JP6661774B2 - Controller and management system - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a controller and a management system that can prompt a user to perform regular living activities.

  2. Description of the Related Art In recent years, home systems (for example, HEMS: Home Energy Management System) have been widely used in ordinary homes. In this home system, when managing the energy of a house, there is a demand for accurately grasping power consumption (for example, transition of power consumption per day). For example, the home system appropriately shifts the operation timing of the device or appropriately changes the energy control of the operating device according to the predicted transition of the power consumption. Therefore, the higher the power consumption prediction accuracy, the higher the energy efficiency (energy saving) and the more comfortable the control for the user.

  In a home system, power consumption prediction is generally based on past performance (for example, past power consumption measured under the same conditions). Therefore, if the lifestyle of the user is established and regular living behavior is performed, the accuracy of power consumption prediction is improved. On the other hand, if there is a variation in the living behavior of the user, the accuracy of predicting the power consumption is reduced, so that the home system cannot properly perform the energy control.

  An invention of a life change detection system that detects a user's life change based on power consumption is disclosed in Patent Document 1.

Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2011-081673

  However, the invention of Patent Document 1 described above is characterized by detecting a change in the life of the user, and is not very useful from the viewpoint of managing the energy of the house. That is, even if the invention of Patent Literature 1 is applied to a home system, it cannot make any contribution to improving the accuracy of predicting power consumption or optimizing energy control.

  For this reason, there has been a demand for a technology capable of contributing to improving the accuracy of predicting power consumption and optimizing energy control by encouraging the user to perform regular living behavior.

  The present invention has been made in order to solve the above-described problems, and an object of the present invention is to provide a controller and a management system capable of prompting a user to perform regular living activities.

In order to achieve the above object, a controller according to the present invention comprises:
A controller for managing power consumption in a house,
Power pattern presenting means for presenting a reference power pattern determined from a living activity to be a reference and a power consumption pattern measured according to the user's living activity,
Advice notifying means for notifying an advice according to a comparison result between the reference power pattern and the power consumption pattern,
After the advice is notified, a reflection rate calculation unit that calculates a reflection rate indicating a degree in which the advice is reflected in the living behavior of the user,
Weighting the calculated reflection rate, power prediction means for predicting the power consumption,
Is provided.

  According to the present invention, a reference power pattern serving as a reference and a power consumption pattern of a user are compared and presented, and an advice according to a comparison result is notified. As a result, the user can be encouraged to perform regular living behavior. Accordingly, it is possible to contribute to improving the prediction accuracy of power consumption and optimizing energy control.

FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating an example of an overall configuration of a home system according to a first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating an example of a configuration of a controller according to a first embodiment of the present invention. Schematic diagram showing an example of a contrast image Schematic diagram showing an example of an advice image Flowchart showing an example of power comparison processing FIG. 4 is a block diagram illustrating an example of a configuration of a controller according to a second embodiment of the present invention. Schematic diagram showing an example of a determination table Schematic diagram showing an example of another contrast image Schematic diagram showing an example of another advice image Schematic diagram for explaining how the lifestyle of the user approaches the lifestyle that should be the reference Flowchart showing an example of life style determination processing FIG. 7 is a block diagram illustrating an example of a configuration of a controller according to a third embodiment of the present invention. Flowchart showing an example of reflection rate calculation processing Flowchart showing an example of power prediction processing FIG. 4 is a block diagram illustrating an example of the overall configuration of a management system according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 14 is a block diagram illustrating an example of a configuration of a server according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention. Flowchart showing an example of shared information notification processing Flowchart showing an example of advice request processing FIG. 14 is a block diagram illustrating an example of the overall configuration of a management system according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention. A block diagram showing an example of a configuration of a server according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention. Block diagram showing an example of the configuration of an external server according to Embodiment 5 of the present invention. Flowchart showing an example of privilege distribution processing

  Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. In the drawings, the same or corresponding parts have the same reference characters allotted. Hereinafter, a case where the present invention is applied to a home system will be described as a specific example, but the present invention can be similarly applied to a building system as described later. That is, the embodiments described below are for explanation, and do not limit the scope of the present invention. Therefore, those skilled in the art can adopt embodiments in which each of these elements or all elements are replaced with equivalents, but these embodiments are also included in the scope of the present invention.

(Embodiment 1)
FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating an example of an overall configuration of a home system 1 according to the first embodiment of the present invention. As illustrated, the home system 1 includes a device 10 that consumes power in the house H, a power measurement device 20 that measures power consumed by the device 10, and a controller 30 that controls the entire home system 1. I have.

  The bold line in FIG. 1 indicates the power line PL. That is, power can be supplied from the commercial power supply PS into the house H via the power line PL. A current transformer CT for measuring power is appropriately arranged on the power line PL.

  Further, a dotted line in FIG. 1 indicates a communication line CL. That is, the device 10, the power measuring device 20, and the controller 30 are connected to the home network N1 via the communication line CL. Note that the communication line CL (home network N1) includes, for example, a wired LAN (Local Area Network) or a wireless LAN.

  The appliances 10 are home appliances and facility appliances arranged in the house H, and include, for example, an IH cooker, a microwave oven, an air conditioner, lighting, a refrigerator, a water heater, an electric car, and a television. In addition to these, the device 10 may include various sensor devices such as a human sensor. FIG. 1 shows a state in which two devices 10 are arranged in the house H, but this is for ease of description, and the number of devices 10 can be changed as appropriate according to the actual situation of the user. It is.

  The power measurement device 20 includes, for example, a power detection unit 21 and a communication unit 22. The power detection unit 21 detects power (power consumption) consumed by the device 10 using the above-described current transformer CT. The communication unit 22 transmits, for example, information on the power detected by the power detection unit 21 (that is, power information on power consumption) to the controller 30.

  The controller 30 is, for example, a HEMS (Home Energy Management System) controller. The controller 30 communicates with the power measurement device 20 via the communication line CL, for example, and acquires power information on the power consumption measured by the power measurement device 20. Then, the controller 30 appropriately controls the device 10 via the communication line CL.

  An example of the configuration of the controller 30 will be described below with reference to FIG. FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating an example of a configuration of the controller 30 according to the first embodiment of the present invention. As illustrated, the controller 30 includes a communication unit 31, a data storage unit 32, a control unit 33, and a display unit.

  The communication unit 31 is, for example, a communication unit for connecting to the home network N1 via the communication line CL. The communication unit 31 communicates with the device 10 and the power measurement device 20 under the control of the control unit 33. For example, the communication unit 31 receives power information (power information about power consumption) transmitted from the power measurement device 20. The communication unit 31 can also perform communication via an external network (external network N2 described later).

  The data storage unit 32 includes, for example, a nonvolatile semiconductor memory, and stores the power information received from the power measurement device 20. From this power information, for example, a power consumption pattern indicating a change in power consumption per day in the house H is tabulated.

  In addition, the data storage unit 32 stores in advance living activity information that defines a living activity to be used as a reference (a regular daily living activity). For example, the living activity information defines activities of one day, such as getting up, eating, going out, going home, bathing, and going to bed, and the time at which they should be performed. In addition, since the living activity to be a reference differs depending on the user environment (the actual situation of the user), a plurality of types of living activity information are prepared in advance. For example, when the user is a company employee, not only a user who works in a general working time zone, but also a user who works in a time zone shifted early in the morning and a user who works in a time zone shifted late at night. Therefore, a plurality of types of living activity information are prepared, and as will be described later, appropriate living activity information for the user is selected. When a reference power pattern (a reference power consumption pattern) is set based on the selected living activity information, the data storage unit 32 also stores the reference power pattern.

  In addition, the data storage unit 32 stores device information (for example, the type and electrical characteristics of the device 10), user information (for example, the number of users and the family structure), and calendar information (for example, seasonal information). , Weekdays, holidays, etc., and also includes user schedules).

  The control unit 33 includes, for example, a CPU (Central Processing Unit), a ROM (Read Only Memory), and a RAM (Random Access Memory), and controls the entire controller 30. The control unit 33 functionally includes a power information acquisition unit 331, a reference power setting unit 332, a power comparison unit 333, an image generation unit 334 (a power pattern presentation unit 335, an advice notification unit 336), and a privilege grant. A part 337. These functions are realized by the CPU using the RAM as a work memory and appropriately executing, for example, various programs stored in the ROM (for example, a program for a power comparison process described later).

  The power information acquisition unit 331 acquires power information from the power measurement device 20. Then, from the acquired power information, the power consumption patterns indicating the transition of the power consumption of the house H in one day are totaled. That is, the power information acquisition unit 331 tallies the power consumption patterns measured according to the user's living behavior.

  The reference power setting unit 332 sets a reference power pattern serving as a reference. For example, the reference power setting unit 332 selects a living activity (living activity information) to be used as a reference from the data storage unit 32, and sets a reference power pattern determined by the selected living activity. More specifically, the reference power setting unit 332 also refers to the device information, the user information, and the calendar information stored in the data storage unit 32, and takes into consideration the human factors and the device environment factors in the house H, and Set the power pattern. Accordingly, the reference power pattern to be set includes, for example, time (seasonal, weekday, holiday, etc.), family composition (single living, couple, two households, etc.), working hours (early morning work, regular work, late night work, etc.), In addition, taking into account the device configuration (the type and electrical characteristics of the device 10), it represents the transition of the power consumption when the user of the house H performs regular living behavior.

  The power comparing unit 333 compares (comparisons) the set reference power pattern with the measured power consumption pattern. For example, the power comparing unit 333 compares the reference power and the actual power consumption for each unit time, and calculates a degree (adaptation rate) at which the reference power pattern matches the power consumption pattern. In calculating the matching rate, it is usually required that not only the time at which the power peak occurs in the reference power and the power consumption, but also the height of the peak coincide. Nevertheless, the power comparing unit 333 reduces the evaluation when the power consumption is lower than the reference power (the power is smaller) when the times at which the power peaks occur and the peak height is lower than the reference power. The precision is obtained. In other words, if the user performs a regular living activity and the power is kept low, the power comparing unit 333 evaluates the evaluation highly and calculates a high matching rate.

  The image generation unit 334 includes, for example, a power pattern presentation unit 335 and an advice notification unit 336, and generates various images to be displayed on the display unit 34.

  The power pattern presentation unit 335 presents a reference power pattern serving as a reference and a power consumption pattern of the user in comparison. Specifically, the power pattern presentation unit 335 generates a comparison image C1 as shown in FIG. In FIG. 3, a reference power pattern (reference power consumption indicated by a dotted line) and a power consumption pattern (today's power consumption indicated by a solid line) are represented by line graphs, but these are merely examples. It may be represented by another graph.

  Returning to FIG. 2, the advice notifying unit 336 notifies the advice corresponding to the comparison result between the reference power pattern and the power consumption pattern. Specifically, the power pattern presentation unit 335 generates an advice image A1 as shown in FIG. Note that the content of the advice in FIG. 4 is an example, and other content may be used.

  Returning to FIG. 2, the privilege granting unit 337 grants a privilege according to the matching rate of the power consumption pattern with respect to the reference power pattern. Specifically, if the matching rate calculated by the power comparing unit 333 is 0.8 (80%) or more, the privilege giving unit 337 gives the user a coupon or a point. In addition, coupons and points may be given to the user when the state of high matching rate is continued for one week. The information of the provided coupons and points may be managed (stored) in the data storage unit 32, or may be transmitted to an external privilege management server (not shown) and managed on the privilege management server side.

  The display unit 34 is, for example, a liquid crystal display device, and displays various information under the control of the control unit 33. Specifically, the display unit 34 displays the comparison image C1 of FIG. 3 generated by the power pattern presentation unit 335 described above and the advice image A1 of FIG. 4 generated by the advice notification unit 336 described above in one screen. I do. The display unit 34 may display the comparison image C1 and the advice image A1 separately on different screens.

  Hereinafter, the operation of the controller 30 (control section 33) according to the first embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 5 is a flowchart illustrating an example of the power comparison process performed by the control unit 33. This power comparison processing is executed, for example, once a day (for example, at a predetermined time at night).

  First, the control unit 33 totals the power consumption of today (step S101). That is, the power information acquisition unit 331 compiles a power consumption pattern indicating a change in power consumption of the house H in one day based on the power information acquired from the power measurement device 20.

  The control unit 33 compares the reference power pattern and the power consumption pattern (Step S102). That is, the power comparing unit 333 compares the reference power and the actual power consumption for each unit time, and calculates the degree (matching rate) at which the reference power pattern matches the power consumption pattern.

  The control unit 33 determines whether or not the matching rate is high (Step S103). For example, the control unit 33 determines whether or not the matching rate between the reference power pattern and the power consumption pattern is 80% or more. When determining that the matching rate is not high (for example, less than 80%) (Step S103; No), the control unit 33 proceeds to Step S105 described below.

  On the other hand, when it is determined that the matching rate is high (for example, 80% or more) (step S103; Yes), the control unit 33 grants a privilege (step S104). For example, the privilege giving unit 337 gives coupons and points to the user.

  The control unit 33 presents the power pattern and notifies the advice (step S105). For example, the power pattern presentation unit 335 presents the reference power pattern and the power consumption pattern in comparison with each other as shown in the above-described comparison image C1 in FIG. As shown in the advice image A1, the advice according to the comparison result is notified.

  The control unit 33 sets a reference power pattern for the next day (step S106). For example, the reference power setting unit 332 selects a living activity (living activity information) to be a reference from the data storage unit 32, and sets a reference power pattern determined by the selected living activity. More specifically, the reference power setting unit 332 also refers to the device information, the user information, and the calendar information stored in the data storage unit 32 and takes into consideration the human factors and the device environment factors in the house H, and Set the power pattern.

  The control unit 33 estimates the power consumption of the next day (Step S107). For example, the control unit 33 predicts a power consumption pattern for the next day based on past results (for example, past power consumption measured under the same conditions).

  In such a power comparison process, a reference power pattern serving as a reference and a power consumption pattern of a user are compared and presented, and advice according to the comparison result is reported. As a result, the user can be encouraged to perform regular living behavior. Accordingly, it is possible to contribute to improving the prediction accuracy of power consumption and optimizing energy control. In addition, when the matching rate between the reference power pattern and the power consumption pattern increases, a privilege is given to the user, so that the motivation of the user increases and regular living behavior is easily maintained.

(Embodiment 2)
In the first embodiment, the case where the reference power pattern and the power consumption pattern are compared and the advice according to the comparison result is notified is described. However, the lifestyle of the user is further determined, and the determined lifestyle is improved. May be notified. Hereinafter, Embodiment 2 of the present invention will be described. Also in the second embodiment, the overall configuration is the same as that in FIG.

  FIG. 6 is a block diagram illustrating an example of a configuration of the controller 30 according to the second embodiment of the present invention. As illustrated, the controller 30 includes a communication unit 31, a data storage unit 32, a control unit 43, and a display unit 34. The configurations of the communication unit 31, the data storage unit 32, and the display unit 34 are the same as those in the first embodiment. The data storage unit 32 stores a determination table 321 as shown in FIG.

  The determination table 321 is a table that defines the relationship between the information source and the content and the life behavior of the user to be determined. For example, from the determination table 321, when the water heater (device 10) fills the bath, it is determined that the user takes a bath. If shopping is scheduled in the schedule, going out (shopping, absence) of the user is determined. Note that the schedule may be stored in the data storage unit 32 as calendar information as described above, or may be obtained from an external schedule management server (not shown). In addition, when the human sensor (device 10) performs human detection, the user's presence at home (room presence) is determined.

  Returning to FIG. 6, the control unit 43 functionally includes the power information acquisition unit 331, the reference power setting unit 332, the power comparison unit 333, and the image generation unit 334 (the power pattern presentation unit 335, the advice notification unit). 336), a privilege giving unit 337, an operation information acquiring unit 431, and a lifestyle determining unit 432. That is, in the control unit 43 according to the second embodiment, an operation information acquisition unit 431 and a lifestyle determination unit 432 are added to the configuration of the control unit 33 according to the first embodiment.

  The operation information acquisition unit 431 acquires operation information of the device 10 placed in the house H. As described above, the device 10 also includes a sensor device such as a human sensor. That is, when a human sensor is disposed in the house H as one of the devices 10, the operation information acquiring unit 431 acquires, from the human sensor, operation information such as, for example, human detection or non-human detection. .

  The lifestyle determining unit 432 estimates a user's lifestyle and determines a lifestyle in which the estimated lifestyle is classified. That is, the lifestyle style determination unit 432 estimates the user's lifestyle behavior based on the determination table 321 in FIG. 7 described above, the motion information acquired by the motion information acquisition unit 431, and the schedule read from the data storage unit 32. . Then, the lifestyle determining unit 432 determines a lifestyle in which the estimated living behavior is classified. For example, in the estimated living behavior, when the bedtime is later than the reference time (a time within a certain range), the lifestyle determining unit 432 determines the lifestyle as “late night”. Further, in the estimated living behavior, when the wake-up time is later than the reference time, the lifestyle style determination unit 432 determines that the lifestyle is “morning sleep”. In addition, in the estimated living behavior, when eating out is larger than the reference number of times, the lifestyle style determination unit 432 determines that the lifestyle is “excessive eating out”.

  In addition, the power pattern presentation unit 335 generates and presents a comparison image C2 as shown in FIG. In the comparison image C2, the reference living behavior LA1 and the current living behavior LA2 are compared. The living behavior LA1 indicates a regular living behavior to be a reference, while the living behavior LA2 indicates the user's living behavior estimated by the lifestyle determining unit 432. In addition, the lifestyle style determination unit 432 determines the lifestyle of the user as “morning sleepover” from the lifestyle behavior LA2.

  Further, the advice notification unit 336 generates an advice image A2 as shown in FIG. 9 and notifies the advice. That is, the advice notifying unit 336 notifies an improvement advice for improving a user's life style. For example, as shown in FIG. 10, when the lifestyle of the user is determined to be any of “night wake”, “morning sleep”, and “excessive eating out”, the advice notification unit 336 should be a reference. In order to bring them closer to their lifestyles, they will give advice on how to improve each one. At that time, the advice notifying unit 336 notifies an improvement advice for gradually approaching the lifestyle to be the reference lifestyle. For example, if the wake-up time of the user whose lifestyle is determined to be “morning sleep” is 11:00 am and the wake-up time of the lifestyle to be the reference is 7:00 am, the advice notification unit 336 suddenly sets Instead of advising improvement to wake up at 10:00 am, as a first step, advice to improve to wake up at 10:00 am is advised. Thereafter, when the wake-up time of the user is improved at 10:00 am, the advice notifying unit 336 gradually increases the tide to the standard lifestyle such that the user is advised to improve to wake-up at 9:00 at the second stage. An improvement advice for approaching (approaching gradually) is notified.

  Hereinafter, the operation of the controller 30 (control section 43) according to the second embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 11 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a lifestyle determination process performed by the control unit 43. This lifestyle style determination processing is executed, for example, once a day (for example, at a predetermined time in the night).

  First, the control unit 43 totals operation information and schedules in chronological order (step S201). That is, the control unit 43 totals the operation information of the device 10 acquired by the operation information acquisition unit 431 and the schedule read out from the data storage unit 32 in chronological order.

  The control unit 43 estimates the living behavior and determines the lifestyle (Step S202). That is, the lifestyle style determination unit 432 estimates the lifestyle behavior of the user based on the above-described determination table 321 in FIG. 7 and the operation information and the schedule that are compiled in chronological order. Then, the lifestyle determining unit 432 determines a lifestyle in which the estimated living behavior is classified. For example, in the estimated living behavior, when the bedtime is later than the reference time, the lifestyle style determination unit 432 determines the lifestyle as “late night”. Further, in the estimated living behavior, when the wake-up time is later than the reference time, the lifestyle style determination unit 432 determines that the lifestyle is “morning sleep”. In addition, in the estimated living behavior, when eating out is greater than the standard number of times, the lifestyle determining unit 432 determines that the lifestyle is “excessive eating out”.

  The control unit 43 notifies improvement advice according to the user's lifestyle (step S203). For example, the advice notifying unit 336 generates an advice image A2 as shown in FIG. 9 described above, and notifies an improvement advice. That is, the advice notifying unit 336 notifies an improvement advice for improving a user's life style. For example, when the lifestyle of the user is determined to be one of “night wake”, “sleep oversleep”, and “excessive eating out” as shown in FIG. 10 described above, the advice notification unit 336 should be a reference. In order to bring them closer to their lifestyles, they will give advice on how to improve each one. At that time, the advice notifying unit 336 notifies an improvement advice for gradually approaching the lifestyle to be the reference lifestyle.

  In such a lifestyle determination process, the lifestyle is determined after estimating the user's lifestyle with high accuracy using the operation information and the schedule of the device 10. Therefore, the lifestyle to be determined is in accordance with the actual situation of the user, and by reporting improvement advice for improving the lifestyle, it is possible to effectively encourage the user to perform a regular lifestyle.

(Embodiment 3)
In the above-described second embodiment, a description has been given of the process up to the determination of the user's lifestyle and notification of an improvement advice for improving the determined lifestyle, but the degree to which such improvement advice is reflected in the user's lifestyle. May be calculated and used for estimating power consumption. Hereinafter, Embodiment 3 of the present invention will be described. Also in the third embodiment, the entire configuration is the same as that in FIG.

  FIG. 12 is a block diagram illustrating an example of a configuration of the controller 30 according to Embodiment 3 of the present invention. As illustrated, the controller 30 includes a communication unit 31, a data storage unit 32, a control unit 53, and a display unit 34. The configurations of the communication unit 31, the data storage unit 32, and the display unit 34 are the same as those in the first and second embodiments.

  The control unit 53 functionally includes a power information acquisition unit 331, a reference power setting unit 332, a power comparison unit 333, an image generation unit 334 (a power pattern presentation unit 335, an advice notification unit 336), and a privilege grant. A unit 337, an operation information acquisition unit 431, a lifestyle determination unit 432, a reflection rate calculation unit 531 and a power prediction unit 532 are provided. That is, in the control unit 53 of the third embodiment, a reflection rate calculation unit 531 and a power prediction unit 532 are added to the configuration of the control unit 43 of the second embodiment.

  After the improvement advice is notified, the reflection ratio calculation unit 531 calculates a reflection ratio indicating the degree to which the improvement advice has been reflected in the user's living behavior. For example, the reflection ratio calculation unit 531 calculates the reflection ratio as follows.

  First, the reflection rate calculating unit 531 collects the previous and current living behavior estimated by the lifestyle determining unit 432 and the improvement advice previously notified by the advice notifying unit 336. Next, the reflection rate calculation unit 531 extracts information related to improvement advice from the collected previous and current living behavior. For example, if the improvement advice is an improvement advice for improving “morning asleep” (for example, getting up at 7:00 am), information on getting up from the previous living activity and this living activity (for example, Wake up at 8 am and wake up at 7:30 am this time). Then, the reflection rate calculation unit 531 calculates the reflection rate according to the extracted information. For example, when information on wake-up is extracted (previous wake-up at 8:00 a.m. and advice of wake-up at 7:00 a.m., wake-up at 7.30 am this time), the reflection rate calculation unit 531 sets the reflection rate to 0. 5 (50%).

  The power prediction unit 532 predicts power consumption by weighting the calculated reflection rate. For example, the power prediction unit 532 predicts power consumption as follows.

  First, the power prediction unit 532 selects power consumption measured in the past under the same condition. Next, the power prediction unit 532 estimates the power consumption when the user acts according to the improvement advice that the advice notification unit 336 notifies this time. Then, the power prediction unit 532 predicts power consumption by weighting and combining the selected power consumption and the estimated power consumption with the reflection rate calculated by the reflection rate calculation unit 531.

  Specifically, the power prediction unit 532 predicts the power consumption by using the following Expression 1 (when the reflection rate is calculated by the reflection rate calculation unit 531 using a numerical value in the range of 0 to 1).

Estimated power consumption = reflection rate x estimated power consumption
+ (1−reflection rate) × selected power consumption (Equation 1)

  Hereinafter, the operation of the controller 30 (control section 53) according to the third embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. FIG. 13 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a reflection rate calculation process performed by the control unit 53. FIG. 14 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a power prediction process performed by the control unit 53. The reflection rate calculation processing and the power prediction processing are executed, for example, once a day (as an example, at a predetermined time at night). First, the reflection rate calculation processing in FIG. 13 will be described.

  First, the control unit 53 collects the previous living behavior, the current living behavior, and the previous improvement advice (Step S301). That is, the reflection rate calculation unit 531 collects the previous and current life behavior estimated by the lifestyle style determination unit 432 and the improvement advice previously notified by the advice notification unit 336.

  The control unit 53 extracts information related to the previous improvement advice from the previous living activity and the current living activity (step S302). For example, if the previous improvement advice is an improvement advice for improving “morning asleep” (for example, getting up at 7:00 am), the reflection rate calculation unit 531 determines the last living activity and the current living activity. Then, information about wake-up (for example, wake-up at 8:00 am last time and wake-up at 7:30 am this time) is extracted.

  The control unit 53 calculates the reflection rate according to the extracted information (Step S303). For example, when information on wake-up is extracted (previous wake-up at 8:00 a.m. and advice of wake-up at 7:00 a.m., wake-up at 7.30 am this time), the reflection rate calculation unit 531 sets the reflection rate to 0. 5 (50%).

  Subsequently, the power prediction processing of FIG. 14 will be described. This power prediction processing is executed after the above-described reflection rate calculation processing.

  First, the control unit 53 selects power consumption measured in the past under the same condition (step S401). For example, the power prediction unit 532 selects a new date from power consumption (power consumption pattern) measured under the same conditions, such as distinguishing weekdays, holidays, and seasons. Note that an average may be obtained from a plurality of power consumptions measured under the same condition.

  The control unit 53 estimates the power consumption when the user acts according to the improvement advice to be reported this time (step S402). For example, if the improvement advice to be reported this time is to wake up at 7:00 am, the power prediction unit 532 estimates the power consumption according to the living behavior including the user getting up at 7:00 am.

  The control unit 53 predicts power consumption by weighting and combining the power consumption selected in step S401 and the power consumption estimated in step S402 with the reflection rate calculated in the reflection rate calculation processing ( Step S403). For example, when the reflection rate is calculated with a numerical value in the range of 0 to 1, the power prediction unit 532 predicts power consumption using the above-described Expression 1.

  As described above, in the power prediction processing, the reflection rate calculated in the reflection rate calculation processing is weighted to predict the power consumption. For this reason, the prediction accuracy of power consumption can be appropriately improved using the reflection rate according to the user.

(Embodiment 4)
In the first to third embodiments, the single home system 1 has been described. However, a plurality of home systems 1 (the controllers 30 of each house H) may be appropriately managed. Hereinafter, Embodiment 4 of the present invention will be described. In the fourth embodiment, as an example, a management system in an apartment house represented by a condominium will be described as an example. In addition, a management system that manages a plurality of houses in a region (for example, a CEMS: Community Energy Management System) will be described. Is also applicable.

  FIG. 15 is a block diagram illustrating an example of the overall configuration of the management system 100 according to Embodiment 4 of the present invention.

  As shown in FIG. 15, the management system 100 includes a controller 30 (controllers 30a, 30b, 30c,...) And a server 60 connected via an external network N2. Although only the controller 30 is shown in FIG. 15, the configuration of each house (each house H) has the same configuration as the home system 1 described above.

  The server 60 is a server that manages an apartment house (each house H). In addition, in this condominium, for example, a contract for a lump-sum power receiving service is made, and there are restrictions such as a penalty if the peak power in the total power consumption (demand power) exceeds a predetermined threshold. And

  An example of the configuration of the server 60 will be described below with reference to the block diagram of FIG. As illustrated, the server 60 includes a communication unit 61, a data storage unit 62, and a control unit 63. The communication unit 61 communicates with the controller 30 via the external network N2. The data storage unit 62 stores various information necessary for managing the apartment house. For example, the data storage unit 62 stores the user information (for example, the number of users and the family structure in each house H, and the relationship between the users in different houses H) regarding the users of the apartment house.

  The control unit 63 includes a CPU, a ROM, and a RAM, and controls the entire server 60. The control unit 63 functionally includes a shared information acquisition unit 631, a shared information notification unit 632, a power summation unit 633, a power demand prediction unit 634, and an advice request unit 635. These functions are realized by the CPU using the RAM as a work memory and appropriately executing various programs stored in the ROM and the data storage unit 62.

  The shared information acquisition unit 631 acquires shared information shared between users in different houses H. The shared information is, for example, information on an event (school event) at the school where the user at home A (child) attends the same school as the user at home C attends. In this case, the shared information is to be shared between the users at home A and home C. In addition, in the case of an event in an apartment house, the information is shared information to be shared between users of all the houses H. Hereinafter, a case where such shared information is obtained from any of the controllers 30 will be described as an example. However, it may be obtained from an external server or information input by an administrator.

  The shared information notification unit 632 notifies the shared information acquired by the shared information acquisition unit 631 to the controller 30 to be shared. For example, the data storage unit 62 stores, as user information, information indicating an association between users in different houses H (for example, if there are users who go to the same school, information that associates those users), The shared information notifying unit 632 determines whether or not the information acquired from the controller 30 is shared information based on such user information, and if the information is shared information, the shared information is notified to the controller 30 to be shared. Notify information.

  The power summation unit 633 collects power information from the controller 30. For example, the power totaling unit 633 totals the power consumption measured in each house H.

  The power demand prediction unit 634 predicts the power consumption (demand power) of the entire apartment house based on the tabulated power consumption. For example, the power demand prediction unit 634 predicts the power demand of the next day based on past results (for example, past power demand measured and totaled under the same conditions).

  When the peak power in the predicted demand power exceeds a predetermined threshold value, the advice request unit 635 requests the controller 30 to notify the controller 30 of advice for prompting a shift of the peak power. For example, in the time zone of the peak power, the controller 30 is requested to notify the controller 30 of the advice to promote the reduction of the power consumption or the distribution to another time zone. Specifically, if the time zone of the peak power is daytime, participation in an event performed at the meeting hall during that time zone is encouraged, and the power consumption in each house H is reduced. In addition, if the peak power period is nighttime, participation in the light-down event is encouraged, and the power consumption in each house H is reduced.

  Hereinafter, the operation of the server 60 (control unit 63) according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. FIG. 17 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a shared information notification process performed by the control unit 63. FIG. 18 is a flowchart illustrating an example of the advice request process executed by the control unit 63. The shared information notification processing and the advice request processing are executed, for example, once a day (for example, at a predetermined time at night). First, the shared information notification processing of FIG. 17 will be described.

  First, the control unit 63 acquires information about a schedule or an event from the controller 30 (step S501).

  The control unit 63 determines whether or not the acquired information is shared information (Step S502). That is, the shared information acquisition unit 631 determines whether or not shared information to be shared between users in different houses H has been acquired. For example, if the school where the user at home A (child) attends is the same as the school where the user at home C attends, and if the information is an event (school event) at that school, the shared information acquisition unit 631 Is determined to have been acquired. In addition, if the event information is information on an apartment house, the shared information acquisition unit 631 determines that the shared information has been acquired.

  When the control unit 63 determines that the acquired information is not the shared information (Step S502; No), the control unit 63 ends the shared information notification process.

  On the other hand, when determining that the acquired information is shared information (Step S502; Yes), the control unit 63 notifies the acquired controller 30 of the acquired shared information (Step S503). That is, the shared information notification unit 632 refers to the user information (information indicating the relationship between users in different houses H) in the data storage unit 62 and notifies the controller 30 to be shared of the shared information.

  By such a shared information notification process, information to be shared between target users in an apartment house is shared. For this reason, schedule omission can be reduced in each house H, and the prediction accuracy of power consumption in each house H can be improved.

  Subsequently, the advice request processing of FIG. 18 will be described.

  First, the control unit 63 predicts power demand (step S601). That is, the power demand prediction unit 634 predicts the power consumption of the entire apartment house. For example, the power demand prediction unit 634 predicts the power demand of the next day based on past results (for example, past power demand measured and totaled under the same conditions).

  The control unit 63 determines whether or not the peak power in the demand power exceeds a threshold (Step S602). When the controller 63 determines that the peak power in the demand power does not exceed the threshold value (step S602; No), the controller 63 ends the advice request processing as it is.

  On the other hand, when it is determined that the peak power in the demand power exceeds the threshold (Step S602; Yes), the control unit 63 requests the controller 30 to notify the advice for prompting the peak power shift (Step S602). Step S603). In other words, the advice requesting unit 635 requests the controller 30 to notify the controller 30 of the advice to promote the reduction of the power consumption or the distribution to another time period in the peak power time period. Specifically, if the time zone of the peak power is daytime, participation in an event performed at the meeting hall during that time zone is encouraged, and the power consumption in each house H is reduced. In addition, if the peak power period is nighttime, participation in the light-down event is encouraged, and the power consumption in each house H is reduced.

  By such an advice request process, it is possible to suppress the peak power from exceeding a predetermined threshold, and to avoid, for example, paying a penalty in the collective power receiving service.

(Embodiment 5)
In the above-described fourth embodiment, a case has been described in which the controller 30 requests notification of the advice from the server 60 that manages the apartment house. However, in response to a request from another server, the controller 30 requests the controller 30 to report the advice. You may. Hereinafter, a fifth embodiment of the present invention will be described.

  FIG. 19 is a block diagram showing an example of the overall configuration of the management system 100 according to Embodiment 5 of the present invention.

  As shown in FIG. 19, the management system 100 is configured by connecting a controller 30 (controllers 30a, 30b, 30c,...), A server 60, and an external server 80 via an external network N2. ing. Although only the controller 30 is shown in FIG. 19, the configuration of each house (each house H) is the same as that of the home system 1 described above.

  An example of the configuration of the server 60 according to the fifth embodiment will be described below with reference to the block diagram of FIG. As illustrated, the server 60 includes a communication unit 61, a data storage unit 62, and a control unit 73. The configurations of the communication unit 61 and the data storage unit 62 are the same as those of the above-described fourth embodiment.

  The control unit 73 functionally includes a shared information acquisition unit 631, a shared information notification unit 632, a power aggregation unit 633, a power demand prediction unit 634, an advice request unit 635, a power information notification unit 731, A request information acquisition unit 732, a result information acquisition unit 733, and a result information notification unit 734 are provided. That is, in the control unit 73 of the fifth embodiment, a power information notification unit 731 to a result information notification unit 734 are added to the configuration of the control unit 63 of the fourth embodiment.

  The power information notification unit 731 notifies the external server 80 of the power information collected from the controller 30. In addition, user information (excluding personal information) may be notified to the external server 80.

  The request information acquisition unit 732 acquires request information notified from the external server 80. For example, the request information obtaining unit 732 obtains request information for requesting each house H and each user from the external server 80. Note that the advice requesting unit 635 requests the controller 30 to notify the advice according to the request information.

  After requesting the controller 30 to notify the advice according to the request information, the result information acquiring unit 733 acquires the result (result information) for the advice from the controller 30.

  The result information notification unit 734 notifies the obtained result information to the external server 80.

  Returning to FIG. 19, the external server 80 is, for example, a server of a power company. The external server 80 is not limited to the server of the power company, but may be the server of the employment company or school if the employment company or school manages the lifestyle of employees or students. When the large retail store manages the eating habits of the customer, the external server 80 is a server of the large retail store.

  An example of the configuration of the external server 80 will be described below with reference to the block diagram of FIG. As illustrated, the external server 80 includes a communication unit 81, a data storage unit 82, and a control unit 83. The communication unit 81 communicates with the server 60 via the external network N2. The data storage unit 82 stores various types of information necessary for energy management in apartment buildings and areas.

  The control unit 83 includes a CPU, a ROM, and a RAM, and controls the entire external server 80. The control unit 83 functionally includes a power information collection unit 831, a request information notification unit 832, a result information collection unit 833, and a privilege distribution unit 834. These functions are realized by the CPU using the RAM as a work memory and appropriately executing various programs stored in the ROM and the data storage unit 62.

  The power information collection unit 831 collects power information of the controller 30 from the server 60. Note that the power information collection unit 831 may collect user information (excluding personal information) from the server 60.

  The request information notifying unit 832 notifies the server 60 of request information for requesting each house H and each user. For example, if the external server 80 is a server of a power company, the server 60 is notified of request information for requesting power suppression and peak shift.

  The result information collection unit 833 collects result information from the server 60. For example, the result information in each house H (each user) with respect to the request information for requesting power suppression and peak shift is collected.

  The privilege distribution unit 834 distributes a privilege to the user according to the result information. If the result of the user with respect to the request information for requesting the power suppression or the peak shift is sufficient, the privilege distribution unit 834 distributes a privilege such as discounting a basic fee to the user.

  Hereinafter, the operation of the external server 80 (control unit 83) according to Embodiment 5 of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 22 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a privilege distribution process executed by the control unit 83. This privilege distribution process is executed, for example, once a day (for example, at a predetermined time in the night).

  First, the control unit 83 notifies the server 60 of the request information (Step S701). For example, the request information notification unit 832 notifies the server 60 of request information for requesting power suppression and peak shift.

  After that, the control unit 83 acquires the result information (Step S702). For example, the result information collecting unit 833 collects result information in each house H (each user) for the request information for requesting power suppression and peak shift.

  The control unit 83 determines whether the result is high (step S703). When determining that the result is not high (step S703; No), the control unit 83 ends the privilege distribution process as it is.

  On the other hand, when it is determined that the result is high (step S703; Yes), the control unit 83 distributes the privilege (step S704). For example, the privilege distribution unit 834 distributes a privilege, such as discounting a basic fee, to the user.

  By such a privilege distribution process, even when a company of the external server 80 (for example, a power company) cannot cooperate with the controller 30, useful information can be collected via the server 60 and appropriately fed back.

(Other embodiments)
In the first to third embodiments, the home system 1 has been described as an example. However, for example, the present invention is similarly applicable to a building system arranged in a building.

  In the above-described first to third embodiments, the case where the controller 30 includes the display unit 34 has been described as an example. However, the case where the controller 30 does not include the display unit 34 can be appropriately applied. For example, the image generated by the image generation unit 334 (the power pattern presentation unit 335 and the advice notification unit 336) is transmitted to a display device capable of communication (for example, a terminal device used by a user) to display the image. The above-described comparison images C1 and C2 and the advice images A1 and A2 may be displayed on the device. Further, when the controller 30 does not include the display unit 34, such a controller 30 may be arranged outside the house H. For example, the functions of the controller 30 may be realized in a cloud environment, and the comparison images C1 and C2 and the advice images A1 and A2 may be displayed on a display device that can communicate. In these cases as well, the user can be encouraged to perform regular living activities in the same manner as described above.

  Further, in the above embodiment, the case where the dedicated controller 30 or the server 60 is used has been described. However, the operation program that defines the operation of the controller 30 or the server 60 is applied to an existing personal computer, information terminal device, or the like. The personal computer can also function as the controller 30 or the server 60 according to the present invention.

  The method of distributing such a program is arbitrary. For example, a computer-readable medium such as a CD-ROM (Compact Disk Read-Only Memory), a DVD (Digital Versatile Disk), an MO (Magneto Optical Disk), and a memory card can be used. The program may be stored in a recording medium and distributed, or may be distributed via a communication network such as the Internet.

  The present invention is capable of various embodiments and modifications without departing from the broad spirit and scope. Further, the above-described embodiments are for explaining the present invention, and do not limit the scope of the present invention. That is, the scope of the present invention is shown not by the embodiment but by the claims. Various modifications made within the scope of the claims and equivalents thereof are considered to be within the scope of the present invention.

  INDUSTRIAL APPLICATION This invention can be employ | adopted for the controller and the management system which urge a user to perform a regular living behavior.

1 home system, 10 devices, 20 power measurement device, 21 power detection unit, 22, 31, 61, 81 communication unit, 30 controller, 32, 62, 82 data storage unit, 33, 43, 53, 63, 73, 83 Control section, 331 power information acquisition section, 332 reference power setting section, 333 power comparison section, 334 image generation section, 335 power pattern presentation section, 336 advice notification section, 337 privilege provision section, 431 operation information acquisition section, 432 lifestyle Determination unit, 531 reflection ratio calculation unit, 532 power prediction unit, 34 display unit, 60 servers, 631 shared information acquisition unit, 632 shared information notification unit, 633 power totalization unit, 634 power demand prediction unit, 635 advice request unit, 731 Power information notification unit, 732 request information acquisition unit, 733 result information acquisition unit, 734 result information Notification unit, 831 power information collecting unit, 832 request information notification unit, 833 achievement information collecting unit, 834 privilege delivery unit, 100 management system, 321 determination table, 80 an external server

Claims (7)

A controller for managing power consumption in a house,
Power pattern presenting means for presenting a reference power pattern determined from a living activity to be a reference and a power consumption pattern measured according to the user's living activity,
Advice notifying means for notifying an advice according to a comparison result between the reference power pattern and the power consumption pattern,
After the advice is notified, a reflection rate calculation unit that calculates a reflection rate indicating a degree in which the advice is reflected in the living behavior of the user,
Weighting the calculated reflection rate, power prediction means for predicting the power consumption,
Controller. The apparatus further includes a privilege granting unit that grants a privilege according to the degree to which the power consumption pattern matches the reference power pattern,
The controller according to claim 1. Operation information obtaining means for obtaining operation information about the device arranged in the house,
Style determining means for estimating the life activity of the user based on the acquired operation information and determining a lifestyle style in which the estimated life activity is classified;
The advice notifying unit notifies an improvement advice for improving the determined lifestyle.
The controller according to claim 1. The advice notifying unit notifies the improvement advice for gradually approaching from the determined lifestyle toward the lifestyle represented by the reference living activity,
The controller according to claim 3 . A server which controls the controller according to any one of claims 1 to 4 , and a management system including a plurality of the controllers,
The server is
Power summation means for summing up the power consumption measured in the house from the controlling controller,
Based on the aggregated power consumption, power demand prediction means for predicting the overall power consumption,
When the peak power in the predicted total power consumption exceeds a predetermined threshold, the controller includes: an advice request unit that requests the controller to notify the controller of advice for prompting a shift of the peak power. ,
Management system. A server which controls the controller according to any one of claims 1 to 4 , and a management system including a plurality of the controllers,
The server is
Shared information to be shared between a plurality of controllers, shared information acquisition means for acquiring from any of the controllers,
A shared information notifying unit that notifies the acquired shared information to the other controller to be shared,
Management system. A server which controls the controller according to any one of claims 1 to 4 , and a management system including a plurality of the controllers,
The server is
A request information acquisition unit that acquires, from an external server, request information for requesting execution of a specific action toward the user, or suppression of power consumption toward the house;
Advice request means for requesting the controller to notify the advice according to the obtained request information,
After the advice requesting unit requests notification of advice, a result information obtaining unit that obtains result information corresponding to the advice from the controller,
And a result information notifying unit that notifies the obtained result information to the external server.
Management system.

Images