JP2017147869A - Information processing device, information processing method, and program - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an information processing device capable of proper power saving setting regardless of a season and weather, and to provide its information processing method and program.SOLUTION: The information processing device includes an operation information acquisition part for acquiring information showing an operation state of at least one apparatus, a power estimation part for using information indicating an operation state of a predetermined measurement period shorter than a unit period for performing settlement of an electric power charge and weather information of the unit period to estimate a power consumption amount in the unit period, and a reduction amount calculation part for acquiring information indicating a power reduction amount in a unit period when at least any one of apparatuses is switched from a certain mode to a power-saving mode having a power consumption smaller than the mode does after a measurement period.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

  The present invention relates to an information processing device, an information processing method, and a program, and more particularly, to an information processing device, an information processing method, and a program that provide information related to power consumption of a consumer.

Patent Document 1 describes an apparatus that presents a power saving amount for each candidate for a plurality of combinations of a plurality of electric devices to be subjected to power control, and performs power control on the candidate electric device selected by the consumer. Has been. Patent Document 2 predicts the power consumption of one month using the actual value of the power consumption at the beginning of the month, and when the predicted power consumption exceeds a threshold, the operation pattern of the device is set to a plurality of candidates. A device for controlling a device by selecting from among them is described.
Patent Document 3 describes a system that estimates power consumption for each device from operation information indicating whether or not each power supply circuit of the plurality of devices is turned on and the total power consumption of the plurality of devices. Yes.

International Publication No. 2011/058761 JP 2014-222396 A JP 2014-143819 A

  In the technology described in the above-described patent documents, it is possible to predict the power consumption of the current month, predict the electricity bill at the beginning of the month, and further control the device so as to achieve the target power consumption. . However, power consumption (electricity charges) varies depending on weather conditions (generally, electricity charges are lower in spring and autumn than in summer and winter). For example, even if you want to set a target value for power saving, Since the target setting reference value itself fluctuates depending on weather conditions, there is a problem that it is difficult to set an appropriate target because the reference is unknown.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and an object of the present invention is to provide an information processing apparatus, an information processing method, and a program that can perform appropriate power saving settings regardless of the season.

  Each aspect of the present invention employs the following configurations in order to solve the above-described problems.

The first aspect relates to an information processing apparatus.
The information processing apparatus according to the first aspect is
Operation information acquisition means for acquiring information indicating the operation status of at least one device;
Power estimation means for estimating power consumption in the unit period using information indicating the operation status of a predetermined measurement period shorter than a unit period for which the electricity fee is settled and the weather information of the unit period; ,
Reduction amount calculation for obtaining information indicating the amount of power reduction in the unit period when at least one of the devices is changed from a mode to a power saving mode that consumes less power than that mode after the measurement period Means,
Have

The second aspect relates to an information processing method executed by at least one computer.
The information processing method according to the second aspect is as follows:
Information processing device
Obtain information indicating the operating status of at least one device,
Using the information indicating the operation status of a predetermined measurement period shorter than the unit period for which the electricity fee is settled and the weather information of the unit period, the power consumption amount in the unit period is estimated,
Obtaining information indicating a power reduction amount in the unit period when at least one of the devices is changed from a mode to a power saving mode that consumes less power than the mode after the measurement period. Including.

As another aspect of the present invention, there may be a program for causing at least one computer to execute the method of the second aspect, or a computer-readable recording medium recording such a program. May be. This recording medium includes a non-transitory tangible medium.
The computer program includes computer program code that, when executed by a computer, causes the computer to perform the information processing method on the information processing apparatus.

  It should be noted that any combination of the above-described constituent elements and a conversion of the expression of the present invention between a method, an apparatus, a system, a recording medium, a computer program, etc. are also effective as an aspect of the present invention.

  The various components of the present invention do not necessarily have to be independent of each other. A plurality of components are formed as a single member, and a single component is formed of a plurality of members. It may be that a certain component is a part of another component, a part of a certain component overlaps with a part of another component, or the like.

  Moreover, although the several procedure is described in order in the method and computer program of this invention, the order of the description does not limit the order which performs a several procedure. For this reason, when the method and computer program of the present invention are implemented, the order of the plurality of procedures can be changed within a range that does not hinder the contents.

  Furthermore, the plurality of procedures of the method and the computer program of the present invention are not limited to being executed at different timings. For this reason, another procedure may occur during the execution of a certain procedure, or some or all of the execution timing of a certain procedure and the execution timing of another procedure may overlap.

  According to each aspect described above, it is possible to provide an information processing apparatus, an information processing method, and a program that can perform appropriate power saving settings regardless of the season or weather.

It is a functional block diagram which shows logically the structure of the information processing apparatus which concerns on embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows notionally the system configuration | structure of the information system containing the information processing apparatus which concerns on embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows an example of the screen which shows the information of the power consumption of a consumer. It is a figure which shows an example of a structure of the computer which implement | achieves each apparatus of this invention. It is a figure which shows an example of the data structure of the measured value memory | storage part and integrated value memory | storage part of the memory | storage device of this embodiment. It is a figure which shows an example of the data structure of the apparatus operation information storage part of the memory | storage device of this embodiment, and an operation time memory | storage part. It is a figure which shows an example of the data structure of the power consumption amount memory | storage part of the memory | storage device of this embodiment. It is a figure which shows an example of the data structure of the mode setting memory | storage part of the information processing apparatus of this embodiment. It is a figure which shows an example of the data structure of the seasonal parameter memory | storage part for correction | amendment of the memory | storage device of this embodiment, and the seasonal parameter memory | storage part for power saving calculation. It is a figure which shows an example of the data structure of the estimated value memory | storage part of the memory | storage device of this embodiment. It is a figure which shows an example of the data structure of the user information storage part of the memory | storage device of this embodiment. It is a figure which shows an example of the data structure of the power saving amount memory | storage part of the memory | storage device of this embodiment. It is a flowchart which shows an example of operation | movement of the information processing apparatus of this embodiment. It is a functional block diagram which shows the logical structure of the information processing apparatus which concerns on embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows an example of the screen which shows the information regarding a power-saving target of a consumer. It is a functional block diagram which shows the logical structure of the information processing apparatus which concerns on the 3rd Embodiment of this invention. It is a figure for demonstrating the correction process of the prediction power consumption by the correction part of this embodiment. It is a flowchart which shows an example of operation | movement of the information processing apparatus of this embodiment. It is a figure which shows an example of the data structure of the memory | storage part of the memory | storage device of this embodiment. It is a figure for demonstrating the other correction process of the prediction power consumption by the correction part of this embodiment. It is a block diagram which shows an example of a structure of the system of a present Example. It is a block diagram which shows an example of a structure of the system of a present Example.

  Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. In all the drawings, the same reference numerals are given to the same components, and the description will be omitted as appropriate.

(First embodiment)
The information processing apparatus, information processing method, and program according to the first embodiment of the present invention will be described below.
FIG. 1 is a functional block diagram logically showing the configuration of the information processing apparatus 100 according to the embodiment of the present invention.
The information processing apparatus 100 includes an operation information acquisition unit 102 that acquires information indicating an operation status of at least one device, an operation status in a predetermined measurement period that is shorter than a unit period in which a power rate is settled, and weather in a unit period. A power estimation unit 104 that estimates the amount of power consumption in the unit period using information, and a power saving mode that is a mode in which at least one of the devices after the measurement period is in a mode that consumes less power than that mode And a reduction amount calculation unit 106 that obtains information indicating the power reduction amount in the unit period at the time.

  In this specification, “acquisition” means that the device itself obtains data or information stored in another device or storage medium (active acquisition), for example, requests or inquires of another device. Receiving data, accessing and reading out other devices and storage media, etc., and inputting data or information output from other devices into the device (passive acquisition), for example, distribution (or , Transmission, push notification, etc.) and / or receiving received data or information. It also includes selecting and acquiring from received data or information, or selecting and receiving distributed data or information.

FIG. 2 is a diagram conceptually showing the system configuration of the information system including the information processing apparatus 100 according to the embodiment of the present invention.
In addition, in each figure, it has abbreviate | omitted about the structure of the part which is not related to the essence of this invention, and is not showing in figure.
The information processing system of the present embodiment includes a smart meter (shown as “SM” in the figure) 10, a communication device 40, a web server 60, and a cloud server 70.

  Power company 20 and PPS (Power Producer and Supplier: specific power company) 30, IPP (Independent Power Producer) (not shown) or power generation equipment The electric power retailer who does not have supplies electric power to a consumer via the transmission network (not shown) of a general electric power company (electric power company).

  The smart meter 10 is a communication device that includes a power meter (not shown) and has a wireless communication function. For example, the smart meter 10 is supplied from a power company 20 to a consumer. The watt-hour meter measures the consumption amount of power supplied from the power company 20 or the PPS 30.

  The electric power company 20 collects meter reading data (information such as power consumption) periodically from the smart meter 10 provided in the customer's home via the network 3 such as a public line network (for example, every 30 minutes) (Not shown) (for example, MDMS: Meter Data Management System).

  The communication path through which the smart meter 10 transmits meter reading data to the MDMS of the power company 20 is called “A route”. A route communication method between the smart meter 10 and the MDMS of the power company 20 is not particularly limited. For example, a specific low-power radio system using a 920 MHz band, 3G (3rd Generation), LTE (Long Term Evolution) Wireless communication methods such as WiMAX (Worldwide Interoperability for Microwave Access) can be used.

  The meter-reading data is not limited, but, for example, at least one of an instantaneous power consumption value, an integrated power consumption value for a predetermined period (for example, 30 minutes), and a time indicating a time when each value is measured (or calculated) Contains information.

In the present embodiment, a smart meter 10 at a customer's house is connected to a communication device 40 such as a gateway (GW: GateWay) or a HEMS (Home Energy Management System). The smart meter 10 transmits information such as meter reading data to the communication device 40. The meter reading data is further acquired by the communication device 40 from the smart meter 10 and transmitted to the cloud server 70 via a network 5 such as a LAN (Local Area Network) or a WAN (Wide Area Network).
In the network 3 and the network 5, it is assumed that communication is performed in a state where security is ensured by a predetermined authentication procedure and encryption processing.

  A communication path through which the smart meter 10 transmits meter reading data to the communication device 40 is referred to as “B route”. The communication method of the B route between the smart meter 10 and the communication device 40 is not particularly limited. For example, a specific low power wireless method using a 920 MHz band, for example, a communication method based on a communication standard such as Wi-SUN, or A communication method of a wireless communication standard that operates on IEEE 802.15.4 such as Zigbee (registered trademark) can be used.

  In the B route, an authentication procedure using authentication information notified from the electric power company is performed, and communication is performed while security is ensured. This authentication procedure is called B-root authentication, formally, SMA (Smart Meter Application) specification conformity authentication (hereinafter referred to as SMA authentication).

  In the present embodiment, the smart meter 10 periodically transmits meter reading data to the electric power company 20 via the A route, and also performs meter reading via the B route to a customer device (communication device 40 in FIG. 2) that has been authenticated for the B route. Send data.

  The consumer communication device 40 is at least one of HEMS, B-route communication device, and GW. In the present embodiment, a configuration in which the power measurement device (CT (Current Transformer) clamp) 50 and the smart tap are connected to the network 5 via the GW and communicate with the information processing device 100 will be described. However, in another example, the power measurement device 50 or the smart tap may have a function of connecting to the network 5 and communicating.

  The communication device 40 may be further connected to at least one of the power measurement device 50 at the customer's house, the load device 54, and the like.

The communication device 40 only needs to communicate with at least the smart meter 10, and may not be electrically connected or communicated with the power measuring device 50, the load device 54, or the like.
Or the communication apparatus 40 should just be electrically connected and communicated with at least the electric power measurement apparatus 50, the load apparatus 54, etc., and the smart meter 10 does not need to communicate.
That is, the communication device 40 only needs to acquire at least a part of information indicating the operation status of the device and transmit it to the cloud server 70 or the web server 60.

  In the present embodiment, the communication device 40 transmits information indicating the operation status of the device received from at least one of the devices such as the smart meter 10, the power measurement device 50, and the load device 54 to the cloud server 70 on the network 5. Forward through. The cloud server 70 stores the meter reading data received from the communication device 40 and information indicating the operation status of the device in the storage device 150.

  For example, a wireless communication system such as a wireless local area network (LAN) (so-called Wi-Fi), Wi-Fi, WiMAX, 3G, or LTE can be used between the communication device 40 and the cloud server 70.

  Although not shown, the communication device 40 may be connected via a gateway (GW) or a router (not shown) when connecting to the network 5. Alternatively, the communication device 40 may include a GW or a router, and the communication device 40 may be included in the GW or the router.

  In the present embodiment, the load device 54 such as a water heater (not shown), an air conditioner, and a lighting device may be an ECHONET Lite (registered trademark) certified device.

  The power measuring device 50 is electrically connected to a device such as the load device 54. The power measuring device 50 may be included in a residential distribution board (not shown). Further, for example, a CT clamp (not shown) is connected to the power measuring device (distribution panel) 50. With the CT clamp, the current waveform of the total current consumption of all the devices connected to the distribution board and the current waveform of the current consumption for each branch (each room) are acquired. The power measuring device 50 may have a function of transmitting information related to the measured power consumption of each device to the communication device 40 by wireless communication. The communication device 40 and the power measuring device 50 may be a single device (for example, HEMS) having the respective functions.

  The smart tap has a function of measuring the power consumption amount of each load device 54 and transmitting it by wireless communication. In the present embodiment, as will be described later, the power consumption of each load device 54 measured by the smart tap is transmitted by wireless communication to a communication device 40 such as a gateway in a customer's house, and further, a communication device that is a gateway 40 to the cloud server 70 or the like. Here, it is assumed that the association between the smart tap and the load device 54 is registered in advance in the cloud server 70 by the customer.

  The cloud server 70 collects customer information from the communication device 40 via the network 5 and provides it to the web server 60. Further, the web server 60 publishes customer information on a predetermined web page. A consumer can access a predetermined web page of the web server 60 via the network 5 and browse information by using a user terminal (operation terminal 42, portable terminal, personal computer, or the like).

In recent years, there are various “visualization” services that present information screens related to power consumption to consumers such as electric power companies, IPP, PPS, electric power retailers, aggregators, housing manufacturers, electric manufacturers, gas companies, or service providers. It is being provided by various operators.
In the “Visualization” service, the power consumption amount is displayed on the user's dedicated page, etc., as well as setting power saving targets, device settings for power saving, advice on recommended operation patterns for devices, electricity charges, etc. This information is also displayed on the screen.

  In the present embodiment, it is assumed that the content of the “visualization” service is provided to the user on the website managed by the service provider. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and as described above, the content is provided by another company. May be.

  The website can be accessed and browsed from a user terminal such as an operation terminal 42 of the communication device 40, for example, a consumer's personal computer, a portable terminal (a mobile phone or a smartphone), and the like. The customer performs an application procedure for using the service in advance on a website or paper, and obtains authentication information such as a user account and a password. Then, the URL (Uniform Resource Locator) of a predetermined user-dedicated web page is accessed using a browser or an application, an authentication procedure is performed using customer authentication information, the system is logged in, and a user-dedicated page is viewed. .

  The operation terminal 42 in FIG. 2 is realized by a computer such as a tablet terminal, for example. The operation terminal 42 includes a wireless communication unit (not shown) that performs wireless communication with the communication device 40, such as wireless LAN communication (Wi-Fi), Bluetooth (registered trademark), and the like. And a display unit (not shown) for displaying information such as the operating status of the device and an operation unit (not shown) for receiving the operation of the consumer.

  The display unit includes a liquid crystal display, an LED (Light Emitting Diode) display, an organic EL (ElectroLuminescence) display, and the like. The operation unit includes a touch panel, operation keys, operation buttons, switches, a jog dial, and the like. In the present embodiment, the operation terminal 42 has a touch panel in which a liquid crystal display and an operation unit are integrated.

  Various information screens may be displayed on the user-dedicated page. For example, in the present embodiment, a screen of a transition graph of consumer power consumption is displayed.

FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating an example of a screen 130 showing information on the power consumption of the consumer.
The screen 130 includes a transition graph display unit 132 of the power consumption for each day of the customer's current month.

The daily power consumption is, for example, a value obtained by integrating the 30-minute value of the power consumption of meter reading data acquired from the smart meter 10 for one day.
The transition graph display unit 132 is based on the actual measured value (meter reading data) of the daily power consumption within the measurement period of the current month (for example, the period including the present day after the measurement period for 7 days from the beginning of the month). , A bar graph 140 of daily power consumption and a cumulative graph 142 (solid line) of daily power consumption are shown.

  Furthermore, the transition graph display unit 132 includes an estimated value graph 144 (broken line) indicating a cumulative value of estimated values of power consumption in the current month after the measurement period, and a line 146 (second line) indicating the target value of power consumption in the current month. (Dotted line) and an estimated value graph 148 (one-dot chain line) indicating the cumulative value of the estimated power consumption in the power saving mode for the current month after the measurement period are displayed. Details of the calculation method of each value will be described later.

  In this figure, it is shown by estimation that the power consumption when the device is controlled while maintaining the non-power-saving mode until the non-power-saving mode as of November 30 is 385 kWh. Further, it is shown that the power reduction amount when the device is controlled by changing from the non-power saving mode to the power saving mode is 75 kWh, and the target value of the power consumption amount for this month is 310 kWh.

  3 shows an example in which a graph of power consumption is displayed, but in another example, a graph of electricity charges may be displayed. In this case, the target value (two-dot chain line) of the saving amount may be displayed instead of the power saving amount. Moreover, you may display both power consumption and an electricity bill. The display content may be selected by operating the display item selection button 134. In the example of FIG. 3, the display item selection button 134 is in a state where the power consumption is selected (solid line), and the display item selection button 134 is in a state where the electricity charge is not selected (broken line).

In the present embodiment, the smart meter 10, the communication device 40, the operation terminal 42, and the information processing apparatus 100 are all realized using a computer. Further, the server (not shown) of the electric power company 20, the server (not shown) of the PPS 30, the web server 60, and the cloud server 70 are all realized using a computer. The server of the PPS 30 and the cloud server 70 may be a single computer.
FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of such a computer.

  The computer 80 of this embodiment includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 82, a memory 84, a program 90 that realizes the components shown in FIG. 2 loaded in the memory 84, a storage 85 that stores the program 90, an I / O (Input / Output) 86 and a network connection interface (communication I / F 87).

  The CPU 82, the memory 84, the storage 85, the I / O 86, and the communication I / F 87 are connected to each other via the bus 89, and the entire information processing apparatus 100 is controlled by the CPU 82. However, the method of connecting the CPUs 82 and the like is not limited to bus connection.

  The memory 84 is a memory such as a RAM (Random Access Memory) or a ROM (Read Only Memory). The storage 85 is a storage device such as a hard disk, an SSD (Solid State Drive), or a memory card.

  The storage 85 may be a memory such as a RAM or a ROM. The storage 85 may be provided inside the computer 80 or may be provided outside the computer 80 and connected to the computer 80 by wire or wireless as long as the computer 80 is accessible. Alternatively, the computer 80 may be detachably provided.

  The CPU 82 reads out the program 90 stored in the storage 85 to the memory 84 and executes it, whereby each function of each unit of the information processing apparatus 100 in FIG. 1 can be realized.

  The I / O 86 performs input / output control of data and control signals between the computer 80 and other input / output devices. The other input / output devices include, for example, an input device (not shown) such as a keyboard, a touch panel, a mouse, and a microphone connected to the computer 80, and an output device (not shown) such as a display, a printer, and a speaker, These input / output devices and the interface of the computer 80 are included. Further, the I / O 86 may perform data input / output control with a reading or writing device (not shown) of another recording medium.

  The communication I / F 87 is a network connection interface for performing communication between the computer 80 and an external device. The communication I / F 87 may be a network interface for connecting to a wired line or a network interface for connecting to a wireless line. For example, the computer 80 that implements the information processing apparatus 100 is connected to the HEMS 46 via the network 3 by the communication I / F 87.

  Each component of the information processing apparatus 100 of this embodiment of FIG. 1 is implement | achieved by arbitrary combinations of the hardware and software of the computer 80 of FIG. It will be understood by those skilled in the art that there are various modifications to the implementation method and apparatus. The functional block diagram showing the information processing apparatus of each embodiment described below shows a block of logical functional units, not a configuration of hardware units.

  The information processing apparatus 100 may be configured by a plurality of computers 80 or may be realized by a virtual server. In the present embodiment, the information processing apparatus 100 will be described as a server device of a service provider, for example. As another example, the information processing apparatus 100 may be realized by a server device such as an electric power company, IPP, PPS, electric power retailer, aggregator, housing manufacturer, electric manufacturer, or gas company.

In the present embodiment, for example, it is assumed that the cloud server 70 includes the information processing apparatus 100.
The information processing apparatus 100 (the cloud server 70 in FIG. 2) is further connected to the storage device 150 so as to be accessible. The storage device 150 may be included in the information processing apparatus 100 or may be a device external to the information processing apparatus 100.
The storage device 150 includes a measurement value storage unit 152, an integrated value storage unit 153, an apparatus operation information storage unit 154, an operating time storage unit 155, a power consumption storage unit 156, a mode setting storage unit 158, and a correction. Season parameter storage unit 160, power saving amount calculation season parameter storage unit 161, estimated value storage unit 162, user information storage unit 164, and power saving amount storage unit 166.

Hereinafter, each element of the information processing apparatus 100 and each storage unit of the storage device 150 will be described in detail.
The operation information acquisition unit 102 acquires information indicating the operation status of at least one device.
The information indicating the operation status of the device acquired by the operation information acquisition unit 102 includes at least one of information indicating the power consumption amount for each device and information indicating the operation time for each device (hereinafter referred to as operation information). Including.

The power consumption is the amount of power that passes through the power line to which at least one device is connected. As will be described later, the power consumption is from at least one of the smart meter 10, the power measuring device 50, the smart tap, and the HEMS. This is the amount of power consumed.
The operation information acquired by the operation information acquisition unit 102 is stored in the measurement value storage unit 152 in FIG. 5A or the device operation information storage unit 154 in FIG.

Although the operation information of the apparatus which the operation information acquisition part 102 acquires is illustrated below, it is not limited to these. A plurality of the following can be combined.
(A1) Meter reading data such as power consumption (instantaneous value or integrated value and their time information) measured by the smart meter 10 (a2) Demand acquired from the power measuring device 50 (distribution panel, CT clamp) Total power consumption of house (current or voltage time series data)
(A3) Power consumption (current or voltage time-series data) for each device (or for each branch) such as the load device 54 of a customer's house acquired from the power measuring device 50 (distribution panel, CT clamp)
(A4) Power consumption of each load device 54 measured by the smart tap (instantaneous value, integrated value, voltage or current waveform, etc.)
(A5) Information (equipment type, name (model number, etc.), operation state (operation / stop / failure, etc.), operation mode (operating mode) of the load device 54 at the customer's house acquired from the HEMS (communication device 40) Normal mode / power saving mode, etc.), information such as the room where the device is used)

  In the above (a1), the operation information acquisition unit 102 can use the value of power consumption as the operation information. The power consumption acquired from the smart meter 10 is the total power consumption of a plurality of devices. As will be described later, the power consumption acquired by the operation information acquisition unit 102 is used in the estimation process by the power estimation unit 104. As described above, the power consumption amount for each device obtained by estimating the power consumption amount of each device from the total power consumption amount may be used.

In the present embodiment, as described in (a5) above, the HEMS can acquire the operation mode and setting contents of each device from the ECHONET Lite authentication device. Furthermore, as will be described later, information on a plurality of devices in the customer's house is registered in advance, and information on the power consumption for each operation mode and setting content of each device is stored.
The power consumption of each device can be calculated from the operation mode and the setting content of each device.

  In the above (a2) and (a3), the operation information acquisition unit 102 calculates the total power consumption for each time from the total current consumption (or voltage) measured by the power measurement device 50 (CT clamp) or the like, and operates. It may be used as information.

  In the above (a4), the operation information acquisition unit 102 may use the power consumption amount of the load device 54 measured by the smart tap as the operation information.

  The time series data of the total current consumption (or voltage) measured in the above (a1), (a2), and (a3) is subjected to frequency analysis using the device separation technique to identify the device (load device 54, etc.). it can. At least one device can be identified by extracting a feature amount from time-series data of power consumption using device separation technology and comparing it with a feature amount unique to the device. For example, it is possible to specify not only the type of equipment such as an air conditioner and a television but also the model number of the equipment. Further, when a plurality of load devices 54 are connected to one smart tap outlet of the above (a4), the connected device can be specified in the same manner.

  The operation information acquisition unit 102 specifies a device from the acquired time series data of the total current consumption (or voltage), further obtains the power consumption (instantaneous value, integrated value, etc.) for each specified device, and determines the operation information. It can be.

  Using the power consumption of each device thus obtained, the operation status (run / stop, etc.) of the device is determined based on whether or not the value of the power consumption is equal to or greater than a threshold value, and the device is based on the determination result. The operating time may be calculated and used as operating information.

Furthermore, the operation mode of each device may be determined based on the power consumption of each device, and the operation mode for each time may be used as the operation information.
For example, when the power consumption is greater than or equal to a predetermined threshold, it is determined as the non-power saving mode, when the power consumption is greater than 0 and less than the predetermined threshold, it is determined as the power saving mode, and the power consumption is 0. May be determined to be stopped. Alternatively, the operation mode (for example, normal / power saving / powerful / silent / standby) may be determined using the threshold value for each mode from the power consumption of each device. Further, without distinguishing between modes, whether the device is operating or not operating may be determined simply by determining whether the power consumption is equal to or greater than a threshold value.

  The operation time thus obtained may be used as operation information.

  In (a5), device information acquired from the communication device 40, for example, information such as power consumption and operation mode can be used as device operation information. Similarly to the above, the power consumption itself may be used as operation information, or the operation time is calculated using the power consumption of each device, or the operation time is calculated from the operation mode of each device. Also good.

  Hereinafter, each operation information acquisition procedure will be described in detail.

  In the above (a1), for example, the B is acquired from the smart meter 10 by the communication device 40 via the B route, and is transferred to the cloud server 70 (information processing apparatus 100) by the communication device 40. In the present embodiment, the meter reading data of the smart meter 10 is acquired from the smart meter 10 via the B route. In another example, meter reading data collected by the power company 20 from the smart meter 10 via the A route is acquired by the PPS 30 or the service provider (cloud server 70 (information processing apparatus 100)) with the consent of the customer, and a predetermined network. You may acquire via (not shown).

  In the information processing apparatus 100, the operation information acquisition unit 102 acquires the meter reading data (for example, the power consumption 30-minute value and its time information) acquired by the communication device 40 from the smart meter 10 or the like, and measured. Store in the value storage unit 152.

The timing at which the communication device 40 acquires meter reading data from the smart meter 10 is not particularly limited, and may be every 30 minutes, or may acquire meter reading data for several hours every several hours. Further, the timing at which the operation information acquisition unit 102 acquires the meter reading data of the smart meter 10 from the communication device 40 is not particularly limited, and may be synchronized with the timing at which the communication device 40 acquires the meter reading data from the smart meter 10, The information collected by the communication device 40 from the smart meter 10 may be accumulated in the memory 84 by the communication device 40, and a plurality of meter reading data may be collectively transmitted to the information processing apparatus 100.
What is necessary is just to be able to acquire information that can calculate the power consumption of each day of the consumer. The operation information acquisition unit 102 only needs to acquire the power consumption for each day for the measurement period of the predetermined number of days from the beginning of the current month, and does not need to acquire the power consumption after the measurement period has elapsed.

FIG. 5A is a diagram illustrating an example of a data structure of the measurement value storage unit 152 of the storage device 150 according to the present embodiment.
The measured value storage unit 152 acquires the meter reading data (for example, the power consumption amount of 30 minutes and its time information) acquired by the communication device 40 from the smart meter 10 or the like and transferred to the cloud server 70 for each user ID of the consumer. To remember. The user ID is identification information for identifying a consumer who uses the service of this system by the consumer, and is given to each consumer, for example, when applying for service use. The user ID can be given to the consumer in units of billing for electricity charges.

FIG. 5B is a diagram illustrating an example of a data structure of the integrated value storage unit 153 of the storage device 150 according to the present embodiment.
The operation information acquisition unit 102 integrates the measurement value (30 minute value) of the power consumption for each time stored in the measurement value storage unit 152 for each day to obtain an integrated value of the power consumption for one day.
The integrated value storage unit 153 stores the daily integrated value of the daily power consumption calculated by the operation information acquisition unit 102 for each customer (user ID).

  The integrated value of power consumption is read from the integrated value storage unit 153 in FIG. 5B, and the integrated value bar graph 140 and the measured value accumulated graph 142 (solid line) in the transition graph display unit 132 of the screen 130 in FIG. 3 are drawn. Is done.

  As described above, the operation status determined based on the power consumption of (a1) may be stored as an operation mode in the device operation information storage unit 154 of FIG.

  The total consumption current (or voltage) measured by the power measurement device 50 (CT clamp) or the like of (a2) and (a3) is transmitted to the cloud server 70 (information processing device 100) via the communication device 40. . The operation information acquisition unit 102 acquires the total current consumption (or voltage) measured by the power measurement device 50 (CT clamp) or the like via the communication device 40, and from the acquired current consumption (or voltage) for each time The total power consumption may be calculated and stored in the measured value storage unit 152.

As described above, the time series data of the total consumption current (or voltage) is subjected to frequency analysis using the device separation technique, and the device (load device 54 or the like) can be specified. Furthermore, the operation information acquisition unit 102 may specify a device from the acquired time-series data of the total current consumption (or voltage), and obtain the power consumption (instantaneous value, integrated value, etc.) for each specified device.
The power consumption amount for each device obtained in this manner may be stored for each device in the power consumption amount storage unit 156 of FIG.

  Furthermore, the operation information acquisition unit 102 may determine the operation mode of the device based on the power consumption amount for which the device is specified.

FIG. 6A is a diagram illustrating an example of a data structure of the device operation information storage unit 154 of the storage device 150 according to the present embodiment.
The device operation information storage unit 154 stores the operation mode for each device specified by the operation information acquisition unit 102 for each customer (user ID).

FIG. 6B is a diagram illustrating an example of a data structure of the operation time storage unit 155 of the storage device 150 according to the present embodiment.
The operation information acquisition unit 102 indicates, for example, a state in which the operation state or mode of each device of the consumer for each time stored in the device operation information storage unit 154 is other than operating or stopped (standby is included in the stop). The total operating time is added to obtain the daily operating time. It is not included in the operation time while it is stopped.
The operating time storage unit 155 stores the daily operating time of each device obtained by the operating information acquisition unit 102 for each customer (user ID).

  Alternatively, when the operation mode of the device is specified, the operation information acquisition unit 102 may calculate the daily operation time for each operation mode for each device. Then, the operation time storage unit 155 may store the daily operation time for each operation mode for each device calculated by the operation information acquisition unit 102 for each customer (user ID).

  The timing at which the operation information acquisition unit 102 acquires information from the power measurement device 50 (CT clamp) is not particularly limited. Information measured by the power measurement device 50 may be stored in the memory 84 of the communication device 40 together with time information, and the information processing device 100 may acquire the information every predetermined period. In addition, if the amount of information that can be predicted with a predetermined accuracy or more can be obtained for the consumer's daily power consumption or the operation status of the device, the information may be information at intervals of, for example, every few minutes or every hour. For example, it may be acquired at a predetermined time, for example, at 0 o'clock, 3 o'clock, and 5 o'clock in a time zone where there is almost no fluctuation in power consumption, such as at night.

In (a4) above, information on the power consumption of the load device 54 connected to the smart tap is transmitted to the cloud server 70 (information processing device 100) via the communication device 40 (or GW) wirelessly from the smart tap. The
The timing at which the information processing apparatus 100 acquires the power consumption from the smart tap is not particularly limited. Information measured by the smart tap may be stored in the memory 84 such as the smart tap or the GW (or the communication device 40) together with the time information, and the information processing apparatus 100 may acquire the information every predetermined period. In addition, if the amount of information that can be predicted with a predetermined accuracy or more can be obtained for the consumer's daily power consumption or the operation status of the device, the information may be information at intervals of, for example, every few minutes or every hour. For example, it may be acquired at a predetermined time, for example, at 0 o'clock, 3 o'clock, and 5 o'clock in a time zone where there is almost no fluctuation in power consumption, such as at night.

  The operation information acquisition unit 102 stores the power consumption of each device acquired from the smart tap in the power consumption storage unit 156 together with the time information.

FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating an example of a data structure of the power consumption storage unit 156 of the storage device 150 according to the present embodiment.
The power consumption amount storage unit 156 stores the power consumption amount for each device acquired by the operation information acquisition unit 102 for each customer (user ID) in association with time information.
Furthermore, the operation information acquisition unit 102 may add the power consumption amount of each device to obtain the total power consumption amount of the consumer and store it in the power consumption amount storage unit 156.
Alternatively, even if the power consumption amount of each device is obtained from the operation time for each device acquired by the operation information acquisition unit 102 and (operation mode) and the power consumption amount for each device (for each operation mode) given in advance. Good.

  In the above (a5), the communication device 40 acquires information (for example, time information and operation mode) indicating the operation status of the device from each device (for example, the load device 54) by ECHONET Lite authentication communication. It is transferred to the cloud server 70 (information processing apparatus 100).

  The timing at which the communication device 40 acquires information from each device and the timing at which the information processing apparatus 100 acquires information from the communication device 40 are not particularly limited. Information acquired from each device may be stored together with time information in the memory 84 of the communication device 40, and the information processing apparatus 100 may acquire the information every predetermined period.

  In addition, if the amount of information that can be predicted with a predetermined accuracy or more can be obtained for the consumer's daily power consumption or the operation status of the device, the information may be information at intervals of, for example, every few minutes or every hour. For example, it may be acquired at a predetermined time, for example, at 0 o'clock, 3 o'clock, and 5 o'clock in a time zone where there is almost no fluctuation in power consumption, such as at night.

  The operation information acquisition unit 102 acquires information about each device acquired from the communication device (HEMS) 40 (device type, name (model number, etc.), operation state (operation / stop / failure, etc.), operation mode (normal mode / power saving). Mode, etc.), information on the room where the device is used, etc.) are stored for each consumer (user ID) in the device operation information storage unit 154 of FIG. .

Next, the power estimation unit 104 estimates the power consumption in the unit period by using the operation information and the weather information of the unit period that are determined in advance from the beginning of the unit period in which the power rate is settled. .
Here, the unit period for the settlement of the power rate is, for example, one month (about 30 days), but is not limited thereto, and may be another period (for example, two months or half a month). . The beginning of the term may not be the beginning of the month (1st). For example, it may be from the 15th to the 14th of the following month.

The measurement period is, for example, a predetermined number of days (for example, 7 days) from the beginning of the unit period and is shorter than the unit period. The measurement period can be determined on the basis of the unit period, and is obtained by the following equation (1), for example.
Measurement period = unit period × k (1)
Here, 0 <k <1, and in the present embodiment, k is 0.24 or less.

  Further, the measurement period may not be the period from the beginning of the unit period, but may be a period of a predetermined number of days (for example, 24 to 30 days, etc.) at the end of the previous unit period (for example, the previous month). .

The weather information for the unit period includes at least the season of the current month or season-specific information that identifies the month or month, and indicates the weather in the area where the customer's home is located. For example, the average weather information for the current year of the month, Or weather forecast information may be included.
Since weather conditions such as temperature and humidity that are considered to have an influence on the power consumption of the load device 54 can be roughly estimated depending on the season or month (month and day), weather information is not necessarily required.
For example, the current date and time acquired from a clock (not shown) of the computer 80 or a time server (not shown) on the Internet may be used as the season specifying information.
The weather information may be acquired from weather information on the Internet, a server (not shown) or the like that provides weather forecast information, etc. based on the information on the area where the customer's house is located (acquired from user information). According to this configuration, it is possible to improve the accuracy in abnormal weather that is different from the usual year.

  That is, the power estimation unit 104 includes weather information at the beginning of the term (for example, 7 days), weather forecast information for the following one week or two weeks, weather forecast information for the current month (from the 7th to the end of the month, for example, 30th), The power consumption is estimated using at least one of the average weather information for the current year.

Although the estimation method of the power consumption by the electric power estimation part 104 is illustrated below, it is not limited to these. A plurality of the following may be combined.
(B1) By multiplying the power consumption (total power consumption or for each device) in the measurement period (7 days) by the ratio of the unit period (30 days) based on the measurement period (7 days), the unit period ( 30 days) power consumption is calculated.
(B2) By multiplying the operating time of each device in the measurement period (7 days) by the ratio of the unit period (30 days) based on the measurement period (7 days), the operating time of the unit period (30 days) is obtained. It is calculated by multiplying the operating time of each device by the power consumption per unit time in the non-power saving mode (for example, the normal mode) of each device. The power consumption amount per unit time in the non-power saving mode of each device may be acquired from the mode setting storage unit 158 described below. And the power consumption of each apparatus is totaled and the power consumption in a unit period (30 days) is calculated | required.

FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating an example of a data structure of the mode setting storage unit 158 of the information processing apparatus 100 according to the present embodiment.
The mode setting storage unit 158 includes the setting contents of the non-power saving mode (normal mode) and the power saving mode (power saving mode) of each load device 54 of the consumer, and the power consumption per unit time in each mode. And remember.

  In the example of the figure, only one air conditioner is shown, but the setting contents may be stored for each of a plurality of air conditioners. Individual settings may be stored for each room together with information on the room in which the device is used. In addition, the mode setting storage unit 158 stores only the set temperature during heating for the air conditioner, but also includes other device information settings such as the set temperature during cooling, air volume, and louver operation. But you can. Or detailed information, such as preset temperature, may not be necessary, and each power consumption amount in the non-power saving mode and the power saving mode for each device may be simply held. Furthermore, information on the power saving amount of each device when the mode is changed from the non-power saving mode to the power saving mode may be stored.

  And when acquiring power consumption from the mode setting memory | storage part 158, it determines whether which power consumption of cooling or heating is used based on a season, for example. Further, a plurality of mode setting storage units 158 may be prepared for each season or every month, or for each outside air temperature or water temperature.

  Furthermore, the power estimation unit 104 may be configured to correct the power consumption calculated from the actual measurement value of the power consumption using a coefficient set in advance for each season or every month, or for each outside air temperature or each water temperature. . For the outside air temperature and water temperature, weather information (including forecasts) acquired from a weather server may be used, or values measured by ECHONET Lite certified devices such as air conditioners and water heaters at customer's homes are used. May be obtained from

  FIG. 9A is a diagram illustrating an example of a data structure of the correction seasonal parameter storage unit 160 of the storage device 150 according to the present embodiment.

  The correction seasonal parameter storage unit 160 stores such coefficients for each season or each month, or for each outside air temperature or each water temperature. Or you may memorize | store a coefficient for every day (every week) according to a month. For example, when it is predicted that the temperature will suddenly become hot or cold from the second half of the month, the coefficient may be changed during the month.

For example, in midsummer (July to September) and midwinter (December to February) when the power consumption is relatively large and the power saving effect is high, a coefficient that increases the power consumption in the power saving mode by 1.2 is used. As the coefficient, a different coefficient b may be used for each device, one coefficient a may be used as a whole, or a combination thereof may be used. The greater the change in power consumption due to device control, the greater the coefficient b in the device.
Coefficients for correcting these power consumption amounts may be set according to weather conditions. The power estimation unit 104 may correct the power consumption amount using a coefficient set according to the weather condition.

  For example, when the current month is August, the calculated power consumption is corrected using the coefficient 1.2. When the current month is April, for example, a coefficient of 1.0 is used. Also, when it is predicted that the temperature will suddenly become cold from the second half of December, the coefficient may be 1.1 for the first half of December and 1.2 for the second half. Based on past weather information, the coefficient may be determined using statistical information, or the coefficient may be further corrected based on current weather forecast information. For example, the coefficient for each day or week may be set based on the difference between the outside air temperature during the measurement period and the outside air temperature within the unit period after the measurement period.

  The power estimation unit 104 acquires a coefficient from the correction seasonal parameter storage unit 160 and corrects the power consumption. As described above, the correction may be performed every season or every month, or every day (or every week).

  Further, information regarding the season to be used (month or the reference value of the outside air temperature (more than a threshold value for cooling, less than a threshold value for heating, etc.)) may be set in advance for each device. If the season within the unit period is specified and the outside air temperature may reach the reference value within the unit period, the equipment to be used is added for the period that satisfies the reference value, and conversely, the outside temperature within the unit period. May be deleted from the reference value, the use device may be deleted for a period outside the reference value.

  As described above, the power consumption corresponding to the season can be calculated.

FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of a data structure of the estimated value storage unit 162 of the storage device 150 according to the present embodiment.
The daily power consumption (integrated value) after the monthly measurement period estimated by the power estimation unit 104 is stored in the estimated value storage unit 162 for each consumer (user). Furthermore, the estimated value storage unit 162 may store a cumulative value of daily power consumption (integrated value). On the screen 130 of FIG. 3 described above, the power consumption amount is read from the estimated value storage unit 162 and the power consumption amount estimated value graph 144 (broken line) is drawn on the transition graph display unit 132.

Next, the reduction amount calculation unit 106 obtains information indicating the power reduction amount in the unit period when at least one of the devices is changed from the non-power saving mode to the power saving mode after the measurement period.
The non-power saving mode is a mode in which the amount of power consumption is larger than that of the power saving mode, such as a normal mode or a powerful mode. The power saving mode is a mode in which the amount of power consumption is smaller than that in the non-power saving mode, such as an eco mode, a silent mode, a standby mode, and an operation stop (stop).

  The information indicating the power reduction amount in the unit period includes a power consumption amount that is reduced when the non-power saving mode is changed to the power saving mode, or a difference (saving amount) of the electricity charge.

The method of calculating the power reduction amount by the reduction amount calculation unit 106 is exemplified below, but is not limited thereto. A plurality of the following may be combined.
(C1) The power consumption per unit time of each device when the power saving mode is set is read from the mode setting storage unit 158. The power consumption amount in the power saving mode is calculated by multiplying the power consumption amount of each device by the daily operation time for each device stored in the operation time storage unit 155 of FIG. The power consumption amount of each device is totaled to obtain an estimated value of the daily power consumption amount of the consumer.
Then, the estimated value of the power consumption is subtracted from the power consumption (daily integrated value) in the integrated value storage unit 153 in FIG.

(C2) From the power consumption per unit time in the non-power-saving mode of each device in the mode setting storage unit 158 and the power consumption per unit time in the power-saving mode, the mode switching of each device (non-power saving → The amount of power saving per unit time is calculated. Alternatively, the mode setting storage unit 158 may store the power saving amount per unit time when the mode is changed instead of the power consumption amount per unit time for each mode. Then, the obtained power saving amount per unit time is multiplied by the operation time for each device in the operation time storage unit 155 of FIG. 6B. And the power saving amount of each apparatus is totaled and the electric power reduction amount of a consumer's 1 day is calculated | required.

(C3) The usage equipment of the consumer and the operating time of each equipment are estimated from the lifestyle and family structure of the consumer, and the power reduction amount is calculated by either (c1) or (c2) above.
Information regarding the equipment used by the consumer and lifestyle and family structure can be stored as user information by allowing the consumer to register with the consumer on the user information registration page of this service. Alternatively, the application form may be filled in at the time of application for use of the service, registered by the administrator of the system, and stored as user information. Or you may use the information of the apparatus specified by said (a2)-said (a5).

  Information on the lifestyle and family structure of consumers includes the number of family members (or living together), the presence or absence of infants, the number of children, the age of family members (or living together), and working conditions (working hours, working days fixed or irregular) Information indicating whether it is a target, a holiday), whether or not working together, the status of staying at home during the day, the structure of the room, etc., but is not limited thereto.

  Further, the information processing apparatus 100 detects that the consumer is at home by detecting communication establishment between the user terminal and a communication device such as a GW at the customer's house, receives the information from the GW, You may further have the preparation part (not shown) which produces the information regarding a lifestyle (life rhythm) of a house.

(C4) The estimated power consumption (monthly or daily) stored in the estimated value storage unit 162 of FIG. 10 is multiplied by the power consumption reduction rate set according to the weather conditions such as the season, thereby reducing the power consumption. You may ask for. For example, the reduction rate for each season is obtained using the average value of the power saving amount when the consumer in a predetermined region is switched from the non-power saving mode to the power saving mode.

FIG. 9B is a diagram illustrating an example of the data structure of the power saving amount calculation seasonal parameter storage unit 161 of the storage device 150 of the present embodiment.
The power saving amount calculation seasonal parameter storage unit 161 stores the reduction rate for each season, each month, or each outside temperature. Or you may memorize | store a reduction rate every day (every week) according to a month. For example, if it is predicted that the temperature will suddenly become hot or cold from the second half of the month, the reduction rate may be changed even during the month.

For example, in midsummer (July-September) and midwinter (December-February) when the power consumption is relatively large and the power saving effect is high, spring and autumn (March-June) where the power consumption is relatively small and the power saving effect is difficult , From October to November), the reduction rate will be larger. For example, 25% for midsummer and midwinter, and 10% for others.
As the reduction rate, a different reduction rate b may be used for each device, a single reduction rate a may be used as a whole, or a combination thereof may be used. For example, a single reduction rate a may be used for spring or autumn, and a reduction rate b for each device may be used for midsummer or midwinter. For example, the reduction rate b of the equipment such as an air conditioner may be set larger than the reduction rate b of the equipment such as the refrigerator. That is, the reduction rate b in the device may be increased as the change in the power consumption amount due to the device control increases.

  Further, the reduction amount calculation unit 106 corrects the calculated power reduction amount by using a coefficient (a correction seasonal parameter storage unit 160 in FIG. 9A) set in advance for each season, every month, or for each outside air temperature. It is good also as composition to do.

  Moreover, you may memorize | store in the user information storage part 164 the information regarding a consumer's apparatus mentioned above, a lifestyle, or a family structure.

FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating an example of a data structure of the user information storage unit 164 of the storage device 150 according to the present embodiment.
The user information storage unit 164 stores, for each customer (user ID), the user's name, address, contact information (telephone number), e-mail address, login ID, password, etc. (not shown), and the registered device used by the user. Memorize information. Further, the user information storage unit 164 may include information on the user's family structure and lifestyle (single life, dual working, full-time housewife, etc.).
The information on the equipment used includes at least information on the type of equipment (air conditioner, refrigerator, television, etc.). Furthermore, the information on the device used may include information such as the manufacturer of the device, the model number, and the room used.

The power reduction amount calculated by the reduction amount calculation unit 106 is stored in the power saving amount storage unit 166.
FIG. 12 is a diagram illustrating an example of a data structure of the power saving amount storage unit 166 of the storage device 150 according to the present embodiment.
The monthly or daily power reduction amount calculated by the reduction amount calculation unit 106 is stored in the power saving amount storage unit 166 for each consumer (user ID).

The timing at which the reduction amount calculation unit 106 calculates the power reduction amount is an arbitrary time after the measurement period has elapsed.
The reduction amount calculation unit 106 further subtracts the calculated power reduction amount after the monthly measurement period from the estimated power consumption amount of the estimated value storage unit 162 in FIG. 10 to estimate the power consumption amount when the power saving mode is set. You may ask for. The calculated estimated power consumption amount when the power saving mode is set may be further stored in the estimated value storage unit 162.

The estimated power consumption in the power saving mode calculated in this way is drawn as an estimated value graph 148 (one-dot chain line) on the transition graph display unit 132 of the screen 130 in FIG.
Further, the reduction amount calculation unit 106 subtracts the monthly power reduction amount from the estimated power consumption amount of the month to calculate a target value of the power saving amount. The target value stored and calculated in the power saving amount storage unit 166 is drawn as a line 146 (two-dot chain line) on the transition graph display unit 132 of the screen 130 in FIG.

  In the present embodiment, the information processing apparatus 100 further includes a notification unit (not shown) that notifies the user of information indicating the power reduction amount calculated by the reduction amount calculation unit 106. The notification unit displays the power reduction amount (or saving amount) on the screen 130. Further, the notification unit may notify the user of the power reduction amount (or the saving amount) by transmitting an email to an email address designated in advance by the user.

  In addition, when displaying the electricity bill on the screen 130, the electricity bill for the current month and the amount of money to be saved from the power consumption calculated by the power estimation unit 104 and the reduction amount calculation unit 106 based on the information related to the customer's rate plan. Is calculated.

  Specifically, the user information storage unit 164 further stores information related to the customer's rate plan. The storage device 150 further stores information such as a basic charge for each charge plan and a unit price corresponding to the amount of power consumption in a charge information storage unit (not shown). Then, the power estimation unit 104 or the reduction amount calculation unit 106 can read the basic charge and unit price information of the customer's charge plan from the charge information storage unit, and can calculate the electricity charge from the consumer's power consumption amount, respectively. .

The calculated electricity bill can be further stored in, for example, the estimated value storage unit 162 or the power saving amount storage unit 166.
The electricity charges calculated in this way may be read from the estimated value storage unit 162 and the power saving amount storage unit 166 and drawn on the transition graph display unit 132 of the screen 130.

  Each function of each unit of FIG. 1 of the information processing apparatus 100 described above is realized by the CPU 82 of the computer 80 of FIG. 4 reading out the program 90 stored in the storage 85 to the memory 84 and executing it.

  The computer program 90 according to the present embodiment is preliminarily stored in the computer 80 for realizing the information processing apparatus 100 in advance from the beginning of the unit period for performing the procedure for acquiring information indicating the operating status of at least one device and the settlement of power charges. A procedure for estimating the power consumption in the unit period using information indicating the operating status of the specified measurement period and weather information for the unit period, and at least one of the devices in the non-power-saving mode after the measurement period It is described to execute a procedure for obtaining information indicating a power reduction amount in a unit period when the power saving mode is set.

  The computer program 90 of this embodiment may be recorded on a recording medium that can be read by the computer 80. The recording medium is not particularly limited, and various forms can be considered. The program 90 may be loaded from a recording medium into the memory 84 of the computer 80, or may be downloaded to the computer 80 through a network and loaded into the memory 84.

  The recording medium for recording the computer program 90 includes a medium that can be used by a non-transitory tangible computer 80, and a program code that can be read by the computer 80 is embedded in the medium. When the computer program 90 is executed on the computer 80, the computer 80 is caused to execute the following information processing method for realizing the information processing apparatus 100.

The information processing method of the information processing apparatus 100 of the present embodiment configured as described above will be described below.
FIG. 13 is a flowchart illustrating an example of the operation of the information processing apparatus 100 according to the present embodiment.
The information processing method according to the embodiment of the present invention is an information processing method of the information processing apparatus 100, and is an information processing method executed by the computer 80 that implements the information processing apparatus 100.
In the information processing method of the present embodiment, the information processing apparatus 100 acquires information indicating the operating status of at least one device (step S101), and has a predetermined measurement period shorter than a unit period in which the power rate is settled. Using the information indicating the operation status and the weather information of the unit period, the power consumption amount in the unit period is estimated (step S105), and at least one of the devices is consumed from a certain mode more than that mode after the measurement period. This includes obtaining information indicating the amount of power reduction in the unit period when the power saving mode, which is a mode with less power, is set (step S107).

This will be described in more detail below.
First, the operation information acquisition unit 102 acquires information indicating the operation status of the device (step S201).
The operation information acquisition unit 102 acquires, for example, meter reading data acquired by the consumer's communication device 40 from the smart meter 10 via the B route, or meter reading data acquired by the power company 20 from the smart meter 10 via the A route. The meter reading data acquired by the operation information acquisition unit 102 is stored in the measurement value storage unit 152.

  At this time, the operation information acquisition unit 102 accumulates the power consumption for each day of the measurement period and stores the accumulated power amount in the integrated value storage unit 153. Then, a bar graph 140 and a cumulative graph 142 of actual measurement values are drawn on the transition graph display unit 132 of the screen 130 in FIG.

Next, after the measurement period has elapsed (YES in step S103), the power estimation unit 104 reads the measurement value of the power consumption during the customer measurement period (for example, seven days from the beginning of the month) from the integrated value storage unit 153. The power consumption for the unit period (one month) is estimated (step S105).
The power consumption estimated by the power estimation unit 104 is stored in the estimated value storage unit 162.
For example, the power estimation unit 104 multiplies the measurement value of the power consumption during the measurement period (7 days) by the ratio of the unit period (30 days) with the measurement period (7 days) as a reference, to thereby calculate the power consumption during the unit period. Calculate the amount.

Furthermore, the power estimation unit 104 corrects the calculated power consumption using the coefficient for the current month acquired from the correction seasonal parameter storage unit 160. The obtained power consumption is stored in the estimated value storage unit 162. For example, when the current month is August, the calculated power consumption is corrected using the coefficient 1.2. When the current month is April, for example, a coefficient of 1.0 is used.
If it is predicted that the temperature will suddenly become colder from the second half of the current month, the coefficient may be 1.1 for the first half of the current month and 1.2 for the second half.

  And the estimated value graph 144 of the transition graph display part 132 of the screen 130 of FIG. 3 is drawn.

  Further, the power estimation unit 104 may calculate the consumer's monthly electricity charge from the calculated electricity consumption based on the consumer's electricity charge (basic charge and unit price) determined from the monthly electricity consumption. Good. The calculated electricity bill may be stored in the estimated value storage unit 162.

  Then, for example, the reduction amount calculation unit 106 reads the estimated power consumption amount from the estimated value storage unit 162, and calculates the power reduction amount using the current month reduction rate acquired from the power saving amount calculation seasonal parameter storage unit 161. (Step S107). The calculated power reduction amount is stored in the power saving amount storage unit 166. Further, the reduction amount calculation unit 106 calculates a target value of the reduced power consumption from the calculated power reduction amount of the current month and the estimated power consumption amount of the current month. The calculated target value is stored in the power saving amount storage unit 166.

  Further, as described in (c2) above, in step S107, the reduction amount calculation unit 106 determines the power saving from the non-power saving mode from the power consumption amount by mode of each device from the mode setting storage unit 158 in FIG. The amount of power saving per unit time when switching to the mode is calculated, the operating time of each device is obtained from the operating time storage unit 155 of FIG. 6B, and the power saving amount is multiplied by the operating time to save power of each device. The amount may be calculated and summed up to calculate the daily power reduction amount of the consumer.

  Then, an estimated value graph 148 of the estimated power consumption amount in the power saving mode and a target value line 146 are drawn on the transition graph display unit 132 of the screen 130 of FIG.

  The reduction amount calculation unit 106 may calculate the saving amount or the electric charge from the basic charge and the unit price of the electric charge menu of the consumer based on the reduction amount of the power consumption amount or the power consumption amount after the reduction. The calculated saving amount or electricity charge may be further stored in the power saving amount storage unit 166.

  As described above, in the information processing apparatus 100 of the present embodiment, the operation information indicating the operation status of the device is acquired by the operation information acquisition unit 102, and the operation information at the beginning of the unit period is acquired by the power estimation unit 104. Then, using the weather information of the unit period, the power consumption amount of the unit period is estimated. Further, the reduction amount calculation unit 106 calculates the power saving amount when the device is switched from the non-power saving mode to the power saving mode.

  As described above, according to the information processing apparatus 100 of the present embodiment, the power consumption (electricity cost) and the power saving amount (saving amount) in the unit period (current month) can be estimated based on the initial results, the season, and the weather. For example, the screen 130 including the transition graph display unit 132 can be generated and displayed on the operation terminal 42 of the customer. Appropriate amount of power saving can be displayed even when it is outside the season when power saving is easy such as summer and winter. Moreover, since it correct | amends according to a season and a throat, the precision of the estimated estimated power consumption amount and power saving amount improves.

The consumer can know the predicted amount of electricity consumption and the electricity bill for this month by accessing the user-dedicated page and browsing the screen 130 at the beginning of the term. Thereafter, it is possible to know how much power consumption and electricity charges can be saved by setting the power saving mode. Although electricity charges vary greatly depending on the season and weather, it is easy for consumers to realize that electricity charges can be significantly reduced by setting the device in a power saving mode, especially in summer and winter when electricity charges are high.
Since consumers can know the amount of electricity consumed (electricity bill) and the amount of electricity saved (amount of money saved) at the beginning of the term, they will be encouraged to become interested in electricity saving and the unit period (current month). Power saving is promoted.

  In addition, in seasons other than summer and winter, it is difficult to obtain a power saving effect even if the device mode is changed, and there is a possibility that the number of consumers who are less interested in energy savings may increase. However, even in a season or weather where it is difficult to obtain a power saving effect, according to the information processing apparatus 100 of the present embodiment, specific numerical values of the predicted power consumption and power saving amount are shown to the customer. It is possible to maintain interest in energy conservation throughout the year.

(Second Embodiment)
Next, an information processing apparatus 200 according to the second embodiment of the present invention will be described below.
FIG. 14 is a functional block diagram showing a logical configuration of the information processing apparatus 200 according to the embodiment of the present invention.
The information processing apparatus 200 of the present embodiment is different from the above-described embodiment in that it has a configuration that automatically sets each device to the power saving mode.

The information processing apparatus 200 of this embodiment includes an operation information acquisition unit 102, a power estimation unit 104, a reduction amount calculation unit 106, and a control unit 210. The operation information acquisition unit 102, the power estimation unit 104, and the reduction amount calculation unit 106 are the same as those in the above embodiment of FIG.
The control unit 210 of this embodiment can be combined with the configuration of an information processing apparatus of another embodiment described later.

  The control unit 210 automatically controls each device in the power saving mode.

In the present embodiment, each device (load device 54) is an ECHONET Lite authentication device and is connected to the HEMS.
The control unit 210 reads the power saving mode setting content of each device (load device 54) from the mode setting storage unit 158 of FIG. 8 described in the above embodiment, and automatically performs each device according to the setting content read via the HEMS. Control.

  In the present embodiment, the mode setting storage unit 158 is described as a configuration stored in the storage device 150 of the information processing apparatus 100. However, in other examples, the storage unit of the customer's HEMS (for example, the storage 85 or the storage 85) The memory 84) may include a mode setting storage unit 158. The HEMS may read the setting content in the storage unit of the HEMS in accordance with an automatic control instruction from the control unit 210, and automatically control each device according to the setting content.

  In the present embodiment, it is assumed that the consent of the customer is obtained in advance for automatic control of each device by the control unit 210. In another example, before the automatic control, the customer is inquired about whether automatic control is possible and the automatic control is performed after obtaining approval. Further, whether or not automatic control is possible may be selected for each device. Information regarding whether automatic control is possible may also be stored in the mode setting storage unit 158 for each device.

  Even if automatic control is not permitted, for example, the control unit 210 may be configured to forcibly perform automatic control of devices under predetermined conditions such as when a demand response is received.

  The information processing apparatus 200 may further include a presentation unit (not shown) that presents the setting content of each device in the power saving mode to the user.

For example, when pressing of an operation button 238 on the screen 230 described later is received, a device setting screen (not shown) indicating the setting contents of each device is displayed.
On this device setting screen, the setting contents in the power saving mode are presented as power saving advice, and each device can be operated by seeing how the device should be set by the consumer.
According to this configuration, a device that does not support ECHONET Lite can be operated by the user according to the setting contents instead of automatic control.

Moreover, about the setting content at the time of a power saving mode, you may have the structure which can be changed by a consumer.
For example, a setting change screen (not shown) including a user interface (GUI (Graphical User Interface)) that receives a change in power saving content may be displayed on the operation terminal 42 of the customer. The setting contents received on the setting change screen are stored in the mode setting storage unit 158.

  Moreover, the mode set for every apparatus may be selectable. An operation screen (not shown) for accepting selection such as setting the air conditioner in the bedroom to the normal mode and setting the air conditioner in the living room to the power saving mode may be displayed on the operation terminal 42 of the customer. The control unit 210 may automatically control each device according to the mode selected for each device according to the operation content received through the operation screen.

In the present embodiment, the screen 230 of FIG. 15 is displayed on the operation terminal 42 of the customer.
FIG. 15 is a diagram illustrating an example of a screen 230 that shows information related to a power saving target of a consumer.
The screen 230 includes a power-saving information display unit 232 that displays the amount of power saved and the amount of money saved this month, an operation button 236 that displays a target value setting screen (not shown) that accepts setting of a target value by a consumer, and setting of each device An operation button 238 for displaying a content (not shown) and displaying a device setting screen for accepting display and change of the setting of each device by a consumer is included.

The power saving information display unit 232 on the screen 230 displays the power saving amount when switching from the non-power saving mode to the power saving mode calculated by the power consumption amount / reduction amount calculation unit 106 predicted by the power estimation unit 104 and the current month. The amount of saving, and the target power consumption after power saving calculated from the power saving amount and the predicted power consumption amount are included.
The predicted power consumption amount and the target value of the power saving information display unit 232 may be the predicted value and the target value of the electricity bill.

  The amount of electricity consumed (electricity rate) depends on the climate and various conditions, etc., and changes when the month changes, so even if you decide to set a power saving target, you often do not know the appropriate setting value. It may be possible to set the target value using values up to the previous year, but if the equipment is renewed, the family structure or residence changes, or the weather is abnormal, the previous year's value may not be helpful. Absent.

  In the present embodiment, the power saving information display unit 232 displays a target power consumption after power saving calculated from the power saving amount and the saving amount when switching from the non-power saving mode to the power saving mode, and the power saving amount and the predicted power consumption amount. Is displayed, so that the customer does not have to hesitate to set the target value.

  Furthermore, when it is detected on the screen 230 that the consumer presses the operation button 236, for example, a user interface for changing the target value display field of the power saving information display unit 232 is displayed. For example, a text box, a list, a slider, a wheel-shaped picker, or the like may be displayed, and a setting of a target value by a consumer may be accepted. When the target value is changed by the customer, the target value (line 146) of the transition graph display unit 132 of the screen 230 may be updated to the changed value.

Further, after the measurement period has passed, the calculation processing of the predicted power consumption or the power reduction amount by the reduction amount calculation unit 106 by the power estimation unit 104 may or may not be performed.
After the measurement period, the bar graph 140 and the cumulative graph 142 (solid line) of the actual measurement value of the power consumption for each day are updated every day, and the estimated value graph showing the cumulative value of the estimated power consumption for the current month after the measurement period. 144 (dashed line) and an estimated value graph 148 (one-dot chain line) indicating a cumulative value of values estimated in the power saving mode of the current month after the measurement period may be updated or not updated. Also good.

  When the pressing of the operation button 236 on the screen 230 by the customer is detected, for example, a device setting screen for displaying the setting contents of each device in the mode setting storage unit 158 of FIG. 8 of the above embodiment is displayed. The device setting screen includes information such as the setting contents of each device, for example, the setting temperature in the normal mode of the air conditioner and the setting temperature in the power saving mode. Furthermore, a user interface for accepting a change in the setting of each device by the consumer is displayed.

  For example, when the change of the setting content in the power saving mode is accepted, the mode setting storage unit 158 is updated with the changed setting content. Further, using the changed setting content, the reduction amount calculation unit 106 calculates the power reduction amount again, and updates the screen 230 with the calculated value. In addition, the control unit 210 performs automatic control of each device according to the updated setting contents of the mode setting storage unit 158.

  Further, in the information processing apparatus 200, after the measurement period, the power estimation unit 104 and the reduction amount calculation unit 106 periodically estimate the power consumption amount and calculate the power reduction amount, and the power reduction amount of the unit period is You may further provide the determination part (not shown) which determines whether a target can be achieved.

  When it is determined by the determination unit that the target cannot be achieved, the notification unit may notify the user to that effect. Further, the presenting unit may present the setting contents of the device for achieving the target value to the user as power saving advice. Further, the device may be automatically controlled according to the setting contents of the device for achieving the target by the control unit 210.

  In the information processing apparatus 200 of the present embodiment, each device is automatically controlled by the control unit 210 to the power saving mode based on the appropriate power saving amount according to the season calculated by the reduction amount calculation unit 106. Thereby, according to the information processing apparatus 200 of this embodiment, while having the same effect as the said embodiment, the setting of the power saving mode of the suitable apparatus according to a season can further be performed automatically.

In addition, since information such as the predicted power consumption and the power saving amount (saving amount) of the unit period (current month) calculated by the power estimation unit 104 and the reduction amount calculation unit 106 can be presented to the consumer on the screen 230, The consumer can know the setting of an appropriate power saving target, and can set an appropriate power saving target throughout the year regardless of the season and weather.
In addition, since the device is automatically controlled by the control unit 210, power saving can be realized automatically. And an apparatus can be automatically controlled to the target value set appropriately.

(Third embodiment)
Next, an information processing apparatus 300 according to the third embodiment of the present invention will be described below.
FIG. 16 is a functional block diagram showing a logical configuration of the information processing apparatus 300 according to the third embodiment of the present invention.
The information processing apparatus 300 according to the present embodiment is different from the above-described embodiment in that the power estimation unit 104 changes the estimation result to the result when the power saving mode is canceled from the state where the power saving mode is already set. It is different in having.

The information processing apparatus 200 according to the present embodiment includes an operation information acquisition unit 102, a power estimation unit 104, a reduction amount calculation unit 106, and a correction unit 312. The operation information acquisition unit 102, the power estimation unit 104, and the reduction amount calculation unit 106 are the same as those of the information processing apparatus 100 of the above embodiment in FIG.
The information processing apparatus 300 of this embodiment is connected to the storage device 350 so as to be accessible. The storage device 350 may be included in the information processing device 300 or may be a device external to the information processing device 300.
Note that the correction unit 312 of the present embodiment can be combined with the configuration of each information processing apparatus of another embodiment.

The correction unit 312 corrects the estimation result by the power estimation unit 104 to the power consumption when the power saving mode is canceled from the state where each device is set to the power saving mode.
Then, the reduction amount calculation unit 106 uses the estimation result corrected by the correction unit 312 to obtain information indicating the power reduction amount in the unit period when the power saving mode is set.

  In other words, even if the power saving mode has already been set, the reduction amount calculation unit 106 continues the power consumption amount in the unit time and the power saving mode when the power saving mode is canceled and the non power saving mode is set. Based on the power consumption amount in the unit period at the time, the power reduction amount in the case of continuing the power saving mode is calculated.

FIG. 17 is a diagram for explaining the process of correcting the predicted power consumption by the correction unit of the present embodiment.
In FIG. 17A, the power consumption amount of the unit period (30 days of the current month) predicted by the power estimation unit 104 based on the actual measurement value of the power consumption amount during the measurement period is indicated by a broken line.
The target value of the power consumption after power saving calculated based on the power reduction amount calculated by the reduction amount calculation unit 106 is indicated by a two-dot chain line.

  When a consumer has already saved power, if the amount of power consumption is predicted using an actually measured value, it is already a low value, so it may be difficult to save more power. Also in the example of FIG. 17A, each value of the unit period (30 days) has a predicted power consumption before correction of 360 kWh and a target value of 355 kWh. It is as low as 5 kWh. Even if converted into an electricity bill, the amount is small, and the customer's willingness to save power may be reduced. If the power saving effect is not obtained, there is a possibility that the customer's willingness to save power may be reduced. Therefore, in the present embodiment, in order to maintain the willingness to continue power saving even for consumers who have already saved power, the power saving effect is devised so that it can be easily understood.

  FIG. 17B shows an example when the screen 130 is created with the corrected values. In the transition graph display part 132 of the screen 130, the estimated power consumption graph 144 (broken line) of the current month after correction, the target value (line 146) (two-dot chain line) after correction, and the current month after correction are displayed. An estimated power consumption graph 148 (one-dot chain line) in the power saving mode is shown.

  In this example, the predicted power consumption after correction is 455 kWh, so the difference between the target value and 355 kWh is 100 kWh, and the difference from the target value is larger than the value before correction. In addition, the savings in electricity charges will also increase. Thereby, it can be expected that the motivation of consumers for power saving will be improved.

Since the effects of the current power saving method can be specifically recognized numerically on the screen 130, it is possible to maintain the customer's willingness to save power.
Furthermore, on the screen 130, since the device has already been operated in the power saving mode, a message indicating that power saving of 95 kWh has been made, a message recommending that the power saving action up to the present be continued, etc. It may be displayed.

A specific correction method will be described below.
FIG. 18 is a flowchart illustrating an example of the operation of the information processing apparatus 300 according to the present embodiment.
The operation procedure of the information processing apparatus 300 according to the present embodiment is modified in addition to the same procedure as the flowchart of FIG. 13 of the information processing apparatus 100 according to the above embodiment. The procedure of this figure is performed between step S101 and step S103 of FIG.
First, as in the above embodiment of FIG. 13, information indicating the operation status from each device (load device 54) of the customer, for example, information on the operation content such as the operation mode and set temperature, or information on the power consumption amount is obtained. Obtain (step S101).

  In the present embodiment, for example, for each device, a threshold value of power consumption for determining whether it is the non-power saving mode or the power saving mode is set in advance and stored in the storage device 350.

The storage device 350 includes each storage unit of the storage device 150 of the above embodiment, and further includes a mode determination threshold storage unit 352.
FIG. 19 is a diagram illustrating an example of the data structure of the storage unit of the storage device 350 of the present embodiment.
The mode determination threshold value storage unit 352 in FIG. 19A stores a power consumption threshold value that is set in advance for each device and determines whether the mode is the non-power saving mode or the power saving mode.

  When the power consumption amount of the device is acquired in step S101 (YES in step S301), the device threshold value is acquired from the mode determination threshold value storage unit 352, and the operation mode of the device is set to the non-power saving mode based on the threshold value. Or power saving mode is discriminated (step S303). For example, when the correction unit 312 is less than the threshold value (NO in step S303), it is determined as the power saving mode (step S307), and when it is equal to or greater than the threshold value (YES in step S303), it is determined as the non-power saving mode (step S303). Step S305). Steps S301 to S307 may be repeated for each device.

On the other hand, for devices for which the operation mode has been acquired (NO in step S301), the flow proceeds to step S309, bypassing steps S303 to S307.
The correction unit 312 determines whether the operation mode of each device acquired in step S101 or the operation mode of each device determined in steps S303 to S307 is the non-power saving mode at each time (step S309). ).

  If it is determined that the mode is not the non-power saving mode (NO in step S309), in other words, if it is determined that the mode is the power saving mode, the process proceeds to step S311. If it is determined that the power saving mode is set (YES in step S309), the process bypasses step S311 and proceeds to step S103 in FIG.

  In step S311, the correction unit 312 corrects the measurement value to the power consumption amount in the non-power saving mode, and stores the corrected power consumption amount in the measurement value storage unit 152. Then, the process proceeds to step S103 in FIG.

  For example, the correction unit 312 acquires the amount of power consumption per unit time when the device is in the non-power saving mode from the mode setting storage unit 158. Multiply the acquired power consumption per unit time by 0.5 to convert it to power consumption per 30 minutes. The obtained power consumption amount is further stored in the measured value storage unit 152 as a corrected power consumption amount. Then, the process proceeds to step S103 in FIG.

  Then, the power estimation unit 104 and the reduction amount calculation unit 106 perform processing using the corrected power consumption amount. Also, when making corrections, without determining the mode, for example, when the set temperature during cooling of the air conditioner is set to a predetermined value (for example, 25 degrees) when the measured value is a threshold value (for example, 28 degrees) or more It is good also as a structure which makes the power consumption amount after correction the power consumption amount after correction.

  Next, there may be a case where the amount of power consumption predicted from the actual measurement value is lower than the target value, such as when power is saved more than necessary. Even in such a case, the correction unit 312 can correct the predicted value of the power consumption to set an appropriate power saving target value and appropriately adjust each device.

FIG. 20 is a diagram for explaining another correction process of the predicted power consumption amount by the correction unit of the present embodiment.
In the example of FIG. 20A, the predicted value (dashed line) of the power consumption before correction is 330 kWh and the target value (two-dot chain line) is 355 kWh, so the target value is the current power consumption of the current month. It exceeds the predicted value. The corrected power consumption, that is, the predicted value (one-dot chain line) when the power saving mode is canceled and the power saving mode is canceled is 455 kWh, and the power saving amount by continuing the power saving mode is 125 kWh. The amount of savings also increases.

  FIG. 20B shows an example when the screen 130 is created with the corrected values. In the transition graph display part 132 of the screen 130, the estimated power consumption graph 144 (broken line) of the current month after correction, the target value (line 146) (two-dot chain line) after correction, and the current month after correction are displayed. An estimated power consumption graph 148 (one-dot chain line) in the power saving mode is shown.

  In this example, the predicted power consumption after correction is 455 kWh, so the power-saving effect could not be obtained with the value before correction. When the mode is set, the power saving amount is 100 kWh, and the power saving amount is increased by continuing the power saving mode. In addition, the savings in electricity charges will also increase. Thereby, since the effect by power saving can be notified to a consumer, it is not necessary to reduce the consumer's willingness to save power.

Furthermore, in this example, you may further provide the control part 210 of the information processing apparatus 200 of the said embodiment.
The control unit 210 may automatically control each device according to the setting content in which the correction unit 312 calculates the power consumption amount in the power saving mode.

In the present embodiment, the correction unit 312 corrects the estimation result by the power estimation unit 104 to the power consumption when the power saving mode is canceled from the state where each device is set to the power saving mode.
Thereby, according to the information processing apparatus 300 of this embodiment, while having the same effect as the said embodiment, also in the case of the consumer who has already carried out power saving, since a power saving effect is shown largely, a consumer There is an effect of not reducing the willingness to save electricity.

  As mentioned above, although embodiment of this invention was described with reference to drawings, these are the illustrations of this invention, Various structures other than the above are also employable.

<Price plan optimization process>
The present embodiment is different from the above-described embodiment in that it has a configuration in which a customer's rate plan information is acquired, a power-saving setting suitable for the rate plan is obtained, and is proposed to the customer.
The information processing apparatus according to the present embodiment includes a rate plan information acquisition unit (not shown) that acquires information related to a customer's rate plan, and a determination unit that determines an operation schedule of the customer's device according to the conditions included in the rate plan. (Not shown).
The conditions included in the rate plan include, for example, an upper limit value of the amount of power consumption that causes payment of an excess fee, or a usage time period during which a discount occurs.

  A rate plan information acquisition unit of the information processing apparatus acquires conditions included in the rate plan from information related to the rate plan of the consumer. For example, when the upper limit value of power consumption that causes payment of excess charges is included in the condition, the upper limit value of power consumption is set based on the charge plan. The determination unit estimates a power consumption amount in the power saving mode in the current month (unit period) after the measurement period calculated based on the current power saving mode setting content by the reduction amount calculation unit 106 (estimated value storage) Part 162) determines whether or not the upper limit value is exceeded.

  And when it determines with exceeding an upper limit, a determination part corrects the setting content of the current power saving mode for every apparatus so that power consumption may further decrease. For example, the determination unit changes the setting such as raising the set temperature of the air conditioner cooling by 1 ° C. and determines the operation schedule.

Further, in the rate plan, for example, when the time zone where the discount occurs is included in the condition, the determination unit determines the time zone when the discount occurs based on the power consumption acquired by the operation information acquisition unit 102 If the amount of power consumed by using the device in the non-discount time zone other than the above is greater than or equal to the first predetermined value, for example, the device to stop using in the non-discount time zone is determined according to the preset priority of the device. To do. Further, when the power consumption amount in the discount application time zone in which the discount is generated is less than the second predetermined value, the determination unit, for example, selects a device that operates in the discount application time zone according to a preset priority of the device. decide.
The determination unit creates an operation schedule for each device based on the determined operation content of each device in each time period.

  Based on the setting contents and the operation schedule of the device determined by the determination unit, the control unit 210 of the above embodiment may control the operation of each device, and the output unit (not shown) serves as a power saving advice to the consumer. You may notify the setting content and driving schedule of an apparatus.

  Furthermore, the rate plan information acquisition unit may acquire information related to other rate plans. The information processing apparatus further includes a specifying unit (not shown) that specifies a rate plan that matches the power usage tendency of the consumer based on the consumer's power consumption estimated by the reduction amount calculating unit 106. May be.

Specifically, for example, when the number of times that the upper limit value of the power consumption amount of the consumer's rate plan is continuously exceeded is a predetermined value or more, the specifying unit determines that the rate plan is to be changed. Then, the specifying unit selects a plan whose power consumption upper limit is greater than the consumer's power consumption from other rate plans, and identifies the selected plan as a rate plan suitable for the consumer. .
The output unit may notify the consumer of the specified rate plan and prompt the change of the rate plan.

According to this configuration, it is possible to notify the customer of power saving advice and the operation schedule of the device according to the customer's rate plan, and to control the device. Further, even when the power usage status of the consumer does not match the rate plan, it is possible to identify a plan suitable for the consumer and prompt the change.

<Time sale service processing>
The information processing apparatus according to this embodiment is different from the above-described embodiment in that it has a configuration that prompts a consumer to use power according to the amount of power supply.
The information processing apparatus according to the present embodiment includes a power supply information acquisition unit (not shown) that acquires information on the power supply amount of the power supply source, and that the power supply amount becomes a predetermined value or more in a certain period in the future (power An excessive supply detection unit (not shown) that detects excessive supply) may be further provided.

  When an excessive power supply is detected, the output unit notifies the consumer of information related to the excessive power supply. The information related to excessive power supply includes, for example, information related to a time zone during which the power charge is reduced due to excessive power supply, a discount amount of the power charge, and an incentive.

  Further, when an excessive power supply is detected, the control unit 210 is in a time zone in which the electricity charge is reduced for a storage battery of a consumer or an electric vehicle (EV: Electric Vehicle, PHV: Plug-in Hybrid Vehicle). In addition, an instruction to control to perform the charging operation may be given.

In this embodiment, the storage battery or the electric vehicle may be configured to perform a charging operation in accordance with an instruction from the information processing apparatus. For example, the charging operation is not performed until a charging instruction is received from the information processing apparatus, and the charging operation is performed when the charging instruction is received.
Therefore, since the storage battery or the electric vehicle of the customer can be charged when the electricity charge is low, the monthly electricity charge can be reduced.

  According to this configuration, when it is predicted that the supply of power will be excessive, the demand for power will be increased by reducing the electricity bill or by controlling the charging of the storage battery or electric vehicle of the customer. An excessive supply can be avoided. Consumers can also charge for cheap electricity.

In the following embodiments, an example in which the operation information acquired by the information processing apparatus 100 is the amount of power consumption and an example in which the operation time of the device is provided will be described. Moreover, about the structural example of a consumer's house for acquiring operation information, the structure which acquires meter-reading data from the smart meter 10, and the structure which acquires the information which HEMS46 collected from each apparatus are each demonstrated.
Example 1
In this embodiment, a configuration using the power consumption measured by the smart meter 10 will be described.
FIG. 21 is a block diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of the system according to this embodiment.
The system of the present embodiment includes the smart meter 10, the B route device 48 GW 44, the distribution board 51, and the operation terminal 42 at the customer's house.
The smart meter 10 measures the power consumption of the customer's house and transmits meter reading data to the B route device 48.
The B route device 48 includes a first interface unit I / F1 and a second interface unit I / F2.

  The first interface unit I / F1 performs wireless communication with the smart meter 10 by B route authentication. The first interface unit I / F1 is, for example, a specific low power wireless system using the 920 MHz band, for example, a communication system based on a communication standard such as Wi-SUN, or IEEE 802.15.4 such as Zigbee (registered trademark). The communication system of the wireless communication standard that operates above can be used. In the present embodiment, the first interface unit I / F 1 has a function of performing wireless communication conforming to the Wi-SUN standard.

The second interface unit I / F 2 has a function of performing wireless communication with the GW 44 and connecting to the Internet (network 5) via the GW 44 after ensuring security by a predetermined encryption process or the like. The B route device 48 can be connected to the cloud server 70 (information processing apparatus 100) on the network 5 via the GW 44.
The second interface unit I / F2 can use, for example, a wireless communication system such as a wireless local area network (LAN) (so-called Wi-Fi), Wi-Fi, WiMAX (Worldwide Interoperability for Microwave Access), 3G, or LTE. . In this embodiment, it has a function to perform wireless LAN communication.

The B route device 48 uses the first interface unit I / F1 to receive meter reading data from the smart meter 10 periodically (for example, every second) by wireless communication using B route authentication. Further, the B route device 48 uses the second interface unit I / F 2 to access the Internet 5 via the GW 44 and transmits the collected power consumption amount to the cloud server 70 (information processing device 100).
In accessing the Internet from the GW 44, it is assumed that security is ensured by performing a predetermined authentication procedure and encryption processing by the B route device 48. Further, the B route device 48 and the cloud server 70 are also connected after performing a predetermined authentication procedure.

  In the present embodiment, the HEMS 46 is not installed in the customer's house, and a plurality of load devices (device a, device b, device c,...) 54 are only connected to the distribution board 51. . In other embodiments, a HEMS 46 may further be included. In that case, the power measuring device 50 is connected to the distribution board 51, and the power measuring device 50 measures the power consumption of each load device 54. The HEMS 46 may acquire the power consumption amount from the power measurement device 50 and transmit it to the cloud server 70 via the GW 44.

In the present embodiment, the operation information transmitted to the cloud server 70 is the total power consumption of the customer's house, which is meter reading data received from the smart meter 10 through the B route. Further, not only the total power consumption of the customer house which is the meter reading data of the customer house but also the load device 54 (device a, device b, device c, etc.) received by the power measuring device 50 connected to the distribution board 51. ) Or for each branch of distribution board 51 may be included (indicated by a broken line in the figure).
Furthermore, you may transmit the power consumption amount for every apparatus which the electric power measurement apparatus 50 received, and for every branch of the distribution board 51. FIG.

The operation terminal 42 accesses the Internet 5 via the GW 44 and browses a predetermined web page of the web server 60.
Further, when the HEMS 46 is installed, the operation terminal 42 may wirelessly communicate with the HEMS 46 and browse the information on the power consumption stored in the HEMS 46, or access the web server 60 via the HEMS 46. Also good.

  In the cloud server 70, the operation information acquisition unit 102 of the information processing apparatus 100 collects meter reading data of each customer's smart meter 10 and stores it in the measurement value storage unit 152 of the storage device 150.

  Then, the power estimation unit 104 calculates the power consumption of the unit period based on the power consumption of the measurement period and the information regarding the season and the weather. In the unit period after the measurement period, when the temperature is predicted to drop suddenly and the use of heating is predicted to start, the power consumption of the heating equipment is added and the power consumption within the unit period. May be estimated. The estimated power consumption is stored in the estimated value storage unit 162.

  Furthermore, the reduction amount calculation unit 106 uses the power in the unit period when at least one of the load devices 54 (device a, device b, device c, etc.) is changed from the non-power saving mode to the power saving mode after the measurement period. Information indicating the reduction amount is calculated. Information indicating the calculated power reduction amount is stored in the power saving amount storage unit 166.

Then, information related to the power consumption of the consumer is read from the storage device 150, and the screen 130 (FIG. 3) or the screen 230 (FIG. 15) for the user-dedicated page is generated and stored in the web server 60.
The user can log in to the user-dedicated page using the user terminal information using the operation terminal 42 and display the screen 130 or the screen 230.

  The screen 130 or the screen 230 includes an estimated value graph 144 of the power consumption after the measurement period of the current month estimated by the power estimation unit 104, an estimated value graph 148 of the estimated power consumption in the power saving mode, and a reduction amount calculation unit. A target value 146 of the power consumption amount for the current month calculated from the power reduction amount for the current month calculated in 106 is displayed. Further, as shown on the screen 230, the power saving information display unit 232 may display the current month's power saving amount and the saving amount calculated by the reduction amount calculating unit 106.

  In this embodiment, the operation time of the device may be calculated based on the power consumption collected from the smart meter 10 to obtain operation information.

(Example 2)
In the present embodiment, a configuration that uses information related to power consumption or device information collected by the HEMS 46 from each load device 54 will be described.
FIG. 22 is a block diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of the system according to this embodiment.
The system of the present embodiment includes a smart meter 10, a HEMS 46, a GW 44, and an operation terminal 42 at a customer's house.
In the present embodiment, the smart meter 10 measures the power consumption of the customer's house and transmits meter reading data to the HEMS 46.
The HEMS 46 includes a first interface unit I / F1, a second interface unit I / F2, a third interface unit I / F3, and a fourth interface unit I / F4.

The first interface unit I / F1 and the second interface unit I / F2 are the same as in the above embodiment.
The third interface unit I / F 3 performs wireless communication with the load device 54 using ECHONET Lite authentication.
The third interface unit I / F 3 is, for example, a specific low power wireless system using the 920 MHz band, for example, a communication system based on a communication standard such as Wi-SUN, or IEEE 802.15.4 such as Zigbee (registered trademark). The communication system of the wireless communication standard that operates above can be used. In the present embodiment, the third interface unit I / F 3 has a function of performing wireless communication conforming to the Wi-SUN standard.

  The fourth interface unit I / F 4 has a function of communicating with the operation terminal 42 using a wireless communication method such as wireless LAN communication (Wi-Fi), Bluetooth (registered trademark), or the like.

  It is assumed that the HEMS 46 and the load device 54 (device a, device b, device c, etc.) communicate according to the ECHONET Lite communication standard. The HEMS 46 and each load device 54 perform an ECHONET Lite authentication procedure in advance, and communication is established when authenticated. ECHONET Lite authentication uses authentication information for each load device 54.

The HEMS 46 uses the second interface unit I / F2 to access the Internet 5 via the GW 44 and transmits the collected power consumption or device information to the cloud server 70 (information processing apparatus 100).
It is assumed that security is ensured by performing a predetermined authentication procedure and encryption processing by the HEMS 46 when accessing the Internet from the GW 44. Furthermore, the HEMS 46 and the cloud server 70 are also connected after performing a predetermined authentication procedure.

The HEMS 46 communicates wirelessly with the operation terminal 42 using the fourth interface unit I / F 4. The HEMS 46 can access the web server 60 via the GW 44, log in to the user-specific page of the customer, and display the screen 130 on the display of the operation terminal 42. Further, the HEMS 46 may display information acquired from the smart meter 10 and each device on the display of the operation terminal 42.

In this embodiment, the operation information transmitted to the cloud server 70 indicates the power consumption amount of each device received by the HEMS 46 from each load device 54 (device a, device b, device c, etc.) or the operation status of the device. Information (for example, operation mode (normal mode / power saving mode, etc.), operation state (operation / stop, etc.)). Further, the HEMS 46 receives the power consumption amount for each load device 54 (device a, device b, device c, etc.) received by the power measuring device 50 connected to the distribution board 51 or for each branch of the distribution board 51. May be.
Further, the HEMS 46 may receive the power consumption amount for each device received by the power measurement device 50 and for each branch of the distribution board 51. The HEMS 46 transmits these received power consumption amounts to the cloud server 70.

  In the cloud server 70, the operation information acquisition unit 102 of the information processing apparatus 100 collects the power consumption of each device from the HEMS 46 of each consumer and stores it in the measured value storage unit 152 of the storage device 150.

  Then, the power estimation unit 104 calculates the power consumption of the unit period based on the power consumption of the measurement period and the information regarding the season and the weather. In the unit period after the measurement period, when the temperature is predicted to drop suddenly and the use of heating is predicted to start, the power consumption of the heating equipment is added and the power consumption within the unit period. May be estimated. The estimated power consumption is stored in the estimated value storage unit 162.

  Furthermore, the reduction amount calculation unit 106 uses the power in the unit period when at least one of the load devices 54 (device a, device b, device c, etc.) is changed from the non-power saving mode to the power saving mode after the measurement period. Information indicating the reduction amount is calculated. Information indicating the calculated power reduction amount is stored in the power saving amount storage unit 166.

  In addition, the operation information acquisition unit 102 may acquire device information (operation mode or operation status) of each device from the HEMS 46 of each consumer and store it in the device operation information storage unit 154 of the storage device 150. Furthermore, the operation information acquisition unit 102 adds the time indicating the operation state or mode of each device of the consumer other than the operation or stop (the standby is included in the stop) and adds the operation time of one day. Calculate and store in the operating time storage unit 155.

And the operation information acquisition part 102 calculates | requires the power consumption of each apparatus from the operation time for every apparatus, (operation mode), and the power consumption for every apparatus (for every operation mode) given beforehand, and power consumption The data is stored in the quantity storage unit 156.
Then, the power estimation unit 104 calculates the power consumption of the unit period based on the power consumption of the measurement period stored in the power consumption storage unit 156 and the information on the season and the weather. In the unit period after the measurement period, when the temperature is predicted to drop suddenly and the use of heating is predicted to start, the power consumption of the heating equipment is added and the power consumption within the unit period. May be estimated. The estimated power consumption is stored in the estimated value storage unit 162.

  Since the processing of the reduction amount calculation unit 106 is the same as that in the above example, detailed description thereof is omitted.

Then, information related to the power consumption of the consumer is read from the storage device 150, and the screen 130 (FIG. 3) or the screen 230 (FIG. 15) for the user-dedicated page is generated and stored in the web server 60.
The user can log in to the user-dedicated page using the user terminal information using the operation terminal 42 and display the screen 130 or the screen 230.

  The screen 130 or the screen 230 includes an estimated value graph 144 of the power consumption after the measurement period of the current month estimated by the power estimation unit 104, an estimated value graph 148 of the estimated power consumption in the power saving mode, and a reduction amount calculation unit. A target value 146 of the power consumption amount for the current month calculated from the power reduction amount for the current month calculated in 106 is displayed. Further, as shown on the screen 230, the power saving information display unit 232 may display the current month's power saving amount and the saving amount calculated by the reduction amount calculating unit 106.

While the present invention has been described with reference to the embodiments and examples, the present invention is not limited to the above embodiments and examples. Various changes that can be understood by those skilled in the art can be made to the configuration and details of the present invention within the scope of the present invention.
In addition, when acquiring and using the information regarding a user in this invention, this shall be done legally.

Hereinafter, examples of the reference form will be added.
1. Information processing device
Obtain information indicating the operating status of at least one device,
Using the information indicating the operation status of a predetermined measurement period shorter than the unit period for which the electricity fee is settled and the weather information of the unit period, the power consumption amount in the unit period is estimated,
Information processing for obtaining information indicating a power reduction amount in the unit period when at least one of the devices is changed from a mode to a power saving mode that consumes less power than the mode after the measurement period. Method.
2. The information processing apparatus acquires information indicating the power consumption of the at least one device. Information processing method described in 1.
3. The information processing apparatus is
1. Calculate the power consumption amount in the unit period by multiplying the power consumption amount in the measurement period by the ratio of the unit period with respect to the measurement period. Information processing method described in 1.
4). 1. The information processing apparatus is an amount of power passing through a power line to which the at least one device is connected. Or 3. Information processing method described in 1.
5. The information processing apparatus is
1. Obtain information indicating the operating time for each of the at least one device. To 4. The information processing method as described in any one.
6). The information processing apparatus calculates the operating time of the unit period by multiplying the operating time of each of the devices in the measurement period by a ratio of the unit period based on the measurement period, Multiplying the operating time of each device by the power consumption per unit time in the non-power-saving mode, calculating the power consumption of each device, and summing the power consumption of each device, 4. Obtain the power consumption amount in the unit period. Information processing method described in 1.
7). The information processing apparatus is
1. automatically setting each device to the power saving mode; To 6. The information processing method as described in any one.
8). The information processing apparatus further includes:
The estimation result is corrected to the power consumption amount when the power saving mode is canceled from the state where each device is set to the power saving mode,
Using the corrected estimation result, information indicating a power reduction amount in the unit period when the power saving mode is set is obtained. To 7. The information processing method as described in any one.
9. The information processing apparatus corrects the power consumption using a coefficient set according to weather conditions. To 8. The information processing method as described in any one.
10. The coefficient is different for each device, and the larger the change in the power consumption by the control of the device, the larger the coefficient in the device. Information processing method described in 1.
11. The information processing apparatus calculates the power reduction amount based on a reduction rate set according to the power consumption amount and weather conditions. To 10. The information processing method as described in any one.
12 10. The reduction rate differs for each device, and the greater the change in the power consumption due to the control of the device, the greater the reduction rate in the device. Information processing method described in 1.
13. The information processing apparatus notifies the user of information indicating the calculated power reduction amount. To 12. The information processing method as described in any one.
14 The information processing apparatus presents the setting content of the power saving mode of each device to the user. To 13. The information processing method as described in any one.
15. The information processing apparatus further includes:
Get information about rate plans,
1. Determine an operation schedule for each of the devices based on the estimated power consumption and an upper limit value of the power consumption set based on the price plan. To 14. The information processing method as described in any one.
16. The information about the price plan includes the time zone when the discount occurs,
When the power consumption amount is greater than or equal to a first predetermined value in a discount non-applicable time zone other than the time zone during which the discount occurs, the information processing apparatus is configured to perform the discount based on a preset priority of the device. 15. Decide which devices to stop using during non-application hours; Information processing method described in 1.
17. The information about the price plan includes the time zone when the discount occurs,
When the power consumption amount in the discount application time zone where the discount occurs is less than a second predetermined value, the information processing apparatus operates a device that operates in the discount application time zone according to a preset priority of the device. 15. Determine Or 16. Information processing method described in 1.
18. The information processing apparatus further includes:
When the number of times that the upper limit value of the power consumption amount set based on the rate plan is continuously exceeded is a predetermined value or more, another charge plan in which the upper limit value of the power consumption amount is larger than the estimated power consumption amount Identify
15. Notifying the other rate plan and prompting to change the rate plan; To 17. The information processing method as described in any one.

19. On the computer,
A procedure for obtaining information indicating the operating status of at least one device;
A procedure for estimating power consumption in the unit period using information indicating the operation status in a predetermined measurement period shorter than a unit period for performing settlement of power charges and weather information of the unit period,
A procedure for obtaining information indicating power reduction amount in the unit period when at least one of the devices is changed from a mode to a power saving mode that consumes less power than that mode after the measurement period is executed. Program to let you.
20. 18. causing a computer to execute a procedure of acquiring information indicating the power consumption of the at least one device as the information indicating the operation status; The program described in.
21. When estimating the power consumption, a computer calculates a procedure for calculating the power consumption in the unit period by multiplying the power consumption in the measurement period by a ratio of the unit period based on the measurement period. 20. to execute the operation. The program described in.
22. The power consumption is an amount of power passing through a power line to which the at least one device is connected. Or 21. The program described in.
23. 18. causing a computer to execute a procedure of acquiring information indicating an operation time for each of the at least one device as the information indicating the operation status; To 22. The program according to any one of the above.
24. When estimating the power consumption, the operating time of the unit period is calculated by multiplying the operating time of each of the devices in the measurement period by a ratio of the unit period based on the measurement period, The operation time of each device is multiplied by the power consumption per unit time in the non-power-saving mode of each device to calculate the power consumption of each device, and the power consumption of each device is calculated. 23. causing the computer to execute a procedure for obtaining the power consumption amount in the unit period in total. The program described in.
25. 18. Further causing a computer to execute a procedure for automatically setting each of the devices to the power saving mode. To 24. The program according to any one of the above.
26. A procedure for correcting the estimation result to a power consumption amount when the power saving mode is canceled from the state where each device is set to the power saving mode,
19. causing a computer to execute a procedure for obtaining information indicating a power reduction amount in the unit period when the power saving mode is set using the corrected estimation result; To 25. The program according to any one of the above.
27. 18. When causing the computer to execute a procedure for correcting the power consumption amount using a coefficient set according to weather conditions when estimating the power consumption amount; To 26. The program according to any one of the above.
28. The coefficient is different for each device, and the larger the change in the power consumption by the control of the device, the larger the coefficient in the device. The program described in.
29. 18. causing a computer to execute a procedure for calculating the power reduction amount based on the power consumption and a reduction rate set according to weather conditions; To 28. The program according to any one of the above.
30. The reduction rate differs for each device, and the greater the change in the power consumption due to the control of the device, the greater the reduction rate in the device. 29. The program described in.
31. 18. causing a computer to execute a procedure of notifying a user of information indicating the calculated power reduction amount; To 30. The program according to any one of the above.
32. 18. for causing a computer to execute a procedure for presenting a user with setting contents of the power saving mode of each device; To 31. The program according to any one of the above.
33. Steps to get information about rate plans,
18. Further causing a computer to execute a procedure for determining an operation schedule for each of the devices based on the estimated power consumption and an upper limit value of the power consumption set based on the price plan. To 32. The program according to any one of the above.
34. The information about the price plan includes the time zone when the discount occurs,
When the power consumption amount is equal to or greater than a first predetermined value in a discount non-applicable time period other than the time period in which the discount occurs, use in the discount non-applicable time period based on a preset priority of the device 33. causing the computer to execute a procedure for determining a device to stop the operation. The program described in.
35. The information about the price plan includes the time zone when the discount occurs,
If the power consumption amount in the discount application time zone where the discount occurs is less than a second predetermined value, the computer determines a procedure for determining a device to be operated in the discount application time zone according to a preset priority of the device. 33. to execute Or 34. The program described in.
36. When the number of times that the upper limit value of the power consumption amount set based on the rate plan is continuously exceeded is a predetermined value or more, another charge plan in which the upper limit value of the power consumption amount is larger than the estimated power consumption amount Steps to identify,
33. Notifying the other rate plan and causing the computer to execute a procedure for prompting the change of the rate plan; To 35. The program according to any one of the above.

3, 5 Network 10 Smart meter 20 Electric power company 30 PPS
40 communication equipment 42 operation terminal 44 GW
46 HEMS
48 B route equipment 50 Power measuring device 51 Distribution board 54 Load device 60 Web server 70 Cloud server 80 Computer 82 CPU
84 Memory 85 Storage 86 I / O
87 Communication I / F
89 Bus 90 Program 100 Information processing apparatus 102 Operation information acquisition unit 104 Power estimation unit 106 Reduction amount calculation unit 130 Screen 132 Transition graph display unit 134 Display item selection button 140 Bar graph 142 Cumulative graph 144 Estimated value graph 146 Line 148 Estimated value graph 150 Storage device 152 Measured value storage unit 153 Integrated value storage unit 154 Device operation information storage unit 155 Operation time storage unit 156 Power consumption storage unit 158 Mode setting storage unit 160 Correction seasonal parameter storage unit 161 Seasonal parameter storage unit for power saving calculation 162 Estimated value storage unit 164 User information storage unit 166 Power saving amount storage unit 200 Information processing device 210 Control unit 230 Screen 232 Power saving information display unit 236 Operation button 238 Operation button 300 Information processing device 312 Correction unit 350 Storage device 352 Mode Another threshold storage unit

Claims (20)

Operation information acquisition means for acquiring information indicating the operation status of at least one device;
Power estimation means for estimating power consumption in the unit period using information indicating the operation status of a predetermined measurement period shorter than a unit period for which the electricity fee is settled and the weather information of the unit period; ,
Reduction amount calculation for obtaining information indicating the amount of power reduction in the unit period when at least one of the devices is changed from a mode to a power saving mode that consumes less power than that mode after the measurement period Means,
An information processing apparatus comprising: The operation information acquisition means includes
The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein information indicating power consumption of the at least one device is acquired. The power estimation means calculates the power consumption amount in the unit period by multiplying the power consumption amount in the measurement period by a ratio of the unit period with reference to the measurement period.
The information processing apparatus according to claim 2. The power consumption is an amount of power passing through a power line to which the at least one device is connected.
The information processing apparatus according to claim 2 or 3. The operation information acquisition means includes
The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein information indicating an operation time for each of the at least one device is acquired. The power estimation means calculates the operating time of the unit period by multiplying the operating time of each of the devices in the measurement period by a ratio of the unit period with the measurement period as a reference. Multiplying the operating time of each device by the power consumption per unit time in the non-power-saving mode, calculating the power consumption of each device, and summing the power consumption of each device, Obtaining the power consumption in the unit period;
The information processing apparatus according to claim 5. A control means for automatically setting each of the devices to the power saving mode;
The information processing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 6. A correction means for correcting the estimation result by the power estimation means to a power consumption amount when the power saving mode is canceled from a state where each device is set to the power saving mode;
The reduction amount calculating means includes
Using the estimation result corrected by the correcting means, obtain information indicating a power reduction amount in the unit period when the power saving mode is set.
The information processing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 7. The power estimation means corrects the power consumption using a coefficient set according to weather conditions.
The information processing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 8.   The information processing apparatus according to claim 9, wherein the coefficient is different for each device, and the coefficient of the device is larger as a change in the power consumption by the control of the device is larger. The reduction amount calculating means includes
The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the power reduction amount is calculated based on a reduction rate set according to the power consumption amount and weather conditions. The reduction rate differs for each device, and the greater the change in the power consumption due to the control of the device, the greater the reduction rate in the device.
The information processing apparatus according to claim 11. A notification means for notifying a user of information indicating the power reduction amount calculated by the reduction amount calculation means;
The information processing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 12. Further comprising a presentation means for presenting the setting content of the power saving mode of each device to the user,
The information processing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 13. Rate plan information acquisition means for acquiring information about rate plans;
Determination means for determining an operation schedule for each device based on the power consumption estimated by the power estimation means and an upper limit value of power consumption set based on the rate plan;
The information processing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 14. The information about the price plan includes the time zone when the discount occurs,
When the power consumption amount is greater than or equal to a first predetermined value in a discount non-applicable time zone other than the time zone in which the discount occurs, the determining means determines whether the discount is not applied based on a preset priority of the device. Determine the devices that will be suspended during the applicable hours,
The information processing apparatus according to claim 15. The information about the price plan includes the time zone when the discount occurs,
The determination means determines a device to be operated in the discount application time zone according to a preset priority of the device when the power consumption amount in the discount application time zone in which the discount is generated is less than a second predetermined value. To
The information processing apparatus according to claim 15 or 16. When the number of times that the upper limit value of the power consumption amount set based on the rate plan is continuously exceeded is a predetermined value or more, the upper limit value of the power consumption amount is more than the power consumption amount estimated by the power estimation means. A specific means of identifying other large rate plans,
An output means for notifying the other rate plan and prompting the change of the rate plan;
The information processing apparatus according to any one of claims 15 to 17. Information processing device
Obtain information indicating the operating status of at least one device,
Using the information indicating the operation status of a predetermined measurement period shorter than the unit period for which the electricity fee is settled and the weather information of the unit period, the power consumption amount in the unit period is estimated,
Information processing for obtaining information indicating a power reduction amount in the unit period when at least one of the devices is changed from a mode to a power saving mode that consumes less power than the mode after the measurement period. Method. On the computer,
A procedure for obtaining information indicating the operating status of at least one device;
A procedure for estimating power consumption in the unit period using information indicating the operation status in a predetermined measurement period shorter than a unit period for performing settlement of power charges and weather information of the unit period,
A procedure for obtaining information indicating power reduction amount in the unit period when at least one of the devices is changed from a mode to a power saving mode that consumes less power than that mode after the measurement period is executed. Program to let you.

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