On-vehicle airconditioning control device, control method and control program

Abstract

To provide an on-vehicle air conditioning control device, a control method and a control program which can control an on-vehicle air conditioner in accordance with an interindividual difference between occupants.SOLUTION: An on-vehicle air-conditioning control device according to the present invention controls an on-vehicle air conditioner 6 on the basis of a body temperature estimated using a biological model. The biological model is represented by explanatory variables including at least an amount of perspiration and skin blood flow and includes a model formula that estimates a skin temperature as an objective variable, where the amount of perspiration is represented by a sub model formula defined using a plurality of parameters that vary in accordance with an interindividual difference. An on-vehicle air-conditioning system 1000 provided with the on-vehicle air-conditioning control device obtains skin blood flow of an occupant that is used when estimating a body temperature of the occupant using the biological model, obtains a skin temperature of the occupant, and determines values of the plurality of parameters on the basis of the obtained skin temperature of the occupant.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an on-board air conditioning control device, an on-board air conditioning control method, and an on-board air conditioning control program for controlling an on-board air conditioner that is mounted in a vehicle and adjusts the air inside the vehicle cabin. [Background technology]

[0002] To maintain a comfortable environment inside a vehicle, automotive air conditioners are known that blow conditioned air from outlets on the instrument panel or at the footwell. When regulating the interior environment using such an air conditioner, the occupants, who are heat sources, are cooled or heated by the air conditioner. Therefore, it is conceivable to control the air conditioner based on the heat balance of the occupants in the vehicle cabin. Because heat production can be explained thermodynamically, various biological models have been proposed. However, because the target organism (occupant) varies depending on factors such as age, gender, and physique (height, weight), the biological model must also take into account individual differences. Biological models that take into account parameters that represent these individual differences have also been proposed, and a method for calibrating these parameters according to the target organism has been proposed, for example, in Non-Patent Document 1.

[0003] In this non-patent document 1, the Gagge two-node model, which regards the human body as a sphere consisting of two layers, a deep part (deep layer) and a surface part (skin layer), is used as the living body temperature model (biological model), and the sweat rate and skin blood flow rate, two terms included in the polynomial skin temperature model, are each defined by an equation containing six parameters. The sweat rate and skin blood flow rate are most affected by individual differences, and the living body temperature model can be fitted to an individual by fitting (identifying) the sweat rate and skin blood flow rate to the individual. In determining (calibrating) the parameters for fitting the living body temperature model to an individual, parameters are calculated for all combinations in the search range (range to be calibrated), and the parameter values ​​that can calculate estimated values ​​of skin temperature closest to each actual measured value of skin temperature are determined as the parameters that fit the individual. [Prior art documents] [Non-patent literature]

[0004] [Non-Patent Document 1] Naoshi Hamatani, Akira Uchiyama, Teruo Higashino, "Proposal of a method for estimating deep body temperature based on a living body temperature model using a wearable sensor," Information Processing Society of Japan Research Report, 2014 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] In the Non-Patent Document 1, two of the six parameters are determined by actual measurements and environmental regulations, and the search range is set in 10% increments between the empirical default values ​​of 30% and 170%. In this case, the number of parameter combinations is 15. 4 = 50625 combinations. When attempting to apply the method of Non-Patent Document 1 to an in-vehicle air conditioning control device, it would normally take several tens of minutes to several hours for the calculations to be performed by a computer installed in the vehicle, making the method of Non-Patent Document 1 impractical.

[0006] The present invention has been made in consideration of the above-mentioned circumstances, and its purpose is to provide an in-vehicle air conditioning control device, an in-vehicle air conditioning control method, and an in-vehicle air conditioning control program that can control an in-vehicle air conditioning system according to individual differences between occupants. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] After extensive research, the inventors have found that the above object can be achieved by the following invention. Specifically, an on-board air-conditioning control device according to one aspect of the present invention is a device that controls an on-board air-conditioning device based on an occupant's body temperature estimated using a biological model, the biological model being represented by explanatory variables including at least a sweat rate and a skin blood flow rate, and including a model formula for estimating a skin temperature as a dependent variable, the sweat rate being represented by a sub-model formula defined using a plurality of parameters that vary depending on individual differences, and the device includes: a skin blood flow acquisition unit that acquires the skin blood flow rate of the occupant used to estimate the occupant's body temperature using the biological model; a skin temperature acquisition unit that acquires the skin temperature of the occupant; and a parameter processing unit that determines values ​​of the plurality of parameters based on the occupant's skin temperature acquired by the skin temperature acquisition unit. Preferably, in the above-mentioned on-board air-conditioning control device, the body temperature includes a core temperature and a skin temperature, and the sub-model formula for the sweat rate uses a plurality of parameters that vary depending on individual differences and is represented by explanatory variables including a core temperature that is an average of the core temperature and the skin temperature, and the skin temperature. Preferably, in the above-mentioned vehicle air conditioning control device, the parameter processing unit uses the biological model including the sub-model equation for the sweat rate to determine each of the occupant's skin temperatures corresponding to each combination for all combinations of each value of the plurality of parameters determined within a predetermined search range, and determines the values ​​of the plurality of parameters using the value of the combination corresponding to the skin temperature closest to the occupant's skin temperature acquired by the skin temperature acquisition unit from among the determined occupant's skin temperatures.

[0008] Such an on-board air conditioning control device acquires the occupant's skin blood flow rate, which is used to estimate the occupant's body temperature using a biological model, and therefore can reduce the number of unknown parameters and the amount of information processing required to determine the values ​​of multiple parameters (parameter values), allowing the multiple parameter values ​​to be determined in a shorter time. Therefore, the above-mentioned on-board air conditioning control device can determine multiple parameter values ​​within a practical range and control the on-board air conditioning device according to the individual differences of the occupant.

[0009] In another aspect, in the above-mentioned vehicle air conditioning control device, the skin temperature acquisition unit acquires the occupant's skin temperature in a time series for a predetermined length of time, and the parameter processing unit determines the values ​​of the multiple parameters based on the occupant's skin temperature in a time series for the predetermined length of time acquired by the skin temperature acquisition unit.

[0010] Such an in-vehicle air conditioning control device uses a time series of the occupant's skin temperature over a predetermined period of time, and can determine multiple parameter values ​​taking into account the changing trends in skin temperature, thereby more appropriately determining multiple parameter values.

[0011] In another aspect, in the above-mentioned vehicle air conditioning control devices, the parameter processing unit determines the values ​​of the multiple parameters at a predetermined time interval, and the predetermined time interval is set based on the inverse of the rate of change in the occupant's skin temperature acquired by the skin temperature acquisition unit.

[0012] The multiple parameter values ​​are affected by changes in physiological quantities (physiological quantity changes), and skin temperature is one of the physiological quantities. The above-mentioned vehicle air conditioning control device determines (re-determines, updates) the multiple parameter values ​​at predetermined time intervals, so it can track changes in the occupant's physiological quantities and more appropriately determine the multiple parameter values. The above-mentioned vehicle air conditioning control device sets this predetermined time interval based on the inverse of the rate of change in the occupant's skin temperature, so that when the physiological quantity changes significantly, the predetermined time interval is set relatively short, and when the physiological quantity changes significantly, the predetermined time interval is set relatively long, so that it can determine the multiple parameter values ​​at appropriate timing.

[0013] In another aspect, the above-mentioned vehicle-mounted air-conditioning control device further includes a vehicle cabin environment acquisition unit that acquires an environment of the vehicle cabin, and the parameter processing unit determines values ​​of the plurality of parameters at predetermined time intervals, and the predetermined time intervals are set based on the reciprocal of a rate of change of the vehicle cabin environment acquired by the vehicle cabin environment acquisition unit. Preferably, in the above-mentioned vehicle-mounted air-conditioning control device, the environment is the vehicle room temperature. Preferably, in the above-mentioned vehicle-mounted air-conditioning control device, the environment is the temperature of a wall portion that forms the vehicle cabin (wall temperature).

[0014] When the vehicle cabin environment (vehicle cabin environment) changes, physiological values ​​may also change. The vehicle air conditioning control device determines (re-determines, updates) multiple parameter values ​​at predetermined time intervals, so it can track changes in the occupant's physiological values ​​(changes in the vehicle cabin environment) and more appropriately determine multiple parameter values. The vehicle air conditioning control device sets this predetermined time interval based on the inverse of the rate of change in the vehicle cabin environment. Therefore, when the vehicle cabin environment changes significantly, the predetermined time interval is set relatively short, and when the vehicle cabin environment changes slightly, the predetermined time interval is set relatively long, so that the multiple parameter values ​​can be determined at appropriate timing.

[0015] In another aspect, the above-mentioned vehicle air conditioning control device further includes a window opening change acquisition unit that acquires changes in window opening, and the parameter processing unit determines whether there has been a change in the window opening based on the acquisition result acquired by the window opening change acquisition unit, and if the result of the determination indicates that there has been a change in the window opening, determines the values ​​of the multiple parameters.

[0016] When the window opening degree is changed, the vehicle interior environment may change. The above-mentioned vehicle air conditioning control device determines (re-determines, updates) the values ​​of multiple parameters when there is a change in the window opening degree, so that the multiple parameter values ​​can be determined at an appropriate time.

[0017] In another aspect, the above-mentioned vehicle air conditioning control device further includes an input unit for inputting settings for the vehicle air conditioning device, and the parameter processing unit determines values ​​of the plurality of parameters when settings for the vehicle air conditioning device are input via the input unit.

[0018] When the settings of the vehicle air conditioner are input, the operating state of the vehicle air conditioner may be changed, which may result in a change in the vehicle cabin environment.The vehicle air conditioning control device determines (re-determines, updates) the values ​​of multiple parameters when the settings of the vehicle air conditioner are input, so that the multiple parameter values ​​can be determined at an appropriate time.

[0019] In another aspect, in the above-mentioned vehicle air conditioning control devices, the parameter processing unit determines the values ​​of the multiple parameters when the difference between the occupant's skin temperature acquired by the skin temperature acquisition unit and the skin temperature estimated using the model formula of the biological model is greater than or equal to a judgment threshold.

[0020] Such an in-vehicle air conditioning control device determines (re-determines, updates) the values ​​of multiple parameters when there is a discrepancy between the acquired value and the estimated value of the skin temperature, thereby making it possible to estimate the skin temperature appropriately.

[0021] In another aspect, the above-mentioned vehicle air conditioning control device further includes a timer unit that measures the elapsed time from the start of startup of the vehicle air conditioner, and the parameter processing unit determines the values ​​of the plurality of parameters at predetermined time intervals and sets the predetermined time intervals based on the elapsed time measured by the timer unit. Preferably, in the above-mentioned vehicle air conditioning control device, the parameter processing unit sets the predetermined time intervals to be longer as the elapsed time measured by the timer unit is longer.

[0022] After the start of the vehicle air conditioning system, physiological changes usually transition from a transient state to an equilibrium state (stable state) over time. The vehicle air conditioning control device determines (re-determines, updates) multiple parameter values ​​at predetermined time intervals, allowing it to follow changes in the occupant's physiological changes and determine multiple parameter values ​​more appropriately. The vehicle air conditioning control device sets these predetermined time intervals based on elapsed time, allowing it to determine multiple parameter values ​​at appropriate timing according to the transition status of the physiological changes.

[0023] In another aspect, in the above-mentioned vehicle air conditioning control device, the biological model further includes sensible heat as an explanatory variable, and further includes a clothing surface temperature acquisition unit that acquires the temperature of the occupant's clothing surface to be used when estimating body temperature using the biological model.

[0024] The clothing surface temperature can be calculated based on the skin temperature and the sensible heat amount, and the sensible heat amount can be calculated based on the clothing surface temperature. When calculating the clothing surface temperature and the sensible heat amount, iterative calculations may be required until the clothing surface temperature and the sensible heat amount converge. Since the above-mentioned vehicle air conditioning control device acquires the clothing surface temperature, the iterative calculations are unnecessary, and the amount of information processing can be significantly reduced.

[0025] Another aspect of the present invention provides an in-vehicle air conditioning control method for controlling an in-vehicle air conditioning unit based on an occupant's body temperature estimated using a biological model, wherein the biological model is represented by explanatory variables including at least a sweat rate and a skin blood flow rate, includes a model formula for estimating a target variable, skin temperature, and the sweat rate is represented by a sub-model formula defined using a plurality of parameters that vary according to individual differences. The method further comprises a skin blood flow rate acquisition step for acquiring the occupant's skin blood flow rate used when estimating the occupant's body temperature using the biological model, a skin temperature acquisition step for acquiring the occupant's skin temperature, and a parameter processing step for determining values ​​of the plurality of parameters based on the occupant's skin temperature acquired in the skin temperature acquisition step.

[0026] This vehicle air-conditioning control method acquires the skin blood flow rate of the occupant, which is used to estimate body temperature using a biological model, thereby reducing the number of unknown parameters and the amount of information processing required to determine multiple parameter values, allowing multiple parameter values ​​to be determined in a short period of time. Therefore, the vehicle air-conditioning control method can determine multiple parameter values ​​within a practical range and control the vehicle air conditioner according to individual differences between occupants.

[0027] Another aspect of the present invention is an in-vehicle air conditioning control program that controls an in-vehicle air conditioning device based on the body temperature of an occupant estimated using a biological model, and is a program that causes a computer to function as any of the in-vehicle air conditioning control devices described above.

[0028] This makes it possible to provide an on-board air-conditioning control program, which has the same effects as the above-mentioned on-board air-conditioning control devices. [Effects of the Invention]

[0029] The vehicle air conditioning control device, vehicle air conditioning control method, and vehicle air conditioning control program according to the present invention can determine multiple parameter values ​​within a practical range and can control the vehicle air conditioning device according to individual differences between occupants. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0030] [Figure 1] 1 is a block diagram showing an electrical configuration of an in-vehicle air conditioning system according to an embodiment; [Figure 2] 2 is a diagram illustrating a passenger compartment of a vehicle equipped with the vehicle-mounted air conditioning system. FIG. [Figure 3] FIG. 10 is a diagram for explaining a predetermined time interval for determining a parameter. [Figure 4] 4 is a flowchart showing an operation relating to vehicle air conditioning control in the vehicle air conditioning system. [Figure 5] 5 is a flowchart showing operations relating to the calculation and update of parameters in process S4 shown in FIG. 4. [Figure 6] 3A and 3B are diagrams for explaining the effects of the vehicle air conditioning system; DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0031] Hereinafter, one or more embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. However, the scope of the invention is not limited to the disclosed embodiments. In addition, components with the same reference numerals in each drawing indicate the same components, and their description will be omitted as appropriate. In this specification, when referring to a general term, a reference numeral without a subscript is used, and when referring to an individual component, a reference numeral with a subscript is used.

[0032] (Inventor's Knowledge) When multiple parameters that vary depending on individual differences are estimated for all combinations within a search range and the values ​​of the multiple parameters (parameter values) that give the estimated values ​​closest to the actual measured values ​​are determined, the number of unknown parameters can be reduced, thereby reducing the amount of information processing and shortening the processing time. As an example, consider the method described in Non-Patent Document 1. Of the six parameters, Non-Patent Document 1 actually measures tympanic membrane temperature (core temperature) and skin temperature and limits the environment to a hot environment, thereby reducing the number of parameters by two, and determining the remaining four unknown parameter values. When attempting to use this method to control an in-vehicle air conditioning system, it is difficult to actually measure the occupant's tympanic membrane temperature, and since vehicles also travel in cold regions, it is difficult to limit the environment. As a result, all six parameters may become unknown. Therefore, the magnitude (degree of influence) of the influence of each factor required to determine the six parameter values, such as skin temperature, tympanic membrane temperature, air temperature (vehicle interior temperature), and surface blood flow, on the amount of information processing was examined. As a result, it was discovered that by actually measuring skin temperature, air temperature (car room temperature), and surface blood flow, it is possible to reduce three of the six parameters, significantly reducing the amount of information processing. This eliminates the need to measure eardrum temperature and restrict the environment, making it possible to apply this to the control of vehicle air conditioning systems. Therefore, it becomes possible to generate a biological model specific to the occupant within a practical range, and to control the vehicle air conditioning system according to the individual differences of the occupant.

[0033] (Embodiment) The vehicle air conditioning control device in this embodiment controls the vehicle air conditioning system based on the occupant's body temperature estimated using a biological model. The biological model is represented by explanatory variables including at least sweat rate and skin blood flow rate, and includes a model formula for estimating the skin temperature as a response variable. The sweat rate is represented by a sub-model formula defined using multiple parameters that vary depending on individual differences. The vehicle air conditioning control device includes a skin blood flow rate acquisition unit that acquires the occupant's skin blood flow rate used to estimate the occupant's body temperature using the biological model, a skin temperature acquisition unit that acquires the occupant's skin temperature, and a parameter processing unit that determines the values ​​of the multiple parameters based on the occupant's skin temperature acquired by the skin temperature acquisition unit. Below, the vehicle air conditioning control device, as well as the vehicle air conditioning control method and vehicle air conditioning control program implemented therein, will be described in more detail using an vehicle air conditioning system equipped with such a vehicle air conditioning control device.

[0034] FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing the electrical configuration of an in-vehicle air conditioning system according to an embodiment. FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating the cabin of a vehicle equipped with the in-vehicle air conditioning system. In FIG. 2, "FR" indicates the front of the vehicle, "RE" indicates the rear of the vehicle, "UP" indicates the upper side of the vehicle, and "LO" indicates the lower side of the vehicle. FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating a predetermined time interval for determining parameters. FIG. 3A is a schematic diagram showing the time changes of the vehicle interior temperature, head skin temperature, estimated values ​​of head skin temperature with calibration (with CB), and estimated values ​​of head skin temperature without calibration (without CB) in the case of heating. FIG. 3B shows the absolute value of the derivative of the time change of head skin temperature shown in FIG. 3A. FIG. 3C shows the reciprocal of the absolute value of the derivative shown in FIG. 3B. The horizontal axis of each of Figures 3A to 3C is time (elapsed time), the vertical axis of Figure 3A is temperature [°C], the vertical axis of Figure 3B is the temperature time change rate [°C / s], and the vertical axis of Figure 3C is time [s]. Figure 3D is a schematic diagram showing the time changes of the car room temperature, head skin temperature, estimated head skin temperature with calibration (with CB), and estimated head skin temperature without calibration (without CB) in the case of air conditioning. Figure 3E is the absolute value of the differential value of the time change of head skin temperature shown in Figure 3D, and Figure 3F is the reciprocal of the absolute value of the differential value shown in Figure 3E. The horizontal axis of each of Figures 3D to 3F is time (elapsed time), the vertical axis of Figure 3D is temperature [°C], the vertical axis of Figure 3E is the temperature time change rate [°C / s], and the vertical axis of Figure 3F is time [s].

[0035] The vehicle air conditioning system 1000 in the embodiment is a device that is mounted on a vehicle VC and controls the vehicle air conditioning device based on the body temperature of the occupant estimated by a biological model, and for example, as shown in Figures 1 and 2, it includes a skin blood flow sensor 1-1, a skin temperature sensor 1-2, a temperature sensor 1-3, a humidity sensor 1-4, a solar radiation sensor 1-5, a communication network 2, an interface unit (IF unit) 3, a control processing unit 4, a memory unit 5, and an air conditioning device 6.

[0036] The biological model is represented by explanatory variables including at least the amount of sweating and the amount of skin blood flow, and includes a model formula for estimating the skin temperature as a response variable, and the amount of sweating is represented by a sub-model formula defined using multiple parameters that vary depending on individual differences. This biological model will be described further below. The individual differences are represented, for example, by at least one of gender, age, and physique, and the physique is represented by height and weight. When the individual differences are represented by gender, age, and physique (height, weight), the individual differences are differences that occur between individuals due to differences in age, gender, and physique (height, weight).

[0037] The vehicle VC is provided with a front windshield FW that separates the interior and exterior of the vehicle. The front windshield FW is made of glass. The vehicle VC is also provided with a front door FD and a rear door (not shown). The front door FD is provided with an openable front side window FDa at the top and a front door trim FDb, which is an interior member, at the bottom. The rear door is similar, with an openable rear side window at the top and a rear door trim, which is an interior member, at the bottom. The vehicle VC is also provided with a front door and a rear door on the front side of the paper in Figure 2, but these are not shown in Figure 2. The rear window and other components provided on the rear side of the vehicle VC are also not shown in Figure 2. A room mirror RM is disposed above the front windshield FW, approximately in the center of the vehicle width direction, spaced apart from and supported by the ceiling.

[0038] A seat ST for an occupant OC is provided within the vehicle interior. Note that Fig. 2 only shows the driver's seat ST where the driver sits. A passenger seat is also provided within the vehicle interior on the front side of Fig. 2, but is not shown in Fig. 2. The seat ST includes a seat cushion SC that forms the seat surface, a seat back SB that serves as a backrest and whose lower end (one end) is attached to the rear end (other end) of the seat cushion SC, and a pillow-shaped headrest HR that is attached to the upper end (other end) of the seat back SB.

[0039] A steering wheel SW is disposed in front of the seat back SB of the seat ST, and is positioned so that the driver (occupant OC) seated in the seat ST can grasp the steering wheel SW by extending his / her arms.

[0040] An instrument panel IP is provided below the front end of the front windshield FW in the vehicle interior. The instrument panel IP is provided with a meter cluster for displaying various information related to the driving of the vehicle VC, an input unit for inputting various command information, etc. This input unit also includes an input unit (not shown) for the occupant OC to input instructions related to the air conditioning system (vehicle air conditioning system) 6.

[0041] The air conditioner (HVAC; Heating, Ventilation, and Conditioning) 6 is an on-board air conditioner mounted on the vehicle VC, connected to the control processing unit 4, and adjusts the air in the vehicle compartment CB in accordance with control signals from the control processing unit 4. The air conditioner 6 blows out conditioned air from a first air outlet 7-1 (7-11 to 7-14) provided at the front of the vehicle compartment CB, and blows out conditioned air from a second air outlet 7-2 for the feet, for example. These first and second air outlets 7-1 and 7-2 are provided in the same manner as in a typical vehicle. For example, the first air outlet 7-1 includes 1A and 1B air outlets 7-11 and 7-12 for the driver's seat and 1C and 1D air outlets 7-13 and 7-14 for the passenger's seat. The 1A and 1B air outlets 7-11 and 7-12 are provided on the instrument panel IP at positions on the left and right sides of the steering wheel SW, respectively. The 1C and 1D air outlets 7-13 and 7-14 are provided on the instrument panel IP at positions symmetrical to the 1B and 1A air outlets 7-12 and 7-11. The second air outlet 7-2 is provided at the bottom of the instrument panel IP so that conditioned air flows from the front to the rear along the floor. The air conditioner 6 is connected to the 1A to 1D air outlets 7-11 to 7-14 and the second air outlet 7-2 by ducts (communicating passages) or the like.

[0042] Skin blood flow sensor 1-1 is a sensor connected to communication network 2 that measures the skin blood flow (skin blood flow, surface blood flow) of occupant OC of vehicle VC. Skin blood flow sensor 1-1 is configured with, for example, a visible camera. The visible camera is, for example, a digital visible camera that includes an imaging optical system that forms an optical image of the object on a predetermined imaging plane, an image sensor that is positioned with its light-receiving surface aligned with the imaging plane and converts the optical image of the object into an electrical signal, and an image processing unit that processes the output of the image sensor to generate visible image data that represents a visible image (visible image) of the object. Skin blood flow sensor 1-1 outputs its measurement results (visible image data in the above example) to control processing unit 4 via communication network 2 and IF unit 3.

[0043] In this embodiment, as will be described later, the parameter processing unit 42 of the control processing unit 4 calculates the skin blood flow rate based on the visible image data, but alternatively, the skin blood flow sensor 1-1 itself may calculate the skin blood flow rate based on the visible image data and output this calculated skin blood flow rate to the control processing unit 4 via the communication network 2 and the IF unit 3.

[0044] Skin temperature sensor 1-2 is connected to communication network 2 and is a sensor that measures the skin temperature (skin temperature) of an occupant of vehicle VC. Skin temperature sensor 1-2 is configured, for example, with an infrared camera (thermography camera) for visualizing infrared rays emitted from an object. The infrared camera is, for example, a digital infrared camera that includes an imaging optical system that forms an infrared optical image of the object on a predetermined imaging plane, an image sensor that is positioned with its light-receiving surface aligned with the imaging plane and converts the infrared optical image of the object into an electrical signal, and an image processing unit that processes the output of the image sensor to generate infrared image data that represents an infrared image (infrared image) of the object. In the infrared image, the temperature of the object captured in each pixel is represented by the pixel value of the pixel. Skin temperature sensor 1-2 outputs its measurement result (infrared image data in the above example) to control processing unit 4 via communication network 2 and IF unit 3.

[0045] In this embodiment, as described below, the parameter processing unit 42 of the control processing unit 4 determines the skin temperature based on the infrared image data, but alternatively, the skin temperature sensor 1-2 itself may determine the skin temperature based on the infrared image data and output the determined skin temperature to the control processing unit 4 via the communication network 2 and the IF unit 3.

[0046] These skin blood flow sensor 1-1 and skin temperature sensor 1-2 are disposed in the vehicle interior so as to capture an image of a predetermined area (imaging area) including the head (e.g., face) of the driver (occupant OC) seated in seat ST. These skin blood flow sensor 1-1 and skin temperature sensor 1-2 are, for example, attached to the ceiling between the rearview mirror RM and the ceiling so as to be arranged side by side. Alternatively, for example, skin blood flow sensor 1-1 and skin temperature sensor 1-2 may be disposed at the end portion of the rearview mirror RM on the seat ST side.

[0047] The temperature sensor 1-3 is a sensor that is connected to the communication network 2 and measures the temperature inside the vehicle cabin (vehicle interior temperature). The temperature sensor 1-3 outputs the measurement result (vehicle interior temperature) to the control processing unit 4 via the communication network 2 and the IF unit 3.

[0048] The humidity sensor 1-4 is a sensor that is connected to the communication network 2 and measures the humidity inside the vehicle cabin (vehicle cabin humidity). The humidity sensor 1-3 outputs the measurement result (vehicle cabin humidity) to the control processing unit 4 via the communication network 2 and the IF unit 3.

[0049] The temperature sensor 1-3 and the humidity sensor 1-4 are disposed in the vehicle interior so as to be able to measure the vehicle interior temperature and humidity, respectively. For example, the temperature sensor 1-3 and the humidity sensor 1-4 are disposed on the instrument panel IP so as to be juxtaposed to each other.

[0050] The solar radiation sensor 1-5 is connected to the communication network 2 and is a sensor that measures the amount of solar radiation outside the vehicle cabin (for example, the amount of global solar radiation). The solar radiation sensor 1-5 is disposed outside or inside the vehicle cabin so as to face the sky. For example, the solar radiation sensor 1-5 is disposed at the front end portion of the instrument panel IP so as to face the sky through the front window FW. The solar radiation sensor 1-5 outputs its measurement result (amount of solar radiation) to the control processing unit 4 via the communication network 2 and the IF unit 3.

[0051] The communication network 2 is a transmission path for transmitting and receiving communication signals, communicably connecting the sensors 1-1 to 1-5 and the IF unit 3. For the communication network 2, for example, a CAN (Controller Area Network) standardized in the ISO11898 series is used.

[0052] The IF unit 3 is an interface circuit connected to the communication network 2 and the control processing unit 4, receives each communication signal from each of the sensors 1-1 to 1-5, outputs each piece of information (each piece of data) contained in each of the received communication signals to the control processing unit 4, contains the information output from the control processing unit 4 in a communication signal, and transmits the communication signal to the destination sensor 1.

[0053] The IF unit 3 corresponds to an example of a skin blood flow acquisition unit that acquires the skin blood flow of the occupant to be used when estimating the body temperature using the biological model. In this embodiment, the skin blood flow sensor 1-1 is connected to the control processing unit 4 via the communication network 2 and the IF unit 3, but it may also be connected to the control processing unit 4 by a signal line. In this case, the skin blood flow sensor 1-1 corresponds to another example of the skin blood flow acquisition unit.

[0054] Similarly, the IF unit 3 corresponds to an example of a skin temperature acquisition unit that acquires the skin temperature of the occupant. In this embodiment, the skin temperature sensor 1-2 is connected to the control processing unit 4 via the communication network 2 and the IF unit 3, but it may be connected to the control processing unit 4 by a signal line. In this case, the skin temperature sensor 1-2 corresponds to another example of the skin temperature acquisition unit.

[0055] The storage unit 5 is connected to the control processing unit 4 and is a circuit that stores various predetermined programs and various predetermined data under the control of the control processing unit 4. The various predetermined programs include, for example, a control processing program, which includes, for example, a control program, a parameter processing program, and an air conditioning control program. The control program controls each unit 1 (1-1 to 1-5), 3, and 5 of the in-vehicle air conditioning system 1000 according to the function of each unit. The parameter processing program determines the values ​​of the multiple parameters based on the skin temperature of the occupant OC acquired by the IF unit 3 from the skin temperature sensor 1-2 via the communication network 2. The air conditioning control program controls the air conditioner 6 based on the body temperature of the occupant OC estimated by a biological model using the multiple parameter values ​​determined by the parameter processing program. The various predetermined data include data required to execute each program, such as the weight and height of the occupant OC, basal metabolic rate, body heat transfer coefficient, and blood specific heat, which are used in the equations described below.

[0056] The storage unit 5 includes, for example, a ROM (Read Only Memory) which is a nonvolatile storage element, an EEPROM (Electrically Erasable Programmable Read Only Memory) which is a rewritable nonvolatile storage element, etc. The storage unit 5 also includes a RAM (Random Access Memory) which serves as a working memory for the control processing unit 4 and stores data generated during execution of the predetermined program, etc.

[0057] The control processing unit 4 is a circuit for controlling each unit 1 (1-1 to 1-5), 3, 5 of the vehicle air conditioning system 1000 according to the function of each unit, and for controlling the air conditioner 6. The control processing unit 4 is configured to include, for example, a CPU (Central Processing Unit) and its peripheral circuits. When the control processing program is executed in the control processing unit 4, a control unit 41, a parameter processing unit 42, and an air conditioning control unit 43 are functionally configured.

[0058] The control unit 41 controls each of the units 1 (1-1 to 1-5), 3, and 5 of the vehicle air conditioning system 1000 according to the function of each unit, and is in charge of overall control of the vehicle air conditioning system 1000.

[0059] The parameter processing unit 42 determines the values ​​of the plurality of parameters based on the skin temperatures of the occupant acquired by the IF unit 3 from the skin temperature sensor 1-2 via the communication network 2. More specifically, the parameter processing unit 42 calculates the skin temperatures of the occupant OC corresponding to each combination by using the biological model including the sub-model equation for the sweat rate for all combinations of the values ​​of each of the plurality of parameters determined within a predetermined search range, and determines the values ​​of the plurality of parameters from the values ​​of the combination of the skin temperatures of the occupant OC that is closest to the skin temperature of the occupant OC acquired by the IF unit 3 from the skin temperature sensor 1-2 via the communication network 2.

[0060] More specifically, the parameter processing unit 42 determines the multiple parameter values ​​as follows. In this embodiment, visible image data and infrared image data are transmitted from the skin blood flow sensor 1-1 and the skin temperature sensor 1-2, respectively, and the parameter processing unit 42 calculates the skin blood flow and skin temperature based on the visible image data and infrared image data, respectively. Therefore, this process will be explained first.

[0061] In this embodiment, as described above, in calculating the skin blood flow rate, the skin blood flow sensor 1-1 is disposed in the vehicle interior CB so as to capture an image of an imaging area including the head of the driver (occupant OC) seated in the seat ST. Therefore, the visible image (the image represented by the visible image data) captures not only the head but also other objects. Therefore, the area in the visible image where the head is captured is preset as the skin blood flow detection area, and the skin blood flow rate is calculated based on the color in the skin blood flow detection area. For example, a correspondence relationship between color and skin blood flow rate (skin blood flow correspondence relationship) is determined in advance from multiple samples, and the color in the skin blood flow detection area is converted to the skin blood flow rate using the skin blood flow correspondence relationship to calculate the skin blood flow rate. Alternatively, for example, a machine learning model (skin blood flow model) that estimates the skin blood flow rate from color is generated in advance, and the skin blood flow rate is estimated and calculated using the skin blood flow model from the color in the skin blood flow detection area. The color of the skin blood flow detection region may be, for example, an average color calculated for all pixels in the skin blood flow detection region. Alternatively, an average color calculated for a predetermined number of pixels in the skin blood flow detection region may be used. Alternatively, the color of the pixel located at the center of the skin blood flow detection region may be used. Alternatively, the greenest color of all pixels in the skin blood flow detection region may be used. Alternatively, when calculating the blood flow using a machine learning skin blood flow model, an image of the skin blood flow detection region may be used as is and input to the skin blood flow model. Note that since skin color varies depending on race, multiple skin blood flow correspondence relationships and multiple skin blood flow models corresponding to multiple races may be prepared in advance, and the occupant OC may input his or her race via the input unit, and the skin blood flow correspondence relationship and the skin blood flow model corresponding to the input race may be used.

[0062] Similarly, in calculating the skin temperature, not only the head but also other objects are captured in the infrared image of the skin temperature sensor 1-2 (the image represented by the infrared image data). For this reason, the area in the infrared image where the head is captured is preset as the skin temperature detection area, and the skin temperature is calculated based on the pixel values ​​(temperatures) of the pixels in the skin temperature detection area. For example, the average value of the pixel values ​​calculated for all pixels in the skin temperature detection area is taken as the skin temperature. Alternatively, for example, the average value of the pixel values ​​calculated for a predetermined number of pixels in the skin temperature detection area is taken as the skin temperature. Alternatively, for example, the pixel value of the pixel located at the center of the skin temperature detection area is taken as the skin temperature. Alternatively, for example, the maximum pixel value (maximum temperature, peak temperature) of all pixel values ​​in the skin temperature detection area is taken as the skin temperature.

[0063] In this embodiment, as will be described later, the temperatures (wall temperatures) of the members (compartment-forming members) that form the passenger compartment CB and the surface temperature (seat surface temperature) of the seat ST are used to estimate the body temperature, and the wall temperatures and the seat surface temperatures are therefore obtained from the infrared image of skin temperature sensor 1-2. The wall temperatures are used to calculate the amount of radiant heat received by the occupant OC from the compartment-forming members. Therefore, the compartment-forming members may be configured, for example, with a ceiling and peripheral wall portions, and an area in the infrared image that includes the ceiling is preset as a ceiling temperature detection area. The temperature of the ceiling (ceiling temperature) is obtained based on the pixel values ​​(temperatures) of the pixels in the ceiling temperature detection area. An area in the infrared image that includes a background portion relative to the occupant OC is preset as a peripheral wall temperature detection area, and the temperature of the peripheral wall (circumferential wall temperature) is obtained based on the pixel values ​​(temperatures) of the pixels in the peripheral wall temperature detection area. The ratio of the ceiling portion and the peripheral wall portion to the entire surroundings of the occupant OC is set in advance as an appropriate allocation ratio (weight), and the wall temperature is calculated as a weighted average of the ceiling temperature and the peripheral wall temperature ((wall temperature) = (weight of ceiling portion) × (ceiling temperature) + (1 - (weight of ceiling portion)) × (peripheral wall temperature)). For the seat surface temperature, an area in the infrared image where the seat surface is reflected is set in advance as a seat temperature detection area, and the temperature of the seat surface (seat surface temperature) is calculated based on the pixel values ​​(temperatures) of the pixels in the seat temperature detection area.

[0064] In this embodiment, for example, the Gagge two-node model is used as the biological model for calculating the parameters. This biological model regards the human body as a sphere consisting of two layers, the deep part and the body surface, and calculates the heat balance of the human body to determine the temperature of the deep part (core temperature) and the temperature of the body surface (skin temperature). In other words, the body temperature includes the core temperature and the skin temperature. The amount of heat stored in the deep part S cr [W / m 2 ] is expressed by the following equation 1a, and the amount of heat stored on the body surface S sk [W / m 2 ] is expressed by the following equation 1b. On the other hand, the heat storage amount S cr is the mass m at depth cr [kg] (= (body weight) × (78.3 / 81.7)), specific heat c cr and deep temperature change △T cr [℃] is expressed by the following formula 2a, and the amount of heat stored on the body surface S sk is the mass m on the body surface sk [kg] (= (body weight) × (3.4 / 81.7)), specific heat c sk and skin temperature change △T sk From these equations 1a, 1b, 2a and 2b, the deep temperature change △T cr and time series skin temperature change △T sk Therefore, the deep temperature T cr and skin temperature T sk is repeatedly calculated at a predetermined sampling interval, and the deep temperature change △T cr and skin temperature change △T sk To calculate the deep temperature T cr and skin temperature T sk As will be described later, the deep temperature change △T obtained at the previous sampling timing is used in cr and skin temperature change △T sk Deep temperature T cr and skin temperature T sk is used (T cr ←T cr +△T cr , T sk ←Tsk +△T sk ) In addition, the time series of deep temperature changes △T cr are the rate of change in deep temperature per unit time, with each time interval in the time series being a unit time, and the time-series skin temperature change ΔT sk is also the rate of change of skin temperature per unit time.

[0065]

number

[0066]

number

[0067] Here, Q met is the metabolic heat [W / m 2 ] and the basal metabolic rate M0 [W / m 2 ], its allocation ratio D met and shivering heat production M shiv [W / m 2 ], its allocation ratio D shiv The shivering heat production M is expressed by the following equation 3a. shiv is the initial value of the core temperature (core temperature set point) T cr_set [℃], core temperature T cr [℃], initial skin temperature (skin temperature set point) T sk_set [℃] and skin temperature T sk [℃], is expressed by the following formula 3b (shivering thermogenesis formula 3b): shiv [W / (m 2 ·°C)] is a coefficient of the shivering thermogenesis formula 3b. The basal metabolic rate M0 is set appropriately in advance. Alternatively, the basal metabolic rate M0 is defined in advance as a function of height and weight. The distribution ratio D met , D shiv is set appropriately in advance. Coefficient C of Shivering Heat Production Formula 3b shiv is set in advance based on known documents or multiple samples. max(a, b) is an operator that selects (outputs) the larger of a and b.

[0068] Wex is the external work of the crew OC [W / m 2 ] and is set appropriately in advance.

[0069] Q res is the amount of heat released from the body by breathing of the occupant OC [W / m 2 ] and metabolic heat Q met , saturated vapor pressure at depth P cr_set [Pa], vapor pressure of the cabin air P a [Pa], core temperature T cr and car temperature T a This is expressed by the following equation 3c (respiration heat dissipation equation 3c): C res1 [1 / Pa], C res2 [1 / ℃] are the first and second coefficients of the respiration heat dissipation formula 3c. Note that the saturated vapor pressure P cr_set and vapor pressure P a are calculated as follows: The first and second coefficients C resl , C res2 is set in advance based on publicly known documents or multiple samples.

[0070]

number

[0071] K T is the internal heat transfer coefficient [W / (m 2 ·℃)] and K T (T cr -T sk ) is the amount of heat conducted between the deep part and the surface of the body, and c bl is the specific heat of blood, and V bl is the skin blood flow [L / (hr m 2 )] and is expressed by the following equation 4 (blood flow equation 4): bl V bl (T cr -T sk ) is the amount of heat transported by blood flow between the deep part and the surface of the body. T and the specific heat of blood c bl is set in advance based on publicly known documents or multiple samples.

[0072]

number

[0073] where D bl is the blood flow rate V bl is the allocation ratio of C bl is the first coefficient of the blood flow equation (4) (resting blood flow rate) [L / (hr m 2 )] and C dil is the second coefficient (vasodilation coefficient) of the blood flow equation 4 [L / (hr m 2 ·°C)] and C str is the third coefficient (coefficient at vasoconstriction) [L / ℃] of the blood flow formula 4. bl are set appropriately in advance. bl , C dil , C str are examples of multiple parameters that vary depending on individual differences, and in this embodiment, these are three of the six parameters that vary depending on individual differences. When blood flow equation 4 is used, the first to third coefficients C bl , C dil , C str Therefore, in this embodiment, the blood flow equation 4 is not used, and the blood flow rate calculated from the visible image of the skin blood flow sensor 1-1 by the parameter processing unit 42 as described above is used. As a result, the first to third coefficients C bl , C dil , C str Since the blood flow rate of the occupant OC is actually measured, individual differences among occupants can be absorbed.

[0074] The actual blood flow rate obtained from the visible image of the skin blood flow sensor 1-1 may be used, or the corrected blood flow rate (= (correction coefficient) × (actually measured blood flow rate) corrected with a preset correction coefficient may be used. This correction coefficient may be one of multiple parameters that vary depending on individual differences. In this case, the correction coefficient varies little, so several values ​​such as 0.1, 1, and 1.1 may be used.

[0075] Qr is the amount of radiant heat emitted from the body surface [W / m 2 ], and the emissivity ε and the clothing surface area increase factor f cl , Stefan-Boltzmann constant σ (σ = 5.67 × 10 -8 [W / (m 2 ·K 4 )], Gebhart absorption coefficient B, clothing surface temperature T cl [℃] and wall temperature T w Q is expressed by the following formula 5b in [℃]. cnv is the amount of convective heat loss from the body surface [W / m 2 ] and the clothing surface area increase rate f cl , the convective heat transfer coefficient h c [W / (m 2 ·K), clothing surface temperature T cl and car temperature T a Q is expressed by the following formula 5c in [℃]. cond is the amount of heat transferred from the body surface through clothing [W / m 2 ] and the clothing surface area increase rate f cl , the thermal conductance G between the clothing and the seat ST cond , clothing surface temperature T cl and the seat surface temperature T sf Q is expressed by the following formula 5c in [℃]. s is the amount of heat received from solar radiation [W / m 2 ]. The amount of radiative heat Q r , convection heat loss Q cnv , contact heat conduction heat quantity Q cond and solar radiation Q s The sensible heat quantity Q is calculated as shown in the following equation 5a. dry These emissivity ε and clothing surface area increase rate f cl , Gebhart absorption coefficient B, convective heat transfer coefficient h c and thermal conductance G cond is set in advance based on publicly known literature or multiple samples. w and the seat surface temperature T sf In this embodiment, as described above, the vehicle temperature T is obtained from the infrared image of the skin temperature sensor 1-2. a The measurement results of the temperature sensors 1-3 are used for the solar radiation Qs The measurement results of the solar radiation sensor 1-5 are used.

[0076]

number

[0077] Sensible heat Q dry and clothing surface temperature T cl The skin temperature T sk and the amount of clothing worn by the crew member OC (the thermal resistance of clothing) I cl The amount of clothing I is expressed by the following equation (6) using [clo]. cl is set in advance based on publicly known documents or multiple samples.

[0078]

number

[0079] In this embodiment, the heat balance is considered as a whole human body, from "deep tissue - skin - environment", so the clothing surface area increase rate f cl and convective heat transfer coefficient h c By inputting the above values, the sensible heat quantity Q dry is obtained, and as a result, the clothing surface temperature T cl is required.

[0080] On the other hand, as will be described later in the first modified embodiment, when the heat balance is considered by dividing the human body into multiple parts, the clothing moisture permeability F pcl Since it is difficult to input the sensible heat quantity Q dry and clothing surface temperature T cl is obtained by iterative calculation of Equations 12 and 13 (described later) corresponding to Equations 5 and 6 until convergence occurs (until the convergence determination threshold is reached or less).

[0081] Qe is the latent heat of sweating (sensible perspiration + insensible perspiration) [W / m 2 ], and the wetness rate due to insensible perspiration and thermal sweating w, the clothing surface area increase rate f cl , clothing breathability efficiency F pcl, the material heat transfer coefficient h, which is the thermal conductivity associated with sweat evaporation e , saturated vapor pressure on the skin surface P sk_sat and the vapor pressure of the cabin air P a The wetness rate w is expressed by the following equation 7a. dif , clothing surface area increase rate f cl , clothing breathability efficiency F pcl , material heat transfer coefficient h e , latent heat of vaporization C vw (=2430[kJ / kg]; at 30[℃]), thermal sweating rate m rsw , saturated vapor pressure on the skin surface P sk_sat and the vapor pressure of the cabin air P a The amount of thermal sweating m rsw is the distribution ratio D of the amount of thermal sweating rsw , the deep temperature T cr and skin temperature T sk The average of the internal body temperature T b [°C], the initial value of the internal body temperature (internal body temperature set point) T b_set [℃], skin temperature T sk , and the initial value of the skin temperature (skin temperature set point) T sk_set This is expressed by the following formula 7c (thermal sweating formula 7c): C sw1 , C sw2 are the first and second coefficients of the thermal sweating equation 7c. b is the weight when averaging the deep body temperature and the skin temperature, and is the body surface ratio (skin layer ratio), and is expressed by the following equation 7f. The cabin humidity RH measured by the humidity sensor 1-3 is expressed by P a =RH×P a_sat The vapor pressure of the cabin air P a Here, the cabin humidity RH is a dimensionless number, and P a_sat is the saturated vapor pressure of the passenger compartment air, and is calculated based on the vehicle room temperature Ta measured by the second temperature sensor 1-2 using a known method such as the Antoine equation or the Sonntag equation. a is used in Equations 3c, 7a, and 7b. Clothing moisture permeability F pcl and the wetness rate for insensible perspiration w difis set in advance based on publicly known literature or multiple samples. rsw is set appropriately in advance.

[0082]

number

[0083] In this embodiment, the initial value of the skin temperature (skin temperature set point) T sk_set and Nos. 1 and 2C sw1 , C sw2 are examples of a plurality of parameters that vary depending on individual differences, and in this embodiment, these three parameters are calculated. More specifically, the parameter processing unit 42 calculates T sk_set , C sw1 , C sw2 For all combinations in the search range of sk The skin temperature T sk Among these, the skin temperature T closest to the actual skin temperature measured by the skin temperature sensor 1-1 is selected. sk The skin temperature T sk T corresponding to sk_set , C sw1 , C sw2 The search range is, for example, T sk_set , C sw1 , C sw2 However, usually, each possible value T sk_set_0 , C sw1_0 , C sw2_0 The range is from 0.5 times (50[%]) to 1.5 times (150[%]) of the center value (0.5 T sk_set_0 ≦T sk_set ≦1.5 T sk_set_0 , 0.5 C sw1_0 ≦C sw1 ≦1.5°C sw1_0 , 0.5 C sw2_0 ≦C sw2 ≦1.5°C sw2_0 ) and T sk_set , C sw1 , C sw2Each parameter value is set and all the combinations are determined.

[0084] For this purpose, the parameter processing unit 42 sk_set , C sw1 , C sw2 For each combination in the search range of sk_set , C sw1 , C sw2 The values ​​of the above and the values ​​obtained by the above-mentioned formulas 3 to 7 are used in the above-mentioned formula 1 to calculate the deep temperature S cr and skin temperature S sk and using the above equation 2, the deep temperature change △T cr and skin temperature change △T sk Ask for.

[0085] In this embodiment, the skin temperature sensor 1-2 generates skin temperatures (infrared image data) at a predetermined sampling interval (predetermined sampling period), thereby acquiring the time-series skin temperatures of the occupant OC. The parameter processing unit 42 calculates the plurality of parameter values, T sk_set , C sw1 , C sw2 Determine the values ​​of each of

[0086] Therefore, the parameter processing unit 42 calculates T cr and T sk For each, the deep temperature change △T cr and skin temperature change △T sk By adding them together, the next sampling timing (next step) T cr and T sk Find each (T cr ←T cr +△T cr , T sk ←T sk +△T sk ) This allows for time-series skin temperature T sk is estimated.

[0087] Actual measured time series skin temperature T sk and estimated time series skin temperature T sk The similarity between the measured time series skin temperature T and the actual skin temperature T is expressed by the so-called mean square error J, which is expressed by the following equation 8. sk The estimated time series skin temperature T with the smallest mean square error J sk is selected, and this selected skin temperature T sk T corresponding to sk_set , C sw1 , C sw2 In Equation 8, the estimated time series skin temperature T sk is T' sk It is represented as:

[0088]

number

[0089] In this embodiment, the parameter processing unit 42 determines the plurality of parameter values ​​at predetermined time intervals, and sets the predetermined time intervals based on the reciprocal of the rate of change in the skin temperature of the occupant OC acquired by the IF unit 3 from the skin temperature sensor 1-2 via the communication network 2. For example, the parameter processing unit 42 determines the first plurality of parameter values ​​after a predetermined length of time has elapsed after the air conditioning device 6 is started (after each measurement value in time series for a predetermined length of time is acquired for the first time), and thereafter determines the first plurality of parameter values ​​at the predetermined time intervals.

[0090] As shown in FIGS. 3A and 3D, respectively, in the heating and cooling modes, the vehicle interior temperature changes after the air conditioner 6 is turned on, and the head skin temperature (one of the physiological quantities) also changes accordingly. Because the parameter values ​​are affected by changes in physiological quantities (physiological quantities), it is preferable to determine (re-determine, update) the parameter values ​​relatively frequently when the head skin temperature changes significantly, and to determine (re-determine, update) the parameter values ​​relatively infrequently when the head skin temperature changes slightly. Therefore, here, the temporal change in head skin temperature is differentiated with respect to time to obtain the temporal change rate of the head skin temperature, as shown in FIGS. 3B and 3E, respectively. The predetermined time interval can be suitably set by calculating the reciprocal of the temporal change rate as the predetermined time interval, as shown in FIGS. 3C and 3F, respectively. For example, when the temporal change rate of the head skin temperature is greatest, the predetermined time interval is set to 2 s or 3 s, etc., and when the vehicle interior temperature is substantially stable, the predetermined time interval is set to 60 s or 90 s, etc.

[0091] The air conditioning control unit 43 controls the air conditioner 6 based on the body temperature estimated by a biological model using multiple parameter values ​​determined by the parameter processing unit 42. More specifically, the air conditioning control unit 43 calculates the comfort level (comfort level) of the occupant OC from the skin temperature of the body temperature estimated by the biological model, and controls the air conditioner 6 by adjusting the temperature and air volume of the conditioned air so that the calculated comfort level becomes a target comfort level. A known comfort model, such as SET* (standard effective temperature) or PMV (predicted mean thermal sensation vote), is used to calculate the comfort level. If the calculated comfort level is higher than the target comfort level, the air conditioning control unit 43 controls the air conditioner 6 by adjusting the temperature and air volume of the conditioned air to lower the comfort level and bring the comfort level to the target comfort level. If the calculated comfort level is lower than the target comfort level, the air conditioning control unit 43 controls the air conditioner 6 by adjusting the temperature and air volume of the conditioned air to raise the comfort level and bring the comfort level to the target comfort level. For example, the difference between the calculated comfort level and the target comfort level is divided into three levels: large, medium, and small. If the difference is large, both the temperature and air volume of the conditioned air are adjusted; if the difference is medium, the temperature of the conditioned air is adjusted first; and if the difference is small, the air volume of the conditioned air is adjusted first.

[0092] The IF unit 3, the control processing unit 4, and the storage unit 5 can be configured by a computer called an ECU (Electronic Control Unit).

[0093] In this embodiment, the IF unit 3, the control processing unit 4, and the storage unit 5 correspond to an example of an in-vehicle air-conditioning control device. Furthermore, as described above, in the case where the sensors 1-1 to 1-5 are connected to the control processing unit 4 by the respective signal lines, the sensors 1-1 to 1-5, the control processing unit 4, and the storage unit 5 correspond to another example of an in-vehicle air-conditioning control device.

[0094] Next, the operation of this embodiment will be described. Fig. 4 is a flowchart showing the operation related to the vehicle air-conditioning control in the vehicle air-conditioning system. Fig. 5 is a flowchart showing the operation related to the calculation and update of parameters in process S4 shown in Fig. 4.

[0095] When the vehicle VC starts operating, the in-vehicle air conditioning system 1000 initializes the necessary components and starts operating. By executing the control processing program, the control processing unit 4 is functionally configured with a control unit 41, a parameter processing unit 42, and an air conditioning control unit 43.

[0096] First, in the control of the air conditioner 6, when the air conditioner 6 is operating, the in-vehicle air conditioning system 1000 acquires each measurement result from each of the sensors 1-1 to 1-5 via the communication network 2 and the IF unit 3 at each control timing by the air conditioning control unit 43 of the control processing unit 4, and calculates three parameter values ​​C determined by the parameter processing unit 42. sw1 , C sw2 , T sk_set , and the body temperature (core temperature T cr , skin temperature T sk Next, the in-vehicle air conditioning system 1000 estimates the skin temperature T sk The comfort level of the occupant OC is calculated from the calculated comfort level, and the temperature and air volume of the conditioned air are adjusted to control the air conditioner 6 so that the calculated comfort level becomes the target comfort level. In this way, the air conditioner 6 is controlled.

[0097] In order to fit (identify) the multiple parameter values ​​in the biological model used to control this air conditioning device 6 to the occupant OC, when the vehicle VC starts operating, as shown in Figure 4, the measurement results of each sensor 1-1 to 1-5 are acquired and stored, and at the determination timing (time point) at which the multiple parameters are determined, it operates as shown in Figure 5.

[0098] More specifically, when the sampling timing arrives, the vehicle air conditioning system 1000 acquires each measurement result (visible image data, infrared image data, vehicle room temperature, vehicle cabin humidity, and solar radiation) from each sensor 1-1 to 1-5 via the communication network 2 and the IF unit 3 using the control unit 41 of the control processing unit 4 (S1).

[0099] Next, the control unit 41 of the in-vehicle air-conditioning system 1000 stores each measurement result acquired in step S1 in association with information indicating the time of acquisition (acquisition time information) in the storage unit 5 (S2). The acquisition time information is, for example, a serial number or time from the start of acquisition after operation.

[0100] Next, the vehicle air conditioning system 1000 determines whether it is time to determine the parameters using the parameter processing unit 42 of the control processing unit 4. For example, if a predetermined time has elapsed since the air conditioner 6 started operating, the parameter processing unit 42 determines that it is the first determination time, and if a predetermined interval has elapsed since the previous determination time, the parameter processing unit 42 determines that it is the second or subsequent determination time. For example, when determining (re-determining, updating) the parameters at the previous determination time, the parameter processing unit 42 functionally generates a timer in the control processing unit 4 that times out when the interval has elapsed, and determines whether it is time to determine the current determination time by determining whether the timer has timed out. If the determination result is not the determination time (No), the vehicle air conditioning system 1000 ends the processing at the current sampling time. On the other hand, if the determination result is the determination time (Yes), the vehicle air conditioning system 1000 ends the processing at the current sampling time after executing process S4. As a result, the time-series measurement results measured by the sensors 1-1 to 1-5 at predetermined sampling intervals are stored and accumulated in the memory unit 5. Note that the memory unit 5 may be configured to have a storage area (measurement result storage area) capable of storing the time-series measurement results for a time length that is longer than the predetermined time length by a margin, and the vehicle air-conditioning system 1000 may be configured so that the time-series measurement results are cyclically stored in the measurement result storage area of ​​the memory unit 5. This allows the storage capacity of the memory unit 5 to be used efficiently.

[0101] In the process S4, the in-vehicle air-conditioning system 1000 calculates a plurality of parameters that vary depending on individual differences using the parameter processing unit 42, and stores and updates the plurality of parameters in the storage unit 5.

[0102] More specifically, for each of all combinations of parameter values ​​in the search range, the parameter processing unit 42 calculates the body temperature (core temperature T cr, skin temperature T sk ) and calculate the body temperature at each sampling time in sequence as follows:

[0103] In FIG. 5, in this combination, the parameter processing unit 42 calculates the shivering heat production M shiv Calculate the metabolic heat Q using Equation 3a. met is calculated (S11).

[0104] Next, the parameter processing unit 42 calculates the amount of heat released outside the body due to breathing Q res is calculated (S12).

[0105] Next, the parameter processing unit 42 calculates the actual skin blood flow V based on the image of the skin blood flow detection region. bl is calculated (S13).

[0106] Next, the parameter processing unit 42 calculates the sensible heat quantity Q by using the formula 5 (formula 5a to formula 5d) and formula 6. dry and clothing surface temperature T cl Here, as mentioned above, the heat balance is considered as a whole body, "deep tissue - skin - environment", so the clothing surface area increase rate f cl and convective heat transfer coefficient h c By inputting the appropriate values, the sensible heat quantity Q dry is obtained, and as a result, the clothing surface temperature T cl is required.

[0107] Next, the parameter processing unit 42 calculates the latent heat of perspiration and evaporation Qe using equation 7 (equations 7a to 7f) (S15).

[0108] Next, the parameter processing unit 42 calculates the deep temperature T cr The skin temperature T is calculated using Equation 1b. sk is calculated (S16).

[0109] Next, the parameter processing unit 42 calculates the deep temperature change ΔT cr Calculate the skin temperature change △T using Equation 2b. skis calculated (S17).

[0110] Next, the parameter processing unit 42 calculates T cr and T sk For each, the deep temperature change △T cr and skin temperature change △T sk By adding each, T in the next step cr and T sk Find each (T cr ←T cr +△T cr , T sk ←T sk +△T sk , S18).

[0111] Next, the parameter processing unit 42 determines whether or not all of the body temperatures at each sampling timing during the predetermined time length have been obtained (S19). If the result of this determination is that all of the body temperatures have been obtained (Yes), the parameter processing unit 42 then executes step S20. On the other hand, if the result of the determination is that all of the body temperatures have not been obtained (No), the parameter processing unit 42 returns to step S11 to obtain the body temperature at the next sampling timing. Therefore, steps S11 to S19 are repeated until all of the body temperatures at each sampling timing during the predetermined time length have been obtained. As a result, the body temperatures at each sampling timing are sequentially obtained from the body temperatures at the sampling timings prior to the current sampling timing by the predetermined time length, and a time-series skin temperature T sk (T' in Eq. 8 sk ) is estimated.

[0112] In the process S20, the parameter processing unit 42 calculates the time-series skin temperature T sk As a result of this determination, the time-series skin temperature T skIf the result of the determination is "Yes", the parameter processing unit 42 next executes the process S21. On the other hand, if the result of the determination is "Yes", the time-series skin temperature T sk If the parameter processing unit 42 has not estimated the time-series skin temperature T sk Therefore, the process returns to step S11 to estimate the time-series skin temperature T sk The processes S11 to S20 are repeated until the time series of the skin temperature T sk is estimated.

[0113] In the step S21, the parameter processing unit 42 sets the plurality of parameter values. More specifically, the parameter processing unit 42 calculates the actually measured time-series skin temperature T sk and estimated time series skin temperature T sk The mean square error J of the following equation (8) is calculated as the similarity with the actual measured time series skin temperature T sk The estimated time series skin temperature T with the smallest mean square error J sk This selected skin temperature T sk The plurality of parameter values ​​of the combination corresponding to the above are determined.

[0114] Then, the parameter processing unit 42 stores the calculated parameter values ​​as the updated (re-determined) parameters, updates the parameter values, and ends this process. As a result, a biological model that fits (identifies) the occupant OC at this timing is generated.

[0115] As described above, the vehicle air conditioning control device provided in the vehicle air conditioning system 1000 in the embodiment, and the vehicle air conditioning control method and vehicle air conditioning control program implemented therein acquire the skin blood flow rate of the occupant OC used when estimating the body temperature of the occupant OC using a biological model, thereby reducing the number of unknown parameters and the amount of information processing required to determine multiple parameter values, allowing multiple parameter values ​​to be determined in a shorter time. Therefore, the vehicle air conditioning system 1000, vehicle air conditioning control device, vehicle air conditioning control method, and vehicle air conditioning control program can determine multiple parameter values ​​within a practical range and control the air conditioner (vehicle air conditioner) 6 in accordance with individual differences in the occupant OC (identified as the occupant OC).

[0116] FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating the effects of the vehicle air conditioning system. The horizontal axis of FIG. 6 represents time (elapsed time) [minutes], and the vertical axis represents temperature [°C]. FIG. 6 shows the time changes of the estimated deep body temperature, the measured deep body temperature, the estimated skin temperature with calibration (with CB), and the estimated skin temperature without calibration (without CB) when a living body moves from a room-temperature environment to a high-temperature environment. As shown in FIG. 6, while staying in the room-temperature environment, the measured deep body temperature and the measured skin temperature are substantially constant and stable because the living body is sufficiently exposed to the environment (Period A). When the living body moves from this room-temperature environment to a relatively high-temperature environment, physiological values, in this case body temperature, change due to the change in environment (Period B). Eventually, the living body acclimates to the new environment, and the measured deep body temperature and the measured skin temperature return to substantially constant values ​​and stabilize again (Period C).

[0117] The above-mentioned vehicle air conditioning system 1000, vehicle air conditioning control device, vehicle air conditioning control method, and vehicle air conditioning control program are configured to calculate a time-series skin temperature T sk For example, as shown in Figure 6, the skin temperature T sk Since the multiple parameter values ​​can be determined taking into consideration the change trend (trend) of the multiple parameter values, the multiple parameter values ​​can be determined more appropriately.

[0118] The multiple parameter values ​​are affected by changes in physiological quantities (physiological quantity changes), and skin temperature is one of the physiological quantities. The above-mentioned vehicle air-conditioning system 1000, vehicle air-conditioning control device, vehicle air-conditioning control method, and vehicle air-conditioning control program determine (re-determine, update) the multiple parameter values ​​at predetermined time intervals, so that they can follow changes in physiological quantities of the occupant OC, for example, as shown in FIG. 6, and more appropriately determine the multiple parameter values. The above-mentioned vehicle air-conditioning system 1000, vehicle air-conditioning control device, vehicle air-conditioning control method, and vehicle air-conditioning control program set the predetermined time intervals based on the skin temperature T sk 6, the predetermined time interval is relatively long during stable periods A and C, and the predetermined time interval is relatively short during transient period B, allowing the multiple parameter values ​​to be determined appropriately.

[0119] The air conditioning control system 1000 also controls the body temperature (core temperature T cr , skin temperature T sk ) may be used to control the air conditioner 6. However, as shown in FIG. cr does not change much over time and is a substantially constant value. Therefore, as in this embodiment, the skin temperature T sk Even if the air conditioner 6 is controlled based on the above, the air conditioner 6 can be effectively controlled so that the occupant OC feels comfortable.

[0120] In the above embodiment, the body temperature (core temperature, skin temperature) is estimated using a biological model of the occupant OC's body as a whole, but the human body may be divided into multiple parts, and each body temperature (core temperature, skin temperature) may be estimated using a biological model for each part (first modified embodiment). This allows for the generation of a biological model that is precisely tailored to the occupant OC for each part.

[0121] For example, the body of an occupant OC is divided into six regions: trunk OC1 (i=1), head OC2 (i=2), right arm OC3 (i=3) from the right shoulder to the hand, left arm OC4 (i=4) from the left shoulder to the hand, right leg OC5 (i=5) from the right foot to the waist, and left leg OC6 (i=6) from the left foot to the waist. Here, i (i=1 to 6) is a control variable representing each region. In this example, the body is divided into six regions, but the number of regions is arbitrary.

[0122] In this case, the skin blood flow sensor 1-1 and the skin temperature sensor 1-2 are arranged in the vehicle cabin so as to capture an image of an imaging area including the entire occupant OC seated in the seat ST. If a single sensor cannot capture the entire occupant OC in the imaging area, multiple skin blood flow sensors 1-1 and multiple skin temperature sensors 1-2 are arranged in the vehicle cabin.

[0123] Deep heat storage S cr,i The following equation 9a is used instead of the above equation 1a, and the amount of heat stored on the body surface S crsk,i In place of the above-mentioned formula 1b, the following formula 9b is used.

[0124] In determining the multiple parameters described with reference to FIG. 4, steps S11 to S22 shown in FIG. 4 are executed for each region i. In this case, in step S11, the following formulas 10a and 10b are used instead of the above-mentioned formulas 3a and 3b. In step S12, the following formula 10c is used instead of the above-mentioned formula 3c. The following formula 11 is an equation that replaces the above-mentioned formula 4, but in step S13 of this embodiment, the actually measured blood flow rate V bl、i is used. The blood flow rate at site a is V bl、a When the blood flow rate at site b is measured, V bl、b is V bl、a =D bl、a ·V bl , V bl、b =D bl、b ·V bl Therefore, V bl、b =(D bl、b / D bl、a )·V bl、a It can be calculated as follows. Note that the first coefficient Cbl is the blood flow rate at room temperature, so the blood flow rate at room temperature at part i is V bl、i The second coefficient C dil is obtained in a hot environment, and when the operator max in the numerator of Equation 11 is 0, the first coefficient C bl The third coefficient C str is obtained in a cold environment, and when the operator max in the denominator of Equation 11 is 0, the first coefficient C bl In this way, the first to third coefficients C bl , C dil , C str In step S14, the following equations 12 (12a to 12d) and 13 are used instead of the above-mentioned equations 5 (5a to 5d) and 6. Here, the sensible heat quantity Q dry,i and clothing surface temperature T cl,i is obtained by repeating the calculation of Equation 12 and Equation 13 until convergence (until it becomes equal to or less than the convergence determination threshold). In process S15, the following Equation 14 (Equation 14a to Equation 14f) is used instead of the above-mentioned Equation 7 (Equation 7a to Equation 7f). In process S16, the deep temperature T cr,i is calculated, and the skin temperature T sk,i In step S17, the following equation 15a is used instead of the above equation 2a, and the deep temperature change ΔT is calculated by this equation 15a. cr is calculated, and the following equation 15b is used instead of the above equation 2b. sk,i where A is the surface area of ​​the occupant OC (body surface area) [m 2 ] and C cr is the deep heat capacity [J / (℃ m 2 )], C sk、i is the heat capacity of the skin (body surface) at part i [J / (℃ m 2 )] and A i is the surface area of ​​part i [m 2 ], and Δt is the calculation interval time [s] for the skin temperature and the core temperature. The surface area A of the occupant OC is set in advance as a function of height and weight based on publicly known literature or multiple samples (for example, (surface area A) = (weight [kg])0.425 (Height [cm]) 0.715 71.84 (1 / 10000)). Deep heat capacity C cr is set in advance based on publicly known literature or multiple samples, regardless of the region i (common to each region i). The heat capacity C of the skin (body surface) at region i is sk、i is set in advance based on publicly known literature or multiple samples. The surface area A of the region i i is calculated as the area ratio of the region i to the body surface area A of the occupant OC, and the region surface area ratio of the region i is set in advance based on known documents or a plurality of samples. Then, in step S18, the parameter processing unit 42 calculates T cr and T sk,i For each, the deep temperature change △T cr and skin temperature change △T sk,i By adding each, the next step n+1 T cr and T sk,i Find each (T cr ←T cr +△T cr , T sk,i ←T sk,i +△T sk,i Then, steps S19 to S22 are executed in the same manner as described above, thereby generating a biological model for each part i that is fitted (identified) to the occupant OC.

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[0132] In this first modified embodiment, for example, a body temperature is calculated for each region i using a biological model for each region i, the average of the body temperatures for each region i is set as the body temperature of the occupant OC, and the air conditioning control unit 43 controls the air conditioner 6 based on this average body temperature (first embodiment). Note that the average may be a simple average or a weighted average obtained by averaging weights for each region i. Alternatively, for example, a body temperature is calculated for each region i using a biological model for each region i, and the air conditioning control unit 43 controls the air conditioner 6 based on the body temperature of each region i (second embodiment). More specifically, for example, the air conditioning control unit 43 calculates a comfort level for each region i based on the body temperature of each region i, and controls the air conditioner 6 by adjusting the conditioned air from the outlet that blows conditioned air to each region i so that the comfort level of the region i becomes a target comfort level (second embodiment 1). Alternatively, for example, the air conditioning control unit 43 calculates a comfort level for each part i based on the body temperature of each part i, and the average value (simple average value or weighted average value) of the comfort levels for each part i is used as the comfort level for controlling the air conditioner 6, and the air conditioning control unit 43 controls the air conditioner 6 based on this average comfort level (2 of the second aspect). Alternatively, for example, the air conditioning control unit 43 calculates a comfort level for each part i based on the body temperature of each part i, and the lowest comfort level among the comfort levels for each part i is used as the comfort level for controlling the air conditioner 6, and the air conditioning control unit 43 controls the air conditioner 6 based on this lowest comfort level (3 of the second aspect).

[0133] In the first modified embodiment, it is necessary to execute the iterative calculation of Equation 12 and Equation 13 in step S14 as described above. Therefore, the vehicle air conditioning system 1000 may further include a clothing surface temperature acquisition unit that acquires the temperature of the clothing surface of the occupant OC (clothing surface temperature of the occupant OC) used when estimating the body temperature using the biological model that further includes sensible heat quantity as an explanatory variable (second modified embodiment). According to this, the clothing surface temperature T cl is obtained, and by using Equation 12 (Equation 12a to Equation 12d) or Equation 13, the sensible heat quantity Q dry,i Since the above-mentioned iterative calculation is unnecessary, the amount of information processing can be significantly reduced.

[0134] In the example shown in FIG. 1, the clothing surface temperature T cl In this case, the area in which the trunk (clothing part) of the occupant OC is captured is set in advance as the clothing surface temperature detection area, and the clothing surface temperature T cl is calculated. If the clothing of the occupant OC is not captured in the infrared image used to calculate the skin temperature, the angle of view (focal length of the imaging optical system) of the infrared camera of skin temperature sensor 1-2 is changed so that the head and trunk (clothing) of the occupant OC are captured in the infrared image. Alternatively, for example, in addition to skin temperature sensor 1-2, a separate infrared camera may be provided in the vehicle interior so that the trunk (clothing) of the occupant OC is captured in the infrared image.

[0135] In the above-described embodiment, the predetermined time interval when determining (re-determining, updating) the plurality of parameter values ​​is set to be equal to or greater than the skin temperature T sk However, the present invention is not limited to this and may be set as follows, for example.

[0136] For example, the vehicle air conditioning system 1000 further includes a vehicle interior environment acquisition unit that acquires the environment of the vehicle interior CB, and the parameter processing unit 42 determines the values ​​of the plurality of parameters at predetermined time intervals, and the predetermined time intervals are set based on the reciprocal of the rate of change in the vehicle interior environment acquired by the vehicle interior environment acquisition unit (third modified embodiment). The environment is, for example, the vehicle interior temperature. In the example shown in FIG. 1, the vehicle interior temperature T a Alternatively, for example, the environment is the temperature (wall temperature) of the members forming the vehicle interior CB, and in the example shown in FIG. 1, the wall temperature T w is required. When the vehicle cabin environment (vehicle cabin environment) changes, physiological quantities may also change. The above-mentioned vehicle air conditioning system 1000, vehicle air conditioning control device, vehicle air conditioning control method, and vehicle air conditioning control program determine (re-determine, update) multiple parameter values ​​at predetermined time intervals, so they can track changes in the physiological quantities of the occupant OC (changes in the vehicle cabin environment) and more appropriately determine multiple parameter values. The above-mentioned vehicle air conditioning system 1000, vehicle air conditioning control device, vehicle air conditioning control method, and vehicle air conditioning control program set this predetermined time interval based on the reciprocal of the rate of change in the vehicle cabin environment. Therefore, when the vehicle cabin environment change is large, the predetermined time interval is set relatively short, and when the vehicle cabin environment change is small, the predetermined time interval is set relatively long, so that multiple parameter values ​​can be determined at appropriate timing.

[0137] Alternatively, for example, the vehicle air conditioning system 1000 further includes a timer that measures the elapsed time from the start of the vehicle air conditioner, and the parameter processing unit 42 determines the values ​​of the plurality of parameters at predetermined time intervals and sets the predetermined time interval based on the elapsed time measured by the timer (fourth modified embodiment). Such a timer 44 is functionally configured in the control processing unit 4, for example, as shown by the dashed line in FIG. 1, and measures the elapsed time from the start of the air conditioner 6. For example, the parameter processing unit 42 sets the predetermined time interval longer as the elapsed time measured by the timer 44 becomes longer. More specifically, the predetermined time interval T inv is initially set to a predetermined default value T0 (T inv ←T0), the next predetermined time interval Tinv is a time interval T inv is set by adding a predetermined time interval k·T0 to inv ←T inv +k·T0, k is the number of times the plurality of parameter values ​​are re-determined), the air conditioner 6 is stopped, and the predetermined time interval T inv is reset.

[0138] After the air conditioner 6 starts up, physiological activity usually transitions from a transient state to an equilibrium state (stable state) over time. The above-described vehicle air conditioning system 1000, vehicle air conditioning control device, vehicle air conditioning control method, and vehicle air conditioning control program determine (re-determine, update) multiple parameter values ​​at predetermined time intervals, thereby tracking changes in the physiological activity of the occupant OC and more appropriately determining multiple parameter values. The above-described vehicle air conditioning system 1000, vehicle air conditioning control device, vehicle air conditioning control method, and vehicle air conditioning control program set the predetermined time interval based on elapsed time, so that when the physiological activity changes significantly, the predetermined time interval is set relatively short, and when the physiological activity changes slightly, the predetermined time interval is set relatively long, thereby determining multiple parameter values ​​at appropriate timing according to the transition status of the physiological activity.

[0139] Furthermore, in the above-described embodiment and the first to third variants, the multiple parameter values ​​were determined (re-determined, updated) at predetermined time intervals, but the multiple parameter values ​​may also be determined (re-determined, updated) at predetermined timings such as the following:

[0140] For example, the vehicle air conditioning system 1000 further includes a window opening change acquisition unit that acquires changes in window opening degrees, and the parameter processing unit 42 determines whether there has been a change in the window opening degrees based on the acquisition result acquired by the window opening change acquisition unit, and if the determination result indicates that there has been a change in the window opening degrees, determines values ​​of the plurality of parameters (fourth modified embodiment). The vehicle air conditioning system 1000 further includes, for example, window opening sensors 1-6 that detect changes in window opening degrees, as shown by dashed lines in FIG. 1 . The window opening sensors 1-6 are connected to the communication network 2 and are, for example, power window switches provided corresponding to the front, rear, left, and right side windows of the vehicle VC, for raising and lowering the side windows. When an input operation is performed on the power window switches, which are an example of the window opening sensors 1-6, the power window switches detect the input operation and output the acquired result to the control processing unit 4 via the communication network 2 and the IF unit 3. When the parameter processing unit 42 detects the input operation on the power window switch, it determines that there is a change in the opening degree of the window, and determines (re-determines, updates) the plurality of parameter values.

[0141] When the window opening degree is changed, the vehicle interior environment may change. The above-described vehicle air conditioning system 1000, vehicle air conditioning control device, vehicle air conditioning control method, and vehicle air conditioning control program determine (re-determine, update) the values ​​of the multiple parameters when there is a change in the window opening degree, so that the multiple parameter values ​​can be determined at an appropriate time.

[0142] Alternatively, for example, the parameter processing unit 42 determines the values ​​of the plurality of parameters when the settings of the air conditioner 6 are inputted in the input unit not shown above, which inputs the settings of the air conditioner 6 (fifth variant).

[0143] When the settings of the air conditioner 6 are input, the operating state of the air conditioner 6 may be changed, which may result in a change in the vehicle cabin environment. The above-described vehicle air conditioning system 1000, vehicle air conditioning control device, vehicle air conditioning control method, and vehicle air conditioning control program determine (re-determine, update) the values ​​of multiple parameters when the settings of the vehicle air conditioner are input, so that the multiple parameter values ​​can be determined at an appropriate time.

[0144] Alternatively, for example, the parameter processing unit 42 determines the values ​​of the multiple parameters when the difference between the occupant's skin temperature acquired by the skin temperature acquisition unit and the skin temperature estimated using the model equation of the biological model is equal to or greater than a threshold value. In the example shown in FIG. 1 , the parameter processing unit 42 compares the difference between the measured skin temperature of the occupant OC, calculated based on an infrared image of infrared image data output from the skin temperature sensor 1-2 via the communication network 2 and the IF unit 3, and the estimated skin temperature estimated using the model equation of the biological model, with a predetermined threshold value, and determines the values ​​of the multiple parameters when the difference is equal to or greater than the threshold value. The above-described vehicle air-conditioning system 1000, vehicle air-conditioning control device, vehicle air-conditioning control method, and vehicle air-conditioning control program determine (re-determine, update) the values ​​of the multiple parameters when there is a discrepancy between the acquired value (the above-mentioned measured skin temperature) and the estimated value of the skin temperature, thereby enabling appropriate estimation of the skin temperature.

[0145] In order to express the present invention, the present invention has been properly and sufficiently described above through the embodiments with reference to the drawings, but it should be recognized that those skilled in the art can easily change and / or improve the above-mentioned embodiments. Therefore, unless the changes or improvements made by those skilled in the art are at a level that causes departure from the scope of the claims described in the claims, such changes or improvements are interpreted as being included in the scope of the claims. [Explanation of symbols]

[0146] 1000 In-vehicle air conditioning system 1-1 Skin blood flow sensor 1-2 Skin temperature sensor 1-3 Temperature sensor 1-4 Humidity sensor 1-5 Solar radiation sensor 1-6 Window opening sensor 2. Communication Network 3 Interface section (IF section) 4 Control processing section 5 Storage section 6 Air conditioner 7 (7-11, 7-12, 7-13, 7-14, 7-2) Air outlet (1A, 1B, 1C, 1D air outlet, 2nd air outlet) 41 Control Unit 42 Parameter processing section 43 Air conditioning control unit 44 Timing section

Claims

1. An in-vehicle air conditioning control device that controls an in-vehicle air conditioning device based on a body temperature of an occupant estimated by a biological model, the biological model is represented by explanatory variables including at least a sweat rate and a skin blood flow rate, and includes a model equation for estimating a skin temperature as a response variable; The amount of sweat is expressed by a sub-model formula defined using a plurality of parameters that vary according to individual differences, a skin blood flow rate acquisition unit that acquires a skin blood flow rate of the occupant for use in estimating a body temperature of the occupant using the biological model; a skin temperature acquisition unit for acquiring a skin temperature of the occupant; a parameter processing unit that determines values ​​of the plurality of parameters based on the skin temperature of the occupant acquired by the skin temperature acquisition unit, In-vehicle air conditioning control device.

2. The skin temperature acquisition unit acquires a time series of skin temperatures of the occupant for a predetermined time period, the parameter processing unit determines values ​​of the plurality of parameters based on the time-series skin temperature of the occupant for the predetermined time length acquired by the skin temperature acquisition unit; The vehicle air conditioning control device according to claim 1 .

3. the parameter processing unit determines values ​​of the plurality of parameters at a predetermined time interval, and sets the predetermined time interval based on an inverse of a rate of change in the skin temperature of the occupant acquired by the skin temperature acquisition unit. The vehicle air conditioning control device according to claim 1 .

4. A vehicle interior environment acquisition unit that acquires a vehicle interior environment is further provided, the parameter processing unit determines values ​​of the plurality of parameters at a predetermined time interval, and sets the predetermined time interval based on an inverse of a rate of change in the vehicle interior environment acquired by the vehicle interior environment acquisition unit. The vehicle air conditioning control device according to claim 1 .

5. A window opening change acquisition unit that acquires a change in the opening degree of a window is further provided, the parameter processing unit determines whether or not there is a change in the opening degree of the window based on the acquisition result acquired by the window opening degree change acquisition unit, and when the result of the determination indicates that there is a change in the opening degree of the window, determines values ​​of the plurality of parameters. The vehicle air conditioning control device according to claim 1 .

6. An input unit for inputting settings of the vehicle air conditioner is further provided, the parameter processing unit determines values ​​of the plurality of parameters when settings of the vehicle air conditioner are inputted through the input unit; The vehicle air conditioning control device according to claim 1 .

7. the parameter processing unit determines values ​​of the plurality of parameters when a difference between the skin temperature of the occupant acquired by the skin temperature acquisition unit and the skin temperature estimated by the model equation of the biological model is equal to or greater than a determination threshold. The vehicle air conditioning control device according to claim 1 .

8. A timer unit that measures an elapsed time from the start of the vehicle air conditioner, the parameter processing unit determines values ​​of the plurality of parameters at a predetermined time interval, and sets the predetermined time interval based on an elapsed time measured by the timing unit; The vehicle air conditioning control device according to claim 1 .

9. The biological model further includes a sensible heat quantity in the explanatory variables, a clothing surface temperature acquisition unit for acquiring a temperature of the clothing surface of the occupant for use in estimating the body temperature by the biological model; The vehicle air conditioning control device according to claim 1 .

10. A method for controlling an in-vehicle air conditioning device based on a body temperature of an occupant estimated by a biological model, comprising: the biological model is represented by explanatory variables including at least a sweat rate and a skin blood flow rate, and includes a model equation for estimating a skin temperature as a response variable; The amount of sweat is expressed by a sub-model formula defined using a plurality of parameters that vary according to individual differences, a skin blood flow rate acquiring step of acquiring a skin blood flow rate of the occupant for use in estimating a body temperature of the occupant using the biological model; a skin temperature acquiring step of acquiring a skin temperature of the occupant; a parameter processing step of determining values ​​of the plurality of parameters based on the skin temperature of the occupant acquired in the skin temperature acquiring step, A method for controlling vehicle air conditioning.

11. An in-vehicle air conditioning control program for controlling an in-vehicle air conditioning device based on a body temperature of an occupant estimated by a biological model, A method for causing a computer to function as the vehicle air conditioning control device according to any one of claims 1 to 9, In-vehicle air conditioning control program.

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