Spot air conditioning system

Abstract

To provide a spot air conditioning system for effectively reducing power consumption by supplying air-conditioning air only to an operator while using a spot air conditioner of a batch supply branching type.SOLUTION: A spot air condition system includes photographing means 5 for acquiring an image or video around a plurality of air outlets, a shutter part 61 for enabling opening / closing of each of the plurality of air outlets, and a control part for detecting whether a detection object exists about a monitoring area with an area to detect the detection object set in advance within a photographing range photographed as an image or video by the photographing means, and operating the shutter part on the basis of a result of the detection. The control part operates the shutter part so as to open the air outlets when the existence of the detection object is detected within the range of the monitoring area, and operates the shutter part so as to close the air outlets when the existence of the detection object is not detected within the range.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 4

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a spot air conditioning system that controls the supply state of conditioned air in a spot air conditioning system that locally supplies conditioned air to people (hereinafter sometimes simply referred to as "people working" or "workers") who are engaged in work or other tasks in buildings with relatively large spaces such as factories and agricultural greenhouses. [Background technology]

[0002] Conventional spot air conditioning systems are configured to send air conditioned by an air conditioner to a specified location through an air supply duct, which then branches off to supply air to workers (using a collective supply branching method) (see Patent Document 1). However, there are problems such as high power consumption due to wasted operating time, and so efforts have been made to reduce power consumption. For example, when the outside air temperature is lower than the indoor temperature, there is a configuration in which temperature sensors are installed on both sides to supply outside air as is, and switching is performed according to the temperature difference (see Patent Document 1 above). In addition, there is a configuration in which nozzles that spray mist are installed in the summer to quickly achieve a temperature effect using mist and cool air (see Patent Document 2). [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 3-113224 [Patent Document 2] JP 2011-033221 A [Patent Document 3] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 5-164380 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] The technology disclosed in Patent Document 1 above takes in outside air when the outside temperature is lower than the indoor temperature, and the technology disclosed in Patent Document 2 utilizes the drop in temperature caused by the evaporation of mist. These technologies are based on the premise that conditioned air or outside air is blown out to a specific position, and the air used for air conditioning is always supplied from the air supply duct outlet.

[0005] However, recently, with the development of various automated devices, the tasks that one worker should be responsible for are changing, and the environment in which workers continue to work in the same place is changing. In other words, workers often monitor the operation status of the automated devices or only work on parts that require manual work, so workers move around frequently and the number of workers is decreasing significantly. This is not limited to mechanical device assembly factories, but also applies to various manufacturing sites and agricultural work in agricultural greenhouses.

[0006] In such a situation, even if conditioned air is to be supplied only to workers in a building having a relatively large space, it is necessary to supply conditioned air locally to workers detected by a human presence sensor, as in a person-tracking spot air-conditioning device (see Patent Document 3).However, in an environment where multiple workers are working in a building, this type of person-tracking spot air-conditioning device requires as many air-conditioning devices as there are workers, which inevitably makes the device expensive overall.

[0007] The present invention has been made in consideration of the above-mentioned points, and its object is to provide a spot air-conditioning system that uses the conventional batch supply branching method, but supplies conditioned air only to workers, thereby reducing power consumption. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] Therefore, the spot air-conditioning system of the present invention, in which air to be used for air-conditioning is sent and discharged individually into an air-conditioning controlled area from multiple air outlets, comprises an imaging means for acquiring images or videos of the areas around the multiple air outlets, a shutter unit that enables each of the multiple air outlets to be opened and closed, and a control unit that detects the presence or absence of a detection target in a monitoring area within the imaging range captured as an image or video by the imaging means, where the area in which the detection target is to be detected is preset, and operates the shutter unit based on the detection result, wherein the control unit controls the shutter unit to open the air outlet when it detects the presence of the detection target within the monitoring area, and to operate the shutter unit to close the air outlet when it does not detect the presence of the detection target within the range.

[0009] According to the above configuration, while it is assumed that conditioned air (air used for air conditioning) is supplied by a batch supply branch system, each air outlet opens in a limited manner by operating the shutter unit only when a worker is detected in the vicinity, and conditioned air can be supplied only to a specific range. In such a configuration, a camera used as a photographing means photographs an image or video (hereinafter, may be simply referred to as an image, etc.) around the air outlet, and the image, etc. is analyzed by a control unit to detect an object to be detected (detection target), and the opening and closing of the air outlet is controlled. The cameras may be installed near each of the multiple air outlets, so that one camera may photograph the area around each individual air outlet, but the camera may also be installed in a position where multiple (e.g., two, three, or more) air outlets can be photographed together. In this case, it is possible to configure the system so that one image, etc. can be used to control the opening and closing of multiple (e.g., two, three, or more) air outlets. In detecting the detection target, the presence of the detection target in the image, etc. can be detected, and it can be determined whether the position of the detected detection target is inside or outside the monitoring area. The photographing means (camera) is fixed and fixed-point photographing, and the detection target can be limited to a person (an object that can be recognized as a person) or a work suit or helmet of a specific color (an object that can be recognized as a specific color). The information obtained by photographing is an image or video, and when a video is formed by a state in which images of a plurality of frames are consecutive, it can be recognized as a kind of image. The monitoring area is set to be superimposed on the image (video) photographed at a fixed point, and can be set to the lower 1 / 3 range of the screen on which the image (video) is displayed or an arbitrarily designated closed range. The control unit for operating the shutter unit analyzes the presence and position of the detection target from information such as the image acquired by the photographing means (camera), and operates the shutter unit based on the analysis result. The shutter unit can be operated using a C-contact relay. That is, the common terminal can be connected to the normally closed terminal, and it can be configured to be operated open when the analysis result shows that the detection target does not exist.In this case, even if an erroneous analysis result is output in an analysis near the boundary of the monitored area, the air outlet can be opened, and the air conditioning effect on workers, etc. will not be affected.

[0010] In the invention of the above configuration, the control unit may further comprise one or more motion sensors installed near each of the multiple air outlets for detecting people working within the air-conditioning controlled area, and the control unit may operate the shutter unit to maintain the air outlet open when the detection value detected by the one or more motion sensors exceeds a predetermined intensity, while maintaining the air outlet open when the detection value is equal to or lower than the predetermined intensity, based on the detection result of the detection target within the monitoring area.

[0011] According to the above-mentioned configuration, it is possible to correct errors in the analysis results by the photographing means. That is, the opening and closing of the air outlet based on the analysis results is basically assumed to be open, and conditioned air is discharged from the air outlet even when no workers are present. On that premise, when the shutter part of the air outlet is controlled while referring to the detection intensity by the human presence sensor, it is possible to suppress the discharge of unnecessary conditioned air. And, since one or more human presence sensors are installed near each air outlet, the range for detecting the worker can be appropriately adjusted. That is, when it is necessary to detect the worker in a specific direction (relatively limited direction) according to the situation of the air-conditioning controlled area, it is sufficient to install one human presence sensor facing the specific direction, and when it is necessary to detect the worker in a wide-angle direction (relatively wide direction), it is necessary to install multiple human presence sensors in multiple different directions.

[0012] In such a configuration, by using a pyroelectric infrared sensor that uses a pyroelectric element as the human sensor, the presence of a nearby worker can be detected according to the temperature change of the pyroelectric element caused by infrared rays emitted by the worker. At this time, by setting a threshold value for the magnitude of the current value (or voltage value) generated by the pyroelectric element, it is possible to set the intensity of the detection value detected by the pyroelectric infrared sensor, and operate the shutter unit to open the air outlet when the detection value exceeds the threshold, and close the air outlet when the detection value is equal to or lower than the set intensity. An actuator can be used as the operating unit to operate the shutter unit.

[0013] In addition, instead of the above configuration, the system may further include a portable transmitter that is worn by a person working within the air-conditioning controlled area and emits specific radio waves, and a receiver that is installed near each of the multiple air outlets and receives the radio waves emitted by the portable transmitter, wherein each receiver installed near the multiple air outlets is capable of detecting the strength of the radio waves emitted by the portable transmitter, and the control unit operates the shutter unit to open and close the air outlet based on the strength of the radio waves detected by the receiver, while taking the detection result related to the detection object within the monitoring area as a condition.

[0014] The above configuration also makes it possible to correct errors in the analysis results of the captured images, etc. A receiver is installed at the air outlet, and this receiver receives radio waves transmitted from a portable transmitter worn by the worker and detects the presence of the worker based on the strength of the radio waves, so that even if the analysis results of the captured images, etc. indicate a person who should open the air outlet, if the worker is not present, the air outlet will not open, and the air outlet where the receiver is installed can be kept open only when the worker is present, making it possible to supply conditioned air to the worker.

[0015] Here, if the portable transmitter is a small transmitter that intermittently transmits radio waves in a specific frequency band at low output, it can be attached to the carry-on belongings of the person working in the air-conditioned area. In this way, by attaching a small transmitter to the carry-on belongings that the worker should use or wear during work, it is possible to eliminate air conditioning failures caused by forgetting to wear the transmitter. Here, the carry-on belongings can be, for example, a helmet, a uniform, or a work belt. Also, in the case of a person doing agricultural work, agricultural work clothes and work tools can be selected.

[0016] In the invention having the above configuration, the receiver can be configured to simultaneously receive radio waves transmitted from one or more of the portable transmitters and to be able to individually detect the strength of the received radio waves.

[0017] In the above configuration, even if multiple workers are working close to each other, the position information (distance information) of each worker can be obtained, so that the air outlet can be opened and closed only by the strength of the radio waves emitted from each transmitter, and erroneous operation due to adding up the strength of the radio waves from multiple transmitters can be prevented. In this case, an individual ID is assigned to each transmitter. By assigning an ID to each transmitter, it becomes possible to individually receive the emitted radio waves and detect the strength of the radio waves.

[0018] The air outlets can be provided at appropriate intervals within the air-conditioned area, and by installing a large number of air outlets within the range of movement of workers moving through the air-conditioned area and adjusting the distance between them, air-conditioned air can be supplied well according to the conditions of the air-conditioned area. That is, when a worker works between adjacent air outlets, the adjacent air outlets can be opened simultaneously to supply air-conditioned air to the worker from the multiple air outlets, and when the worker works near one specific air outlet, only that one air outlet can be opened to supply air-conditioned air from that air outlet. This makes it possible to maintain a good working environment for the workers by supplying air-conditioned air from the minimum number of air outlets necessary.

[0019] In the above-mentioned invention having a configuration using a portable transmitter, the invention may further include a processing device for processing received information received by the receiver, and the processing device may be configured to use the strength of the radio waves from the portable transmitter received by each receiver installed at a plurality of air outlets as an input value, and to output a signal to the operation unit to open the air outlet when the strength exceeds a predetermined strength, and to output a signal to the operation unit to close the air outlet when the strength is equal to or less than the predetermined strength.

[0020] According to the above configuration, the processing device can process information (such as radio wave intensity and ID information) received by the receivers provided near each air outlet. Among the processes performed by this processing device, the determination of the operation of the shutter section (opening / closing operation of the air outlet) on the operation section can be processed, which enables centralized management without setting a threshold value for the strength of the received radio waves for each receiver or operation section. In other words, the receiver inputs the strength (sensitivity) of the received radio waves to the processing device as an output current (or output voltage), and can determine the strength using the current value (or voltage value) as an input value, and output an operation signal to the operation section after comparing it with the threshold value for the strength of the received radio waves.

[0021] In this case, the position information of the installed receiver (the air outlet where the receiver is installed) and the position information of the operation unit are matched by the processing device, and based on the input value of the radio wave intensity input for each receiver, a desired operation signal can be output to the operation unit that is to open and close the air outlet where the receiver is installed. Note that, since the information output from each receiver includes other received information by the receiver, by simultaneously outputting the ID of the portable transmitter to the processing device, it becomes possible for the processing device to process the information for each portable transmitter.

[0022] In the case of an invention configured in this manner, the processing device may be configured to calculate changes in the position of the portable transmitter from changes in the strength of the radio waves received by each portable transmitter at each receiver installed at multiple air outlets, and to calculate the movement trajectory of a person working within the air-conditioning controlled area based on the movement state and time information of the portable transmitter, and to store the movement trajectory.

[0023] According to the above configuration, based on the reception information of the receiver acquired by the processing device to determine the opening and closing of the air outlet, the position of the receiver, the change in strength of the received radio waves, and the change in position of the portable transmitter that is the source of the transmitted radio waves can be calculated, and by associating this calculation result with time information (time), it is possible to calculate the trajectory of movement of the worker carrying the portable transmitter.

[0024] In such a configuration, originally, the working range of the worker is detected according to the movement of the worker, and used to set the air-conditioning controlled area or work area, but at the same time, by relating the position to time information (time), it becomes possible to detect the change in the position over time as movement, and by detecting this over the entire range during the management period, the movement trajectory of the worker can be obtained. By recording this movement trajectory for a certain period of time (for example, storing it in a storage means), it becomes possible to analyze it as the movement status (behavior pattern) of the worker, and it can also be used to improve work efficiency and the movement line of the worker.

[0025] In each of the inventions having the above-mentioned configuration, a controller may be provided, and the controller may be configured to calculate a load factor by inputting output information output from the processing device to the operation unit, and to control the output of an air supply device that supplies air to be used for air conditioning based on the calculation result. Also, the invention may further include an air conditioning device, and the air to be used for air conditioning may be turned into cold air or hot air after temperature adjustment.

[0026] In such a configuration, the controller calculates the total supply amount of conditioned air to be supplied from the air outlet to the air-conditioning controlled area by inputting output information (e.g., the total number of opening signals) output from the control device to the controller, calculates the load factor from the total supply amount of conditioned air, and controls the air supply device or air conditioner (hereinafter, sometimes referred to as air conditioner, etc.) to operate at a low load. Here, the load factor indicates the ratio of the demand amount to the supply capacity of the air conditioner, etc. Therefore, if the load factor calculated every certain period (e.g., 10 minutes or 1 hour) is low, it means that the air conditioner, etc. is operating unnecessarily, so its output (power consumption) is suppressed, and conversely, if the load factor is high, it means that the operating status of the air conditioner, etc. is not sufficient, so its output (power consumption) is increased to supply appropriate conditioned air. The output control of the air conditioner, etc. controls the operating status of the compressor or cooling fan of the outdoor unit, in addition to the air supply fan that is used exclusively for air supply. Effect of the Invention

[0027] According to the present invention, a spot air conditioner using a batch supply branching method is used as a premise, and the conditioned air is supplied to the worker from the branched terminal air outlet, and by operating the opening and closing of the air outlet and limiting the opening to a location where the worker is present, the conditioned air can be supplied only to that worker. By limiting the supply of conditioned air in this way, the amount of conditioned air to be supplied can be reduced, and the air conditioner can be made smaller and more energy-efficient, resulting in a reduction in power consumption.

[0028] In particular, in a spot air conditioning system in which a controller is installed in the air conditioning unit, it is possible to calculate the load factor and then adjust the output of the unit according to that load factor, which makes it possible to further reduce power consumption even when installing air conditioning units with the same output.

[0029] Furthermore, the spot air conditioning system of the present invention is originally designed to detect the position of a worker based on the worker's movement status, but as a secondary advantage, it can obtain the worker's movement trajectory, and by analyzing the distance traveled by the worker within a certain period of time (for example, an entire day), the worker's movement status (behavioral pattern) can be obtained, which can be used to evaluate the worker's work efficiency and can also be used to improve the worker's movement lines. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0030] [Figure 1] 1 is an explanatory diagram showing the overall configuration of a spot air conditioning system. [Diagram 2] FIG. 1 is an explanatory diagram showing a configuration of a first embodiment. [Diagram 3] FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram illustrating a photographed screen captured by a camera in the first embodiment. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram showing a shutter structure around an air outlet in the first embodiment. [Diagram 5] FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram illustrating a configuration of a control unit in the first embodiment. [Figure 6] FIG. 11 is an explanatory diagram showing a configuration of a second embodiment. [Figure 7] 13 is an explanatory diagram showing a shutter structure around an air outlet in a second embodiment. FIG. [Figure 8] FIG. 13 is an explanatory diagram showing a configuration of a third embodiment. [Figure 9] FIG. 13 is an explanatory diagram illustrating a configuration of a processing apparatus according to a fourth embodiment. [Figure 10] FIG. 13 is an explanatory diagram showing the configuration of a controller in the fifth embodiment. [Figure 11] FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram showing a usage mode of any of the embodiments. [Figure 12] 13A and 13B are explanatory diagrams showing modified examples of settings of a photographed screen and a monitored area captured by a camera. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0031] Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. <Overall composition> FIG. 1 is an image diagram illustrating the state inside a factory when the spot air-conditioning system according to the present invention is introduced. Since this is an image diagram, the number and arrangement of lines in the factory, processing devices, etc. are appropriately arranged. As illustrated in this figure, for example, the spot air-conditioning system is configured such that an air supply duct 1 for supplying conditioned air collectively is arranged above the work lines B1 and B2 installed inside the factory A, and an air outlet 3 is provided at the end of a branch duct 2 branching from the air supply duct 1. The device for air conditioning (air conditioner) 4 may be an air supply device having only a blowing function, but an air conditioner is illustrated here. Therefore, it is configured of an indoor unit 41 and an outdoor unit 42. The indoor unit 41 has an air supply fan for supplying conditioned air, and supplies conditioned air to a predetermined air outlet 3 by connecting the air supply duct 1, and the outdoor unit 42 has a compressor and a fan for heat exchange.

[0032] A spot air conditioning system configured in this way is a batch supply branch type, and does not condition the entire interior of factory A, but rather supplies conditioned air to a part of the air-conditioning controlled area (the entire interior of factory A in this case) to perform local air conditioning control. Note that, although the figure shows an example in which the air supply duct 1 and branch duct 2 are placed above the work lines B1, B2, and the air outlet 3 discharges the conditioned air downward, it is also possible to provide the air supply duct 1 on the floor surface with a branch duct 2 that branches off horizontally or upward, and to discharge the conditioned air from the air outlet horizontally or upward.

[0033] <First embodiment> As shown in the image diagram of Fig. 1, the first embodiment of the present invention employs a batch supply branching system and manages the opening and closing of the air outlets 3 to supply conditioned air from necessary air outlets 3 and stop the supply of conditioned air from unnecessary air outlets 3. The necessary air outlets 3 are those around which workers X and Y are working, and the unnecessary air outlets 3 are those around which workers X and Y are not working. The following will be described with reference to Fig. 2.

[0034] Fig. 2 is a simplified diagram with some parts of the configuration shown in the image diagram above omitted, with Fig. 2(a) showing a side view of one row of work line B, and Fig. 2(b) showing a plan view. Note that the shaded areas in the diagram represent the areas through which conditioned air circulates. Here, the air-conditioned area E is the space when the work line B is in a single row, and three workers (indicated as X, Y, and Z) are shown as an example, with the air supply duct 1 positioned above and the air outlet 3 opening downward.

[0035] 2(a), in this embodiment, the conditioned air is sent out all at once and branched at appropriate locations to supply the conditioned air, so the conditioned air is sent through an exhaust duct 1 connected to an indoor unit 41 of an air conditioner 4, branched into branch ducts 21, 22,...25 (five branches are shown in the figure), and discharged from a plurality of air outlets 31, 32,...35 (five are shown in the figure). Note that if the temperature of the conditioned air is not adjusted, the indoor unit 41 will be installed as a standalone blower.

[0036] Individual cameras (photographing means) 51, 52, . . . 55 are provided near the tip of each of the air outlets 31, 32, . . . 35. The photographing direction of the cameras 51 to 55 is set toward the location where the workers X, Y, Z are likely to work, and the cameras 51 to 55 photograph an appropriate range according to the photographing angle of the cameras 51 to 55 to detect the workers X, Y, Z. The camera to be used can be a commercially available Web camera. This type of Web camera is equipped with firmware, so it can be connected to an external device or the like by wire or wirelessly, and data can be easily transmitted and received between the connected external device or the like. In addition, as described later, the processing when using the acquired image or video is controlled by a separate control unit, so it is sufficient if the commercially available Web camera can acquire the appropriate image or video.

[0037] 2(b), the branch duct 2 can be configured to branch off on both sides of a single air supply duct 1. That is, since it is generally considered that workers X, Y, and Z work separately on both sides of a work line B, when the air supply duct 1 is arranged above the work line B, it is arranged in the center along the longitudinal direction of the work line B, and branch ducts 21a, 21b,...25b are provided on both sides, and air outlets 31a, 31b,...35b are provided at the respective tips.

[0038] Since the cameras 51a, 51b, ..., 55b as described above are installed near the tips of the air outlets 31a-35b configured in this manner, it becomes possible to comprehensively detect the ranges in which the workers X, Y, Z move on both sides of the work line B. Then, as shown in Fig. 2(b), the air outlets 31a-35b are opened and closed in accordance with the detection states of the workers X, Y, Z while the workers X, Y, Z are photographed within the photographing ranges of the individual cameras 51a-55b.

[0039] In the example shown in this figure, worker X is photographed and detected by camera 51b, worker Y is detected by another camera, and worker Z is detected by yet another camera 54a. Therefore, three of the air outlets 31a to 35b, 31b, 32a, and 34a, are open.

[0040] Incidentally, the setting of the monitoring area for the captured images, etc. can be performed by setting an area Q superimposed on the images, etc. P while referring to the images, etc. P (still images, etc. captured at fixed points) captured by each camera, as shown in FIG. 3. A specific setting method is to set a boundary line R for the acquired image data (images in the screen) and set the detection target only inside the boundary line R. The boundary line R may be divided into two by a straight line or the like, and one of the two may be set as the target area, or a closed range may be set by surrounding it in a circle. In short, it is sufficient to configure two types of areas and specify one of them as the target area. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 3(a), it is possible to set an area that is approximately symmetrical on the left and right, and as shown in FIG. 3(b), it is also possible to set an area that has a distorted shape and can cover the range in which the workers, etc. move. In these examples, since the workers X1 and X2 are captured superimposed on the monitoring area Q, both are detected as being present in the monitoring area Q, but the worker X3 is not captured superimposed and is therefore not detected as not being present in the monitoring area Q.

[0041] The image P etc. acquired by the photographing means is analyzed by the control unit, but if the camera body has a built-in function for recognizing (analyzing) people etc., that function may be used. In either case, the object to be detected is detected, and the control unit determines whether the detected detection target is inside or outside the area Q set as described above, thereby making it possible to detect the detection target. A simple method for determining whether the object is inside or outside the monitoring area Q is to determine whether the image of the detection target overlaps with the inside of the boundary line R created as described above (within the monitoring area). If the detection target can be recognized and the entire recognized detection target can be identified, it is easy to determine whether there is an overlap.

[0042] In addition to people, the detection target can also be a helmet or work clothes. In this case, it is easy to recognize it as a helmet of a specific color. In this case, it is also possible to judge whether a specified color part overlaps within the monitoring area. In the case of this type of judgment based on color, it is possible to select and judge only specific people (workers directly engaged in the work), for example. In other words, it is possible to exclude people who are only stopping by temporarily and are unrelated to the work.

[0043] In addition, by using an infrared irradiation device and a camera capable of detecting infrared, it is possible to control the air conditioning at night. This type of night-time air conditioning system can be used not only in work facilities such as factories, but also in storage facilities such as warehouses.

[0044] Here, the shutter part that opens and closes the air outlet 3 will be described. FIG. 4 illustrates an example of the periphery of the air outlet 3 provided at the end of the branch duct 2. In the embodiment shown in this figure, an intermediate-installation type shutter structure 6 is provided between the branch duct 2 and the air outlet (a pipe member that functions as an air outlet) 3. This shutter structure 6 is configured to rotate a circular plate-shaped shutter part 61 inside a main body part 60 formed in a pipe shape. In this example, the circular plate-shaped shutter part 61 has approximately the same outer diameter and shape as the inner diameter of the pipe of the main body part 60, and this shutter part 61 is rotatable around a rotation axis 62. When the surface of the circular plate-shaped shutter part 61 is parallel to the center line of the main body part 60 (as shown in the figure), it is in an open state, and when the surface is perpendicular to the center line of the main body part 60, it is in a closed state.

[0045] The rotating shaft 62 for rotating the shutter part 61 is operated by an operating part 7 attached to the outside of the main body part 60. Inside the operating part 7, there is an actuator (motor) 71 for rotating the rotating shaft 62, and an electromagnetic switch 72 for turning the motor 71 ON and OFF. Therefore, the rotating shaft 62 is driven to rotate by turning the electromagnetic switch 72 ON and OFF, rotating the shutter part 61, and opening the air outlet 3. In order to make the rotation of the shutter part 61 smooth, the electromagnetic switch 72 is preferably structured to enable a delay process to prevent chattering, and chattering can be prevented by implementing an on-delay timer. In this case, by setting the on-delay timer to a range of 0.1 to 0.5 seconds, it is possible to start the opening and closing operation within 0.5 seconds. In order to close the air outlet 3 when no rotational drive is applied to the rotating shaft 62 (when the electromagnetic switch 72 is OFF), the shutter unit 61 can be configured to bias the rotating shaft 62 to a closed state using, for example, a torsion coil spring or the like. When the drive for closing (both opening and closing drive) is performed by forward and reverse rotation of the motor 71, the electromagnetic switch 72 may be configured as a change-over switch that is operated by a separate relay.

[0046] A camera 5 is installed outside the tip of the air outlet 3, and the camera 5 takes pictures in the direction of the opening of the air outlet 3, acquiring images of the area in front of the area from which the conditioned air is to be blown out, and controlling the operation of the shutter unit 61 by analyzing the images. If the direction of the air outlet 3 differs from the direction in which the image is to be taken, the direction of the camera 5 can be adjusted as appropriate. The camera 5 and the motor 71 need to be supplied with power, but this description omits the power supply. The camera 5 is connected to the control unit by wire or wirelessly to transmit images captured by the camera 5, but these are also not shown in the drawings.

[0047] Here, the configuration of the control unit will be described. FIG. 5 is a configuration diagram of the control unit that controls the opening and closing operation of the air outlet based on images, etc. in the first embodiment. As shown in this diagram, the control unit (control device) 100 is configured to include an input interface 101, a storage unit 102, a calculation unit (determination unit) 103, and an output interface 104. Cameras 1 to N (5) are installed at the individual air outlets. 1 ~5 n ) are connected to a control unit (control device) 100 by wire or wirelessly, and image data is input via an input interface 101. The image data is stored in a memory unit 102 and processed by a determination unit (calculation unit). The calculation by the determination unit (calculation unit) is to compare the position of the detection target with a monitoring area set in the camera image stored in advance in the memory unit 102. The determination result (calculation result) is stored again in the memory unit 102 and is output to the camera 5 via an output interface 104. 1 ~5 n The control units 1 to N (7 1 ~7 n ) to control the opening and closing of the shutter section.

[0048] In addition to the above, an operation terminal 110 can be connected to the control unit (control device) 100, and the monitoring area is set using the operation terminal 110. This setting is performed by the control unit (control device) 100 via the operation unit 7.1 ~7 n This is done before executing the control of each camera 5 1 ~5 n The individual images input from and stored in the memory unit 102 can be acquired via the output interface 104, and the monitoring area is set while being displayed on the monitor. The monitoring area to be set is input to the control unit (control device) 100 via the input interface 101, and is stored in the memory unit 102, and is then provided for judgment by the judgment unit (calculation unit) 103.

[0049] <Second embodiment> Next, a second embodiment of the present invention will be described. This embodiment is configured by adding a function of detecting the presence of a worker by a human sensor to the above-mentioned first embodiment. Fig. 6 is a diagram showing a portion modified in this embodiment based on Fig. 2 showing the first embodiment. Note that even when a human sensor is installed, the evaluation results of images captured by a camera, etc. are a prerequisite, but the installation of the camera is omitted here.

[0050] First, as shown in FIG. 6(a), pyroelectric infrared sensors 51, 52, . . . 55 functioning as human sensors are provided near the tip of each of the air outlets 31, 32, . . . 35. The pyroelectric infrared sensors 51-55 are installed facing the locations where the workers X, Y, Z are likely to work, and detect the workers X, Y, Z over a wide angle according to the FOV (field of view) of the sensors 51-55. At this time, the pyroelectric infrared sensors 51-55 have a pyroelectric element, and the temperature of the pyroelectric element changes due to infrared rays emitted from the person, and a pyroelectric current can be detected by the appearance of a surface charge of the pyroelectric body. Therefore, each of the pyroelectric infrared sensors 51-55 can individually receive infrared rays emitted from the workers X, Y, Z, and detect the presence of the workers X, Y, Z when the temperature of the pyroelectric element changes. In addition, the pyroelectric elements used in the pyroelectric infrared sensors 51-55 detect the current value (or the voltage value of the pyrocurrent) generated by the pyroelectric effect as a detection value, so that the intensity of the detection value detected by the pyroelectric infrared sensors 51-55 can be set by setting a specific threshold value for the magnitude of the detection value. Therefore, by setting a predetermined threshold value in advance, if the threshold value is exceeded, it can be determined that the workers X, Y, Z are present in a nearby location, and if the threshold value is less than the threshold value, it can be determined that the workers X, Y, Z are not present. Note that the opening and closing of each of the air outlets 31-35 is assumed to be controlled based on the captured image captured by the camera, and since the air outlets are basically controlled to be open, when the pyroelectric infrared sensors 51-55 detect the workers X, Y, Z, the air outlets are maintained in an open state. In addition, the air outlets are controlled to be open even when only the pyroelectric infrared sensors 51-55 detect the workers X, Y, Z. Only when neither of them detects or senses the operator X, Y, Z, the air outlet is controlled to be closed.

[0051] 6(b), the branch duct 2 can be configured to branch off on both sides of a single air supply duct 1. That is, since it is generally considered that workers X, Y, and Z work separately on both sides of a work line B, when the air supply duct 1 is arranged above the work line B, it is arranged in the center along the longitudinal direction of the work line B, and branch ducts 21a, 21b,...25b are provided on both sides, and air outlets 31a, 31b,...35b are provided at the respective tips.

[0052] Since the pyroelectric infrared sensors 51a, 51b, ..., 55b as described above are installed near the tips of the air outlets 31a-35b configured in this manner, it becomes possible to comprehensively detect the ranges in which the workers X, Y, Z move on both sides of the work line B. Then, as shown in Fig. 2(b), when the pyroelectric infrared sensors 51a-55b at the locations where the workers X, Y, Z approach within the FOV (field of view) range of the individual pyroelectric infrared sensors 51a-55b detect the workers X, Y, Z, the air outlets 31a-35b open.

[0053] Here, the structure around the air outlet 3 equipped with the pyroelectric infrared sensor 5 will be described. As shown in FIG. 7, in addition to the camera 5, a pyroelectric infrared sensor 8 is provided near the tip of the air outlet 3. The ON / OFF of the electromagnetic switch 72 provided in the operation unit 7 is determined according to the magnitude of the detection value of the pyroelectric infrared sensor 5. However, since the determination result of the image captured by the camera 5 is set as a condition and the opening of the air outlet 3 is prioritized, if the detection value when the pyroelectric infrared sensor 5 detects the worker exceeds a threshold value, a predetermined voltage is not output and the electromagnetic switch 72 is not operated (set to OFF state). Therefore, the determination result of the image is prioritized and the air outlet 3 is kept open. On the other hand, if the detection value by the pyroelectric infrared sensor 5 is smaller than the threshold value, a rated voltage is output as the detection value and the electromagnetic switch 72 is operated (set to ON state). Note that a power source is required to operate the motor 71, but the power supply is omitted here.

[0054] <Third embodiment> Next, a third embodiment of the present invention will be described. This embodiment is a modification of the second embodiment described above. Fig. 8 is a diagram showing a modification of this embodiment based on Fig. 6 showing the second embodiment.

[0055] As shown in Fig. 8, in this embodiment, instead of the human sensors (pyroelectric infrared sensors) 81, 82, ..., 85 in the second embodiment, a receiver is installed, and each worker X, Y, Z carries a portable transmitter 80. The portable transmitter 80 can be made small by intermittently transmitting radio waves in a specific frequency band at a low output, and the workers X, Y, Z can carry the transmitter 80 as long as it does not interfere with their work. The workers X, Y, Z can carry the transmitter 80 by, for example, fixing it to their helmets or fixing it to their individual name tags (authentication cards, etc.).

[0056] In this embodiment, the relationship between the transmitter 80 and the receivers 81-85 is similar to the relationship between the human sensors (pyroelectric infrared sensors) 81-85 and the workers X, Y, and Z in the second embodiment. That is, the receivers 81-85 do not have an FOV (field of view), but can receive radio waves from all directions, and therefore can receive the radio waves emitted from the transmitter 80. Then, the distance to the transmitter 80 (i.e., the workers X, Y, and Z) can be detected based on the strength of the received radio waves.

[0057] The radio waves used in the portable transmitter 80 may use any frequency band. For example, in addition to 2.4 GHz used in Bluetooth (registered trademark), 920 MHz or ultra-wideband radio waves of 8.5 GHz to 9.5 GHz may be used. The output may be in the range of 1 db to 8 db, but is not limited to this. The output may be adjusted to a level where the radio wave intensity received by the receivers 81 to 85 can be determined. Once the received radio wave intensity is determined, the operation unit 7 can be configured to be operated according to that intensity. The configurations of the shutter structure 6 and the operation unit 7 may be the same as those in the second embodiment.

[0058] Therefore, the receivers 81-85 are installed near the air outlets 31-35 formed at the ends of the branch ducts 21-25 branched from the air supply duct 1, so that the individual transmitters 81-85 can receive the radio waves emitted from the transmitter 80. When any of the receivers 81-85 receives a strong radio wave, it is possible to detect the presence of the transmitter 80 (workers X, Y, Z) nearby, and the air outlets 31-35 at the positions where the radio waves are received are opened, enabling local air conditioning. At this time, by setting a threshold value for the strength of the received radio wave, it is possible to determine which of the individual air outlets 31-35 should be opened. Note that even in this case, the result of the determination of the image captured by the camera 5, etc. is used as a condition, and the opening of the air outlet 3 is prioritized.

[0059] For example, as shown in Fig. 8(b), in the case where three workers X, Y, and Z are working on both sides of the work line B, the workers Y and Z working on one side of the work line B are carrying receivers 80 near the air outlets 32a and 34a, respectively, so the receivers 82a and 84a receive strong radio waves from the transmitter 80 and open the air outlets 32a and 34a. Meanwhile, the worker X working on the other side of the work line B is working in a position intermediate between the two air outlets 31b and 32b, and is in a state where the signal is received by both receivers 81b and 82b, so that both air outlets 31b and 32b are kept open.

[0060] <Fourth embodiment> Next, a fourth embodiment of the present invention will be described. This embodiment is an advanced modification of the third embodiment, in which data received by the individual receivers 81-85 (receivers 81a-85b in FIG. 8(b)) shown in FIG. 8(a) is processed by a processing device, and the opening and closing of the air outlets 31-35 (31a-35b) is controlled by outputting an operation signal to the operation unit 7. The configuration of the processing by such a processing device is shown in FIG. 9.

[0061] As shown in Fig. 9, the processing device 200 includes an input unit 201, a storage unit 202, a processing unit (arithmetic unit) 203, and an output unit 204. The input unit 201 includes a plurality of receivers 8 installed at each air outlet. 1 ~8 n The position information and reception information are input, and the processed control signal is again output to each of the receivers 8 via the output unit 204. 1 ~8 n The input reception information is written to the storage unit 202 and input to the processing unit (arithmetic unit) 203, where the opening and closing of the air outlet (operation of the operation unit) is determined by comparing the received radio wave strength with a threshold value. The threshold value for the received radio wave strength is determined in advance and stored in the storage unit, and is read out and compared with the input information. The processing unit (arithmetic unit) 203 also stores the received radio wave strength information of the receiver 8. 1 ~8 n This is executed when a signal is input from the receiver 8 1 ~8 n If no radio waves are received, the process is not performed assuming that there is no input signal, and the individual receivers 1 ~8 n When the transmitter 80 is a type that transmits radio waves intermittently, 1 ~8 n are input to the processing device 200 at the timing when the radio waves are intermittently received.

[0062] Here, multiple receivers 8 1 ~8 n The first receiver 81 to the nth 8 n Each person is assigned a unique number, and information is processed for each individual number. 1 ~8 n It outputs control signals to each receiver 8 individually. 1 ~8 n 8 individual receivers 1 ~8 n An operating unit 7 for operating the opening and closing in the vicinity of the air outlet where the air outlet is installed 1 ~7 n It is directly connected to receiver 8. 1 ~8 n The control signal received by the control unit 7 is 1 ~7 n In this way, the processing device 200 outputs the individual receivers 8. 1 ~8 n By inputting and outputting a signal for each, a control signal based on specific received information can be output individually, and the output control signal controls the receiver 8. 1 ~8 n Operation unit 7 directly connected to 1 ~7 n Since only the air outlet is operated, opening and closing can be controlled for each air outlet.

[0063] In addition, a transmitter 80 that emits radio waves 1 ~80 m The first to mth transmitters may be individually identifiable by ID or the like. 1 ~80 m Radio waves emitted from receiver 8 1 ~8 n When the signal is received by the receiver 8, it is received as an individual ID-based transmission signal. 1 ~8 n The signal strength is output to the processing device 200 together with information such as the ID.

[0064] In such a configuration, receiver 8 1 ~8 n In the transmitter 80 1 ~80 mWhen the radio wave of the transmitter 80 is received, the source of the radio wave can be identified, and when the identified source data is input to the processing device 200, it can be stored together with the time information of the input by the storage unit 202. By processing the source information, receiver information, and time information in a comprehensive manner, the transmitter 80 that is the source of the radio wave can be identified. 1 ~80 m It is possible to detect the movement status of workers who carry a mobile phone. Furthermore, by combining the movement status of each worker, it is possible to analyze the movement status (behavior pattern) of the worker, which can be used to improve work efficiency and worker movement lines in air-conditioned areas.

[0065] On the other hand, individual receivers 8 1 ~8 n The control signal after the determination for the above is output via the output unit 204, and is also stored in the memory unit 202, thereby accumulating the open / closed state of the air outlets. By periodically reading out this accumulated data, the air conditioning state in the air-conditioned area can be detected. That is, the total amount of conditioned air being supplied to the air-conditioned area can be calculated based on the number and time that the air outlets are open. Since the supply amount of such conditioned air changes depending on the number of workers and the degree of concentration / dispersion of the work locations, the operating state of the air conditioner 4 can be controlled according to the amount of change. The configuration may be such that information for this purpose is output to the controller 9.

[0066] <Fifth embodiment> Next, a fifth embodiment will be described. This embodiment is configured by adding a controller 9 to the fourth embodiment. The controller 9 controls the operating state of the air conditioner 4, and the air conditioner 4 may be a device having only a blowing function as described above, or may be an air conditioner in which the temperature is adjusted by the indoor unit 41 and the outdoor unit 42 as in the above example. There is no particular specification here.

[0067] As shown in Fig. 10, this embodiment is configured to include an operation controller 9 for controlling the air conditioner 4. This operation controller 9 includes an input unit 91, to which information processed by the processing device 200 described above (third embodiment) is input. The input information is mainly information related to the amount of conditioned air supplied within a predetermined time. The predetermined time is a time that is arbitrarily set in units of minutes or tens of minutes, and the amount of conditioned air supplied is calculated based on the number of air outlets opened during the predetermined time and the total opening time calculated based on the time.

[0068] The information input to the operation control controller 9 is input to a processing unit (calculation unit) 92, which determines the device output of the air conditioner 4 and outputs a control signal to the air conditioner 4 via an output unit 93. That is, the load factor of the air conditioner 4 is further calculated from the supply amount of the conditioned air value calculated by the processing device 8, and a control signal is output to change the device output of the air conditioner 4 so as to achieve the desired load factor.

[0069] Here, the load factor indicates the ratio of the demand to the supply capacity of the air conditioner 4. The load factor can be set arbitrarily in the range of about 75% to 100%, and the set value can be, for example, 80%, taking into consideration the margin for the supply of conditioned air. When the demand (total supply amount, etc.) of conditioned air for each predetermined time period (for example, 10 minutes) is calculated using such a set value and the load factor is calculated as a ratio to the supply capacity, if the load factor is 75%, the supply capacity is greater than the demand, so a control signal is output to suppress the device output. This makes it possible to reduce the supply capacity so that the load factor is 80%. On the other hand, if the load factor exceeds 90%, a control signal is output to increase the device output in order to increase the supply capacity.

[0070] In addition, when the air conditioner 4 is an air conditioner (having an indoor unit 41 and an outdoor unit 42), the demand naturally depends on the set temperature of the conditioned air, so the demand when calculating the load factor is calculated based on the energy required to adjust the conditioned air to the set temperature and the total supply amount to be supplied, etc. In this case, the output control for the outdoor unit 42 is mainly performed by controlling the operating state of the compressor or the fan, or both.

[0071] In this way, the operating state of the air conditioner 4 can be controlled at an appropriate load factor depending on the amount of conditioned air supplied, thereby avoiding operation at excessive device output and thereby maintaining power consumption at the minimum necessary level.

[0072] <Usage> Next, the use of the above embodiment will be described. FIG. 11 is a diagram showing a state in a plan view while simplifying the image diagram shown in FIG. 1. Note that the air conditioners 4 are modified to be disposed on both sides of the air-conditioning controlled area E. Also, it is assumed that conditioned air flows through the shaded area in the figure. In this use form, for example, as shown in FIG. 11(a), it is assumed that two work lines B1 and B2 are provided in a square room (air-conditioning controlled area E). It is assumed that a total of six workers X1 to X3 and Y1 to Y3 are arranged in such an air-conditioning controlled area E, three workers on each line B1 and B2, and are working. The workers X1 to X3 and Y1 to Y3 may be detected by processing images captured by a camera (first embodiment), or may be detected by using a human sensor (pyroelectric infrared sensor) in combination (second embodiment) or a transceiver in combination (third to fifth embodiments).

[0073] As shown in Fig. 11(a), conditioned air is supplied to each of the lines B1, B2 from an individual air conditioner (blower) 4, and is sent in the longitudinal direction of the lines B1, B2 by air supply ducts 1a, 1b. Branch ducts 2a1,...,2a10,2b1,...,2b10 are arranged symmetrically in the air supply ducts 1a, 1b, and outlets 3a1-3b10 are provided at the ends of the branch ducts 2a1-2b10, respectively, so that they can be opened and closed. The outlets 3a1-3b10 are opened and closed by an electric shutter, and the outlets 3a1-3b10 are opened and closed by the operation of the electric shutter.

[0074] In the above configuration, for example, among the workers X1 to X3 working on the first work line B1, the first worker X1 works halfway between the first air outlet 3a1 and the second air outlet 3a2, but is close to the second air outlet 3a2, and the human presence sensor or receiver installed at the second air outlet 3a2 may exceed a threshold value and detect the first worker X1, so only the second air outlet 3a2 is opened to supply conditioned air to the first worker X1.

[0075] Similarly, the second worker X2 is detected by a human sensor or receiver installed at the fourth air outlet 3a4, and only the fourth air outlet 3a4 is opened, while the third worker X3 opens the sixth air outlet 3a6. The same applies to the workers Y1 to Y3 working on the second work line B2.

[0076] Here, in the case of a second worker Y2 working on the second work line B2, who is located between the seventh outlet 3b7 and the eighth outlet 3b8, the detection values ​​of both human sensors or receivers may exceed the threshold. In such a case, by opening both outlets 3b7 and 3b8, it is possible to supply suitable conditioned air to the worker Y2. Note that in the case where the supply amount of conditioned air can reach an intermediate position and the configuration has a processing device 8 (third or fourth embodiment), it is possible to open only a single outlet (3b7 in the above example) by setting in advance to select only one of them, for example, to give priority to the side closer to the air conditioner 4.

[0077] 11(a), it is assumed that the length of each side of the air-conditioned area E is 20 m, and that the individual air outlets 3a1-3a10, 3b1-3b10 are spaced about 4 m apart. In such a case, it is highly likely that the workers X1-X3, Y1-Y3 will work in positions intermediate between the individual air outlets 3a1-3a10, 3b1-3b10, and it is also assumed that in rare cases, all of the workers X1-X3, Y1-Y3 will receive a supply of conditioned air from the two air outlets on both sides.

[0078] Therefore, as shown in FIG. 11(b), by providing additional air outlets 3c1, 3c2, . . . , 3c8, 3d1, 3d2, . . . , 3d8 between the air outlets 3a1-3a10 and 3b1-3b10, the interval between adjacent air outlets can be set to about 2 m. When the interval is reduced in this way, as shown in the figure, the workers X1-X3 and Y1-Y3 work near one of the air outlets, and can receive conditioned air from only one of the air outlets. Note that such intervals between the air outlets are not limited to the above values, and can be set appropriately and arbitrarily in consideration of the size of the air-conditioned area E, the content of the work, the number of workers, and the like.

[0079] Here, we will briefly explain the air conditioning efficiency of the spot air conditioning system in the above-mentioned usage mode. Assuming that air conditioning is performed in an air conditioning controlled area E as shown in Fig. 11(a), in this case, if the entire room (air conditioning controlled area E) with a length of one side of 20 m is to be air-conditioned, the air conditioning efficiency (cooling efficiency) for the air conditioning controlled area E is 400 m2. 2 The required cooling capacity is 120kW (heat load 300W / m 2 ) or more, and the air conditioning equipment selection is 44 horsepower. 2 This would require a large capacity for air conditioning for six workers X1 to X3 and Y1 to Y3 working in the same room.

[0080] In contrast, when spot air conditioning is adopted, assuming that ten air outlets 3a1 to 3a10 are provided at appropriate intervals as shown in FIG. 11(a), the air flow rate from all the air outlets 3 is approximately 15 m per minute. 3 (Outlet diameter 200mm (cross-sectional area 0.0314m) 3 ), and a wind speed of 8 m / s) is supplied, the total blowing capacity is 150 m per minute per line (10 blowing outlets). 3 Therefore, the air conditioning equipment must be selected to have a horsepower of 20. For two lines, air conditioning equipment with a total power of 40 horsepower is required.

[0081] For both of the above air conditioning efficiencies, if it is assumed that conditioned air is supplied from only a limited number of outlets, the volume of conditioned air that should be supplied from each outlet is the same as above, about 15 m per minute. 3 If three air outlets can be selected on one line, the total supply capacity will be about 45 m per minute. 3 Therefore, an air conditioning unit with 5 horsepower can be selected, and even two lines can be air-conditioned using a 10 horsepower air conditioning unit.

[0082] According to the calculations of air conditioning efficiency as mentioned above, the air conditioning equipment to be used can be reduced in size by about 1 / 4, from 44 horsepower to 10 horsepower. It is clear that the use of such a small air conditioning equipment can reduce the amount of power consumption.

[0083] <Summary> As exemplified in the above embodiment, in the present invention, conditioned air is supplied to workers from the terminal outlets branched by spot air conditioners using a batch supply branching method, so it is possible to reduce power consumption compared to when temperature control is performed for the entire air-conditioned area. Furthermore, because the outlets are opened only in the areas where workers are present, the total amount of conditioned air discharged from the spot air conditioners can be reduced, making it possible to make the air conditioners smaller and less labor-intensive. As a result, it is possible to reduce power consumption.

[0084] Furthermore, in the case of an embodiment in which a controller is provided, if the load factor is calculated and the output of the device is adjusted according to the load factor, the amount of time the air conditioner is operated more than necessary can be reduced, making it possible to further reduce power consumption.

[0085] <Modifications, etc.> Although the embodiment of the present invention is as described above, the present invention is not limited to the above embodiment. Therefore, the elements constituting the above embodiment may be changed, or other elements may be added. For example, in the first embodiment, when a monitoring area Q is set in an image captured by the camera 5, one camera 5 is provided for each of the air outlets 3 (FIG. 4), and a separate monitoring area Q is set for each of the air outlets 3 (FIG. 3). However, the surrounding conditions of multiple air outlets may be captured by one camera 5, and multiple monitoring areas Q may be set for the air outlets 3 within the captured range.

[0086] That is, by installing the camera 3 at a high position (for example, on the ceiling or above the air supply duct), for example, in the case where the surroundings of a plurality of air outlets 3a1, 3a2, 3a3 (three air outlets are illustrated in the figure) can be photographed simultaneously as shown in Fig. 12(a), boundary lines R1, R2, R3 are set within an appropriate range from each of the air outlets 3a1 to 3a3, and the areas surrounded by these are set as monitoring areas Q1, Q2, Q3. When the detection target (worker) X1, X3 is located at a position overlapping the boundary lines, the air outlets 3a1, 3a3 that manage the monitoring areas Q1, Q3 where the overlapping images are obtained can be opened. At this time, the air outlets 3a1 to 3a3 and the monitoring areas Q1 to Q3 are made to correspond to each other so that the respective monitoring areas Q1 to Q3 are managed separately in the control unit.

[0087] When simultaneously photographing the surroundings of the above-mentioned multiple air outlets 3a1, 3a2, 3a3 (the figure illustrates three air outlets), the individual monitoring areas Q1 to Q3 may be configured to overlap adjacent ones as shown in FIG. 12(b). In such a case, among the individual monitoring areas Q1 to Q3, it is possible to set monitoring areas Q12 and Q23 that overlap adjacent positions. In such a setting method, for example, when a detection target (worker) X2 is photographed at the position of the overlapping monitoring area Q23, the detection target (worker) X2 is detected in both adjacent monitoring areas Q2 and Q3, and the two air outlets 3a2 and 3a3 are opened. In such a state, conditioned air is supplied to the worker X2 from both sides, which can be a preferable state in terms of the working environment.

[0088] Also, the control related to the various control systems can be configured to use a single personal computer. In this case, the processing device 200 (FIG. 9) in the fourth embodiment can be controlled by the same control device as the control unit (control device) 100 (FIG. 5) in the first embodiment, and further, the operation control controller 9 (FIG. 10) in the fifth embodiment can be processed in the same manner.

[0089] Furthermore, in the fourth or fifth embodiment, the data stored in the memory unit 202 of the processing device 200 or the memory unit 94 of the controller 9 can be output to an external processing device online, or may be output to a storage medium. Furthermore, a network may be constructed so that the data is stored in a cloud server. In the above embodiment, the air conditioner 4 (indoor unit 41) is a floor-standing type, but a ceiling-mounted type may also be used. Various signals may be transmitted and received between the receiver and the processing device by wire, or wirelessly. [Explanation of symbols]

[0090] 1 Air supply duct 2,21,22,23,24,25,2a1~2a10,2b1~2b10 Branch duct 3,31,32,33,34,35,3a1~3a10,3b1~3b10,3c1~3c8,3d1~3d8 Air outlet 4 Air conditioner 5,51,52,53,54,55 Camera 6. Shutter structure 7 Control section 8,81,82,83,84,85 Pyroelectric infrared sensor or receiver 9 Controller (operation control controller) 41 Indoor unit 42 Outdoor unit 50 Transmitter 60 Main body of shutter structure 61 Shutter section 62 Rotational Axis 71 Motor 72 Electromagnetic Switch 91,201 Input section 94,204 Storage section 92,202 Processing section (calculation section) 93,203 Output section 100 Control unit (control device) 101 Input Interface 102 Judgment section (calculation section) 103 Storage section 104 Output Interface 200 Processing equipment α Pyroelectric infrared sensor FOV (field of view) β Detection area Factory A B1, B2 work line E. Air-conditioned area P Images etc. Q,Q1,Q2,Q3 Monitoring area R,R1,R2,R3 border X,Y,Z,X1,X2,X3,Y1,Y2,Y3 Operator

Claims

1. In spot air conditioning, the air used for air conditioning is sent and discharged individually from multiple air outlets into the air-conditioned area. The system includes an image capturing means for capturing an image or video of the periphery of the plurality of air outlets, a shutter unit for enabling each of the plurality of air outlets to be opened and closed, and a control unit for detecting the presence or absence of a detection target in a monitoring area in which an area in which the detection target is to be detected is preset within a capture range captured as an image or video by the image capturing means, and for operating the shutter unit based on the detection result, The control unit is configured to control the shutter unit to open the air outlet when it detects the presence of the detection object within the monitoring area, and to operate the shutter unit to close the air outlet when it does not detect the presence of the detection object within the area.

2. Further, one or more human presence sensors are installed near each of the plurality of air outlets and detect a person working in the air-conditioning controlled area, The spot air conditioning system described in claim 1, wherein the control unit, while taking the detection result of the detection object within the monitoring area as a condition, operates the shutter unit to maintain the air outlet in an open state when the detection value detected by one or more of the human presence sensors exceeds a predetermined intensity, and operates the shutter unit to close the air outlet when the detection value is below the predetermined intensity.

3. The system further includes a portable transmitter that is worn by a person working in the air-conditioning controlled area and transmits specific radio waves, and a receiver that is installed near each of the plurality of air outlets and receives the radio waves transmitted by the portable transmitter, Each of the receivers installed near the plurality of air outlets is capable of detecting the strength of radio waves transmitted from the portable transmitter, The spot air conditioning system of claim 1, wherein the control unit operates the shutter unit to open and close the air outlet based on the intensity of radio waves detected by the receiver, while taking into account the detection results of the detection object within the monitoring area.

4. 4. The spot air-conditioning system according to claim 3, wherein the receiver simultaneously receives radio waves transmitted from one or more of the portable transmitters and is capable of individually detecting the strength of the received radio waves.

5. The spot air conditioning system of claim 4 further comprises a processing device for processing the received information received by the receiver, the processing device taking the strength of the radio waves received from the portable transmitter for each receiver installed at the multiple air outlets as an input value, and outputting a signal to the operation unit to open the air outlet when the strength exceeds a predetermined strength, and outputting a signal to the operation unit to close the air outlet when the strength is below the predetermined strength.

6. The spot air conditioning system described in claim 5, wherein the processing device calculates changes in the position of the portable transmitter from changes in the strength of the radio waves received by each portable transmitter at each receiver installed at a plurality of air outlets, and calculates the movement trajectory of a person working within the air-conditioning controlled area based on the movement state and time information of the portable transmitter, and stores the movement trajectory.

7. The spot air conditioning system of claim 5 or 6 further comprises a controller which calculates a load rate based on the input of output information output by the processing device to the operation unit, and controls the output of an air supply device which supplies air to be used for air conditioning based on the calculation result.

8. The spot air conditioning system of claim 5 or 6 further comprising an air conditioning device and a controller, the controller calculating a load rate based on input of output information output by the processing device to the operation unit, and controlling the output of the air conditioning device based on the calculation result.

Images