JP2012052706A - Equipment controller - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To efficiently control a plurality of equipment by finding out an appropriate grouping when controlling the plurality of equipment with respect to each group.SOLUTION: This equipment controller 100a, 100b, 100c controlling the plurality of equipment 200, 210, 220 includes a group control section 112a, 112b, 112c, an analysis section 113a, 113b, 113c, and so on. The group control section 112a, 112b, 112c controls the plurality of equipment 200, 210, 220 by one or more group units. The analysis section 113a, 113b, 113c extracts the similarities among the plurality of equipment 200, 210, 220 from one or more standpoints based on first information. The first information is at least a piece of information of operation information and operating information on the equipment 200, 210, 220 and environmental information on an installation site for the equipment 200, 210, 220.

Description

  The present invention relates to an equipment control device that controls a plurality of equipment.

  In a building where a large number of equipment is installed, it would be convenient if these equipment could be centralized and controlled in several groups. Therefore, for example, as described in Patent Document 1 (Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2003-185234), a plurality of air conditioners in a building are logically grouped (grouped), and centralized management is performed for each group. Has been proposed.

  By the way, rather than grouping multiple equipments, for example, by room or floor, and grouping them together, they are grouped based on the type of area such as the window or the usage method of equipment in the same room. It may be more appropriate to control the For example, in a restaurant, the usage method of an air conditioner differs between a guest seat and a kitchen. Even in the same passenger seat, the use method of the air conditioner may be different depending on the area. If a plurality of facility devices having different usage methods are collectively controlled in one group, some of the facility devices are inappropriately controlled. Then, the environment becomes uncomfortable, and eventually, each facility device is controlled separately, which is inefficient. There is no effect of energy saving control. However, it is difficult to determine what kind of grouping is appropriate.

  An object of the present invention is to find an appropriate grouping and realize efficient control of a plurality of facility devices when the plurality of facility devices are collectively controlled for each group.

  An equipment control apparatus according to a first aspect of the present invention is an equipment control apparatus that controls a plurality of equipment, and includes a group definition information receiving unit, a first storage unit, a group control unit, an analysis unit, Is provided. The equipment is, for example, an air conditioner, a ventilator, or a lighting device. The group definition information receiving unit receives input of first group definition information. The first group definition information is information that defines one or more groups to which a plurality of facility devices belong. The first storage unit stores first group definition information. The group control unit refers to the first group definition information stored in the first storage unit. The group control unit controls the plurality of facility devices in units of one or more groups. The analysis unit extracts similarities of the plurality of facility devices from one or more viewpoints based on the first information. Then, the analysis unit determines whether or not a plurality of equipment devices sharing similar points belong to the same group in the first group definition information. The first information is at least one piece of information on the operation information of the equipment, operation information, and environmental information on the installation location of the equipment. The environmental information related to the installation location of equipment is divided into sections based on the presence or absence of people at the installation location of each equipment, air quality such as temperature, humidity, and carbon dioxide concentration, and usage conditions. It is the information regarding at least one of the kind of installation place of each facility apparatus and the installation configuration of each facility apparatus. The installation configuration of facility equipment is information relating to the installation configuration of equipment such as which refrigerant piping system the air conditioner is on.

  The analysis unit extracts similarities of a plurality of facility devices. The extraction of the similar points is performed from one or more viewpoints based on at least one piece of information on the operation information of the equipment, the operation information, and the environment information regarding the installation location of the equipment. In the first group definition information, the analysis unit determines whether or not a plurality of facility devices that share similar points belong to the same group. Therefore, the validity of grouping of a plurality of facility devices is determined. Accordingly, it is possible to find an appropriate grouping of a plurality of facility devices, and it is possible to realize efficient control of the plurality of facility devices.

  The equipment control device according to the second aspect of the present invention is the equipment control device according to the first aspect, and the operation information includes start, stop, change of set temperature, and operation of each of the plurality of equipment. This is information relating to at least one of the type switching operations. The operation information is information related to at least one of a start time, a stop time, an operation type, and a load on the facility device due to the operation of each of the plurality of facility devices. Environmental information includes the presence / absence of people at each installation location of multiple equipment, temperature, humidity, carbon dioxide concentration, the type of installation location of each of the multiple equipment, and the installation configuration of each of the multiple equipment. It is the information regarding at least one. One or more aspects include a time zone of operation of a plurality of equipment, a method of use including operation and operation modes of the plurality of equipment, the number of times the scheduled control of the plurality of equipment is released, a plurality of It is at least one of a load state of the equipment and a staying style of a person at the installation location of the plurality of equipment. A person's staying style is a person's staying time at the installation location, the frequency of the presence (entrance) of a person, or an interval until a person exists (enters). In other words, it is a pattern or mode of a person's stay (presence) at the installation location.

  Accordingly, the validity of grouping is one or more viewpoints based on at least one information among various operation information, various operation information of each of the plurality of facility devices, and various environment information regarding the installation locations of each of the plurality of facility devices. It is judged from. As a result, it is possible to find an appropriate grouping of a plurality of facility devices, and to realize a more efficient control of the plurality of facility devices.

  The equipment control device according to the third aspect of the present invention is the equipment control device according to the first aspect or the second aspect, and further includes a second storage unit. The second storage unit accumulates and stores the first information. The analysis unit refers to the first information accumulated in the second storage unit.

  Therefore, the adequacy of the grouping is determined from one or more viewpoints based on at least one of the accumulated past and present equipment operation information, operation information, and environmental information regarding the installation location of the equipment. Is done. Thereby, it is possible to determine with high accuracy the validity of grouping of a plurality of facility devices, and it is possible to realize more efficient control of a plurality of facility devices.

  The equipment control device according to the fourth aspect of the present invention is the equipment control device according to any one of the first to third aspects, and further includes a group definition information creation unit and a display unit. The group definition information creation unit creates second group definition information based on the determination by the analysis unit. The second group definition information is definition information of one or more new groups to which a plurality of facility devices belong. The display unit displays the determination by the analysis unit and the second group definition information created by the group definition information creation unit.

  Second group definition information is created based on the determination by the analysis unit. The second group definition information is displayed on the display unit. As a result, it is possible to know the appropriate grouping of the plurality of facility devices, and to realize more efficient control of the plurality of facility devices.

  The equipment control device according to the fifth aspect of the present invention is the equipment control device according to the fourth aspect, further comprising a comparison unit. The comparison unit compares the first group definition information and the second group definition information to extract difference information that is a difference. The display unit further displays the difference information.

  Differences between the current grouping of equipment and the grouping based on the judgment of the analysis unit are displayed. Thereby, it is possible to know an invalid part in the grouping of a plurality of current equipment. Thereby, it becomes possible to realize more efficient control of a plurality of facility devices.

  The equipment control device according to the sixth aspect of the present invention is the equipment control device according to the fifth aspect, and further includes a guide unit. The guidance unit guides the user through the display unit how to input the first group definition information. The difference information includes information for specifying one or more correction target facility devices belonging to different groups between the first group definition information and the second group definition information among the plurality of facility devices. The guidance unit guides a method for changing a group to which one or more correction target facility devices belong based on the determination of the analysis unit.

  Based on the determination of the analysis unit, the guide unit guides a method of changing a group to which one or more correction target facility devices belong. Accordingly, the user can know which facility device the group to which the device group belongs is more appropriate by changing the belonging group. Thereby, appropriate grouping of a plurality of equipment can be realized. Thereby, it becomes possible to realize more efficient control of a plurality of facility devices.

  The equipment control device according to the seventh aspect of the present invention is the equipment control device according to any of the fourth to sixth aspects, further comprising a group definition information update unit. The group definition information update unit updates the first group definition information stored in the first storage unit. The group definition information update unit updates the first group definition information stored in the first storage unit based on the second group definition information.

  The first group definition information is updated based on the second group definition information created based on the determination of the analysis unit. Therefore, the current grouping of a plurality of equipment is automatically corrected to a more appropriate grouping. Thereby, appropriate grouping of a plurality of equipment can be realized. Thereby, it becomes possible to realize more efficient control of a plurality of facility devices.

  An equipment control device according to an eighth aspect of the present invention is the equipment control device according to any one of the first to seventh aspects, wherein a plurality of equipment sharing a similar point is included in the first group definition information. It is determined whether or not a plurality of equipment devices that belong to the same group and do not share similar points do not belong to the same group in the first group definition information.

  In other words, the analysis unit determines whether or not the first group definition information satisfies both of the following two conditions. One condition is that a plurality of facility devices sharing similar points belong to the same group in the first group definition information. Another condition is that a plurality of facility devices that do not share similarities do not belong to the same group in the first group definition information.

  Even if a plurality of facility devices that share similar points belong to the same group, if the facility devices that do not share similar points also belong to the group, the grouping is determined to be invalid. As a result, it is possible to make a more accurate determination of the validity of grouping of a plurality of facility devices.

  In the equipment control apparatus according to the first aspect of the present invention, it is possible to find an appropriate grouping of a plurality of equipment, and it is possible to realize efficient control of the equipment.

  In the equipment control apparatus according to the second aspect of the present invention, it is possible to find an appropriate grouping of a plurality of equipment, and it is possible to realize more efficient control of the equipment.

  In the equipment control apparatus according to the third aspect of the present invention, it is possible to determine with high accuracy the validity of grouping of a plurality of equipment, and it is possible to realize more efficient control of a plurality of equipment. .

  In the equipment control apparatus according to the fourth aspect of the present invention, it is possible to know the appropriate grouping of the plurality of equipment, and to realize more efficient control of the equipment.

  In the equipment control apparatus according to the fifth aspect of the present invention, it is possible to know an invalid part in the grouping of a plurality of current equipment, and it is possible to realize more efficient control of the equipment. .

  In the equipment control apparatus according to the sixth aspect and the seventh aspect of the present invention, it is possible to realize a proper grouping of a plurality of equipment and to realize a more efficient control of a plurality of equipment. Become.

  With the equipment control device according to the eighth aspect of the present invention, it becomes possible to make a more accurate determination of the validity of grouping of a plurality of equipment.

1 is a schematic block diagram of an equipment control system according to a first embodiment of the present invention. The block diagram of the configuration of the equipment control device according to the first embodiment of the present invention. The example of the 1st group definition information concerning a 1st embodiment of the present invention. The control flowchart of the equipment control apparatus which concerns on 1st Embodiment of this invention. The analysis example of the operation information of the installation equipment which concerns on 1st Embodiment of this invention. The example of the 2nd group definition information concerning a 1st embodiment of the present invention. The comparative example of 1st group definition information which concerns on 1st Embodiment of this invention, and 2nd group definition information. The control flowchart of the equipment control apparatus which concerns on 1st Embodiment of this invention. The analysis example of the driving | operation information of the installation equipment which concerns on the modification of 1st Embodiment of this invention. The analysis example of the driving | operation information of the installation equipment which concerns on the modification of 1st Embodiment of this invention. The analysis example of the environmental information regarding the installation place of the installation equipment which concerns on the modification of 1st Embodiment of this invention. The schematic block diagram of the equipment control system which concerns on the modification of 1st Embodiment of this invention. The schematic block diagram of the equipment control system which concerns on 2nd Embodiment of this invention. The block diagram of the configuration of the equipment control device according to the second embodiment of the present invention. The analysis example of the environmental information regarding the installation place of the installation equipment which concerns on the modification of 2nd Embodiment of this invention. The schematic block diagram of the equipment control system which concerns on 3rd Embodiment of this invention. The block diagram of the configuration of the equipment control device according to the third embodiment of the present invention.

<First Embodiment>
Hereinafter, the equipment control apparatus according to the first embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

(1) Overall Configuration The overall configuration of the first embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. In the first embodiment, the equipment control device according to the present invention is a controller 100a. As illustrated in FIG. 2, the controller 100a includes a control unit 110a, a storage unit 120a, a communication unit 130a, and a display unit 140a. The control part 110a is comprised by CPU, and the memory | storage part 120a is comprised by RAM, ROM, and the hard disk. In this embodiment, the display unit 140a is a touch panel liquid crystal display. In the present embodiment, the touch panel liquid crystal display is also an input means for a user to input various information. The control unit 110a includes a group definition information reception unit 111a, a group control unit 112a, an analysis unit 113a, a group definition information creation unit 114a, a comparison unit 115a, a guide unit 116a, and a group definition information update unit 117a. The control unit 110a has these units by reading and executing the control program of the controller 100a stored in the storage unit 120a. The storage unit 120a includes a first storage unit 121a and a second storage unit 122a. The communication unit 130a includes an information reception unit 131a and an information transmission unit 132a.

  As shown in FIG. 1, a plurality of facility devices are connected to the controller 100a via a communication line 400a. In the first embodiment of the present invention, the plurality of facility devices are air conditioners 200. Therefore, the controller 100a is a device that controls the plurality of air conditioners 200. A remote controller or control panel (not shown) is attached to each of the plurality of air conditioners 200, and a user near each air conditioner 200 operates each air conditioner 200 by operating the remote controller or the like. Can do.

(2) Detailed Configuration The communication unit 130a transmits / receives information to / from a plurality of facility devices connected via the controller 100a and the communication line 400a. The information transmission unit 132a transmits a signal such as a control instruction to a plurality of equipment devices. The information receiving unit 131a receives information from each equipment device regularly (for example, every day). The received information is accumulated and stored in the second storage unit 122a. The information is at least one of operation information and driving information.

  The display unit 140a displays characters, figures, and images according to instructions from the control unit 110a.

  The group definition information receiving unit 111a receives input of first group definition information that is definition information for defining groupings of a plurality of equipment devices. The first group definition information is information that defines a group to which each of a plurality of facility devices belongs. The plurality of facility devices are divided into one or more groups based on the first group definition information. The first group definition information is input by the user via the touch panel liquid crystal display, and is stored in the first storage unit 121a of the storage unit 120a by the group definition information receiving unit 111a. In this way, the input of the first group definition information is received by the group definition information receiving unit 111a.

  The group control unit 112a controls a plurality of facility devices in units of groups. First group definition information is stored in the first storage unit 121a of the storage unit 120a. The group control unit 112a refers to the first group definition information stored in the first storage unit 121a, and generates a control instruction for each defined group. The control instruction is transmitted via the information transmission unit 132a of the communication unit 130a to all the equipment devices belonging to the group that is the target of the control instruction. For example, when a user inputs a control instruction for a certain group via the touch panel liquid crystal display, the group control unit 112a generates the control instruction and transmits the control instruction to all equipment devices belonging to the group. To do. The group control unit 112a grasps which equipment belongs to the group by referring to the first group definition information stored in the first storage unit 121a.

  The analysis unit 113a extracts similarities of a plurality of facility devices from one or more viewpoints based on at least one of operation information, operation information, and environmental information regarding the installation location of each facility device. And the analysis part 113a determines whether the equipment which shares the said similar point belongs to the same group in 1st group definition information. The determination by the analysis unit 113a is displayed on the display unit 140a.

  In the first embodiment of the present invention, the plurality of facility devices are air conditioners 200. Therefore, the operation information is information related to the operation of the air conditioner 200 such as starting, stopping, changing the set temperature, and switching the operation type (including canceling the control scheduled in advance). The operation information is information related to the operation of the air conditioner 200 such as a start time, a stop time, an operation type, and an operation load.

  The group definition information creation unit 114a creates group definition information (second group definition information) for grouping a plurality of facility devices based on the determination by the analysis unit 113a. The second group definition information is displayed on the display unit 140a.

  The comparison unit 115a compares the first group definition information and the second group definition information, and extracts a difference between the two definition information. Specifically, the equipment belonging to different groups is identified and extracted between the first group definition information and the second group definition information.

  The guidance unit 116a guides the user how to input the first group definition information via the display unit 140a. Equipment devices belonging to different groups between the first group definition information and the second group definition information specified by the comparison unit 115a are displayed on the display unit 140a as correction target equipment. The guide unit 116a causes the display unit 140a to display a message that prompts the user to change the group to which the correction target facility device belongs. The user can change the group to which the correction target facility device belongs by operating the touch panel liquid crystal display according to the guidance by the message displayed on the display unit 140a.

  The group definition information update unit 117a updates the first group definition information stored in the first storage unit 121a based on the second group definition information. Specifically, the first group definition information stored in the first storage unit 121a is overwritten and updated by the second group definition information.

(3) Analysis of grouping The analysis of grouping of a plurality of equipment devices performed by the analysis unit 113a will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. In the first embodiment of the present invention, the plurality of facility devices are the air conditioners 200, but the description will be made assuming that the plurality of air conditioners 200 are installed in a restaurant such as a restaurant.

  The process described below is periodically executed at a predetermined interval (for example, one month).

(3-1) Analysis of information Operation information or operation for a predetermined period (for example, one year) of a plurality of facility devices (in this embodiment, air conditioner 200) accumulated in the second storage unit 122a The validity of grouping of a plurality of equipment is determined from a predetermined viewpoint using information or the like. In the present embodiment, the predetermined viewpoint relates to an operation mode of the number of times of changing the set temperature during cooling and heating of the air conditioner 200.

  In step S101, the analysis unit 113a refers to information stored in the second storage unit 122a and performs aggregation based on a predetermined viewpoint. The plurality of facility devices are classified into one or more categories based on the aggregation result. Here, the classification into categories is performed, for example, by grouping together a predetermined number (for example, 5) in descending order of the number of the totaling result numerical values by combining the numerical values with similar totaling results (for example, ± 5%). Thus, it is performed by determining whether or not a predetermined numerical value as a threshold value is exceeded, or by a combination of these methods.

  In the present embodiment, the analysis unit 113a refers to the operation information of the plurality of air conditioners 200, and counts the number of times of changing the set temperature of each air conditioner 200 separately during cooling and heating. The tabulation result is, for example, as shown in the graph of FIG. And analysis part 113a classifies a plurality of air conditioners 200 into one or more categories based on the total result. In the present embodiment, the plurality of air conditioners 200 compare the set temperature change count during cooling and the set temperature change count during heating, and the number of change counts during heating is greater than the number of change counts during cooling. It is classified into three categories: those with a greater number of cases and those with the same number of changes during heating and cooling. The classification result is stored in the storage unit 120a in association with each of the plurality of air conditioners 200. It is determined that the air conditioners 200 classified into the same category share similar points.

(3-2) Determination of Validity of Grouping Next, in step S102, whether the grouping defined in the first group definition information is appropriate is determined based on the following viewpoint. That is, a plurality of air conditioners 200 sharing similarities belong to the same group in the first group definition information, and air conditioners 200 having different similarities in the first group definition information belong to the same group. The validity of the grouping defined in the first group definition information is determined from the viewpoint of whether there is any. Specifically, first, it is determined whether or not a plurality of air conditioners 200 classified into the same category in step S101 belong to the same group in the first group definition information. If the determination result is negative, it is determined that the grouping defined in the first group definition information is not valid. On the other hand, if the result of the determination is true, it is further determined whether or not the air conditioner 200 classified into a different category in step S101 belongs to the same group. If the air conditioners 200 classified into different categories in step S101 belong to the same group, it is determined that the grouping defined in the first group definition information is not valid. In the example of FIGS. 3 and 5, the air conditioners 200 in the hall, toilet, private room 1, and private room 2 have the number of times of changing the set temperature at the time of cooling higher than the number of times at the time of heating. Information does not belong to the same group. Further, the air conditioners 200 of the corridor, the table seat 1 and the table seat 2 whose number of set temperature changes during cooling is less than the number of times during heating belong to the same group in the first group definition information of FIG. Absent. Therefore, it is determined that the grouping defined in the first group definition information is not valid. If it is determined that the grouping defined in the first group definition information is not valid, the process proceeds to S103. Otherwise, the process ends.

(3-3) Setting Flag In step S103, the analysis unit 113a stores (sets) data (flag) in which one bit is set in the storage unit 120a. The flag is initialized before the process of step S101 is executed, and the flag is not set. Next, the process proceeds to S104.

(3-4) Creation of Second Group Definition Information In step S104, the group definition information creation unit 114a creates new group definition information (second group definition information) based on the above determination by the analysis unit 113a. In step S101, the group definition information creation unit 114a accesses the storage unit 120a to refer to information in which the analysis unit 113a classifies the plurality of facility devices into one or more categories. Then, group definition information is created so that a plurality of facility devices are grouped for each category. In the example of FIG. 5, group definition information is created so that a plurality of air conditioners 200 are grouped as shown in FIG. The created group definition information is stored in the storage unit 120a as second group definition information. Next, the process proceeds to step S105.

(3-5) Comparison between First Group Definition Information and Second Group Definition Information In step S105, the comparison unit 115a compares the first group definition information and the second group definition information, and the difference between the two definition information. Extract points. The comparison unit 115a extracts facility devices (correction target facility devices) belonging to different groups between the first group definition information and the second group definition information. For example, when the group definition information in FIG. 3 and FIG. 6 is compared, as a result, as shown in FIG. 7, the air conditioner 200 in the toilet, hallway, and hall is extracted as the equipment to be corrected. Information about differences such as the correction target equipment extracted by the comparison unit 115a is stored in the storage unit 120a.

(4) Grouping correction guidance A guidance process for prompting the user to correct the grouping will be described below with reference to the flowchart of FIG. In the first embodiment of the present invention, the equipment is the air conditioner 200. Therefore, the following correction target equipment is the air conditioner 200.

  When the user operates the touch panel of the touch panel liquid crystal display and selects one of the groups defined in the first definition information, the guidance process is started by sending a signal to the control unit 110a.

  In step S201, the storage unit 120a is referred to by the control unit 110a, and it is determined whether the flag is set. If the flag is set, the process proceeds to step S202. If the flag is not set, the process ends.

  In step S202, the control unit 110a refers to the information on the correction target facility device stored in the storage unit 120a, and whether or not the correction target facility device exists among the facility devices belonging to the group selected by the user. Alternatively, it is determined whether there is a correction target equipment that should belong to the group. If it is determined that there is no such correction target equipment, the process ends. If it is determined that the correction target equipment is present in the group, the process proceeds to step S203.

  In step S203, the guide unit 116a guides the user to change the group to which the correction target facility device belongs through the display unit 140a. At this time, the guide unit 116a sends a signal to the display unit 140a to cause the display unit 140a to display information about the first group definition information, the second group definition information, and the correction target equipment. In addition, the guide unit 116a sends a signal to the display unit 140a to cause the display unit 140a to display a message that prompts the user to change the group to which the correction target facility device belongs and a message that notifies the change method. When the user operates the touch panel liquid crystal display and inputs a command for changing the grouping, the process proceeds to the next step 204.

  In step S204, when the user performs an operation of changing the group to which the correction target facility device belongs according to the guidance in step S203 above, the control unit 110a updates the first group definition information by the change, and the first storage unit 121a. The updated first group definition information is stored. The flag is initialized.

(5) Features (5-1)
In the above embodiment, the controller 100a includes the group definition information receiving unit 111a that receives input of first group definition information that defines one or more groups to which a plurality of air conditioners 200 belong. The controller 100a includes a group control unit 112a and an analysis unit 113a. The group control unit 112a controls the plurality of air conditioners 200 for each group defined in the first group definition information. The analysis unit 113a tabulates the number of times of setting temperature change operations during cooling and heating of each air conditioner 200 from the operation information of the plurality of air conditioners 200. And the analysis part 113a is analyzing the similarity of the several air conditioner 200 from a viewpoint of whether the frequency | count of setting temperature change operation is large at the time of cooling or heating. Then, the analysis unit 113a determines the validity of the grouping defined in the first group definition information from the viewpoint of whether or not the plurality of air conditioners 200 are grouped based on the similarity. Thereby, it is possible to find an appropriate grouping of the plurality of air conditioners 200, and it is possible to realize efficient control of the plurality of air conditioners 200.

(5-2)
In the above-described embodiment, the operation mode (air conditioning of each of the plurality of air conditioners 200, which is the number of times the set temperature change is performed during cooling or heating based on the operation information related to the operation of changing the set temperatures of the plurality of air conditioners 200. Similarities of a plurality of air conditioners 200 are extracted from the viewpoint of how to use the machine 200. Therefore, it is possible to determine whether or not the grouping of the plurality of air conditioners 200 currently defined in the first group definition information is appropriate for efficiently performing the control in units of groups. Thereby, it is possible to find an appropriate grouping of the plurality of air conditioners 200, and it is possible to realize efficient control of the plurality of air conditioners 200.

(5-3)
In the above embodiment, the analysis unit 113a uses the operation information for a predetermined period (for example, one year) of the plurality of air conditioners 200 accumulated and stored in the second storage unit 122a. Analyzing similarities. Therefore, it is possible to determine whether or not the grouping currently defined in the first group definition information is appropriate for efficiently performing the group unit control of the plurality of air conditioners 200. Thereby, it is possible to determine with high accuracy the validity of the grouping of the plurality of air conditioners 200, and it is possible to realize more efficient control of the plurality of air conditioners 200.

(5-4)
In the above embodiment, when the analysis unit 113a determines that the grouping defined in the first group definition information is not valid, the group definition information creation unit 114a newly creates a group based on the determination of the analysis unit 113a. Definition information (second group definition information) is created. The second group definition information is displayed on the touch panel liquid crystal display, which is the display unit 140a, and is shown to the user. Therefore, it is possible to indicate what kind of grouping is appropriate for more efficiently controlling the plurality of air conditioners 200 in units of groups. Thereby, it becomes possible to know the appropriate grouping of the plurality of air conditioners 200, and it is possible to realize more efficient control of the plurality of air conditioners 200.

(5-5)
In the above embodiment, the comparison unit 115a compares the first group definition information and the second group definition information and extracts differences. Therefore, it is possible to know an invalid part in the current grouping of the plurality of air conditioners 200. Thereby, more efficient control of the plurality of air conditioners 200 can be realized.

(5-6)
In the above-described embodiment, the correction target equipment that should be changed from the group in the first group definition information and the group to which the correction target equipment belongs should be displayed. And the message which guides a user to change the group to which the said correction target installation apparatus belongs is displayed. Therefore, the user can change the grouping of the plurality of air conditioners 200 to an appropriate one according to the guidance of the guide unit 116a. Thereby, it is possible to realize an appropriate grouping of the plurality of air conditioners 200, and it is possible to realize more efficient control of the plurality of air conditioners 200.

(5-7)
In the above embodiment, the plurality of air conditioners 200 sharing similar points belong to the same group in the first group definition information, and the air conditioners 200 having different similar points in the first group definition information are the same group. The validity of the grouping defined in the first group definition information is determined from the viewpoint of whether it belongs to the group. Thereby, it is possible to make a more accurate determination as to the validity of the grouping of the plurality of air conditioners 200.

(6) Modified Example (6-1) Modified Example 1A Example 1 Using Driving Information
In “(3) Grouping analysis” of the above embodiment, the analysis unit 113a uses the operation information of the plurality of air conditioners 200 to make similar points from the viewpoint of the operation mode of the number of set temperature changes for each of the plurality of air conditioners 200. Analyzing. However, in other embodiments, similarities of the plurality of air conditioners 200 may be analyzed from the viewpoint of the operation time zone, the operation mode, and the like based on the operation information of the plurality of air conditioners 200. For example, similarities may be analyzed from the viewpoint of the start-up (operation start) time of the air conditioner 200. In this case, only the processing in step S101 of FIG. 4 described in “(3-1) Information analysis” is modified as follows.

  The analysis unit 113a refers to the operation information of the plurality of air conditioners 200 accumulated in the second storage unit 122a, and sets the operation start time of each air conditioner 200 in the past predetermined period (for example, one year) to 10 minutes. Aggregate the number of days of occurrence together at intervals. In other words, 24 hours a day is divided into time zones divided at 10-minute intervals, and the number of days that each air conditioner 200 starts operation in a predetermined period (for example, one year) in each time zone is totaled. Then, based on the viewpoint of the operation start time with the most days for each air conditioner 200, each of the plurality of air conditioners 200 is classified into a category of operation start time zone in which 24 hours per day are divided at 10 minute intervals. The classification result is, for example, as shown in the graph of FIG. In this example, the air conditioners 200 in the hallway 1 and the hallway 2 are classified into a category of 8: 20-30, and the air conditioners 200 of the table seat 1 and the table seat 2 are classified in a category of 9: 10-20. . The classification result is stored in the storage unit 120a in association with each of the plurality of air conditioners 200.

(6-2) Modification 1B Example 2 using operation information
In “(3) Grouping analysis” of the above embodiment, the analysis unit 113a uses the operation information of the plurality of air conditioners 200 to make similar points from the viewpoint of the operation mode of the number of set temperature changes for each of the plurality of air conditioners 200. Analyzing. However, in other embodiments, the similarities of the plurality of air conditioners 200 are analyzed from the viewpoint of the operation time zone or the usage method including the mode of operation based on the operation information of the plurality of air conditioners 200. May be. The similarity between the plurality of air conditioners 200 may be analyzed from the viewpoint of the operation time of each of the plurality of air conditioners 200, or the correlation between the operation time of the indoor units of each of the plurality of air conditioners 200 and the operation time of the compressor. You may analyze the similarity of several air conditioners 200 from a viewpoint. For example, when analyzing the similarities of the plurality of air conditioners 200 from the viewpoint of the operation time of each of the plurality of air conditioners 200, only the process of step S101 of FIG. 4 described in “(3-1) Information analysis” The contents are transformed as follows.

  The analysis unit 113a refers to the operation information of the plurality of air conditioners 200 stored in the second storage unit 122a, and the operation start time and operation end time for a predetermined period (for example, one year) for each air conditioner 200. The operation time is calculated using the information of and the operation time is totaled. The result of totaling the operation time for each of the plurality of air conditioners 200 is, for example, a graph shown in FIG. The analysis unit 113a classifies the plurality of air conditioners 200 into one category every predetermined number (for example, two) in order from the largest operation time total value. For example, in the example of FIG. 10, the total value of the operation time is the largest for the air conditioner 200 in the hallway 2, and the second is the largest for the air conditioner 200 in the hallway 1. Therefore, the two air conditioners 200 are determined to be similar to each other and are classified into one category. The total value of the operating time of the air conditioner 200 for the table seat 1 and the table seat 2 is the second largest after the total value of the operating time of the air conditioner 200 for the hallway 2 and the corridor 1, so Are judged to be similar to each other, and are classified into one category different from the air conditioners 200 in the hallway 2 and the hallway 1. The classification result is stored in the storage unit 120a in association with each of the plurality of air conditioners 200.

(6-3) Modified Example 1C Other Examples Using Operation Information In “(3) Grouping analysis” of the above embodiment, the analysis unit uses a plurality of air conditioners 200 operation information. Similarities are analyzed from the viewpoint of the operation mode of the number of times of each set temperature change. However, in other embodiments, similarities between the plurality of air conditioners 200 may be analyzed from the viewpoint of other operations based on the operation information of the plurality of air conditioners 200. For example, you may analyze the similarity of several air conditioners 200 from a viewpoint of the frequency | count that the scheduled control was cancelled | released. In this case, in the process of step S <b> 101 of FIG. 4 described in “(3-1) Information analysis”, the number of times the control is canceled is counted for each of the plurality of air conditioners 200. And the some air conditioner 200 is classified into one category for every predetermined number (for example, three) in order from the thing with the largest frequency based on the total value concerned. The classification result is stored in the storage unit 120a in association with each of the plurality of air conditioners 200.

(6-4) Modified Example 1D Combination of Similarity Analysis Based on Two or More Points of View In the above embodiment, the similarity of the plurality of air conditioners 200 from one point of view of comparison of the number of changes in the set temperature during cooling and heating. Analyzing points. However, in other embodiments, the validity of the grouping of the plurality of air conditioners 200 may be determined from a plurality of viewpoints by combining the analysis on the similarities in the above embodiment and the modified examples (1A to C). . In this case, Steps S101 to S105 are repeatedly executed, and all the analyzes by the analysis unit 113a described above (those according to the above-described embodiment and Modifications 1A to C) are performed. The flag is initialized only once before the analysis unit performs these series of analyses. Second group definition information based on each analysis determination is created. The grouping determination result based on each analysis is presented to the user via the display unit 140a. Then, the guide unit 116a causes the display unit 140a to display a message or the like that prompts the user to select whether to correct the grouping defined in the first group definition information based on which analysis is determined.

(6-5) Modified Example 1E Automatic Update In the above embodiment, when the user performs an operation of changing the group to which the correction target air conditioner 200 belongs on the touch panel liquid crystal display, it is stored in the first storage unit 121a. The first group definition information is updated. However, in another embodiment, the first group definition information is automatically updated based on the second group definition information based on the selection made by the user in advance and without any user operation. May be. In this case, if automatic update is selected by the user in advance, after the second group definition information is created in step S104 in “(3-4) Creation of second group definition information” in the above embodiment, Instead of executing step S105, the group definition information updating unit 117a updates the first table definition information stored in the first storage unit 121a by overwriting with the second group definition information.

  The existing group definition information is automatically updated based on the group definition information created based on the determination by the analysis unit 113a. Thereby, it is possible to realize more efficient control of the plurality of air conditioners 200.

  In another embodiment, the second group definition information created within a predetermined period of one year (for example, three months) is accumulated and stored in the storage unit 120a every year. Even if the first group definition information in the first storage unit 121a is automatically updated by the group definition information update unit 117a based on the second group definition information created in the previous period of the previous year automatically when the period comes. Good. If it carries out like this, it will become possible to change automatically to the grouping of the several air conditioner 200 suitable for the season for every season like spring, summer, autumn, and winter.

(6-6) Modification 1F Example Using Environmental Information (Temperature or Humidity) In “(3) Grouping analysis” in the above embodiment, the analysis unit 113a uses the operation information of the plurality of air conditioners 200. Similarities are analyzed from the viewpoint of the operation mode of the number of times of set temperature change for each of the plurality of air conditioners 200. However, in other embodiments, similarities between the plurality of air conditioners 200 may be analyzed using environmental information regarding the installation locations of the plurality of air conditioners 200. For example, the similarities of the plurality of air conditioners 200 may be analyzed from the viewpoint of the temperature or humidity reached as a result of air conditioning at the place where the air conditioner 200 is installed. Such information is received from the air conditioner 200 by the information receiving unit 131a and stored in the second storage unit 122a. The analysis unit 113a refers to the temperature or humidity information stored in the second storage unit 122a, and calculates an average value for the temperature or humidity at the installation location of each air conditioner 200. The plurality of air conditioners 200 are classified into one category every predetermined number (for example, three), for example, from the largest average value.

(6-7) Modification 1G Example Using Environmental Information (Human Detection Information) In “(3) Grouping analysis” of the above embodiment, the analysis unit 113a uses the operation information of the plurality of air conditioners 200. Similarities are analyzed from the viewpoint of the operation mode of the number of times of set temperature change for each of the plurality of air conditioners 200. However, in other embodiments, similarities between the plurality of air conditioners 200 may be analyzed using environmental information regarding the installation locations of the plurality of air conditioners 200. For example, the similarity of the plurality of air conditioners 200 in terms of the number of times a person's presence is detected, the intensity of detection of the presence of a person, the time that a person has stayed, the time interval until the presence of a person is detected, etc. Points may be analyzed. For example, similarities may be analyzed from the viewpoint of the number of times human presence is detected at the installation location of each air conditioner 200. In this case, a human detection sensor is installed at the installation location of each air conditioner 200, and each human detection sensor is connected to the controller 100a via the communication line 400a. The information receiving unit 131a receives information related to human detection from each human detection sensor. The association information for associating which air conditioner 200 is installed with each person detection sensor is stored in the second storage unit 122a of the controller 100a. Therefore, information from each person detection sensor is associated with each air conditioner 200 and stored in the second storage unit 122a. The association information is input via an input unit such as a touch panel liquid crystal display by a person who installs the human detection sensor or the air conditioner 200 by an installation worker or the like. The analysis unit 113a identifies environmental information related to the installation location of each air conditioner 200 from information from each human detection sensor accumulated in the second storage unit 122a by referring to the association information. Of course, if the plurality of air conditioners 200 include human detection sensors, such association information is not necessary.

  The contents of step S101 in FIG. 4 described in “(3-1) Analysis of information” are modified as follows. The analysis unit 113a refers to the environmental information regarding the installation location of each air conditioner 200 accumulated in the second storage unit 122a, and the person at the installation location of each air conditioner 200 in the past predetermined period (for example, one year). Count the number of detections of the presence of. Information on the number of times the person's presence is detected is, for example, 1 (when detected) or 0 (when not detected) whether or not the presence of a person is detected at a predetermined interval (for example, 1 minute). It is the information expressed by. The numbers 0 or 1 are added for each air conditioner 200 and totalized. The total value is as shown in FIG. 11, for example. The plurality of air conditioners 200 are classified into predetermined numbers (for example, four) in order from the largest total value, for example. The classification result is stored in the storage unit 120a in association with each of the plurality of air conditioners 200.

  In addition, even when the information regarding the human detection acquired from the human detection sensor is information on the detection intensity from 1 to 10, for example, the intensity represented by a numerical value from 1 to 10 is counted for each air conditioner 200. Thus, similarities between the plurality of air conditioners 200 can be analyzed in the same manner as described above.

(6-8) Modification 1H Embodiment weighting based on information on type of installation location In Modification 1G, in “(3) Grouping analysis”, the analysis unit 113a installs a plurality of air conditioners 200. Similarities are analyzed from the viewpoint of the number of times a person's presence is detected using environmental information about the place. However, in another embodiment, similarities may be analyzed based on a weighted value of a count of the number of times the person's presence is detected by a predetermined coefficient.

For example, in another embodiment, the space in a building is partitioned based on the usage pattern, and the installation location information in which each air conditioner 200 and the location of the installation location of the air conditioner 200 are registered in association with each other is the second. It is stored in the storage unit 122a. The association is performed when a user or the like inputs information via an input unit such as a touch panel liquid crystal display when the air conditioner 200 is installed. For example, the partition is defined as follows.
Section A: A frequently used section with a short human residence time.
Section B: A frequently used section with a long residence time.
Section C: A section that is not used frequently and has a short residence time.
Section D: A section that is not frequently used and has a long residence time.
For example, the weight coefficient is assigned to each of the sections in order as a consecutive number, for example, the section A is 1, the section B is 2, the section C is 3, and the section D is 4. The partition definition information is stored in the second storage unit 122a. The section definition information and the installation location information stored in the second storage unit 122a are referred to by the analysis unit 113a, and the air conditioner 200 is set to the total value of the number of times the presence of a person of each air conditioner 200 is detected. These factors are multiplied according to the section that is present. The plurality of air conditioners 200 are classified into one category for each predetermined number (for example, four) in order from the largest numerical value calculated as a result of the integration by the analysis unit 113a. The classification result is stored in the storage unit 120a in association with each of the plurality of air conditioners 200.

  Further, the installation location information may be used as a constraint condition when grouping as follows. That is, a plurality of air conditioners 200 are first classified for each section, and further classified based on the total number of times the presence of a person at each installation location is detected among the air conditioners 200 registered in each section. May be. Alternatively, after classifying the plurality of air conditioners 200 based on the total number of times the presence of a person at each installation location is detected, the air conditioners 200 are further classified based on the registered sections in each classification. May be. By doing so, the plurality of air conditioners 200 can be prevented from being grouped across a plurality of sections.

(6-9) Modification Example 1I Example of Weighting Based on Refrigerant Piping System Information of Air Conditioner In Modification Example 1H, in “(3) Grouping analysis”, the analysis unit 113a includes a plurality of air conditioners 200. A similar value is analyzed by weighting the total number of times the presence of a person is detected using environmental information regarding the installation location by a predetermined coefficient based on the section of the installation location of each air conditioner 200. However, in another embodiment, weighting may be performed based on information regarding the installation configuration of the air conditioner 200 indicating which refrigerant piping system each air conditioner 200 is on. By doing so, the air conditioners 200 connected to the same refrigerant piping system can be easily grouped into the same group. In addition, the information regarding the installation configuration is input from an input unit such as a touch panel liquid crystal display by an installation operator or the like when the air conditioner 200 is installed, and is stored in the second storage unit 122a.

  In this case, for example, if each of the plurality of air conditioners 200 is connected to one of the two refrigerant piping systems of the system 1 and the system 2, the coefficient 1 is set for the air conditioner 200 connected to the system 1. For the air conditioners 200 connected to the system 2, the coefficient 2 is automatically assigned as a weight coefficient to each system in order as a number in which the coefficients are continuous. The analysis unit 113a multiplies this weighting coefficient by the total value of the number of times that the presence of a person at the installation location of each air conditioner 200 is detected. The plurality of air conditioners 200 are classified into one category every predetermined number (for example, four) in order from the largest numerical value obtained as a result of integrating the weight coefficients. The classification result is stored in the storage unit 120a in association with each of the plurality of air conditioners 200.

  Further, the system information may be used as a constraint condition when grouping as follows. That is, a plurality of air conditioners 200 are first classified for each refrigerant piping system connected, and the number of times the presence of a person at each installation location is detected among the air conditioners 200 connected to each refrigerant piping system. You may classify | categorize based on a total value. Alternatively, after classifying the plurality of air conditioners 200 based on the total number of times the presence of a person at each installation location is detected, the air conditioners 200 are further classified based on the refrigerant piping system to which the air conditioner 200 is connected. You may classify. By doing so, the plurality of air conditioners 200 can be prevented from being grouped across the plurality of refrigerant piping systems.

(6-10) Modified Example 1J Example Using Driving Load Information (Power Consumption) In “(3) Grouping analysis” of the above embodiment, the analysis unit 113a obtains operation information of a plurality of air conditioners 200. The similarities are analyzed from the viewpoint of the operation mode of the number of times of changing the set temperature of each of the plurality of air conditioners 200. However, in other embodiments, similarities of the plurality of air conditioners 200 may be analyzed from the viewpoint of, for example, an operation load such as power consumption based on the operation information of the plurality of air conditioners 200. In this case, only the processing in step S101 of FIG. 4 described in “(3-1) Information analysis” is modified as follows.

  The analysis unit 113a refers to the operation information of each air conditioner 200 accumulated in the second storage unit 122a, totals the power consumption of each air conditioner 200 in a past predetermined period (for example, one week), The average power consumption per hour is calculated. The plurality of air conditioners 200 are classified into predetermined numbers (for example, three) in order from the largest average power consumption per hour. The classification result is stored in the storage unit 120a in association with each of the plurality of air conditioners 200.

  In addition to this, aggregate values such as the number of times that a plurality of air conditioners 200 have exceeded a predetermined power consumption, the time exceeding the predetermined power consumption, or the time interval until the predetermined power consumption is exceeded, etc. You may classify into one or more categories based on.

(6-11) Modification 1K Remote Center In the above embodiment, the controller 100a is installed in the same building where the plurality of air conditioners 200 are installed. However, in other embodiments, the controller 100a may be installed in a building in a remote place different from the building in which the plurality of air conditioners 200 are installed.

  In this case, the system according to the present invention is specifically configured as shown in FIG. That is, the controller 100a is installed in a remote center 303 which is a building at a remote location away from the building 302 where a plurality of air conditioners 200 are installed. The controller 100 a and the plurality of air conditioners 200 are connected via a network 401. The information receiving unit of the controller 100 a receives the first information from the plurality of air conditioners 200 via the network 401. The controller 100a is connected to a user terminal 500 via a network 402 such as the Internet. The first group definition information is input from the terminal 500 and received by the communication unit 130a of the controller 100a via the network 402. When the group definition information receiving unit 111a of the controller 100a receives the notification of the reception of the first group definition information from the communication unit 130a, the group definition information receiving unit 111a stores the first group definition information in the first storage unit 121a. Further, the communication unit 130a of the controller 100a receives a command for requesting transmission of information such as the first definition information, the second definition information, and the correction target facility device from the user terminal 500 via the network 402. To do. Upon receiving the command, the controller 100a receives the second group definition information created by the group definition information creation unit 114a, the difference between the first group definition information extracted by the comparison unit 115a and the second group definition information, and guidance. Information such as a guidance message by the unit 116 a is transmitted to the user terminal 500 via the communication unit 130 a and the network 402. Therefore, these pieces of information are displayed on the display unit of the user terminal 500.

(6-12) Modification 1L Automatic selection and presentation based on analysis result In the above embodiment, the analysis unit 113a of the controller 100a determines the validity of grouping based on the analysis of operation information of the plurality of air conditioners 200. is doing. Then, the guide unit 116a prompts the user to correct the grouping based on the determination by the analysis unit 113a. However, in another embodiment, the controller 100a may make the user propose a method for controlling the plurality of air conditioners 200 based on analysis of operation information or operation information by the analysis unit 113a. For example, when it is determined based on the analysis by the analysis unit 113a that the number of changes in the set temperature exceeds a predetermined number, the controller 100a proposes to the user energy saving control that shortens the return of the set temperature. May be.

(6-13) Modification 1M Simple Validity Determination Logic In the above embodiment, the analysis unit 113a has a plurality of similarities as described in “(3-2) Determination of the validity of grouping”. From the viewpoint of whether the air conditioners 200 belong to the same group in the first group definition information and the air conditioners 200 having different similarities in the first group definition information do not belong to the same group. The validity of the grouping of the plurality of air conditioners 200 defined in the definition information is determined. However, in other embodiments, the analysis unit 113a may determine the validity of the grouping of the plurality of air conditioners 200 defined in the first group definition information by the following simple logic. That is, the analysis unit 113a determines the validity of the grouping defined in the first group definition information from the viewpoint of whether or not a plurality of air conditioners 200 that share similar points belong to the same group in the first group definition information. Determine. This also makes it possible to find an appropriate grouping of the plurality of air conditioners 200, and to realize efficient control of the plurality of air conditioners 200.

Second Embodiment A Ventilation Device Next, an equipment control device according to a second embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

(1) Overall configuration The equipment control device according to the second embodiment of the present invention is a controller 100b. The plurality of facility devices controlled by the controller 100b are a plurality of ventilators 210, and are connected to the plurality of ventilators 210 via the communication line 400b as shown in FIG. Although not shown in the drawings, each ventilation device 210 is provided with a human detection sensor capable of detecting the presence of a person and an air quality sensor capable of detecting air quality such as carbon dioxide concentration at the installation location. It is installed and connected to the controller 100b via the communication line 400b.

  As illustrated in FIG. 14, the controller 100b includes a control unit 110b, a storage unit 120b, a communication unit 130b, and a display unit 140b. The storage unit 120b, the communication unit 130b, and the display unit 140b are the storage unit 120a and the communication unit of the controller 100a according to the first embodiment of the present invention, except that the plurality of facility devices to be controlled are the ventilator 210. Since it is the same structure as 130a and the display part 140a, description is abbreviate | omitted.

  In addition, the control unit 110b includes a group definition information receiving unit 111b, a group control unit 112b, an analysis unit 113b, a group definition information creation unit 114b, a comparison unit 115b, a guide unit 116b, and a group definition information update unit 117b. Yes. Each of these units includes a group definition information reception unit 111a, a group control unit 112a, an analysis unit 113a, a group definition information creation unit 114a, a comparison unit 115a, a guide unit 116a, and a controller 100a according to the first embodiment of the present invention. The group definition information updating unit 117a corresponds to the group definition information receiving unit 111a in “(1) Overall configuration” of the first embodiment, except that the plurality of equipment to be controlled is the ventilator 210. The description of the group control unit 112a, the analysis unit 113a, the group definition information creation unit 114a, the comparison unit 115a, the guide unit 116a, and the group definition information update unit 117a applies. Therefore, the description is omitted.

(2) Detailed Configuration Hereinafter, a detailed configuration of the controller 100b will be described. Description of parts common to the controller 100a according to the first embodiment of the present invention will be omitted, and only different parts will be described.

  The information receiving unit 131b further receives information on the presence of a person and carbon dioxide concentration from the human detection sensor and the air quality sensor. The second storage unit 122b stores association information for associating the human detection sensor and the air quality sensor with each ventilation device 210, and the information from each sensor is associated with each ventilation device 210. It is stored in the second storage unit 122b. The association information is input by an installation operator or the like through an input unit such as a touch panel liquid crystal display when the sensor or the ventilation device 210 is installed. The analysis unit 113b identifies environmental information regarding the installation location of each ventilation device 210 from information from each sensor accumulated in the second storage unit 122b by referring to the association information. The analysis unit 113b extracts similarities of the plurality of ventilation devices 210 from one or more viewpoints based on environmental information regarding the installation location of the ventilation device 210 such as information from the human detection sensor and the air quality sensor.

(3) Grouping Analysis Grouping analysis of the ventilation device 210 performed by the analysis unit 113b will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. The description of the parts common to the analysis performed by the analysis unit 113a according to the first embodiment of the present invention is omitted. The description will be made assuming that the plurality of ventilation devices 210 are installed in a restaurant such as a restaurant.

  The process described below is periodically executed at a predetermined interval (for example, one month).

(3-1) Analysis of information In the present embodiment, based on environmental information for a predetermined period (for example, one year) related to the installation locations of the plurality of ventilation devices 210 accumulated in the second storage unit 122b, The validity of the grouping of the ventilation devices 210 is determined. Since the determination process is the same as that of the first embodiment of the present invention except for the following points, description of parts common to the first embodiment will be omitted.

  In step S101, the analysis unit 113b refers to the environmental information regarding the installation locations of the plurality of ventilation devices 210 stored in the second storage unit 122b, and the number of times human presence is detected at the installation location of each ventilation device 210. Analyze similarities from the viewpoint of

  That is, the analysis unit 113b refers to the information from each person detection sensor stored in the second storage unit 122b and the association information that associates each person detection sensor with each ventilation device 210, and sets the location of each ventilation device 210. Identify information from human detection sensors. The analysis unit 113b counts the number of times human presence is detected at the installation location of each ventilation device 210, and classifies the plurality of ventilation devices 210 into one or more categories based on the counting result. In this embodiment, the predetermined number (for example, five) is classified into one category in order from the largest total value of the number of times the presence of a person is detected at the installation location of each ventilation device 210. The classification result is stored in the storage unit 120b in association with each of the plurality of ventilation devices 210. It is determined that the ventilators 210 classified into the same category share similar points.

(3-2) Determination of Grouping Validity Steps S102 to S105 are the same as those in the first embodiment of the present invention except for the following points, and thus description thereof is omitted. That is, in the present embodiment, the plurality of facility devices are the ventilator 210. Further, each component of the controller 100b corresponding to each component performs each process instead of each component of the controller 100a.

(4) Grouping correction guidance The grouping correction guidance is the same as that of the first embodiment of the present invention except for the following points, and thus the description thereof is omitted. That is, in the present embodiment, the plurality of facility devices are the ventilator 210. Further, each component of the controller 100b corresponding to each component performs each process instead of each component of the controller 100a.

(5) Features (5-1)
In the embodiment described above, the controller 100b includes the group definition information receiving unit 111b that receives input of first group definition information that defines one or more groups to which a plurality of ventilation devices 210 belong. The controller 100b includes a group control unit 112b and an analysis unit 113b. The group control unit 112b controls the plurality of ventilation devices 210 for each group defined in the first group definition information. The analysis unit 113b tabulates the number of detections of the presence of a person at the installation location of each ventilation device 210 from the environmental information regarding the installation locations of the plurality of ventilation devices 210. And the analysis part 113b is analyzing the similarity of the several ventilation apparatus 210 from a viewpoint of the frequency | count of detection of a person's presence. Then, the analysis unit 113b determines the validity of the grouping defined in the first group definition information from the viewpoint of whether or not the plurality of ventilation devices 210 are grouped based on the similarity. As a result, an appropriate grouping of the plurality of ventilation devices 210 can be found, and efficient control of the plurality of ventilation devices 210 can be realized.

(5-2)
In the above-described embodiment, similarities of the plurality of ventilation devices 210 are extracted from the viewpoint of the number of times that the presence of a person is detected based on environmental information regarding the installation locations of the plurality of ventilation devices 210. Therefore, it is possible to determine whether or not the grouping of the plurality of ventilation devices 210 currently defined in the first group definition information is appropriate for efficiently performing the control in units of groups. As a result, an appropriate grouping of the plurality of ventilation devices 210 can be found, and efficient control of the plurality of ventilation devices 210 can be realized.

(6) Modified Examples (6-1) Modified Example 2A Examples Using Types of Installation Locations In the above embodiment, in “(3) Grouping analysis”, the analysis unit 113b installs a plurality of ventilation devices 210. Similarity is analyzed from the viewpoint of the number of times human presence is detected using environmental information. However, in another embodiment, similarities may be analyzed based on a weighted value of a count of the number of times the person's presence is detected by a predetermined coefficient.

For example, in another embodiment, the space in a building is divided based on the usage pattern, and the installation location information in which each ventilation device 210 and the division of the installation location of the ventilation device 210 are registered in association with each other is the second. It is stored in the storage unit 122b. The association is performed when a user or the like inputs information via an input unit such as a touch panel liquid crystal display when the ventilation device 210 is installed. For example, the partition is defined as follows.
Section A: A frequently used section with a short human residence time.
Section B: A frequently used section with a long residence time.
Section C: A section that is not used frequently and has a short residence time.
Section D: A section that is not frequently used and has a long residence time.
For example, the weight coefficient is assigned to each of the sections in order as a consecutive number, for example, the section A is 1, the section B is 2, the section C is 3, and the section D is 4. The partition definition information is stored in the second storage unit 122b. The section definition information and the installation location information stored in the second storage unit 122b are referred to by the analysis unit 113b, and the ventilation device 210 is set to the total value of the number of times the presence of a person in each ventilation device 210 is detected. These factors are multiplied according to the section that is present. The plurality of ventilators 210 are classified into one category for each predetermined number (for example, four) in order from the largest numerical value calculated as a result of the integration by the analysis unit 113b. The classification result is stored in the storage unit 120b in association with each of the plurality of ventilation devices 210.

  Further, the installation location information may be used as a constraint condition when grouping as follows. That is, the plurality of ventilation devices 210 are first classified for each section, and further classified based on the total number of times the presence of a person at each installation location is detected among the ventilation devices 210 registered in each section. May be. Alternatively, after classifying a plurality of ventilators 210 based on the total number of times the presence of a person at each installation location is detected, the ventilators 210 are further classified based on the registered sections in each classification. May be. By doing so, it is possible to prevent the plurality of ventilation devices 210 from being grouped across the plurality of compartments.

(6-2) Modification 2B Example Using Air Quality (Carbon Dioxide Concentration) Information In “(3) Grouping analysis” of the above embodiment, the analysis unit 113b is an environment related to the installation locations of the plurality of ventilation devices 210. Similarities are analyzed from the viewpoint of the number of times human presence is detected using information. However, in other embodiments, similarities of the plurality of ventilators 210 may be analyzed from the viewpoint of air quality such as carbon dioxide concentration based on environmental information regarding the installation locations of the plurality of ventilators 210. For example, similarities may be analyzed from the viewpoint of the number of times that the carbon dioxide concentration exceeds a predetermined value (for example, 1000 ppm) as a threshold at the installation location of each ventilation device 210. In this case, only the processing in step S101 of FIG. 4 described in “(3-1) Information analysis” is modified as follows.

  The analysis unit 113b refers to the environmental information regarding the installation location of each ventilation device 210 stored in the second storage unit 122b, and the CO2 at the installation location of each ventilation device 210 in the past predetermined period (for example, one year). The number of times when the carbon concentration exceeds a predetermined value (for example, 1000 ppm) as a threshold value is totalized. The total value is represented as a graph as shown in FIG. The plurality of ventilators 210 are classified into a predetermined number (for example, four) in order from the largest number of times that the threshold value is exceeded. In the example of FIG. 15, the toilet, hallway, private room 1, and private room 2 are classified into one category, and the remaining table seat 1, table seat 2, and hall are classified into another category. The classification result is stored in the storage unit 120b in association with each of the plurality of ventilation devices 210.

  In still another embodiment, the length of time that the carbon dioxide concentration at the installation location of each ventilator 210 exceeds the threshold value, or the interval until the threshold value is exceeded, is used. Similarities may be analyzed.

(6-3) Modification 2C Simple Validity Determination Logic In the above embodiment, the analysis unit 113b includes a plurality of ventilators 210 that share similarities, belonging to the same group in the first group definition information, and The validity of the grouping of the plurality of air conditioners 200 defined in the first group definition information is determined from the viewpoint that the ventilators 210 having different similarities in the first group definition information do not belong to the same group To do. However, in other embodiments, the analysis unit 113b may determine the validity of the grouping of the plurality of ventilation devices 210 defined in the first group definition information by the following simple logic. That is, the analysis unit 113b determines the validity of the grouping defined in the first group definition information from the viewpoint of whether or not a plurality of ventilation devices 210 that share similar points belong to the same group in the first group definition information. Determine. This also makes it possible to find an appropriate grouping of the plurality of ventilators 210 and to achieve efficient control of the plurality of ventilators 210.

<Third Embodiment> Lighting Equipment Next, an equipment control device according to a third embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

(1) Overall configuration The equipment control device according to the second embodiment of the present invention is a controller 100c. The plurality of facility devices controlled by the controller 100c are a plurality of lighting devices 220, and are connected to the plurality of lighting devices 220 via the communication line 400c as shown in FIG. In addition, although not shown, a sensor such as a human detection sensor capable of detecting the presence of a person is installed at the installation location of each lighting device 220, and is connected to the controller 100c via the communication line 400c. Yes.

  As illustrated in FIG. 17, the controller 100c includes a control unit 110c, a storage unit 120c, a communication unit 130c, and a display unit 140c. The storage unit 120c, the communication unit 130c, and the display unit 140c are the storage unit 120a and the communication unit of the controller 100a according to the first embodiment of the present invention, except that the plurality of facility devices to be controlled are the lighting devices 220. Since it is the same structure as 130a and the display part 140a, description is abbreviate | omitted.

  The control unit 110c includes a group definition information reception unit 111c, a group control unit 112c, an analysis unit 113c, a group definition information creation unit 114c, a comparison unit 115c, a guide unit 116c, and a group definition information update unit 117c. Yes. Each of these units includes a group definition information reception unit 111a, a group control unit 112a, an analysis unit 113a, a group definition information creation unit 114a, a comparison unit 115a, a guide unit 116a, and a controller 100a according to the first embodiment of the present invention. The group definition information accepting unit 111a in “(1) Overall configuration” of the first embodiment except that the plurality of facility devices to be controlled corresponds to the group definition information updating unit 117a and are the lighting devices 220. The description of the group control unit 112a, the analysis unit 113a, the group definition information creation unit 114a, the comparison unit 115a, the guide unit 116a, and the group definition information update unit 117a applies. Therefore, the description is omitted.

(2) Detailed Configuration Hereinafter, a detailed configuration of the controller 100c will be described. Description of parts common to the controller 100a according to the first embodiment of the present invention will be omitted, and only different parts will be described.

  The information receiving unit 131c further receives information related to detection of the presence of a person from the human detection sensor. The second storage unit 122c stores association information for associating the human detection sensor with each lighting device 220, and the information from the human detection sensor is associated with each lighting device 220 and stored in the second storage unit 122c. Is remembered. The association information is input by an installation operator or the like through an input unit such as a touch panel liquid crystal display when the person detection sensor or the lighting device 220 is installed. The analysis unit 113c identifies environmental information regarding the installation location of each lighting device 220 from information from each sensor accumulated in the second storage unit 122c by referring to the association information. The analysis unit 113c extracts similarities of the plurality of lighting devices 220 from one or more viewpoints based on environmental information regarding the installation location of the lighting device 220 such as information regarding detection of the presence of a person.

(3) Analysis of grouping The analysis of the grouping of the lighting devices 220 performed by the analysis unit 113c will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. The description of the parts common to the analysis performed by the analysis unit 113a according to the first embodiment of the present invention is omitted. The description will be made assuming that the plurality of lighting devices 220 are installed in a restaurant such as a restaurant.

  The process described below is periodically executed at a predetermined interval (for example, one month).

(3-1) Analysis of information In the present embodiment, based on the environmental information for a predetermined period (for example, one year) related to the installation locations of the plurality of lighting devices 220 accumulated in the second storage unit 122c, The validity of the grouping of the lighting devices 220 is determined. Since the determination process is the same as that of the first embodiment of the present invention except for the following points, description of parts common to the first embodiment will be omitted.

  In step S101, the analysis unit 113c refers to the environmental information regarding the installation locations of the plurality of lighting devices 220 stored in the second storage unit 122c, and the number of times human presence is detected at the installation location of each lighting device 220. Analyze similarities from the viewpoint of

  That is, the analysis unit 113c refers to the information from each human detection sensor stored in the second storage unit 122c and the association information that associates each human detection sensor with each lighting device 220, and sets the installation location of each lighting device 220. Identify information from human detection sensors. The analysis unit 113c counts the number of times a person is detected at the installation location of each lighting device 220, and classifies the plurality of lighting devices 220 into one or more categories based on the counting result. In the present embodiment, a predetermined number (for example, five) is sorted into one category in order from the largest total value of the number of times the presence of a person is detected at the installation location of each lighting device 220. The classification result is stored in the storage unit 120c in association with each of the plurality of lighting devices 220. It is determined that the lighting devices 220 classified into the same category share similar points.

(3-2) Determination of validity of grouping Steps S102 to S105 are the same as those in the first embodiment of the present invention except for the following points, and thus the description thereof is omitted. That is, in the present embodiment, the plurality of facility devices are the lighting devices 220. Further, each component of the controller 100c corresponding to each component performs each process instead of each component of the controller 100a.

(4) Grouping correction guidance The grouping correction guidance is the same as that of the first embodiment of the present invention except for the following points, and thus the description thereof is omitted. That is, in the present embodiment, the plurality of facility devices are the lighting devices 220. Further, each component of the controller 100c corresponding to each component performs each process instead of each component of the controller 100a.

(5) Features (5-1)
In the above embodiment, the controller 100c includes the group definition information receiving unit 111c that receives input of first group definition information that defines one or more groups to which a plurality of lighting devices 220 belong. The controller 100c includes a group control unit 112c and an analysis unit 113c. The group control unit 112c controls the plurality of lighting devices 220 for each group defined in the first group definition information. The analysis unit 113c tabulates the number of times human presence is detected at the installation locations of the plurality of lighting devices 220 from the environmental information regarding the installation locations of the plurality of lighting devices 220. And the analysis part 113c is analyzing the similarity of the some illuminating device 220 from a viewpoint of the frequency | count of detection of a person's presence. Then, the analysis unit 113c determines the validity of the grouping defined in the first group definition information from the viewpoint of whether or not the plurality of lighting devices 220 are grouped based on the similarity. Thereby, it is possible to find an appropriate grouping of the plurality of lighting devices 220, and it is possible to realize efficient control of the plurality of lighting devices 220.

(5-2)
In the above-described embodiment, similarities of the plurality of lighting devices 220 are extracted from the viewpoint of the number of times that the presence of a person is detected based on environmental information regarding the installation locations of the plurality of lighting devices 220. Therefore, it is possible to determine whether or not the grouping of the plurality of lighting devices 220 currently defined in the first group definition information is appropriate for efficiently performing the control in units of groups. Thereby, it is possible to find an appropriate grouping of the plurality of lighting devices 220, and it is possible to realize efficient control of the plurality of lighting devices 220.

(6) Modified Example (6-1) Modified Example 3A Example Using Installation Location Information In the above embodiment, in “(3) Grouping analysis”, the analysis unit 113c relates to the installation locations of the plurality of lighting devices 220. Similarities of the plurality of lighting devices 220 are analyzed from the viewpoint of the number of times human presence is detected using environmental information. However, in another embodiment, similarities may be analyzed based on a weighted value of a count of the number of times the person's presence is detected by a predetermined coefficient.

For example, in another embodiment, the space in a building is partitioned based on the usage pattern, and the installation location information in which each lighting device 220 and the location of the installation location of the lighting device 220 are registered in association with each other is the second. It is stored in the storage unit 122c. The association is performed when a user or the like inputs information via an input unit such as a touch panel liquid crystal display when the lighting device 220 is installed. For example, the partition is defined as follows.
Section A: A frequently used section with a short human residence time.
Section B: A frequently used section with a long residence time.
Section C: A section that is not used frequently and has a short residence time.
Section D: A section that is not frequently used and has a long residence time.
For example, the weight coefficient is assigned to each of the sections in order as a consecutive number, for example, the section A is 1, the section B is 2, the section C is 3, and the section D is 4. The partition definition information is stored in the second storage unit 122c. The section definition information and the installation location information stored in the second storage unit 122c are referred to by the analysis unit 113c, and the lighting device 220 is set to the total value of the number of times the person of each lighting device 220 is detected. These factors are multiplied according to the section that is present. The plurality of lighting devices 220 are classified into one category every predetermined number (for example, four) in order from the largest numerical value calculated as a result of the integration by the analysis unit 113c. The classification result is stored in the storage unit 120c in association with each of the plurality of lighting devices 220.

  Further, the installation location information may be used as a constraint condition when grouping as follows. That is, the plurality of lighting devices 220 are first classified for each section, and further classified based on the total number of times the presence of a person at each installation location is detected among the lighting devices 220 registered in each section. May be. Alternatively, after classifying the plurality of lighting devices 220 based on the total number of times the presence of a person at each installation location is detected, the lighting devices 220 are further classified based on the registered sections in each classification. May be. By doing so, it is possible to prevent a plurality of lighting devices 220 from being grouped across a plurality of sections.

(6-2) Modified Example 3B Simple Validity Determination Logic In the above embodiment, the analysis unit 113c has a plurality of lighting devices 220 sharing similar points belonging to the same group in the first group definition information, and The validity of the grouping of the plurality of lighting devices 220 defined in the first group definition information is determined from the viewpoint that the lighting devices 220 having different similarities in the first group definition information do not belong to the same group. To do. However, in other embodiments, the analysis unit 113c may determine the validity of the grouping of the plurality of lighting devices 220 defined in the first group definition information by the following simple logic. That is, the analysis unit 113c determines the validity of the grouping defined in the first group definition information from the viewpoint of whether or not a plurality of lighting devices 220 sharing similar points belong to the same group in the first group definition information. Determine. This also makes it possible to find an appropriate grouping of the plurality of lighting devices 220, and to realize efficient control of the plurality of lighting devices 220.

  All of the embodiments of the present invention described above are illustrative and do not limit the scope of the present invention.

  The equipment control device according to the present invention can be used to efficiently control a plurality of equipment installed in a building in units of groups and realize energy saving.

100a, 100b, 100c controller (equipment control device)
110a, 110b, 110c Control unit 111a, 111b, 111c Group definition information receiving unit 112a, 112b, 112c Group control unit 113a, 113b, 113c Analysis unit 114a, 114b, 114c Group definition information creation unit 115a, 115b, 115c Comparison unit 116a 116b, 116c Guide units 117a, 117b, 117c Group definition information update units 121a, 121b, 121c First storage units 122a, 122b, 122c Second storage units 131a, 131b, 131c Information reception units 140a, 140b, 140c Display unit 200 Air conditioner 210 Ventilator 220 Lighting equipment 303 Remote center

JP 2003-185234 A

Claims (8)

A facility equipment control device (100a, 100b, 100c) for controlling a plurality of equipment (200, 210, 220),
A group definition information receiving unit (111a, 111b, 111c) that receives input of first group definition information that defines one or more groups to which the plurality of facility devices (200, 210, 220) belong;
A first storage unit (121a, 121b, 121c) for storing the first group definition information;
Group control for referring to the first group definition information stored in the first storage unit (121a, 121b, 121c) and controlling the plurality of facility devices (200, 210, 220) in units of the one or more groups Part (112a, 112b, 112c),
First information that is at least one of operation information or operation information of the plurality of facility devices (200, 210, 220) and environmental information regarding installation locations of the plurality of facility devices (200, 210, 220). Based on the information, similarities of the plurality of facility devices (200, 210, 220) are extracted from one or more viewpoints, and the plurality of facility devices (200, 210, 220) sharing the similarities are An analysis unit (113a, 113b, 113c) for determining whether or not they belong to the same group in one group definition information;
Comprising
Equipment control device (100a, 100b, 100c). The operation information is information related to at least one of start, stop, change of set temperature, and operation type switching of each of the plurality of facility devices (200, 210, 220),
The operation information is information on at least one of a start time, a stop time, a type of operation, and a load on the equipment due to operation of each of the plurality of equipment (200, 210, 220),
The environmental information includes at least one of presence / absence of a person at each installation location of the plurality of facility devices (200, 210, 220), carbon dioxide concentration, temperature, humidity, type of installation location, and installation state. Information about
The one or more aspects include
A time period of operation of the plurality of facility devices (200, 210, 220);
A method of use including a mode of operation and operation of the plurality of facility devices (200, 210, 220);
The number of times the scheduled control of the plurality of facility devices (200, 210, 220) has been released;
A load state of the plurality of facility devices (200, 210, 220);
And a person's staying style at an installation place of the plurality of facility devices (200, 210, 220),
At least one of
The equipment control apparatus (100a, 100b, 100c) according to claim 1. A second storage unit (122a, 122b, 122c) for storing and storing the first information;
Further comprising
The analysis units (113a, 113b, 113c) refer to the first information stored in the second storage unit,
The equipment control apparatus (100a, 100b, 100c) according to claim 1 or 2. A group that creates second group definition information that is definition information of one or more new groups to which the plurality of facility devices (200, 210, 220) belong based on determination by the analysis units (113a, 113b, 113c) A definition information creation unit (114a, 114b, 114c);
A display unit (140a, 140b, 140c) that displays the second group definition information created by the analysis unit and the group definition information creation unit (114a, 114b, 114c);
Further comprising
The equipment control apparatus (100a, 100b, 100c) according to any one of claims 1 to 3. A comparison unit (115a, 115b, 115c) that compares the first group definition information and the second group definition information to extract difference information that is a difference;
Further comprising
The display units (140a, 140b, 140c) further display the difference information.
The equipment control apparatus (100a, 100b, 100c) according to claim 4. Guide sections (116a, 116b, 116c) for guiding the user through the display section how to input the first group definition information,
Further comprising
The difference information is information that identifies one or more correction target facility devices belonging to different groups in the first group definition information and the second group definition information among the plurality of facility devices (200, 210, 220). Including
The guide unit (116a, 116b, 116c) guides a method of changing a group to which the one or more correction target facility devices belong based on the determination of the analysis unit.
The equipment control apparatus (100a, 100b, 100c) according to claim 5. A group definition information updating unit (117a, 117b, 117c) for updating the first group definition information stored in the first storage unit;
Further comprising
The group definition information update unit (117a, 117b, 117c) updates the first group definition information stored in the first storage unit based on the second group definition information.
The equipment control apparatus (100a, 100b, 100c) according to any one of claims 4 to 6. The analysis units (113a, 113b, 113c)
The plurality of facility devices (200, 210, 220) that share the similar points belong to the same group in the first group definition information, and the plurality of facility devices (200 that do not share the similar points) 210, 220) do not belong to the same group in the first group definition information,
Determine whether or not
The equipment control apparatus (100a, 100b, 100c) according to any one of claims 1 to 7.