JP2001074508A - Environemnt monitoring device and method using tactile sense - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an environment monitoring device which enables users to enhance interest to reflect themselves their lives and to obtain reward components and to more simply understand various information by tactile sense, because it is difficult for users to see and understand one's endeavor to prevent global environmental pollution. SOLUTION: This environment monitoring device is constituted of an intra- home network part 100, a server part 200, an output part 300, and measures user's power consumption or water consumption or the like by the intra-hole network pat 100. Based no the measurement result, the server part 200 determines a change pattern in tactile sense, and the output part 300 outputs a tactile sense pattern and displays energy-saving situation to the user through the change in the pattern.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an environmental mortaring apparatus and method using tactile sensation.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art In recent years, news on the environment, such as global warming and the destruction of nature, has come up frequently.
We have reached the time to review our consumer life. People are particularly interested in saving energy and refraining from the disposal of hazardous materials, and are particularly keen on energy saving.

On the other hand, as home digital information management, home networks such as an AV network connecting a television and a stereo, and a white goods network connecting an air conditioner and a refrigerator are being developed. It is expected to have a great effect on the management of information at home and the control of home electric appliances, etc. (Nikkei Electronics, May 17, 1999, "Connecting Home Appliances to PCs" p.1
07-126). In addition, attention has been paid to controlling home appliances as one of the methods of using the home network.

[0004] People are beginning to demand that they can be implemented at the level of individual life in order to conserve energy, and living infrastructure is also being developed. However, such individual efforts are invisible, so it is desirable to be able to easily understand the impact we actually have on the environment.

Conventionally, a service has been implemented in which the consumption of electric power and water is regularly measured every month, and the results are printed on paper and delivered to users. This service includes information such as the user's previous month's consumption and the previous year's consumption,
It was one of the ingredients to review my energy consumption once a month. In addition, for example, the Energy Conservation Center has developed a meter called the "Electricity Rate Display Table" that displays electricity usage every minute and sounds an alarm when the target value is exceeded. . In addition, for example, some companies have implemented a service called "Environmental Household Account", which allows employees to record and submit electricity usage and garbage emissions and return the results as a report like a report book. I have.

[0006] Through these services and the like, users know their own energy consumption and have implemented energy saving as one of environmental measures.

[0007]

However, such services for promoting energy saving have the following problems.

First, there is a problem that the "notice of monthly usage fee" and the "environmental household account book" are not utilized unless the user is particularly conscious of seeing because the evaluation of the environment is displayed only on paper.

Secondly, since "monthly usage fee notice" and "environmental household account book" must be understood by reading numerical values as evaluations for the environment, the user is conscious of understanding the evaluation results of energy saving. There was a problem that it took time.

Third, information indicating the transition of energy consumption by numerical values or graphs is not easy for small children or elderly people to understand, and it is easy to understand whether the result is “good” or “bad”. There was a problem that it was difficult.

Fourthly, information in which the transition of the energy consumption is displayed as a numerical value or a graph is a passive result display which can be seen only by the eyes, and is one-sided as an interaction and may be of interest to the user. There was a problem that it was not enough as a stimulus.

Therefore, the present invention aims at the following using the sense of touch.

[0013] First, since a robot imitating a creature, for example, instead of paper, shows an evaluation of the environment, it is possible to express the presence of being always present even without being conscious of seeing. The purpose is to express the energy-saving evaluation as "not impressive".

Secondly, since a robot imitating a creature with a presence, for example, indicates an evaluation of the environment instead of a numerical value, it is understood that the user can understand the evaluation result of energy saving unconsciously and without trouble. Aim.

Third, since the transition of energy consumption is expressed by a change in tactile sensation, it is an object of the present invention that anyone can easily understand whether the state is good or bad as a natural metaphor.

Fourth, since the transition of energy consumption is represented by a tactile pattern change, the active result display can be understood by touching the user's hand, the interaction is strengthened, and the user's interest is deepened. The purpose is to:

According to the present invention, there is provided an invention which raises individual awareness of environmental problems and promotes energy saving.

That is, the present invention provides an environment monitoring apparatus using a tactile sensation that can be easily understood by anyone without special awareness of the degree of achievement of energy saving, and a method thereof.

[0019]

The invention according to claim 1 is an energy measuring means for measuring data such as an amount of energy consumed in daily life, an amount of resources, or an amount of discharged matter, Output change pattern determining means for judging whether or not to use energy efficiently based on data measured by the measuring means and deriving an output change pattern that can be recognized by a user's desired tactile sense as the energy is efficiently used. And an output means for outputting a tactilely recognizable change in accordance with the output change pattern derived by the output change pattern determining means.

According to the first aspect of the present invention, for example, the consumption of electricity and water used in the daily life of the user is taken in by the energy measuring means, and the electricity and water used by the judging means is used for energy saving. Compared to the value set for
If the consumption is over, the output change pattern is sent to the output means as, for example, "rough", and the output means
In accordance with these output change patterns, the touch is changed to a rough “rough” texture. The user can easily understand whether he / she is conserving energy by this touch feeling.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, the data is at least one of an energy consumption such as electricity used in the home, a resource consumption such as water, and an exhaust gas amount such as carbon dioxide. An environment monitoring device using tactile sensation according to claim 1, characterized in that:

According to the second aspect of the present invention, the data is, for example, the amount of electricity consumed by home electric appliances or the like, and the amount of carbon dioxide emission calculated from the amount of electricity. The feeling of touch changes.

According to a third aspect of the present invention, the output means has a shape imitating a living thing such as a human or an animal, takes in the output change pattern determined by the output change pattern determining means, and responds to the output change pattern. 2. The environment monitoring device using tactile sense according to claim 1, wherein the surface of the shape is changed so as to be recognized by tactile sense.

According to the third aspect of the present invention, the output means is in the form of, for example, a dog or a frog.
It has the characteristics of each creature, such as the "roughness" of touch.

According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, there is provided an energy measuring step of measuring data such as an amount of energy consumed in daily life, an amount of resources, or an amount of discharged matter, and data measured by the energy measuring step. An output change pattern determining step of determining whether or not the energy is used efficiently based on the output change pattern, and deriving an output change pattern that can be recognized by the tactile sense desired by the user as the energy is more efficiently used; and An output step of outputting a change recognizable by tactile sense according to the output change pattern derived in the determining step.

According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, there is provided an energy measuring function for measuring data such as the amount of energy consumed in daily life, the amount of resources, or the amount of discharged matter, and the data measured by the energy measuring function. An output change pattern determination function for determining whether or not the energy is used efficiently based on the output change pattern that derives an output change pattern that can be recognized by the tactile sense desired by the user as the energy is more efficiently used, and the output change pattern According to the output change pattern derived by the decision function, an output function that outputs with changes that can be recognized by tactile sensation, and a program that realizes is there.

[0027]

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS One embodiment of an environmental moritating device utilizing tactile sense according to the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS.

FIG. 1 shows an environment monitoring device, which comprises a home network unit 100, a server unit 200, and an output unit 300.

Hereinafter, each device will be described in order.

1. Home Network Unit 100 The home network unit 100 includes one or more network connection units 101, an energy consumption detection unit 102, a meter 103, and an energy consumption measurement unit 104, and collectively measures home energy consumption. Can manage.

The network connection unit 101 is provided with a sensor in a power supply of a household appliance (for example, a television) that consumes electricity, and detects whether or not the appliance is used. Similarly, a sensor is connected to the tap to detect whether or not water is being used.

The energy consumption detecting section 102 detects whether electricity or water is consumed in each of these network connecting sections 101, and attaches an ID to information indicating which room and which energy is consumed.

The meter 103 measures the consumption of electric power, water and the like.

The energy consumption measuring unit 104 integrates the location ID sent from the energy consumption detecting unit 102 with the consumption of electricity and water measured by the meter 103 for each type, and transmits the result to the server unit 200.

For example, there are a television, a video, an air conditioner, an audio set, a humidifier, an electric pot, etc. in the reception area.
Connected to one. When the power of each electric device is turned on, the energy consumption detection unit 102 detects the name of the room and from which outlet of the room the power is supplied. The outlet where the TV and video are connected is "ou
setuma1 ”ID, and when TV or video starts to be used, this ID“ ousetuma1 ”
Is transmitted to the energy consumption measuring unit 104 together with the electric consumption transmitted from the meter 103.

In the bathroom, there are a faucet and a shower port for a bathtub, and IDs "yokusou" and "shower" are respectively attached to them. When water starts to be used, these IDs are transmitted by the meter 103. It is transmitted to the energy consumption measurement unit 104 together with the consumed water consumption.

2. Server unit 200 The server unit 200 is a data receiving unit 20 that receives the place ID information and the energy consumption information taken from the energy consumption measuring unit 104 in the home network unit 100.
1. An energy saving amount is set for each location ID for energy saving, an energy saving data storage unit 202 for saving the data, and data received by the data receiving unit 201 and data stored in the energy saving data storage unit 202 are compared and analyzed. The data analysis unit 203 includes a data transmission unit 204 that wirelessly transmits the data calculated by the data analysis unit 203 to the output unit 300.

The data receiving unit 201 classifies the information fetched from the home network unit 100 based on the type of electricity consumption and water consumption and the ID indicating the place where the information is used.

The data receiving unit 201 has the following list P, and each of the data transmitted from the home network unit 100 is arranged in such a list. It is assumed that the last part of the list has a place secured here, but does not contain data.

For example, the list P of outlets located in the reception area is as follows: [place ID, electricity usage (W · watt), water usage (L
• liters), carbon dioxide emissions (kg / kg), and so on, and [ousetuma1,200,-,-].

In the energy saving data storage unit 202, the user can input a numerical value that sets the amount of energy consumption corresponding to his or her energy saving measures or a set value generally determined by a local government or the like, and can consume the numerical value. It is stored as electricity and consumable water charges.

In the energy saving data storage unit 202, the values input by the user are arranged in the following list Q.

For example, the list Q of the outlets in the reception area is as follows: [place ID, electricity usage (W · watt), water usage (L
• liters), carbon dioxide emissions (kg / kg), and the order is [ousetuma1,2000,-, 4].

The data analyzing unit 203 calculates the amount of carbon dioxide from the power consumption passed from the data receiving unit 201 and adds the carbon dioxide amount data to the location ID. Next, for each location ID, each type of data and each I stored in the energy saving data storage unit 202 are stored.
The set values for each D are compared, and the amount of electricity, the amount of water, and the amount of carbon dioxide used are stored in the energy saving data storage unit 20.
It is determined whether the value is equal to or less than the set value in 2 or exceeds the set value.

The data analyzer 203 operates according to the following processing procedure A.

FIG. 2 is a flowchart of the processing procedure A.

(Processing Procedure A) A1 When the list P is received from the data receiving unit 201, the process proceeds to A2.

A2: Based on the electricity consumption data in the list P, the amount of carbon dioxide is calculated, and the data is added to the carbon dioxide emission field of the list P.

A3 Location I of list P processed in A2
Search for a list Q with the same location ID as D.

A4: One of the data of the list P and the list Q (electricity, water, carbon dioxide) is compared. If the data of the list P is smaller than the data of the list Q, the process proceeds to A5.

When the data in the list P is larger than the data in the list Q, the process proceeds to A6.

A5 The data of the list P is used as it is
Proceed to 7.

A6 The data of the list P determined to be larger than the data of the list Q currently compared in the processing of A4 is substituted with the difference (difference) compared with the list Q, and A7
Proceed to.

A7 If all the data in the list P have not been compared, the process proceeds to A4.

When all data comparisons have been completed, the process ends.

The output data transmission unit 204 converts the calculation result of the data analysis unit 203 into an output code described later and transmits the output code to the output unit 300.

For example, when the data analysis unit 203 compares the list P with the list Q and finds that any of the numerical data in the list P is larger, the "excessive energy consumption"
An output code "tezawari: zarazara" that changes the tactile sensation to represent the rough, an output code that displays a message on the display, for example, "hyouji:" No energy saving "", and a code that outputs audio, for example, onsei: anger (anger) ".

3. Output Unit 300 The output unit 300 is a data transmission unit 204 of the server unit 200.
An output data receiving unit 301 that receives output data transmitted from a
An output data control unit 302 for converting to an output code such as an audio output, a tactile output unit 303 for outputting data sent from the output data control unit 302 by a change in tactile sense, a digital display output unit 304 for displaying a display such as a character, It also shows that the audio output unit 305 also outputs audio.

The output data receiving unit 301 is the server unit 200
The output code transmitted from the output data transmission unit 204 is received.

First, the output data control unit 302 recognizes various output data codes that have been converted into tactile information, digital display information such as characters and figures, and audio display information received by the output data receiving unit 301. . Next, the output codes are converted into various tactile change patterns and the contents of the display so that the output codes described later can be output from the distinguished output codes. Furthermore, it has a synthesized voice output function labeled with, for example, "happy (joy)" or "anger (anger)", and can reproduce the contents of voice messages.

(Tactile output section 303) The tactile output section 303 is composed of a vibrator array type display using a piezoelectric element, and outputs the tactile change pattern converted by the output data control section 302. The tactile output unit 303 is a tactile presentation device that presents a tactile stimulus to the user's body in accordance with an instruction from the output data control unit 302, and is installed in the output unit 300, which is a part that the user touches and operates. Have been.

Here, “tactile sensation” in this specification will be described.

Tactile sensation generally refers to the sensation that occurs when touching an object, and is sensed by touch points on human skin and various receptors. In addition, an act of actively trying to recognize an object using a tactile sense is referred to as an active tactile sense, but the tactile sense in this specification refers to an active tactile sense.

Tactile sensations can be roughly classified into two categories: cases where the skin receives a force and cases where the skin does not receive a force.

The category of “tactile sensation exerted on the skin” includes pressure and pain. This category also includes electrical stimulation.

The category of “tactile sensation without force on the skin” includes touch and heat.

The category of “touch” includes a rough feeling, a rough feeling, a slippery feeling, a slimy feeling, a change in the shape of an object with which the skin is in contact, and the like.

The category of "hot feeling" includes a hot feeling and a cold feeling.

As described above, there are various types of haptics, and these haptics do not occur independently.
It usually happens in combination.

Also, the tactile sensation is merely a human sensation and varies from person to person, and it cannot be objectively determined which tactile sensation is good.

Based on the above points, the output data control unit 3
02 and the haptic output pattern 303
Need to be configured.

The points to be considered in this configuration are as follows.

First, the change state can be recognized by touch. In this case, it is important to note that there are individual differences in the sense of touch, and some people can recognize changes, but others may not, so the degree of this change depends on the user. It is preferable to set.

Secondly, when outputting the energy-saving state, it is preferable to output it with a tactile sensation that gives the user a favorable impression. It should be noted that in this case, as described above, there are individual differences in tactile sensation, and there are likes and dislikes. That is, for some people, the preferred tactile sensation, while others may have an unfavorable tactile sensation,
It is preferable that this type of touch is also configured according to the user. In addition, when outputting the energy saving state, there is a method of outputting with a tactile sensation that the user does not like, but in the case of the present embodiment, the tactile output unit 30 will be described later.
Since 3 is a dog-shaped robot, it is preferable that the user changes the output in a direction in which the user can give more affection to the robot. Therefore, when outputting the state of energy as described above, It is preferable to output with a tactile sensation that gives a favorable impression.

The tactile output section 303 is described in, for example, Fujiwara, "Development of Virtual Reality" (Corona 199
Section 3.1 of the 4th year), using a tactile device also shown in the tactile display.

Specifically, there are the following.

(1) A tactile stimulus is given to a user by applying a mechanical force to a part operated by the user with an arm or a wire driven by a motor or the like.

(2) A small rubber balloon or the like is placed at a position in contact with the skin surface such as a user's fingertip, and a mechanical pump is used, or a heat / heat absorbing element such as a heater or a Peltier element is used. Changes the air pressure inside the balloon, or changes the air pressure inside the balloon by releasing or storing hydrogen by applying heat or cooling to the hydrogen storage alloy (MH) Thus, the tactile stimulus is given to the user by changing the hardness and shape of the balloon surface.

(3) A tactile stimulus is given to a user by using an actuator using a shape memory alloy.

(4) At a position in contact with the skin surface such as a user's fingertip, heat generated by, for example, a heater or a Peltier element
A heat-absorbing element or the like is arranged to apply tactile stimulus to the user by applying or cooling heat.

(5) A tactile stimulus is given to the user by applying a fluid such as air to the skin surface such as the fingertip of the user.

(6) A tactile stimulus is given to the user by giving an electrical stimulus to the skin surface of the user.

(Other Output Unit) The display output unit 304 uses a small liquid crystal display or the like, and the output data control unit 302
Display the converted character and figure.

The audio output unit 305 uses a small speaker or the like, and outputs the audio converted by the audio synthesis output function of the output data control unit 302.

(Output Example) For example, the output data transmitting unit 20
4, it is assumed that output codes “tezawari: zarazara”, “hyouji:” energy is not saved ”” and “onsei: anger (anger)” have been transmitted to the output data control unit 302.

The output data control unit 302 recognizes the types of these output codes, and outputs a tactile output unit 303 and a display output unit 30 so that each code can be output appropriately.
4, and transmit it to the audio output unit 305.

That is, in the tactile output unit 303, “tezawar
i: zarazara ”and output a rough touch.

The display output unit 304 receives the output code “hyouji:“ No energy saving ”” and displays on the display “No energy saving”.

In the audio output unit 305, "onsei: anger
(Angry) ", and when a person approaches," ange "
Outputs the speech synthesis of the anger expressive voice labeled "r".

4. Description Using Specific Example Here, the above-described processing will be described in more detail with reference to FIGS.

First, in FIGS. 3 and 4, it is assumed that an example 1000 of a home appliance network represents a kitchen network of a certain house. Example 10 of this home appliance network
00 is constituted by a microwave oven 1001, a refrigerator 1002, a television 1003, a water tap 1004, and an electric lamp 1005. Electricity / water meter 2
000 means that the quantity of electricity and the quantity of water are measured.
It is assumed that server unit 3000 receives data from meter 2000 and analyzes data to be transmitted to an output device. The output device 4000 uses a dog-shaped robot.

First, a situation in which energy is not wasted in the kitchen will be described.

In this kitchen, three outlets are prepared. Currently, only the power of the refrigerator 1003 is consumed, and the location ID of “kitchen 1” and the power consumption of the refrigerator are obtained from the electricity / water meter 2000 as data. It has been sent to the server unit 3000. This power consumption can be expected to be smaller than the power consumption of the day that has been set in advance, and is analyzed as “energy saving” by the analysis unit of the server unit 3000. Robot has "no tactile change" and "display"
= Three types of data are transmitted: "Energy saving!" And "Voice = happy voice." The dog-type robot 4000 of the output device which received this data maintains the smooth and smooth surface of the body, and the message "Energy saving!" When people are approached or approached, they begin to make joyful voices like "Wow, Wow!"

Next, a case where energy is wasted in the kitchen will be described.

It is assumed that three outlets are prepared in this kitchen, and all appliances and water on the kitchen network are currently used for a long time.
In such a situation, the microwave oven 1001 and the refrigerator 10
"Kitchen1" with 03 connected, "kitchen2" with TV connected, and "kitchen" with light on
3 ”and“ kitchen-suidou ”in addition to the place ID, the power consumption and the water consumption are respectively the electric and water meter 2000.
Is sent to the server unit 3000 as data. This energy consumption exceeded the preset energy consumption for the day due to prolonged use. Therefore, the analysis unit of the server unit 3000 determines that “energy is wasted”, and the “dog-type robot 4000” as an output device “changes tactile sense =“ roughness ”” and “display =“ was wasted energy! "" And "speech = angry voice" are transmitted. Upon receiving this data, the dog-type output device changes the body surface roughly to show a calm state, and the small display on the stomach displays a message saying "It is a waste of energy." When a person approaches, it makes a voice like "Wow" that looks angry.

[0096] 5. According to the environmental monitoring device configured as described above, the evaluation of the energy saving is expressed as “not impressive”, so that the user can understand the evaluation result of the energy saving unconsciously and without any trouble. Becomes possible.

Further, since the change in the touch feeling is expressed as a natural metaphor, it can be easily understood by anyone.

Further, since the user cares for the robot as the output device, the environment is consequently protected, so that it is possible to maintain an invisible effort.

6. Modification Example The configuration and method of the environmental monitoring device are not limited to the above-described example. Hereinafter, the modification will be described.

(Modification 1) Among the constituent elements of the apparatus of the above embodiment shown in FIG. 1 of the above embodiment, the home network unit 100 generates and controls appropriate temperature information of the air conditioner from the weather forecast information. Linked with payment information obtained from an EC (Electronic Commerce) system, and used as a household account book management system, used as a monitoring device for stock prices of stocks designated in advance by the user, An output device can be used as a classification monitoring device.

For example, by connecting the home network unit 100 to the Internet, it is difficult to incorporate the latest information, such as weather forecasts and stock price movements, which constantly fluctuate, and it is not easy to get in and out of daily life. Among them, it is important to keep a record. Variations such as troublesome ones are expressed by changes in the tactile sensation of the output device and the like, which facilitates understanding.

(Modification 2) Of the components of the above embodiment, the network connection unit 101 may use a gas cock or the like.

(Modification 3) Among the components of the above-described embodiment, the home network unit 100 is provided with a function of supporting the comparison of results with other homes or the like equipped with a similar system and support for cooperative activities. It is also possible.

That is, the home network unit 100 can be connected to the home network of the grandparents' house in another prefecture by, for example, the Internet.

When the user causes the system to execute the “comparison”, it is determined that the current state of the grandparent's house is energy saving, for example, the energy saving is successful. Information and the like are returned as a result, and compared with the user's own result. If the result of the user is better, the output changes, and an effect including an element of entertainment is also produced.

Also, by comparing the results in this way, it is possible to lead from personal activities to activities of “friends”,
It can be used as a support for competing set values among friends and activating energy saving activities while competing.

(Modification 4) Output unit 300 of the above embodiment
Among them, a function of providing advice when the user wants more specific information can be added by the display output unit 304, the audio output unit 305, and the like.

(Modification 5) Output unit 300 of the above embodiment
Is not a robot that imitates a virtual animal, but a robot that realizes the shape of a creative creature.

Also, a stuffed animal may be used instead of the robot.

(Modification 6) When the energy saving is achieved by using a plant-like output means, the plant may grow or bloom.

Further, a good scent that stimulates the smell may be emitted.

(Modification 7) As a criterion for energy saving, first, a large amount of energy is consumed at the same time, which is against energy saving, and second, the energy consumption per unit time is small. However, there are two types of cases where the energy consumption continues for a long time and is against energy saving.

The above embodiment is preferably used as a criterion for the first case. For example, a plurality of coolers in a house are simultaneously operated, or water is discharged from a plurality of taps in a house. It is good for judging whether it is energy saving or not.

The present modified example is a suitable example in the second case. For example, whether or not energy is saved in a case where water is discharged from one tap for a long time, or in a case where an electric lamp is forgotten to be turned off is determined. Good for judgment.

Among the constituent elements of the apparatus of the above embodiment shown in FIG. 1 of the above embodiment, the energy consumption measuring section 104 of the home network section 100 is capable of holding data of X for a certain period of time. The output of the output unit 300 may not be changed as needed, but may be changed every certain time.

For example, it is possible to have one hour of energy consumption accumulated data, and the following list R [place ID, electricity consumption (W · watt), water consumption (L·liter), Carbon emissions (kg / kg)].

The list R is transmitted to the server 200 as, for example, the energy consumption for one hour.

Based on the value of the transmitted list R, for example,
The data analysis unit 203 calculates the prediction data of the energy consumption for one day.

The calculated prediction data is compared with the set value stored in the energy saving data storage unit 201,
If the predicted data is lower than the set value, it is determined that energy saving is being performed, and the result is transmitted to the data transmitting unit 20.
Send to 4.

The data transmitting section converts the data into an output code according to the result and transmits the output code to the output section 300 as output data.

The output unit 300 executes, for example, a tactile output, a display output, and an audio output change every hour.

Thus, it is possible to determine whether or not the energy is saved when the energy is used for a long time.

FIG. 6 is a flowchart of the processing procedure B having the above contents.

(Processing Procedure B) B1 Data is received from the data receiving unit 201 and stored in the list R.

B2 When the set certain time has passed, the list R
Is transmitted to the server 200, and the process proceeds to B3.

In the B3 data analysis unit 203, each energy consumption value in the list R is converted into prediction data.

B4 If the converted prediction data falls below the data set in the energy saving data storage unit 202, B5
Proceed to. If it exceeds, go to B6.

B5 It is determined that the energy saving is being performed, and the result is transmitted to the data transmitting unit 204.

B6 It is determined that the energy saving has not been performed, and the result is transmitted to the data transmitting unit 204.

B7 The output code corresponding to each result is transmitted from the data transmission unit 204 to the output unit 300, and the output is changed.

(Modification 8) Of the constituent elements of the apparatus of the above embodiment shown in FIG.
May be output only when a person is approaching using, for example, an interpersonal sensor such as an infrared sensor.

(Modification 9) Among the constituent elements of the apparatus of the above embodiment shown in FIG. 1, the energy consumption receiving section 102 of the home network section 100 also has a meter function, and Each location I without 103
The energy consumption corresponding to D may be measured.

Further, the energy consumption measuring unit 104
It is also possible to calculate what percentage of the total energy consumption for each place ID occupies, transmit the data to the output unit 300, and add advice for energy saving.

7. Example Implemented by Recording Medium In the above embodiment, an example in which the present invention is implemented as an apparatus has been described. However, the processing procedures and flowcharts described in the above specific example are described as a program, implemented, and Similar functions and effects can be obtained by executing the same on a computer system.

As shown in the example of the internal configuration of the general-purpose computer shown in FIG. 5, an output interface unit 5005a is connected to a general-purpose computer comprising a CPU unit 5001, a memory unit 5002, a large-capacity storage unit 5003, and a communication interface unit 5004.
-5005m, output device section 5006a-5006m
And receives information such as a place ID and energy consumption from the home network 100 as shown in FIG. 1 through the communication interface unit 5004, or stores the information in the memory unit 5002 or the large-capacity storage unit 5003 and stores the information in the CPU unit 5
001 is executed from the application program operated in the server 200 of FIG. 1, and a tactile pattern is presented using a tactile presentation device prepared as the output device units 5006a to 5006m, and the operation described above is performed. Can be realized.

The method described in the above-described embodiment includes a magnetic disk (floppy disk, hard disk, etc.) as a program that can be executed by a computer.
A multi-modal interface device of the present invention can be realized by reading a program into a computer using a recording medium such as an optical disc (CD-ROM, DVD, etc.) or a semiconductor memory and causing the computer to execute the program. .

[0137]

As described above, according to the present invention, the evaluation of energy saving can be expressed as "not impressive."

Further, the user can easily understand the evaluation result of the energy saving.

Furthermore, the change in the touch feeling can be easily understood by anyone as a natural metaphor.

In addition, caring for a simulated creature as an output means leads to protection of the environment as a result, and it is possible to maintain an invisible effort. Is played.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a configuration example of an environment monitoring device.

FIG. 2 is a flowchart of a processing procedure A.

FIG. 3 is an embodiment A of an environment monitoring device.

FIG. 4 is an embodiment B of the environment monitoring device.

FIG. 5 is an example of an internal configuration of a general-purpose computer.

FIG. 6 is a flowchart of a seventh modification;

[Description of sign]

 REFERENCE SIGNS LIST 100 home network unit 101 network connection unit 102 energy consumption detection unit 103 meter 104 energy consumption measurement unit 200 server unit 201 data reception unit 202 energy saving data storage unit 203 data analysis unit 204 output data transmission unit 300 output unit 301 output data reception Unit 302 output data control unit 303 tactile output unit 304 display output unit 305 audio output unit

Claims (5)

[Claims] An energy measuring means for measuring data such as an amount of energy consumed in daily life, an amount of resources, or an amount of discharged matter, and an energy measuring device based on the data measured by the energy measuring means. Judging whether or not to use efficiently, output change pattern determining means for deriving an output change pattern that can be recognized by the tactile sense desired by the user as the energy is more efficiently used, and the output change pattern is determined by the output change pattern determining means. An output means for outputting a change recognizable by tactile sensation according to the output change pattern. 2. The data according to claim 1, wherein the data is at least one of an energy consumption such as electricity used in the home, a resource consumption such as water, and an exhaust gas amount such as carbon dioxide. Item 2. An environmental monitoring device using tactile sense according to item 1. 3. The output means has a shape imitating a living thing such as a human or an animal, takes in the output change pattern determined by the output change pattern determination means, and outputs the shape of the shape in accordance with the output change pattern. 2. The method according to claim 1, wherein the surface is changed so as to be recognized by touch.
An environmental monitoring device using the tactile sensation described. 4. An energy measuring step for measuring data such as an amount of energy consumed in daily life, an amount of resources, or an amount of discharged matter, and an energy measuring step based on the data measured in the energy measuring step. Determine whether or not to use efficiently, the output change pattern determining step to derive an output change pattern that can be recognized by the tactile sense desired by the user as the energy is used more efficiently, derived by the output change pattern determining step An output step of outputting a tactilely recognizable change in response to an output change pattern. An environmental monitoring method using a tactile sensation, comprising: 5. An energy measurement function for measuring data such as an amount of energy consumed in daily life, an amount of resources, or an amount of discharged matter, and an energy measurement function based on the data measured by the energy measurement function. Determine whether or not to use efficiently, the output change pattern determination function that derives an output change pattern that can be recognized by the tactile sense desired by the user as the energy is more efficiently used, and the output change pattern determination function derives the output change pattern. A storage medium for a program that realizes environmental monitoring using tactile sensation, characterized by recording an output function that outputs a tactilely recognizable change in accordance with an output change pattern, and a program that realizes.