210c, an outdoor unit 220, piping 230, and a remote control 240. The indoor units 210a-210c are installed within the target space 100 and absorb heat from the air within the target space 100 or expel heat into the target space 100 by performing heat exchange between the refrigerant passing through the piping 230 and the air within the target space 100. The outdoor unit 220 is installed outside the target space 100 and expels heat outside the target space 100 or absorbs heat from the air outside the target space 100 by performing heat exchange between the refrigerant passing through the piping 230 and the air outside the target space 100. The piping 230 is a pipe connecting the indoor units 210a-210c and the outdoor unit 220, through which the refrigerant passes. The remote control 240 is a device for remotely operating the air conditioning apparatus 200. Although the figure shows indoor units 210a to 210c, they may also be referred to as indoor units 210 when there is no need to distinguish between them. The figure shows three indoor units 210, but one, two, or four or more indoor units 210 may be provided.

The control device 300 controls the operation of the air conditioning device 200 based on set conditions.

The temperature sensor 400 is installed at a predetermined position within the target space 100 and measures the temperature at that predetermined position. The temperature sensor 400 includes first temperature sensors 410a-410c, second temperature sensor 420, and third temperature sensor 430. The first temperature sensors 410a-410c are temperature sensors provided in the indoor units 210a-210c, respectively, and measure the intake temperature, which is the temperature of the air drawn into the indoor units 210a-210c. The second temperature sensor 420 is a thermistor temperature sensor in the remote control 240 and measures the temperature of the air around the remote control 240. The third temperature sensor 430 is a temperature sensor retrofitted to the target space 100 and measures the temperature of the air within the target space 100.

The input/output device 500 is, for example, placed within the target space 100 and accepts user operations to input spatial information including information about the target space 100 itself and information about the placement of objects in the target space 100. The input/output device 500 also accepts user operations to input target temperatures for each position in the target space 100. In this case, the input/output device 500 may output an image object representing the target space 100 and allow the user to input spatial information and target temperatures by placing an icon on the image object. The information about the placement of objects may also include information about the orientation of the objects. In this case, the input/output device 500 may allow the user to input orientation information by placing the icon in a desired orientation on the image object. The input/output device 500 may be, for example, a touch panel.

The information processing device 600 predicts the temperature at each location in the target space 100 using information about the temperature change or the factors behind that temperature change measured by the temperature sensor 400, as well as spatial information about the target space 100 and a physical model based on operational information about the air conditioning device 200, etc. The information processing device 600 then controls the air conditioning device 200 so as to reduce the difference between the target temperature for each location input by the user and the predicted temperature for each location.

[Hardware configuration of information processing device]
FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of an information processing device 600 according to the present embodiment. As shown in the figure, the information processing device 600 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 601, which is a computing means, and a RAM (Random Access Memory) 602, a ROM (Read Only Memory) 603, and a storage device 604, which are storage means. The RAM 602 is a main memory and is used as a working memory when the CPU 601 performs computational processing. The ROM 603 stores programs and data such as pre-prepared setting values, and the CPU 601 can read programs and data directly from the ROM 603 to execute processing. The storage device 604 is a storage means for programs and data. Programs are stored in the storage device 604, and the CPU 601 loads and executes programs stored in the storage device 604 into the main memory. The storage device 604 also stores and saves the results of processing by the CPU 601. For example, a magnetic disk device or an SSD (Solid State Drive) is used as the storage device 604.

[Functional configuration of information processing device]
3 is a block diagram showing an example of the functional configuration of an information processing device 600 according to this embodiment. As shown in the figure, the information processing device 600 according to this embodiment includes a spatial information acquisition unit 610, a target acquisition unit 620, a motion information acquisition unit 630, a temperature change information acquisition unit 640, a prediction unit 650, and an output unit 660.

The spatial information acquisition unit 610 acquires spatial information, such as information about the target space 100 itself and information about the arrangement of objects in the target space 100, from the input/output device 500.

The information about the target space 100 itself includes, for example, information about the size of the target space 100. In other words, the information about the size of the target space 100 is information about the horizontal extent of the target space 100 and the vertical extent of the target space 100, and may be expressed, for example, by the floor area, volume, ceiling height, etc. of the target space 100. The information about the target space 100 itself may also include, for example, information about the layout and shape of the target space 100. Furthermore, the information about the target space 100 itself may also include, for example, information about the orientation of the target space 100, such as the direction in which the upper wall of the target space 100 shown in Figure 1 faces.

The information about the placement of objects in the target space 100 includes, for example, information about the placement of the indoor unit 210 and the remote control 240 in the target space 100. When acquiring information about the placement of the indoor units 210a-210c, the space information acquisition unit 610 may acquire information about the placement of the first temperature sensors 410a-410c, and when acquiring information about the placement of the remote control 240, may acquire information about the placement of the second temperature sensor 420. The information about the placement of objects in the target space 100 may also include, for example, information about the placement of the third temperature sensor 430 in the target space 100. The information about the placement of objects in the target space 100 may also include, for example, information about the placement of windows 140 and fixtures in the target space 100. Here, the information about the placement of objects in the target space 100 may also include information about the height position of objects in the target space 100. Depending on the type of object, the information about the placement of objects in the target space 100 may also include, for example, information about the orientation of objects in the target space 100.

In addition, the information about the placement of objects in the target space 100 may include performance information about the performance of the objects. In the case of an air conditioning unit 200, performance information refers to information such as the specifications of the air conditioning unit 200, such as the heating capacity, cooling capacity, and the air outlet area of the indoor unit 210. In the case of window fixtures, performance information refers to information such as the area of the window that can be blocked by the window fixture, and the insulating performance of the window fixture. Such performance information may be stored in advance in the storage device 604 (see Figure 2).

The target acquisition unit 620 acquires the target temperature for each position in the target space 100 from the input/output device 500.

The operation information acquisition unit 630 acquires operation information related to the operation of the air conditioning unit 200 and operation information related to the operation of window fixtures such as blinds.

The operation information includes, for example, the air volume of the indoor unit 210 of the air conditioning device 200, the air direction in the indoor unit 210, and the temperature of the refrigerant in the indoor unit 210. The operation information acquisition unit 630 may acquire such operation information from the control device 300. The operation information may also include, for example, the amount of movement of curtains, which are window fixtures, and the angle of louvers. The operation information acquisition unit 630 may acquire such operation information from a window fixture control device (not shown) or images from a camera (not shown) used to photograph window fixtures.

When the temperature in the target space 100 changes due to the occurrence of some factor, the temperature change information acquisition unit 640 acquires temperature change information related to that temperature change. The temperature change information acquisition unit 640 acquires temperature change information by performing at least one of a first operation and a second operation. The location where the temperature changed or the location where the factor occurred is an example of a second location, and the specific location that is the target of temperature prediction, described below, is an example of a first location.

In the first operation, the temperature change information acquisition unit 640 acquires, as temperature change information, temperature information measured by the first temperature sensors 410a-410c, the second temperature sensor 420, and the third temperature sensor 430 after the temperature in the target space 100 has changed due to some factor. Here, factors that cause a temperature change in the target space 100 include, for example, people or objects gathering in the center of the target space 100, or a door 120 or window 140 in the target space 100 being opened. In this embodiment, the temperature change information acquisition unit 640 is provided as an example of an acquisition unit that acquires information about environmental changes at a second position in the space that is different from a first position in the space. Furthermore, acquiring information about environmental changes can also be considered as detecting environmental changes. In this sense, in this embodiment, the temperature change information acquisition unit 640 can also be said to be provided as an example of a detection unit that detects environmental changes at a second position. In addition, in this embodiment, the temperature change information acquisition unit 640 can be considered to be an example of a detection unit that detects temperature changes at the second position. Alternatively, the temperature sensor 400 can be considered to be an example of a detection unit.

In the second operation, the temperature change information acquisition unit 640 acquires information regarding the cause of the temperature change in the target space 100 as temperature change information. Information regarding the cause of the temperature change in the target space 100 is, for example, information indicating that people or objects have gathered in the center of the target space 100. This information may be acquired, for example, by analyzing an image of the center of the target space 100 captured by a camera (not shown). Information regarding the cause of the temperature change in the target space 100 may also be information indicating that a door 120 or window 140 in the target space 100 has been opened. This information may be acquired, for example, by receiving a sensor signal from an opening/closing sensor (not shown) installed on the door 120 or window 140. In this embodiment, the temperature change information acquisition unit 640 is provided as an example of an acquisition unit that acquires information regarding the cause of an environmental change at a second position in the space that is different from a first position in the space. Acquiring information regarding the cause of the environmental change can also be considered as detecting the cause of the environmental change. In this sense, it can be said that in this embodiment, the temperature change information acquisition unit 640 is provided as an example of a detection unit that detects factors that cause environmental changes at the second location. It can also be said that in this embodiment, the temperature change information acquisition unit 640 is provided as an example of a detection unit that detects an increase or decrease in the number of people or objects at the second location, or a detection unit that detects the opening or closing of a door or window at the second location. Alternatively, a camera, an opening/closing sensor, etc. can also be considered as an example of a detection unit.

The prediction unit 650 predicts the temperature at a specific location in the target space 100 that is different from the location where the temperature changed or the cause of the temperature change occurred, based on spatial information, operation information, and temperature change information. To predict the temperature in the target space 100, the prediction unit 650 uses a physical model that models the target space 100, the air conditioning unit 200 in the target space 100, and fixtures and other items that affect the environment in the target space 100. The prediction unit 650 then predicts the temperature at a specific location in the target space 100 where the temperature has not been measured, using the temperature change information for at least one location in the target space 100 and the physical model.

The prediction unit 650 uses a physical model to calculate the temperature difference obtained by subtracting the temperature at a specific position from the temperature measured by any of the first temperature sensors 410a-410c, the second temperature sensor 420, and the third temperature sensor 430.

This physical model includes terms that define the thermal diffusivity and thermal conductivity from the position where the temperature sensor 400 is installed to a specific position. The thermal diffusivity and thermal conductivity can be calculated from information about the size of the target space 100 acquired by the spatial information acquisition unit 610.

This physical model includes terms that define the effect on the temperature at a specific location of the blowing temperature, blowing humidity, wind direction, wind speed, and air volume of the indoor unit 210 of the air conditioning apparatus 200. The blowing temperature, blowing humidity, wind direction, wind speed, and air volume of the indoor unit 210 may be acquired by the operation information acquisition unit 630.

This physical model includes terms that define the influence of the external environment, such as the temperature, humidity, amount of solar radiation, and solar radiation angle outside the target space 100, on the temperature at a specific location. Here, the influence of the external environment on the temperature at a specific location includes the influence of the external environment through the windows 140, walls 110, floor 130, and ceiling of the target space 100, as well as the influence of the external environment when it directly flows into the target space 100. The temperature, humidity, amount of solar radiation, and solar radiation angle outside the target space 100 can be obtained from an external information source, such as weather information.

This physical model includes terms that specify the effect that heat-generating fixtures have on the temperature at specific locations as a blocking body that blocks the flow of air within the target space 100, and as a heat-generating body. Information on the heat emitted by heat-generating fixtures as a heating body and the effect of the heat-generating fixtures as a blocking body can be obtained from information about heat-generating fixtures in the spatial information acquired by the spatial information acquisition unit 610.

This physical model defines the effect that non-heat-generating fixtures have on the temperature at a specific location as a barrier that blocks the flow of air in the target space 100. The effect of non-heat-generating fixtures as a barrier can be obtained from information about non-heat-generating fixtures in the spatial information acquired by the spatial information acquisition unit 610.

This physical model includes terms that define the effect that window fixtures have on the temperature at a specific location by controlling the effects of the external environment outside the target space 100. The effect of controlling window fixtures can be obtained from information about window fixtures in the operation information obtained by the operation information acquisition unit 630.

The prediction unit 650 uses a physical model including the above terms to calculate the temperature difference between the measured temperature acquired by the temperature change information acquisition unit 640 and the temperature at the specific location. The prediction unit 650 then predicts the temperature at the specific location by subtracting the calculated temperature difference from the temperature acquired by the temperature change information acquisition unit 640.

Note that the temperature prediction by the prediction unit 650 is not limited to the example using the physical model described above. For example, the prediction unit 650 may predict the temperature at a specific location using machine learning.

In this case, the prediction unit 650 uses spatial information, temperatures that can be detected at a certain point in time, and control parameters of the air conditioning unit 200 as explanatory variables. Here, spatial information refers to, for example, the size of the target space 100 and information on the installation locations of the air conditioning unit 200, heat-generating fixtures, non-heat-generating fixtures, etc. installed in the target space 100. Detectable temperatures refer to, for example, the intake temperature of the indoor unit 210 detected by the first temperature sensors 410a to 410c, the temperature of the air around the remote control 240 detected by the second temperature sensor 420, and the temperature of the air inside the target space 100 detected by the third temperature sensor 430. Control parameters refer to, for example, the air outlet area of the indoor unit 210, the fan rotation speed corresponding to the air volume of the indoor unit 210, the refrigerant temperature related to the air outlet temperature, and the flap angle of the indoor unit 210.

In this case, the prediction unit 650 uses as the objective variable actual measurements from multiple temperature sensors installed in the target space 100 or simulation values obtained by numerical calculations such as CFD (Computational Fluid Dynamics), which are values obtained a predetermined time after various parameters have been changed.

The prediction unit 650 then predicts the temperature at a specific location in the target space 100 using a trained model obtained through supervised learning using the explanatory variables and the target variable. When predicting the temperature using the trained model, the prediction unit 650 also uses the temperature detected at at least one location in the target space 100, thereby improving prediction accuracy.

The prediction unit 650 may also predict the temperature at a specific location in the target space 100 using, for example, a prediction model obtained by model predictive control for controlling an air conditioning device 200 that adjusts the air environment in the target space 100.

In this embodiment, a prediction unit 650 is provided as an example of a prediction unit that predicts the impact on the first location and/or people or objects at the first location.

The output unit 660 outputs control parameters to the control device 300 for controlling the air conditioning device 200 so as to reduce the difference between the target temperature at each location acquired by the target acquisition unit 620 and the temperature at each location predicted by the prediction unit 650. Here, the control parameters include, for example, the air outlet area of the air conditioning device 200, the fan rotation speed (air volume), the refrigerant temperature (air outlet temperature), and the flap angle. In this embodiment, the output unit 660 is provided as an example of an output unit that outputs control information for the adjustment device to make adjustments to approach a predetermined target. Furthermore, outputting control information for the adjustment device to make adjustments can also be considered as controlling the adjustment device that makes the adjustments. In this sense, the output unit 660 can also be considered as an example of a control unit that controls the adjustment device that adjusts the environment of the space. Furthermore, in this embodiment, the output unit 660 can also be considered as an example of a control unit that controls the adjustment device so that the temperature of the first location in the space and/or the temperature of people or objects at the first location approach a predetermined target. Alternatively, the control device 300 can be considered as an example of a control unit.

Factors that cause temperature changes within the target space 100 include factors that hinder reducing the difference between the target temperature at each position acquired by the target acquisition unit 620 and the temperature at each position predicted by the prediction unit 650, and factors that contribute to this.

If a factor occurs that prevents the difference from being reduced, the output unit 660 outputs a control parameter that reduces the effect of that factor. An example of such a factor is when people or objects gather in the center of the target space 100, in a case where it is desired to lower the temperature of the target space 100. In this case, the output unit 660 may output a control parameter that increases the fan rotation speed to increase the airflow for cooling and adjusts the flap angle so that the air blows onto the outer periphery of the target space 100. Another example of such a factor is when a door 120 or window 140 of the target space 100 opens and cold air enters, in a case where it is desired to raise the temperature of the target space 100. In this case, the output unit 660 may output a control parameter that increases the fan rotation speed to increase the airflow for heating and adjusts the flap angle so that the air blows onto the side of the target space 100 opposite the door 120 or window 140.

If a factor that contributes to reducing the difference occurs, the output unit 660 outputs a control parameter that assumes the influence of that factor is utilized. An example of such a factor is when it is desired to raise the temperature of the target space 100, and people or objects gather in the center of the target space 100. In this case, the output unit 660 may output a control parameter that adjusts the flap angle so that the airflow hits the outer periphery of the target space 100, without increasing the fan rotation speed, in order to reduce the airflow from the heater so that the heat from the people and objects can be utilized. Another example of such a factor is when it is desired to lower the temperature of the target space 100, and a cooled object is brought in near the door 120 of the target space 100. In this case, the output unit 660 may output a control parameter that adjusts the flap angle so that the airflow hits the side of the target space 100 opposite the door 120, in order to reduce the airflow from the air conditioner so that the cool air from the cooled object can be utilized, in order to reduce the airflow from the air conditioner so that the cool air from the cooled object can be utilized, in order to reduce the airflow from the air conditioner so that the fan rotation speed can be reduced.

[First operation example of information processing device]
(Operation flow)
4 is a flowchart showing a first operation example of information processing device 600 according to this embodiment. This first operation example is an operation example in which temperature change information acquisition unit 640 performs a first operation. Note that in this description, first temperature sensors 410a-410c, second temperature sensor 420, and third temperature sensor 430 will be represented by temperature sensor 400.

As shown in the figure, in the information processing device 600, first, the spatial information acquisition unit 610 acquires spatial information, which is information about the target space 100 itself and information about the arrangement of objects in the target space 100 (step 701). Furthermore, the target acquisition unit 620 acquires information about the target temperature at each position in the target space 100 (step 702).

Next, in the information processing device 600, the operation information acquisition unit 630 acquires operation information related to the operation of the air conditioning unit 200 and other devices in the target space 100 (step 703). Furthermore, the temperature change information acquisition unit 640 acquires information on the temperature measured by the temperature sensor 400 (step 704).

Next, in the information processing device 600, the prediction unit 650 inputs the temperature information acquired in step 704 into a physics model to predict the temperature at each position in the target space 100 (step 705). Here, the physics model may be based on the spatial information acquired in step 701 and the motion information acquired in step 703.

Then, in the information processing device 600, the output unit 660 outputs control parameters for controlling the air conditioning device 200 to the control device 300 (step 706). Specifically, the output unit 660 outputs control parameters that reduce the difference between the target temperature at each position in the target space 100 obtained in step 702 and the temperature at each position in the target space 100 predicted in step 705.

(Specific example)
FIG. 5 is a diagram showing an input screen 810, which is an example of an input screen for inputting the spatial information acquired in step 701 of FIG.

As shown in the figure, the input screen 810 displays a target space object 811, which is an image object that represents the target space 100 in three dimensions. In this state, the user inputs information about the placement of objects by placing image objects on the target space object 811. In the figure, the user inputs information about the placement of indoor units 210a and 210b by placing indoor unit objects 812a and 812b, which represent indoor units 210a and 210b, on the target space object 811. The user also inputs information about the placement of the remote control 240 by placing a remote control object 813, which represents the remote control 240, on the target space object 811. Furthermore, the user inputs information about the placement of the third temperature sensor 430 (additional sensor) by placing an add-on sensor object 814, which represents the third temperature sensor 430, on the target space object 811.

The target space object 811 may be displayed by the user creating a three-dimensional drawing on the input screen 810 that corresponds to the size of the target space 100. The indoor unit objects 812a and 812b, remote control object 813, add-on sensor object 814, etc. may be placed by the user selecting them from a list provided on the input screen 810.

Figure 6 shows input screen 820, an example of an input screen for entering target temperature information obtained in step 702 of Figure 4.

As shown in the figure, input screen 820 displays zone objects 821a-821f, which are image objects that respectively represent zones 150a-150f of target space 100 in three dimensions. In this state, the user inputs target temperatures for zones 150a-150f by placing the target temperatures near zone objects 821a-821f that represent zones 150a-150f. In the figure, the user inputs 24°C as the target temperature for zone 150a, 24°C as the target temperature for zone 150b, and 26°C as the target temperature for zone 150c. The user also inputs 22°C as the target temperature for zone 150d, 22°C as the target temperature for zone 150e, and 26°C as the target temperature for zone 150f.

Figure 7 shows an example of temperature information acquired in step 704 of Figure 4. Here, we take the example of a case where the cause of the temperature change is people gathering in the center of the target space 100.

As shown in the figure, a group of people C has formed in the center of the target space 100. As a result, the intake temperature measured by the first temperature sensor 410a provided in the indoor unit 210a is 24°C, and the intake temperature measured by the first temperature sensor 410b provided in the indoor unit 210b is 25°C. The temperature measured by the second temperature sensor 420 provided in the remote control 240 is 24°C. Furthermore, the temperature measured by the third temperature sensor 430, which is an add-on sensor, is 26°C.

Figure 8 shows an example of the temperatures of each compartment predicted in step 705 of Figure 4.

As shown, the prediction unit 650 predicts the temperatures of sections 150a to 150f by inputting the temperature information shown in Figure 7 into the physical model as explanatory variables. The prediction unit 650 predicts the temperature of section 150a to be 24°C, the temperature of section 150b to be 24°C, and the temperature of section 150c to be 26°C. It also predicts the temperature of section 150d to be 24°C, the temperature of section 150e to be 22°C, and the temperature of section 150f to be 26°C.

Here, of the predicted temperatures for sections 150a to 150f, only the temperature of section 150d, which is hatched with diagonal lines, differs from the target temperature entered on input screen 820 in Figure 6. Specifically, the target temperature for section 150d entered on input screen 820 in Figure 6 is 22°C, while the predicted temperature for section 150d shown in Figure 8 is 24°C. On the other hand, the target temperatures for sections other than section 150d entered on input screen 820 in Figure 6 are the same as the predicted temperatures for sections other than section 150d shown in Figure 8.

Figure 9 shows an example of control of the air conditioning device 200 using the control parameters output in step 706 of Figure 4.

As mentioned above, the target temperature for section 150d entered on input screen 820 in Figure 6 is lower than the predicted temperature for section 150d shown in Figure 8. Therefore, as shown, the output unit 660 changes the flap angle of indoor unit 210a using the control parameters to an angle that increases the airflow. On the other hand, as mentioned above, the target temperatures for sections 150c and 150f entered on input screen 820 in Figure 6 are the same as the predicted temperatures for sections 150c and 150f shown in Figure 8. Therefore, as shown, the output unit 660 stops operation of indoor unit 210b using the control parameters.

[Second Operation Example of Information Processing Device]
10 is a flowchart showing a second operation example of information processing device 600 according to this embodiment. This second operation example is an operation example in which temperature change information acquisition unit 640 performs a second operation. Note that in this explanation, first temperature sensors 410a-410c, second temperature sensor 420, and third temperature sensor 430 will be represented by temperature sensor 400.

As shown in the figure, in the information processing device 600, first, the spatial information acquisition unit 610 acquires spatial information, which is information about the target space 100 itself and information about the arrangement of objects in the target space 100 (step 751). Furthermore, the target acquisition unit 620 acquires information about the target temperature at each position in the target space 100 (step 752).

Next, in the information processing device 600, the operation information acquisition unit 630 acquires operation information related to the operation of the air conditioning unit 200 and other devices in the target space 100 (step 753). Furthermore, the temperature change information acquisition unit 640 acquires information related to the causes of temperature changes in the target space 100 (step 754).

Next, in the information processing device 600, the prediction unit 650 inputs the temperature information measured by the temperature sensor 400 into a physical model to predict the temperature at each position in the target space 100 (step 755). Here, the physical model may be based on the spatial information acquired in step 751 and the operation information acquired in step 753.

Then, in the information processing device 600, the output unit 660 outputs control parameters for controlling the air conditioning device 200 to the control device 300 (step 756). Specifically, the output unit 660 outputs control parameters that reduce the difference between the target temperature at each position in the target space 100 obtained in step 752 and the temperature at each position in the target space 100 predicted in step 755.

[program]
The processes performed by the information processing device 600 in this embodiment are prepared as a program such as application software, for example.

This program enables a computer to perform the following functions: detect environmental changes or factors that cause environmental changes at a second location in a space that is different from a first location in the space; predict the impact on the first location and/or people or objects at the first location based on the detection; and control an adjustment device that adjusts the environment of the space to approach a predetermined goal based on the prediction.

The program that realizes this embodiment can be provided not only via communication means, but also stored on a recording medium such as a CD-ROM.

10...Environmental control system, 100...Target space, 200...Air conditioning unit, 300...Control unit, 400...Temperature sensor, 500...Input/output device, 600...Information processing device, 610...Spatial information acquisition unit, 620...Target acquisition unit, 630...Operation information acquisition unit, 640...Temperature change information acquisition unit, 650...Prediction unit, 660...Output unit

Claims (10)

a detection unit that detects a temperature change or a cause of the temperature change at a second position in the space, the second position being different from the first position in the space;
a prediction unit that predicts an impact on the first position and/or a person or object at the first position in response to the detection by the detection unit;
a control unit that controls an adjustment device that adjusts the temperature of the space in accordance with the prediction by the prediction unit so that the temperature of the first position in the space and/or a person or object at the first position approaches a predetermined target;
A control system comprising: the control unit controls the adjustment device to reduce the effect when the effect predicted by the prediction unit prevents the temperature of the space from approaching the predetermined target.
The control system of claim 1 . the control unit controls the adjustment device by utilizing the effect predicted by the prediction unit when the effect contributes to the temperature of the space approaching the predetermined target.
The control system of claim 1 . The control system according to claim 1 , wherein the detection unit detects an increase or decrease in the number of people or objects at the second location. The control system according to claim 1 , wherein the detector detects whether a door or a window is open or closed at the second position. the prediction unit uses a physical model that models the space and the adjustment device in the space;
The control system of claim 1 . The prediction unit further uses the physical model that models an object that affects the temperature in the space, different from the adjustment device.
The control system of claim 6 . The control system of claim 1 further comprises a target acquisition unit that acquires the predetermined target input by the user. an acquisition unit that acquires information about a temperature change or a cause of the temperature change at a second position in the space, the second position being different from the first position in the space;
a prediction unit that predicts an impact on the first location and/or a person or object at the first location in response to the acquisition of the information by the acquisition unit;
an output unit that outputs control information for an adjustment device to adjust the temperature of the first position in the space and/or a person or object at the first position so that the temperature approaches a predetermined target in accordance with the prediction by the prediction unit;
An information processing device comprising: On the computer,
a function of detecting a temperature change or a cause of the temperature change at a second location in the space, the second location being different from the first location in the space;
In response to the detection, predicting an impact on the first location and/or people or objects at the first location;
a function of controlling an adjustment device that adjusts the temperature of the space in accordance with the prediction so that the temperature of the first position in the space and/or a person or object at the first position approaches a predetermined target;
A program to make this happen.