Air conditioning system

Abstract

To assist in performing temperature control suitable for a specific object such as a pet, a child, and an elderly person.SOLUTION: An air conditioning system comprises: an air conditioner 10 constituted so as to be capable of operating in a first mode and a second mode; a human sensor 11 installed in a body of the air conditioner 10, and for detecting a person existing in a room 1; a temperature sensor 20 constituted separately from the human sensor 11, and for acquiring temperature information related to a specific detection object 2 existing in the room 1; selection means for selecting the first mode and the second mode; and control means for controlling the operation of the air conditioner 10 in accordance with a detection result of the human sensor 11 when the first mode is selected by the selection means, and controlling the operation of the air conditioner 10 in accordance with the temperature information acquired by the temperature sensor 20 when the second mode is selected by the selection means.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to air conditioning systems. [Background technology]

[0002] Patent Document 1 describes an air conditioner that detects the presence of people using a sensor integrated into the main body of the air conditioner and adjusts the temperature in the room based on the detection result. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Patent No. 7438401 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] The sensor mounted on the main body of a conventional air conditioner such as that described in Patent Document 1 has difficulty detecting objects that are stationary or moving very little. Furthermore, the sensor mounted on the main body of a conventional air conditioner also has difficulty detecting objects that move too quickly. Conventional air conditioners such as those described in Patent Document 1 have had the problem of difficulty detecting specific objects such as pets, children, and elderly people, and also of difficulty in controlling the temperature appropriately for such specific objects.

[0005] The present disclosure is intended to solve the above-mentioned problems. An object of the present disclosure is to provide an air conditioning system that can assist in appropriate temperature control for specific subjects such as pets, children, and the elderly. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] The air conditioning system of the present disclosure comprises an air conditioner configured to be able to operate in a first mode and a second mode, a human detection means mounted on the main body of the air conditioner and detecting a human being present in the room, a temperature information acquisition means configured separately from the human detection means and acquiring temperature information related to a specific detection target present in the room, a selection means for selecting between the first mode and the second mode, and a control means for controlling the operation of the air conditioner in accordance with the detection result of the human detection means when the first mode is selected by the selection means, and for controlling the operation of the air conditioner in accordance with the temperature information acquired by the temperature information acquisition means when the second mode is selected by the selection means. [Effects of the Invention]

[0007] The air conditioning system according to the present disclosure can assist in controlling the temperature appropriately for specific subjects such as pets, children, and the elderly. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0008] [Figure 1] 1 is a diagram schematically showing the interior of a room to which an air conditioning system according to a first embodiment is applied. [Figure 2] 1 is a block diagram showing a functional configuration of an air conditioning system according to a first embodiment. [Figure 3] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of a configuration for realizing the functions of a control unit according to the first embodiment. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a diagram showing another example of the configuration of the temperature information acquisition means included in the air conditioning system according to the first embodiment. [Figure 5] 4 is a flowchart showing a first operation example of the air conditioning system according to the first embodiment. [Figure 6] 6 is a flowchart showing a second operation example of the air conditioning system according to the first embodiment. [Figure 7] 6 is a flowchart showing a third operation example of the air conditioning system according to the first embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0009] Hereinafter, embodiments will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. The same reference numerals in each drawing indicate the same or corresponding parts. Furthermore, in this disclosure, redundant explanations will be simplified or omitted as appropriate. Note that this disclosure may include any modifications and combinations of the configurations disclosed in the following embodiments, as long as they do not deviate from the spirit of the disclosure.

[0010] Embodiment 1 Fig. 1 is a diagram schematically showing an interior room 1 to which an air conditioning system according to Embodiment 1 is applied. Fig. 2 is a block diagram showing the functional configuration of the air conditioning system according to Embodiment 1.

[0011] The air conditioning system according to this embodiment includes an air conditioner 10 that adjusts the temperature of a room 1. The main body of the air conditioner 10 is equipped with a human presence sensor 11 as an example of human detection means that detects the presence of a person in the room 1. The human presence sensor 11 detects, for example, the presence or absence of a person in the room 1 or the surface temperature of a person present in the room 1.

[0012] The air conditioner 10 is configured to be able to adjust the temperature in the room 1 according to the detection results of a human presence sensor 11 mounted on the main body. For example, the comfort of a person in the room 1 can be improved by controlling the airflow direction according to the position of the person. Alternatively, the comfort of the person in the room 1 can be improved by controlling the airflow direction, air volume, set temperature, etc. according to the surface temperature of the person in the room 1. Furthermore, if the detection result indicates that no one is present in the room 1, the operation of the air conditioner 10 can be stopped or reduced, thereby achieving energy savings and preventing the user from forgetting to turn off the air conditioner 10 when leaving the home.

[0013] The air conditioning system according to this embodiment includes a temperature sensor 20 as an example of temperature information acquisition means for acquiring temperature information related to a specific detection target 2 present in a room 1. The temperature sensor 20 acquires, for example, information on the ambient temperature of the detection target 2 or the surface temperature of the detection target 2. The temperature sensor 20 is configured separately from the human presence sensor 11. The specific detection target 2 is an object that is difficult to detect with the human presence sensor 11, such as a pet, a child, or an elderly person.

[0014] The air conditioner 10 is configured to be able to operate in a first mode and a second mode. The first mode is an operation mode in which the air conditioner operates according to the detection result of the human presence sensor 11. The second mode is an operation mode in which the air conditioner operates according to the detection result of the temperature sensor 20.

[0015] The air conditioning system according to the present embodiment is equipped with a selection unit 30 as an example of a selection means for selecting between the first mode and the second mode. The air conditioning system according to the present embodiment is also equipped with a control unit 40 as an example of a control means for controlling the operation of the air conditioner 10. The selection unit 30 and the control unit 40 may be devices that constitute part of the air conditioner 10, or may be configured as external devices of the air conditioner 10. For example, the function of the selection unit 30 can be realized by a remote control for operating the air conditioner 10, or can be realized by an external terminal such as a smartphone that can communicate with the air conditioner 10 via the Internet or the like.

[0016] The user can select an operation mode of the air conditioner 10 by operating the selection unit 30. The control unit 40 controls the operation of the air conditioner 10 according to the operation mode selected by the selection unit 30.

[0017] The detection result of the human presence sensor 11 is transmitted to the control unit 40. The detection result of the temperature sensor 20 is also transmitted to the control unit 40. The control unit 40 can control the operation of the air conditioner 10 based on the information received from the human presence sensor 11 and the temperature sensor 20.

[0018] The control unit 40 switches the information used to control the operation of the air conditioner 10 depending on the selection result of the operation mode by the selection unit 30. When the first mode is selected by the selection unit 30, the control unit 40 controls the operation of the air conditioner 10 using the detection result of the human presence sensor 11. When the second mode is selected by the selection unit 30, the control unit 40 switches the information used to control the operation of the air conditioner 10 to temperature information detected by the temperature sensor 20. When the second mode is selected by the selection unit 30, the control unit 40 controls the operation of the air conditioner 10 using the detection result of the temperature sensor 20. For example, the control unit 40 uses the detection result of the temperature sensor 20 to control the operation of the air conditioner 10 to create a suitable environment in a local area where a specific detection target 2 is present.

[0019] The second mode in this embodiment is set as a pet mode or a monitoring mode, for example. The pet mode is an operation mode used when the user is not in the room 1 and a pet, which is a specific detection target 2, is left behind in the room 1. The monitoring mode is an operation mode used when the user is not in the room 1 and a child or an elderly person, which is a specific detection target 2, is left behind in the room 1.

[0020] By using the second mode, when the user is absent from the room 1, it is possible to maintain a suitable thermal environment around the specific detection target 2 who is staying at home in the room 1. For example, when the user is absent from the room 1, it is possible to reduce the risk of the specific detection target 2 suffering from heatstroke or hypothermia. It is also possible to maintain the comfort of the specific detection target 2. By using the second mode, when the user is absent from the room 1, it is possible to perform temperature control that corresponds to the specific detection target 2 for which it is difficult for the user to properly determine their own condition and operate the air conditioner 10 appropriately.

[0021] As described above, in this embodiment, when the first mode is selected by the selection unit 30, the control unit 40 controls the operation of the air conditioner 10 in accordance with the detection result of the human presence sensor 11. Furthermore, when the second mode is selected by the selection unit 30, the control unit 40 controls the operation of the air conditioner 10 in accordance with the temperature information acquired by the temperature sensor 20. This makes it possible to assist in appropriate temperature control for specific subjects such as pets, children, and the elderly.

[0022] FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an example of a configuration for realizing the functions of the control unit 40 in the first embodiment. Each function of the control unit 40 is realized by, for example, a processing circuit. The processing circuit may be dedicated hardware 600. The processing circuit may include a processor 601 and a memory 602. A part of the processing circuit may be formed as the dedicated hardware 600, and the processing circuit may further include the processor 601 and the memory 602. In the example shown in FIG. 3, a part of the processing circuit is formed as the dedicated hardware 600. Furthermore, in the example shown in FIG. 3, the processing circuit further includes the processor 601 and the memory 602 in addition to the dedicated hardware 600.

[0023] The processing circuitry of which at least one portion is dedicated hardware 600 may be, for example, a single circuit, a multiple circuit, a programmed processor, a parallel programmed processor, an ASIC, an FPGA, or a combination thereof.

[0024] When the processing circuitry includes at least one processor 601 and at least one memory 602, the functions of the control unit 40 are realized by software, firmware, or a combination of software and firmware.

[0025] The software and firmware are written as programs and stored in memory 602. The processor 601 realizes the functions of each unit by reading and executing the programs stored in memory 602. The processor 601 is also called a CPU (Central Processing Unit), central processing unit, processing unit, arithmetic unit, microprocessor, microcomputer, or DSP. The memory 602 may be, for example, a non-volatile or volatile semiconductor memory such as RAM, ROM, flash memory, EPROM, or EEPROM, or a magnetic disk, flexible disk, optical disk, compact disk, minidisk, DVD, etc.

[0026] In this way, the processing circuit can realize the functions of the control unit 40 by hardware, software, firmware, or a combination of these. The functions of the control unit 40 may be realized by multiple devices working together, or by a single device. Furthermore, at least some of the functions of the control unit 40 may be installed in the air conditioner 10 that constitutes the air conditioning system, or may be implemented in a mobile terminal such as a smartphone, a cloud server on an external network, or the like.

[0027] When the second mode is selected, the human presence sensor 11 mounted on the main body of the air conditioner 10 may be stopped. When the second mode is selected by the selection unit 30, the control unit 40 may control the operation of the air conditioner 10 using only the detection result of the temperature sensor 20 out of the detection results of the human presence sensor 11 and the temperature sensor 20. By stopping the human presence sensor 11 when the second mode is selected, it is possible to prevent erroneous detection, avoid complicating the control program, simplify the system configuration, and save energy, among other effects.

[0028] In the example shown in FIG. 1 , the temperature sensor 20 is configured separately from the main body of the air conditioner 10 and is installed outside the main body. The temperature sensor 20 is installed, for example, around a specific detection target 2. Such a temperature sensor 20 can acquire temperature information in the vicinity of the specific detection target 2 without requiring significant costs. This embodiment can help to perform appropriate temperature control for specific targets such as pets, children, and elderly people without significantly increasing the development costs of the air conditioner 10.

[0029] It should be noted that multiple temperature sensors 20 may be provided outside the main body of the air conditioner 10. By providing multiple temperature sensors 20, it is possible to acquire temperature information related to a specific detection target 2 with higher accuracy.

[0030] The temperature sensor 20 may be attached to the detection target 2, for example. This makes it possible to follow changes in the position of the detection target 2 and acquire temperature information related to the detection target 2 with high accuracy. Note that the temperature sensor 20 attached to the detection target 2 may also acquire biological information other than temperature information, for example. The control unit 40 may control the operation of the air conditioner 10 based on biological information other than temperature information.

[0031] Furthermore, the temperature sensor 20 attached to the detection target 2 may be configured to be able to detect movement of the detection target 2. The function of detecting movement of the detection target 2 can be realized, for example, by installing an acceleration sensor in the temperature sensor 20. The control unit 40 may then control the air conditioner 10 using temperature information acquired by the temperature sensor 20 when the detection target 2 is stopped moving. The temperature sensor 20 may stop acquiring temperature information while the detection target 2 is moving.

[0032] By not using temperature information when the detection target 2 is moving, it is possible to reduce the operating load of the air conditioner 10 or the control load of the air conditioner 10 by the control unit 40. It is also possible to reduce discomfort for detection target 2 that are sensitive to the operating noise of the air conditioner 10 or environmental changes, such as pets or children. By using temperature information when the detection target 2 is relaxed and not moving, it is possible to create a suitable thermal environment without causing discomfort.

[0033] FIG. 4 is a diagram showing another example of the configuration of the temperature information acquisition means provided in the air conditioning system according to embodiment 1. The temperature information acquisition means may be composed of, for example, a thermometer 21, which is an instrument that visually displays the temperature measurement result, and a camera 22, which is a camera that captures an image of the thermometer 21. A commonly used network camera such as a pet camera or child camera can be used as the camera 22. Image information of the thermometer 21 captured by the camera 22 is transmitted to the control unit 40. The control unit 40 extracts temperature information from the received image information. In this example, by using commonly used equipment, an air conditioning system can be provided at low cost.

[0034] The temperature sensor 20 or the thermometer 21, which is an example of a temperature information acquisition means, and the camera 22 may be capable of acquiring position information. In the second mode, the control unit 40 may control the air blowing direction of the air conditioner 10 according to this position information.

[0035] Fig. 5 is a flowchart showing a first operation example of the air conditioning system according to Embodiment 1. Fig. 5 shows an operation example of the second mode when temperature sensor 20 or thermometer 21, which is an example of temperature information acquisition means, and camera 22 are capable of acquiring position information.

[0036] As described above, when the air conditioner 10 starts operating in the second mode, the human presence sensor 11 may be stopped (step S101). Then, the air blowing direction of the air conditioner 10 may be controlled according to position information acquired by the temperature sensor 20 or thermometer 21, which are examples of temperature information acquisition means, and the camera 22 (step S102). For example, the air blowing direction may be set to avoid the detection target 2 in order to reduce discomfort to the detection target 2. Alternatively, air may be blown toward the detection target 2 in order to quickly improve the thermal environment around the detection target 2.

[0037] As described above, when operating in the second mode, temperature information is acquired by the temperature sensor 20 or thermometer 21, which is an example of a temperature information acquisition means, and the camera 22 (step S103), and the temperature control by the air conditioner 10 is controlled according to this temperature information (step S104).

[0038] During operation in the second mode, it may be determined whether the user has performed an operation to turn off the second mode using the selection unit 30 or the like (step S105). If an operation to turn off the second mode has been performed, operation in the second mode ends. If the second mode is not turned off, the processes from step S102 to step S104 are performed again, and operation in the second mode continues.

[0039] Moreover, Fig. 6 is a flowchart showing a second operation example of the air conditioning system according to Embodiment 1. Fig. 6 shows an operation example of the second mode when temperature sensor 20 or thermometer 21, which is an example of temperature information acquisition means, and camera 22 are not able to acquire position information.

[0040] When the air conditioner 10 starts operating in the second mode, the human presence sensor 11 may be stopped (step S101). Then, the control unit 40 may operate the air conditioner 10 while changing the air blowing direction of the air conditioner 10. For example, the control unit 40 may operate the air conditioner 10 so as to perform swing air blowing (step S202).

[0041] During swing airflow by the air conditioner 10, temperature information is acquired by the temperature sensor 20 or thermometer 21, which is an example of temperature information acquisition means, and the camera 22 (step S203). The airflow direction of the air conditioner 10 may then be controlled according to fluctuations in the acquired temperature. For example, if the temperature fluctuation exceeds a threshold (step S204), it may be determined that the detection target 2 is present in the airflow direction at that time, and the airflow direction of the air conditioner 10 may be controlled (step S205). The processing of steps S202 and S203 continues until the temperature fluctuation exceeds the threshold.

[0042] After the process of step S205, the same processes as those from step S103 to step S105 in the flowchart of FIG. 5 are executed (steps S206, S207, and S208).

[0043] 7 is a flowchart showing a third operation example of the air conditioning system according to Embodiment 1. The flowchart in FIG. 7 corresponds to a combination of the flowcharts in FIG. 5 and FIG.

[0044] When the air conditioner 10 starts operating in the second mode, the human presence sensor 11 may be stopped (step S301). Then, the control unit 40 may determine whether the temperature sensor 20 or thermometer 21 and camera 22, which are examples of temperature information acquisition means, are able to acquire location information (step S302). If the temperature sensor 20 or thermometer 21 and camera 22, which are examples of temperature information acquisition means, are able to acquire location information, the control unit 40 operates in the same manner as in the flowchart of FIG. 5 (steps S303, S308, S309, and S310). If the temperature sensor 20 or thermometer 21 and camera 22, which are examples of temperature information acquisition means, are not able to acquire location information, the control unit 40 operates in the same manner as in the flowchart of FIG. 6 (steps S304, S305, S306, S307, S308, S309, and S310).

[0045] The air conditioning system according to this embodiment may be configured so that a temperature control device that adjusts the thermal environment around a specific detection target 2, such as a pet, works in conjunction with an air conditioner 10 that adjusts the temperature of the entire room 1. In particular, when operating in the second mode, the air conditioner 10 may be controlled to operate in consideration of the operation of the temperature control device that adjusts the thermal environment around the detection target 2. For example, if the temperature control device is a heater, the air volume of the air conditioner 10 may be reduced in consideration of the operation of the heater.

[0046] When the temperature sensor 20 is attached to a pet, which is the detection target 2, information on the movement history of the pet may be acquired by the temperature sensor. Then, a cleaner such as a self-propelled vacuum cleaner may be linked depending on the movement history of the pet. Also, the pet may be photographed using a camera 22 or the like, and the type of pet may be determined from the photographed image. Then, the temperature adjustment by the air conditioner 10 may be controlled depending on the type of pet.

[0047] Examples of various aspects of the present disclosure are summarized below as appendices. (Appendix 1) an air conditioner configured to be able to operate in a first mode and a second mode; a human detection means mounted on the main body of the air conditioner and configured to detect a human being present in the room; a temperature information acquiring means configured separately from the human detection means and configured to acquire temperature information related to a specific detection target present in the room; a selection means for selecting between the first mode and the second mode; a control means for controlling the operation of the air conditioner in accordance with the detection result of the human detection means when the first mode is selected by the selection means, and for controlling the operation of the air conditioner in accordance with the temperature information acquired by the temperature information acquisition means when the second mode is selected by the selection means; An air conditioning system equipped with (Appendix 2) 2. The air conditioning system according to claim 1, wherein when the second mode is selected by the selection means, the human detection means is stopped. (Appendix 3) The air conditioning system according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the temperature information acquisition means is configured separately from the main body and is installed outside the main body. (Appendix 4) 4. The air conditioning system according to claim 3, wherein a plurality of the temperature information acquisition means are installed. (Appendix 5) 3. The air conditioning system according to claim 1, wherein the temperature information acquisition means is attached to the detection object. (Appendix 6) the temperature information acquisition means is capable of detecting movement of the detection object, The air conditioning system described in Appendix 5, characterized in that the control means controls the operation of the air conditioner according to the temperature information acquired by the temperature information acquisition means when the detection object stops moving. (Appendix 7) The air conditioning system according to claim 3, wherein the temperature information acquisition means comprises an instrument that visually displays the temperature measurement results and a camera that takes a picture of the instrument. (Appendix 8) the temperature information acquisition means is capable of acquiring position information, 4. The air conditioning system according to claim 3, wherein the control means controls the air blowing direction of the air conditioner in accordance with the position information. (Appendix 9) The air conditioning system described in any one of Appendix 1 to Appendix 7, characterized in that the control means operates the air conditioner while changing the air blowing direction of the air conditioner, and then controls the air blowing direction of the air conditioner in accordance with fluctuations in temperature acquired by the temperature information acquisition means. (Appendix 10) The air conditioning system described in any one of Appendix 1 to Appendix 7, characterized in that the control means determines whether the temperature information acquisition means is able to acquire location information, and if the temperature information acquisition means is able to acquire location information, controls the air blowing direction of the air conditioner in accordance with the location information, and if the temperature information acquisition means is not able to acquire location information, operates the air conditioner while changing the air blowing direction of the air conditioner, and then controls the air blowing direction of the air conditioner in accordance with fluctuations in temperature acquired by the temperature information acquisition means. (Appendix 11) The air conditioning system according to any one of Supplementary Note 1 to Supplementary Note 10, wherein the air conditioner is linked to a temperature control device that adjusts the thermal environment around the detection target. [Explanation of symbols]

[0048] 1 indoors, 2 detection target, 10 air conditioner, 11 human presence sensor, 20 temperature sensor, 21 thermometer, 22 camera, 30 selection unit, 40 control unit, 600 dedicated hardware, 601 processor, 602 memory

Claims

1. an air conditioner configured to be able to operate in a first mode and a second mode; a human detection means mounted on the main body of the air conditioner and configured to detect a human being present in the room; a temperature information acquiring means configured separately from the human detection means and configured to acquire temperature information related to a specific detection target present in the room; a selection means for selecting between the first mode and the second mode; a control means for controlling the operation of the air conditioner in accordance with the detection result of the human detection means when the first mode is selected by the selection means, and for controlling the operation of the air conditioner in accordance with the temperature information acquired by the temperature information acquisition means when the second mode is selected by the selection means; An air conditioning system equipped with

2. 2. The air conditioning system according to claim 1, wherein when the second mode is selected by the selection means, the human detection means is stopped.

3. 3. The air conditioning system according to claim 1, wherein the temperature information acquisition means is configured separately from the main body and is installed outside the main body.

4. 4. The air conditioning system according to claim 3, wherein a plurality of the temperature information acquisition means are installed.

5. 3. The air conditioning system according to claim 1, wherein the temperature information acquisition means is attached to the object to be detected.

6. the temperature information acquisition means is capable of detecting movement of the detection object, The air conditioning system according to claim 5, wherein the control means controls the operation of the air conditioner in accordance with the temperature information acquired by the temperature information acquisition means when the detection object stops moving.

7. 4. The air conditioning system according to claim 3, wherein the temperature information acquisition means comprises a meter that visually displays the temperature measurement result and a camera that takes a picture of the meter.

8. the temperature information acquisition means is capable of acquiring position information, 4. The air conditioning system according to claim 3, wherein the control means controls the direction of airflow from the air conditioner in accordance with the position information.

9. The air conditioning system of claim 1 or claim 2, characterized in that the control means operates the air conditioner while changing the air flow direction of the air conditioner, and then controls the air flow direction of the air conditioner in accordance with fluctuations in temperature acquired by the temperature information acquisition means.

10. The air conditioning system described in claim 1 or claim 2, characterized in that the control means determines whether the temperature information acquisition means is able to acquire location information, and if the temperature information acquisition means is able to acquire location information, controls the air blowing direction of the air conditioner in accordance with the location information, and if the temperature information acquisition means is not able to acquire location information, operates the air conditioner while changing the air blowing direction of the air conditioner, and then controls the air blowing direction of the air conditioner in accordance with fluctuations in temperature acquired by the temperature information acquisition means.

11. 3. The air conditioning system according to claim 1, wherein the air conditioner is linked to a temperature control device that adjusts the thermal environment around the detection target.

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