JP4325467B2 - Automatic power control system - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to an automatic power supply control system, and more particularly to an automatic power supply control system that automatically optimizes power consumption of an entire network connected with a plurality of terminals while improving convenience.

  Conventionally, in this type of automatic power control system, it is possible to optimize the power consumption by predicting the time period when the target terminal is not used by the usage history of each terminal, sensors, etc., and managing the power supply during that time period. Has been done.

  As a system for managing the power supply, Patent Document 1 proposes an energization control device as shown in FIG. That is, the energization control apparatus shown in the figure includes a controller 3 and an adapter 4 connected between the commercial power source 1 and the electric device 2, and an occupancy detection that checks that a person is active in the room and transmits it to the controller 3. And an adapter 5.

  In such an energization control device, the adapter 4 encrypts and communicates information on the power used by the electrical device 2 with the controller 3 and supplies power to the electrical device 2 based on a signal received from the controller 3. The controller 3 predicts that the electric device 2 is used or not used in the current time zone based on the power information received from the adapter 4 and the occupancy information received from the occupancy detection adapter 5. The data is encrypted and transmitted to the adapter 4. In addition, as information used for prediction, in addition to occupancy information, lighting usage information, locking information, and the like are also mentioned. Through the above operation, accurate energy saving and power saving can be realized automatically without being known to a third party.

  Patent Document 2 proposes a power management apparatus as shown in FIG. That is, the power management apparatus shown in FIG. 3 manages the power of a plurality of printers 8 connected to a plurality of host apparatuses 6 via a network 7 and monitors whether the host apparatus 6 is turned on. A host operating state monitoring unit 9, a host-specific priority setting unit 10 for setting the priority of each printer 8 for each host device 6, and a set host-specific priority in consideration of the host operating state. A printer information totaling unit 11 that calculates the priority for each printer 8, a printer power source determination unit 12 that determines whether or not each printer 8 is required to operate from the totaling result of the printer information totaling unit 11, and whether or not each printer 8 is required to operate And a printer power source control unit 13 for remotely operating the power source of the printer 8 based on the above.

In such a power management apparatus, the host operating status monitoring unit 9 monitors the operating status of the host device 6 and sends this operating information to the printer information totaling unit 11. The printer information totaling unit 11 calculates the priority for each printer 8 by totaling the operation information and the priority of each printer 8 for each host device 6 set in the priority setting unit 10 for each host, Based on the totaled result, the printer power source determination unit 12 determines whether or not each printer 8 needs to be operated. The printer power supply control unit 13 remotely operates the power supply of the printer 8 based on the determination of whether or not each printer 8 is operating. With the above operation, the necessity of the printer 8 is determined from the priority and operating state of each host device 6 and the power management is performed, so that the energy saving effect of the entire network can be automatically obtained.
JP 2001-251759 A (pages 1 and 2, FIG. 4) JP 2003-303075 A (pages 1 to 4, FIG. 1)

  However, since the above-described energization control device of Patent Document 1 does not have a quantitative verification function regarding the damage between the power saving effect and the convenience due to the power management, an appropriate terminal operation mode that achieves both the convenience and the power saving effect. Setting control conditions for management is difficult. In addition, the setting that prioritizes the power saving effect impairs the convenience, so that the utilization rate decreases, and the condition setting that prioritizes the convenience reduces the power saving effect.

  On the other hand, the power management device of Patent Document 2 described above is limited to a shared device such as a printer 8 or a copier that is easy to predict operation, and cannot apply a uniform control condition to the entire terminal group. Terminals individually managed by users, such as devices and personal computers, are managed under individual control conditions, and thorough management and systematic management of the entire terminal group is difficult.

  The problem to be solved is that if there is no quantitative verification function regarding the damage between the power saving effect and the convenience due to the power management, the control condition setting for the appropriate operation mode management of the terminal that achieves both the convenience and the power saving effect However, the setting that gives priority to the power saving effect impairs the convenience, so that the utilization rate decreases, and the condition setting that gives priority to the convenience makes the power saving effect smaller.

The automatic power supply control system of the present invention is an automatic power supply control system in which terminals having a plurality of operation modes with different power consumptions are connected via a network, and in which operation mode the terminal is in operation. and operation information collecting means collects and repeatedly transmitted via the network operation information indicating whether the state not in operation, use result database for receiving the operation information, stored as actual use in association with the operating time information and A correlation formula construction means for constructing a correlation formula representing a correlation between each time zone and the operation information of the terminal with reference to the usage record database; and receiving the latest operation information of the terminal , and receiving the correlation against the formula, an operation probability estimation means for calculating a prediction operation probability representing a probability the terminal is being operated in the following operation information received, each of said terminal And performance input means for receiving an input of the device information including the time required for changing the power consumption and operating mode of the dynamic mode, the device information database for storing the device information of the terminal, by referring to the device information database, wherein Using the device information and the predicted operation probability, the power saving effect expected value indicating the expected value of the power saving effect when the operation mode of the terminal is changed, and the requirement for returning from the operation mode to the original operation mode Expected value calculating means for calculating an expected value of convenience damage representing an expected value of time, and control that receives input of control condition information for changing a weighting coefficient between the expected value of power saving effect and the expected value of convenience damage a condition input means, and coefficient changing means for changing the weighting coefficients between the convenience damage expected value and the power saving effect expected value based on the control condition information, the power saving effect The expected value, the operation mode selecting means for comparing, and the convenience damage expectation was weighted by the weighting coefficient for each updating of the operation information, and transmits the operation mode change signal according to the result of comparison, the operating mode And an operation mode changing means for changing the operation mode of the terminal according to the operation mode change signal when a change signal is received.
Further, a sensing means for transmitting by sensing the terminal peripheral information of the terminal, receiving the terminal peripheral information, and a terminal peripheral information database for storing the terminal peripheral information, the correlation equation construction unit, the use Referring to the results database and the terminal peripheral information database, in addition to the operation information and the time zone of the terminal, means for constructing the correlation equation using the correlation between the operation information and the terminal peripheral information of the terminal has, the operation probability estimating means, in addition to the latest operation information of the terminal receives the latest terminal peripheral information, wherein against the correlation equation, to have a means for calculating said prediction operation probability Can be.
In addition, the apparatus includes a schedule input unit that receives and transmits an input of an action schedule of a user of the terminal , and a schedule history database that receives the action schedule and accumulates it as a history, and the correlation formula construction unit includes the usage record Referring to the database with the appointment history database, in addition to the operation information and the time zone of the terminal comprises means for constructing the correlation equation using the correlation with the action schedule and operation information of the terminal , the operation probability estimating means, in addition to the latest operation information of the terminal, that receives the most recent scheduled activity, the against the correlation expression, to have a means for calculating said prediction operation probability it can.
A target value input means for receiving and transmitting a target value of power consumption within a predetermined period of the entire network; and receiving the operation information of the terminal transmitted from the operation information collection means , A cumulative power consumption information database that calculates and accumulates a cumulative value, the coefficient changing means refers to the cumulative power consumption information database, calculates a predicted value of the cumulative power consumption amount within the predetermined period , by comparison with the target value and the predicted value, to change the weighting coefficients between the convenience damage expected cumulative power amount and the power saving effect expected to match to the target value within the predetermined period Means can be included.
In addition, a plurality of terminals are connected to the network, and the correlation formula construction means refers to the usage record database, and in addition to target terminal operation information and each time zone , target terminal operation information and using the correlation with the operation information of the other terminals can be made to have a means for constructing the correlation equation.
Further, the operation information collecting means, the operation information processing, it is possible to have a means for compressing or encryption.
The automatic power control method of the present invention is an automatic power control method for a network in which terminals having a plurality of operation modes with different power consumptions are connected, in which operation mode the terminal is operating and whether the terminal is operating. repeatedly through the collected network operation information indicating whether the state not the operation information collecting step of transmitting, with reference to use result database for storing a record used in association with the time by receiving the operation information, the time A correlation formula construction step for constructing a correlation formula representing the correlation between the band and the operation information of the terminal , the latest operation information of the terminal is received, compared with the correlation formula, and at the time of the next operation information reception an operation probability estimation step of calculating a prediction operation probability representing a probability the terminal is being operated, when required for changing the power consumption and operating mode of each operating mode of the terminal And performance input step of receiving an input of device information including, refers to the device information database for storing the device information of the terminal, the utilizing the prediction operation probability and the device information, and changes the operation mode of the terminal and the power saving effect expected value representing the expected value of the power saving effect of the case, the expected value calculation step of calculating a convenience damage expectation value indicating the expectation value of the time required for returning from the operation mode to the original operation mode, the the convenience damage the power saving effect expected value and the control condition input step of receiving an input of the control condition information for changing the weighting coefficients between the convenience damage expected value, and the power saving effect expected value based on the control condition information a coefficient changing step of changing a weighting coefficient between the expected value, the power-saving effect expected value, updating of, and the convenience damage expectation was weighted by the weighting factor the operation information Compared to the operation mode selection step of transmitting the operation mode change signal according to the result of comparison, when receiving the operation mode change signal, it changes the operation mode of the terminal according to the operation mode change signal operating mode It is characterized by having a change.
Further, by sensing the terminal peripheral information of the terminal, the sensing step to be transmitted to the terminal peripheral information database, in the correlation expression structuring step, with reference to said and said usage record database terminal peripheral information database, the terminal other operational information and the time zone, and a step of constructing the correlation equation using the correlation between the operation information and the terminal peripheral information of the terminal, the operation probability estimating step, the terminal Besides the latest operation information, and receive the latest terminal peripheral information, wherein against the correlation equation, it may be to include the step of calculating the prediction operation probability.
In addition, during the schedule input step of receiving and transmitting the action schedule of the user of the terminal and transmitting the correlation formula construction step, the usage record database and the schedule history database are referred to, and the operation information of the terminal in addition to the each time zone, and the process of constructing the correlation equation by using the correlation between the action plans and operating information of the terminal, in the operation probability estimation process, the other of the latest operating information of the terminal to, and receive the latest action plan, the against the correlation equation, may be to have a step of calculating the prediction operation probability.
In addition, in the target value input step of receiving and transmitting the target value of the power consumption amount within a predetermined period of the entire network, and the coefficient changing step, the operation information of the terminal transmitted from the operation information collecting means Receiving , referring to a cumulative power consumption information database that calculates and accumulates a cumulative value of power consumption , calculates a predicted value of cumulative power consumption within the predetermined period, and calculates the predicted value and the target value by comparison, it is made to a step of the cumulative power amount in the predetermined period to change the weighting coefficient between the power saving effect expected value and the convenience damage expected to match to the target value it can.
In addition, a plurality of terminals are connected to the network, and the correlation formula construction process refers to the usage record database, and in addition to the operation information of the target terminal and each time zone , the operation of the target terminal wherein it is possible to include the step of constructing the correlation equation by using the correlation between the information and the another terminal of the operational information.
Further, the operation information collecting step may include a step of processing, compressing, or encrypting the operation information.
The program of the present invention is a program for executing automatic power control in which terminals having a plurality of operation modes with different power consumptions are connected, and in which operation mode the terminal is in operation and in operation. repeatedly through the collected network operation information indicating whether the state not the operation information collecting step of transmitting, with reference to use result database for storing a record used in association with the time by receiving the operation information, the time A correlation formula construction step for constructing a correlation formula representing the correlation between the band and the operation information of the terminal , the latest operation information of the terminal is received, compared with the correlation formula, and at the time of the next operation information reception an operation probability estimation step of calculating a prediction operation probability representing a probability the terminal is being operated, required for changing the power consumption and operating mode of each operating mode of the terminal And performance input step of receiving an input of device information including between, refers to the device information database for storing the device information of the terminal, by using said prediction operation probability and the device information, changing the operation mode of the terminal An expected value calculation step of calculating a power saving effect expected value representing an expected value of the power saving effect in a case where a power loss effect is expected, and a convenience damage expected value representing an expected value of a time required for returning from the operation mode to the original operation mode ; wherein the power saving effect expected value control condition input step of receiving an input of the control condition information for changing the weighting coefficients between the convenience damage expected value, and the power saving effect expected value based on the control condition information convenience a coefficient changing step of changing a weighting coefficient between the damage expected value, the power-saving effect expected value, a further of the said convenience damage expectation was weighted by the weighting factor the operation information Compared to each, and operating mode selection step of transmitting the operation mode change signal according to the result of comparison, when receiving the operation mode change signal, operation of changing the operation mode of the terminal according to the operation mode change signal A mode change is executed by a computer.
Further, by sensing the terminal peripheral information of the terminal, the sensing step to be transmitted to the terminal peripheral information database, in the correlation expression structuring step, with reference to said and said usage record database terminal peripheral information database, the terminal other operational information and the time zone, and a step of constructing the correlation equation using the correlation between the operation information and the terminal peripheral information of the terminal, the operation probability estimating step, the terminal Besides the latest operation information, and receive the latest terminal peripheral information, wherein against the correlation equation, it may be to include the step of calculating the prediction operation probability.
In addition, during the schedule input step of receiving and transmitting the action schedule input of the user of the terminal and the correlation formula building step, the operation result information of the terminal is referred to with reference to the usage record database and the schedule history database. and the other of each time zone, and the process of constructing the correlation equation by using the correlation between the action plans and operating information of the terminal, in the operation probability estimation process, the latest operating information of the terminal Alternatively, to receive the latest action plan, the against the correlation equation, may be to have a step of calculating the prediction operation probability.
In addition, in the target value input step of receiving and transmitting the target value of the power consumption amount within a predetermined period of the entire network, and the coefficient changing step, the operation information of the terminal transmitted from the operation information collecting means Receiving , referring to a cumulative power consumption information database that calculates and accumulates a cumulative value of power consumption , calculates a predicted value of cumulative power consumption within the predetermined period, and calculates the predicted value and the target value by comparison, it is made to a step of the cumulative power amount in the predetermined period to change the weighting coefficient between the power saving effect expected value and the convenience damage expected to match to the target value it can.
In addition, a plurality of terminals are connected to the network, and the correlation formula construction process refers to the usage record database, and in addition to the operation information of the target terminal and each time zone , the operation of the target terminal wherein it is possible to include the step of constructing the correlation equation by using the correlation between the information and the another terminal of the operational information.
Further, the operation information collecting step may include a step of processing, compressing, or encrypting the operation information.
Server of the present invention, a use record database for storing a corresponding marked by use record the time by receiving the operation information of the terminal to be sent over the network, by referring to the actual-use database, said each time zone Correlation formula construction means for constructing a correlation formula that represents a correlation with the operation information of the terminal , the latest operation information of the terminal is received, compared with the correlation formula, and when the next operation information is received, the terminal An operation probability estimating means for calculating a predicted operation probability representing a probability of being operated ; a performance input means for receiving input of device information including a power consumption of each operation mode of the terminal and a time required for changing the operation mode ; , and the device information database for storing the device information of the terminal, by referring to the device information database, by using said prediction operation probability and the device information, operation of the terminal Expected value calculating a power saving effect expected value representing the expected value of the power saving effect of changing over de, a convenience damage expectation value indicating the expectation value of the time required for returning from the operation mode to the original operation mode Calculating means; control condition input means for receiving control condition information for changing a weighting coefficient between the expected power saving effect value and the expected convenience damage value; and the expected power saving effect based on the control condition information. and coefficient changing means for changing the weighting coefficients between the values and the convenience damage expected value, the power-saving effect expected value, comparing, and the convenience damage expectation was weighted by the weighting coefficient for each updating of the operation information and the operation mode selecting means for transmitting the operation mode change signal according to the result of comparison, when receiving the operation mode change signal, the operation of the terminal according to the operation mode change signal Characterized in that it comprises a working mode changing means for changing over mode.
Further, a sensing means for transmitting by sensing the terminal peripheral information of the terminal, receiving the terminal peripheral information, and a terminal peripheral information database for storing the terminal peripheral information, the correlation equation construction unit, the use Referring to the results database and the terminal peripheral information database, in addition to the operation information and the time zone of the terminal, means for constructing the correlation equation using the correlation between the operation information and the terminal peripheral information of the terminal has, the operation probability estimating means, in addition to the latest operation information of the terminal receives the latest terminal peripheral information, wherein against the correlation equation, to have a means for calculating said prediction operation probability Can be.
In addition, the apparatus includes a schedule input unit that receives and transmits an input of an action schedule of a user of the terminal , and a schedule history database that receives the action schedule and accumulates it as a history, and the correlation formula construction unit includes the usage record Referring to the database with the appointment history database, in addition to the operation information and the time zone of the terminal comprises means for constructing the correlation equation using the correlation with the action schedule and operation information of the terminal , the operation probability estimating means, in addition to the latest operation information of the terminal, that receives the most recent scheduled activity, the against the correlation expression, to have a means for calculating said prediction operation probability it can.
A target value input means for receiving and transmitting a target value of power consumption within a predetermined period of the entire network; and receiving the operation information of the terminal transmitted from the operation information collection means , A cumulative power consumption information database that calculates and accumulates a cumulative value, the coefficient changing means refers to the cumulative power consumption information database, calculates a predicted value of the cumulative power consumption amount within the predetermined period , by comparison with the target value and the predicted value, to change the weighting coefficients between the convenience damage expected cumulative power amount and the power saving effect expected to match to the target value within the predetermined period Means can be included.
In addition, a plurality of terminals are connected to the network, and the correlation formula construction means refers to the usage record database, and in addition to target terminal operation information and each time zone , target terminal operation information and using the correlation with the operation information of the other terminals can be made to have a means for constructing the correlation equation.
In the automatic power control system according to the present invention, the predicted operation probability of the terminal connected to the network is estimated from the actual use, and the predicted power saving effect value and the convenience damage expected value are calculated using the predicted operation probability. Thus, each terminal can be automatically controlled so as to select the operation mode with the highest utility by comparing the expected power saving effect value and the expected convenience damage value of each terminal.

  The automatic power supply control system of the present invention estimates the predicted operation probability of a plurality of terminals connected to the network from the actual use, and calculates the expected power saving effect value and the expected convenience damage value using the predicted operation probability. Since each terminal is automatically controlled so as to select the most effective operation mode by comparing the expected power saving effect value and convenience expected value of each terminal, the effect and convenience of operation mode management can be improved. Damage can be quantified and compared, and the utility of operating mode management can be maximized.

  In the present invention, the utility of the operation mode management is maximized by quantifying and comparing the effect of the operation mode management with the loss of convenience. In addition, we improved the terminal operation prediction method and applied uniform control conditions to the entire group of terminals connected to the network, enabling thorough management and systematic management.

(Embodiment 1)
FIG. 1 is a diagram showing Embodiment 1 of the automatic power control system of the present invention, and FIG. 2 is a flowchart for explaining the operation of the automatic power control system of FIG.

  The automatic power control system shown in FIG. 1 includes a server 100, a plurality of terminals 20, 21, 22..., A usage record DB (database) 50, and a device information DB (database). ) 60, an external terminal 30 capable of inputting information and transmitting it to the server 100, and an information communication network 40 such as the Internet for interconnecting them. In FIG. 1, only one server 100 is displayed, but a plurality of servers 100 may be used depending on the amount of information to be processed.

  The server 100 includes a terminal information reception unit 110, an operation probability prediction unit 120, an influence calculation unit 130, an operation mode optimization unit 140, and a server information transmission unit 150. The operation probability prediction unit 120 includes a correlation information calculation unit 121, a correlation formula update unit 122, and a predicted operation probability calculation unit 123. The influence calculation unit 130 includes a power saving effect expected value calculation unit 131 and a convenience damage expected value calculation unit 132. The operation mode optimization unit 140 includes a coefficient adjustment unit 141 and a mode change determination unit 142.

  The terminal information receiving unit 110 receives operation information periodically transmitted from each terminal information transmitting unit 202 of the terminals 20, 21, 22... And control condition information transmitted from the external terminal group 30 at an arbitrary timing. And has a function of transmitting to a predetermined part in the server 100.

  The correlation information calculation unit 121 refers to the usage record that is the history of the operation information of each terminal 20, 21, 22... Stored in the usage record DB 50, and uses each terminal 20, 21, 22. Extracting parameters correlated with the actual results and quantifying the correlation, the operation information and time of the target terminals 20, 21, 22... And the operation of other terminals 20, 21, 22. It has a function of constructing a correlation expression that expresses a correlation with information as a probability.

  The operation information includes the presence / absence, interval, frequency, and the like of energization and operation for each of the terminals 20, 21, 22. As information correlated with the usage record, there is information indicating dependency such as operation correlation between the terminals 20, 21, 22... .

  The correlation formula update unit 122 has a function of updating and storing the correlation formula formulated by the correlation information calculation unit 121. The predicted operation probability calculation unit 123 compares the latest operation information of each terminal 20, 21, 22... Transmitted from the terminal information reception unit 110 with the correlation formula stored in the correlation formula update unit 122. It has a function of calculating the probability that each terminal 20, 21, 22... Will be operated before the next information reception.

  The power saving effect expected value calculation unit 131 uses the predicted operation probabilities of the terminals 20, 21, 22... Calculated by the predicted operation probability calculation unit 123 and the device information referenced from the device information DB 60, thereby saving the power saving effect. It has a function to calculate an expected value. The expected power saving effect is a numerical value of the effect obtained by controlling the operation mode of each terminal 20, 21, 22... is there. The device information is information related to the performance of each terminal 20, 21, 22..., And the power consumption of each operation mode (operation, standby, power saving, stop, etc.) of each terminal 20, 21, 22. These are the amount of carbon dioxide emissions per hour, the amount of power consumed and the amount of carbon dioxide emissions per mode change.

  The convenience loss expected value calculation unit 132 uses the predicted operation probabilities of the terminals 20, 21, 22... Calculated by the prediction operation probability calculation unit 123 and the device information referenced from the device information DB 60, thereby reducing the convenience loss. It has a function to calculate an expected value. The expected value of convenience loss is obtained by quantifying the effect of damage by controlling the operation mode of each terminal 20, 21, 22,..., And waiting time for returning to the operation mode before control. Compensation cost of opportunity loss by being controlled at an appropriate timing.

  The device information used for the calculation includes artificial time such as time required for returning to each operation mode for each terminal and time importance of each terminal 20, 21, 22. Information, user hourly wages, etc.

  The coefficient adjustment unit 141 has a function of changing the weighting coefficient between the power saving effect expected value and the convenience loss expected value so as to meet the conditions based on the control condition information transmitted from the external terminal 30. The control condition information includes an initial value, a power saving system strengthening rate compared to the present, an upper limit value of convenience damage, a monetary value of time and electric energy, and the like.

  The mode change determination unit 142 uses the weighting coefficient adjusted by the coefficient adjustment unit 141 to compare the power saving effect expected value and the convenience damage expected value every time the information is updated, and by each logical expression using the magnitude relationship, The necessity of changing the operation mode is determined for all or some of the terminals 20, 21, 22..., And the terminals 20, 21, 22. , 22... Has a function of issuing the information as a mode change signal.

  The server information transmission unit 150 has a function of transmitting the operation mode change signal issued by the mode change determination unit 142 to each of the terminals 20, 21, 22. The change of the operation mode here is expected to save power and not only a change that sacrifices convenience (operation-> standby-> power saving-> stop), but also expected to improve convenience even if the power consumption is increased. Also included is a change that allows an increase in power consumption (stop → power saving → standby → operation).

  The usage record DB 50 receives the operation information of each of the terminals 20, 21, 22... Transmitted from the terminal information transmission unit 202 at regular time intervals, accumulates the usage information corresponding to the time, and stores the correlation information calculation unit. 121 has a function enabling reference.

  The device information DB 60 receives and accumulates device information of each terminal 20, 21, 22... Transmitted from the terminal information transmission unit 301 when device information is input to the external terminal 30, and calculates a power saving effect expected value. Unit 131 and convenience damage expected value calculation unit 132 have a function that enables reference.

  Each terminal 20, 21, 22... Is assumed to be an electrical appliance for office use such as a personal computer, a printer, or a router, or an electrical appliance for home use such as lighting, an electric kettle, an air conditioner, a television, or a video. In addition, at least an operation information management unit 201, a terminal information transmission unit 202, a server information reception unit 203, and a mode change unit 204 are provided.

  The operation information management unit 201 collects the presence / absence of input to the interfaces, operation buttons, remote control, etc. of the terminals 20, 21, 22... In addition, it has a function of performing processing such as numerical arrangement for reducing communication capacity, compression, and encryption for improving security.

  The terminal information transmitting unit 202 has a function of collecting operation information transmitted from each terminal 20, 21, 22,... And periodically transmitting it to the server 100 and the usage record DB 50. The server information receiving unit 203 receives a mode change signal periodically transmitted from the server 100 to each terminal 20, 21, 22,..., And sends it to the mode change unit 204 of each terminal 20, 21, 22. It has a function to communicate.

  The mode change unit 204 has a function of changing the operation modes of all the terminals 20, 21, 22... And some devices according to the mode change signal transmitted from the server information receiving unit 203. If there is a possibility that the operating environment before the change, such as working software or unsaved data, may be lost due to the change of the operation mode, this data is temporarily saved, and it can be operated in the next operation mode. It may have a function of automatically restoring the original usage environment when changing.

  The external terminal 30 includes at least a terminal information transmission unit 301, a device information input unit 302, and a control condition information input unit 303. Further, the external terminal 30 can also be used as any one of the terminals 20, 21, 22,.

  The terminal information transmission unit 301 has a function of transmitting the device information input to the device information input unit 302 to the device information DB 60. Further, the terminal information transmission unit 301 has a function of transmitting the control condition information information input to the control condition information input unit 303 to the server 100.

  The device information input unit 302 has a function that enables input of device information at an arbitrary timing such as addition of a new terminal. The control condition information input unit 303 has a function that makes it possible to input control condition information related to reduction of power consumption of the entire network at an arbitrary timing.

Next, the operation of the automatic power supply control system described above will be described in detail with reference to FIG.
Each terminal 20, 21, 22... Collects and processes operation information at regular time intervals, organizes numerical values to reduce communication capacity, compresses, and processes such as encryption to improve security (Step A1). Each terminal 20, 21, 22... Collects operation information and periodically transmits it to the server 100 and the usage record DB 50 (step A2).

  The usage record DB 50 receives the operation information of each terminal 20, 21, 22,... (Step A3). The usage record DB 50 stores the received operation information as a use record corresponding to the time (step A4).

  The server 100 refers to the usage records, extracts parameters that correlate with the usage records of the respective terminals 20, 21, 22,..., And quantifies the correlation, thereby constructing a correlation equation (step A5). The server 100 updates and stores the constructed correlation equation (step A6). The server 100 receives the latest operation information of each terminal 20, 21, 22,... (Step A7). The server 100 compares the received latest information with the updated correlation equation, and calculates the probability that the operation of each terminal 20, 21, 22... Is performed until the next information is received (step A8).

  The device information of each terminal 20, 21, 22... Is input to the external terminal 30 at an arbitrary timing such as addition of a new terminal (step A9). The external terminal 30 transmits the input device information to the device information DB 60 (step A10). The device information DB 60 receives each device information (step A11). The device information DB 60 stores the received device information (step A12). The server 100 refers to each piece of device information stored in the device information DB 60 and combines the calculated predicted operation probabilities of the terminals 20, 21, 22. Calculate (step A13).

  Control condition information is input to the external terminal 30 at an arbitrary timing (step A14). The external terminal 30 transmits the input control condition information to the server 100 (step A15). The server 100 receives the control condition information transmitted from the external terminal group 30 (step A16). The server 100 sets and updates the weighting coefficient between the power saving effect expected value and the convenience damage expected value so as to meet the control conditions (step A17).

  The server 100 uses the updated weighting coefficient to compare the power saving effect expected value and the convenience damage expected value every time the information is updated, and each terminal 20, 21, 22. .. The necessity of changing the operation mode is determined for the whole or a part of the devices, and the terminals 20, 21, 22... Or a part of the terminals 20, 21, 22. If there is, the information is issued as a mode change signal (step A18). The server 100 transmits the issued operation mode change signal to each of the terminals 20, 21, 22... (Step A19).

  Each terminal 20, 21, 22... Receives the operation mode change signal transmitted from the server 100 (step A20). Each of the terminals 20, 21, 22... Changes the operation modes of all or some of the terminals 20, 21, 22... According to the received operation mode change signal (step A21). If there is a possibility that the operating environment before the change, such as working software or unsaved data, may be lost due to the change of the operation mode, this data is temporarily saved, and it can be operated in the next operation mode. When changing, the original usage environment may be automatically restored.

(Specific example of Embodiment 1)
Next, a specific example of the first embodiment will be described in detail. In the following description, assuming an office, the server 100 is a server computer S, and the terminals 20, 21, 22... Are a plurality of personal computers A to H, printers I to K, routers L to N. Further, it is assumed that the above-described usage record DB 50 and device information DB 60 are included in the server computer S, and the above-described external terminal 30 is shared by the server computer S and the personal computers A to H. Further, the personal computers A to H, the printers I to K, and the routers L to N may be simply described as terminals for convenience of explanation.

  Each terminal of the personal computers A to H, printers I to K, and routers L to N has an interval of 10 minutes, and inputs to the keyboard, mouse, various operation buttons, remote control, the entire terminals or devices such as a hard disk drive and a display. The presence / absence, interval, and frequency of a part of energization status are collected as power supply information. If you want to conceal power information for privacy protection like personal computers A to H, or if you want to reduce the amount of communication information, you can process detailed power information so that only the operation status and operation mode can be understood, Processing such as compression and encryption is performed, and the data is periodically transmitted to the server computer S. Depending on the terminal, a signal cannot be sent when the power is off, so if the periodic signal is missing, the server computer S is set to recognize that the terminal is off. Has been.

  The server computer S associates the power source information periodically transmitted from each terminal with the time, and accumulates it in the usage record DB 50 as a use record. The server computer S refers to the usage record DB 50 and analyzes the correlation between the operation and time of each terminal and the operation of other terminals. For example, the correlation between the operation of each terminal and the time includes activation that is customarily performed at a specific time zone such as attendance, operation in the power saving mode accompanying customary rest at a specific time zone such as lunch, There is a stop that is customarily performed at a specific time zone such as returning home. As a correlation between the operation of each terminal and the operation of other terminals, for example, the router N that is directly connected to the personal computers A to H is not directly connected to the router L. There are differences in correlation, such as differences.

  Similarly, there is a possibility that the personal computers A to H may be linked to operation depending on the position and dependency between users. It is also assumed that the personal computers A to H and the printers I to K have different printers and usage rates for each of the personal computers A to H. The server computer S uses a statistical analysis method such as determination using a correlation coefficient for such correlation, extracts and quantifies parameters correlated with the power supply information, and determines the target terminal for each time zone. Build and update a correlation expression that expresses the relationship between the operation and the power supply information of other terminals as a probability. A predicted operation probability is calculated by substituting the latest power supply information into the updated correlation equation.

  For example, if personal computers A, E, and H are operating and personal computer B is operating in the power saving mode at 10:20 am on Tuesday, the next information update time is 10:30 am Consider calculating the probability that printer J will be used. First, the server computer S determines a terminal having a correlation with the operation of the printer J in the time zone from 10:20 am to 30 minutes from the correlation coefficient based on the use record in the use record DB 50. It is assumed that the terminals having correlation with the operation of the printer J are personal computers A, B, C, and H, and the personal computers D to F, the printers I and K, and the routers L to N are determined to have no correlation.

  In this case, the server computer S uses the change probability that the operation mode of the personal computers A, B, C, and H is changed by 10:30 am and the operation mode after the change as the use result of the use result DB 50. Calculate based on Next, the server computer S calculates the actual use of the printer J for each operation mode of the personal computers A, B, C, and H as a correlation probability, and calculates based on the use result DB 50. Corresponding to the operation of the personal computer A from the operation mode change probability calculated for the terminal of the personal computer A, the changed operation mode, and the correlation probability of the use of the printer J corresponding to the operation mode of the personal computer A. The usage probability of the printer J is calculated.

  Similar probabilities are calculated for personal computers B, C, and H, and the probability that the printer J will be used by 10:30 am by considering the product of the complementary set of probabilities used for each terminal (prediction operation) Probability). Further, the server computer S uses the calculated predicted operation probability of each terminal and the device information DB 60 that stores the device information to calculate the power saving effect expected value and the convenience damage expected value. The device information DB 60 stores device information that is input simultaneously when each terminal is registered in the network. Device information can be set according to the power consumption of each operation mode (operation / standby / power saving / stop, etc.) for each terminal, power consumption generated when changing the mode, time required, user status, busyness, etc. Artificial information such as time importance is used. An example of a formula for calculating the expected power saving effect is shown in Formula 1, and an example of a formula for calculating the expected convenience damage value is shown in Formula 2.

  Further, the server computer S compares the expected power saving effect value with the expected convenience damage value using a weighting coefficient in order to determine the necessity of changing the operation mode of each terminal. At this time, the initial value is used as the weighting coefficient when there is no condition other than the initial value. Further, when control condition information is newly input, the weighting coefficient can be changed based on the control condition information so as to meet the condition. The control condition information includes a power saving system strengthening rate compared to the present, an upper limit value, a lower limit value, a waiting time, a monetary conversion value of electric power, and the like.

  For example, when the power saving system reinforcement rate is set, when the setting rate is 100% or more (strengthening), the weighting coefficient is changed so that the expected value of power saving effect is greatly estimated, and the setting rate is 100% or less (weakening) In this case, the weighting coefficient is changed so that the expected value of convenience damage is largely estimated. When the upper limit value of the convenience loss is given, the weighting coefficient is changed such that the expected convenience loss value of the terminal that reaches this upper limit value by changing the mode is extremely large. When the monetary value of waiting time and power is given, the weighting coefficient is changed so that the monetary value is balanced.

  Further, the server computer S uses the changed weighting coefficient to compare the power saving effect expected value and the convenience damage expected value every time the power supply information is updated, and uses the magnitude relationship to determine the whole of each terminal or The necessity of changing the operation mode is determined for each part of a device such as a hard disk drive or a display. An example of a theoretical expression for determining the necessity of changing the operation mode is shown in logical expression 3 and logical expression 4.

  The logical expression 3 means that “a power saving effect can be expected” and “the expected value of the effect exceeds the expected value of convenience,” and in this case, a mode that is more power saving (operation → standby → power saving → A determination is made to change the mode to (stop). On the other hand, the logical expression 4 means that “convenient improvement can be expected” and “the expected value for improving convenience exceeds the expected value for increasing power consumption”. In this case, a mode (stop) → Power saving → Standby → Operation) A determination is made to change the mode. When there is a terminal or a part of the terminal that is determined to need to be changed, the server computer S issues the information as a mode change signal and transmits it to each terminal.

  For example, assume that the personal computer A is in operation at 0:20 pm. As the breakdown, the CPU and hard disk drive are in the same energization state as the operation such as downloading, but the input devices such as the keyboard and the mouse are not used. From the time of use, from the time zone to 1:00 pm, it is a lunch break and is rarely operated, so the predicted operation probability is very small. Under such conditions, from 0:20 pm to 1:00 pm, with the weighting coefficient in this example, the expected power saving effect value of the display is larger than the expected convenience damage value. Sent.

  When an operation such as downloading is completed for the CPU and the hard disk drive and the same energization state as that in the standby state is established, the power saving effect expected value becomes larger than the convenience damage expected value, so a mode change signal for changing the operation mode is transmitted. As the mode to be changed, the operation mode having the largest utility among the stop, power saving, standby and the like is selected. On the other hand, after 1:00 pm, since the lunch break ends, the operation is performed in almost all cases of use regardless of the use of an input device such as a keyboard or a mouse, so the predicted operation probability is very high. .

  Under such conditions, after 1:00 pm, a mode change signal for changing the operation mode of the CPU, hard disk drive or the like whose power saving effect expected value becomes smaller than the convenience damage expected value is transmitted. The mode to be changed is selected from the power saving mode, standby mode, operating mode, etc., which has the greatest utility. However, devices that have a short waiting time until they can be used after startup, such as a display, do not change the mode even after 1:00 pm because the expected power saving effect value is greater than the expected convenience damage value. Enters the operation mode at the stage of starting operation.

Each terminal changes the operation mode of the entire terminal and some devices according to the transmitted mode change signal. For example, in the case of the personal computer A, the power control is ACPI (advanced).
There are various control methods such as a method performed on the OS such as Configuration and Power Interface) and a method performed on the BIOS such as APM (Advanced Power Management), but any method may be used. Also, if there is a possibility that the operating environment before the change, such as working software or unsaved data, may be lost due to a change in the operation mode, this data can be temporarily saved and then operated. The original usage environment is automatically restored when changing to the mode.

  As described above, in the first embodiment, not only the power saving effect due to the change of the operation mode is quantified for each terminal 20, 21, 22,. The operation mode with high utility can be selected and controlled.

  Moreover, by using all the connected terminals 20, 21, 22 ... as sensors for predicting the operation of the other terminals 20, 21, 22 ..., without introducing new sensors. It is possible to predict the operation of various terminals 20, 21, 22..., Apply uniform control conditions to the entire information communication network 40, and perform thorough management.

  As a result, it is possible to realize power management that is unlikely to cause a reduction in the rate of introduction of a management system that is concerned about excessive management and a reduction in power saving effect due to operation under management conditions that are concentrated on priority of convenience.

(Embodiment 2)
3 is a diagram for explaining the second embodiment when the configuration of the automatic power control system of FIG. 1 is changed, and FIG. 4 is a flowchart for explaining the operation of the automatic power control system of FIG.

  As shown in FIG. 3, in the second embodiment, the server 100 and a plurality of terminals 20, 21, 22... Capable of power management, a usage record DB 50, a device information DB 60, a cumulative power consumption information DB 70, and information input An external terminal 30 capable of transmitting to the server 100 and an information communication network 40 such as the Internet for connecting them to each other are provided.

  The second embodiment is different from the automatic power supply control system in FIG. 1 in that the cumulative power consumption information DB 70 and the target value input unit 304 are added to the automatic power supply control system in FIG. The accumulated power consumption information DB 70 accumulates the operation information of each terminal 20, 21, 22... Transmitted from the terminal information receiving unit 202 at regular time intervals, and accumulates the accumulated power consumption and accumulated consumption for a certain period. It has a function of accumulating as information such as a power reduction rate and enabling the coefficient adjustment unit 141 to refer to it. The target value input unit 304 has a function that makes it possible to input a target value up to a certain period related to reduction of power consumption of the entire information communication network 40 at an arbitrary timing such as when the environmental improvement policy is changed.

  Further, the second embodiment is different from the first embodiment in that the terminal information receiving unit 110 has a function of receiving a target value transmitted from the external terminal group 30 at an arbitrary timing and transmitting the target value to the coefficient adjusting unit 141. . In the second embodiment, the coefficient adjustment unit 141 uses the cumulative power consumption and the cumulative power consumption reduction rate of the cumulative power consumption DB 70 to calculate the cumulative consumption up to the same period as the target value of the power consumption transmitted from the external terminal 30. Embodiment 1 in that it has a function of calculating a predicted value of electric energy and changing a weighting coefficient between a power saving effect expected value and a convenience damage expected value so as to meet the target by comparing the predicted value and the target value. Is different. Further, the second embodiment is different from the first embodiment in that the terminal information transmission unit 301 has a function of transmitting the target value input to the target value input unit 304 to the server 100.

Next, the operation of the automatic power control system of FIG. 3 will be described with reference to FIG.
In addition, since the part shown by the following (step A) is the same as FIG. 2, the description shall be performed suitably.

  Each terminal 20, 21, 22... Collects operation information and periodically transmits it to the accumulated power consumption information DB 70 in addition to the server 100 and the usage record DB 50 (step A2). The operations of the terminals 20, 21, 22... Are the same as those in the first embodiment except for the change in step A2 in FIG.

  Further, the cumulative power consumption information DB 70 receives the operation information transmitted from each terminal 20, 21, 22... (Step B1). The accumulated power consumption information DB 70 accumulates the received operation information and sets it as an operation result (step B2). The accumulated power consumption information DB 70 accumulates the operation results, and calculates and accumulates a cumulative power consumption amount, a cumulative power consumption reduction rate, and the like for a certain period of the entire information communication network 40 (step B3).

  Furthermore, the target value related to the reduction of the power consumption of the entire information communication network 40 is input to the external terminal 30 at an arbitrary timing such as when the environmental improvement policy is changed (step B4). The external terminal group 30 transmits the input target value to the server 100 (step B5). The operation of the external terminal group 30 is the same as that in Embodiment 1 except that these two steps are newly added.

  Further, the server 100 receives the target value in addition to the control condition (step A16). The server 100 calculates a predicted value of the cumulative power consumption until the same period as the target value of the power consumption transmitted from the external terminal 30 from the cumulative power consumption and the cumulative power consumption reduction rate of the cumulative power consumption DB 70, By comparing the predicted value with the target value, the weighting coefficient between the power saving effect expected value and the convenience damage expected value is changed so as to meet the target (step A17). The operation of the server 100 is the same as that in the first embodiment except for the changes in steps A16 and A17. The operations of the usage record DB 50, the device information DB 60, and the information communication network 40 are the same as those in the first embodiment.

(Specific example of Embodiment 2)
Next, a specific example of the second embodiment will be described.
In addition, the code | symbol used in the specific example of Embodiment 2 shall use what was used in the specific example of Embodiment 1. FIG. In the following, the names described in the specific example of the first embodiment are used. In the second embodiment, as compared with the first embodiment, the server computer S includes the cumulative power consumption information DB 70 and uses the cumulative power consumption and target value of the entire information communication network 40 for changing the weighting coefficient. This is different from the first embodiment.

  The server computer S accumulates the power supply information of each terminal at regular time intervals, and accumulates it in the cumulative power consumption information DB 70 as information such as the cumulative power consumption for a certain period and the cumulative power consumption reduction rate. On the other hand, the administrator of the automatic power supply control system according to the second embodiment inputs a target value for each year regarding the reduction of the power consumption of the entire information communication network 40 at the beginning of the year. The server computer S refers to the accumulated cumulative power consumption information DB 70 and considers the trend of increase or decrease in the cumulative power consumption of individual terminals and the reduction rate with respect to the cumulative power consumption of the previous year. Calculate a predicted value of electric energy.

  Further, the server computer S compares the calculated predicted value of the accumulated power consumption of each terminal and the target value of the power consumption, and sets the expected power saving effect value and the expected convenience damage value so as to match the target value. Change the weighting factor between. For example, when the predicted value is smaller than the target value, the weighting coefficient is changed so that the expected power saving effect value is estimated to be large. As a result, the mode is changed to a more power saving mode. On the contrary, when the predicted value is larger than the target value, the weighting coefficient is changed so that the expected convenience loss expected value is largely estimated. As a result, the mode is changed to a more power saving mode.

  As described above, in the second embodiment, the weighting coefficient between the expected power saving effect value and the expected convenience loss value is changed so that the target value is achieved in an arbitrary management unit. In addition, power saving results, data collection of accumulated power consumption, and planned power consumption management according to the target value are possible, and at the same time, it is easy to respond to environmental reports, ISO 14000, and the like.

(Embodiment 3)
FIG. 5 is a diagram for explaining the third embodiment when the configuration of the automatic power control system of FIG. 1 is changed, and FIG. 6 is a flowchart for explaining the operation of the automatic power control system of FIG.
As shown in FIG. 5, in the third embodiment, the server 100 and a plurality of terminals 20, 21, 22... Capable of power management, a usage record DB 50, a device information DB 60, a terminal peripheral information DB 80, a sensor group 85, information And an information communication network 40 such as the Internet for connecting them to each other.

  The third embodiment is different from the automatic power supply control system in FIG. 1 in that a terminal peripheral information DB 80 and a sensor group 85 are added to the automatic power supply control system in FIG. The terminal peripheral information DB 80 has a function of receiving and storing terminal peripheral information sensed and transmitted by the sensor group 85 and allowing the correlation information calculation unit 121 to refer to it. The sensor group 85 senses terminal peripheral information that is considered to affect the operation or operation of each terminal 20, 21, 22... At a certain time interval or at a timing when the terminal peripheral information changes. And has a function of transmitting to the terminal peripheral information DB 80. The terminal peripheral information includes the presence / absence of people around each terminal 20, 21, 22.

  In the third embodiment, the terminal information receiving unit 110 receives the terminal peripheral information to be transmitted from the sensor group 85 at regular time intervals or at a timing when the terminal peripheral information changes, and calculates a predicted operation probability. The second embodiment is different from the first embodiment in that it has a function of transmitting to the unit 123.

  In the third embodiment, the correlation information calculation unit 121 includes terminal peripheral information stored in the terminal peripheral information DB 80 in addition to the usage records of the terminals 20, 21, 22... Stored in the usage record DB 50. The first embodiment is different from the first embodiment in that it has a function of calculating the relevance between the operation information and the terminal peripheral information and incorporating it into the correlation equation.

  Further, in the third embodiment, when the predicted operation probability calculation unit 123 calculates the probability that the operation of each terminal 20, 21, 22... Is performed before the next information reception, it is transmitted from the terminal information reception unit 110. Is different from the first embodiment in that it has a function of using the latest terminal peripheral information in addition to the latest operation information of each of the terminals 20, 21, 22.

Next, the operation of the automatic power control system of FIG. 5 will be described with reference to FIG.
In addition, since the part shown by the following (step A) is as substantially the same as FIG. 2, the description shall be performed suitably.

  First, the sensor group 85 obtains terminal peripheral information that is considered to affect the operation or operation of each terminal 20, 21, 22... At a certain time interval or at a timing when the terminal peripheral information changes. Sensing is performed (step C1). The sensor group 85 transmits the sensed terminal peripheral information to the terminal peripheral information DB 80 (step C2). The terminal peripheral information DB 80 receives the terminal peripheral information transmitted by the sensor group 85 (step C3). The terminal peripheral information DB 80 accumulates the received terminal peripheral information (step C4).

  The server 100 refers to the terminal peripheral information stored in the terminal peripheral information DB 80 in addition to the usage records of the terminals 20, 21, 22. And the like are incorporated into the correlation equation (step A5). Further, the server 100 receives the latest terminal peripheral information in addition to the latest operation information of each terminal 20, 21, 22... (Step A7). The operation of the server 100 is the same as that in the first embodiment except for the changes in steps A5 and A7.

  Further, the operations of the terminals 20, 21, 22..., The external terminal 30, the usage record DB 50, the device information DB 60, and the information communication network 40 are the same as the operations in the first embodiment.

(Specific example of Embodiment 3)
Next, a specific example of the third embodiment will be described.
In addition, the code | symbol used in the specific example of Embodiment 3 shall use what was used in the specific example of Embodiment 1. FIG. In the following, the names described in the specific example of the first embodiment are used. In the third embodiment, a sensor group 85 is provided in the information communication network 40, and the server computer S is provided with a terminal peripheral information DB 80 for calculating the predicted operation probabilities of the terminals 20, 21, 22. It differs from the first embodiment in that terminal peripheral information is used.

  At home, etc., because the activity time is not regular and there are few other terminals 20, 21, 22,... That have a high correlation with respect to the operation of the terminals 20, 21, 22,. There may be cases where the calculation accuracy is not sufficient. In order to solve such a problem, the administrator of the automatic power supply control system in the third embodiment senses terminal peripheral information that is considered to affect the power supply information of each terminal 20, 21, 22,. A sensor group 85 is installed.

  In sensing terminal peripheral information, in addition to simply measuring temperature, humidity, illuminance, etc., there are cases in which the presence or absence of people around the target terminals 20, 21, 22. The presence or absence of a nearby person can be grasped by using a heat source identification device such as an infrared ray, a camera, or the like as a sensor, or by locking the room. When it is desired to obtain more accurate information, a sensor that recognizes a voice, an ID card, or the like is provided for each terminal 20, 21 so as to recognize only the user registered in each terminal 20, 21, 22. , 22...

  Moreover, you may utilize portable terminal devices, such as a mobile telephone with a GPS function, instead of installing an apparatus in each terminal 20, 21, 22, .... The sensor group 85 senses the terminal peripheral information at a timing when the terminal peripheral information changes, and transmits the terminal peripheral information to the server computer S. The server computer S stores the transmitted terminal peripheral information in the terminal peripheral information DB 80. The server computer S refers to the terminal peripheral information stored in the terminal peripheral information DB 80 in addition to the usage records of the terminals 20, 21, 22... Calculate the relevance to surrounding information and incorporate it into the correlation equation.

  For example, in the office according to the first embodiment, in the case of a usage method without an input operation such as a presentation, there is a possibility that the power supply of the display may be stopped, but in the second embodiment, the periphery of the terminals 20, 21, 22. When the display is turned off in the presence of a person, it is possible to incorporate it into the correlation equation by grasping the probability of manual operation. In addition, even at home, if the terminal 20, 21, 22,. Although there is a possibility that waste is increased, in the second embodiment, the correlation equation is obtained by, for example, calculating the correlation of the probability of using the terminals 20, 21, 22. It is possible to incorporate.

  As described above, in the third embodiment, since the sensor group 85 that predicts the peripheral information of each of the terminals 20, 21, 22... Is used, in addition to the effects of the first embodiment, various terminals 20, It is possible to improve the accuracy of the operation prediction of 21, 22,..., Even when there are few other terminals 20, 21, 22. The operation probability can be calculated with high accuracy.

(Embodiment 4)
7 is a diagram for explaining the fourth embodiment when the configuration of the automatic power control system of FIG. 1 is changed, and FIG. 8 is a flowchart for explaining the operation of the automatic power control system of FIG.

  As shown in FIG. 7, in the fourth embodiment, the server 100 and a plurality of terminals 20, 21, 22... Capable of power management, a usage record DB 50, a device information DB 60, a schedule history DB 90, information input and the server 100. And an information communication network 40 such as the Internet for connecting them to each other.

  The fourth embodiment is different from the first embodiment in that the user action schedule input unit 305 is provided in the schedule history DB 90 and the external terminal 30. The schedule history DB 90 receives the action schedules of the users of the terminals 20, 21, 22... Transmitted from the external terminal information receiving unit 301 at an arbitrary timing, accumulates them as a history, and is referred to by the correlation information calculation unit 121. It has a function that makes it possible to do. The user action schedule input unit 305 has a function that enables the user's action schedule input of each terminal 20, 21, 22... To be input at an arbitrary timing. Schedule management software or the like may be used to facilitate the input of the user's action schedule.

  Further, in the fourth embodiment, the terminal information receiving unit 110 is transmitted from the external terminal information receiving unit 301 at regular time intervals, and the users of the terminals 20, 21, 22. The second embodiment is different from the first embodiment in that it has a function of receiving an action schedule and transmitting it to the predicted operation probability calculation unit 123.

  In the fourth embodiment, the correlation information calculation unit 121 includes each terminal 20, which is stored in the scheduled history DB 90 in addition to the usage results of the terminals 20, 21, 22. Has a function of calculating the correlation between the operation information of each terminal 20, 21, 22... And the user's action schedule, and incorporating it into the correlation equation. This is different from the first embodiment.

  Further, in the fourth embodiment, when the predicted operation probability calculation unit 123 calculates the probability that the operation of each terminal 20, 21, 22... Is performed before the next information reception, the prediction operation probability calculation unit 123 is notified from the terminal information reception unit 110. Is different from the first embodiment in that it has a function of using a user's action schedule until the next information reception in addition to the latest operation information of each terminal 20, 21, 22.

  The terminal information transmission unit 301 is different from the first embodiment in that the terminal information transmission unit 301 has a function of transmitting the user's action schedule input to the user action schedule input unit 305 to the server 100.

Next, the operation of the automatic power control system of FIG. 7 will be described with reference to FIG.
In addition, since the part shown by the following (step A) is as substantially the same as FIG. 2, the description shall be performed suitably.

  First, the user's action schedule of each terminal 20, 21, 22 ... is input to the external terminal 30 at an arbitrary timing (step D1). The external terminal 30 transmits the input action schedules of the users of the respective terminals 20, 21, 22... (Step D2). The operation of the external terminal group 30 is the same as the operation in the first embodiment except that these two steps are newly added.

  The schedule history DB 90 receives the action schedules of the users of the terminals 20, 21, 22... Transmitted from the external terminal 30 at an arbitrary timing (step D3). The schedule history DB 90 stores the received action schedules of the users of the terminals 20, 21, 22... As a schedule history (step D4).

  The server 100 refers to the schedule history stored in the schedule history DB 90 in addition to the usage history of each terminal 20, 21, 22... Stored in the usage history DB 50, and correlates the operation information with the schedule history. Is incorporated into the correlation equation (step A5).

  Further, the server 100 receives the latest action schedule of the user in addition to the latest operation information of each terminal 20, 21, 22... (Step A7). The operation of the server 100 is the same as that in the first embodiment except for the changes in the steps A5 and A7.

The operations of the terminals 20, 21, 22..., The usage record DB 50, the device information DB 60, and the information communication network 40 are the same as those in the first embodiment.
(Specific example of Embodiment 4)
Next, a specific example of the fourth embodiment will be described.
In addition, the code | symbol used in the specific example of Embodiment 4 shall use what was used in the specific example of Embodiment 1. FIG. In the following, the names described in the specific example of the first embodiment are used. In the fourth embodiment, the server computer S or each of the terminals 20, 21, 22... Has means for inputting the action schedule of the user of each terminal 20, 21, 22. The point that the operation schedule is used to calculate the predicted operation probabilities of the terminals 20, 21, 22... Differs from the first embodiment.

  In an office or the like, the user's action schedule of each terminal 20, 21, 22... Is often managed by a personal computer or the like, and the predicted operation probability is calculated by using the user's action schedule. The accuracy can be increased. In the fourth embodiment, an administrator or a user of each terminal 20, 21, 22... Uses the schedule management software or the like for each terminal 20, 21, 22. sign up. In the office, for example, the registration of the action schedule is performed by dividing into predetermined categories such as “outside trip”, “business trip”, “conference”, “vacation”, and the like. The server computer S receives the registered action schedules of the users of the terminals 20, 21, 22... And stores them in the schedule history DB 90 as a history.

  Further, the server computer S refers to the classification of the user's action schedule of each terminal 20, 21, 22... Stored in the schedule history DB 90, and for each terminal 20, 21, 22. The rate at which the terminals 20, 21, 22,... Are operated according to the scheduled classification is aggregated and incorporated into the correlation formula. For example, in the category of “outside”, “business trip”, “vacation”, the rate at which the terminals 20, 21, 22,... Are operated is almost 0%, but in the case of the “conference” category, it is 20%. Information that the terminals 20, 21, 22... Are operated with probability can be acquired. In addition to the information indicating the user's own behavior, the user's behavior schedule includes information indicating the usage schedule of the specific terminals 20, 21, 22.

  As described above, in the fourth embodiment, the predicted operation probabilities of the terminals 20, 21, 22... Are calculated using the registered user action schedule and the usage schedule of the specific terminals 20, 21, 22. Since the calculation is made, in addition to the effect of the first embodiment, it is possible to improve the accuracy of the operation prediction of various terminals 20, 21, 22... Even when there are few other terminals 20, 21, 22,... With high correlation, the predicted operation probability can be calculated with high accuracy.

  It can be applied to applications such as an information processing apparatus that predicts the operation probability of each terminal, calculates a power saving effect and a loss of convenience, and selects an optimal operation mode, or a program for realizing the information processing apparatus on a computer. It can also be applied to applications such as a network system that manages the operation of various electrical devices in offices and homes so as to achieve both reduction of energy consumption and improvement of convenience.

It is a figure which shows Embodiment 1 of the automatic power supply control system of this invention. 2 is a flowchart for explaining the operation of the automatic power supply control system of FIG. 1. It is a figure for demonstrating Embodiment 2 at the time of changing the structure of the automatic power supply control system of FIG. It is a flowchart for demonstrating operation | movement of the automatic power supply control system of FIG. It is a figure for demonstrating Embodiment 3 at the time of changing the structure of the automatic power supply control system of FIG. It is a flowchart for demonstrating operation | movement of the automatic power supply control system of FIG. It is a figure for demonstrating Embodiment 4 at the time of changing the structure of the automatic power supply control system of FIG. It is a flowchart for demonstrating operation | movement of the automatic power supply control system of FIG. It is a figure for demonstrating the structure of the conventional electricity supply control apparatus. It is a figure for demonstrating the structure of the conventional power management apparatus.

Explanation of symbols

100 server 20, 21, 22 ... terminal 30 external terminal 40 information communication network 50 usage record DB
60 Device information DB
70 Cumulative power consumption information DB
80 Terminal peripheral information DB
85 sensor group 90 schedule history DB
110 Terminal information reception unit 120 Operation probability prediction unit 121 Correlation information calculation unit 122 Correlation formula update unit 123 Prediction operation probability calculation unit 130 Influence calculation unit 131 Power saving effect expected value calculation unit 132 Convenience damage expected value calculation unit 140 Operation mode optimization unit 141 Coefficient adjustment unit 142 Mode change determination unit 150 Server information transmission unit 201 Operation information management unit 202 Terminal information transmission unit 203 Server information reception unit 204 Mode change unit 301 Terminal information transmission unit 302 Device information input unit 303 Control condition information input unit

Claims (23)

An automatic power control system in which terminals having a plurality of operation modes with different power consumptions are connected via a network,
Operation information collection means for collecting operation information indicating the operation mode of the terminal and whether it is in operation or not in operation and repeatedly transmitting the operation information via the network;
Receiving the operation information, and use results database for storing a record used in association with the operating time information and,
A correlation formula construction means for constructing a correlation formula representing the correlation between each time zone and the operation information of the terminal with reference to the usage record database;
Operation probability estimation means for receiving the latest operation information of the terminal , comparing with the correlation formula, and calculating a predicted operation probability representing the probability that the terminal is operating at the time of the next operation information reception ;
Performance input means for receiving input of device information including power consumption of each operation mode of the terminal and time required for changing the operation mode ;
A device information database for storing device information of the terminal ;
By referring to the device information database and using the device information and the predicted operation probability, the expected power saving effect value when the operation mode of the terminal is changed , An expected value calculation means for calculating a convenience damage expected value that represents an expected value of the required time for returning to the operation mode of
Control condition input means for receiving input of control condition information for changing a weighting coefficient between the power saving effect expected value and the convenience damage expected value ;
And coefficient changing means for changing the weighting coefficients between the convenience damage expected value and the power saving effect expected value based on the control condition information,
Wherein the power saving effect expected value, the operation mode selecting means for comparing, and the convenience damage expectation was weighted by the weighting coefficient for each updating of the operation information, and transmits the operation mode change signal according to the result of comparison,
An automatic power control system comprising: an operation mode changing unit that changes the operation mode of the terminal according to the operation mode change signal when the operation mode change signal is received. And sensing means for transmitting by sensing the terminal peripheral information of the terminal,
A terminal peripheral information database for receiving the terminal peripheral information and storing the terminal peripheral information;
The correlation equation construction unit refers to said use record database and the terminal peripheral information database, in addition to the operation information and the time zone of the terminal, using the correlation between the operation information and the terminal peripheral information of the terminal and means for constructing the correlation equation and,
The operation probability estimating means, in addition to the latest operation information of the terminal receives the latest terminal peripheral information, wherein against the correlation equation, and having a means for calculating said prediction operation probability The automatic power supply control system according to claim 1 . A schedule input means for receiving and transmitting the action schedule of the user of the terminal ;
A schedule history database for receiving the action schedule and storing it as a history;
The correlation expression structuring means refers to and the schedule history database and the actual usage database, in addition to the operation information and the time zone of the terminal, by using the correlation between the action plans and operating information of the terminal and means for constructing the correlation equation,
The operation probability estimating means, in addition to the latest operation information of the terminal, claims and receive the latest action plan, the against the correlation equation, and having a means for calculating said prediction operation probability Item 3. An automatic power supply control system according to any one of Items 1 and 2 . A target value input means for receiving and transmitting a target value of power consumption within a predetermined period of the entire network;
Receiving the operating information of the terminal transmitted from the operating information collecting means, and a cumulative power consumption information database for calculating and storing a cumulative value of power consumption,
The coefficient changing unit refers to the accumulated power consumption information database, calculates a predicted value of the accumulated power consumption amount within the predetermined period, and compares the predicted value with the target value to calculate the estimated power consumption amount within the predetermined period. to claim 1, the cumulative amount of power consumption and having a means for changing the weighting coefficients between the convenience damage expected value and the power saving effect expected to match to the target value Automatic power control system as described. A plurality of terminals are connected to the network,
The correlation equation construction unit, the actual use by referring to the database, in addition to the operation information and the time zone of the terminal of interest, by using the correlation between the operation information and the operation information of the other terminals of the terminal of interest The automatic power supply control system according to claim 1 , further comprising means for constructing the correlation equation. The operation information collecting means, an automatic power control system according to claim 1, characterized in that it comprises means for processing, compressed or encrypted, the operation information. An automatic power control method for a network in which terminals having a plurality of operation modes with different power consumption are connected,
An operation information collecting step of collecting operation information indicating the operation mode of the terminal and whether the terminal is operating or not operating and repeatedly transmitting the information via the network;
Refers to the usage record database for storing a use record in association with the time by receiving the operation information, the correlation equation constructing step of constructing a correlation equation representing the correlation between the operating information of the terminal and each time zone,
An operation probability estimation step of receiving the latest operation information of the terminal , comparing with the correlation formula, and calculating a predicted operation probability representing a probability that the terminal is operating at the time of the next operation information reception ;
A performance input step for receiving input of device information including power consumption of each operation mode of the terminal and time required for changing the operation mode ;
Reference is made to a device information database that stores device information of the terminal, and using the device information and the predicted operation probability, an expected power saving effect value that represents an expected value of the power saving effect when the operation mode of the terminal is changed. An expected value calculation step of calculating a convenience damage expected value that represents an expected value of a required time for returning from the operation mode to the original operation mode ;
A control condition input step of receiving input of control condition information for changing a weighting coefficient between the power saving effect expected value and the convenience damage expected value ;
A coefficient changing step of changing a weighting coefficient between the convenience damage expected value and the power saving effect expected value based on the control condition information,
Wherein the power saving effect expected value, comparing, and the convenience damage expectation was weighted by the weighting coefficient for each updating of the operation information, the operation mode selection step of transmitting the operation mode change signal according to the result of comparison,
An automatic power control method comprising: an operation mode change for changing an operation mode of the terminal according to the operation mode change signal when the operation mode change signal is received. A sensing step of sensing the terminal peripheral information of the terminal to the terminal peripheral information database,
In the correlation formula construction step, the usage history database and the terminal peripheral information database are referred to, and in addition to the terminal operating information and each time zone , the terminal operating information and the terminal peripheral information are correlated. the uses and a process for constructing the correlation equation,
Wherein the operation probability estimation step, in addition to the latest operation information of the terminal, characterized in that to receive the latest terminal peripheral information, wherein said against the correlation equation includes the step of calculating the prediction operation probability The automatic power supply control method according to claim 7 . A schedule input step of receiving and transmitting an action schedule of the user of the terminal ; and
Some of the correlation expression structuring step, the actual use to refer to the database and schedule history database, in addition to the operation information and the time zone of the terminal, using the correlation between the action plans and operating information of the terminal a step of constructing the correlation equation Te,
Some of the operation probability estimation step, in addition to the latest operation information of the terminal receives the latest action plan, against the said correlation equation, characterized by a step of calculating the prediction operation probability An automatic power supply control method according to any one of claims 7 to 8 . A target value input step of receiving and transmitting a target value of power consumption within a predetermined period of the entire network;
Wherein in the coefficient changing step, with reference to the cumulative power consumption information database receiving said operating information of the terminal is calculated by accumulating the cumulative value of the consumption amount of power transmitted from the operation information acquisition means, the predetermined time period calculating a predicted value of the cumulative power amount of inner, said predicted value and the comparison of the target value, and the power saving effect expected value as the cumulative power amount matches the target value within the predetermined period convenience The automatic power control method according to claim 7 , further comprising a step of changing the weighting coefficient between expected damage values. A plurality of terminals are connected to the network,
Wherein the correlation equation building process, by referring to the actual-use database, in addition to the operation information and the time zone of the terminal of interest, using the correlation between the operation information and the another terminal of the operational information of the terminal of interest The automatic power control method according to claim 7 , further comprising the step of constructing the correlation equation. Wherein the operation information acquisition process, processing the operation information, the automatic power control method according to any one of claims 7 to 11, characterized in that includes the step of compression or encryption. A program for executing automatic power control by connecting terminals having a plurality of operation modes with different power consumptions ,
An operation information collecting step of collecting operation information indicating the operation mode of the terminal and whether the terminal is operating or not operating and repeatedly transmitting the information via the network;
Refers to the usage record database for storing a use record in association with the time by receiving the operation information, the correlation equation constructing step of constructing a correlation equation representing the correlation between the operating information of the terminal and each time zone,
An operation probability estimation step of receiving the latest operation information of the terminal , comparing with the correlation formula, and calculating a predicted operation probability representing a probability that the terminal is operating at the time of the next operation information reception ;
A performance input step for receiving input of device information including power consumption of each operation mode of the terminal and time required for changing the operation mode ;
Reference is made to a device information database that stores device information of the terminal, and using the device information and the predicted operation probability, an expected power saving effect value that represents an expected value of the power saving effect when the operation mode of the terminal is changed. An expected value calculation step of calculating a convenience damage expected value that represents an expected value of a required time for returning from the operation mode to the original operation mode ;
A control condition input step of receiving input of control condition information for changing a weighting coefficient between the power saving effect expected value and the convenience damage expected value ;
A coefficient changing step of changing a weighting coefficient between the convenience damage expected value and the power saving effect expected value based on the control condition information,
Wherein the power saving effect expected value, comparing, and the convenience damage expectation was weighted by the weighting coefficient for each updating of the operation information, the operation mode selection step of transmitting the operation mode change signal according to the result of comparison,
A program for causing a computer to execute an operation mode change for changing an operation mode of the terminal according to the operation mode change signal when the operation mode change signal is received. A sensing step of sensing the terminal peripheral information of the terminal to the terminal peripheral information database,
In the correlation formula construction step, the usage history database and the terminal peripheral information database are referred to, and in addition to the terminal operating information and each time zone , the terminal operating information and the terminal peripheral information are correlated. the uses and a process for constructing the correlation equation,
Wherein the operation probability estimation step, in addition to the latest operation information of the terminal, characterized in that to receive the latest terminal peripheral information, wherein said against the correlation equation includes the step of calculating the prediction operation probability The program according to claim 13 . A schedule input step of receiving and transmitting an action schedule of the user of the terminal ; and
Some of the correlation equation building process, wherein the actual-use database to see the schedule history database, in addition to the operation information and the time zone of the terminal, using the correlation between the action plans and operating information of the terminal a step of constructing the correlation equation and,
Some of the operation probability estimation step, in addition to the latest operation information of the terminal receives the latest action plan, against the said correlation equation, characterized by a step of calculating the prediction operation probability The program according to any one of claims 13 to 14 . A target value input step of receiving and transmitting a target value of power consumption within a predetermined period of the entire network;
Wherein in the coefficient changing step, with reference to the cumulative power consumption information database receiving said operating information of the terminal is calculated by accumulating the cumulative value of the consumption amount of power transmitted from the operation information acquisition means, the predetermined time period calculating a predicted value of the cumulative power amount of inner, said predicted value and the comparison of the target value, and the power saving effect expected value as the cumulative power amount matches the target value within the predetermined period convenience The program according to any one of claims 13 to 15 , further comprising a step of changing the weighting coefficient between expected damage values. A plurality of terminals are connected to the network,
Wherein the correlation equation building process, by referring to the actual-use database, in addition to the operation information and the time zone of the terminal of interest, using the correlation between the operation information and the another terminal of the operational information of the terminal of interest The program according to claim 13 , further comprising the step of constructing the correlation equation. Wherein the operation information acquisition process, processing the operation information, the program according to any one of claims 13 to 17, characterized in that includes the step of compression or encryption. And use results database for storing a use results in time and correlated to receive the operation information of the terminal to be sent over the network,
A correlation formula construction means for constructing a correlation formula representing the correlation between each time zone and the operation information of the terminal with reference to the usage record database;
Operation probability estimation means for receiving the latest operation information of the terminal , comparing with the correlation formula, and calculating a predicted operation probability representing the probability that the terminal is operating at the time of the next operation information reception ;
Performance input means for receiving input of device information including power consumption of each operation mode of the terminal and time required for changing the operation mode ;
A device information database for storing device information of the terminal ;
By referring to the device information database and using the device information and the predicted operation probability, the expected power saving effect value when the operation mode of the terminal is changed , An expected value calculation means for calculating a convenience damage expected value that represents an expected value of the required time for returning to the operation mode of
Control condition input means for receiving input of control condition information for changing a weighting coefficient between the power saving effect expected value and the convenience damage expected value ;
And coefficient changing means for changing the weighting coefficients between the convenience damage expected value and the power saving effect expected value based on the control condition information,
Wherein the power saving effect expected value, the operation mode selecting means for comparing, and the convenience damage expectation was weighted by the weighting coefficient for each updating of the operation information, and transmits the operation mode change signal according to the result of comparison,
An operation mode changing means for changing the operation mode of the terminal according to the operation mode change signal when the operation mode change signal is received. And sensing means for transmitting by sensing the terminal peripheral information of the terminal,
A terminal peripheral information database for receiving the terminal peripheral information and storing the terminal peripheral information;
The correlation equation construction unit refers to said use record database and the terminal peripheral information database, in addition to the operation information and the time zone of the terminal, using the correlation between the operation information and the terminal peripheral information of the terminal and means for constructing the correlation equation and,
The operation probability estimating means, in addition to the latest operation information of the terminal receives the latest terminal peripheral information, wherein against the correlation equation, and having a means for calculating said prediction operation probability The server according to claim 19 . A schedule input means for receiving and transmitting the action schedule of the user of the terminal ;
A schedule history database for receiving the action schedule and storing it as a history;
The correlation expression structuring means refers to and the schedule history database and the actual usage database, in addition to the operation information and the time zone of the terminal, by using the correlation between the action plans and operating information of the terminal and means for constructing the correlation equation,
The operation probability estimating means, in addition to the latest operation information of the terminal, claims and receive the latest action plan, the against the correlation equation, and having a means for calculating said prediction operation probability Item 21. The server according to any one of Items 19 to 20 . A target value input means for receiving and transmitting a target value of power consumption within a predetermined period of the entire network;
Receiving the operating information of the terminal transmitted from the operating information collecting means, and a cumulative power consumption information database for calculating and storing a cumulative value of power consumption,
The coefficient changing unit refers to the accumulated power consumption information database, calculates a predicted value of the accumulated power consumption amount within the predetermined period, and compares the predicted value with the target value to calculate the estimated power consumption amount within the predetermined period. to any one of claims 19 to 21 cumulative amount of power consumption and having a means for changing the weighting coefficients between the convenience damage expected value and the power saving effect expected to match to the target value The listed server. A plurality of terminals are connected to the network,
The correlation equation construction unit, the actual use by referring to the database, in addition to the operation information and the time zone of the terminal of interest, by using the correlation between the operation information and the operation information of the other terminals of the terminal of interest The server according to claim 19 , further comprising means for constructing the correlation equation.

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