Control method, recording medium, and information processing device

Abstract

The control method includes: a step of obtaining air outlet information related to a plurality of air outlets (12a), (12b), (12c); a step of causing an icon (46) to be displayed on a touch screen portion (38) superimposed on an image (44) of an indoor space (6) taken from the viewpoint of an air conditioner (8), the icon (46) indicating the spatial range of the indoor space (6) reached by the conditioned air blown out from at least one of the plurality of air outlets (12a), (12b), (12c); a step of receiving operation information indicating a user's operation to change the number of icons (46) or the area occupied by the icons (46) on the image (44); a step of generating control information based on the air outlet information and the operation information; and a step of controlling the air conditioner (8) based on the control information.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a control method, a recording medium, and an information processing device. Background Art

[0002] Patent Documents 1 to 4 disclose terminal devices for controlling air conditioners. The touch screen of the terminal device displays an image representing a room layout. The user operates the touch screen to specify the planar position and height of the room to which they wish the conditioned air from the air conditioner to reach.

[0003] (Prior art literature)

[0004] (Patent Document)

[0005] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent No. 5836741

[0006] Patent Document 2: Japanese Patent No. 5925954

[0007] Patent Document 3: Japanese Patent No. 6282926

[0008] Patent Document 4: Japanese Patent No. 6374734 Summary of the Invention

[0009] Problems to be solved by the invention

[0010] The present disclosure provides a control method, a recording medium, and an information processing device capable of setting the airflow direction and the like of an air conditioner through intuitive operation.

[0011] Means used to solve problems

[0012] The control method disclosed herein is a control method in an air-conditioning system, wherein the air-conditioning system includes a terminal device and an air conditioner, the terminal device includes a display unit, the air conditioner can communicate with the terminal device via a network, and the air conditioner has a plurality of air outlets for blowing air-conditioned air into an indoor space, the control method comprising: (a) a step of obtaining air outlet information related to the plurality of air outlets; (b) a step of causing a graphic to be superimposed on an image of the indoor space taken from the viewpoint of the air conditioner on the display unit, the graphic indicating the spatial range of the indoor space reached by the air-conditioned air blown out from at least one of the plurality of air outlets; (c) a step of receiving operation information, the operation information being information indicating a user's operation to change the number of the graphics or the area occupied by the graphics on the image; (d) a step of generating control information based on the air outlet information and the operation information; and (e) a step of controlling the air conditioner based on the control information.

[0013] In addition, the information processing device of the present invention is used to control an air conditioner, which has multiple air outlets for blowing air-conditioned air into an indoor space. The information processing device comprises: an obtaining unit, which obtains air outlet information related to the multiple air outlets; a display unit, which causes a graphic to be superimposed on an image of the indoor space taken from the viewpoint of the air conditioner, the graphic showing the spatial range of the indoor space reached by the air-conditioned air blown out from at least one of the multiple air outlets; a receiving unit, which receives operation information, which is information indicating the user's operation to change the number of the graphics or the area occupied by the graphics on the image; a generating unit, which generates control information for controlling the air conditioner based on the air outlet information and the operation information; and a communication unit, which sends the control information to the air conditioner.

[0014] Effects of the Invention

[0015] According to the control method and the like disclosed herein, the airflow direction and the like of the air conditioner can be set through intuitive operations. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0016] Figure 1 This is a conceptual diagram showing an air-conditioning system according to an embodiment.

[0017] Figure 2 This is a block diagram showing the functional configuration of the air-conditioning system according to the embodiment.

[0018] Figure 3A This is a diagram showing an example of wind direction control of the air conditioner according to the embodiment.

[0019] Figure 3BThis is a diagram showing an example of wind direction control of the air conditioner according to the embodiment.

[0020] Figure 4A It is a diagram showing a display example of the touch panel unit in the terminal device according to the embodiment.

[0021] Figure 4B It is a diagram showing a display example of the touch panel unit in the terminal device according to the embodiment.

[0022] Figure 4C It is a diagram showing a display example of the touch panel unit in the terminal device according to the embodiment.

[0023] Figure 4D It is a diagram showing a display example of the touch panel unit in the terminal device according to the embodiment.

[0024] Figure 5 This is a flowchart showing the flow of processing performed by the terminal device according to the embodiment when an icon is added.

[0025] Figure 6A It is a diagram for explaining the operation of the air-conditioning system according to the embodiment when icons are added.

[0026] Figure 6B It is a diagram for explaining the operation of the air-conditioning system according to the embodiment when icons are added.

[0027] Figure 6C It is a diagram for explaining the operation of the air-conditioning system according to the embodiment when icons are added.

[0028] Figure 7 This is a flowchart showing the flow of processing performed by the terminal device according to the embodiment when the area of ​​an icon is changed.

[0029] Figure 8A It is a diagram for explaining the operation of the air-conditioning system according to the embodiment when the area of ​​the icon is changed.

[0030] Figure 8B It is a diagram for explaining the operation of the air-conditioning system according to the embodiment when the area of ​​the icon is changed.

[0031] Figure 8C It is a diagram for explaining the operation of the air-conditioning system according to the embodiment when the area of ​​the icon is changed.

[0032] Figure 9 This is a flowchart showing the flow of processing performed by the terminal device according to the embodiment when an icon is deleted.

[0033] Figure 10A It is a diagram for explaining the operation of the air-conditioning system according to the embodiment when an icon is deleted.

[0034] Figure 10B It is a diagram for explaining the operation of the air-conditioning system according to the embodiment when an icon is deleted.

[0035] Figure 10C It is a diagram for explaining the operation of the air-conditioning system according to the embodiment when an icon is deleted.

[0036] Figure 11 This is a table showing a control example of the air-conditioning system according to the embodiment.

[0037] Figure 12A Is used to illustrate Figure 11 Figure 2 shows a control example of .

[0038] Figure 12B Is used to illustrate Figure 11 Figure 2 shows a control example of .

[0039] Figure 12C Is used to illustrate Figure 11 Figure 2 shows a control example of .

[0040] Figure 12D Is used to illustrate Figure 11 Figure 2 shows a control example of .

[0041] Figure 13 This is a table showing other control examples of the air-conditioning system according to the embodiment.

[0042] Figure 14A Is used to illustrate Figure 13 Figure 2 shows a control example of .

[0043] Figure 14B Is used to illustrate Figure 13 Figure 2 shows a control example of .

[0044] Figure 14C Is used to illustrate Figure 13 Figure 2 shows a control example of .

[0045] Figure 14D Is used to illustrate Figure 13 Figure 2 shows a control example of .

[0046] Figure 15 This is a table showing still another control example of the air-conditioning system according to the embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0047] (Insights that form the basis of this disclosure)

[0048] The present inventors have discovered that the following problems may occur with respect to the technology described in the background art section.

[0049] In the conventional terminal device described above, the user estimates the desired planar position and height within the room where the conditioned air from the air conditioner is to be delivered by operating the touch screen while comparing the actual room with the room layout displayed on the touch screen of the terminal device. Therefore, it is difficult to accurately specify the desired planar position and height within the room where the conditioned air from the air conditioner is to be delivered.

[0050] The following description of the embodiments will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings as appropriate. In addition, detailed descriptions beyond those necessary may be omitted. For example, detailed descriptions of well-known matters and repeated descriptions of substantially identical structures may be omitted. This is to avoid unnecessary redundancy in the following description and facilitate understanding by those skilled in the art.

[0051] In addition, in order to enable those skilled in the art to fully understand the present disclosure, the inventor provides the drawings and the following description, which are not intended to limit the subject matter described in the technical solution.

[0052] (Implementation Method)

[0053] Reference below Figures 1 to 15 The following describes an embodiment.

[0054] [1. Overview of the air conditioning system]

[0055] First reference Figure 1 An overview of the air-conditioning system 2 according to the embodiment will be described. Figure 1 It is a conceptual diagram showing an air-conditioning system 2 according to the embodiment.

[0056] like Figure 1 As shown, the air conditioning system 2 is a system for performing air conditioning on an indoor space 6 such as a room of a user 4. The air conditioning system 2 includes an air conditioner 8 and a terminal device 10 (an example of an information processing device).

[0057] The air conditioner 8 is disposed on a wall or the like within the indoor space 6 and has a plurality of (three in this embodiment) air outlets 12a, 12b, and 12c for blowing conditioned air into the indoor space 6. Each of the plurality of air outlets 12a, 12b, and 12c can independently blow conditioned air into a plurality of (three in this embodiment) different spatial areas 14a, 14b, and 14c within the indoor space 6. As used herein, the term "spatial area" refers to a specific three-dimensional area within the indoor space 6.

[0058] The plurality of air outlets 12a, 12b, and 12c are arranged so that the wind direction ranges of the air-conditioning air blown out by a pair of adjacent air outlets partially overlap with each other. Figure 3A As shown, the wind direction range 16a of the air outlet 12a ( Figure 3A A portion of the range surrounded by a solid line in the figure) and a wind direction range 16b of the air outlet 12b adjacent to the air outlet 12a ( Figure 3A In addition, a portion of the wind direction range 16b of the air outlet 12b overlaps with a portion of the wind direction range 16c of the air outlet 12c adjacent to the air outlet 12b ( Figure 3A In addition, the "wind direction range" means the maximum variable range of the wind direction of the air-conditioned air blown out from the air outlets 12a, 12b, and 12c respectively.

[0059] Furthermore, the air conditioner 8 includes a camera 18 that captures an image of the indoor space 6 from the viewpoint of the air conditioner 8. The camera 18 is composed of, for example, a CCD (Charge Coupled Device) camera.

[0060] The terminal device 10 is a device for operating (controlling) the air conditioner 8, and is, for example, a smartphone or tablet terminal operated by the user 4. The terminal device 10 is connected to the air conditioner 8 via the network 28 (see the following). Figure 2 ) can communicate with the air conditioner 8. The user 4 operates the terminal device 10 as described later to set the wind direction of the air conditioner 8 and the like.

[0061] [2. Functional structure of air conditioning system]

[0062] Next reference Figures 2 to 4D , the functional structure of the air-conditioning system 2 according to the embodiment will be described. Figure 2 It is a block diagram showing the functional configuration of the air-conditioning system 2 according to the embodiment. Figure 3A as well as Figure 3B This is a diagram showing an example of wind direction control of the air conditioner 8 according to the embodiment. Figures 4A to 4D : is a diagram showing a display example of the touch panel unit 38 in the terminal device 10 according to the embodiment. Figure 3A as well as Figure 3B This is a schematic diagram of the air conditioner 8 as viewed from directly above.

[0063] like Figure 2 As shown, the air conditioner 8 includes an image generating unit 20 , an air outlet information managing unit 22 , a communicating unit 24 , and an operation controlling unit 26 .

[0064] The image generating unit 20 generates an image based on the image from the camera 18 (reference Figure 1 ), generates image information showing an image of the indoor space 6 captured from the viewpoint of the air conditioner 8. The image generating unit 20 outputs the generated image information to the communication unit 24.

[0065] The air outlet information management unit 22 manages air outlet information related to the plurality of air outlets 12a, 12b, and 12c. The air outlet information includes, for example, at least one of the following: the number of the plurality of air outlets 12a, 12b, and 12c; the wind direction range 16a, 16b, and 16c of the conditioned air from each of the plurality of air outlets 12a, 12b, and 12c; the number of air guide plates disposed at each of the plurality of air outlets 12a, 12b, and 12c for adjusting the direction of the conditioned air blown out of each of the plurality of air outlets 12a, 12b, and 12c; and the movable range of the air guide plates.

[0066] In addition, the air guide plates include a plurality of vertically movable air guide plates and a plurality of horizontally movable air guide plates. The plurality of vertically movable air guide plates move in the vertical direction (vertical direction) to change (move) the direction of the conditioned air blown out from the corresponding air outlets 12a, 12b, and 12c in the vertical direction. The plurality of horizontally movable air guide plates move in the horizontal direction (horizontally) to change (move) the direction of the conditioned air blown out from the corresponding air outlets 12a, 12b, and 12c in the horizontal direction.

[0067] The communication unit 24 transmits and receives various information to and from the terminal device 10 via the network 28. Specifically, the communication unit 24 transmits image information from the image generation unit 20 and air outlet information from the air outlet information management unit 22 to the terminal device 10. The communication unit 24 also receives control information (described later) from the terminal device 10.

[0068] The operation control unit 26 controls the operation of the air conditioner 8 based on the control information received through the communication unit 24. Specifically, the operation control unit 26 switches the operation mode of the air conditioner 8 to, for example, a cooling operation mode or a heating operation mode based on the control information.

[0069] Furthermore, the operation control unit 26 drives the air guide plates arranged at each of the plurality of air outlets 12a, 12b, and 12c according to the control information. Figure 3A As shown, the operation control unit 26 drives the plurality of left and right action air guide plates 30 arranged at the air outlet 12a to retract inwards according to the control information, so that the wind direction of the conditioned air blown out from the air outlet 12a is concentrated inwards. Figure 3B As shown, the operation control unit 26 drives the plurality of left and right movable air guide plates 30 arranged at the air outlet 12a to expand outward according to the control information, thereby spreading the air-conditioned air blown out from the air outlet 12a outward.

[0070] like Figure 2 As shown, the terminal device 10 includes a communication unit 32 , a first acquisition unit 34 , a second acquisition unit 36 ​​(an example of an acquisition unit), a touch panel unit 38 (an example of a receiving unit and a display unit), an operation information management unit 40 , and a generation unit 42 .

[0071] The communication unit 32 transmits and receives various information to and from the air conditioner 8 via the network 28. Specifically, the communication unit 32 receives image information and air outlet information from the air conditioner 8. The communication unit 32 also transmits control information from the generation unit 42 to the air conditioner 8.

[0072] The first acquisition unit 34 acquires the image information received by the communication unit 32 and outputs the acquired image information to the touch panel unit 38 .

[0073] The second acquisition unit 36 ​​acquires the air outlet information received by the communication unit 32 , and outputs the acquired air outlet information to the touch panel unit 38 and the generation unit 42 .

[0074] The touch panel portion 38 is a user interface for receiving operation information indicating various operations performed by the user 4. The touch panel portion 38 also displays various screens.

[0075] like Figure 4A As shown, the touch panel unit 38 displays an image 44 based on the image information from the first acquisition unit 34 . The image 44 is an image showing the indoor space 6 captured by the camera 18 from the viewpoint of the air conditioner 8 .

[0076] like Figure 4B As shown, for example, when the user 4 double-clicks the image 44 displayed on the touch screen unit 38, the touch screen unit 38 causes an icon 46 (an example of a graphic) to be displayed superimposed on the image 44. The icon 46 is an icon representing the spatial range of the indoor space 6 reached by the conditioned air blown out from at least one of the multiple air outlets 12a, 12b, and 12c, and is, for example, a rectangular solid line frame. In addition, the shape of the icon 46 is not limited to this, and can be a graphic of any shape. At this time, in order to maintain the visual confirmation of the image 44 displayed on the touch screen unit 38, a part or all of the icon 46 can be transmitted at a predetermined transmittance.

[0077] The user 4 displays the icon 46 in the area corresponding to the spatial range of the indoor space 6 to which the conditioned air is desired to be delivered in the image 44 while viewing the image 44 displayed on the touch screen unit 38. Figure 4BAs shown, if user 4 wishes to direct air conditioning to kitchen 48 in indoor space 6, for example, icon 46a is displayed in the area of ​​image 44 corresponding to kitchen 48. Furthermore, if user 4 wishes to direct air conditioning to dining room 50 in indoor space 6, for example, icon 46b is displayed in the area of ​​image 44 corresponding to dining room 50.

[0078] Next, an example of a method for editing icons 46 will be described. To add a new icon 46 (i.e., to change the number of icons 46) while icons 46 are already displayed on the touch screen portion 38, the user 4 can, for example, double-click an area of ​​the image 44 other than the existing icons 46. The touch screen portion 38 then displays the new icon 46 on the image 44. The upper limit of the number of icons 46 that can be displayed on the touch screen portion 38 is determined by the air outlet information (e.g., the number of the plurality of air outlets 12a, 12b, and 12c) received from the communication portion 32.

[0079] Furthermore, when icons 46 are already displayed on the touch panel portion 38 and the user 4 wants to delete an existing icon 46 (that is, change the number of icons 46), for example, the user 4 double-clicks an existing icon 46. As a result, the touch panel portion 38 deletes the display of the existing icon 46.

[0080] Furthermore, when an icon 46 is already displayed on the touch screen portion 38, in order to move the existing icon 46 (that is, to change the area occupied by the existing icon 46 on the image 44), the user 4 performs, for example, a drag operation on the existing icon 46. As a result, the touch screen portion 38 moves the existing icon 46 on the image 44.

[0081] Furthermore, when an icon 46 is already displayed on the touch screen portion 38, to increase the size of the existing icon 46 (that is, to change the area occupied by the existing icon 46 on the image 44), the user 4 performs, for example, a pinch-out operation on the existing icon 46. As a result, the touch screen portion 38 increases the size of the existing icon 46 on the image 44.

[0082] Furthermore, when an icon 46 is already displayed on the touch screen portion 38, to reduce the size of the existing icon 46 (that is, to change the area occupied by the existing icon 46 on the image 44), the user 4 performs, for example, a pinch-in operation on the existing icon 46. As a result, the touch screen portion 38 reduces the size of the existing icon 46 on the image 44.

[0083] Figure 4CAs shown, the upper limit of the editable size of icon 46 corresponds to the maximum wind direction range of the conditioned air from air conditioner 8. Furthermore, the lower limit of the editable size of icon 46 corresponds to the minimum wind direction range of the conditioned air from air conditioner 8. Furthermore, if user 4 attempts to increase the size of icon 46 to a size exceeding the upper limit of the editable size, or to decrease the size to a size below the lower limit of the editable size, touch screen unit 38 may display an error message or the like to inform the user of the fact that the upper limit has been exceeded or the lower limit has been exceeded, or the size of icon 46 may be automatically adjusted to an editable size. Alternatively, touch screen unit 38 may display the upper or lower limit of the editable size of icon 46.

[0084] like Figure 4D As shown, if the editable size range of icon 46 (i.e., the wind direction range of the conditioned air from air conditioner 8) exists from image 44 displayed on touch screen unit 38 to the area outside of image 44, a separate black frame area 52, for example, is displayed in the area outside of image 44. In other words, the size of frame area 52 corresponds to the maximum wind direction range of the conditioned air from air conditioner 8. Thus, user 4 can edit the size of icon 46 from image 44 displayed on touch screen unit 38 to the area outside of image 44.

[0085] Furthermore, if the operation of the user 4 for editing the icon 46 is not continued within a predetermined time, the touch panel section 38 determines that the editing of the icon 46 is completed.

[0086] The touch panel unit 38 receives the above-mentioned operation information indicating the user's operation to change the number of icons 46 or the area occupied by icons 46 on the image 44. The touch panel unit 38 outputs the received operation information to the operation information management unit 40.

[0087] The operation information management unit 40 manages the operation information from the touch panel unit 38. The operation information management unit 40 outputs the operation information to the generation unit 42.

[0088] The generator 42 generates control information for controlling the air conditioner 8 based on the outlet information from the second acquirer 36 and the operation information from the operation information manager 40 . The generator 42 outputs the generated control information to the communication unit 32 .

[0089] [3. Operation of the air conditioning system]

[0090] [3-1. Adding icons]

[0091] refer to Figures 5 to 6CThe operation of the air-conditioning system 2 when the icon 46 is added will be described. Figure 5 This is a flowchart showing the flow of processing by the terminal device 10 according to the embodiment when the icon 46 is added. Figures 6A to 6C 4 is a diagram for explaining the operation of the air conditioning system 2 according to the embodiment when the icon 46 is added. Figures 6A to 6C This is a schematic diagram of the air conditioner 8 as viewed from directly above.

[0092] like Figure 5 As shown, first, the first obtaining unit 34 of the terminal device 10 obtains the image information received by the communication unit 32 (S101), and outputs the obtained image information to the touch screen unit 38. In addition, the second obtaining unit 36 ​​obtains the air outlet information received by the communication unit 32 (S101), and outputs the obtained air outlet information to the touch screen unit 38 and the generating unit 42.

[0093] The touch screen unit 38 displays an image 44 showing the indoor space 6 captured by the camera 18 from the viewpoint of the air conditioner 8 based on the image information from the first acquisition unit 34 (S102). The user 4 double-clicks an area of ​​the image 44 displayed on the touch screen unit 38, and the touch screen unit 38 receives operation information indicating an operation to add an icon 46 (S103). The touch screen unit 38 then adds and displays the icon 46 (hereinafter also referred to as "additional icon 46") to the image 44 (S104).

[0094] Furthermore, the touch screen unit 38 outputs the received operation information to the operation information management unit 40, and the operation information management unit 40 outputs the operation information from the touch screen unit 38 to the generation unit 42. The generation unit 42 determines whether the number of existing icons (hereinafter also referred to as "existing icons") before adding the additional icon 46 is zero based on the operation information (S105).

[0095] When the number of existing icons before adding the additional icon 46 is 0 (Yes in S105), the generator 42 calculates all the outlets in the wind direction range including the area where the additional icon 46 is to be added based on the operation information and the outlet information (S106). Figure 6A In the example shown, the area where the icon 46 is added includes the wind direction range 16a of the air outlet 12a and the wind direction range 16b of the air outlet 12b, so the generator 42 calculates two air outlets 12a and 12b.

[0096] The generator 42 determines all the calculated air outlets as the air outlets to be controlled by the additional icon 46 (S107). Figure 6AIn the example shown, the generator 42 determines both of the calculated two air outlets 12a and 12b as the air outlets to be controlled by the additional icon 46. The air outlets to be controlled by the additional icon 46 are the air outlets that are controlled to blow conditioned air into the spatial range of the indoor space 6 indicated by the additional icon 46.

[0097] The generator 42 generates control information (S108) including a control command for causing the vertically movable air guide plate and the horizontally movable air guide plate configured on the determined air outlet to operate so that the conditioned air blown out from the air outlet does not exceed the spatial range of the indoor space 6 indicated by the additional icon 46. Figure 6A In the example shown, the generating unit 42 generates control information including the following control commands, which are used to operate the upper and lower action air guide plates and the left and right action air guide plates respectively arranged on the two determined air outlets 12a and 12b, so that the air-conditioned air blown out from each of the two air outlets 12a and 12b does not exceed the spatial range of the indoor space 6 shown in the additional icon 46.

[0098] The generating unit 42 outputs the generated control information to the communication unit 32. The communication unit 32 sends the control information from the generating unit 42 to the air conditioner 8 (S109). Thus, the operation control unit 26 of the air conditioner 8 controls the plurality of air outlets 12a, 12b, and 12c according to the control information from the terminal device 10. Figure 6A In the example shown, the operation control unit 26, based on the control information of the terminal device 10, causes the upper and lower moving air guide plates and the left and right moving air guide plates respectively arranged on the two air outlets 12a and 12b to operate in such a manner that the conditioned air blown out from the two air outlets 12a and 12b does not exceed the spatial range of the indoor space 6 shown in the additional icon 46.

[0099] Returning to step S105, when the number of existing icons before adding the additional icon 46 is more than one (No in S105), the generation unit 42 calculates all air outlets in the wind direction range including the additional icon 46 and the various areas of all existing icons based on the operation information and the air outlet information (S110).

[0100] exist Figure 6BIn the example shown, before the additional icon 46 is added, one existing icon 46A is displayed on the touch screen unit 38. The area of ​​the additional icon 46 is included in the wind direction range 16a of the air outlet 12a, so the generator 42 calculates one air outlet 12a for the additional icon 46. Furthermore, the area of ​​the existing icon 46A is included in the wind direction range 16a of the air outlet 12a and the wind direction range 16b of the air outlet 12b, so the generator 42 calculates two air outlets 12a and 12b for the existing icon 46A.

[0101] exist Figure 6C In the example shown, before the additional icon 46 is added, two existing icons 46A and 46B are displayed on the touch screen unit 38. The area of ​​the additional icon 46 is included in the wind direction range 16b of the air outlet 12b and the wind direction range 16c of the air outlet 12c, so the generator 42 calculates two air outlets 12b and 12c for the additional icon 46. Furthermore, the area of ​​the existing icon 46A is included in the wind direction range 16a of the air outlet 12a and the wind direction range 16b of the air outlet 12b, so the generator 42 calculates two air outlets 12a and 12b for the existing icon 46A. Furthermore, the area of ​​the existing icon 46B is included in the wind direction range 16a of the air outlet 12a, so the generator 42 calculates one air outlet 12a for the existing icon 46B.

[0102] Generator 42 calculates a unique combination of air outlets between additional icon 46 and all existing icons (S111), and determines whether there are unique air outlets (S112). If there are unique air outlets (yes in S112), generator 42 determines the air outlets to be controlled by additional icon 46 and the existing icons based on the unique combination of air outlets (S113).

[0103] exist Figure 6B In the example shown, the generator 42 determines one air outlet 12a as the air outlet to be controlled by the additional icon 46, and determines one air outlet 12b as the air outlet to be controlled by the existing icon 46A. In this case, the generator 42 generates control information (S108) including control commands: a) operating the vertically movable air guide plate and the horizontally movable air guide plate located at the determined one air outlet 12a so that the conditioned air blown out of the one air outlet 12a does not exceed the spatial range of the indoor space 6 indicated by the additional icon 46; and b) operating the vertically movable air guide plate and the horizontally movable air guide plate located at the determined one air outlet 12b so that the conditioned air blown out of the one air outlet 12b does not exceed the spatial range of the indoor space 6 indicated by the existing icon 46A. The process then proceeds to step S109 described above.

[0104] exist Figure 6C In the example shown, the generating unit 42 determines one air outlet 12c as the air outlet to be controlled by the additional icon 46, determines one air outlet 12b as the air outlet to be controlled by the existing icon 46A, and determines one air outlet 12a as the air outlet to be controlled by the existing icon 46B. In this case, the generator 42 generates control information (S108) including the following control commands: a) operating the vertically movable air guide plate and the horizontally movable air guide plate disposed at the determined air outlet 12c so that the conditioned air blown out of the air outlet 12c does not exceed the spatial range of the indoor space 6 indicated by the additional icon 46; b) operating the vertically movable air guide plate and the horizontally movable air guide plate disposed at the determined air outlet 12b so that the conditioned air blown out of the air outlet 12b does not exceed the spatial range of the indoor space 6 indicated by the existing icon 46A; and c) operating the vertically movable air guide plate and the horizontally movable air guide plate disposed at the determined air outlet 12a so that the conditioned air blown out of the air outlet 12a does not exceed the spatial range of the indoor space 6 indicated by the existing icon 46B. The process then proceeds to step S109 described above.

[0105] Returning to step S112, if no non-overlapping air outlet exists (No in S112), the generator 42 instructs the touch screen 38 to remove the display of the additional icon 46 (S114) and to display an error message (S115). In this case, the generator 42 generates control information (S108) including a control command for maintaining the air outlets controlled by the existing icons in the state they were in before the additional icon 46 was added. The process then proceeds to step S109 described above.

[0106] [3-2. Changing the icon area]

[0107] refer to Figures 7 to 8C The operation of the air-conditioning system 2 when the area of ​​the icon 46 is changed (that is, the icon 46 is moved) will be described. Figure 7 This is a flowchart showing the flow of processing by the terminal device 10 according to the embodiment when the area of ​​the icon 46 is changed. Figures 8A to 8C 4 is a diagram for explaining the operation of the air conditioning system 2 according to the embodiment when the icon 46 is changed. Figures 8A to 8C This is a schematic diagram of the air conditioner 8 as viewed from directly above.

[0108] like Figure 7As shown, first, the first obtaining unit 34 of the terminal device 10 obtains the image information received by the communication unit 32 (S201), and outputs the obtained image information to the touch screen unit 38. In addition, the second obtaining unit 36 ​​obtains the air outlet information received by the communication unit 32 (S201), and outputs the obtained air outlet information to the touch screen unit 38 and the generating unit 42.

[0109] The touch screen unit 38 displays an image 44 of the indoor space 6 captured by the camera 18 from the viewpoint of the air conditioner 8 based on the image information from the first acquisition unit 34 (S202). When the user drags an icon 46 displayed on the touch screen unit 38, for example, the touch screen unit 38 receives operation information indicating an operation to change the area of ​​the icon 46 (S203). The touch screen unit 38 then changes the area of ​​the icon 46 displayed superimposed on the image 44 (S204).

[0110] Furthermore, the touch panel unit 38 outputs the received operation information to the operation information management unit 40, and the operation information management unit 40 outputs the operation information from the touch panel unit 38 to the generation unit 42. The generation unit 42 determines whether the number of existing icons before the area of ​​the change icon 46 is two or more based on the operation information (S205).

[0111] When the number of existing icons before the area of ​​the icon 46 is changed is 1 (No in S205), the generating unit 42 calculates that the area of ​​the icon 46 after the area change includes all the outlets within the wind direction range based on the operation information and the outlet information (S206). Figure 8A In the example shown, the area of ​​the icon 46 after the area change is included in the wind direction range 16 c of the air outlet 12 c , so the generating unit 42 calculates one air outlet 12 c .

[0112] The generating unit 42 determines all the calculated air outlets as the air outlets to be controlled by the icon 46 after the area change (S207). Figure 8A In the example shown, the generating unit 42 determines the calculated single air outlet 12 c as the air outlet to be controlled by the icon 46 after the area change.

[0113] The generating unit 42 generates control information (S208) including a control command for operating the vertical and horizontal air guide plates configured on the determined air outlet so that the conditioned air blown out from the air outlet does not exceed the spatial range of the indoor space 6 indicated by the icon 46 after the area change. Figure 8AIn the example shown, the generating unit 42 generates control information including the following control commands, which are used to operate the upper and lower action air guide plates and the left and right action air guide plates arranged on a determined air outlet 12c so that the air-conditioned air blown out from the air outlet 12c does not exceed the spatial range of the indoor space 6 shown by the icon 46 after the area change.

[0114] The generating unit 42 outputs the generated control information to the communication unit 32. The communication unit 32 sends the control information from the generating unit 42 to the air conditioner 8 (S209). Thus, the operation control unit 26 of the air conditioner 8 controls the plurality of air outlets 12a, 12b, and 12c respectively according to the control information from the terminal device 10. Figure 8A In the example shown, the operation control unit 26, based on the control information from the terminal device 10, causes the upper and lower moving air guide plates and the left and right moving air guide plates arranged on one air outlet 12c to operate in such a manner that the conditioned air blown out from the one air outlet 12c does not exceed the spatial range of the indoor space 6 shown by the icon 46 after the area change.

[0115] Returning to step S205, when the number of existing icons before the area of ​​the changed icon 46 is more than 2 (yes in S205), the generation unit 42 calculates all air outlets in the wind direction range including the icon 46 after the area change and the areas of all existing icons based on the operation information and the air outlet information (S210).

[0116] exist Figure 8B In the example shown, while two existing icons 46 and 46B are displayed on the touch screen unit 38, the area of ​​existing icon 46 is changed. Since the area of ​​existing icon 46 after the area change is included in the wind direction range 16c of air outlet 12c, the generator 42 calculates one air outlet 12c for existing icon 46 after the area change. Furthermore, since the area of ​​existing icon 46B is included in the wind direction range 16a of air outlet 12a, the generator 42 calculates one air outlet 12a for existing icon 46B.

[0117] exist Figure 8CIn the example shown, while three existing icons 46, 46B, and 46C are displayed on the touch screen unit 38, the area of ​​existing icon 46 is changed. Since the area of ​​existing icon 46 after the area change is included in the wind direction range 16c of air outlet 12c, the generation unit 42 calculates one air outlet 12c for existing icon 46 after the area change. Furthermore, since the area of ​​existing icon 46B is included in the wind direction range 16a of air outlet 12a, the generation unit 42 calculates one air outlet 12a for existing icon 46B. Furthermore, since the area of ​​existing icon 46C is included in both the wind direction range 16b of air outlet 12b and the wind direction range 16c of air outlet 12c, the generation unit 42 calculates two air outlets 12b and 12c for existing icon 46C.

[0118] The generator 42 calculates a non-overlapping combination of air outlets between the icon 46 after the area change and all existing icons (S211), and determines whether there are any non-overlapping air outlets (S212). If there are any non-overlapping air outlets (yes in S212), the generator 42 determines the air outlets to be controlled by the icon 46 after the area change and the existing icons based on the non-overlapping combination of air outlets (S213).

[0119] exist Figure 8B In the example shown, the generator 42 determines one air outlet 12c as the air outlet to be controlled by the icon 46 after the area change, and determines one air outlet 12a as the air outlet to be controlled by the existing icon 46B. In this case, the generator 42 generates control information (S208) including the following control commands: a) operating the vertically movable air guide plate and the horizontally movable air guide plate located at the determined one air outlet 12c so that the conditioned air blown out of the one air outlet 12c does not exceed the spatial range of the indoor space 6 indicated by the icon 46 after the area change, and b) operating the vertically movable air guide plate and the horizontally movable air guide plate located at the determined one air outlet 12a so that the conditioned air blown out of the one air outlet 12a does not exceed the spatial range of the indoor space 6 indicated by the existing icon 46B. The process then proceeds to step S209 described above.

[0120] exist Figure 8CIn the example shown, the generating unit 42 determines one air outlet 12c as the air outlet to be controlled by the icon 46 after the area change, determines one air outlet 12a as the air outlet to be controlled by the existing icon 46B, and determines one air outlet 12b as the air outlet to be controlled by the existing icon 46C. In this case, the generator 42 generates control information (S208) including the following control commands: a) operating the vertically movable air guide plate and the horizontally movable air guide plate disposed at the determined air outlet 12c so that the conditioned air blown out of the air outlet 12c does not exceed the spatial range of the indoor space 6 indicated by the icon 46 after the area change; b) operating the vertically movable air guide plate and the horizontally movable air guide plate disposed at the determined air outlet 12a so that the conditioned air blown out of the air outlet 12a does not exceed the spatial range of the indoor space 6 indicated by the existing icon 46B; and c) operating the vertically movable air guide plate and the horizontally movable air guide plate disposed at the determined air outlet 12b so that the conditioned air blown out of the air outlet 12b does not exceed the spatial range of the indoor space 6 indicated by the existing icon 46C. The process then proceeds to step S109 described above.

[0121] Returning to step S212, if no non-overlapping air outlets exist (No in S212), the generator 42 instructs the touch screen 38 to restore the area of ​​the icon 46 after the area change (S214) and also instructs the touch screen 38 to display an error message (S215). In this case, the generator 42 generates control information (S208) including a control command for maintaining the air outlets controlled by the existing icons in the state they were in before the area change of the icon 46. The process then proceeds to step S209 described above.

[0122] [3-3. When deleting an icon]

[0123] refer to Figures 9 to 10C The operation of the air-conditioning system 2 when the icon 46 is deleted will be described. Figure 9 This is a flowchart showing the flow of processing by the terminal device 10 according to the embodiment when the icon 46 is deleted. Figures 10A to 10C 4 is a diagram for explaining the operation of the air conditioning system 2 according to the embodiment when the icon 46 is deleted. Figures 10A to 10C This is a schematic diagram of the air conditioner 8 as viewed from directly above.

[0124] like Figure 9As shown, first, the first obtaining unit 34 of the terminal device 10 obtains the image information received by the communication unit 32 (S301), and outputs the obtained image information to the touch screen unit 38. In addition, the second obtaining unit 36 ​​obtains the air outlet information received by the communication unit 32 (S301), and outputs the obtained air outlet information to the touch screen unit 38 and the generating unit 42.

[0125] The touch screen unit 38 displays an image 44 of the indoor space 6 captured by the camera 18 from the viewpoint of the air conditioner 8 based on the image information from the first acquisition unit 34 (S302). When the user double-clicks an existing icon 46 displayed on the touch screen unit 38, for example, the touch screen unit 38 receives operation information indicating an operation to delete the icon 46 (S303). The touch screen unit 38 then deletes the icon 46 displayed superimposed on the image 44 (S304).

[0126] Furthermore, the touch panel unit 38 outputs the received operation information to the operation information management unit 40, and the operation information management unit 40 outputs the operation information from the touch panel unit 38 to the generation unit 42. The generation unit 42 determines whether the number of existing icons before deleting the icon 46 is two or more based on the operation information (S305).

[0127] When the number of existing icons before deleting icon 46 is 1 (No in S305), the generation unit 42 generates control information (S306) including the following control command based on the operation information and the air outlet information, and the control command is used to close the upper and lower action air guide plates and the left and right action air guide plates arranged on each air outlet of all air outlets that are the control objects of the deleted icon 46 (or stop blowing out conditioned air from all air outlets that are the control objects of the deleted icon 46).

[0128] The generating unit 42 outputs the generated control information to the communication unit 32. The communication unit 32 sends the control information from the generating unit 42 to the air conditioner 8 (S307). Thus, the operation control unit 26 of the air conditioner 8 controls the plurality of air outlets 12a, 12b, and 12c according to the control information from the terminal device 10. Figure 10A In the example shown, the operation control unit 26 is controlled according to the control information from the terminal device 10 so that the upper and lower action air guide plates and the left and right action air guide plates arranged on an air outlet 12a that is the control object of the deleted icon 46 are closed (or the blowing of conditioned air from an air outlet 12a that is the control object of the deleted icon 46 is stopped).

[0129] Returning to step S305, when the number of existing icons before deleting icon 46 is more than 2 (yes in S305), the generation unit 42 calculates the areas of all remaining icons (hereinafter referred to as "remaining icons") including all air outlets in the wind direction range based on the operation information and air outlet information (S308).

[0130] exist Figure 10B In the example shown, after icon 46 is deleted, one remaining icon 46A is displayed on touch screen unit 38. The area of ​​remaining icon 46A is included in wind direction range 16a of air outlet 12a and wind direction range 16b of air outlet 12b, so generation unit 42 calculates two air outlets 12a and 12b for remaining icon 46A.

[0131] exist Figure 10C In the example shown, after icon 46 is deleted, two remaining icons 46A and 46B are displayed on touch screen unit 38. The area of ​​remaining icon 46A is included in wind direction range 16a of air outlet 12a and wind direction range 16b of air outlet 12b, so generator 42 calculates two air outlets 12a and 12b for existing icon 46A. Furthermore, the area of ​​remaining icon 46B is included in wind direction range 16a of air outlet 12a, so generator 42 calculates one air outlet 12a for remaining icon 46B.

[0132] The generator 42 calculates a non-overlapping combination of air outlets among all the remaining icons ( S309 ), and determines the air outlets to be controlled in each of the remaining icons based on the non-overlapping combination of air outlets ( S310 ).

[0133] exist Figure 10B In the example shown, the generator 42 determines two air outlets 12a and 12b as the air outlets to be controlled by the remaining icon 46A. In this case, the generator 42 generates control information (S306) including the following control commands: a) operating the vertical and horizontal air guides, respectively, located at the two determined air outlets 12a and 12b, so that the conditioned air blown out of the two air outlets 12a and 12b does not exceed the spatial range of the indoor space 6 indicated by the remaining icon 46A. The process then proceeds to step S307 described above.

[0134] exist Figure 10CIn the example shown, the generator 42 determines one air outlet 12b as the air outlet to be controlled by the remaining icon 46A, and determines one air outlet 12a as the air outlet to be controlled by the remaining icon 46B. In this case, the generator 42 generates control information (S306) including the following control commands: a) operating the vertically movable air guide plate and the horizontally movable air guide plate located at the determined one air outlet 12b so that the conditioned air blown out of the one air outlet 12b does not exceed the spatial range of the indoor space 6 indicated by the remaining icon 46A; and b) operating the vertically movable air guide plate and the horizontally movable air guide plate located at the determined one air outlet 12a so that the conditioned air blown out of the one air outlet 12a does not exceed the spatial range of the indoor space 6 indicated by the remaining icon 46B. The process then proceeds to step S307 described above.

[0135] [4. Air conditioning system control example]

[0136] [4-1. When there is no existing icon]

[0137] refer to Figures 11 to 12C Next, a control example of the air-conditioning system 2 when the additional icon 46 is added when no existing icon exists will be described. Figure 11 : This is a table showing a control example of the air-conditioning system 2 according to the embodiment. Figures 12A to 12C Is used to illustrate Figure 11 Figure 2 shows a control example of .

[0138] [4-1-1. When there are two air outlets]

[0139] First reference Figures 11 to 12B The following describes the case where the air conditioner 8 has two air outlets 12a and 12b. Figure 11 as well as Figure 12A As shown, when the area where the additional icon 46 is added includes the wind direction range 16a of one air outlet 12a (that is, when output is possible from one air outlet 12a), output is performed from the one air outlet 12a.

[0140] like Figure 11 as well as Figure 12BAs shown, when the area of ​​additional icon 46 includes the wind direction ranges 16a and 16b of the two air outlets 12a and 12b (that is, when air can be output from the two air outlets 12a and 12b), a) output is output from one air outlet, or b) output is output from both air outlets. When output from one air outlet, the air outlet of the two air outlets 12a and 12b that is closer to the spatial area shown by additional icon 46 is output from the outlet (for example, air outlet 12a), or the air outlet that was not used during the previous operation (for example, air outlet 12b) is output. When output from two air outlets, the air can be output alternately or simultaneously from the two air outlets 12a and 12b.

[0141] In addition, when outputting from multiple air outlets simultaneously, for example, the air volume (output volume) when outputting from one air outlet is divided by the number of air outlets, and the air volume of each air outlet is reduced, and the air volume of each air outlet is controlled. For example, when the air volume output from one air outlet is set to "1", when outputting from two air outlets, the air volume is output at 1 / 2 = 0.5 (the total is "1"). Regarding this, in the following description Figure 11 The same applies to "Simultaneous Output" in .

[0142] [4-1-2. When there are three air outlets]

[0143] Next reference Figure 11 as well as Figure 12C The case where the air conditioner 8 has three air outlets 12a, 12b, and 12c will be described. The case where air can be output through one air outlet and the case where air can be output through two air outlets are the same as the case where the air conditioner 8 has two air outlets 12a and 12b, so the description thereof will be omitted.

[0144] like Figure 11 as well as Figure 12CAs shown, when the area of ​​additional icon 46 is included in the wind direction ranges 16a, 16b, and 16c of the three air outlets 12a, 12b, and 12c (that is, when air can be output from the three air outlets 12a, 12b, and 12c), a) air is output from one air outlet, b) air is output from two air outlets, or c) air is output from all three air outlets. When output from one air outlet, the air is output from the outlet closest to the spatial area shown by additional icon 46 (for example, air outlet 12b) among the three air outlets 12a, 12b, and 12c, or from an outlet not used in the previous operation (for example, air outlet 12c). When output from two air outlets, the air is output alternately or simultaneously from the two outlets closest to the spatial area shown by additional icon 46 (for example, the two air outlets 12a and 12b). When the air is output from three outlets, the air is output alternately or simultaneously from the three outlets 12a, 12b, and 12c.

[0145] [4-1-3. When there are four air outlets]

[0146] Next reference Figure 11 as well as Figure 12D The following describes a case where the air conditioner 8 has four air outlets 12a, 12b, 12c, and 12d. The cases where air can be output from one air outlet, two air outlets, and three air outlets are the same as the case where the air conditioner 8 has three air outlets 12a, 12b, and 12c, and therefore their descriptions are omitted.

[0147] like Figure 11 as well as Figure 12DAs shown, when the area of ​​the additional icon 46 is included in the wind direction ranges 16a, 16b, 16c, and 16d of the four air outlets 12a, 12b, 12c, and 12d (that is, when air can be output from the four air outlets 12a, 12b, 12c, and 12d), a) air is output from one air outlet, b) air is output from two air outlets, c) air is output from three air outlets, or d) air is output from four air outlets. When output from one air outlet, the air is output from the air outlet closest to the spatial area shown by the additional icon 46 among the four air outlets 12a, 12b, 12c, and 12d (for example, the air outlet 12b), or from the air outlet not used in the previous operation (for example, the air outlet 12d). When outputting from two outlets, air is output alternately or simultaneously from the two outlets closest to the spatial area indicated by additional icon 46 (e.g., the two outlets 12a and 12b). When outputting from three outlets, air is output alternately or simultaneously from the three outlets closest to the spatial area indicated by additional icon 46 (e.g., the three outlets 12a, 12b, and 12c). When outputting from four outlets, air is output alternately or simultaneously from the four outlets 12a, 12b, 12c, and 12d.

[0148] [4-2. When an existing icon exists]

[0149] refer to Figures 13 to 14D Next, a control example of the air-conditioning system 2 when the icon 46 is added to an existing icon will be described. Figure 13 : This is a table showing other control examples of the air-conditioning system 2 according to the embodiment. Figures 14A to 14D Is used to illustrate Figure 13 Figure 2 shows a control example of .

[0150] [4-2-1. Cases within the wind direction range of the air outlet of the control target of the existing icon]

[0151] like Figure 13 As shown, when the area of ​​the additional icon (an example of the second figure) is within the wind direction range of the outlet to be controlled by the existing icon (an example of the first figure), air is output from the outlet to be controlled by the existing icon.

[0152] like Figure 13 as well as Figure 14A As shown, when the area of ​​the additional icon 46 is within the wind direction range 16b of the outlet 12b controlled by the existing icon 46A, the air is output from the outlet 12b. In this case, the outlet 12b alternately outputs to the spatial ranges indicated by the existing icon 46A and the additional icon 46.

[0153] like Figure 13 as well as Figure 14BAs shown, when the area of ​​the additional icon 46 is within the wind direction ranges 16a and 16b of the outlets 12a and 12b controlled by the existing icon 46A, air is output from the two outlets 12a and 12b. In this case, air is output alternately or simultaneously from the two outlets 12a and 12b.

[0154] In addition, when outputting from multiple air outlets simultaneously, for example, the air volume obtained by dividing the air volume output from one air outlet by the number of air outlets can be used to reduce the air volume of each air outlet, thereby controlling the air volume of each air outlet. For example, when the air volume output from one air outlet is set to "1", when outputting from two air outlets, the air volume can be output at 1 / 2 = 0.5 (the total is "1"). This is explained below. Figure 13 The same applies to "Simultaneous Output" in .

[0155] On the other hand, Figure 13 As shown, when the area of ​​the additional icon is located within the wind direction range of the air outlet to be controlled by the existing icon, air is output from an outlet other than the air outlet to be controlled by the existing icon.

[0156] like Figure 13 as well as Figure 14C As shown, when the area of ​​additional icon 46A is within the wind direction ranges 16a and 16b of the air outlets 12a and 12b controlled by existing icon 46A, output is performed from other air outlets 12c that are not controlled by existing icon 46A. In this case, all air outlets output alternately or simultaneously, or only some of the air outlets output alternately or simultaneously.

[0157] [4-2-2. Case where the wind direction of the outlet of the control target of the existing icon is outside the range]

[0158] like Figure 13 As shown, when the area of ​​the additional icon is outside the wind direction range of the air outlet to be controlled by the existing icon, air is output from an air outlet other than the air outlet to be controlled by the existing icon.

[0159] like Figure 13 as well as Figure 14D As shown, if the area of ​​additional icon 46 (an example of the second figure) is outside the wind direction range 16a of the air outlet 12a controlled by existing icon 46A (an example of the first figure), the air is output from the other air outlets 12b and 12c. In this case, all the air outlets output alternately or simultaneously, or only some of the air outlets output alternately or simultaneously.

[0160] [4-3. When the spatial area indicated by the additional icon is larger than a predetermined size]

[0161] refer to Figure 15 Next, a control example of the air-conditioning system 2 when the space area indicated by the additional icon 46 is equal to or larger than a predetermined size will be described. Figure 15 This is a table showing still another control example of the air-conditioning system 2 according to the embodiment.

[0162] [4-3-1. Output from multiple outlets]

[0163] like Figure 15 As shown, when outputting from a plurality of air outlets, the plurality of air outlets output air alternately or simultaneously to the spatial area indicated by the additional icon 46 .

[0164] [4-3-2. Output from a single outlet]

[0165] [4-3-2-1. Controlling air direction according to operation mode]

[0166] like Figure 15 As shown, when outputting from one outlet, the wind direction is controlled according to the operation mode of the air conditioner 8.

[0167] When the operation mode is cooling operation mode, the air direction is controlled starting from the upper range of the spatial area indicated by additional icon 46. Specifically, in the spatial area indicated by additional icon 46, the air direction moves (changes) more slowly in the upper range and more quickly in the lower range.

[0168] When the operation mode is the heating operation mode, the air direction is controlled starting from the lower range of the spatial area indicated by the additional icon 46. Specifically, in the spatial area indicated by the additional icon 46, the air direction is shifted more slowly toward the lower range and more quickly toward the upper range.

[0169] [4-3-2-2. Controlling wind direction based on the presence or absence of an object]

[0170] like Figure 15 As shown, when outputting from one outlet, the wind direction is controlled according to whether there are objects (e.g., people, pets, windows, curtains, doors, walls, floors, ceilings, and heat sources) in the spatial area indicated by the additional icon 46.

[0171] When the wind direction control is performed starting from the range where the object exists, in the spatial area indicated by the additional icon 46 , the wind direction is shifted more slowly toward the range where the object exists, and more quickly toward the range where the object does not exist.

[0172] When the wind direction control is performed starting from the area where no object exists, in the spatial area indicated by the additional icon 46 , the wind direction is shifted more slowly toward the area where no object exists and more quickly toward the area where an object exists.

[0173] [4-3-2-3. Control wind direction according to user attributes]

[0174] like Figure 15 As shown, when outputting from one air outlet, the wind direction is controlled according to the attributes of the user 4 existing in the spatial area shown by the additional icon 46 (for example, adults, children, men, women, afraid of cold, afraid of heat, wearing thick clothes, wearing less clothes, wearing short sleeves, wearing long sleeves, wearing shorts, wearing long pants, high activity level, low activity level, high body temperature, and low body temperature, etc.).

[0175] When the wind direction control is performed starting from the range where the user 4 of the specified attribute exists, in the spatial area indicated by the additional icon 46, the wind direction moves more slowly in the range where the user 4 of the specified attribute exists, and moves more quickly in the range where the user 4 of the specified attribute does not exist.

[0176] When the wind direction control is performed starting from the range where the user 4 of the specified attribute does not exist, in the spatial area indicated by the additional icon 46, the wind direction moves more slowly in the range where the user 4 of the specified attribute does not exist, and moves more quickly in the range where the user 4 of the specified attribute exists.

[0177] [4-3-2-4. Controlling the airflow direction according to the distance between the object and the air conditioner]

[0178] like Figure 15 As shown, when outputting air from a single outlet, the air direction is controlled according to the distance between the air conditioner 8 and objects (e.g., people, pets, windows, curtains, doors, walls, floors, ceilings, and heat sources) in the spatial area indicated by the additional icon 46. The distance between the object and the air conditioner 8 is detected by a depth sensor or the like disposed in the air conditioner 8.

[0179] When the wind direction control is performed starting from a range where the distance between the object and the air conditioner 8 is greater, the wind direction is shifted more slowly in a range where the distance is greater, and more quickly in a range where the distance is less.

[0180] When the wind direction control is performed starting from a range where the distance between the object and the air conditioner 8 is short, the wind direction is shifted more slowly in a range where the distance is short, and more quickly in a range where the distance is long.

[0181] Alternatively, instead of the above-described control, in the spatial region indicated by the additional icon 46 , the air volume may be increased in a farther range and decreased in a closer range.

[0182] [4-3-2-5. Control wind direction according to direction]

[0183] like Figure 15 As shown, when outputting from one outlet, the wind direction is controlled according to the orientation of the spatial region indicated by the additional icon 46 .

[0184] When the wind direction control is performed starting from a range close to the predetermined direction, in the spatial region indicated by the additional icon 46 , the wind direction is shifted more slowly in a range closer to the predetermined direction and more quickly in a range farther from the predetermined direction.

[0185] When the wind direction control is performed starting from a range farther from the predetermined direction, in the spatial region indicated by the additional icon 46 , the wind direction is shifted more slowly in a range farther from the predetermined direction and more quickly in a range closer to the predetermined direction.

[0186] [4-3-2-6. Controlling air direction according to the temperature distribution in the indoor space]

[0187] like Figure 15 As shown, when air is output from one air outlet, the wind direction is controlled according to the temperature distribution in the indoor space 6.

[0188] When the wind direction control is performed starting from the area close to the place with the specified temperature, in the spatial area shown by the additional icon 46, the wind direction moves more slowly in the area closer to the place with the specified temperature, and moves more quickly in the area farther from the place with the specified temperature.

[0189] When the wind direction control is performed starting from a range farther from the place with the specified temperature, in the spatial area indicated by the additional icon 46 , the wind direction moves more slowly in a range farther from the place with the specified temperature, and moves more quickly in a range closer to the place with the specified temperature.

[0190] [4-3-2-7. Control air direction according to indoor humidity distribution]

[0191] like Figure 15 As shown, when outputting from one air outlet, the wind direction is controlled according to the humidity distribution in the indoor space 6.

[0192] When the wind direction control is performed starting from the area close to the place with the specified humidity, in the spatial area indicated by the additional icon 46 , the wind direction moves more slowly in the area closer to the place with the specified humidity, and moves more quickly in the area farther from the place with the specified humidity.

[0193] When the wind direction control is performed starting from a range farther from the place with the specified humidity, in the spatial area indicated by the additional icon 46 , the wind direction moves more slowly in a range farther from the place with the specified humidity, and moves more quickly in a range closer to the place with the specified humidity.

[0194] [4-3-2-8. Move in one stroke]

[0195] like Figure 15 As shown, when outputting from one outlet, the wind direction moves along a one-stroke path (ie, a path with no partial overlap) in the spatial region indicated by the additional icon 46 .

[0196] [4-3-2-9. Moving along a random path]

[0197] like Figure 15 As shown, when outputting from one air outlet, the air direction moves along random paths (ie, partially overlapping paths) in the spatial region indicated by the additional icon 46 .

[0198] [4-3-2-10. Move alternately in the vertical and horizontal directions]

[0199] like Figure 15 As shown, when outputting from one air outlet, the air direction is alternately moved in the vertical direction and the horizontal direction in the spatial region indicated by the additional icon 46 .

[0200] [5. Effect]

[0201] As described above, in this embodiment, the control method is a control method in the air-conditioning system 2, wherein the air-conditioning system 2 includes a terminal device 10 and an air conditioner 8, wherein the terminal device 10 has a touch screen unit 38, and the air conditioner 8 can communicate with the terminal device 10 via a network 28, and has multiple air outlets 12a, 12b, and 12c for blowing air-conditioned air into the indoor space 6. The control method includes: (a) a step of obtaining air outlet information related to multiple air outlets 12a, 12b, and 12c; (b) a step of overlapping and displaying an icon 46 on an image 44 of an indoor space 6 photographed from the viewpoint of an air conditioner 8 on a touch screen unit 38, wherein the icon 46 indicates the spatial range of the indoor space 6 reached by the conditioned air blown out from at least one of the multiple air outlets 12a, 12b, and 12c; (c) a step of receiving operation information, wherein the operation information is information indicating an operation of a user 4 to change the number of icons 46 or the area occupied by the icons 46 on the image 44; (d) a step of generating control information based on the air outlet information and the operation information; and (e) a step of controlling the air conditioner 8 based on the control information.

[0202] As described above, user 4 can easily specify the spatial range of indoor space 6 to which conditioned air is desired to be delivered using image 44 displayed on touch screen unit 38. In this case, because image 44 captures indoor space 6 from the viewpoint of air conditioner 8, user 4 can easily estimate the spatial range of indoor space 6 to which conditioned air is desired to be delivered. As a result, the airflow direction of air conditioner 8 and other settings can be set intuitively.

[0203] In addition, in this embodiment, the air outlet information includes the number of multiple air outlets 12a, 12b, 12c, the wind direction range of the conditioned air of each of the multiple air outlets 12a, 12b, 12c, the number of air guide plates, and at least one of the movable ranges of the air guide plates. The air guide plates are arranged at each of the multiple air outlets 12a, 12b, 12c and are used to adjust the direction of the conditioned air blown out from the air outlet.

[0204] As described above, control information can be generated with high accuracy based on such air outlet information and operation information.

[0205] Furthermore, in the present embodiment, the plurality of air outlets 12a, 12b, and 12c are arranged so that the wind direction ranges of the air-conditioned air blown out from a pair of adjacent air outlets partially overlap with each other.

[0206] As described above, the conditioned air blown out from two or more of the plurality of air outlets 12 a , 12 b , and 12 c can reach the spatial range indicated by the icon 46 .

[0207] Furthermore, in this embodiment, in step (d), a specific air outlet corresponding to icon 46 indicated by the operation information is determined from the plurality of air outlets 12a, 12b, and 12c indicated by the air outlet information. Control information for controlling the specific air outlet is generated so that the conditioned air blown out from the specific air outlet reaches the spatial range indicated by icon 46.

[0208] Through the above, the conditioned air blown out from the specific air outlet can reach the spatial range indicated by the icon 46 .

[0209] In addition, in the present embodiment, in (d), when the icon 46 can correspond to two or more air outlets among the multiple air outlets 12a, 12b, 12c, the air outlet among the two or more air outlets that is closest to the spatial range shown by the icon 46 is determined as a specific air outlet.

[0210] As described above, the conditioned air blown out from the air outlet closest to the spatial range indicated by icon 46 can be efficiently made to reach the spatial range indicated by icon 46 .

[0211] In this embodiment, in (d), when the icon 46 can correspond to two or more of the plurality of air outlets 12a, 12b, and 12c, each of the two or more air outlets is determined as a specific air outlet.

[0212] As described above, the conditioned air blown out from the two or more air outlets can be efficiently delivered to the spatial range indicated by icon 46 .

[0213] Furthermore, in this embodiment, in (d), control information for controlling the two or more air outlets is generated so that the conditioned air blown out alternately from the two or more air outlets reaches the spatial range indicated by icon 46 .

[0214] As described above, the conditioned air blown out from the two or more air outlets can be efficiently made to reach the spatial range indicated by icon 46 .

[0215] Furthermore, in this embodiment, in (d), control information for controlling the two or more air outlets individually is generated so that the conditioned air blown out simultaneously from the two or more air outlets reaches the spatial range indicated by icon 46 .

[0216] As described above, the conditioned air blown out simultaneously from each of the two or more air outlets can be efficiently made to reach the spatial range indicated by the icon 46 .

[0217] In addition, in the present embodiment, in (d), when the icon 46 can correspond to two or more air outlets among the multiple air outlets 12a, 12b, 12c, the air outlet among the two or more air outlets that was not used during the last operation of the air conditioner 8 is determined as the specific air outlet.

[0218] As described above, the plurality of air outlets 12a, 12b, and 12c can be used evenly.

[0219] Furthermore, in this embodiment, in (c), when an existing icon is displayed superimposed on image 44 on touch screen unit 38, the operation information indicates an operation by user 4 to superimpose an additional icon 46 different from the existing icon on image 44. In (d), the outlet corresponding to additional icon 46 among the plurality of outlets 12a, 12b, and 12c is determined as the specific outlet corresponding to the existing icon.

[0220] As described above, the conditioned air blown out from the air outlet corresponding to the existing icon can efficiently reach the spatial range indicated by the additional icon 46 .

[0221] In addition, in the present embodiment, in (c), when an existing icon is displayed overlappingly on the image 44 in the touch screen portion 38, the operation information is information showing the user's operation of adding an additional icon 46 different from the existing icon to the image 44 for overlapping, and in (d), other air outlets among the multiple air outlets 12a, 12b, 12c other than the air outlet corresponding to the existing icon are determined as specific air outlets corresponding to the additional icon 46.

[0222] As described above, the conditioned air blown out from the air outlets other than the air outlets corresponding to the existing icons can be efficiently made to reach the spatial range indicated by the additional icon 46 .

[0223] Furthermore, in the present embodiment, in (d) above, control information for controlling the specific air outlet is generated so that the wind direction of the conditioned air from the specific air outlet changes within the spatial range indicated by icon 46 .

[0224] As described above, the conditioned air blown out from the specific air outlet can be efficiently made to reach the spatial range indicated by icon 46 .

[0225] Furthermore, in the present embodiment, in (d), control information for controlling the specific air outlet is generated so that the wind direction of the conditioned air from the specific air outlet changes within the spatial range according to the operation mode of the air conditioner 8 .

[0226] As described above, the conditioned air blown out from the specific air outlet can be efficiently delivered to the spatial range indicated by the icon 46 in consideration of the operation mode of the air conditioner 8 .

[0227] In addition, in the present embodiment, in (d), control information for controlling the specific air outlet is generated in such a manner that the wind direction of the conditioned air from the specific air outlet changes within the spatial range according to at least one of the following: whether there is an object within the spatial range shown by icon 46, the distance between the object and the air conditioner 8, and the attributes of the user 4 within the spatial range.

[0228] Through the above, the conditioned air blown out from a specific air outlet can efficiently reach the spatial range shown in icon 46 in a manner taking into account at least one of the presence of an object, the distance between the object and the air conditioner 8, and the attributes of the user 4 existing in the spatial range.

[0229] In addition, in the present embodiment, in (d), control information for controlling the specific air outlet is generated in such a manner that the wind direction of the conditioned air from the specific air outlet changes within the spatial range according to at least one of the following: the orientation of the spatial range shown in icon 46, the temperature distribution in the indoor space, and the humidity distribution in the indoor space.

[0230] As described above, the conditioned air blown out from a specific air outlet can efficiently reach the spatial range shown in icon 46 in a manner taking into account at least one of the orientation of the spatial range, the temperature distribution in the indoor space, and the humidity distribution in the indoor space.

[0231] Furthermore, in this embodiment, in (d) above, control information for controlling a specific air outlet is generated so that the wind direction of the conditioned air from the specific air outlet changes along a path of a single stroke within the spatial range indicated by icon 46 .

[0232] As described above, the conditioned air blown out from the specific air outlet can be efficiently made to reach the spatial range indicated by icon 46 .

[0233] Furthermore, in this embodiment, in (d) above, control information for controlling a specific air outlet is generated so that the wind direction of the conditioned air from the specific air outlet changes along a random path within the spatial range indicated by icon 46 .

[0234] As described above, the conditioned air blown out from the specific air outlet can be efficiently directed to the spatial range indicated by icon 46 in a more natural wind direction.

[0235] In addition, in this embodiment, in (d), control information for controlling a specific air outlet is generated in such a manner that the wind direction of the conditioned air from the specific air outlet changes alternately between the up-down direction and the left-right direction within the spatial range shown by icon 46.

[0236] Through the above, the circulation efficiency of the conditioned air in the indoor space 6 can be improved.

[0237] In addition, in this embodiment, the program is a program for causing a computer to execute any of the above-mentioned control methods.

[0238] In the present embodiment, the terminal device 10 is an information processing device for controlling the air conditioner 8 having the plurality of air outlets 12 a , 12 b , and 12 c for blowing conditioned air into the indoor space 6 . The information processing device includes: a second acquisition unit 36 ​​(acquisition unit) for acquiring air outlet information related to multiple air outlets 12a, 12b, and 12c; a touch screen unit 38 (display unit) for displaying an icon 46 superimposed on an image 44 of the indoor space 6 taken from the viewpoint of the air conditioner 8, wherein the icon 46 indicates the spatial range of the indoor space 6 reached by the conditioned air blown out from at least one of the multiple air outlets 12a, 12b, and 12c; a touch screen unit 38 (receiving unit) for receiving operation information, wherein the operation information is information indicating the operation of the user 4 to change the number of icons 46 or the area occupied by the icons 46 on the image 44; a generating unit 42 for generating control information for controlling the air conditioner 8 based on the air outlet information and the operation information; and a communication unit 32 for sending the control information to the air conditioner 8.

[0239] As described above, user 4 can easily specify the spatial range of indoor space 6 to which conditioned air is desired to be delivered using image 44 displayed on touch screen unit 38. In this case, because image 44 captures indoor space 6 from the viewpoint of air conditioner 8, user 4 can easily estimate the spatial range of indoor space 6 to which conditioned air is desired to be delivered. As a result, the airflow direction of air conditioner 8 and other settings can be set intuitively.

[0240] (Other Embodiments)

[0241] As described above, the embodiments are described as examples of the technology disclosed in this application. However, the technology disclosed in this application is not limited to these embodiments and is also applicable to embodiments in which appropriate changes, substitutions, additions, omissions, etc. are made. In addition, the various components described in the embodiments can be combined to form new embodiments.

[0242] Therefore, other embodiments are exemplified below.

[0243] In the above embodiment, the camera 18 is composed of a CCD camera, but is not limited thereto and may be composed of, for example, an infrared array sensor.

[0244] In the above embodiment, the camera 18 is built into the air conditioner 8. However, the angle of the camera 18 relative to the air conditioner 8 may be adjusted in the vertical direction and the horizontal direction so that the viewing angle of the camera 18 is extremely widened.

[0245] In the above embodiment, the camera 18 is built into the air conditioner 8, but the present invention is not limited thereto. The camera 18 may also be external to the air conditioner 8. Alternatively, the user 4 may use a camera mounted on the terminal device 10 to capture the indoor space 6 from the viewpoint of the air conditioner 8. In this case, after the air conditioner 8 is shipped, the user 4 may cause the air conditioner 8 to learn a wind direction control method for delivering conditioned air to a spatial range corresponding to a predetermined area in the image captured by the camera of the terminal device 10.

[0246] In the above embodiment, the touch screen unit 38 displays icons 46. However, it is also possible to accept operations from the user 4 for editing the operating information of the air conditioner 8 (e.g., operating mode, set temperature, set humidity, and air volume) for each icon 46. Furthermore, when icons 46 are added, the operating information of the air conditioner 8 can be set to the initial setting values. Furthermore, when multiple icons 46 are displayed on the touch screen unit 38, the operating modes that can be set simultaneously for each of the multiple icons 46 can be limited to the same operating mode (e.g., cooling operation mode).

[0247] In the embodiment described above, the operating information of the air conditioner 8 can be expressed by the color, pattern, and shape of the icon 46. For example, if the color of the icon 46 is blue, it means that the set temperature of the air conditioner 8 is relatively low, and if the color of the icon 46 is red, it means that the set temperature of the air conditioner 8 is relatively high.

[0248] In the above-described embodiment, for example, the user 4 may perform a touch operation on the touch panel portion 38 and rotate it, thereby rotating the icon 46 on the image 44 .

[0249] In the above embodiment, the generation unit 42 of the terminal device 10 generates the control information. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the operation control unit 26 of the air conditioner 8 may generate the control information.

[0250] In the above embodiment, the icon 46 is a two-dimensional surface, but the present invention is not limited thereto and may be, for example, a point or a three-dimensional area.

[0251] In addition, the terminal device 10 can also detect whether a moving body such as a person or a pet is included in the area of ​​the icon 46. When a moving body is included in the area of ​​the icon 46, the wind direction can be controlled by tracking the movement of the moving body within the spatial range shown by the icon 46. Alternatively, the movement of the moving body can be tracked to change the area of ​​the icon 46. At this time, when there is a combination of air outlets that are repeated between the tracked icon 46 and all existing icons, the wind direction control related to the tracked icon 46 can be given priority, and after performing the same processing as the above-mentioned operation of deleting the icon for all existing icons whose air outlets are repeated with the tracked icon 46, the same processing as the above-mentioned operation of changing the area of ​​the icon is performed on the tracked icon 46.

[0252] As described above, the embodiments are described as examples of the technology disclosed herein, and therefore, the drawings and detailed description are provided.

[0253] Therefore, the components described in the drawings and detailed descriptions include not only components essential to the problem, but also components that are used to illustrate the technology but are not essential to solving the problem. Therefore, simply because these non-essential components are described in the drawings or detailed descriptions, they cannot be considered essential components.

[0254] Furthermore, the above-described embodiments are intended to exemplify the technology of the present disclosure, and therefore various changes, substitutions, additions, omissions, etc. can be made within the scope of the technical solution or its equivalents.

[0255] In addition, the present disclosure may be a computer program that implements the above-mentioned method by a computer, or a digital signal composed of a computer program. In addition, the present disclosure may be a computer program or a digital signal recorded on a non-temporary recording medium that can be read by a computer, such as a floppy disk, a hard disk, a CD-ROM, an MO, a DVD, a DVD-ROM, a DVD-RAM, a BD (Blu-ray (registered trademark) Disc), a semiconductor memory, etc. In addition, the present disclosure may be a computer system with a microprocessor and a memory, wherein the memory stores the computer program, and the microprocessor operates according to the computer program. The memory may also include a recording medium, more specifically, a semiconductor memory inside the CPU such as a register or a cache memory, including a main memory (main memory / RAM), a memory (external memory / auxiliary memory), and the memory may be an online memory or an offline memory.

[0256] Industrial Applicability

[0257] The control method according to the present disclosure can be applied to, for example, an air-conditioning system including a terminal device and an air conditioner.

[0258] Explanation of symbols

[0259] 2 Air conditioning system

[0260] 4 users

[0261] 6 Interior Space

[0262] 8 Air conditioners

[0263] 10 Terminal Devices

[0264] 12a, 12b, 12c, 12d air outlets

[0265] 14a, 14b, 14c Spatial range

[0266] 16a, 16b, 16c, 16d Wind direction range

[0267] 18 Camera

[0268] 20 Image Generation Unit

[0269] 22 Air Outlet Information Management Department

[0270] 24,32 Ministry of Communications

[0271] 26 Operation Control Department

[0272] 28 Network

[0273] 30 Left and right movement wind deflector

[0274] 34 Part 1

[0275] 36 Part 2

[0276] 38 Touch screen unit

[0277] 40 Operation Information Management Department

[0278] 42 Generation Department

[0279] 44 images

[0280] 46, 46a, 46b, 46A, 46B, 46C icons

[0281] 48 Kitchen

[0282] 50 Restaurant

[0283] 52 Frame area

Claims

1. A control method for an air conditioning system, comprising: a terminal device and an air conditioner; the terminal device having a display unit; the air conditioner being capable of communicating with the terminal device via a network; and the air conditioner having a plurality of air outlets for blowing conditioned air into an indoor space; the control method comprising: (a) obtaining air outlet information related to the plurality of air outlets; (b) displaying, on the display unit, a graphic superimposed on an image of the indoor space captured from a viewpoint of the air conditioner, the graphic indicating a spatial range of the indoor space reached by conditioned air blown out from at least one of the plurality of air outlets; (c) a step of accepting operation information indicating a user's operation to change the number of graphics or the area occupied by the graphics on the image; (d) generating control information based on the air outlet information and the operation information; as well as (e) controlling the air conditioner based on the control information, In (c), the editable range of the size of the area occupied by the graphic on the image corresponds to the wind direction range of the conditioned air from the air conditioner. The control method further includes: (f) When the operation information indicating the user's operation of wanting to edit the size of the area occupied by the graphic on the image to exceed the editable range is received in (c), the step of displaying display content for notifying the user of the situation on the display unit is performed.

2. A control method for an air conditioning system, comprising: a terminal device and an air conditioner; the terminal device having a display unit; the air conditioner capable of communicating with the terminal device via a network; and the air conditioner having a plurality of air outlets for blowing conditioned air into an indoor space; the control method comprising: (a) obtaining air outlet information related to the plurality of air outlets; (b) displaying, on the display unit, a graphic superimposed on an image of the indoor space captured from a viewpoint of the air conditioner, the graphic indicating a spatial range of the indoor space reached by conditioned air blown out from at least one of the plurality of air outlets; (c) a step of accepting operation information indicating a user's operation to change the number of graphics or the area occupied by the graphics on the image; (d) generating control information based on the air outlet information and the operation information; as well as (e) controlling the air conditioner based on the control information, In (c), the editable range of the size of the area occupied by the graphic on the image corresponds to the wind direction range of the conditioned air from the air conditioner. The control method further includes: (g) When the editable range extends from the image displayed on the display unit to an area outside the image, a step of displaying a frame area in the area outside the image.

3. The control method according to claim 1 or 2, The air outlet information includes the number of the multiple air outlets, the wind direction range of the air-conditioned air of each of the multiple air outlets, the number of air guide plates, and at least one of the movable ranges of the air guide plates. The air guide plates are arranged at each of the multiple air outlets and are used to adjust the direction of the air-conditioned air blown out from the air outlet.

4. The control method according to claim 1 or 2, The plurality of air outlets are arranged so that wind direction ranges of the air-conditioning air blown out from a pair of adjacent air outlets partially overlap with each other.

5. The control method according to claim 1 or 2, In (d), a specific air outlet corresponding to the graphic indicated by the operation information is determined from among the plurality of air outlets indicated by the air outlet information. Furthermore, the control information for controlling the specific air outlet is generated in such a manner that the conditioned air blown out from the specific air outlet reaches the spatial range shown in the graph.

6. The control method according to claim 5, In (d), when the graph can correspond to two or more of the plurality of air outlets, the air outlet closest to the spatial range shown in the graph among the two or more air outlets is determined as the specific air outlet.

7. The control method according to claim 5, In the above (d), when the pattern can correspond to two or more air outlets among the plurality of air outlets, each of the two or more air outlets is determined as the specific air outlet.

8. The control method according to claim 5, In (d), when the graph can correspond to two or more of the plurality of air outlets, the air outlet among the two or more air outlets that was not used during the last operation of the air conditioner is determined as the specific air outlet.

9. The control method according to claim 5, In (c), when a first graphic is displayed superimposed on the image on the display unit, the operation information is information indicating a user operation to add a second graphic different from the first graphic to the image for superimposition. In the above (d), the air outlet corresponding to the first pattern among the plurality of air outlets is determined as the specific air outlet corresponding to the second pattern.

10. The control method according to claim 5, In (c), when a first graphic is displayed superimposed on the image on the display unit, the operation information is information indicating a user operation to add a second graphic different from the first graphic to the image for superimposition. In the above (d), the other air outlets among the plurality of air outlets other than the air outlet corresponding to the first pattern are determined as the specific air outlet corresponding to the second pattern.

11. The control method according to claim 5, In (d) above, the control information for controlling the specific air outlet is generated so that the wind direction of the conditioned air from the specific air outlet changes within the spatial range shown in the graph. 12 . A computer-readable recording medium having recorded therein a program for causing a computer to execute the control method according to claim 1 .

13. An information processing device for controlling an air conditioner having a plurality of air outlets for blowing conditioned air into an indoor space, the information processing device comprising: an obtaining unit, configured to obtain air outlet information related to the plurality of air outlets; a display unit configured to superimpose a graphic on an image of the indoor space captured from a viewpoint of the air conditioner, the graphic indicating a spatial range of the indoor space reached by conditioned air blown out from at least one of the plurality of air outlets; an accepting unit that accepts operation information indicating a user's operation to change the number of graphics or the area occupied by the graphics on the image; a generating unit for generating control information for controlling the air conditioner based on the air outlet information and the operation information; as well as The communication unit sends the control information to the air conditioner. The editable range in which the size of the area occupied by the graphic on the image can be edited corresponds to the wind direction range of the conditioned air from the air conditioner. The display unit further comprises: When the accepting unit accepts the operation information indicating a user's operation to edit the size of the area occupied by the graphic on the image to exceed the editable range, display content for notifying the user of this fact is displayed.

14. An information processing device for controlling an air conditioner having a plurality of air outlets for blowing conditioned air into an indoor space, the information processing device comprising: an obtaining unit, configured to obtain air outlet information related to the plurality of air outlets; a display unit configured to superimpose a graphic on an image of the indoor space captured from a viewpoint of the air conditioner, the graphic indicating a spatial range of the indoor space reached by conditioned air blown out from at least one of the plurality of air outlets; an accepting unit that accepts operation information indicating a user's operation to change the number of graphics or the area occupied by the graphics on the image; a generating unit for generating control information for controlling the air conditioner based on the air outlet information and the operation information; as well as The communication unit sends the control information to the air conditioner. The editable range in which the size of the area occupied by the graphic on the image can be edited corresponds to the wind direction range of the conditioned air from the air conditioner. The display unit further comprises: When the editable range extends from the image displayed on the display unit to an area outside the image, a frame area is displayed in the area outside the image.

Images