JP7843722B2 - Building management system and building management method - Google Patents

Description

This invention relates to a building management system and a building management method.

A building management system manages, monitors, operates, and controls building energy consumption (electricity, etc.), various facilities (air conditioning, lighting, office equipment, etc.), and the quality of life (QoL) and safety of building users, thereby maintaining a safe and comfortable environment in the building.

In recent years, the landscape surrounding buildings and building management systems has been undergoing significant changes, triggered by global warming, which is attributed to increased CO2 emissions, and the COVID-19 pandemic that began in 2020. Specifically, these changes include an increased emphasis on the environmental performance of buildings, such as energy conservation aimed at reducing CO2 emissions, and changes in how office buildings are used due to the widespread adoption of hybrid work styles, including both in-office and remote (work-from-home) arrangements.

With the changing ways in which office buildings are used, there has been an expansion of office floors and areas (workspaces) within office floors that support free-address (free-address) and Activity-Based Working (ABW) systems, where employees can freely choose their desks for each workday. Even in these free-address and ABW office floors, there is a strong demand for energy-saving measures in building facilities such as lighting and air conditioning, from the perspective of prioritizing environmental performance.

In contrast, for example, Patent Document 1 discloses a technology for a free-address office where employees whose periods of absence overlap are assigned to the same seating area, and when employees in that seating area leave their seats, the operation of the lighting and air conditioning is stopped.

Furthermore, for example, Patent Document 2 discloses a technology for determining the number of seats to be assigned to each department and informing users of this assignment, based on the expected number of people present in each department within the workplace according to the schedule, the seating layout, and criteria for seating allocation based on the equipment layout.

Japanese Patent Publication No. 2013-186861 Japanese Patent Publication No. 2016-071760

However, the prior art disclosed in Patent Document 1 above groups employees' seats based on factors such as time spent away from their desks and whether or not they work overtime, but it does not consider the level of comfort (or discomfort) experienced by users due to congestion within their seating area. Therefore, even if energy is saved, employees may experience discomfort, potentially leading to a decrease in their work productivity, satisfaction, and other aspects of Quality of Work (QoW). Furthermore, the prior art disclosed in Patent Document 1 assumes that a certain number of employees share the same timeframe for being away from their desks. However, with the widespread adoption of remote meetings and chat services due to the COVID-19 pandemic, energy conservation based on the assumption that employees remain at their desks is crucial.

Furthermore, the prior art disclosed in Patent Document 2 merely consolidates the seating arrangement of workers by assigning them seats sequentially from one end to the other in order to reduce the operating rate of the equipment, without considering worker comfort or quality of work (QoW). Moreover, depending on the building structure and floor layout, consolidating the seating arrangement of workers to the ends does not necessarily reduce energy consumption.

The objective of this invention is to address the aforementioned problems of the prior art and to allocate floor seating to users in a way that balances energy conservation in buildings with user comfort.

To solve the aforementioned problems, one aspect of the present invention provides a building management system for managing a building having floors with seating, comprising: a prediction unit that predicts the number of users on a given day based on statistical information regarding the use of the floor by users; a calculation unit that calculates the area of the seating area and the number of users per unit that satisfy predetermined criteria, based on a function representing the relationship between the number of users predicted by the prediction unit, the area of the seating area on the floor, and the number of users per unit area within that seating area; a determination unit that determines the location of the seating area recommended to the user based on the area of the seating area calculated by the calculation unit; and an output unit that outputs the location of the seating area determined by the determination unit.

According to this invention, it is possible to allocate floor seating to users in a way that balances energy conservation in the building with user comfort.

A diagram showing an example of the configuration of a building management system according to Embodiment 1. A diagram showing an example of the relationship between the building management system and peripheral systems according to Embodiment 1. This figure shows an example of the configuration of the seating area number and usable number of people within a seating area calculation unit of the building management system according to Embodiment 1. This diagram shows a graph illustrating the balance between energy conservation and comfort based on the distribution of users. A diagram showing an example of a floor and area within a floor targeted by the building management system according to Embodiment 1. A diagram showing another example of the floors and areas within the floors targeted by the building management system according to Embodiment 1. A diagram showing an example of a seating area and the number of seats within a seating area on a floor targeted by the building management system according to Embodiment 1. A diagram showing an example of a seating area and air conditioning equipment responsible for the seating area, as defined by the building management system according to Embodiment 1. This figure shows an example of a function between the number of seating areas and the number of people who can use a seating area and the predicted number of users in a building management system according to Embodiment 1. This figure shows an example of the relationship between energy saving and comfort in relation to the number of seating areas and the number of people who can use each seating area as a function of the number of predicted users in a building management system according to Embodiment 1. A flowchart showing an example of pre-processing for the building management system according to Embodiment 1. A flowchart showing an example of the process for calculating the number of seating areas and the number of people who can use each seating area in a building management system according to Embodiment 1. A diagram showing an example of how to determine the number of seating areas and the number of people who can use each seating area in a building management system according to Embodiment 1. A diagram showing an example of how to determine the number of seating areas and the number of people who can use each seating area in a building management system according to Embodiment 1. A flowchart showing an example of the process for determining the location and setting attributes of the recommended seating area in the building management system according to Embodiment 1. This figure shows an example of the result of determining seat area locations based on temperature distribution in the building management system according to Embodiment 1 (summer case). This figure shows an example of the result of determining seat area locations based on temperature distribution in the building management system according to Embodiment 1 (winter case). A flowchart showing an example of the recommended seating area information presentation process of the building management system according to Embodiment 1. This figure shows an example of a screen displaying recommended seating area information for a building management system according to Embodiment 1. A flowchart showing an example of equipment control processing for a building management system according to Embodiment 1. This figure shows an example of how to determine the number of seating areas and the number of people who can use each seating area in a building management system according to Embodiment 2. A flowchart showing an example of the process for determining the number of seating areas and the number of people who can use each seating area in a building management system according to Embodiment 2. A diagram showing an example of a floor layout targeted by the building management system according to Embodiment 3. This figure shows an example of a function between the area of the available space on a floor and the number of people who can use a unit area, with respect to the predicted number of users in the building management system according to Embodiment 3. A diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of a building management system.

The embodiments disclosed herein will be described below with reference to the drawings. The embodiments, including the drawings, are illustrative examples for explaining the present application. For clarity of explanation, the embodiments have been appropriately omitted and simplified. Unless otherwise specified, the components of an embodiment may be singular or plural. Furthermore, forms combining one embodiment with another are also included in the embodiments disclosed herein.

Identical or similar components may be assigned the same reference numeral, and explanations of previously described components in later embodiments may be omitted, or explanations focusing only on differences may be provided. Furthermore, if there are multiple identical or similar components, different subscripts may be assigned to the same reference numeral in the explanation. Also, if it is not necessary to distinguish between these multiple components, the subscripts may be omitted in the explanation.

(Purpose of the building management system according to the embodiment)
Office buildings are emerging that offer flexible and free workspaces to accommodate new ways of working, such as remote work, working in the office, working at satellite offices, and working in shared offices. In such offices, the number of people on each floor tends to fluctuate daily due to the flexible working arrangements of the users. The purpose of the building management system is to adaptively achieve energy savings in equipment such as air conditioning and lighting even under these circumstances, while also maintaining the quality of life (QoL) and quality of work (QoW) of the users.

The challenge here lies in the trade-off between energy conservation in the building through seating density and dispersion, and the comfort of office users. In office floors where employees can freely use seats, such as with free-address or Activity-Based Working (ABW) systems, dispersed seating requires the entire floor's equipment to be operated, resulting in negligence in energy conservation. Conversely, concentrating seating to save energy increases user discomfort. Therefore, concrete measures for seating allocation that appropriately balance energy consumption reduction and discomfort reduction are crucial.

As an approach to solving this problem, we focus on "seating areas," which are the units of sections where air conditioning and lighting are controlled/operated. We consider the number of seating areas to be related to the energy consumption of air conditioning and lighting, and the number of seats (people) used within a seating area to be related to the degree of crowding (discomfort). Based on the predicted number of users on the day, we quantify the trade-off relationship between energy consumption and crowding using a function, where "number of users = number of seating areas × number of available seats within a seating area." Based on this function, we select the number of seating areas and the number of available seats (people) within each seating area to appropriately balance energy saving and comfort.

Based on this concept, the system determines the recommended seating area for users based on the number of selected seating areas and the number of available seats within those areas. This information, including the location of the seating area and the number of available seats within that area, is then provided to users. This allows for a balance between energy efficiency and user comfort within the floor.

Furthermore, there is another important point regarding the building management system according to this embodiment. Specifically, for users of seats on the target floor, the system pre-determines an appropriate seating area based on energy efficiency and density considerations upon entering the floor, guides them to that area, and ensures they sit in the appropriate seat, thereby eliminating the need to move seats later. Even in offices without fixed seating, such as free address or ABW (Activity-Based Working) layouts, users tend to prefer maintaining their seating arrangement until leaving work once they have sat down and placed their laptops, documents, etc. Therefore, it is difficult to persuade them to change seats later for reasons such as energy conservation. For this reason, a further key point is to determine and guide them to an appropriate seating area based on predicted information regarding the number of people and temperature distribution for the day, at the time they first sit down.

[Embodiment 1]
(Configuration of the building management system 1 according to Embodiment 1)
Figure 1 shows an example of the configuration of the building management system 1 according to Embodiment 1. The building management system 1 is a system that manages various facilities, energy, and user workspaces of a target building. It manages, controls, and outputs information on the facilities and user workspaces of each floor and area within each floor of the building on a daily basis according to the situation.

The building management system 1 receives information on the user's activity status and working hours (including the tenant calendar information 13 (Figure 2) described later) via the user status information input unit 2. This information on the user's activity status and working hours is used when determining the attributes of the seating area. Furthermore, this information is not mandatory and can be omitted.

The building management system 1 receives daily user count data via the user count measurement unit 3. This data can be entered in real-time or offline. For example, user count data for each floor can be entered every 5 minutes, 30 minutes, or 60 minutes. This daily user count data is used to calculate predicted user counts for each floor.

The floor/floor area information database 101 stores map information, seating information, seating area information, user count information, and user information for floors and floor areas. Map information refers to the layout of the target floor or area within the floor. Seating information refers to the seats located in each of the target floor or area within the floor. Seating area information refers to seating areas corresponding to sections ("islands") consisting of a predetermined number of adjacent seats. User count information includes the total number of users belonging to organizations using the target floor, and the daily measured number of users on the target floor. User information includes input information such as user attributes, activity status, and working hours. This data is used to predict the daily number of users on the target floor, calculate the recommended number of seating areas and the number of users within each area, and determine the location of seating areas.

The user count prediction unit 102 predicts the number of users on a given day based on user count data measured by the user count measurement unit 3, historical user count data, and calendar information of tenant companies using the target floor (collectively referred to as "statistical information regarding user use of the floor"). This prediction is based, for example, on statistical characteristics from historical data (e.g., correlations) and statistical characteristics of the days of the week in the calendar. The target floor utilizes flexible work arrangements and diverse work styles, such as shared office spaces. Therefore, the number of people on the floor fluctuates significantly, and it becomes possible to calculate appropriate recommended seating information (number of seating areas, number of people in each seating area) on a daily basis, according to the characteristics of changes in the number of people on each floor.

The seating area number and usable capacity calculation unit 103 calculates the recommended number of seating areas and the usable capacity of each seating area for users on the target floor. The seating area number and usable capacity calculation unit 103 calculates the number of seating areas and the usable capacity of each seating area that balances energy efficiency of the facilities with user comfort.

The input data for the seating area count/available user count calculation unit 103 includes the predicted user count calculated by the user count prediction unit 102. The input data also includes the number of seating areas, the number of seats within each seating area, and the total number of users, read from the floor/floor area information database 101. Furthermore, the input data includes balance solution condition data (see Figure 6, described later) between the number of seating areas and the available user count, read from the balance solution selection condition database 104.

The seating area number and usable capacity calculation unit 103 calculates the appropriate number of seating areas and usable capacity based on the predicted number of users, using the functions for seating area number and usable capacity described later, with reference to Figure 3.

The Balance Solution Selection Condition Database 104 stores condition data for selecting a balanced solution between the number of seating areas and the number of people who can use each seating area. As will be described later with reference to Figures 7 and 8, the function between the number of seating areas and the number of people who can use each seating area is an inverse proportion function. In other words, energy conservation and comfort are in a trade-off relationship. The Balance Solution Selection Condition Database 104 stores information on conditions and processing methods for finding a solution that strikes an appropriate balance from this trade-off relationship. By determining whether building owners, tenants, or users prioritize energy conservation or comfort, the database selects the conditions and processing methods for selecting a solution that aligns with that policy.

The recommended seating area location determination unit 105 determines the location of the seating area recommended to the user. Based on the number of seating areas calculated as described above, the number of available seats within each seating area, the seating area layout information read from the floor/floor area information database 101, and the temperature and illuminance distribution within the floor/floor area (predicted values for the target day), the recommended seating area location is determined. The determination of the seating area location involves selecting a specific seating area location from the floor's seating area layout information, corresponding to the calculated number of seating areas.

The temperature and illuminance distribution prediction unit 106 calculates predicted values for temperature and illuminance distribution within the floor and its internal areas. Based on past temperature and illuminance distribution data for the floor and its internal areas, and externally acquired floor map information and weather and temperature forecast data, the temperature and illuminance distribution prediction unit 106 calculates predicted values for temperature and illuminance distribution within the floor and its internal areas on the target day. The temperature and illuminance distribution, as will be described later with reference to Figure 9, is data on the distribution of temperature and illuminance within the floor space. Based on this data, the location of seating areas is determined to minimize energy consumption for air conditioning and lighting.

For example, in the case of air conditioning, seating areas are determined to be located away from windows (lower temperature areas) in summer, and closer to windows (higher temperature areas) in winter. In the case of lighting, seating areas are determined to be located in places that appropriately utilize the illumination from natural light coming through the windows. Such determinations make it possible to further enhance energy-saving effects. Furthermore, temperature and illumination distributions are calculated with higher accuracy by considering past data on similar weather and outside temperatures, data on the number of users (due to the influence of heat load from people and office equipment), the effects of heat-generating equipment such as server equipment installed on the floor, the shape and internal layout of the floor (influence of cabinets, racks, etc.), and airflow from ventilation equipment.

The seating area attribute setting unit 108 sets attributes for each seating area determined by the recommended seating area location determination unit 105. Based on information such as the user's activity status and working hours, information about the user's affiliated organization, and past seating area attribute data stored in the seating area attribute category database 109, the seating area attribute setting unit 108 sets attributes for seating areas that allow users to work more comfortably. For example, in the case of activity status, seating areas are divided into those for users who want to concentrate on work (quiet seating areas), and those for users who hold remote meetings or conversations with others at their seats (noisy seating areas), providing seating areas that match the user's activity status. This makes it possible for users to create an environment in which they can work more comfortably.

During working hours, assigning people with similar arrival and departure times to the same seating area allows for adjustments to air conditioning and lighting schedules, further reducing energy consumption.

The seat area attribute setting unit 108 estimates the number of users corresponding to each activity state and working time on the target day, based on data entered via the user status information input unit 2 and past data. The seat area attribute setting unit 108 then assigns seat area attributes to seat areas whose locations have already been determined, according to the estimated number of users.

The seat information output unit 110 outputs information such as the location information of the recommended seat area estimated by the recommended seat area location determination unit 105, the number of usable people within the seat area calculated by the seat area number/usable person calculation unit 103, and the attribute information of each seat area set by the seat area attribute setting unit 108, as recommended seat information for users. This information is output to user information devices 4, such as smartphones, mobile terminals, and notebook PCs (Personal Computers), and to information display devices 5 installed on the floor or in areas within the floor. Information display devices 5 include, for example, displays and digital signage (electronic billboards). By providing users with seat recommendation information that considers the balance between energy saving and comfort, users are encouraged to sit in the recommended seats, making it possible to achieve a situation where an appropriate balance between energy saving and comfort is maintained on the floor in question.

The equipment control unit 111 controls the operation of air conditioning and lighting only for the relevant seating area, or primarily for the relevant seating area, based on the location information of the recommended seating area determined by the recommended seating area location determination unit 105 and/or the attribute information set by the seating area attribute setting unit 108. This reduces the number of operating air conditioning and lighting units and the amount of energy required, thereby suppressing energy consumption. This control command is transmitted to the floor/floor area air conditioning control system 6 (Figure 2) and the floor/floor area lighting control system 7 (Figure 2), which control the number of operating units (on or off) and operating output of the air conditioning and lighting in the target floor/floor area.

Through the operation of the functional block diagram described above, the number of seating areas on the target floor and the number of people who can use each seating area are determined according to the number of users on the target day, and the location and attributes of the seating areas are determined. This information is output to users as recommended seating information, and furthermore, lighting and air conditioning equipment are controlled according to the usage status of the seating areas.

As a result, for office buildings that implement diverse work styles, it becomes possible to manage and operate the building while appropriately balancing energy conservation of equipment such as air conditioning and lighting with maintaining user comfort, even when the number of users on each floor fluctuates.

(Relationship between the building management system 1 and peripheral systems according to Embodiment 1)
Figure 2 shows an example of the relationship between the building management system 1 and the peripheral system according to Embodiment 1.

The left side of Building Management System 1 in Figure 2 shows the sources of information input to Building Management System 1.

The elevator control device 8, access control system 9, seat sensor 10, room temperature sensor 11, building energy management system 12, tenant calendar information 13, outside temperature information 14, and tenant employee attribute database 15 shown in Figure 2 are devices that input information to the building management system 1, or information that is provided to the system.

The elevator control device 8 controls the elevators moving between floors of a building containing the target floor. The access control system 9 manages users' entry into and exit from the target floor. The elevator control device 8 and the access control system 9 provide data on the number of users (number of people present, number of people in a room) for each floor and area within that floor. This number of users may be measured directly by sensors, or calculated from the number of people getting on and off the elevator and the number of people entering and exiting.

The seat sensor 10 is installed at each seat on the target floor and monitors the seating status on the floor by reading IC (Integral Circuit) tags carried by users to detect when they are seated. The monitoring information from the seat sensor 10 is displayed to users as the current seating status when recommending seats to them.

The room temperature sensor 11 detects the room temperature of the target floor and provides historical data for calculating the temperature distribution of the floor. The building energy management system 12 manages the supply and consumption of electrical energy and other resources necessary for the operation of the building containing the target floor, and provides data on energy usage for the target floor or areas within the floor, data on heat usage for air conditioning, and data and information regarding the operating status of various equipment such as air conditioning and lighting. The tenant calendar information 13 contains scheduled working days and hours for tenants and their employees who use the target floor.

Based on the data described above, the building management system 1 calculates predictions and actual results regarding energy-saving effects obtained through seating recommendations.

The right side of the building management system 1 in Figure 2 shows the output destinations for information from the building management system 1.

The air conditioning control system 6 and the lighting control system 7 receive control signals for each device from the building management system 1, corresponding to information on the location and attributes of the recommended seating area. The building's signage management system 16, the building's tenant information management system 17, and the building's employee application management system 18 serve as output destinations for providing information on recommended seating. Here, information such as the location of the recommended seating area, the number of available seats within the seating area (the number of recommended seats), and the attributes of the seating area are output.

Figure 3 shows an example of the configuration of the seating area number/usable person calculation unit 103 (Figure 1) of the building management system according to Embodiment 1. The seating area number/usable person calculation unit 103 includes a function calculation unit 1031 and a balance solution determination unit 1032.

The function calculation unit 1031 derives a function of equation (1) that represents the relationship that the daily changing predicted number of users on a floor or within a floor, the number of available seats in a seating area (per floor), and the number of seating areas (per floor) must satisfy. The function of equation (1) quantitatively represents the relationship between the predicted number of users, the number of available seats in a seating area, and the number of seating areas.
Predicted number of users = Number of people available in the seating area × Number of seating areas ... (1)

Next, the balance solution determination unit 1032 selects a solution that considers an appropriate balance between energy saving of building facilities and user comfort, based on the function derived by the function calculation unit 1031 and the balance solution selection condition data read from the balance solution selection condition database 104. Here, the energy consumption of air conditioning and lighting is proportional to the number of seating areas. Furthermore, the level of user discomfort is proportional to the density within the seating area, i.e., the number of people who can use the seating area. Therefore, energy consumption and user discomfort are proportional. In other words, energy consumption and user comfort are inversely proportional. The balance solution determination unit 1032 selects a balanced solution between energy consumption and user comfort using the balance solution selection condition data, based on a graph of the inverse relationship (trade-off relationship) between energy consumption and user comfort. The method for selecting the balanced solution will be described later with reference to Figures 11 to 13.

As described above, the selected balance solution determines the recommended number of seating areas and the number of people who can use each seating area.

Figure 4 is a graph illustrating the balance between energy conservation and comfort based on the distribution of users. In Figure 4, the horizontal axis C1 represents an indicator of the distribution of users within the floor, the left vertical axis C2 represents energy consumption, and the right vertical axis C3 represents an indicator of user discomfort. Line C4 represents the characteristics of energy consumption in relation to the distribution of users within the floor. Line C5 represents the characteristics of user discomfort.

The energy consumption characteristics (linear curve C4) show that when users are scattered (low density), energy consumption is high because air conditioning and lighting equipment are operated in many seating areas. Conversely, when users are densely packed, energy consumption is low because air conditioning and lighting equipment is operated in fewer seating areas.

The characteristic of user discomfort (linear line C5) is that discomfort is higher when users are densely distributed, and lower when they are scattered.

Thus, there is a trade-off between energy consumption and user discomfort depending on the distribution of users within the floor. Therefore, it is crucial to identify a user distribution that falls within the C6 range, where energy efficiency and comfort are balanced, based on the number of users and other floor conditions at the time, and then allocate seats and guide users to their seats accordingly. The specific procedure for achieving this, using a quantitative function, is described in Figures 1 and 3. Further explanation follows with reference to Figures 5A to 19.

Referring to Figures 5A to 6B, the floors, areas within the floors, seating areas, and the number of seats (users) within the seating areas targeted by the building management system 1 according to this embodiment will be explained.

Figure 5A shows an example of the floor and area within the floor targeted by the building management system 1 according to Embodiment 1, and Figure 5B shows another example.

Figure 5A shows a floor configuration where one tenant occupies an entire floor without any designated areas. In this case, the target floor area of the building consists of floor 19, stairs 20, elevator 21, and toilets, kitchenette, and waste disposal area 22.

On the other hand, Figure 5B shows a floor configuration where the floor is divided into zones, and each of these zones is occupied by a tenant. In the example of Figure 5B, floor 19 is divided into four zones 19A, 19B, 19C, and 19D.

As described above, there are floor configurations as shown in Figures 5A and 5B, and in either case, the floor is subject to the application of the building management system 1 of this embodiment. In the case of Figure 5A, the entire floor is either a free-address type or an ABW type, and in the case of Figure 5B, at least one of areas 19A, 19B, 19C, and 19D is either a free-address type or an ABW type. In the case of Figure 5A, the entire floor is subject to the application of the building management system 1 of this embodiment, and in the case of Figure 5B, the application of the building management system 1 of this embodiment can be applied to areas on a section-by-section basis.

Figure 6A shows an example of a seating area 191 and the number of seats within the seating area 191 on a floor 19 targeted by the building management system according to Embodiment 1.

By focusing on the number of seating areas 191 and the number of usable seats 192 within those areas, it becomes possible to quantitatively determine the region where energy efficiency and comfort are balanced, as explained with reference to Figure 4.

In Figure 6A, floor 19 is an office floor where users can freely choose their seats for work using a free-address or ABW (Ask-by-Walk) system. Each seating area 191 is an island (group) consisting of a predetermined number of adjacent seats. Each seating area 191 is equipped with and controlled air conditioning and lighting. Within each seating area 191, there is a predetermined number of seats 192 that users can freely use.

In the example shown in Figure 6A, the total number of seating areas 191 on the target floor 19 is 12, and the number of seats 192 per seating area 191 is 16. The total number of seats 192 on floor 19 is 16 × 12 = 192.

Furthermore, on floor 19, information display devices 5 are positioned near windows 193, three entrance/exit doors 194, and the doors 194 within floor 19. The information display devices 5 show the location of the seating area 191 recommended for use on the day, and the number of available seats 192 within that area. Users are instructed to sit in the recommended seat displayed on the information display device 5.

Figure 6B shows an example of a seating area 191 and an air conditioning unit 195 responsible for the seating area 191, as defined by the building management system 1 according to Embodiment 1.

Each seating area 191 corresponds to a designated area for air conditioning and lighting equipment (the area handled by each unit). For example, in the example shown in Figure 6B, an air conditioning unit 195 is provided for each seating area 191. The air conditioning can be controlled remotely or manually. Although not shown, ceiling lighting is also provided for each seating area 191 and is controlled remotely or manually, similar to the air conditioning. Because each seating area has a designated area for air conditioning and lighting, adjusting the number of seating areas used allows for adjustment of the number of air conditioning and lighting units or their operating output, thereby controlling energy consumption. Therefore, by appropriately determining the number of seating areas according to the number of users, energy savings in the facility become possible.

Figure 7 shows an example of a function of the number of seating areas and the number of people who can use a seating area relative to the predicted number of users in the building management system 1 according to Embodiment 1. As shown in Figure 7, the trade-off relationship between energy saving and comfort can be expressed by a quantitative function. Therefore, by defining the balance solution selection conditions for the target floor, a solution that balances energy saving and comfort can be selected. Figure 7 will be explained below.

In Figure 7, graph G1 shows the relationship between the seat utilization rate within seating area 191 and the seating area utilization rate. Here, the seat utilization rate within the seating area G2 on the horizontal axis is the number of available seats or the number of available seats within the seating area, normalized by the total number of seats within the seating area, as shown in equation (8).
Seat occupancy rate within the seating area = Number of people who can use the seating area / Total number of seats in the seating area = Number of available seats in the seating area / Total number of seats in the seating area ... (2)

Furthermore, the seat area utilization ratio G3 on the vertical axis is the value obtained by normalizing the number of recommended seat areas by the total number of seat areas, as shown in equation (3).
Seating area utilization ratio = Recommended number of seating areas / Total number of seating areas ... (3)

Figure 1 and other diagrams have explained the figures as the number of seating areas and the number of people who can use each seating area. In the following graphs, by normalizing these figures, the data can be standardized across different floors and buildings under different conditions. Therefore, we will use the normalized seating area utilization rate and seating area utilization rate indicators for our explanation.

First, in graph G1, the horizontal axis represents the seat occupancy rate within the seating area (G2), and the vertical axis represents the seat occupancy rate within the seating area (G3). Here, the seat occupancy rate within the seating area (G2), as already mentioned, corresponds to the degree of crowding = the degree of discomfort for users. For example, low crowding is comfortable, while high crowding is uncomfortable. The seat occupancy rate within the seating area (G3), on the vertical axis, corresponds to energy consumption.

Each curve in Graph G1 represents a function of the ratio of seat usage within a seating area to the number of users, and the ratio of seating area usage. Here, the predicted number of users for the target floor is also expressed as an indicator normalized as the attendance rate, as shown in equation (4).
Office attendance rate (%) = Predicted number of users / Maximum number of users on the target floor... (4)
Alternatively, attendance rate (%) = predicted number of users / total number of seats on the target floor... (5)

For example, the function of the seat usage rate within a seating area and the seating area usage rate when the attendance rate is 20% is represented by curve G4. The curve of this function can be calculated using equation (6), which is a transformation of equation (1).
Number of seating areas = coefficient × number of predicted users / number of people who can use a seating area ... (6)

By normalizing each factor in equation (6), it can be expressed as in equation (7). These are the curves of the function shown in Figure 7.
Seating area utilization rate = coefficient × attendance rate / seat utilization rate within the seating area ... (7)

In other words, the function of the seat occupancy rate within a seating area and the seating area occupancy rate is also a function of the number of available seats within a seating area and the number of seating areas.

As shown in Figure 7, the characteristics of the functions for seat occupancy within a seating area and seat area occupancy are inversely proportional, indicating a trade-off relationship between the two. Therefore, energy saving and comfort levels are in a trade-off relationship. For example, if you try to increase comfort by reducing seating density, energy consumption will increase, as shown by the curve on the graph, resulting in a smaller energy-saving effect. Conversely, if you try to reduce energy consumption, seating density will increase, as shown by the curve on the graph, leading to an increase in discomfort.

By expressing the above relationships quantitatively using the functions in equations (6) and (7), it becomes possible to quantitatively select seating solutions that satisfy both energy conservation and comfort levels. Furthermore, the ability to derive such relationships stems from focusing on the relationship between seating areas and the number of seats within each seating area for the target floor shown in Figures 6A and 6B.

Figure 8 shows an example of the relationship between energy saving and comfort in relation to the number of seating areas and the number of people who can use each seating area as a function of the number of predicted users in the building management system 1 according to Embodiment 1.

Figure 8 uses a similar approach to Figure 7, classifying properties based on the magnitude of energy savings (vertical axis) and comfort (horizontal axis). The dashed line G5 represents the boundary between high and low energy savings; areas below G5 indicate high energy savings, while areas above G5 indicate low energy savings. Similarly, the dashed line G6 represents the boundary between high and low comfort levels; areas to the left of G6 indicate high comfort, while areas to the right indicate low comfort.

As shown in Figure 8, of the four regions of the graph separated by dashed lines G5 and G6, the target region is G7, where both energy savings and comfort are high. For each curve (Figure 7) representing a function of the seat occupancy rate within a seating area and the seat area occupancy rate (similar to a function of the number of seating areas relative to the number of available seats within a seating area), we can determine the values of the seat occupancy rate within a seating area and the seat area occupancy rate that result in both high energy savings and high comfort from the coordinate points of the curve within region G7.

Figures 7 and 8 illustrate curves corresponding to attendance rates of 20%, 30%, 40%, and 50%, but curves corresponding to other attendance rates are also provided. Alternatively, curves corresponding to representative attendance rates may be provided, and curves or points on those curves corresponding to non-representative attendance rates may be obtained by interpolating the points on the curves corresponding to representative attendance rates.

Figure 9 is a flowchart showing an example of pre-processing for the building management system 1 according to Embodiment 1. Pre-processing is the process by which the building management system 1 determines the recommended seating area and its attributes before users utilize the target floor. In other words, this pre-processing is performed before the first user of the day arrives and enters the target floor.

First, in step S11, the user count prediction unit 102 (Figure 1) predicts the number of users on the target floor or within the target floor area on the target day. Next, in step S12, the temperature distribution/illuminance distribution prediction unit 106 (Figure 1) predicts the temperature distribution and illuminance distribution within the target floor or within the target floor area.

Next, in step S13, the seating area number/capacity calculation unit 103 (Figure 1) calculates the recommended number of seating areas and the number of available seats within each seating area for users of the target floor, based on the number of users of the target floor or the area within the target floor predicted in step S11 (seating area number/capacity calculation process). Details of the seating area number/capacity calculation process (step S13) will be described later with reference to Figure 10.

Next, in step S14, the recommended seating area location determination unit 105 and the seating area attribute setting unit 108 (Figure 1) execute the process of determining the location and setting the attributes of the recommended seating area. In this process, the recommended seating area location determination unit 105 determines the seating area recommended to the user within the target floor based on either or both of the temperature distribution and illuminance distribution predicted in step S13. Furthermore, in this process, the seating area attribute setting unit 108 sets attributes (such as seat usage patterns) for each determined seating area based on information such as the user's activity status and working hours (attribute information corresponding to the user's planned use of the floor). Details of the recommended seating area location determination and attribute setting process will be described later with reference to Figure 13.

Figure 10 is a flowchart showing an example of the process for determining the number of seating areas and the number of people who can use each seating area (step S13 (Figure 9)) of the building management system 1 according to Embodiment 1.

First, in step S13a, the seating area number/capacity calculation unit 103 (Figure 1) determines whether to prioritize "user comfort" or "energy conservation" when recommending seats to a target user. If "user comfort" is prioritized, the seating area number/capacity calculation unit 103 proceeds to step S13b; if "energy conservation" is prioritized, it proceeds to step S13j.

Steps S13b to S13g are the first seating area calculation process, which prioritizes user comfort on the target floor and determines the number of seating areas and the number of people who can use each seating area. Specifically, the number of seating areas and the number of people who can use each seating area are determined so that the number of people who can use each seating area (seat usage ratio within each seating area) and the number of seating areas (seat area usage ratio) satisfy predetermined criteria, and the number of people who can use each seating area is minimized.

In step S13b, the seating area number/available capacity calculation unit 103 sets a comfort-oriented value for the seating area occupancy ratio standard. When prioritizing user comfort, the standard value for the seating area occupancy ratio is set to an appropriate value (a value that reduces density, for example, 0.5) from the perspective that comfort is ensured by mitigating the density of users.

Next, in step S13c, the seat area number/usable capacity calculation unit 103 sets a comfort-prioritizing value for the upper limit of the seat area utilization ratio. Since it is necessary to set an upper limit on energy consumption while prioritizing user comfort, the upper limit of the seat area utilization ratio is set to, for example, 0.8.

Next, in step S13d, the seat area number/number of available seats within each seat area calculation unit 103 calculates the seat area usage ratio corresponding to the baseline value of the seat area usage ratio set in step S13b, using a function (Figure 7) of the number of seat areas and the number of available seats within each seat area relative to the predicted number of users corresponding to the assumed attendance rate.

Next, in step S13e, the seat area number/capacity calculation unit 103 determines whether the seat area utilization ratio obtained in step S13d is less than or equal to the upper limit. If the seat area utilization ratio is less than or equal to the upper limit (step S13e YES), the unit proceeds to step S13i. Conversely, if the seat area utilization ratio is greater than or equal to the upper limit (step S13e NO), the unit proceeds to step S13f. The seat area utilization ratio being less than or equal to the upper limit occurs when a balanced solution is selected that ensures comfort while satisfying the upper limit condition for energy consumption.

In step S13f, the seating area number/available seating capacity calculation unit 103 relaxes the standard value of the seating area occupancy ratio currently set (for example, by increasing it by 0.1) to ease the comfort requirements.

Next, in step S13g, the seat area number/available seating capacity calculation unit 103 determines whether the standard value of the seating area utilization ratio after relaxation in step S13f is greater than the upper limit. If the standard value of the seating area utilization ratio after relaxation is greater than the upper limit in step S13f (step S13g YES), the unit proceeds to step S13h. Conversely, if the standard value of the seating area utilization ratio after relaxation is less than or equal to the upper limit in step S13f (step S13g NO), the unit returns to step S13d.

In step S13h, which follows the processing from step S13g, the seating area number/available seating capacity calculation unit 103 outputs that there are no seats recommended for the user in question, as no solution satisfies the balance solution selection conditions, prioritizing comfort.

The seating area count/available user calculation unit 103 terminates its seating area count/available user calculation process after step S13h, to which it has been transferred from step S13g, and moves on to step S14 of the building management system's pre-processing (Figure 9). Alternatively, if steps S13j to S13o have not yet been executed for the relevant user, the seating area count/available user calculation unit 103 may move on to step S13j.

Steps S13j to S13o are a second seating area calculation process that prioritizes energy conservation on the target floor, determining the number of seating areas and the number of people who can use each seating area. Specifically, this process determines the number of seating areas and the number of people who can use each seating area so that the number of people who can use each seating area (seat usage ratio within each seating area) and the number of seating areas (seat area usage ratio) meet predetermined criteria, while minimizing the number of seating areas.

In step S13j, the seating area number/available capacity calculation unit 103 sets the reference value for the seating area ratio to a value that prioritizes energy conservation. When prioritizing energy conservation on the target floor, the reference value for the seating area ratio is set to an appropriate value (a value that consolidates seating areas, for example, 0.5) from the perspective that energy consumption is reduced by consolidating the seating areas used on the target floor (reducing the seating area utilization ratio to a certain extent).

Next, in step S13k, the seating area number/available capacity calculation unit 103 sets an energy-saving value for the upper limit of the seating area utilization ratio. While prioritizing energy conservation, there is an acceptable limit to the level of discomfort users experience within the seating area, and therefore an upper limit must be set. For example, the upper limit of the seating area utilization ratio is set to 0.6.

Next, in step S13l, the seat area number/number of available seats within each seat area calculation unit 103 calculates the seat usage ratio within each seat area, corresponding to the baseline value of the seat area usage ratio set in step S13j, using a function (Figure 8) of the number of seat areas and the number of available seats within each seat area relative to the predicted number of users corresponding to the assumed attendance rate.

Next, in step S13m, the seating area number/capacity calculation unit 103 determines whether the seating area utilization ratio obtained in step S13l is less than or equal to the upper limit. If the seating area number/capacity calculation unit 103 determines that the seating area utilization ratio is less than or equal to the upper limit (step S13m YES), it proceeds to step S13i. On the other hand, if the seating area number/capacity calculation unit 103 determines that the seating area utilization ratio is greater than or equal to the upper limit (step S13m NO), it proceeds to step S13n. The seating area utilization ratio being less than or equal to the upper limit occurs when a balanced solution is selected that satisfies the energy conservation requirements of the target floor while also satisfying the upper limit of discomfort for the relevant users.

In step S13n, the seating area number/available passenger count calculation unit 103 relaxes the currently set standard value for seating area usage ratio (for example, by increasing it by 0.1) to ease the energy-saving conditions.

Next, in step S13o, the seat area number/available seating capacity calculation unit 103 determines whether the standard value of the seat area utilization ratio after relaxation in step S13n is greater than the upper limit. If the standard value of the seat area utilization ratio after relaxation is greater than the upper limit in step S13n (step S13o YES), the unit proceeds to step S13h. Conversely, if the standard value of the seat area utilization ratio after relaxation is less than or equal to the upper limit in step S13n (step S13o NO), the unit returns to step S13l.

In step S13h, which follows the processing from step S13o, the seating area number/available seating capacity calculation unit 103 outputs that there are no seats recommended for the user in question, prioritizing comfort, because no solution satisfies the balance solution selection conditions.

The seating area count/available user calculation unit 103 terminates its seating area count/available user calculation process after step S13h, to which it has been transferred from step S13o, and moves on to step S14 of the building management system's pre-processing (Figure 9). Alternatively, if steps S13b to S13g have not yet been executed for the relevant user, the seating area count/available user calculation unit 103 may move on to step S13b.

On the other hand, in step S13i, the seating area number/usable capacity calculation unit 103 terminates the seating area number/usable capacity calculation process because a balanced solution that achieves both user comfort and energy conservation for the target floor was selected in step S13d or S13l.

Furthermore, if the seating area number/usable capacity calculation unit 103 cannot select a balanced solution after executing any of steps S13b-13g or S13j-13o, it outputs the first predetermined value, which is set as the default value, as the number of seating areas, and the second predetermined value as the usable capacity for each seating area.

This process for calculating the number of seating areas and the number of people who can use each area allows for the determination of a number of seating areas and the number of people who can use each area that balances energy conservation on the target floor with the comfort of users on that floor.

Figure 11 shows an example of determining the number of seating areas and the number of people who can use each seating area in the building management system 1 according to Embodiment 1, and corresponds to steps S13b to S13g of the seating area number/number of people who can use each seating area calculation process (Figure 10).

Figure 11 shows graph G1, which, like the graphs in Figures 7 and 8, represents the relationship between the seat usage rate within a seating area and the seating area usage rate. Curve G8 is the function corresponding when the attendance rate on the target floor is 30%.
(1) First, from the perspective of ensuring user comfort (reducing congestion), a standard value for the seat occupancy rate within the seating area is set (step S13b in Figure 10). In the example in Figure 11, the standard value G9 for the seat occupancy rate within the seating area is set to 0.5.
(2) Next, from the perspective of limiting energy consumption, an upper limit is set for the seat area usage ratio (step S13c in Figure 10). In the example in Figure 11, the upper limit G10 is set to 0.8.
(3) Furthermore, the seat area utilization ratio relative to the baseline value of the seat area utilization ratio is calculated from the function of the number of seat areas and the number of people available within each seat area relative to the predicted number of users (step S13d in Figure 10). In the example in Figure 11, the coordinate G11 ((seat area utilization ratio, seat area utilization ratio) = (0.5, 0.6)) is obtained.
(4) Since the seat area utilization ratio of 0.6 is smaller than the upper limit of the seat area utilization ratio G10 = 0.8 set earlier, coordinate G11 is selected as a solution that satisfies the balance between energy saving and comfort.

As described above, it is possible to select a solution that balances energy conservation and comfort from the perspective of prioritizing user comfort (reducing the degree of user density).

Figure 12 shows an example of determining the number of seating areas and the number of people who can use each seating area in the building management system 1 according to Embodiment 1, and corresponds to steps S13j to S13o of the seating area number/number of people who can use each seating area calculation process (Figure 10).

Figure 12 shows graph G1, which, like the graphs in Figures 7 and 8, represents the relationship between the seat usage rate within a seating area and the seating area usage rate. Curve G8 is the function corresponding when the attendance rate on the target floor is 30%.
(1) First, from the perspective of reducing energy consumption (consolidating seating areas), a standard value for the seating area usage ratio is set (step S13j in Figure 10). In the example in Figure 12, the standard value G12 for the seating area usage ratio is set to 0.5.
(2) Next, an upper limit is set for the seat occupancy rate within the seat area from the perspective of the upper limit of discomfort (density) within the seat area (step S13k in Figure 10). In the example in Figure 12, the upper limit G13 is set to 0.65.
(3) Furthermore, the seat utilization ratio within a seating area relative to the baseline value of the seating area utilization ratio is calculated from the function of the number of seating areas and the number of people who can use each seating area relative to the predicted number of users (step S13l in Figure 10). In the example in Figure 12, the coordinate G14 ((seat utilization ratio within seating area, seating area utilization ratio) = (0.6, 0.5)) is obtained.
(4) Since the seat occupancy ratio within the seat area = 0.6 is smaller than the upper limit G13 = 0.65 set earlier, coordinate G14 is selected as a solution that satisfies the balance between energy conservation and comfort.

Figure 13 is a flowchart showing an example of the process for determining the location and setting attributes of the recommended seating area in the building management system 1 according to Embodiment 1 (step S14 (Figure 9)).

The process of determining the location and setting attributes of recommended seating areas involves pre-preparing the location and attributes of recommended seating areas, from the perspective of energy conservation and comfort, so that users on the floor can be guided to them using display methods such as floor maps and seating maps.

First, in step S14a, the recommended seat area location determination unit 105 (Figure 1) determines the recommended seat area (specific seat area location) for the user corresponding to the number of seat areas calculated in step S13 (Figure 9). In step S14a, the following process is executed.
(1) Based on the results of estimating the temperature distribution of the target floor based on weather and temperature forecasts, past temperature measurement data, etc. (Step S12 (Figure 9)), each seat area is arranged as a candidate seat area in order of the smallest absolute value of the deviation between the predicted temperature distribution of the target floor and the set temperature of the air conditioning.
(2) From the top of the candidate seating areas, select the number of seating areas calculated in step S13. This determines the location of the seating area recommended to the user.

By determining the location of seating areas in this way, it is possible to identify seating areas that require less heat output (i.e., less energy consumption) from the air conditioning system. For example, in summer, seating areas near windows are expected to be hotter due to sunlight, so these areas should be avoided, and seating areas with lower temperatures should be prioritized. This allows passengers to be guided to cooler locations, further reducing the energy consumption of the air conditioning system.

Next, in step S14b, the seat area attribute setting unit 108 (Figure 1) sets attributes for the seat area location determined in step S14a. In step S14b, the following process is executed.
(1) First, group the users based on the following criteria.
(Perspective 1) Group the users' activity status (work style) on the day into either (A) meeting/conversation-focused (conversation-oriented) or (B) quiet work-focused (concentration-oriented). (Perspective 2) Group according to the length of stay (e.g., (a) with overtime, (b) without overtime). (2) Set the attributes of the seating area according to the grouping performed in (1) above. For example, set attributes such as "seating area for users who prioritize concentration and do not work overtime".

The process in step S14b assigns users with similar activity levels to the same seating area, and also assigns users with similar stay times, thereby enabling a more comfortable work environment and reducing the operating time of air conditioning and lighting. Once step S14b is completed, the seating area attribute setting unit 108 returns to the pre-processing of the building management system 1 (Figure 9).

The seat area location information determined in step S14a and the seat area attributes set in step S14b are stored in a predetermined storage area. The seat area information and attributes are read from the predetermined storage area as needed by the seat information output unit 110 and the equipment control unit 111.

Figure 14 shows an example of the seating area location selection result based on temperature distribution in the building management system 1 according to Embodiment 1 (summer case). In summer, sunlight enters through the floor windows 193, and radiant heat is transmitted into the room as the sunlight heats the walls, resulting in a higher temperature distribution on the side exposed to sunlight. Therefore, the recommended seating area avoids the window 193 side, and the seating area 191 group on the opposite side of the boundary line 17A from the window 193 side is selected as the recommended seating area. As a result, users can be guided to cooler locations, further reducing energy consumption by air conditioning and enabling energy conservation.

Figure 15 shows an example of the seating area location determination result based on temperature distribution in the building management system 1 according to Embodiment 1 (winter case). In winter, sunlight enters through the floor windows 193, and although weak, the sunlight heats the walls, resulting in radiant heat transmitted into the room. Therefore, during the day, the side exposed to sunlight has a higher temperature distribution. For this reason, the recommended seating area prioritizes the window 193 side, and the seating area group 191 on the window 193 side is determined as the recommended seating area relative to the boundary line 17B. As a result, users can be guided to warmer areas, reducing energy consumption and enabling energy conservation.

Figure 16 is a flowchart illustrating an example of the recommended seating area information presentation process of the building management system 1 according to Embodiment 1. The recommended seating presentation process is the process by which the building management system 1 presents recommended seating areas to users when they use the target floor. This recommended seating presentation process is performed after the first user of the day arrives and enters the target floor.

First, in step S21, the seat information output unit 110 (Figure 1) determines whether a user has entered or left the target floor. The building management system 1 detects the user's entry into the target floor 19 using detection means such as cameras, image sensors, and IC (Integral Circuit) tag readers located near the information display device 5. If the user has entered or left the target floor, the seat information output unit 110 proceeds to step S22; otherwise, it repeats step S21.

In step S22, the seat information output unit 110 detects the usage status of each seat within the seating area recommended to the user using sensors (not shown). The sensors are detection means that detect whether a user is using a seat, such as infrared light or heat detection sensors, image sensors, pressure sensors installed on the seats, power usage sensors for the seat outlets, wireless communication devices such as smartphones, or IC tag reading sensors. Sensors may be provided not only for each seat, but also for each seating area.

Next, in step S23, the seat information output unit 110 reads the location information of the recommended seating area, the number of available seats, attribute information, etc., from a predetermined storage area for the user whose entry was detected in step S21, and outputs this information, along with the usage status of each seat detected in step S22, to the information device 4 or information display device 5.

In this way, users are presented with information such as recommended seating areas, seat availability, seating area availability, and floor occupancy when they first enter the area on the day of their visit. This allows users to be guided to recommended seats and, based on seating availability, to select a more appropriate seat from an energy-saving and comfort perspective upon their first entry into the area, thus preventing unnecessary seat changes after being seated.

Next, in step S24, the seat information output unit 110 determines whether to terminate the recommended seat presentation process. If it does terminate (step S24 YES), it terminates the recommended seat presentation process; otherwise, it returns to step S22. This recommended seat presentation process is executed until the end of the day and the last user leaves the target area.

Figure 17 shows an example of the recommended seating area information display screen 500 of the building management system 1 according to Embodiment 1. The recommended seating area information display screen 500 is displayed on the display screens of the information device 4 and the information display device 5 in step S23 (Figure 16).

The recommended seating area information display screen 500 is displayed on the information device 4 or the information display device 5. On the recommended seating area information display screen 500, a message 501 regarding the location of the recommended seats for the day is displayed, and the recommended seating area is shown on the seating map on the screen. In Figure 17, area 517 represents the group of recommended seating areas for that day. This recommended seating area is determined by the recommended seating area location determination unit 105 (Figure 1) based on the number of seating areas calculated by the seating area number/number of available seats within each seating area calculation unit 103 (Figure 1).

In Figure 17, the recommended number of seating areas, the number of available seats within each seating area, and the location of each seating area were calculated and determined. As a result, area 517 is designated as the recommended seating area. The recommended number of seating areas is "7" (out of a total of 12 seating areas), and the number of available seats within each seating area is "8" (out of a total of 16 seats within each seating area).

The recommended seating area information display screen 500 further displays the seating area occupancy rate 502 for recommended seats within that seating area. In the example in Figure 17, the seating area occupancy rate for recommended seats is 50%. This occupancy rate is calculated using the results of the number of available seats within the seating area calculated by the seating area number/number of available seats within the seating area calculation unit 103 (Figure 1).

The floor seating map 519 displayed on the recommended seating area information screen 500 shows the usage status of seating area 5191 and each seat 5192 within seating area 5191. According to the distinctions in the legend 520, seats already in use are displayed in black 5193, and available seats are displayed in white 5194. Newly entering the floor users can view the recommended seating area information screen 500 and select a desired available seat within the recommended seating area. Although not shown in Figure 17, the system may also display seating area guidance tailored to the user's activity status (work style) and length of stay, such as displaying the attributes of each seating area (step S23 (Figure 16)).

When users sit according to the recommended seating areas, the air conditioning and lighting can be operated with the same number of units as the number of seating areas, resulting in energy savings. Furthermore, the seating areas maintain a moderate density, allowing for comfortable work. In other words, a balance between energy conservation and user comfort is achieved.

Furthermore, the recommended seating area information display screen 500 shows the floor usage status 521. The floor usage status 521 includes information such as the current number of users 522, the predicted number of users for today 523, and the expected energy-saving effect 524. From this information, users can understand how many people are using the target floor on that day and how many are currently using it.

Furthermore, the current usage patterns can be used as a reference when selecting which seats from the recommended seating options to use. Additionally, the expected energy-saving effect (524) can motivate users to actively sit in the recommended seats by encouraging their contribution to the environment. Moreover, the expected energy-saving effect (524) allows users to experience firsthand the energy-saving benefits of sitting in the recommended seats.

Figure 18 is a flowchart showing an example of the equipment control processing of the building management system 1 according to Embodiment 1. The equipment control processing is executed periodically or triggered by specific events.

First, in step S31, the equipment control unit 111 (Figure 1) controls the air conditioning and lighting equipment responsible for the seating area determined in step S14a (Figure 13). For example, if the seating area is not one of the recommended seating areas, the unit turns off the air conditioning and/or reduces the output. Conversely, if the seating area is one of the recommended seating areas, the unit activates the air conditioning and/or increases the output.

Furthermore, the system controls air conditioning and lighting based on the duration of time users spend in their seating areas. For example, in seating areas for groups without overtime work, or in areas where users are outside of their working hours, the air conditioning and lighting are turned off. In this way, the number of operating air conditioners and lights is limited to match the number of seating areas, suppressing unnecessary operation of air conditioning and lighting, thereby reducing energy consumption and improving energy efficiency. By determining the location of seating areas based on the determined number of seating areas and setting the attributes of each seating area, the air conditioning and lighting equipment can be operated appropriately according to the location and attributes of each seating area.

In step S31, the system controls the air conditioning and lighting equipment based on the seating area recommended to the user. This means that even if a user chooses a different seating area than recommended, the system is expected to move the user to their original recommended seating area in response to the control of the air conditioning and lighting equipment, resulting in energy savings.

Next, in step S32, the device control unit 111 determines whether to terminate the device control process. If it does terminate (step S32 YES), it terminates the device control process; otherwise, it returns to step S31. This device control process is executed until the end of the day and the last user leaves the target area.

(Effects of Embodiment 1)
According to Embodiment 1, building management can be implemented to maintain and improve the comfort of building users while conserving energy in building facilities, in order to achieve carbon neutrality for the building.

[Embodiment 2]
In Embodiment 1, in region C6 shown in Figure 4 where energy saving and comfort are balanced, there is a tendency to prioritize either energy saving or user comfort, even while striving to balance energy saving and user comfort. In Embodiment 2, compared to Embodiment 1, in order to further balance energy saving and user comfort, the solution closest to a predetermined standard is selected for the number of seating areas and the number of people who can use each seating area.

In Embodiment 2, the differences from Embodiment 1 will be explained, and the explanation of the same configuration and processing as in Embodiment 1 will be omitted.

Figure 19 shows an example of determining the number of seating areas and the number of people who can use each seating area in the building management system 1B (Figure 1) according to Embodiment 2. In Embodiment 2, the straight line G15 in graph G1B shown in Figure 19 is a baseline representing the ideal balance solution for the number of seating areas and the number of people who can use each seating area, and the solution closest to the baseline is selected from curve G8.

The function of the number of seating areas relative to the predicted number of users (represented by the seating area utilization ratio G3 on the vertical axis of graph G1B in Figure 19) and the number of people who can use a seating area (represented by the seating area utilization ratio G2 on the horizontal axis of graph G1B in Figure 19) corresponds to curve G8, and the baseline for the recommended number of seating areas and the number of people who can use a seating area (the baseline representing the ideal balance between energy efficiency and comfort) is straight line G15.

The line G15 serves as the baseline when the ideal balance condition is that the seat area utilization ratio and the seat utilization ratio within the seat area are equal. From the set of coordinate points that can actually be taken on curve G8, the coordinate point closest to line G15 is coordinate G16 ((seat utilization ratio within seat area, seat area utilization ratio) = (0.5, 0.6)).

In the case shown in Figure 19, coordinate G16 is selected as the solution that balances energy efficiency and comfort. Coordinate G16 represents a seat utilization ratio of 0.5 within the seating area and a seating area utilization ratio of 0.6. By substituting these values into equations (2) and (3), the recommended number of seating areas and the number of people who can use each seating area can be determined.

In this way, it is possible to select the most appropriate solution that best balances energy conservation and comfort.

Figure 20 is a flowchart showing an example of the process for determining the number of seating areas and the number of people who can use each seating area in the building management system 1B according to Embodiment 2. In Embodiment 2, compared to Embodiment 1, the process for determining the number of seating areas and the number of people who can use each seating area (Figure 20) is executed instead of the process for calculating the number of seating areas and the number of people who can use each seating area (Figure 10).

First, in step S41, the seating area number/usable capacity calculation unit 103B (Figure 1) sets a baseline for the recommended seating area number and usable capacity (a baseline representing the ideal balance between energy saving and comfort) based on a function of the number of seating areas used (corresponding to energy consumption) and the number of usable capacity within a seating area (corresponding to density = discomfort) relative to the predicted number of users. The "baseline representing the ideal balance" is not limited to a straight line; it may also be a half-line, curve, or region that satisfies the conditions for the ideal balance.

As an example of a baseline, consider the case where the number of people using a seating area relative to the predicted number of users is expressed as a normalized value called the "seat area usage ratio" defined by equation (3), and similarly, the number of people who can use a seating area is expressed as a normalized value called the "seat usage ratio within a seating area" defined by equation (2). As shown in Figure 19, the ideal balanced baseline, represented by line G15, can be defined as a straight line that satisfies the condition that both values are equal.

Next, in step S42, the seat area number/available capacity calculation unit 103B, after setting the baseline in step S41, extracts the coordinates on the function of the number of seat areas (seat area utilization ratio) and the number of available capacity within seat areas (seat utilization ratio within seat areas) relative to the predicted number of users as candidate balance solutions. For example, since the number of people, seat areas, and seats are integers, the coordinate values of the candidate balance solutions become discrete values, and the function values also become discrete values on the curve.

Next, in step S43, the seat area number/usable capacity calculation unit 103B selects the coordinate point from among the candidate coordinate points for the balance solution extracted in step S42 that has the minimum distance from the balance solution's baseline (the distance of the perpendicular line drawn onto the baseline), as the balance solution that achieves both energy efficiency and comfort. In other words, the coordinate point whose ratio of seat area number (seat area usage ratio) to usable capacity within a seat area (seat area usage ratio) is closest to a predetermined standard is selected.

Next, in step S44, the seating area number/number of available seats within each seating area calculation unit 103B determines the recommended number of seating areas and the number of available seats within each seating area based on the coordinate values of the coordinate points of the balance solution selected in step S43.

As described above, according to Embodiment 2, an appropriate solution can be selected that takes into account the balance between energy conservation and comfort.

[Embodiment 3]
In embodiments 1 and 2, the seats 192 installed on the target floor 19 are grouped into seating areas 191, each consisting of a predetermined number of seats. Based on the recommended number of seating areas and the number of people who can use each seating area, a recommendation is made to the user for each seating area, and seats are recommended. However, the groups of seats 192 are not limited to seating areas.

In Embodiment 3, the differences from Embodiments 1 and 2 will be explained, and the explanation of the same configuration and processing as in Embodiments 1 or 2 will be omitted.

Figure 21 shows an example of a floor layout targeted by the building management system 1C according to Embodiment 3. Figure 22 shows an example of a function between the area of the usable space on a floor and the number of usable people within a unit area, with respect to the predicted number of users in the building management system 1C according to Embodiment 3.

In Embodiment 3, as shown in Figure 21, the seating area 191 is not provided. The seating area number/available capacity calculation unit 103C (Figure 1) uses graph G1C (Figure 22) to calculate the ratio of the usable area to the total floor area (or the usable area) and the seat usage ratio per unit area within this usable area (or the number of usable people or seats per unit area within the usable area) based on the predicted number of users on the target floor. Graph G1C represents a function of the seat usage ratio within a unit area relative to the predicted number of users and the area ratio of the usable area to the floor area. "Unit area" refers to an area of a predetermined size, such as "1 square meter."

Graph G1C (Figure 22) replaces Graph G1 (a function of the number of seating areas and the number of available seats within each seating area relative to the predicted number of users (Figure 7)). In Graph G1C, the horizontal axis of Graph G1, "Seat occupancy rate within seating areas G2," is replaced with "Number of people (or seats) per unit area of available space G2C," and the vertical axis, "Seat area occupancy rate G3," is replaced with "Area of available space G3C."

In other words, the seat area number/usable person calculation unit 103C identifies available seats not as seat areas 191, but as "areas of available seats," and calculates the area of the areas of available seats and the number of usable people (or seats) per unit area within those areas based on the predicted number of users on the target floor. The recommended seat area location determination unit 105C (Figure 1) then determines the location of the areas of available seats. The seat area attribute setting unit 108C (Figure 1) sets the attributes of the areas of available seats.

In Embodiment 3, the equipment control process (Figure 18) is performed with the air conditioning equipment capable of controlling the temperature and humidity of the available seating area and the lighting equipment capable of controlling the illuminance of the available seating area as the control targets.

Thus, even without establishing the concept of seating area 191, it is possible to determine a seating area and the number of users within that area that can balance energy conservation on the target floor with the comfort of users on the target floor.

(Hardware configuration of building management system 1)
Figure 23 shows an example of the hardware configuration of the building management system 1. The building management system 1 is a computer comprising a CPU and other processors 1001, a main memory 1002, an auxiliary memory 1003, a network interface 1004, an input device 1005, and an output device 1006, all of which are interconnected via internal communication lines 1009 such as buses.

The processor 1001 controls the operation of the entire building management system 1. The main memory 1002 is composed of, for example, volatile semiconductor memory and is used as the work memory for the processor 1001. The auxiliary storage device 1003 is an example of a non-temporary storage medium and consists of a large-capacity non-volatile storage device such as a hard disk drive, SSD (Solid State Drive), or flash memory, and is used to retain various programs and data for long periods.

The executable program 1100 stored in the auxiliary storage device 1003 is loaded into the main storage device 1002 when the building management system 1 is started or when necessary. The processor 1001 then executes the executable program 1100 loaded into the main storage device 1002. This enables the realization of various systems and functional units that perform various processes.

The executable program 1100 may be recorded on a non-temporary recording medium, read from the non-temporary recording medium by a media reader, and loaded into the main memory 1002. Alternatively, the executable program 1100 may be obtained from an external computer via a network and loaded into the main memory 1002.

The network interface 1004 is an interface device for connecting the building management system 1 to each network within the system, or for communicating with other computers. The network interface 1004 is composed of, for example, a NIC (Network Interface Card) such as a wired LAN (Local Area Network) or a wireless LAN.

The input device 1005 consists of a keyboard, a mouse, or other pointing device, and is used by the user to input various instructions and information into the building management system 1. The output device 1006 consists of a display device such as a liquid crystal display or an organic EL (Electro-Luminescence) display, and an audio output device such as a speaker, and is used to present necessary information to the user when needed.

Furthermore, the present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above, but includes various modifications and equivalent configurations within the spirit of the attached claims. For example, the embodiments described above are detailed for the purpose of clearly illustrating the present invention, and the present invention is not necessarily limited to configurations that include all of those described. Also, some configurations of one embodiment may be replaced with those of another embodiment. Furthermore, configurations of other embodiments may be added to the configuration of one embodiment. In addition, some configurations of each embodiment may be added, deleted, or replaced with those of other embodiments.

Furthermore, the aforementioned configurations, functions, processing units, and processing means may be implemented in hardware, either partially or entirely, for example, by designing them as integrated circuits. Alternatively, they may be implemented in software by a processor interpreting and executing programs that realize each function.

The information such as programs, tables, and files that implement each function can be stored in memory, hard disks, SSDs (Solid State Drives), or non-temporary recording media such as IC (Integrated Circuit) cards, SD cards, and DVDs (Digital Versatile Discs).

Furthermore, the control lines and information lines shown are those deemed necessary for explanatory purposes and do not necessarily represent all control lines and information lines required for implementation. In reality, it can be assumed that almost all components are interconnected.

1, 1B, 1C: Building management system; 1001: Processor; 1002: Main memory.

Claims (10)

A building management system for managing a building that has floors with seating arrangements,
A prediction unit that predicts the number of users on the floor on a given day based on statistical information regarding the use of the floor by users,
A calculation unit calculates the area of the seating area and the number of users per unit that satisfy predetermined criteria, based on a function representing the relationship between the number of users predicted by the prediction unit, the area of the seating area on the floor, and the number of users per unit area within the seating area.
A determination unit determines the location of the usable seat area recommended to the user based on the area of the usable seat area calculated by the calculation unit,
A building management system characterized by having an output unit that outputs the location of the area in which the seat determined by the determination unit can be used. A building management system according to claim 1,
The aforementioned unit area is a seating area formed by grouping a predetermined number of seats.
The area where the seats can be used is composed of a plurality of the seat areas,
The calculation unit described above,
Based on a predetermined function representing the relationship between the number of users predicted by the prediction unit, the number of available seating areas on the floor, and the number of people who can use each seating area, the number of seating areas that satisfy the predetermined criteria and the number of people who can use each seating area are calculated.
The aforementioned determination unit,
Based on the number of seat areas calculated by the calculation unit, the location of the seat area recommended to the user is determined.
The output unit is,
A building management system characterized by outputting the location of the seating area determined by the determination unit. A building management system according to claim 2,
The calculation unit described above,
A building management system characterized by performing a first seat area calculation process based on the predetermined function, which calculates the number of seat areas and the number of available seats in each seat area such that the number of available seats in each seat area and the number of available seats in each seat area satisfy the predetermined criteria and the number of available seats in each seat area is reduced. A building management system according to claim 3,
The calculation unit described above,
A building management system characterized by performing a second seat area calculation process based on the predetermined function described above, which calculates the number of seat areas and the number of available seats in each seat area, such that the number of available seats in each seat area and the number of seat areas satisfy the predetermined criteria and the number of seat areas is reduced. A building management system according to claim 4,
The calculation unit described above,
In accordance with the prescribed policy, as the first step, one of the processes from the first seat area calculation process and the second seat area calculation process is executed.
If the number of seating areas and the number of people who can use each seating area cannot be calculated in the first step, the second step is to execute the other process from the first seating area calculation process and the second seating area calculation process that is different from the other process.
A building management system characterized in that, if the number of seating areas and the number of people who can use each seating area cannot be calculated in the second step, the first predetermined value is set as the number of seating areas and the second predetermined value is set as the number of people who can use each seating area. A building management system according to claim 2,
The calculation unit described above,
A building management system characterized by calculating the number of seating areas and the number of available seats for each seating area based on the predetermined function, such that the ratio of the number of seating areas to the number of available seats for each seating area is closest to the predetermined standard. A building management system according to claim 2,
The system includes a temperature and illuminance distribution prediction unit that predicts the temperature distribution and illuminance distribution on the floor on a given day, based on past temperature and illuminance distribution data for the floor and weather and temperature forecast information for the area where the building is located.
The aforementioned determination unit,
A building management system characterized by determining the location of a seating area to recommend to a user based on the predicted value of the temperature distribution or the predicted value of the illuminance distribution predicted by the temperature distribution/illuminance distribution prediction unit and the number of seating areas calculated by the calculation unit. A building management system according to claim 2,
A building management system characterized by having an equipment control unit that controls air conditioning equipment responsible for air conditioning in the seating area or lighting equipment responsible for lighting in the seating area, according to the position determined by the determination unit. A building management system according to claim 8,
The system includes a setting unit that sets attribute information for the seating area according to the user's planned use of the floor,
The aforementioned equipment control unit is
A building management system characterized by controlling the air conditioning equipment or the lighting equipment based on the attribute information set in the seating area by the setting unit. A building management method performed by a building management system that manages a building having floors with seating,
A prediction step that predicts the number of users on the floor on a given day based on statistical information regarding the use of the floor by users,
A calculation step to calculate the area of the seating area and the number of users per unit area that satisfy predetermined criteria, based on a function representing the relationship between the number of users predicted by the prediction step, the area of the seating area on the floor, and the number of users per unit area within the seating area;
A determination step in which, based on the area of the usable seat calculated in the calculation step, a recommended location of the usable seat for the user is determined.
A building management method characterized by comprising: an output step that outputs the location of the area in which the seat determined by the determination step is available.