Air-conditioning control system, air-conditioning control apparatus, air-conditioning method, and program

Abstract

To provide a comfortable thermal environment regardless of an environment in which a user has been placed.SOLUTION: An air-conditioning control system 100 includes: an air-conditioning unit for conditioning air in a space as a target of air conditioning; a measurement unit for measuring positional information of a user existing in the space as the target for air conditioning, environmental data of the space, and vital data of the user; and an air conditioning control unit for calculating a comfort index target value on the basis of history of current and past comfort indexes of the user calculated on the basis of the positional information, the environmental data, and the vital data to generate air-conditioning settings based on the comfort index target value and controlling the air-conditioning unit on the basis of the air-conditioning settings.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to an air conditioning control system, an air conditioning control device, an air conditioning control method, and a program. [Background technology]

[0002] In buildings with large floor spaces used for stores, offices, etc., a multi-air conditioning system is often installed that divides the floor into multiple spaces and controls the air conditioning for each area individually. One or more indoor units are installed in each area, and the system is configured to perform different air conditioning control for each area by remote control operation by the user, scheduled operation, etc. For example, energy-saving control is possible by operating the air conditioning only in the area where the user is present. In addition, in a multi-air conditioning system, each indoor unit and a central control device are connected with a dedicated communication line, and the status monitoring and remote control operation of all indoor units on the floor can be performed collectively from one central control device. In addition, in recent years, the need for comfort has been increasing in stores and offices, just like in homes, with the aim of increasing customer attraction and improving the intellectual productivity of employees.

[0003] For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a method for solving the problem that, during heating operation, warm air tends to accumulate near the ceiling, causing temperature unevenness that prevents the warm air from reaching the entire floor, making users in low-temperature areas feel uncomfortable. The method uses binary condensation temperature control to achieve a circulator effect while the unit is in heating operation, thereby circulating the air in the room, thereby eliminating temperature unevenness. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] JP 2010-139139 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] However, there are individual differences in the thermal sensation felt by users, and even if the temperature unevenness is eliminated and the indoor temperature is made uniform, the indoor temperature is not necessarily comfortable for all users. In addition, there is a problem that the way a user feels the thermal sensation changes even if the indoor temperature is the same, depending on the thermal environment in which the user was previously in (whether he was in a warm room or in a cold outdoor environment, etc.).

[0006] The present disclosure has been made in consideration of the above circumstances, and aims to provide a comfortable thermal environment regardless of the environment the user has been in until now. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] In order to achieve the above-mentioned objective, the air conditioning control system of the present disclosure comprises an air conditioning unit that conditions the air in the space to be air-conditioned, a measurement unit that measures position information of a user present in the space to be air-conditioned, environmental data of the space, and vital data of the user, and an air conditioning control unit that calculates a comfort index target value based on a history of the user's comfort index from the present to the past calculated based on the position information, environmental data, and vital data, generates air conditioning settings based on the comfort index target value, and controls the air conditioning unit based on the air conditioning settings. Effect of the Invention

[0008] According to the present disclosure, a comfort index target value is calculated based on the user's current to past comfort index history calculated based on environmental data and human data, and air conditioning settings are set based on the comfort index target value, thereby providing a comfortable thermal environment regardless of the environment the user has been in up to now. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0009] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an overall configuration of an air conditioning control system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Diagram 2] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a display screen of a user terminal according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Diagram 3] FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating a hardware configuration of an air conditioning control device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 4] Flowchart showing air conditioning setting processing according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Diagram 5] FIG. 1A is a diagram showing the state of a floor, and FIG. 1B is a diagram showing an example of log data stored in the human data management unit. [Figure 6] Diagram showing comfort index [Figure 7] 1 is a flowchart showing a comfort index calculation process according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0010] 1 shows the overall configuration of an air conditioning control system according to an embodiment. The air conditioning control system 100 includes an air conditioning system 1, a measurement system 2, an air conditioning control device 3, and a user terminal 4. The air conditioning control device 3 is connected to the air conditioning system 1 and the measurement system 2 via a network.

[0011] The air conditioning system 1 is an equipment system that is composed of multiple air conditioners installed in a building, and conditions the space to be air-conditioned and adjusts the thermal environment of the floor. Air conditioning refers to adjusting the temperature, humidity, cleanliness, or airflow of the air in the space to be air-conditioned, and specifically includes heating, cooling, dehumidification, humidification, and air purification. By controlling nearby air conditioners with a remote control and monitoring the air conditioners on the entire floor, it is possible to perform centralized operation and energy-saving control of the entire floor. The air conditioning system 1 is an example of an air conditioning unit.

[0012] The air conditioning system 1 includes an air conditioner 11 and an air conditioning management unit 12.

[0013] The air conditioner 11 is a device that adjusts the thermal environment in a room based on the air conditioning settings instructed by the air conditioning management unit 12 or a remote control device (not shown). When the indoor temperature measured by a temperature sensor built into or attached to the air conditioner 11 is lower than the set temperature, for example, during heating operation, the air conditioner 11 operates the compressor to send heated air into the room (thermo-ON control), and otherwise stops the compressor (thermo-OFF control), thereby controlling the temperature in the room. The area to be controlled per air conditioner is, for example, a range of about 7 m in diameter centered on the air conditioner 11, and by installing multiple air conditioners 11 on a floor, the thermal adjustment of the entire floor is performed. The parameters of the air conditioning settings include on / off settings (ON / OFF), operation mode (cooling / dehumidification / heating / air blowing), set temperature, air direction setting (horizontal / vertical), and air volume setting (strong / weak). The air conditioning management unit 12 and the remote control device share data of these air conditioning settings in synchronization, and the same set values ​​are displayed on each device. It is also possible to forcibly switch the thermo control that is internally controlled by the air conditioner 11 by an external command, in which case it is possible to turn the thermo OFF (stop air conditioning) without synchronizing data with the local remote control device. By optimizing the air conditioning settings for each air conditioner 11, it is possible to realize, for example, personal air conditioning that operates only in the area where the user is present.

[0014] The air conditioning management unit 12 is connected by wire or wirelessly to all the air conditioners 11 on the floor, and has a function of collectively operating and monitoring the air conditioners 11. The air conditioning management unit 12 may be a dedicated device provided on the floor as a system controller with a display function, or may be constructed on the cloud and connected to the air conditioners 11 via an internet line.

[0015] The measurement system 2 is an equipment system that acquires measurement data from sensors installed on floors in a building and manages environmental data such as the temperature and humidity of the entire floor, as well as human data such as the presence and location of people and vital information of people present. The measurement system 2 is an example of a measurement unit.

[0016] The measurement system 2 includes an environmental data measurement unit 21, an environmental data management unit 23, a human data measurement unit 22, and a human data management unit 24.

[0017] The environmental data measurement unit 21 is a sensor that is installed at each point on the floor and measures environmental data such as temperature, humidity, airflow, radiant heat, etc. at the installation point. The environmental data measurement unit 21 has a communication means, and periodically notifies the environmental data management unit 23 of the measurement data by linking it with a sensor ID assigned to the environmental data measurement unit 21.

[0018] The environmental data management unit 23 associates the sensor ID with the sensor type, installation position, and log data of the environmental data acquired from the environmental data measurement unit 21. The environmental data management unit 23 may be provided as a dedicated device on the floor, or may be built on the cloud and connected to the environmental data measurement unit 21 via an internet line.

[0019] The human data measurement unit 22 is a sensor that measures various human data. The human data measurement unit 22 has a communication means, and periodically notifies the human data management unit 24 of the measured human data by linking it to a sensor ID assigned to the human data measurement unit 22. The human data measurement unit 22 is built into a wearable terminal worn by the user, a smartphone carried by the user, a tablet terminal, or the like. For example, wireless measurement such as Bluetooth (registered trademark) and UWB (Ultra-Wide Band), and GPS (Global Positioning System) are used to detect the user's position, and a wearable sensor, a millimeter wave non-contact sensor, or the like is used to detect vital data such as body temperature and heart rate.

[0020] The human data management unit 24 associates the sensor ID with the sensor type, installation position, and log data of human data acquired from the human data measurement unit 22. The human data management unit 24 may be provided as a dedicated device on the floor, or may be built on the cloud and connected to the human data measurement unit 22 via an internet line.

[0021] The air conditioning control device 3 provides a comfort control service that sets air conditioning to make the thermal environment around the user present on the floor comfortable. The air conditioning control device 3 estimates the user's current comfort level based on the measurement data acquired from the measurement system 2, determines a comfort target value, determines air conditioning settings to achieve the comfort target value, and controls the air conditioning system 1. The air conditioning control device 3 is an example of an air conditioning control unit.

[0022] The air conditioning control device 3 includes a comfort index calculation unit 31, a comfort index history management unit 32, a user-specific correction unit 33, a comfort index target value setting unit 34, an air conditioning setting generation unit 35, a conflict resolution unit 36, an equipment information management unit 37, and a user information management unit 38.

[0023] The comfort index calculation unit 31 calculates a comfort index, which is a quantitative value that estimates the comfort of the user regarding thermal sensation. For example, a predicted mean vote (PMV) is used as the comfort index. The comfort index calculation unit 31 acquires the latest user position information, environmental data (temperature, humidity, airflow, radiant heat) around the user position, and vital data of the user (activity amount, amount of clothing) from the measurement system 2, and calculates the comfort index.

[0024] The comfort index history management unit 32 stores the user's comfort index calculated by the comfort index calculation unit 31 in association with the target user's ID and the calculation date and time, and manages (or holds) it for each user as comfort index history.

[0025] The user-specific correction unit 33 displays a screen on the user terminal 4 that allows the user to input the thermal sensation felt directly by the user, and acquires information indicating the thermal sensation input by the user from the user terminal 4. FIG. 2 is an example of a screen displayed on the user terminal 4 that allows the user to input the thermal sensation. The user-specific correction unit 33 compares the value indicating the thermal sensation acquired from the user terminal 4 with the comfort index calculated by the comfort index calculation unit 31, and stores the difference for each user as a user-specific correction value. The user-specific correction value is a correction value for dealing with individual differences in the thermal sensation felt by users. The user-specific correction unit 33 updates the user-specific correction value every time it acquires information indicating the thermal sensation input by the user on the user terminal 4.

[0026] The comfort index target value setting unit 34 sets a comfort index target value, which is the target value of the comfort index for determining the air conditioning settings, based on the comfort index history managed by the comfort index history management unit 32 and the user-specific correction value held by the user-specific correction unit 33, and notifies the air conditioning setting generation unit 35.

[0027] The air-conditioning setting generation unit 35 generates air-conditioning settings for each air conditioner 11 to achieve the comfort index target value received on a user-by-user basis. The generated air-conditioning settings for each air conditioner 11 are notified to the conflict resolution unit 36.

[0028] When a conflict occurs between users in the air conditioning settings for each air conditioner 11, the conflict resolution unit 36 ​​regenerates the air conditioning settings that resolve the conflict, and requests the air conditioning system 1 to change to the regenerated air conditioning settings.

[0029] The equipment information management unit 37 is a storage that holds a set of air conditioner ID, model, and location information for each air conditioner 11 in the air conditioning system 1, and a set of sensor ID, model, and location information for each environmental data measurement unit 21 in the measurement system 2.

[0030] The user information management unit 38 is a storage that holds, as user information, a set of a user ID, a sensor ID associated with the user, and a terminal ID owned by the user.

[0031] The user terminal 4 is a terminal through which a user utilizes the comfort control service provided by the air conditioning control device 3. The user information held by the user information management unit 38 is linked to the user ID of the user who owns the user terminal 4 and the terminal ID of the user terminal 4, and the user information is used for authentication when using the comfort control service. As shown in Fig. 2, the user terminal 4 performs operations for enabling / disabling the comfort control service, inputs thermal sensation, and displays the status of each air conditioner 11 in the air conditioning system 1 and the measurement values ​​of each sensor in the measurement system 2. The user terminal 4 may have various sensors built in as the human data measurement unit 22.

[0032] 3 shows the hardware configuration of the air conditioning control device 3. The air conditioning control device 3 includes a control unit 41, a storage unit 42, a user interface 43, and a communication unit 44. These units are connected via a communication bus.

[0033] The control unit 41 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit), a ROM (Read Only Memory), and a RAM (Random Access Memory). The CPU is also called a central processing unit, central arithmetic unit, processor, microprocessor, microcomputer, DSP (Digital Signal Processor), etc., and functions as a central arithmetic processing unit that executes processing and calculations related to the control of the air conditioning control device 3. In the control unit 41, the CPU reads out programs and data stored in the ROM, and uses the RAM as a work area to perform overall control of the air conditioning control device 3.

[0034] The storage unit 42 includes a non-volatile semiconductor memory such as a flash memory, an EPROM (Erasable Programmable Read Only Memory), or an EEPROM (Electrically Erasable Programmable Read Only Memory), and serves as a so-called secondary storage device or auxiliary storage device. The storage unit 42 stores programs and data used by the control unit 41 to perform various processes. The storage unit 42 also stores data generated or acquired by the control unit 41 as a result of performing various processes.

[0035] The user interface 43 includes an input unit such as a touch panel, a switch, a push button, etc., and a display unit such as an LCD (Liquid Crystal Display) panel, an organic EL (Electro-Luminescence), etc. The user interface 43 receives operation input from a user via the input unit, and displays a display image via the display unit.

[0036] The communication unit 44 includes a communication interface for communicating with the air conditioning system 1, the measurement system 2, and the user terminal 4. The communication unit 44 is communicably connected to the air conditioning system 1, the measurement system 2, and the user terminal 4 via wired or wireless communication, and communicates in accordance with well-known communication standards such as the Internet, a wired LAN (Local Area Network), or a wireless LAN.

[0037] The flow of the air conditioning setting process executed in the air conditioning control device 3 configured as above will be described with reference to the flowchart shown in FIG.

[0038] The environmental data measurement unit 21 of the measurement system 2 installed at each point on the floor measures environmental data such as temperature, humidity, air flow, and radiant heat at the installation point, and periodically notifies the environmental data management unit 23 of the data by linking it with its own sensor ID, and the environmental data management unit 23 holds the log data of the acquired environmental data. The held environmental data is periodically transmitted from the environmental data management unit 23 to the air conditioning control device 3, or is transmitted to the air conditioning control device 3 by the air conditioning control device 3 requesting the environmental data management unit 23. In addition, the human data measurement unit 22 measures human data such as vital data of a user, and periodically notifies the human data management unit 24 of the data by linking it with its own sensor ID, and the human data management unit 24 holds the log data of the acquired human data. FIG. 5 shows an example of log data held by the human data management unit 24 in (b) when the state of the floor is in (a), as an example of log data held by the human data management unit 24. In FIG. 5(a), air conditioners 11 are installed in nine areas divided by dotted lines in the XY direction on the floor. A user M0 exists in an area at position (2,0) on the floor. The user M0 is wearing, for example, a wearable terminal, and a wearable sensor WS0 exists in the same area. A millimeter-wave non-contact sensor US0 is also installed in an area at position (0,0) on the floor. In this state, the wearable sensor WS0 and the millimeter-wave non-contact sensor US0 each link their sensor data with their own sensor IDs and periodically notify the human data management unit 24. The human data management unit 24, upon receiving the notification, holds the acquisition date and time, the sensor ID, the sensor position, and the measurement value as log data. In the example of FIG. 5(b), the acquisition date and time of "2023 / 7 / 1 10:00:00", the wearable sensor WS0 as the sensor ID, (2,0) as the sensor position, and the pulse p0_0 as the measurement value are held. Then, as to whose pulse the measured pulse p0_0 belongs, by referring to the user information management unit 38 that links people with sensors, it is identified as the pulse of user M0. Also, at the same date and time, the measurement value of the millimeter wave non-contact sensor US0 placed at position (0,0) is acquired and stored as log data. Here, since there is no person at position (0,0), no measurement value is captured. Therefore, the measurement value column is left blank.The retained human data is periodically transmitted from the human data management unit 24 to the air conditioning control device 3, or transmitted to the air conditioning control device 3 by the air conditioning control device 3 making a request to the human data management unit 24. The air conditioning control device 3 acquires the environmental data transmitted from the environmental data management unit 23 and the human data transmitted from the human data management unit 24 (step S101).

[0039] In step S101, when environmental data and human data are acquired, the comfort index calculation unit 31 of the air conditioning control device 3 calculates a comfort index for the user, and the comfort index history management unit 32 holds the comfort index history for each user (step S102).

[0040] A comfort index is a quantitative value that represents the thermal sensation felt by the user, such as "hot" or "cold." PMV, one of the comfort indexes, classifies thermal sensations by quantitative values, as shown in Figure 6. PMV is an index that represents the balance between the amount of metabolic heat generated by the body and the amount of heat dissipated from the body. If the amount of metabolic heat is greater than the amount of heat dissipated, the PMV value is negative, and the body feels cold. Conversely, if the amount of heat dissipated is greater than the amount of metabolic heat, the PMV value is positive, and the body feels hot. Therefore, when the PMV value is close to 0, between -0.5 and +0.5, it is classified as "comfortable." If the PMV value is more positive than this, between +0.5 and +1.5, it is classified as "slightly warm," if it is further positive, between +1.5 and +2.5, it is classified as "warm," and if it is +2.5 or more, it is classified as "hot." Conversely, when the PMV value is -1.5 to -0.5 in the negative direction, it is classified as "slightly cool", when it is further negative, -2.5 to -1.5, it is classified as "cool", and when it is -2.5 or less, it is classified as "cold". The basic function of the air conditioning control device 3 is to generate optimal air conditioning settings that make each user's comfort index comfortable (-0.5 to +0.5) and control the air conditioning system 1.

[0041] The comfort index calculation unit 31 calculates a comfort index from six elements, namely, temperature, humidity, airflow, and radiant heat, which are environmental data, and the amount of clothing worn and the amount of activity, which are vital data. Next, the flow of the comfort index calculation process in the air-conditioning control system 100 will be described with reference to the flowchart shown in Fig. 7. First, the comfort index calculation unit 31 sets the value of i, which indicates the ordinal number of the user among all users, to an initial value of 0 (step S201).

[0042] Next, the comfort index calculation unit 31 judges whether the calculation of the comfort indexes of all users present on the floor has been completed (step S202). If it is judged that the calculation of the comfort indexes of all users present on the floor has not been completed (step 202: No), the position information of the (i+1)th user is acquired from the human data management unit 24 of the measurement system 2 (step S203). Here, when the human data management unit 24 acquires a notification from the sensor, it identifies the user ID linked to the ID of the sensor from among the user information held by the user information management unit 38, and sets the position information of the sensor held by the human data management unit 24 as the position information of the user to which the identified user ID is assigned.

[0043] When the comfort index calculation unit 31 acquires the position information of the (i+1)th user from the person data management unit 24 of the measurement system 2, it refers to the equipment information management unit 37 and acquires the sensor ID of the environmental data measurement unit 21 near the position of the (i+1)th user from the position information of the (i+1)th user (step S204). When the sensor ID is acquired, it acquires the environmental data linked to the sensor ID from the environmental data management unit 23 of the measurement system 2 (step S205). Here, the environmental data is temperature, humidity, airflow, and radiant heat. The acquired temperature is the temperature measured by the temperature sensor of the environmental data measurement unit 21 closest to the user position. In addition, the acquired humidity is the humidity measured by the humidity sensor of the environmental data measurement unit 21 closest to the user position. In addition, the acquired airflow is either the airflow measured by the airflow sensor of the environmental data measurement unit 21 closest to the user position or the airflow of the user position simulated based on the air conditioning settings set in each air conditioner 11. The acquired radiant heat is the same value as the radiant heat measured or the acquired temperature by the black globe temperature sensor or infrared sensor, which is the environmental data measuring unit 21 closest to the user position.

[0044] Next, the comfort index calculation unit 31 acquires the sensor ID of the human data measurement unit 22 associated with the user from the user information management unit 38 (step S206). When the sensor ID is acquired, the comfort index calculation unit 31 acquires vital data from the sensor corresponding to the sensor ID (step S207). Here, the vital data is the amount of clothing and the amount of activity. The acquired amount of clothing is the amount of clothing estimated from an image of the user captured by an infrared camera, which is the human data measurement unit 22 associated with the user. The amount of clothing is estimated, for example, by determining the amount of exposed skin from the detected temperature of the captured image. Alternatively, a fixed value such as winter clothes or summer clothes may be set according to the season. In addition, the acquired amount of activity is an amount of activity estimated based on vital values ​​such as body temperature, heart rate, and respiratory rate measured by a vital sensor, which is the human data measurement unit 22 associated with the user. Alternatively, a fixed value preset according to the use of the floor may be set. For example, if the use of the floor is an office, the amount of activity is set to be equivalent to desk work.

[0045] When the environmental data indicating the temperature, humidity, air current, and radiant heat around the (i+1)th user and the vital data indicating the amount of clothing and activity of the (i+1)th user are acquired, the comfort index calculation unit 31 calculates the comfort index of the (i+1)th user based on the acquired environmental data and vital data (step S208). Next, the comfort index history management unit 32 holds the comfort index calculated by the comfort index calculation unit 31 in association with the ID of the target user and the calculation date and time (step S209). When the calculated comfort index is held, i is incremented to i+1 (step S210), and the process returns to step S202.

[0046] In step S202, it is determined again whether or not the calculation of comfort indexes of all users present on the floor has been completed. If it is determined that the calculation of comfort indexes of all users present on the floor has not been completed (step 202: No), the processing from step S203 onwards is repeated. If it is determined in step 202 that the calculation of comfort indexes of all users present on the floor has been completed, including cases where no one is present on the floor (step 202: Yes), the processing ends. As a result, the comfort index history management unit 32 obtains the comfort index history of the user at each time of the past hour.

[0047] Returning to Figure 3, in step S102, the comfort index calculation unit 31 of the air conditioning control device 3 calculates the user's comfort index and the comfort index history management unit 32 retains the comfort index history. Then, the comfort index target value setting unit 34 of the air conditioning control device 3 determines the target value of the comfort index for each user (step S103).

[0048] The target comfort index for each user is calculated as follows: Target value = (A) Basic target value + (B) User-specific correction value Here, the basic target value is a target value calculated based on the comfort index history managed by the comfort index history management unit 32. In contrast, the user-specific correction value is a correction value calculated based on a thermal sensation directly input by the user.

[0049] (A) Basic target value The basic target value is the average value of the comfort index history obtained by the comfort index history management unit 32. Here, the reason why the basic target value is obtained from the average value of the comfort index history, rather than based on the comfort index obtained immediately before, is because the thermal sensation felt by the user changes depending on the environment in which the user has been. For example, a user who has been in a cold place for a long time will adapt to the cold to some extent. Therefore, when moving from a cold place to a warm place, the user will feel a little hotter than usual. Also, when moving from a cold place to a place with a high temperature suddenly, the body may not be able to adapt immediately and may feel tired. Conversely, when moving from a hot place to a cool place, the user will feel a little colder than usual. Also, as before, when moving from a hot place to a place with a low temperature suddenly, the body may not be able to adapt immediately and may feel tired. Therefore, for a user who has been in a "cold" place for a long time, the target value is set to a "colder" value in the "comfortable" range of the comfort index, and for a user who has been in a "hot" place for a long time, the target value is set to a "hotter" value in the "comfortable" range of the comfort index. Generally, the target value of the comfort index is set to 0, which is the center of the "comfortable" range of the comfort index, but by shifting the target value according to the comfort index history and the environment the user was in, it is possible to reduce the sense of fatigue caused to the user by sudden temperature changes. Also, even if a thermal environment is normally comfortable for the user (comfort index = 0), a user who has been in a "hot" or "cold" environment for a long time is likely to feel "cold" or "hot," and will feel more comfortable in a "warmer" or "cooler" environment. Therefore, energy conservation effects can be expected by gradually adjusting the thermal environment.

[0050] For example, for a user who has been in a "cold" place for a long time, the lower limit of "comfortable" is set as a target. In the example of FIG. 6, if the average value of the comfort index history is -1.5 or less, the basic target value is set to -0.5, which is the lower limit of the "comfortable" range of -0.5 to +0.5. Also, for a user who has been in a "hot" place for a long time, the upper limit of "comfortable" is set as a target. For example, if the average value of the comfort index history is +1.5 or more, the basic target value is set to +0.5, which is the upper limit of the "comfortable" range of -0.5 to +0.5. In other cases, the intermediate value of the "comfortable" range is set as a target. For example, if the average value of the comfort index history is -1.5 to +1.5, the basic target value is set to 0. Note that the average value of the comfort index history may be calculated not by a simple average but by a weighted average in which the weight is larger the more recent the time. This allows a target value that is closer to the user's thermal sensation to be set. Also, the most recent comfort index may simply be used for the average value.

[0051] (B) User-specific correction value Furthermore, a correction value is set to correct the basic target value based on the thermal sensation actually felt by the user. The way in which hot and cold are felt varies from person to person, and this is to set a target value according to each feeling. The user-specific correction value is acquired from the user-specific correction unit 33. The user-specific correction unit 33 updates the correction value every time it receives a thermal sensation input transmitted from the user terminal 4. The user inputs "cold" or "hot" from a thermal sensation input screen provided on the user terminal 4 and transmits it to the air conditioning control device 3. For example, when the user-specific correction unit 33 acquires information indicating a thermal sensation of "hot" from the user terminal 4 (converted into a numerical value indicating a thermal sensation of +2.5), the comfort index calculated by the comfort index calculation unit 31 is +1.5. The difference of +1.0 between the numerical value indicating the thermal sensation acquired from the user terminal 4 and the comfort index calculated by the comfort index calculation unit 31 is the individual difference in the thermal sensation of the user. At this time, the user-specific correction unit 33 sets the user-specific correction value to -1.0 to absorb individual differences in thermal sensation among users. The user-specific correction unit 33 holds a correction value for each user. Note that since the tendency of thermal sensation to cooling in summer may differ from the tendency of thermal sensation to heating in winter, the user-specific correction unit 33 may be configured to hold a correction value for cooling and a correction value for heating separately.

[0052] The comfort index target value setting unit 34 calculates the target value of the comfort index from (A) a basic target value calculated based on the user's comfort index history managed by the comfort index history management unit 32, and (B) a user-specific correction value held by the user-specific correction unit 33.

[0053] In step S103, when the target value of the comfort index for each user is determined, the air conditioning setting generation unit 35 of the air conditioning control device 3 generates optimal air conditioning settings for each user (step S104). In order to realize the comfort index target value set for each user, the air conditioning setting generation unit 35 determines the start / stop, operation mode, set temperature, air direction setting, air volume setting, etc. as the air conditioning settings of the air conditioners 11 around the user position. In addition, the parameters used for the air conditioning settings may be only start / stop and forced thermo control. When the air conditioning control device 3 changes the set temperature, air direction setting, and air volume setting of each air conditioner 11, the air conditioning setting values ​​on the remote control device linked to each air conditioner 11 are also updated to the changed state, and it is considered that the user will feel dissatisfied that the settings have been changed without his / her knowledge. On the other hand, forced thermo control is an air conditioning setting that is not managed by the remote control side, and comfortable air conditioning can be provided without the user knowing.

[0054] When optimal air-conditioning settings for each user are generated in step S104, the conflict resolution unit 36 ​​of the air-conditioning control device 3 resolves conflicts between users over air-conditioning settings (step S105). Because optimal air-conditioning settings are generated for each user, settings for the same air conditioner 11 may differ between users. Therefore, when there is a conflict between users over air-conditioning settings for a specific air conditioner 11, the conflict is resolved by one of the following methods.

[0055] The conflict resolution unit 36 ​​calculates the predicted comfort index for all users after a certain time has elapsed for all combinations of conflicting air conditioning settings, then calculates the difference between the target value and the predicted value for each user, and determines the combination with the smallest sum of the differences for all users as the final air conditioning setting. This makes the thermal sensation of all users "comfortable" on average.

[0056] As another means for resolving the conflict, the conflict resolution unit 36 ​​calculates predicted values ​​of comfort indexes for all users after a predetermined time has elapsed for all combinations of conflicting air conditioning settings, then calculates the difference between the target value and the predicted value for each user, and determines the combination that results in the smallest maximum difference for the user as the final air conditioning setting. This prevents users from being significantly out of sync with the target. Alternatively, conflicts may be resolved by assigning priorities to users. For example, weighting is performed to give priority to people who are in poor health, the elderly, etc., and the final air conditioning setting is determined.

[0057] When the conflict between the air conditioning settings between the users is resolved in step S105, the air conditioning control device 3 requests the air conditioning system 1 to change the air conditioning settings (step S106). In response, the air conditioning system 1 changes the air conditioning settings. This makes it possible to provide a comfortable thermal environment regardless of individual differences in thermal sensation or the environment the user has been in up until now.

[0058] Various embodiments and modifications of the present disclosure are possible without departing from the broad spirit and scope of the present disclosure. The above-described embodiments are for explaining the present disclosure and do not limit the scope of the present disclosure. In other words, the scope of the present disclosure is indicated by the claims, not the embodiments. Various modifications made within the scope of the claims and within the scope of the disclosure equivalent thereto are considered to be within the scope of the present disclosure.

[0059] Various aspects of the present disclosure are summarized below as appendices.

[0060] (Appendix 1) an air conditioning unit that conditions the space to be air-conditioned; A measurement unit that measures position information of a user present in the space to be air-conditioned, environmental data of the space, and vital data of the user; and an air conditioning control unit that calculates a comfort index target value based on a history of the user's comfort index from the present to the past, the history being calculated based on the position information, the environmental data, and the vital data, generates an air conditioning setting based on the comfort index target value, and controls the air conditioning unit based on the air conditioning setting. Climate control system. (Appendix 2) The comfort index target value is calculated based on an average of the current and past comfort indexes obtained from a history of the comfort index. 2. An air conditioning control system as described in claim 1. (Appendix 3) The comfort index target value is calculated based on a weighted average in which the weight is larger the closer the comfort index is to the present. 4. An air conditioning control system as described in claim 2. (Appendix 4) adjusting the comfort index target value based on the thermal sensation input by the user; 4. An air conditioning control system according to any one of claims 1 to 3. (Appendix 5) The air conditioning settings are generated for each of the multiple users, and when a conflict occurs between the air conditioning settings for each of the multiple users, predicted values ​​of comfort indices for the multiple users are calculated for all combinations of the conflicting air conditioning settings, and the air conditioning settings are changed based on the predicted values. 5. An air conditioning control system according to any one of claims 1 to 4. (Appendix 6) calculating a difference between the comfort index target value and the predicted value for each of the plurality of users, and changing the air conditioning settings based on the combination that has the smallest sum of the differences; 6. An air conditioning control system as described in claim 5. (Appendix 7) calculating a difference between the comfort index target value and the predicted value for each of the plurality of users, and changing the air conditioning settings based on the combination that has the smallest maximum value of the difference; 6. An air conditioning control system as described in claim 5. (Appendix 8) An air conditioning control device that controls an air conditioner that conditions an air-conditioning target space, calculating a comfort index target value based on a history of comfort indices from the present to the past of the user calculated based on position information of a user present in the space to be air-conditioned, environmental data of the space, and vital data of the user from a measurement system that measures the position information, the environmental data, and the vital data; generating air conditioning settings based on the comfort index target value; and controlling the air conditioner based on the air conditioning settings. Air conditioning control device. (Appendix 9) An air conditioning control method for controlling an air conditioner that conditions an air-conditioning target space, calculating a history of comfort indices from the present to the past of the user based on position information of a user present in the air-conditioned space, environmental data of the space, and vital data of the user from a measurement system that measures the position information, the environmental data, and the vital data; Calculating a comfort index target value based on a history of the user's current and past comfort indexes; generating air conditioning settings based on the comfort index target value; and controlling the air conditioner based on the air conditioning setting. Air conditioning control method. (Appendix 10) A computer that controls an air conditioning control device that controls an air conditioner that conditions an air-conditioning target space, The computer includes: calculating a history of comfort indices from the present to the past of the user based on position information of a user present in the air-conditioned space, environmental data of the space, and vital data of the user from a measurement system that measures the position information, the environmental data, and the vital data; Calculating a comfort index target value based on a history of the user's current and past comfort indexes; generating air conditioning settings based on the comfort index target value; controlling the air conditioner based on the air conditioning setting; A program that executes the following. [Explanation of symbols]

[0061] 1 air conditioning system, 2 measurement system, 3 air conditioning control device, 4 user terminal, 11 air conditioner, 12 air conditioning management unit, 21 environmental data measurement unit, 22 human data measurement unit, 23 environmental data management unit, 24 human data management unit, 31 comfort index calculation unit, 32 comfort index history management unit, 33 user-specific correction unit, 34 comfort index target value setting unit, 35 air conditioning setting generation unit, 36 conflict resolution unit, 37 equipment information management unit, 38 user information management unit, 41 control unit, 42 memory unit, 43 user interface, 44 communication unit, 100 air conditioning control device.

Claims

1. an air conditioning unit that conditions the space to be air-conditioned; A measurement unit that measures position information of a user present in the space to be air-conditioned, environmental data of the space, and vital data of the user; and an air conditioning control unit that calculates a comfort index target value based on a history of the user's comfort index from the present to the past, the history being calculated based on the position information, the environmental data, and the vital data, generates an air conditioning setting based on the comfort index target value, and controls the air conditioning unit based on the air conditioning setting. Climate control system.

2. The comfort index target value is calculated based on an average of the current and past comfort indexes obtained from a history of the comfort index. The air conditioning control system according to claim 1 .

3. The comfort index target value is calculated based on a weighted average in which the weight is larger the closer the comfort index is to the present. The air conditioning control system according to claim 2 .

4. adjusting the comfort index target value based on the thermal sensation input by the user; An air conditioning control system according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

5. The air conditioning settings are generated for each of the multiple users, and when a conflict occurs between the air conditioning settings for each of the multiple users, predicted values ​​of comfort indices for the multiple users are calculated for all combinations of the conflicting air conditioning settings, and the air conditioning settings are changed based on the predicted values. An air conditioning control system according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

6. calculating a difference between the comfort index target value and the predicted value for each of the plurality of users, and changing the air conditioning settings based on the combination that has the smallest sum of the differences; The air conditioning control system according to claim 5.

7. calculating a difference between the comfort index target value and the predicted value for each of the plurality of users, and changing the air conditioning settings based on the combination that has the smallest maximum value of the difference; The air conditioning control system according to claim 5.

8. An air conditioning control device that controls an air conditioner that conditions an air-conditioning target space, calculating a comfort index target value based on a history of comfort indices from the present to the past of the user calculated based on position information of a user present in the space to be air-conditioned, environmental data of the space, and vital data of the user from a measurement system that measures the position information, the environmental data, and the vital data; generating air conditioning settings based on the comfort index target value; and controlling the air conditioner based on the air conditioning settings. Air conditioning control device.

9. An air conditioning control method for controlling an air conditioner that conditions an air-conditioning target space, calculating a history of comfort indices from the present to the past of the user based on position information of a user present in the air-conditioned space, environmental data of the space, and vital data of the user from a measurement system that measures the position information, the environmental data, and the vital data; Calculating a comfort index target value based on a history of the user's current and past comfort indexes; generating air conditioning settings based on the comfort index target value; and controlling the air conditioner based on the air conditioning setting. Air conditioning control method.

10. A computer that controls an air conditioning control device that controls an air conditioner that conditions the space to be air-conditioned To, calculating a history of comfort indices from the present to the past of the user based on position information of a user present in the air-conditioned space, environmental data of the space, and vital data of the user from a measurement system that measures the position information, the environmental data, and the vital data; Calculating a comfort index target value based on a history of the user's current and past comfort indexes; generating air conditioning settings based on the comfort index target value; controlling the air conditioner based on the air conditioning setting; A program that executes the following.

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