Thermal control system

Abstract

The thermal sensation control system includes: a thermal sensation estimating unit (S230) for estimating an actual thermal sensation as an actual thermal sensation of a user's body; a thermal sensation range determining unit (S140) for determining a range of thermal sensation achievable by one or more thermal devices as a settable range of thermal sensation of a target thermal sensation based on at least one of heat load information when the user's thermal sensation is adjusted by one or more thermal devices and the capabilities of each of the one or more thermal devices; a display control unit (S150) for displaying the set range of the target thermal sensation on the setting screen in the following manner: causing the target thermal sensation and the actual thermal sensation estimated by the thermal sensation estimating unit to be displayed on the setting screen, and enabling the user to set the target thermal sensation within the range of thermal sensation determined by the thermal sensation range determining unit; and an action control unit (S170) for controlling the action of the one or more thermal devices based on the target thermal sensation displayed on the setting screen and the actual thermal sensation estimated by the thermal sensation estimating unit.

Description

[0001] Cross-reference to related applications

[0002] This application is based on Japanese Patent Application No. 2020-123021 filed on July 17, 2020, and the contents thereof are incorporated herein by reference. Technical Field

[0003] The invention relates to a thermal sensation control system. Background Art

[0004] Patent Document 1 describes an air conditioning device that estimates the user's overall thermal sensation and controls the air conditioner based on the estimated thermal sensation. In this air conditioning device, the estimated thermal sensation is displayed on a screen, and the user can modify the displayed thermal sensation.

[0005] Prior art literature

[0006] Patent Literature

[0007] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2019-32154

[0008] The present inventors have developed a system that displays an estimated actual thermal sensation of the user on a display device when a setting screen for the user to set a target thermal sensation is displayed on the setting screen. The target thermal sensation is the target thermal sensation of the user's body. The actual thermal sensation is the actual thermal sensation of the user's body. In this system, the operation of a heating device for adjusting the user's thermal sensation is controlled so that the estimated actual thermal sensation approaches the target thermal sensation. This system allows the user to set a target thermal sensation while simultaneously confirming the actual thermal sensation on the setting screen. Summary of the Invention

[0009] However, it is conceivable that the target thermal sensation setting range displayed on the setting screen may include a thermal sensation that is actually unattainable by the heating device. In this case, if the user selects an unattainable thermal sensation within the target thermal sensation setting range, the set thermal sensation will never be achieved. Therefore, the inventors have discovered a technical problem that creates a sense of discomfort for the user.

[0010] Furthermore, it is conceivable that the target thermal sensation setting range displayed on the setting screen includes a body part that cannot actually be adjusted by the thermal device. In this case, even if the user sets a target thermal sensation for a body part that cannot be adjusted, the set thermal sensation will never be achieved. Therefore, the inventors have identified the technical problem of users experiencing a sense of discomfort. The present invention aims to provide a thermal sensation control system that can suppress the user's feeling of discomfort that the set thermal sensation cannot be achieved at any time.

[0011] In order to achieve the above object, according to one aspect of the present invention,

[0012] A thermal sensation control system displays a setting screen on a display device for a user to set a target thermal sensation, and operates one or more thermal devices for adjusting the thermal sensation of the user's body based on the target thermal sensation, wherein the target thermal sensation is a target thermal sensation of the user's body. The thermal sensation control system comprises:

[0013] a thermal sensation estimating unit that estimates an actual thermal sensation as an actual thermal sensation of a user's body;

[0014] a thermal sensation range determination unit for determining, based on at least one of heat load information when adjusting a user's thermal sensation by the one or more thermal devices and respective capabilities of the one or more thermal devices, a range of thermal sensation achievable by the one or more thermal devices as a settable range of thermal sensation for the target thermal sensation;

[0015] a display control unit that displays a setting range of a target thermal sensation on a setting screen in such a manner that the target thermal sensation and the actual thermal sensation estimated by the thermal sensation estimating unit are displayed on the setting screen and that enables a user to set the target thermal sensation within the range of the thermal sensation determined by the thermal sensation range determining unit; and

[0016] An operation control unit controls the operation of one or more thermal devices based on the target thermal sensation displayed on the setting screen and the actual thermal sensation estimated by the thermal sensation estimating unit.

[0017] Thus, the target thermal sensation setting range is displayed so that the user can set the thermal sensation within the range of thermal sensations achievable by one or more thermal devices. Thus, when the user sets the target thermal sensation to an arbitrary thermal sensation, the user can avoid the uncomfortable feeling that the set thermal sensation cannot be achieved at any time.

[0018] In addition, according to another view,

[0019] A thermal sensation control system displays a setting screen on a display device for a user to set a target thermal sensation, and operates one or more thermal devices for adjusting the thermal sensation of the user's body based on the target thermal sensation, wherein the target thermal sensation is a target thermal sensation of the user's body. The thermal sensation control system comprises:

[0020] a setting site determination unit that determines, based on the capabilities of the one or more heating devices, a plurality of body sites at which a thermal sensation can be regulated by the one or more heating devices as settable body sites for a target thermal sensation;

[0021] a thermal sensation estimating unit that estimates actual thermal sensations as actual thermal sensations at respective portions of a user's body;

[0022] a display control unit that displays a setting range of a target thermal sensation in such a manner that an actual thermal sensation of each of the plurality of body parts estimated by the thermal sensation estimating unit is displayed on a setting screen, and that the target thermal sensation can be set for the body part determined by the setting part determining unit and that the target thermal sensation cannot be individually set for any body part of the user other than the body part determined by the setting part determining unit; and

[0023] An operation control unit controls the operation of one or more thermal devices based on the target thermal sensations of the plurality of body parts displayed on the setting screen and the actual thermal sensations of the plurality of body parts estimated by the thermal sensation estimating unit.

[0024] Thus, the target thermal sensation setting range is displayed so that the user can set the target thermal sensation for multiple body parts whose thermal sensation can be adjusted by one or more heating devices. The target thermal sensation setting range is displayed so that the user cannot individually set the target thermal sensation for body parts whose thermal sensation cannot be adjusted by one or more heating devices. This prevents the user from feeling uncomfortable when setting the target thermal sensation for any body part, such as when the user sets the target thermal sensation.

[0025] In addition, the reference symbols in parentheses attached to each component etc. represent an example of the correspondence relationship between the component etc. and the specific components etc. described in the embodiment described later. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0026] Figure 1 This is a block diagram showing the overall configuration of the thermal sensation control system in the first embodiment.

[0027] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram showing how a user's thermal sensation is adjusted by using multiple heating devices in summer.

[0028] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram showing how a user's thermal sensation is adjusted by using multiple heating devices in winter.

[0029] Figure 4 This is a diagram showing a setting screen displayed on the display device in the first embodiment.

[0030] Figure 5 This is a flowchart of the control process executed by the system control unit and the sensor control unit in the first embodiment.

[0031] Figure 6 This diagram shows a portion of a setting screen when an air conditioner is installed in a vehicle but a footrest heater is not installed in the vehicle in the first embodiment.

[0032] Figure 7 This is a diagram showing a portion of a setting screen when an air conditioner and a footrest heater are installed in a vehicle in the first embodiment.

[0033] Figure 8 This diagram shows a portion of a setting screen when an air conditioner and a footrest heater are installed in a vehicle but a seat air conditioner is not installed in the first embodiment.

[0034] Figure 9 This is a diagram showing a portion of a setting screen when an air conditioner, a seat air conditioner, and a seat heater are installed in a vehicle in the first embodiment.

[0035] Figure 10 This is a diagram showing a setting screen in summer conditions in the second embodiment.

[0036] Figure 11 This is a diagram showing a setting screen in the second embodiment under extremely hot weather conditions.

[0037] Figure 12 This is a diagram showing a setting screen for winter conditions in the second embodiment.

[0038] Figure 13 This is a diagram showing a setting screen in extremely cold conditions in the second embodiment.

[0039] Figure 14 This is a diagram showing a setting screen before the target thermal sensation strip on the head is moved in the third embodiment.

[0040] Figure 15 This is a diagram showing a setting screen after the target thermal sensation strip on the head has been moved in the third embodiment.

[0041] Figure 16 This is a diagram showing a setting screen before the target thermal sensation strip on the chest is moved in the fifth embodiment.

[0042] Figure 17 This is a diagram showing a setting screen after the target thermal sensation strip on the chest is moved in the fifth embodiment.

[0043] Figure 18 This is a diagram showing a portion of a setting screen in the sixth embodiment.

[0044] Figure 19It is a diagram showing a setting screen in the seventh embodiment.

[0045] Figure 20 Yes Figure 19 Illustration of the crew icon in .

[0046] Figure 21 Yes Figure 19 Figure 1.2 shows a diagram of multiple operating areas in a .

[0047] Figure 22 is with Figure 19 This is a diagram illustrating the same setting screen and is used to explain the user's operations on the operation area.

[0048] Figure 23 Is relative to Figure 22 The setting screen shown is a diagram of the setting screen after the user operates the operation area.

[0049] Figure 24 This is a flowchart of control processing executed by the system control unit and the sensor control unit in the seventh embodiment.

[0050] Figure 25 This is a diagram showing an example of a location where actual thermal sensation can be estimated using an IR sensor.

[0051] Figure 26 This is a diagram showing an example of areas where the user's thermal sensation can be adjusted by a plurality of thermal devices.

[0052] Figure 27 It is a diagram showing a setting screen in the seventh embodiment.

[0053] Figure 28 This is a flowchart of control processing executed by the system control unit and the sensor control unit in the eighth embodiment.

[0054] Figure 29 It is a diagram showing a setting screen in the ninth embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0055] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the following embodiments, identical or equivalent parts will be denoted by the same reference numerals and described.

[0056] (First embodiment)

[0057] Figure 1The thermal sensation control system 1 shown is installed in a vehicle. The thermal sensation control system 1 displays a setting screen on a display device for the user to set a target thermal sensation, and then operates multiple thermal devices 10 based on the target thermal sensation. Thermal sensation refers to the sensation of heat or cold experienced by humans. The thermal sensation control system 1 includes multiple thermal devices 10, a system control unit 20, a display device 30, an IR sensor 40, and multiple sensors 50.

[0058] Multiple heating devices 10 are installed in a vehicle. These devices adjust the user's sense of warmth by applying heat or cold to a seated user. Each of these devices 10 can adjust the warmth of one or more of the user's body parts. Examples of these devices 10 include an air conditioner 11, a seat air conditioner 12, a neck cooling device 13, a neck heater 14, a seat heater 15, and a footrest heater 16.

[0059] Air conditioning unit 11 is installed in the vehicle interior, on the front side of the vehicle relative to the front seats. Air conditioning unit 11 blows out conditioned air generated by air conditioning unit 11 from multiple outlets provided in the vehicle interior. These outlets include a face outlet provided on the upper portion of the instrument panel, a foot outlet provided on the lower portion of the instrument panel, and a ceiling outlet provided on the ceiling.

[0060] The seat air conditioner 12 is provided on a seat back and a seat cushion of a seat on which a user sits. The seat air conditioner 12 generates intake air to be sucked into the seat by the operation of a blower included in the seat air conditioner 12 .

[0061] A neck cooling device 13 and a neck heater 14 are installed above the seatback. The neck cooling device 13 and neck heater 14 are positioned at the height of the user's shoulders. A seat heater 15 is installed on the seatback, seat cushion, armrests, and footrest of the seat where the user sits. A footrest heater 16 is installed below the instrument panel.

[0062] like Figure 2 As shown, in summer, the air conditioner 11 supplies heat and coolness to the user's head, neck, and chest through at least one of the cool air C1 blown from the ceiling outlet and the cool air C2 blown from the face outlet. The seat air conditioner 12 supplies heat and coolness to the user's back and thighs through intake air C3 and C4 drawn from the cabin air cooled by the air conditioner 11. The neck cooling air device 13 supplies heat and coolness to the user's neck by supplying cool air C5 to the user's neck.

[0063] like Figure 3As shown, in winter, the air conditioner 11 supplies warmth to the user's head, neck, and chest by blowing warm air H1 from the face outlet. The air conditioner 11 supplies warmth to the user's feet by blowing warm air H2 from the foot outlet. The neck heater 14 supplies warmth to the user's neck by radiant heat H3 emitted toward the user's neck. The seat heater 15 supplies warmth to the user's thighs, back, and calves by transferring heat H4, H5, and H6 to the user. The foot heater 16 supplies warmth to the user's calves by radiant heat H7 emitted toward the user's feet (i.e., calves).

[0064] In this way, by operating the plurality of heating devices 10 , the thermal sensation of the plurality of parts of the user's body can be adjusted.

[0065] The system control unit 20 displays a setting screen on the display device 30 showing the actual thermal sensations at multiple body parts of the user. This setting screen is used to set target thermal sensations for each of the multiple body parts of the user. The system control unit 20 controls the operation of each of the multiple heating devices 10 so that the thermal sensations at each of the multiple body parts of the user approach the target thermal sensations displayed on the setting screen. The system control unit 20 controls the operation of each of the multiple heating devices 10 based on the actual thermal sensations at each of the multiple body parts, the target thermal sensations at each of the multiple body parts, and the thermal loads applied to each of the multiple body parts.

[0066] The system control unit 20 is located inside the instrument panel within the vehicle interior. It consists of a microcomputer including a processor and memory, along with its peripheral circuits. The memory in the system control unit 20 is comprised of a non-transitory, physical recording medium. The system control unit 20 also serves as the controller for the air conditioning system 11.

[0067] The display device 30 includes a display panel that displays images. The display device 30 is a touch panel serving as a display input device, with an input unit superimposed on the display panel. The display device 30 displays the aforementioned setting screen. The setting screen is the image displayed on the display device 30. The display device 30 receives display information from the system control unit 20. Furthermore, the display device 30 outputs input information to the system control unit 20. The display device 30 is mounted on the vehicle's instrument panel. The display device 30 can be removed from the instrument panel and used.

[0068] The IR sensor 40 is used to estimate the user's thermal sensation. The IR sensor 40 can detect the surface temperature of multiple body parts by detecting infrared rays emitted from each of the user's body parts. While the IR sensor 40 uses a thermopile method, other detection methods may be used.

[0069] The IR sensor 40 includes a detection unit 41 and a sensor control unit 42. The detection unit 41 detects infrared rays emitted from various parts of the user's body. The sensor control unit 42 uses the detection results from the detection unit 41 to estimate the actual thermal sensation at each of the various parts of the user's body. The sensor control unit 42 is comprised of a microcomputer including a processor and memory, and its peripheral circuits. Furthermore, the memory of the sensor control unit 42 is comprised of a non-transitory, physical storage medium.

[0070] Multiple sensors 50 are used to detect heat loads. These sensors 50 include an interior air temperature sensor 51, an exterior air temperature sensor 52, a solar radiation sensor 53, and a humidity sensor 54. The interior air temperature sensor 51 detects the temperature of the air inside the vehicle cabin, i.e., the interior air temperature. The exterior air temperature sensor 52 detects the temperature of the air outside the vehicle cabin, i.e., the exterior air temperature. The solar radiation sensor 53 detects the amount of solar radiation inside the vehicle cabin. The humidity sensor 54 detects the humidity of the air inside the vehicle cabin. The detection results of each of the multiple sensors 50 are input into the system control unit 20.

[0071] Next, the setting screen displayed on the display panel of the display device 30 will be described. The display panel is a portion that displays an image in the display device 30. The setting screen is an image displayed on the display panel.

[0072] like Figure 4 As shown, the setting screen 31 includes multiple part names 32, multiple thermal sensors 33, multiple actual thermal bars 34, and multiple target thermal bars 35. For each part name 32, one thermal sensor 33, one actual thermal bar 34, and one target thermal bar 35 are configured.

[0073] The plurality of body part names 32 are names of the respective body parts. The plurality of body part names 32 include "head" 32a representing the head of the body, "neck" 32b representing the neck of the body, "chest" 32c representing the chest of the body, "back" 32d representing the back of the body, "thigh" 32e representing the thigh of the body, "calf" 32f representing the calf of the body, and "foot" 32g representing the foot of the body.

[0074] The multiple thermal sensors 33 are areas that display the target thermal sensation setting ranges for various body parts. The thermal sensors 33 are arranged vertically. They include a head thermal sensor 33a, a neck thermal sensor 33b, a chest thermal sensor 33c, a back thermal sensor 33d, a thigh thermal sensor 33e, a calf thermal sensor 33f, and a foot thermal sensor 33g. These thermal sensors 33 are arranged in the order shown in the top-down direction.

[0075] The plurality of thermal sensors 33 extend in the left-right direction. In each thermal sensor 33, nine grids are arranged in the left-right direction. Figure 4 In the scale, the leftmost grid of the nine grids is marked with the word "cold", and the rightmost grid of the nine grids is marked with the word "hot". The nine grids represent the warmth of "cold", "slightly cold", "cool", "slightly cool", "comfortable", "slightly warm", "warm", "slightly hot" and "hot" in order from the left. The "comfortable" scale in the center represents a warmth that is neither hot nor cold. Although in Figure 4 It is not shown in the figure, but each warmth sensation is represented by a different color.

[0076] A plurality of actual thermal sensation bars 34 are displayed in an overlapping manner on each of the plurality of thermal sensors 33. The position of the actual thermal sensation bar 34 on the thermal sensor 33 at each site indicates the actual thermal sensation at that site.

[0077] Multiple target thermal sensation bars 35 are displayed overlapping each of the multiple thermal sensors 33. The position of the target thermal sensation bar 35 on each thermal sensor 33 indicates the target thermal sensation at each location. Each of the target thermal sensation bars 35 is an operation area operated by the user. Each of the target thermal sensation bars 35 is operated by the user by touching the surface of the display panel.

[0078] Next, the control processing performed by the system control unit 20 and the sensor control unit 42 will be described. Figure 5 The actual thermal sensation and the target thermal sensation are displayed on the setting screen 31 according to the flowchart, and the plurality of heating devices 10 are controlled to operate according to the target thermal sensation. In this case, in this embodiment, the system control unit 20 and the sensor control unit 42 change the settable range of each of the plurality of target thermal sensation bars 35 according to the respective capabilities of the plurality of heating devices 10. Figure 5 The steps shown in FIG correspond to functional units that implement various functions. This also applies to other figures.

[0079] Specifically, in step S100, the system control unit 20 obtains installation information by reading installation information stored in the system control unit 20 memory. The installation information is information about the plurality of heating devices 10 installed in the vehicle. The installation information includes information about the capabilities of each of the plurality of heating devices 10. The capability information refers to the degree of warmth that the heating device 10 can provide to each of the plurality of body parts of the user.

[0080] Next, in step S110, the system control unit 20 obtains thermal load information regarding the thermal load. Thermal load refers to the amount of heat required to achieve the user's target thermal sensation. Thermal load information includes information on the outside air temperature, sunlight exposure, and indoor air temperature. The system control unit 20 obtains the detection results of the outside air temperature sensor 52, sunlight exposure sensor 53, and indoor air temperature sensor 51 as thermal load information. Alternatively, the system control unit 20 may obtain detection results of the outside air temperature, sunlight exposure, and indoor air temperature using other sensors.

[0081] Furthermore, the thermal load information includes operational information of the plurality of heating devices 10. Examples of the operational information of the plurality of heating devices 10 include information on the volume, temperature, and direction of the air blown by the air conditioner 11. Furthermore, the thermal load information includes detection results from the IR sensor 40 for estimating the actual thermal sensation.

[0082] Next, in step S120 , the system control unit 20 transmits the heat load information acquired in step S110 to the sensor control unit 42 .

[0083] On the other hand, the sensor control unit 42 acquires the detection result of the detection unit 41 of the IR sensor 40 in step S210 .

[0084] Next, in step S220 , the sensor control unit 42 receives the heat load information from the system control unit 20 .

[0085] Next, in step S230, the sensor control unit 42 estimates the actual thermal sensation at each body part. Specifically, the sensor control unit 42 estimates the actual thermal sensation at each of the user's body parts based on the heat load information and the detection results from the detection unit 41. The estimated multiple body parts are the pre-set head, neck, chest, abdomen, back, thighs, calves, and feet.

[0086] Next, in step S240 , the sensor control unit 42 transmits the actual thermal sensation of each part estimated in step S230 to the system control unit 20 .

[0087] In step S130 , the system control unit 20 receives actual thermal sensations of each of the plurality of parts.

[0088] Next, in step S140, the system control unit 20 determines the settable range of the target thermal sensation based on the installation information. Specifically, the system control unit 20 determines the settable range of the target thermal sensation based on the range of thermal sensations achievable by the plurality of thermal devices 10, based on the respective capabilities of the plurality of thermal devices 10.

[0089] Next, in step S150, the system control unit 20 transmits screen generation information for the setting screen 31, causing the setting screen 31 to display the target thermal sensation and the actual thermal sensation at each site, and to indicate that the target thermal sensation can be set within the determined thermal sensation range. This step S150 corresponds to the display control unit causing the setting screen 31 to be displayed. Consequently, the thermal sensations that cannot be achieved by the multiple thermal devices 10 are displayed on each of the multiple thermal sensors 33, allowing the user to recognize that the target thermal sensation cannot be set. For example, the thermal sensations that cannot be achieved on the thermal sensors 33 are grayed out.

[0090] Next, in step S160 , the system control unit 20 receives the target thermal sensation of each part output from the display device 30 . Specifically, the system control unit 20 obtains position information of each of the plurality of target thermal sensation bars 35 displayed on the setting screen 31 of the display device 30 .

[0091] Next, in step S170, the system control unit 20 controls the operation of the plurality of thermal devices 10 based on the actual thermal sensations at each of the plurality of sites estimated in step S230 and the positions of the plurality of target thermal sensation bars 35. The system control unit 20 controls the operation of the plurality of thermal devices 10 so that the estimated actual thermal sensations at each of the plurality of sites approach the target thermal sensations indicated by the corresponding target thermal sensation bars 35.

[0092] (When the foot heater 16 is not installed)

[0093] Figure 6 A portion of the setting screen 31 is shown when the plurality of heating devices 10 include the air conditioner 11 but not the foot heater 16. In this case, the warm air blown out from the foot outlet of the air conditioner 11 alone cannot produce the temperature of each of the thermal sensors 33e, 33f, and 33g. Figure 6 The warmth sensation of the squares within the area surrounded by the one-dot chain line in the figure is regarded as the warmth sensation of the thigh, calf, and foot respectively. Figure 6 The thermal sensations of the squares in the area surrounded by the dotted line are the four squares closer to the “hot” side than the “comfortable” side, namely “slightly warm”, “warm”, “slightly hot”, and “hot”.

[0094] In this case, the warm air and the cold air blown out from the foot outlet of the air conditioner 11 can produce the temperature of each of the thermal sensors 33e, 33f, and 33g. Figure 6 The warmth sensation of the squares excluding the area surrounded by the one-dot chain line is regarded as the warmth sensation of the thigh, calf, and foot respectively. Figure 6 The squares other than the area surrounded by the dot-dashed line are “comfortable”, “slightly cool”, “cool”, “slightly cold”, and “cold”.

[0095] Therefore, in step S140, the settable ranges of target thermal sensations for the thigh, calf, and foot are determined based on the capacity information of the air conditioner 11 installed in the vehicle as installation information. Furthermore, the settable ranges of target thermal sensations for the thigh, calf, and foot are determined to be within the ranges from "comfortable" to "cold" for each thermal sensor 33e, 33f, and 33g.

[0096] As a result, on the setting screen 31, the target thermal sensation meters 33e, 33f, and 33g for the thigh, calf, and foot, respectively, are displayed, indicating that the target thermal sensation can be set within the range of "comfortable" to "cold" on the thermal sensor 33. The area closer to "hot" than the center of the thermal sensor is grayed out. Graying out means that the item is not within the scope of operation and is displayed in gray.

[0097] (When foot heater 16 is installed)

[0098] Figure 7 A portion of the setting screen 31 is shown when the plurality of heating devices 10 include the air conditioner 11 and the foot heater 16. In this case, the radiant heat from the foot heater 16 can be used to generate the temperature of each of the thermal sensors 33e, 33f, and 33g. Figure 7 The warmth of the squares in the area surrounded by the one-dot chain line in the figure is regarded as the warmth of the thigh, calf, and foot respectively. Figure 7 The squares in the area surrounded by the dotted line in Figure 6 The squares in the area enclosed by the dot-dashed line are identical.

[0099] In addition, the warm air and cold air blown out from the foot outlet of the air conditioner 11 can produce the temperature of each thermal sensor 33e, 33f, 33g. Figure 7 The warmth sensation of the squares excluding the area surrounded by the one-dot chain line is regarded as the warmth sensation of the thigh, calf, and foot respectively. Figure 7 The squares except the area enclosed by the dotted line and Figure 6 The squares in are identical except for the area enclosed by the dot-dashed line.

[0100] Therefore, in step S140, the settable ranges of target thermal sensations for the thigh, calf, and foot are determined based on the respective capabilities of the vehicle's air conditioner 11 and foot heaters 16 as installation information. Furthermore, the settable ranges of target thermal sensations for the thigh, calf, and foot are determined to be the entire range of the thermal sensor 33e.

[0101] As a result, on the setting screen 31 , the thermal sensors 33 e , 33 f , and 33 g for the target thermal sensations of the thigh, calf, and foot are displayed so that the target thermal sensation can be set in the entire range of the thermal sensor 33 .

[0102] (When the seat air conditioner 12 is not installed)

[0103] Figure 8 A portion of the setting screen 31 is shown when the plurality of heating devices 10 include the air conditioner 11 and the seat heater 15 but do not include the seat air conditioner 12. In this case, the thermal sensor 33d cannot be used as the thermal sensation of the back. Figure 8 The warm feeling of the squares within the area surrounded by the single-dot chain line. Figure 8 The warmth sensations of the squares in the area surrounded by the dotted line are the four squares closer to the “cold” side than to the “comfortable” side, namely, “slightly cool”, “cool”, “slightly cool”, and “cold”.

[0104] In this case, the warm air or cold air blown out from the face outlet of the air conditioner 11 and the heat generated by the seat heater 15 can generate the temperature in the thermal sensor 33d. Figure 8 The warm feeling of the squares excluding the area surrounded by the single-dot chain line is regarded as the warm feeling of the back. Figure 8 The cells other than the area surrounded by the one-dot chain line in FIG. 8 are cells ranging from “comfortable” to “hot”.

[0105] Therefore, in step S140, the settable range of the target thermal sensation for the back is determined based on the respective capacity information of the air conditioner 11 and seat heater 15 installed in the vehicle as installation information. Furthermore, the settable range of the target thermal sensation for the back is determined to be the range from "comfortable" to "hot" on the thermal sensor 33.

[0106] As a result, the back thermal sensor 33d is displayed as being able to be set in the range from "comfortable" to "hot" on the setting screen 31. The area of the thermal sensor enclosed by the dashed line on the "cold" side of "comfortable" is grayed out.

[0107] (When the seat air conditioner 12 is installed)

[0108] Figure 9 The setting screen 31 shows the case where the plurality of heating devices 10 include the air conditioner 11, the seat heater 15, and the seat air conditioner 12. In this case, the temperature sensor 33d can be generated by the cool air blown from the face outlet of the air conditioner 11 and the air sucked into the seat back by the seat air conditioner 12. Figure 9 The warm feeling of the squares within the area surrounded by the single-dot chain line in the figure is regarded as the warm feeling on the back. Figure 9 The squares in the area surrounded by the dotted line are Figure 8 The squares in the area enclosed by the dot-dashed line are identical.

[0109] In addition, the warm air blown from the face outlet of the air conditioner 11 and the heat generated by the seat heater 15 can generate the temperature in the thermal sensor 33d. Figure 8 The warm feeling of the squares excluding the area surrounded by the single-dot chain line is regarded as the warm feeling of the back. Figure 9 The squares except the area enclosed by the dotted line and Figure 8 The squares in are identical except for the area enclosed by the dot-dashed line.

[0110] Therefore, in step S140, the settable range of the target thermal sensation for the back is determined based on the respective capacity information of the vehicle-mounted air conditioner 11, seat air conditioner 12, and seat heater 15 as installation information. Furthermore, the settable range of the target thermal sensation for the back is determined to be the entire range of the thermal sensor 33d. As a result, the setting screen 31 displays the target thermal sensation for the back as being able to be set within the entire range of the thermal sensor 33d.

[0111] As described above, according to this embodiment, the sensor control unit 42 estimates the actual thermal sensation at each of the user's multiple body parts in step S230. In step S140, the system control unit 20 determines the range of thermal sensation achievable by the multiple thermal devices 10 based on their respective capabilities as the settable range of the target thermal sensation. In step S150, the system control unit 20 transmits screen generation information for the setting screen 31. Consequently, the system control unit 20 displays the target thermal sensation and the actual thermal sensation at each body part estimated in step S230 on the setting screen 31. Furthermore, the system control unit 20 displays the target thermal sensation setting range on the setting screen 31 so that the user can set the target thermal sensation within the thermal sensation range determined in step S140. In other words, the system control unit 20 displays the range of thermal sensation achievable by the thermal sensor 33 at each body part as the range within which the user can set the target thermal sensation on the setting screen 31 of the display device 30. The system control unit 20 displays the range of unattainable thermal sensations in the thermal sensor 33 for each body part as a range in which the user cannot set a target thermal sensation on the setting screen 31 of the display device 30. In step S170, the system control unit 20 controls the operation of the plurality of thermal devices 10 based on the actual thermal sensations of each of the plurality of body parts estimated in step S230 and the target thermal sensations of the plurality of body parts displayed on the setting screen 31 of the display device 30.

[0112] Thus, only the range of achievable warmth sensations in the thermal sensor 33 at each location is displayed as the range within which the user can set the target warmth sensation. In other words, the target warmth sensation setting range is displayed as the range of warmth sensations achievable by the multiple thermal devices 10, allowing the user to set the warmth sensation. This prevents the user from feeling a sense of discomfort when setting any temperature within the target warmth sensation setting range as the target warmth sensation, which could result in the user feeling that the set warmth sensation is never achieved.

[0113] Furthermore, step S230 corresponds to the thermal sensation estimation unit included in the thermal sensation control system 1. Step S140 corresponds to the thermal sensation range determination unit included in the thermal sensation control system 1. Step S150 corresponds to the display control unit included in the thermal sensation control system 1. Step S170 corresponds to the operation control unit included in the thermal sensation control system 1.

[0114] (Second embodiment)

[0115] In summer, when the outside temperature is higher than the specified temperature, the thermal load for cooling is high. Consequently, the thermal sensation felt by various parts of the user's body in the multiple heating devices 10 installed may not reach the "cold" side of the thermal sensor 33. Furthermore, in winter, when the outside temperature is low, the thermal load for heating is high. Consequently, the thermal sensation felt by various parts of the user's body in the multiple heating devices 10 installed may not reach the "hot" side of the thermal sensor 33.

[0116] Therefore, in this embodiment, Figure 5 In step S140, the system control unit 20 determines the settable range of the target thermal sensation based on the heat load information. The detection results of the outside air temperature sensor 52 and the sunlight amount sensor 53 are used as the heat load information. In other words, the heat load information uses the heat load information of the outside air temperature and the sunlight amount. The system control unit 20 calculates the heat load of the outside air temperature and the sunlight amount. The unit of heat load is W / m 2 Based on the calculated heat load, the system control unit 20 determines the range of thermal sensations that can be achieved by the plurality of heating devices 10 as a settable range of the target thermal sensation.

[0117] also, Figure 5 The steps other than step S140 in the control process are the same as those in the first embodiment. In addition, the following describes a case where the air conditioner 11, the seat air conditioner 12, the neck cooling device 13, the neck heater 14, the seat heater 15, and the foot heater 16 are installed as the multiple heating devices 10.

[0118] For example, when the heat load of the outside air temperature and the amount of sunlight is greater than the first predetermined amount and less than the second predetermined amount, the settable range of the target thermal sensation for each of the multiple parts of the body is determined to be the range from "cool" to "hot" in the thermal sensor 33. Figure 10 As shown in the setting screen 31, each of the plurality of thermal sensors 33 Figure 10 The "cold" and "slightly cold" boxes in the range surrounded by the single dotted line in the 33 are grayed out. Figure 10 Except for the area surrounded by the one-dot chain line, the grids in the range from "cool" to "hot" are displayed as being able to be set.

[0119] As another example, under hot summer conditions where the heat load of the outside air temperature and the amount of sunlight is greater than the second predetermined amount, the settable range of the target thermal sensation for each of the plurality of parts of the body is determined to be the range from "comfortable" to "hot" in the thermal sensor 33. Figure 11 As shown in the setting screen 31, each of the plurality of thermal sensors 33 Figure 11 The boxes of "cold", "slightly cold", "cool", and "slightly cool" in the range surrounded by the single dotted line are grayed out. Figure 11 Except for the area surrounded by the one-dot chain line, the grids in the range from "Comfortable" to "Hot" are displayed as being able to be set.

[0120] Here, the system control unit 20 uses both the outside air temperature and the amount of sunlight as heat load information. However, the system control unit 20 may use only the outside air temperature as heat load information.

[0121] As another example, in winter conditions where the outside temperature is lower than the first predetermined temperature and higher than the second predetermined temperature which is lower than the first predetermined temperature, the settable range of the target thermal sensation for each of the plurality of body parts is determined to be the range from "cold" to "cool" in the thermal sensor 33. As a result, Figure 12 As shown in the setting screen 31, each of the plurality of thermal sensors 33 Figure 12 The range of "hot" and "slightly hot" in the range surrounded by the single-dot chain line in the figure is grayed out. Figure 12 Except for the area surrounded by the one-dot chain line, the range from "cold" to "cool" is displayed as being settable.

[0122] As another example, in the case of extremely cold conditions where the outside air temperature is lower than the second predetermined temperature, the settable range of the target thermal sensation for each of the plurality of parts of the body is determined to be the range from "cold" to "comfortable" in the thermal sensor 33. Figure 13 As shown in the setting screen 31, the thermal sensors 33 of the multiple parts of the body are each Figure 13 The ranges of "hot", "slightly hot", "cool", and "slightly cool" in the range surrounded by the single-dot chain line are grayed out. Figure 13 Except for the area surrounded by the one-dot chain line, the grids in the range from "Cold" to "Comfortable" are displayed as being able to be set.

[0123] As described above, according to this embodiment, the system control unit 20 determines, in step S140, the range of thermal sensations achievable by the plurality of heating devices 10 based on the heat load information as the settable range of the target thermal sensation. Therefore, only the range of thermal sensations achievable by the thermal sensor 33 at each location is displayed as the range within which the user can set the target thermal sensation. Therefore, according to this embodiment, the same effects as those of the first embodiment can be achieved.

[0124] In this embodiment, the system control unit 20 determines the settable range of the target thermal sensation based on the thermal load information. However, the system control unit 20 may also determine the settable range of the target thermal sensation based on the capabilities and thermal load information of each of the plurality of heating devices 10.

[0125] (Third embodiment)

[0126] In this embodiment, the multiple heating devices 10 include the air conditioner 11 but not the neck cooling device 13 or the neck heater 14. Therefore, the warmth of the head, neck, and chest, which are adjacent to each other, is adjusted solely by the conditioned air blown from the face outlet of the air conditioner 11. In other words, the warmth of the head, neck, and chest is adjusted by a common heating device. Consequently, the warmth of the head, neck, and chest cannot be adjusted independently.

[0127] In this embodiment, the system control unit 20 and the sensor control unit 42 perform Figure 5 The control process shown. Figure 14 The same as described in the second embodiment Figure 12 The setting screen 31 of the same winter conditions as the setting screen 31 of the second embodiment. As in the second embodiment, the system control unit 20 determines the settable range of the target thermal sensation based on the heat load information. As a result, each of the plurality of thermal sensors 33 Figure 14 The "hot" and "slightly hot" areas enclosed by the dot-dashed line in the image are grayed out.

[0128] In winter conditions, Figure 14As shown by the arrow in FIG, there is a case where the user moves the target thermal sensor strip 35 on the head thermal sensor 33a from the "comfortable" position of the thermal sensor 33a to the "cold" position. In this case, by executing Figure 5 In step S170, the air conditioner 11 operates based on the position of the target thermal strip 35 on the head. Specifically, cool air is blown from the face outlet of the air conditioner 11 toward the head of the user seated in the chair. This cool air limits the thermal sensation achieved in the neck and chest near the head to a range from "cold" to "comfortable," failing to produce a "slightly warm" or "warm" thermal sensation.

[0129] Therefore, in this embodiment, when the target thermal strip 35 on the head moves, the system control unit 20 Figure 5 In step S140, the settable range of the target thermal sensation of the neck and chest is determined based on the heat load information for the neck and chest. At this time, in addition to the outside air temperature, the action information of the air-conditioning device 11 corresponding to the position of the target thermal sensation bar 35 of the head after the position is moved to the "cold" position is used as the heat load information for the neck and chest. The action information includes information on the blowing mode of the air-conditioning device 11, the air volume of the blown air, the temperature of the blown air, and the direction of the blown air. The system control unit 20 estimates the influence exerted on the neck based on this information. Based on the estimated influence, the system control unit 20 determines the settable range of the target thermal sensation of the neck and chest to be the range from "comfortable" to "cold" in the thermal sensor 33. The other steps are the same as those in the first embodiment.

[0130] Thus, the grayed-out ranges of the thermal sensors 33b and 33c on the neck and chest are changed. Figure 14 As shown, the "hot" and "slightly hot" boxes in the thermal sensors 33b and 33c of the neck and chest are grayed out. Figure 15 As shown, in addition to the "hot" and "slightly hot" boxes in the thermal sensors 33b and 33c of the neck and chest, the "cool" and "slightly cool" boxes are also grayed out.

[0131] Furthermore, the target thermal sensing bars 35 for the neck and chest may be located within the range of the thermal sensors 33b and 33c for the neck and chest that has been grayed out after the target thermal sensing bar 35 for the head has been moved. In this case, the system control unit 20 displays the target thermal sensing bars 35 for the neck and chest on the setting screen 31 in step S150 so that the target thermal sensing bars 35 for the neck and chest are located outside the grayed-out range of the thermal sensors 33b and 33c for the neck and chest.

[0132] As described above, according to this embodiment, if the target thermal sensation bar 35 for the head is moved, in step S140, the system control unit 20 determines the target thermal sensation setting ranges for the neck and chest based on the changed target thermal sensation for the head. In this case, the system control unit 20 uses the operation information of the air conditioning device 11, which operates based on the changed target thermal sensation for the head, to make this determination. Thus, if the target thermal sensation bar 35 for the head is moved, only the achievable thermal sensation ranges of the thermal sensors 33b and 33c for the neck and chest are displayed as the ranges within which the user can set the target thermal sensation. Therefore, if the user changes the position of the target thermal sensation bar 35 for the head, the user can understand the settable ranges for the target thermal sensations for the neck and chest after the change.

[0133] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the thermal sensation of the head, neck, and chest cannot be adjusted independently. Therefore, as described above, if the target thermal sensation of the head is changed, the setting ranges of the target thermal sensations of the neck and chest are limited. However, if the thermal sensation of each of the head, neck, and chest can be adjusted independently, even if the target thermal sensation of the head is changed, as in this embodiment, the setting ranges of the target thermal sensations of the neck and chest are not limited.

[0134] In addition, in the present embodiment, the head is equivalent to a part whose target thermal sensation is changed by the user. The neck and chest are equivalent to other parts whose thermal sensation is adjusted by a common thermal device that is common to one of a plurality of pre-set parts of the user's body. In the present embodiment, the case where the target thermal sensation of the head is changed is described. In the case where the target thermal sensation of the neck or chest is changed, the setting range of the target thermal sensation of the head is limited, as in the present embodiment. In this case, the neck or chest is equivalent to one part. The head is equivalent to other parts. In addition, the present embodiment can also be applied when the thermal sensation of the thigh, calf, or foot is adjusted by a common thermal device.

[0135] (Fourth embodiment)

[0136] In the third embodiment, the target thermal sensation strip 35 on the head is as follows: Figure 14 、 Figure 15 If the user moves in this manner, the system control unit 20 determines the settable ranges of the target thermal sensations for the neck and chest based on the changed target thermal sensation for the head in step S140. At this time, the system control unit 20 determines this range using the operating information of the air conditioner 11 that operates based on the changed target thermal sensation for the head.

[0137] In contrast, in this embodiment, the target thermal strip 35 on the head is as shown in FIG. Figure 14 、 Figure 15 In the case of such movement, the system control unit 20 determines the settable range of the target thermal sensation of the neck and chest based on the changed target thermal sensation of the head in step S140. At this time, the system control unit 20 uses the position information of the target thermal sensation bars 35 for the head, neck, and chest and the information on the range of thermal sensation that can be produced relative to the head, neck, and chest to make the determination. The range of thermal sensation that can be produced relative to the head, neck, and chest is determined based on the respective capabilities of the multiple thermal devices 10 installed. The information on the range of thermal sensation is stored in the memory of the system control unit 20. The system control unit 20 determines the settable range of the target thermal sensation of the neck and chest as the range of thermal sensation of the neck and chest respectively set corresponding to the position of the target thermal sensation bar 35 for the head.

[0138] For example, when the target thermal sensation bar 35 on the head is at the "cold" position of the thermal sensor 33a, the range of thermal sensation that can be produced relative to the neck and chest is the range from "comfortable" to "cold" of the thermal sensors 33b and 33c. In this case, when the target thermal sensation bar 35 on the head moves to the "cold" position of the thermal sensor 33a, the system control unit 20 determines the settable range of the target thermal sensation of the neck and chest to be the range from "comfortable" to "cold" in the thermal sensor 33 based on the range of thermal sensation. The other steps are the same as those of the first embodiment. As a result, the grayed-out range in the thermal sensors 33b and 33c on the neck and chest is changed from Figure 14 becomes Figure 15 In this embodiment, the same effects as those of the third embodiment can be obtained.

[0139] Furthermore, in this embodiment, when the target thermal sensation bar 35 for the head is moved, the system control unit 20 changes the target thermal sensation setting ranges for the neck and chest based on the changed target thermal sensation for the head. However, as in this embodiment, a control unit (not shown) provided on the display device 30 may also change the target thermal sensation setting ranges for the neck and chest based on the changed target thermal sensation for the head. In this case, in addition to the system control unit 20, the control unit (not shown) provided on the display device 30 also determines the settable range of the target thermal sensation and displays the target thermal sensation setting range.

[0140] (Fifth embodiment)

[0141] In this embodiment, as in the third embodiment, the plurality of heating devices 10 include the air conditioner 11, but do not include the neck cooling device 13 and the neck heater 14. Therefore, the thermal sensation of the head, neck, and chest is adjusted solely by the conditioned air blown from the face air outlet of the air conditioner 11. In other words, the thermal sensation of the head, neck, and chest is adjusted by the common heating device.

[0142] Figure 16 The same as described in the third embodiment Figure 15 This is the same winter setting screen 31 as the setting screen 31 for the head, neck, and chest. As described in the third embodiment, the settable ranges for the head, neck, and chest are determined based on heat load information, specifically, the winter outside temperature and the amount of cold air blowing toward the head. As a result, the four boxes on the head, neck, and chest thermal sensors 33a, 33b, and 33c, which are closer to "hot" than the central "comfortable" box (i.e., "slightly warm," "warm," "slightly hot," and "hot"), are grayed out.

[0143] Figure 17 Indicates Figure 16 In the setting screen 31 shown, the position of the target thermal sensation bar 35 on the chest is moved from the "comfortable" position of the chest thermal sensor 33c to the "comfortable" position. Figure 16 The setting screen 31 is displayed when the target temperature bar 35 is in the grayed-out "warm" position. Basically, when the user moves the target temperature bar 35 to the grayed-out range on the temperature sensor 33, the portion of the temperature sensor 33 where the target temperature bar 35 is located remains grayed-out. However, there are cases where a "warm" temperature sensation can be achieved on the chest by limiting the target temperature sensation range on the head to the "hot" side rather than the "slightly cool" side.

[0144] Therefore, the system control unit 20 Figure 5 In step S140, by changing the settable range of the target thermal sensation of the head and neck, it is determined whether the thermal sensation at the changed position of the target thermal sensation strip 35 of the chest can be achieved.

[0145] Specifically, the system control unit 20 pre-determines the target thermal sensation ranges for the chest, corresponding to various heat loads, based on the capabilities of the various heating devices 10. Furthermore, the system control unit 20 pre-determines the target thermal sensation ranges for the head and neck, respectively, to achieve the desired thermal sensation when the target thermal sensation bar 35 is positioned within the settable chest range. The system control unit 20 makes a determination based on this information, the current thermal load information, the changed position information of the target thermal sensation bar 35, and the current settable target thermal sensation ranges for the head and neck.

[0146] Then, when it is determined that the target thermal sensations can be achieved, the system control unit 20 determines the settable ranges of the target thermal sensations for the head, neck, and chest so as to achieve the thermal sensation at the position of the changed target thermal sensation strip 35 on the chest.

[0147] Next, the system control unit 20 Figure 5In step S150, screen generation information of the setting screen 31 is sent. At this time, if the position of the target thermal sensation bar 35 of the head and neck is outside the settable range of the target thermal sensation of the head and neck, the target thermal sensation bar is placed within the settable range.

[0148] Therefore, if Figure 17 As shown, the "cold" and "slightly cool" readings on the head, neck, and chest thermal sensors 33a, 33b, and 33c are grayed out. The target thermal sensation bar 35 for the head is forcibly moved to the "cool" position on the thermal sensor 33a. The "slightly warm" and "warm" readings on the head, neck, and chest thermal sensors 33a, 33b, and 33c are now settable. Therefore, if the user changes the position of the target thermal sensation bar 35 on the chest, the user can understand the settable range of the target thermal sensation for the head and neck after the change.

[0149] In this embodiment, the chest represents a site where the user has changed the target thermal sensation. The head and neck represent other sites where the thermal sensation is adjusted using a heating device common to one of multiple pre-set sites on the user's body. This embodiment describes a case where the target thermal sensation of the chest has been changed. Even when the target thermal sensation of the head has been changed, the setting range of the target thermal sensation of the chest is limited, as in this embodiment.

[0150] (Sixth embodiment)

[0151] In the first embodiment, the target thermal sensation in the thermal sensor 33 is grayed out. Figure 18 As shown, the unsettable range of the target thermal sensation is not displayed on the setting screen 31 .

[0152] Figure 18 This shows a thermal sensor 33d on the back, one of the multiple thermal sensors 33. The thermal sensor 33 is a display area on the setting screen 31 that displays the target thermal sensation setting range. The overall horizontal length of the thermal sensor 33 is pre-set. This overall horizontal length is constant, regardless of the setting range determined in step S140.

[0153] In step S140, it is assumed that "cold", "slightly cold", "cool", and "slightly cool" are determined as the settable range. In this case, the system control unit 20 Figure 5 In step S150, the length of one square 331 is changed so that the four thermal sensation squares determined as the settable range are displayed over the entire thermal sensor 33d of the back, and screen generation information is transmitted.

[0154] As a result, four boxes are displayed as setting ranges on the back thermal sensor 33d of the setting screen 31. No setting range is displayed on the back thermal sensor 33d.

[0155] Thus, in this embodiment, the size of each of the plurality of thermal sensors 33 in the setting screen 31 is preset. Figure 5 In step S150, the settable range determined in step S140 is displayed over the entire thermal sensor 33. Thus, the user can understand the settable range of the target thermal sensation without displaying the unsettable range of the target thermal sensation.

[0156] (Seventh embodiment)

[0157] like Figure 19 As shown, in this embodiment, the setting screen 61 displayed on the display device 30 is different from the setting screen 31 of the first embodiment. The setting screen 61 of this embodiment displays a passenger icon 62 and a plurality of operation areas 63. Parts of each of the plurality of operation areas 63 overlap with the passenger icon 62.

[0158] Figure 20 express Figure 19 The passenger icon 62 in the setting screen 61 is an area where the estimated actual thermal sensation is displayed. The passenger icon 62 is a side view of the passenger in a seated position. The actual thermal sensation is displayed for each of the multiple parts of the passenger icon 62. The multiple parts are parts that divide the body of the passenger in a seated position in the vertical direction. The actual thermal sensation of each of the multiple parts is represented by, for example, a color corresponding to the type of actual thermal sensation. Figure 19 The middle part shows the actual warmth sensation of four parts, namely the head, upper body, lower body and feet, arranged in order from top to bottom.

[0159] Figure 21 express Figure 19 The plurality of operation areas 63 in the setting screen 61 are areas where the target thermal sensation is displayed. The plurality of operation areas 63 correspond to the areas where the thermal sensation can be adjusted by the plurality of thermal devices 10. Figure 19 、 Figure 21 In the figure, a plurality of operation areas 63 are displayed, including a head operation area 63a, an upper body operation area 63b, a lower body operation area 63c, and a foot operation area 63d. The head operation area 63a is used to set a target thermal sensation for the head. The upper body operation area 63b is used to set a target thermal sensation for the upper body. The lower body operation area 63c is used to set a target thermal sensation for the lower body. The foot operation area 63d is used to set a target thermal sensation for the foot.

[0160] Each operation area 63 is shaped to extend in the horizontal direction. Each operation area 63 is located at the same vertical position as the portion of the passenger icon 62 corresponding to each operation area 63. The vertical width of each operation area 63 is the same as the vertical width of the portion of the passenger icon 62 corresponding to each operation area 63. For example, the head operation area 63a has the same vertical width as the head of the passenger icon 62 and is located at the same vertical position.

[0161] Each operation area 63 is divided into a plurality of areas arranged in the left-right direction. The plurality of areas are respectively assigned different colors. The warmth of each of the plurality of areas can be visually confirmed by the color. Figure 19 、 Figure 21 In the display, "-2", "-1", "0", "+1", and "+2" are marked instead of colors in each area. "0" indicates a comfortable warm feeling. "+1" indicates a warm feeling closer to the warm side than "0". "+2" indicates a warm feeling closer to the warm side than "+1". "-1" indicates a warm feeling closer to the cold side than "0". "-2" indicates a warm feeling closer to the cold side than "-1".

[0162] like Figure 21 As shown by the solid and dotted arrows in FIG, each operation area 63 can be slid in the left-right direction by the user. Each operation area 63 is slid in the left-right direction so that the area of the desired target thermal sensation in each operation area 63 overlaps with the passenger icon 62. In this way, the target thermal sensation is set.

[0163] For example, when changing the target thermal sensation of the head to a thermal sensation cooler than the current thermal sensation, the user touches the Figure 22 The area "-1" shown by the thick solid line in the operation area 63a of the head shown in FIG. Figure 23 As shown, the user slides the head operating area 63a so that the "-1" area in the head operating area 63a is located above the head of the passenger icon 62. This sets the target thermal sensation for the head to "-1." The operation of the multiple heating devices 10 is controlled so that the thermal sensation on the head approaches the thermal sensation of "-1." As a result, the user's head is cooled.

[0164] In addition, for example, when changing the target thermal sensation of the lower body to the warm side compared to the current thermal sensation, the user touches the Figure 22 The area "+1" shown by the thick solid line in the operation area 63c of the lower body shown in FIG. Figure 23As shown, the user slides the lower body operation area 63c so that the "+1" area in the lower body operation area 63c is located on the thigh of the passenger icon 62. This sets the target thermal sensation for the lower body to "+1." The operation of the multiple heating devices 10 is controlled so that the thermal sensation in the lower body approaches the "+1" thermal sensation. As a result, the user's lower body is warmed.

[0165] As in the first embodiment, the thermal control system 1 includes a plurality of thermal devices 10, a system control unit 20, a display device 30, an IR sensor 40, and a plurality of sensors 50. The system control unit 20 and the sensor control unit 42 perform the following control: Figure 24 The flowchart of the actual thermal sensation and the target thermal sensation are displayed on the setting screen 61, and the plurality of thermal devices 10 are operated according to the target thermal sensation. At this time, in this embodiment, the system control unit 20 and the sensor control unit 42 automatically change the body part that is the target thermal sensation setting object according to the respective capabilities of the plurality of thermal devices 10, and the target thermal sensation of each of the plurality of body parts is displayed on the setting screen 61. Figure 24 In the flowchart of Figure 5 The same steps in the flowchart are marked with the same symbols.

[0166] Specifically, in step S100, the system control unit 20 acquires the installation information. Next, in step S101, the system control unit 20 determines an estimated location. To determine the estimated location, the system control unit 20 determines the location on the user's body where the actual thermal sensation is to be estimated based on the installation information acquired in step S100 and the information on the location where the actual thermal sensation can be estimated, as determined in step S230 using the detection results of the detection unit 41 of the IR sensor 40.

[0167] As described in the first embodiment, the installation information includes information about the body parts on which each of the plurality of heating devices 10 acts. The installation information also includes information about the capabilities of each of the plurality of heating devices 10. Furthermore, information about the body parts for which actual thermal sensation estimation can be performed is pre-stored in the memory of the system control unit 20. Examples of information about the body parts for which actual thermal sensation estimation can be performed include information about the body parts detectable by the detection unit 41.

[0168] The system control unit 20 compares the multiple body parts whose thermal sensation can be adjusted by the multiple thermal devices 10 with the parts whose actual thermal sensation can be estimated in step S230. The system control unit 20 then determines the parts whose thermal sensation can be adjusted by the multiple thermal devices 10, i.e., the parts common to the parts whose actual thermal sensation can be estimated, as the estimated parts of the actual thermal sensation. Furthermore, the system control unit 20 also determines the parts whose actual thermal sensation can be estimated in step S230, i.e., the parts that are not common to the parts whose thermal sensation can be adjusted by the multiple thermal devices 10, as the estimated parts of the actual thermal sensation.

[0169] Next, in step S102, the system control unit 20 determines the display location of the operation area 63. The display location of the operation area 63 is the part of the body corresponding to the operation area 63 displayed on the setting screen 61. In other words, the display location of the operation area 63 is the part of the body where the target thermal sensation can be set. In determining the display location, the system control unit 20 determines the location based on the installation information acquired in step S100 and the information of the location where the actual thermal sensation can be estimated in step S230 using the detection results of the detector 41 of the IR sensor 40. Specifically, the system control unit 20 uses as the display location a location among multiple parts of the body that can adjust the thermal sensation using multiple thermal devices 10, that is, a location that is common to the location where the actual thermal sensation can be estimated in step S230.

[0170] Next, in step S110 , the system control unit 20 acquires the heat load information. Next, in step S121 , the system control unit 20 transmits the heat load information and the estimated location determined in step S101 to the sensor control unit 42 .

[0171] On the other hand, the sensor control unit 42 acquires the detection result of the detection unit 41 of the IR sensor 40 in step S210 .

[0172] Next, in step S221 , the sensor control unit 42 receives the heat load information and the estimated location determined in step S101 from the system control unit 20 .

[0173] Next, in step S230, the sensor control unit 42 estimates the actual thermal sensation at each site. Specifically, the sensor control unit 42 estimates the actual thermal sensation at each of the user's body sites based on the heat load information and the detection results of the detection unit 41. The multiple sites for which the actual thermal sensation is estimated are the estimated sites determined in step S101.

[0174] Next, in step S240 , the sensor control unit 42 transmits the actual thermal sensation of each part estimated in step S230 to the system control unit 20 .

[0175] In step S130 , the system control unit 20 receives actual thermal sensations of each of the plurality of parts.

[0176] Next, in step S140, the system control unit 20 determines the settable range of the target thermal sensation based on the installation information. At this time, the settable range of each of the plurality of operation areas 63 is determined in the display portion determined in step S102.

[0177] Next, in step S150 , the system control unit 20 transmits screen generation information of the setting screen 61 so as to display the plurality of operation areas 63 corresponding to each of the plurality of determined display locations.

[0178] Next, in step S160, the system control unit 20 transmits the target thermal sensation of each part output from the display device 30. Next, in step S170, the system control unit 20 controls the operation of the plurality of thermal devices 10 according to the thermal sensation indicated by the plurality of operation areas 63.

[0179] Figure 25 This shows the case where the IR sensor 40 is installed in a vehicle. The IR sensor 40 can detect infrared radiation at six body parts: the head, shoulders, abdomen, thighs, calves, and feet. In this case, the actual thermal sensation can be estimated for these six parts: the head, shoulders, abdomen, thighs, calves, and feet. The "areas for which the actual thermal sensation can be estimated" here refers to the areas where the actual thermal sensation can be estimated individually, i.e., the areas where the maximum number of body parts is separated vertically. The passenger icon 62 on the setting screen 61 can display the actual thermal sensation for each of the six parts.

[0180] in addition, Figure 26 The figure shows a case where an air conditioner 11 and a seat air conditioner 12 are installed as multiple heating devices 10. In this case, in summer, the user is supplied with cooling and heating by the cool air C2 blown out from the face outlet of the air conditioner 11 and the suction air C3 and C4 sucked into the seat back and seat cushion by the seat air conditioner 12. Figure 26 In the illustrated embodiment, the body parts capable of regulating thermal sensations using multiple thermal devices 10 are the head, upper body, and thighs. The body parts capable of regulating thermal sensations here refer to the parts that can independently regulate thermal sensations and are the parts where the number of body parts divided in the vertical direction is the largest.

[0181] exist Figure 25 、 Figure 26In the case shown, the parts of the body that can be adjusted by multiple heating devices 10, that is, the parts that can be used to estimate the actual thermal sensation in step S230, are the head, upper body, and thighs. Figure 25 、 Figure 26 In the case shown, in step S101, the estimated parts are determined to be the head, upper body, and thigh. Figure 25 In the case shown in FIG. 4 , the sensor control unit 42 can estimate the actual thermal sensation of the shoulders and the abdomen using the detection results of the detection unit 41. Figure 26 In the case shown, the plurality of heating devices 10 cannot adjust the respective thermal sensations of the shoulders and the abdomen. Therefore, for the shoulders and abdomen of the user's body, one part of the upper body that combines the shoulders and the abdomen is determined as the estimated part.

[0182] Similarly, in step S102, the display areas are determined to be the head, upper body, and thighs. In step S230, the actual thermal sensations of each of the three areas are estimated. In step S150, screen generation information is sent to display the operation areas 63 for each of the three areas, and to display the actual thermal sensations of each of the three areas.

[0183] As a result, in Figure 27 The setting screen 61 shown in FIG. 1 displays the actual thermal sensation of the head, upper body, and thigh of the passenger icon 62 in a color corresponding to the type of actual thermal sensation. Figure 27 As shown, in the settings screen 61, the head operation area 63a, upper body operation area 63b, and thigh operation area 63e are displayed at positions corresponding in the vertical direction to the head, upper body, and thigh of the passenger icon 62, respectively. The positions corresponding in the vertical direction to the calf and foot of the passenger icon 62 in the settings screen 61 are grayed out. In other words, the operation areas corresponding to the calf and foot are not displayed.

[0184] In this way, the vertical positions of the plurality of operation areas 63 are aligned with the vertical display positions of the corresponding plurality of actual thermal sensations. Therefore, the user can determine the actual thermal sensations of the head, upper body, and thighs of the passenger icon 62 and set the target thermal sensations for the head, upper body, and thighs.

[0185] Here, unlike the present embodiment, Figure 25 、 Figure 26In the case shown, the actual warmth sensation is displayed on the setting screen 61 for each of the six locations of the passenger icon 62. Furthermore, multiple operation areas 63 are displayed corresponding to each of the six locations of the passenger icon 62. In this case, the user may misunderstand that they can set target warmth sensations for the calf and foot separately. Therefore, if the user operates the operation areas 63 for the calf and foot, respectively, and sets target warmth sensations for each location, the user will experience a sense of discomfort, feeling that the set target warmth sensations will never be achieved.

[0186] In contrast, according to this embodiment, the operation area is not displayed in the same vertical position as the calf and foot of the passenger icon 62 on the setting screen 61. Specifically, the multiple operation areas 63 are displayed as follows: the target thermal sensation can be set for the head, upper body, and thigh of the user's body parts determined as display areas in step S102, while the target thermal sensation cannot be set for the calf and foot of the user's body parts other than those determined as display areas in step S102. This prevents the user from feeling uncomfortable that the target thermal sensation set for the calf and foot cannot be achieved at any time.

[0187] In addition, Figure 26 In the case shown, when a heating device that can independently adjust the thermal sensation relative to the calf is added to the vehicle as the heating device 10, according to this embodiment, the operation area 63 is displayed at a position corresponding to the calf of the passenger icon 62 in the setting screen 61.

[0188] In addition, in step S101, the calf and foot, which are not common to the three parts that can adjust the thermal sensation, are also determined as estimated parts among the six parts that can be estimated. In step S230, the actual thermal sensation of the calf and foot is estimated. In step S150, the screen generation information is sent to display the actual thermal sensation of the calf and foot. As a result, Figure 27 The setting screen 61 shown shows the actual thermal sensations of the calf and foot of the passenger icon 62. Here, the actual thermal sensations of the adjacent parts of the calf and foot are estimated and displayed as a single actual thermal sensation. However, the actual thermal sensations of the adjacent parts of the calf and foot may be estimated and displayed as different actual thermal sensations.

[0189] In this embodiment, the system control unit 20 and the sensor control unit 42 perform the steps of determining the estimated location in step S101 and the display location in step S102 each time the actual thermal sensation and the target thermal sensation are displayed on the setting screen 61. However, if a thermal device is added or deleted, the system control unit 20 and the sensor control unit 42 only need to perform steps S101 and S102.

[0190] As described above, according to this embodiment, in step S102, the system control unit 20 collectively determines, based on the respective capabilities of the plurality of heating devices 10, multiple body parts capable of adjusting the thermal sensation using the plurality of heating devices 10 as body parts for which a target thermal sensation can be set. In step S150, the sensor control unit 42 estimates the actual thermal sensation of each of the plurality of body parts of the user. In step S150, the system control unit 20 transmits screen generation information for the setting screen 61. Consequently, the system control unit 20 displays the actual thermal sensation of each of the plurality of body parts estimated in step S230 on the setting screen 61 of the display device 30. At this time, the system control unit 20 displays the target thermal sensation setting range in a manner such that the target thermal sensation can be set for the body parts determined in step S102, and that the target thermal sensation cannot be individually set for any body parts other than the body parts determined in step S102. In step S170 , the system control unit 20 controls the operations of the plurality of thermal devices 10 based on the actual thermal sensations of the plurality of body parts estimated in step S230 and the target thermal sensations of the plurality of body parts displayed on the setting screen 61 of the display device 30 .

[0191] Thus, the target thermal sensation setting range is displayed so that the target thermal sensation can be set for any part of the user's body where the thermal sensation can be adjusted by the multiple thermal devices 10. The target thermal sensation setting range is displayed so that the target thermal sensation cannot be set individually for any part of the user's body where the thermal sensation cannot be adjusted by the multiple thermal devices 10. This prevents the user from feeling uncomfortable that the set target thermal sensation cannot be achieved at any time when setting the target thermal sensation for any part of the body.

[0192] Furthermore, according to this embodiment, in step S101, the system control unit 20 determines, as the estimated actual thermal sensation site, a site of the body that can be adjusted for thermal sensation by multiple heating devices 10, i.e., a site common to the site for estimating the actual thermal sensation. In step S102, the system control unit 20 determines, as the site of the body for setting the target thermal sensation, a site of the body that can be adjusted for thermal sensation by multiple heating devices 10, i.e., a site common to the site for estimating the actual thermal sensation. In step S230, the sensor control unit 42 estimates the actual thermal sensation of each of the multiple body sites of the user at the estimated site determined in step S101.

[0193] Thus, even if the number of areas where the thermal sensation can be adjusted by the multiple thermal devices 10 differs from the number of areas where the actual thermal sensation can be estimated in step S230, the actual thermal sensation and the target thermal sensation can be displayed for the same body area. Furthermore, even if the range of a single area where the thermal sensation can be adjusted differs from the range of a single area where the actual thermal sensation can be estimated, the actual thermal sensation and the target thermal sensation can be displayed for the same body area. This allows the user to simultaneously determine the actual thermal sensation for any area of the body and set the target thermal sensation.

[0194] Furthermore, according to this embodiment, in step S101, the system control unit 20 determines, among the multiple body parts, a part for which the actual thermal sensation can be estimated in step S230, that is, a part that is not common to the parts for which thermal sensation can be adjusted by the multiple thermal devices 10, as the estimated part for the actual thermal sensation. In step S150, the system control unit 20 causes the actual thermal sensation of the part not common to be displayed on the setting screen 61. Thus, if the actual thermal sensation can be estimated, the actual thermal sensation of the part not common to be displayed on the setting screen 61 can also be displayed.

[0195] In addition, step S102 corresponds to the set site determination unit included in the thermal sensation control system 1. Step S101 corresponds to the estimated site determination unit included in the thermal sensation control system 1.

[0196] (Eighth Embodiment)

[0197] like Figure 28 As shown in FIG. 1 , in this embodiment, the sensor control unit 42 executes a portion of the processing executed by the system control unit 20 in the seventh embodiment. Figure 28 In the flowchart of Figure 5 Flowchart and Figure 24 The same steps in the flowchart are marked with the same symbols.

[0198] The system control unit 20 acquires the installation information in step S100. Next, in step S103, the system control unit 20 transmits the installation information to the sensor control unit 42. Next, the system control unit 20 performs steps S110 and S120 in sequence.

[0199] The sensor control unit 42 receives the installation information in step S200. Next, the sensor control unit 42 determines the estimated position in step S201. Figure 24 The contents of step S101 are the same as those of step S101. Next, the sensor control unit 42 determines the display locations in step S202. Step S202 is the same as step S102. The sensor control unit 42 then performs steps S210, S220, and S230 as needed. In step S230, the multiple locations where actual thermal sensations are estimated are the estimated locations determined in step S201.

[0200] Subsequently, in step S231, the sensor control unit 42 determines the settable range of the target thermal sensation based on the installation information. At this point, the settable ranges of the multiple operation areas 63 are determined within the display locations determined in step S202. Step S231 is identical to step S140 described in the first embodiment. Step S231 can also be identical to step S140 described in the second embodiment. Step S231 serves as the thermal sensation range determination unit of the thermal sensation control system.

[0201] Next, in step S241 , the sensor control unit 42 transmits the actual thermal sensation of each part estimated in step S230 , the display part determined in step S202 , and the settable range determined in step S231 to the system control unit 20 .

[0202] In step S131, the system control unit 20 receives the actual thermal sensation of each part estimated in step S230, the display part determined in step S202, and the settable range determined in step S231. Subsequently, the system control unit 20 performs steps S150, S160, and S170 in the same manner as in the seventh embodiment.

[0203] The other structures of the thermal sensation control system 1 are the same as those of the seventh embodiment. In this embodiment, the same effects as those of the seventh embodiment can be obtained.

[0204] (Ninth embodiment)

[0205] In the seventh embodiment, the same position of the lower leg and foot of the passenger icon 62 in the vertical direction in the setting screen 61 is grayed out. Figure 29As shown, an operation area 63 f is displayed at the same position in the vertical direction as the lower body of the passenger icon 62 in the setting screen 61 .

[0206] exist Figure 26 In the illustrated example, the calf and foot are among the multiple body parts where the thermal sensation cannot be adjusted using multiple heating devices 10. The thigh is among the multiple body parts where the thermal sensation can be adjusted using multiple heating devices 10. Thus, the parts where the thermal sensation cannot be adjusted and the parts where the thermal sensation can be adjusted are combined into a single part. Alternatively, a single operation area can be displayed for the combined part. In other words, the areas where the target thermal sensation can be set can be expanded.

[0207] In this embodiment, the target thermal sensation cannot be individually set for any of the user's body parts whose thermal sensation cannot be adjusted by the multiple thermal devices 10. Specifically, the system control unit 20 displays the target thermal sensation setting range in a manner such that the target thermal sensation can be set for the multiple body parts determined in step S102, while the target thermal sensation cannot be individually set for any of the user's body parts other than the multiple body parts determined in step S102. Consequently, the same effects as those of the seventh embodiment can be achieved.

[0208] (Other embodiments)

[0209] (1) In the first embodiment and the like, the sensor control unit 42 of the IR sensor 40 performs Figure 5 However, the actual thermal sensation may be estimated by the system control unit 20. In this case, the IR sensor 40 transmits the detection result to the system control unit 20. The system control unit 20 estimates the actual thermal sensation based on the transmitted detection result.

[0210] (2) In the first embodiment and other embodiments, multiple thermal sensors 33 are displayed on the setting screen 31. However, only one thermal sensor 33 corresponding to the entire body may be displayed on the setting screen 31. In other words, the actual thermal sensation and target thermal sensation for the entire body may be displayed on the setting screen 31.

[0211] (3) In the seventh embodiment, in step S102, the system control unit 20 determines a portion of the body that can be adjusted for thermal sensation by a plurality of thermal devices 10, i.e., a portion of the body that is common to the portion of the body that can be estimated for actual thermal sensation in step S230, as the portion of the body for which the target thermal sensation can be set. However, the system control unit 20 may also determine a portion of the body that can be adjusted for thermal sensation by a plurality of thermal devices 10, regardless of the portion of the body that can be estimated for actual thermal sensation in step S230, as the portion of the body for which the target thermal sensation can be set. In this case, when the user sets the target thermal sensation for any portion of the body, it is possible to suppress the user's feeling of discomfort that the set target thermal sensation cannot be achieved at any time.

[0212] (4) In each of the above-mentioned embodiments, the thermal sensation control system 1 includes a plurality of thermal devices. However, the thermal sensation control system 1 may include only one thermal device.

[0213] (5) In each of the above-mentioned embodiments, the thermal sensation control system 1 is installed in a vehicle. However, the thermal sensation control system 1 may be installed in a location other than a vehicle.

[0214] (6) In each of the above embodiments, the IR sensor 40 is used to estimate the user's thermal sensation. However, other sensors that detect information related to the user's thermal sensation may be used to estimate the user's thermal sensation.

[0215] (7) The present invention is not limited to the above-mentioned embodiments, but also includes various modifications and modifications within the scope of equivalents. In addition, the above-mentioned embodiments are not unrelated to each other, and can be appropriately combined except for cases where they are obviously not combinable. In addition, in the above-mentioned embodiments, the elements constituting the embodiments are not essential except for cases where they are specifically indicated as essential or where they are considered to be obviously essential in principle. In addition, in the above-mentioned embodiments, when the number, value, quantity, range, etc. of the structural elements of the embodiments are mentioned, except for cases where they are specifically indicated as essential or where they are obviously limited to a specified number in principle, they are not limited to the specified number. In particular, when multiple values are exemplified for a certain quantity, except for cases where they are specifically noted or where they are obviously impossible in principle, values between these multiple values can also be used. In addition, in the above-mentioned embodiments, when the materials, shapes, positional relationships, etc. of the structural elements are mentioned, except for cases where they are specifically indicated or where they are limited to a specified material, shape, positional relationship, etc. in principle, they are not limited to the specified material, shape, positional relationship, etc.

[0216] (8) In addition, although the outside air temperature is obtained from the outside air temperature sensor 52 in the above embodiment, the outside air temperature may be received from a server or a cloud outside the vehicle. Alternatively, information related to the outside air temperature may be obtained from a server or a cloud outside the vehicle, and the outside air temperature may be estimated based on the obtained information. This also applies to the case where external environmental information other than the outside air temperature is obtained as heat load information.

[0217] (9) The control unit and its methods described in the present invention can be implemented by a special-purpose computer, which is provided by constituting a programmed processor and memory, and the processor is programmed to execute one or more functions embodied by a computer program. Alternatively, the control unit and its methods described in the present invention can also be implemented by a special-purpose computer, which is provided by constituting a processor composed of one or more special-purpose hardware logic circuits. Alternatively, the control unit and its methods described in the present invention can also be implemented by one or more special-purpose computers, which are composed of a processor and memory programmed to execute one or more functions and a processor composed of one or more hardware logic circuits. In addition, the computer program can also be stored as an instruction executed by the computer in a non-transitory physical storage medium that can be read by the computer.

[0218] (Summarize)

[0219] According to the first aspect of the present invention, some or all of the embodiments described above provide a thermal sensation control system comprising: a thermal sensation estimating unit that estimates an actual thermal sensation as the actual thermal sensation of a user's body; a thermal sensation range determining unit that determines a settable thermal sensation range for a target thermal sensation; a display control unit that causes a setting screen to display the target thermal sensation and the actual thermal sensation estimated by the thermal sensation estimating unit; and an operation control unit that controls the operation of one or more heating devices based on the target thermal sensation displayed on the setting screen and the actual thermal sensation estimated by the thermal sensation estimating unit. The thermal sensation range determining unit determines the settable thermal sensation range for the target thermal sensation as a range of thermal sensations achievable by the one or more heating devices based on at least one of heat load information when adjusting the user's thermal sensation by the one or more heating devices and the capabilities of the one or more heating devices. The display control unit displays the target thermal sensation setting range on the setting screen so as to enable the user to set the target thermal sensation within the thermal sensation range determined by the thermal sensation range determination unit.

[0220] Furthermore, according to a second aspect, the thermal sensation estimation unit estimates the actual thermal sensation at each of the plurality of parts of the user's body. The thermal sensation range determination unit determines the thermal sensation range for each of the plurality of parts with respect to the target thermal sensation. The display control unit displays the target thermal sensation setting range for each of the plurality of parts in the following manner: the actual thermal sensation at each of the plurality of parts and the target thermal sensation at each of the plurality of parts are displayed on a setting screen, and the target thermal sensation at each of the plurality of parts is set within the thermal sensation range determined by the thermal sensation range determination unit. The operation control unit controls the operation of one or more thermal devices based on the target thermal sensation at each of the plurality of parts displayed on the setting screen and the actual thermal sensation at each of the plurality of parts estimated by the thermal sensation estimation unit.

[0221] As in the second aspect, it is preferable to display the actual thermal sensation and the target thermal sensation for each of a plurality of body parts.

[0222] Furthermore, according to a third aspect, when the target thermal sensation at one of the multiple sites is changed by the user, the thermal sensation range determining unit determines, based on the changed target thermal sensation at the one site, target thermal sensation setting ranges for the other sites, which are to be adjusted using a common thermal device as the one site. Thus, when the user changes the target thermal sensation at one site, the user can understand the settable ranges of the target thermal sensations for the other sites after the change.

[0223] Furthermore, according to a fourth aspect, when the user changes the target thermal sensation at one of the multiple sites, the thermal sensation range determination unit uses the operational information of the one or more thermal devices that adjust the thermal sensation at the one site, which operates based on the changed target thermal sensation at the one site, to determine the target thermal sensation setting ranges for the other sites. Thus, when the user changes the target thermal sensation at one site, the user can understand the settable ranges for the target thermal sensations at the other sites after the change.

[0224] Furthermore, according to the fifth aspect, when the target thermal sensation at one of the multiple sites is changed by the user, and the target thermal sensation setting ranges at other sites among the multiple sites that adjust the thermal sensation using a common heating device as the one site are changed so that the changed target thermal sensation at the one site can be achieved, the thermal sensation range determination unit determines the settable thermal sensation ranges of the target thermal sensation at the other sites so as to achieve the changed target thermal sensation at the one site. Thus, when the user changes the target thermal sensation at one site, the user can understand the settable thermal sensation ranges of the target thermal sensation at the other sites after the change.

[0225] Furthermore, according to the sixth aspect, the size of the display area showing the target thermal sensation setting range in the setting screen is pre-set. The display control unit displays the thermal sensation range determined by the thermal sensation range determination unit across the entire display area. This allows the user to understand the target thermal sensation setting range even without displaying the non-settable target thermal sensation range.

[0226] According to a seventh aspect, a thermal sensation control system includes: a setting location determination unit that determines a body location at which a target thermal sensation can be set; a thermal sensation estimation unit that estimates an actual thermal sensation as an actual thermal sensation of each of a plurality of body locations of a user; a display control unit that causes the actual thermal sensations of each of the plurality of body locations estimated by the thermal sensation estimation unit to be displayed on a setting screen; and an operation control unit that controls the operation of one or more thermal devices based on the target thermal sensations of each of the plurality of body locations displayed on the setting screen and the actual thermal sensations of each of the plurality of body locations estimated by the thermal sensation estimation unit. The setting location determination unit determines, based on the capabilities of each of the one or more thermal devices, the plurality of body locations at which thermal sensations can be adjusted by the one or more thermal devices as the body locations at which the target thermal sensation can be set. The display control unit displays the setting range of the target thermal sensation in the following manner: the actual thermal sensation of each of the plurality of parts estimated by the thermal sensation estimating unit is displayed on the setting screen, and the target thermal sensation can be set for the body part determined by the setting part determining unit, and the target thermal sensation cannot be set individually for any part of the user's body other than the body part determined by the setting part determining unit.

[0227] Furthermore, according to the eighth aspect, the set location determination unit determines a location on the body that is capable of adjusting the thermal sensation using one or more thermal devices and that is common to the location on the body that can be estimated by the thermal sensation estimating unit as the location on the body at which the target thermal sensation can be set. The thermal sensation control system includes an estimated location determination unit that determines a location on the body that is capable of adjusting the thermal sensation using one or more thermal devices and that is common to the location on the body that can be estimated by the thermal sensation estimating unit as the location on the body estimated by the thermal sensation estimating unit. The thermal sensation estimating unit estimates the actual thermal sensation of the location determined by the estimated location determination unit as one of the multiple locations for estimating the actual thermal sensation.

[0228] Thus, even if the number of body parts for which the thermal sensation can be adjusted by one or more thermal devices differs from the number of body parts for which the thermal sensation estimating unit can estimate the actual thermal sensation, the actual thermal sensation and the target thermal sensation can be displayed for the same body part. Thus, the user can set a target thermal sensation while checking the actual thermal sensation for any body part.

[0229] Furthermore, according to the ninth aspect, in addition to determining a commonly used body part as the body part estimated by the thermal sensation estimating unit, the estimated part determining unit further determines a body part that is capable of being estimated by the thermal sensation estimating unit and is not commonly used with the body part whose thermal sensation can be adjusted by one or more thermal devices as the body part estimated by the thermal sensation estimating unit. In this way, as long as the actual thermal sensation can be estimated, the actual thermal sensation of the uncommon body part can be displayed on the setting screen.

Claims

1. A thermal sensation control system, wherein a setting screen for a user to set a target thermal sensation is displayed on a display device, and one or more thermal devices for adjusting the thermal sensation of the user's body are operated based on the target thermal sensation, wherein the target thermal sensation is a target thermal sensation of the user's body, characterized in that: have: a thermal sensation estimating unit that estimates an actual thermal sensation as an actual thermal sensation of the user's body; a thermal sensation range determination unit configured to determine, based on at least one of heat load information when adjusting the user's thermal sensation by the one or more thermal devices and the capabilities of each of the one or more thermal devices, a range of thermal sensations achievable by the one or more thermal devices as a settable range of thermal sensations for the target thermal sensation; a display control unit configured to display a setting range of the target thermal sensation on the setting screen in such a manner that the target thermal sensation and the actual thermal sensation estimated by the thermal sensation estimating unit are displayed on the setting screen, and the target thermal sensation can be set by a user within the range of the thermal sensation determined by the thermal sensation range determining unit; as well as an operation control unit that controls the operation of the one or more thermal devices based on the target thermal sensation displayed on the setting screen and the actual thermal sensation estimated by the thermal sensation estimating unit, The thermal sensation estimating unit estimates the actual thermal sensation at each of a plurality of parts of the user's body. The thermal sensation range determination unit determines the thermal sensation range for the target thermal sensation at each of the plurality of parts. The display control unit displays the setting ranges of the target thermal sensations for each of the plurality of parts in the following manner: the actual thermal sensations for each of the plurality of parts and the target thermal sensations for each of the plurality of parts are displayed on the setting screen, and the target thermal sensations for each of the plurality of parts can be set within the ranges of the thermal sensations for each of the plurality of parts determined by the thermal sensation range determination unit. The operation control unit controls the operation of the one or more thermal devices based on the target thermal sensations of the plurality of parts displayed on the setting screen and the actual thermal sensations of the plurality of parts estimated by the thermal sensation estimating unit. When the target thermal sensation of one of the multiple parts is changed by the user, the thermal sensation range determination unit determines, based on the changed target thermal sensation of the one part, a setting range of the target thermal sensation of the other parts of the multiple parts whose thermal sensation is adjusted by a thermal device common to the one part.

2. A thermal sensation control system, wherein a setting screen for a user to set a target thermal sensation is displayed on a display device, and one or more thermal devices for adjusting the thermal sensation of the user's body are operated based on the target thermal sensation, wherein the target thermal sensation is a target thermal sensation of the user's body, characterized in that: have: a thermal sensation estimating unit that estimates an actual thermal sensation as an actual thermal sensation of the user's body; a thermal sensation range determination unit configured to determine, based on at least one of heat load information when adjusting the user's thermal sensation by the one or more thermal devices and the capabilities of each of the one or more thermal devices, a range of thermal sensations achievable by the one or more thermal devices as a settable range of thermal sensations for the target thermal sensation; a display control unit configured to display a setting range of the target thermal sensation on the setting screen in such a manner that the target thermal sensation and the actual thermal sensation estimated by the thermal sensation estimating unit are displayed on the setting screen, and the target thermal sensation can be set by a user within the range of the thermal sensation determined by the thermal sensation range determining unit; as well as an operation control unit that controls the operation of the one or more thermal devices based on the target thermal sensation displayed on the setting screen and the actual thermal sensation estimated by the thermal sensation estimating unit, The thermal sensation estimating unit estimates the actual thermal sensation at each of a plurality of parts of the user's body. The thermal sensation range determination unit determines the thermal sensation range for the target thermal sensation at each of the plurality of parts. The display control unit displays the setting ranges of the target thermal sensations for each of the plurality of parts in the following manner: the actual thermal sensations for each of the plurality of parts and the target thermal sensations for each of the plurality of parts are displayed on the setting screen, and the target thermal sensations for each of the plurality of parts can be set within the ranges of the thermal sensations for each of the plurality of parts determined by the thermal sensation range determination unit. The operation control unit controls the operation of the one or more thermal devices based on the target thermal sensations of the plurality of parts displayed on the setting screen and the actual thermal sensations of the plurality of parts estimated by the thermal sensation estimating unit. When the target thermal sensation of one of the multiple parts is changed by the user, the thermal sensation range determination unit uses the action information of the thermal device that adjusts the thermal sensation of the one part among the one or more thermal devices and operates according to the changed target thermal sensation of the one part to determine the setting range of the target thermal sensation of other parts.

3. A thermal sensation control system, wherein a setting screen for a user to set a target thermal sensation is displayed on a display device, and one or more thermal devices for adjusting the thermal sensation of the user's body are operated based on the target thermal sensation, wherein the target thermal sensation is a target thermal sensation of the user's body, characterized in that: have: a thermal sensation estimating unit that estimates an actual thermal sensation as an actual thermal sensation of the user's body; a thermal sensation range determination unit configured to determine, based on at least one of heat load information when adjusting the user's thermal sensation by the one or more thermal devices and the capabilities of each of the one or more thermal devices, a range of thermal sensations achievable by the one or more thermal devices as a settable range of thermal sensations for the target thermal sensation; a display control unit configured to display a setting range of the target thermal sensation on the setting screen in such a manner that the target thermal sensation and the actual thermal sensation estimated by the thermal sensation estimating unit are displayed on the setting screen, and the target thermal sensation can be set by a user within the range of the thermal sensation determined by the thermal sensation range determining unit; as well as an operation control unit that controls the operation of the one or more thermal devices based on the target thermal sensation displayed on the setting screen and the actual thermal sensation estimated by the thermal sensation estimating unit, The thermal sensation estimating unit estimates the actual thermal sensation at each of a plurality of parts of the user's body. The thermal sensation range determination unit determines the thermal sensation range for the target thermal sensation at each of the plurality of parts. The display control unit displays the setting ranges of the target thermal sensations for each of the plurality of parts in the following manner: the actual thermal sensations for each of the plurality of parts and the target thermal sensations for each of the plurality of parts are displayed on the setting screen, and the target thermal sensations for each of the plurality of parts can be set within the ranges of the thermal sensations for each of the plurality of parts determined by the thermal sensation range determination unit. The action control unit controls the action of the one or more thermal devices based on the target thermal sensations of each of the multiple parts displayed on the setting screen and the actual thermal sensations of each of the multiple parts estimated by the thermal sensation estimating unit. When the target thermal sensation of one of the multiple parts is changed by the user, and when the target thermal sensation of the one part is achieved by changing the setting range of the target thermal sensation at the other parts of the multiple parts that adjust the thermal sensation using the thermal device common to the one part, the thermal sensation range determining unit determines the settable thermal sensation range of the target thermal sensation at the other parts so as to achieve the target thermal sensation of the one part.

4. The thermal sensation control system according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that: The size of the display area showing the setting range of the target thermal sensation in the setting screen is pre-set. The display control unit displays the thermal sensation range determined by the thermal sensation range determination unit over the entire display area.

5. A thermal sensation control system, wherein a setting screen for a user to set a target thermal sensation is displayed on a display device, and one or more thermal devices for adjusting the thermal sensation of the user's body are operated based on the target thermal sensation, wherein the target thermal sensation is a target thermal sensation of the user's body, characterized in that: have: a setting part determination unit for determining, based on the capabilities of each of the one or more thermal devices, a plurality of body parts capable of regulating a thermal sensation by the one or more thermal devices as body parts capable of setting the target thermal sensation; a thermal sensation estimating unit that estimates actual thermal sensations as actual thermal sensations at respective portions of a user's body; a display control unit that displays a setting range of the target thermal sensation in such a manner that the actual thermal sensations of each of the plurality of body parts estimated by the thermal sensation estimating unit are displayed on the setting screen, the target thermal sensation can be set for the body part determined by the setting part determining unit, and the target thermal sensation cannot be individually set for any body part of the user other than the body part determined by the setting part determining unit; and An action control unit controls the action of the one or more thermal devices based on the target thermal sensations of each of the plurality of body parts displayed on the setting screen and the actual thermal sensations of each of the plurality of body parts estimated by the thermal sensation estimating unit.

6. The thermal sensation control system according to claim 5, characterized in that: The set part determination unit determines a body part that can be adjusted for thermal sensation by the one or more thermal devices and is the same as the body part that can be estimated by the thermal sensation estimation unit as the body part that can be set for the target thermal sensation, The thermal sensation control system includes an estimated site determination unit that determines, as the body site estimated by the thermal sensation estimating unit, a site that can be adjusted for thermal sensation by the one or more thermal devices and that is common to the body site estimated by the thermal sensation estimating unit. The thermal sensation estimating unit estimates the actual thermal sensation at the plurality of sites determined by the estimated site determining unit, using the sites determined by the estimated site determining unit as the plurality of sites for estimating the actual thermal sensation.

7. The thermal sensation control system according to claim 6, characterized in that: In addition to determining the common part as the part of the body estimated by the thermal sensation estimating part, the estimated part determination part also determines a part that can be estimated by the thermal sensation estimating part and is not common with the part of the body that can adjust the thermal sensation by the one or more thermal devices as the part of the body estimated by the thermal sensation estimating part.

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