Air conditioner, target temperature determination method, program and storage medium

Abstract

To provide an air conditioner, a target temperature determination method, a program and a storage medium, capable of determining an appropriate target temperature relative to a control space that is a target of air conditioning control.SOLUTION: An air conditioner includes an air conditioning storage section and an air conditioning control section. The air conditioning storage section stores a temperature range and a temperature determination standard. The control section acquires an outside air temperature in a control space, acquires the temperature range and the temperature determination standard, determines in which a heating range, an intermediate range and a cooling range of the temperature range the outside air temperature is included, determines a first temporary target temperature on the basis of the outside air temperature and the temperature determination standard corresponding to the determined temperature range, and determines a target temperature on the basis of the first temporary target temperature.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to an air conditioner, a target temperature determination method, a program, and a storage medium. [Background technology]

[0002] An air conditioner can operate in a number of operation modes, such as a heating mode, a cooling mode, etc. Conventionally, as described in Patent Document 1, technology has been researched and developed for automatically selecting an operation mode from the heating mode and the cooling mode to operate an air conditioner. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 06-331199 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] Conventionally, the operation mode can be automatically determined, but the target temperature for air conditioning control in the operation mode cannot be automatically determined. Even in the automatic operation mode, the air conditioner receives a set temperature from the user of the air conditioner in advance, and then determines the target temperature based on the set temperature. In other words, conventionally, a user's instruction is required to determine the target temperature.

[0005] In addition, the set temperature in this disclosure is a user-set temperature input by a user via a remote controller of the air conditioner, a smartphone associated with the air conditioner, etc. On the other hand, the target temperature in this disclosure is a temperature that is a target for inducing the detected indoor temperature, and is a temperature that is estimated to be comfortable for the user.

[0006] An object of the present disclosure is to provide an air conditioner, a target temperature determination method, a program, and a storage medium that are capable of automatically determining an appropriate target temperature for a controlled space that is the subject of air conditioning control. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] In order to solve the above-mentioned problems, the present disclosure provides an air conditioner, a target temperature determination method, a program, and a storage medium.

[0008] An air conditioner according to an embodiment of the present disclosure includes an air conditioning memory unit and an air conditioning control unit, and can determine an appropriate target temperature for a controlled space that is a target of air conditioning control. The memory unit stores a temperature range including a heating range, an intermediate range, and a cooling range. The memory unit further stores a temperature determination criterion including a heating determination criterion and a cooling determination criterion. The heating determination criterion specifies a first relationship between an outdoor air temperature included in the heating range and the intermediate range and a first tentative target temperature. The cooling determination criterion specifies a second relationship between an outdoor air temperature included in the cooling range and the intermediate range and the first tentative target temperature. The air conditioning control unit acquires the outdoor air temperature of the controlled space, acquires the temperature range and the temperature determination criterion, determines whether the outdoor air temperature is included in the heating range, the intermediate range, or the cooling range of the temperature range, determines a first tentative target temperature based on the outdoor air temperature and the temperature determination criterion corresponding to the determined temperature range, and determines a target temperature based on the first tentative target temperature.

[0009] Furthermore, a target temperature determination method according to another aspect of the present disclosure can determine an appropriate target temperature for a controlled space that is a target of air conditioning control. The target temperature determination method includes the steps of acquiring an outdoor air temperature of the controlled space, acquiring a temperature range including a heating range, a middle range, and a cooling range, and acquiring a temperature determination criterion including a heating determination criterion and a cooling determination criterion, where the heating determination criterion specifies a first relationship between an outdoor air temperature included in the heating range and the middle range and a first tentative target temperature, and the cooling determination criterion specifies a second relationship between an outdoor air temperature included in the cooling range and the middle range and the first tentative target temperature, determining whether the outdoor air temperature is included in the heating range, the middle range, or the cooling range of the temperature range, determining the first tentative target temperature based on the outdoor air temperature and the temperature determination criterion corresponding to the determined temperature range, and determining a target temperature based on the first tentative target temperature.

[0010] Furthermore, a program according to another aspect of the present disclosure causes an air conditioner to execute a target temperature determination method.

[0011] A storage medium according to another aspect of the present disclosure is a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium having a computer program stored therein. When the computer program is executed by a processor in the storage medium, the target temperature determination method is realized. Effect of the Invention

[0012] According to the air conditioner, target temperature determination method, program, and storage medium disclosed herein, an appropriate target temperature can be automatically determined for a control space that is the subject of air conditioning control. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0013] [Figure 1A] FIG. 1 is a block diagram of an example of an air conditioner according to a first embodiment. [Figure 1B] FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing an example of a usage environment of an air conditioner according to a first embodiment. [Diagram 2]1 is a flowchart showing an example of a method for determining a target temperature according to the first embodiment. [Diagram 3] An example of temperature determination criteria in the first embodiment [Figure 4] 1 is a flowchart of an example of step S400 in the case of a heating range in the first embodiment. [Diagram 5] 1 is a flowchart of an example of step S400 in the cooling range in the first embodiment. [Figure 6] 1 is a flowchart illustrating an example of step S400 in the case of the intermediate range in the first embodiment. [Figure 7] 11 is a flowchart of an example of step S431 according to the first embodiment. [Figure 8A] An example of mode determination criteria in the first embodiment [Figure 8B] An example of mode determination criteria in the first embodiment [Figure 9] 1 is a flowchart illustrating an example of step S500 according to the first embodiment. [Figure 10] 11 is a flowchart illustrating an example of step S500 according to the second embodiment. [Figure 11] 11 is a flowchart illustrating an example of step S430 according to the second embodiment. [Figure 12] 11 is a flowchart showing an example of a method for determining a target temperature according to the second embodiment. [Figure 13A] 13 is a block diagram of an example of a terminal device 20a according to the third embodiment. [Figure 13B] A block diagram of an example of a terminal device 20b according to a third embodiment. [Figure 14] 13 is a flowchart of an example of a notification method according to the third embodiment. [Figure 15A] Example of target temperature presented by terminal device 20a in embodiment 3 [Figure 15B] Example of target temperature presented by terminal device 20a in embodiment 3 [Figure 15C] Example of target temperature presentation by terminal device 20b in embodiment 3 [Figure 16]11 is a flowchart of an example of a presentation method according to the third embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0014] First, various aspects of the air conditioner, the target temperature determination method, the program, and the storage medium will be described.

[0015] An air conditioner according to a first aspect of the present disclosure includes an air conditioning memory unit and an air conditioning control unit, and can determine an appropriate target temperature for a controlled space that is a target of air conditioning control. The memory unit stores a temperature range including a heating range, an intermediate range, and a cooling range. The memory unit further stores a temperature determination criterion including a heating determination criterion and a cooling determination criterion. The heating determination criterion specifies a first relationship between an outdoor air temperature included in the heating range and the intermediate range and a first tentative target temperature. The cooling determination criterion specifies a second relationship between an outdoor air temperature included in the cooling range and the intermediate range and the first tentative target temperature. The air conditioning control unit acquires the outdoor air temperature of the controlled space, acquires the temperature range and the temperature determination criterion, determines whether the outdoor air temperature is included in the heating range, the intermediate range, or the cooling range of the temperature range, determines a first tentative target temperature based on the outdoor air temperature and the temperature determination criterion corresponding to the determined temperature range, and determines a target temperature based on the first tentative target temperature.

[0016] In the air conditioner of the second aspect of the present disclosure, in the first aspect, the temperature determination criterion may be generated based on a feedback history of when the user feels comfortable in the controlled space.

[0017] In the air conditioner of the third aspect according to the present disclosure, in the second aspect, the feedback history may include the user set temperature and the outside air temperature when the user feels comfortable.

[0018] In an air conditioner of a fourth aspect of the present disclosure, in any one of the first to third aspects, if the determined temperature range is a heating range, the air conditioning control unit may determine the heating mode as the operation mode, and determine a first tentative target temperature based on the outside air temperature and a heating determination criterion.

[0019] In an air conditioner of a fifth aspect of the present disclosure, in any one of the first to fourth aspects, if the determined temperature range is the cooling range, the air conditioning control unit may determine the cooling mode as the operation mode, and determine a first tentative target temperature based on the outside air temperature and a cooling determination criterion.

[0020] In an air conditioner of a sixth aspect of the present disclosure, in any one of the first to fifth aspects, if the determined temperature range is an intermediate range, the air conditioning control unit may determine a second tentative target temperature based on the outside air temperature, a heating decision criterion, and a cooling decision criterion, determine the heating mode or the cooling mode as the operation mode based on the outside air temperature and the second tentative target temperature, and determine a first tentative target temperature based on the outside air temperature and the temperature decision criterion corresponding to the determined operation mode.

[0021] In an air conditioner of a seventh aspect of the present disclosure, in the sixth aspect, if the determined temperature range is an intermediate range, the air conditioning control unit may determine, as the second tentative target temperature, the average value of the first tentative target temperature to which the outdoor air temperature corresponds in the heating decision criterion and the first tentative target temperature to which the outdoor air temperature corresponds in the cooling decision criterion.

[0022] In an air conditioner of an eighth aspect of the present disclosure, in the sixth or seventh aspect, if the determined temperature range is an intermediate range, the air conditioning control unit may calculate an average value of a first tentative target temperature to which the outdoor air temperature corresponds in the heating decision criterion and a first tentative target temperature to which the outdoor air temperature corresponds in the cooling decision criterion, obtain a shift value related to at least one of monthly information related to the current calendar month, user feedback, the amount of solar radiation received by the controlled space, and the amount of user activity in the controlled space, and determine the sum of the average value and the shift value as the second tentative target temperature.

[0023] The air conditioner of a ninth aspect according to the present disclosure may further include an indoor temperature sensor that detects an indoor temperature of the control space in any one of the sixth to eighth aspects. When determining the heating mode or the cooling mode as the operation mode based on the outdoor air temperature and the second tentative target temperature, the air conditioning control unit may acquire the indoor temperature by the indoor temperature sensor, acquire a mode determination criterion, and determine the heating mode or the cooling mode as the operation mode based on the outdoor air temperature, the second tentative target temperature, the indoor temperature, and the mode determination criterion. The mode determination criterion may be a combination of at least one outdoor air temperature threshold and at least one temperature difference threshold. The outdoor air temperature threshold is related to the outdoor air temperature. The temperature difference threshold is related to the temperature difference between the indoor temperature and the second tentative target temperature.

[0024] In an air conditioner of a tenth aspect of the present disclosure, in any one of the first to ninth aspects, when determining the target temperature based on the first tentative target temperature, the air conditioning control unit may obtain a shift value related to at least one of monthly information about the current calendar month, user feedback, the amount of solar radiation receiving the controlled space, and the amount of user activity in the controlled space, and determine the sum of the first tentative target temperature and the shift value as the target temperature.

[0025] In an air conditioner of an eleventh aspect according to the present disclosure, in the eighth or tenth aspect, the shift value may include a monthly information shift. The air conditioning storage unit may further store a first lookup table of monthly information and monthly information shifts. The air conditioning control unit may acquire monthly information and acquire the monthly information shift by matching the monthly information with the first lookup table.

[0026] In an air conditioner of a twelfth aspect according to the present disclosure, in the eighth or tenth aspect, the shift value may include a feedback shift. The feedback shift may be input by a user regarding the comfort of the controlled space via a terminal device associated with the air conditioner. The air conditioning control unit may obtain the feedback shift from the terminal device.

[0027] In an air conditioner of a thirteenth aspect according to the present disclosure, in the eighth or tenth aspect, the shift value may include a solar radiation shift. The air conditioner may further include a solar radiation sensor that detects an amount of solar radiation received by the control space. The air conditioning storage unit may further store a second lookup table of the amount of solar radiation and the solar radiation shift. The air conditioning control unit may obtain the solar radiation shift by acquiring the amount of solar radiation using the solar radiation sensor and matching the amount of solar radiation with the second lookup table.

[0028] In an air conditioner of a fourteenth aspect according to the present disclosure, in the eighth or tenth aspect, the shift value may include an activity amount shift. The air conditioner may further include an activity amount sensor that detects an activity amount of a user in the control space. The air conditioning storage unit may further store a third lookup table of the activity amount and the activity amount shift. The air conditioning control unit may obtain the activity amount by acquiring the activity amount using the activity amount sensor and collating the activity amount with the third lookup table to acquire the activity amount shift.

[0029] In an air conditioner of a 15th aspect of the present disclosure, in any one of the first to fourteenth aspects, when determining the target temperature based on the first tentative target temperature, the air conditioning control unit may determine whether the first tentative target temperature is within a predetermined settable range, and if the first tentative target temperature is within the settable range, may determine the first tentative target temperature as the target temperature, and if the first tentative target temperature is not within the settable range, may determine the maximum or minimum value of the settable range as the target temperature.

[0030] A target temperature determination method according to a sixteenth aspect of the present disclosure can determine an appropriate target temperature for a controlled space that is a target of air conditioning control. The target temperature determination method includes the steps of acquiring an outdoor air temperature of the controlled space, acquiring a temperature range including a heating range, a middle range, and a cooling range, and acquiring a temperature determination criterion including a heating determination criterion and a cooling determination criterion, where the heating determination criterion specifies a first relationship between an outdoor air temperature included in the heating range and the middle range and a first tentative target temperature, and the cooling determination criterion specifies a second relationship between an outdoor air temperature included in the cooling range and the middle range and the first tentative target temperature, determining whether the outdoor air temperature is included in the heating range, the middle range, or the cooling range of the temperature range, determining the first tentative target temperature based on the outdoor air temperature and the temperature determination criterion corresponding to the determined temperature range, and determining a target temperature based on the first tentative target temperature.

[0031] In a target temperature determination method of a 17th aspect of the present disclosure, in the 16th aspect, the step of determining the first tentative target temperature may include a step of determining a second tentative target temperature based on the outside air temperature, a heating determination criterion, and a cooling determination criterion, a step of determining the heating mode or the cooling mode as the operating mode based on the outside air temperature and the second tentative target temperature, and a step of determining the first tentative target temperature based on the outside air temperature and a temperature determination criterion corresponding to the determined operating mode.

[0032] In a target temperature determination method of an 18th aspect of the present disclosure, in the 16th or 17th aspect, the step of determining the target temperature may include a step of obtaining a shift value related to at least one of monthly information regarding the current calendar month, user feedback, the amount of solar radiation received by the control space, and the amount of user activity in the control space, and a step of determining the sum of the first interim target temperature and the shift value as the target temperature.

[0033] A program according to a nineteenth aspect of the present disclosure causes an air conditioner to execute a target temperature determination method.

[0034] A storage medium according to a twentieth aspect of the present disclosure is a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium having a computer program stored therein. The storage medium realizes a target temperature determination method when the computer program is executed by a processor.

[0035] 《Technical concept》 Before describing specific embodiments of the air conditioner, the target temperature determination method, the program, and the storage medium according to the present disclosure, the technical concept described in the present disclosure will be described using an example. In this example, the air conditioner acquires the outdoor air temperature of the control space that is the target of air conditioning control, and determines the target temperature of the air conditioning control based on the outdoor air temperature. Specifically, the temperature range is divided into a heating range, an intermediate range, and a cooling range for the outdoor air temperature. The temperature determination criteria, which are the criteria for determining the target temperature, include a heating determination criterion and a cooling determination criterion. In this example, the heating determination criterion corresponds to the heating mode, the heating range, and the intermediate range, and the cooling determination criterion corresponds to the cooling mode, the cooling range, and the intermediate range. The air conditioner determines which of the temperature ranges the acquired outdoor air temperature is included in, and determines the target temperature using the temperature determination criterion corresponding to the determined temperature range. By using such a temperature determination criterion, it is possible to automatically determine a target temperature that is comfortable for the user in winter, summer, or an intermediate period that is neither winter nor summer (e.g., April, May, and October). Furthermore, the air conditioner can notify a terminal device, such as an application or a remote controller related to the air conditioner, of the automatically determined target temperature and cause the terminal device to present the target temperature to the user. Presenting the target temperature determined by the air conditioner via the terminal device can increase the user's trust in the automatic control.

[0036] Each of the embodiments described below shows an example of the present disclosure. The numerical values, shapes, configurations, steps, and order of steps shown in each of the following embodiments show examples and do not limit the present disclosure. Among the components in the following embodiment 1, components that are not described in the independent claim showing the highest concept are described as optional components.

[0037] In each of the embodiments described below, there may be cases where modified examples are shown for specific elements, and other elements include appropriate combinations of any configuration, and the combined configurations provide the respective effects. In the embodiments, the respective modified configurations are combined to provide the respective effects of the respective modified configurations.

[0038] In the following detailed description, the terms "first", "second", etc. are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be understood as expressing or implying the relative importance or ranking of technical features. Features qualified as "first" and "second" expressly or imply the inclusion of one or more of that feature.

[0039] First Embodiment DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS A first embodiment of an air conditioner, a target temperature determination method for an air conditioner, a program, and a storage medium according to the present disclosure will be described in detail below with reference to the drawings as appropriate.

[0040] FIG. 1A is a block diagram of an example of an air conditioner in embodiment 1, and FIG. 1B is a block diagram of an example of an environment in which the air conditioner in embodiment 1 is used.

[0041] 1, the air conditioner 10 includes an air conditioner memory unit 11, an air conditioner control unit 12, and an air conditioner communication unit 13. The air conditioner 10 may further include at least one of various sensors 14 for performing functions. The air conditioner 10 may include a display, a speaker, or a buzzer for displaying visual or audio information to a user.

[0042] The air conditioner 10 can be connected to a terminal device 20 and / or a server 30 via the air conditioning communication unit 13. For example, as described below, the air conditioner 10 may be connected to a server 30 related to the air conditioner 10 via the Internet. The air conditioner 10 may be connected to a terminal device 20a, which is a smartphone of a user of the air conditioner 10, via the Internet. The air conditioner 10 may be connected to a terminal device 20b, which is a remote controller of the air conditioner 10, via infrared rays. In this disclosure, the terminal device 20a and the terminal device 20b may be collectively referred to as the terminal device 20. The air conditioner 10 may further be directly or indirectly connected to an external information source 40 to acquire part of the information necessary for air conditioning control, such as the outside air temperature, from the external information source 40.

[0043] Below, an overview of each component will be given.

[0044] <Air conditioner 10> The air conditioner 10 treats, for example, the internal space of a room in a home or office as a controlled space that is the target of air conditioning control. The air conditioner 10 has, for example, a cooling function, a heating function, and / or an air cleaning function. The air conditioner 10 may include a ventilation device that introduces outdoor air from outside the controlled space into the controlled space. The operation modes in terms of the air conditioning function include at least a cooling mode and a heating mode. Furthermore, the air conditioner 10 may have operation modes such as a dehumidification mode, a humidification mode, a ventilation mode, and a ventilation mode, and these functions and operation modes can be freely combined (for example, a heating and humidification function, a cooling and ventilation mode, etc.).

[0045] <Air conditioning memory unit 11> The air conditioning storage unit 11 is a recording medium that records various information and control programs, and may be a memory that functions as a work area for the air conditioning control unit 12. The air conditioning storage unit 11 is realized, for example, by a flash memory, a RAM (Random Access Memory), a ROM (Read Only Memory), other storage devices, or an appropriate combination of these.

[0046] The air conditioning storage unit 11 may store criteria, thresholds, and lookup tables for air conditioning control. For example, the air conditioning storage unit 11 may store a temperature range and temperature determination criteria, which will be described later. The air conditioning storage unit 11 may store information acquired from each sensor 14. Information acquired from the server 30 or the external information source 40 may also be stored in the air conditioning storage unit 11. These pieces of information may be read out by the air conditioning control unit 12 when the target temperature determination method or the notification method for notifying the terminal device 20 of the target temperature is executed.

[0047] Furthermore, the air conditioning storage unit 11 may store a program for causing the air conditioning control unit 12 to execute a target temperature determination method or a notification method.

[0048] <Air conditioning control unit 12> The air conditioning control unit 12 is a controller responsible for controlling at least some of the functions of the air conditioner 10. The air conditioning control unit 12 includes a general-purpose processor such as a CPU, MPU, MCU, FPGA, DSP, or ASIC that executes a program to realize a predetermined function. The air conditioning control unit 12 can realize various controls in the air conditioner 10 by calling and executing a control program stored in the air conditioning storage unit 11. The air conditioning control unit 12 can also work with the air conditioning storage unit 11 to read and write data stored in the air conditioning storage unit 11. The air conditioning control unit 12 is not limited to a unit that realizes a predetermined function through the cooperation of hardware and software, and may be a hardware circuit designed specifically to realize the predetermined function.

[0049] The air conditioning control unit 12 can communicate with the server 30 via the air conditioning communication unit 13. Similarly, the air conditioning control unit 12 can receive various commands and setting values ​​from a user (for example, a command to start automatic operation (automatic operation) of the air conditioner 10) from the terminal device 20 via the air conditioning communication unit 13. The air conditioning control unit 12 controls each component of the air conditioner 10 so as to exert the cooling function or heating function of the air conditioner 10 based on these setting values ​​and detection values ​​(for example, outside air temperature) received from various sensors 14.

[0050] <Air Conditioning Communication Unit 13> The air conditioning communication unit 13 can also communicate with the server 30, the terminal device 20, etc., and can also send and receive Internet packets, for example. As described above, the air conditioning control unit 12 may cooperate with the server 30 and / or the terminal device 20 via the air conditioning communication unit 13. The air conditioning communication unit 13 may communicate and send and receive data between the server 30, the air conditioner 10, and the terminal device 20 in accordance with standards such as Wi-Fi (registered trademark), IEEE802.2, IEEE802.3, 3G, and LTE. The air conditioning communication unit 13 may communicate via the Internet, as well as an intranet, an extranet, a LAN, ISDN, a VAN, a CATV communication network, a virtual private network, a telephone line network, a mobile communication network, a satellite communication network, etc., infrared rays, or Bluetooth (registered trademark).

[0051] <Sensor 14> The sensor 14 is for acquiring various information from outside the air conditioner 10 in order to fulfill the functions of the air conditioner 10. In particular, the sensor 14 is capable of acquiring information for implementing air conditioning control.

[0052] For example, the sensor 14 includes an indoor temperature sensor 14a that detects the temperature in a room in which the air conditioner 10 is installed (i.e., the control range of air conditioning control), and an outdoor air temperature sensor 14b that detects the outdoor air temperature outside the control range. The sensor 14 may further include at least one of a solar radiation sensor 14c that detects the amount of solar radiation received by the controlled space, and an activity amount sensor 14d that detects the amount of activity of the user in the controlled space. Information detected by the sensor 14 is input and stored in the air conditioning storage unit 11, and is later used by the air conditioning control unit 12 or transmitted to the terminal device 20 or the server 30.

[0053] The sensor 14 may be mounted on the main body of the air conditioner 10, on another home appliance, or at any location inside or outside a smart home, or may be an independent sensor device. When executing the target temperature determination method, the air conditioning control unit 12 can obtain information used for control from these sensors 14, regardless of where the sensors 14 are mounted.

[0054] <Terminal Device 20> The terminal device 20 is a device related to the air conditioner 10. In one embodiment, the terminal device 20 includes a terminal device 20a, which is an information terminal that connects to the air conditioner 10 via the Internet or a server 30. In one embodiment, the terminal device 20 includes a terminal device 20b, which is a remote controller that connects to the air conditioner 10 via infrared rays or Bluetooth (registered trademark). The terminal device 20a may be an information terminal that can perform data communication with the air conditioner 10, such as a smartphone, a mobile phone, a mobile phone, a tablet, a wearable device, a computer, or the like, in which a dedicated related application 25 is incorporated. The terminal device 20b may be, for example, a remote controller that manages and controls only the air conditioner 10, or a remote controller that can manage and control multiple types of home appliances simultaneously.

[0055] The terminal device 20 can acquire settings or commands input by the user and transfer the acquired settings or commands to the air conditioner 10 or the server 30. Meanwhile, the terminal device 20 can acquire information such as a target temperature from the air conditioner 10 or the server 30 and present the acquired information to the user.

[0056] <Server 30> The server 30 is a server for providing firmware for updating to at least one air conditioner 10, but may be used for other purposes. For example, the server 30 may be a management server of a manufacturer of the air conditioner 10 for managing at least one air conditioner 10 or for collecting data. Alternatively, the server 30 may be an application server. The server 30 can acquire the outdoor air temperature of the control space of a specific air conditioner 10 from an external information source 40 via the Internet, and notify the specific air conditioner 10 of the acquired outdoor air temperature. In addition, the server 30 can receive information on the target temperature determined by the specific air conditioner 10 from the specific air conditioner 10, and transfer the received target temperature to the terminal device 20a associated with the specific air conditioner 10.

[0057] <External information source 40> The external information source 40 is an information source that provides information about services not directly related to the air conditioner 10, such as weather information or information about the air quality in a specific area. For example, the external information source 40 may be a website of the Japan Meteorological Agency. The server 30 may transfer information acquired from the external information source 40 to the air conditioner 10 or the terminal device 20. The air conditioner 10 may directly connect to the external information source 40 and acquire part of the information necessary for air conditioning control from the external information source 40, or may indirectly connect to the external information source 40 via the server 30 or the terminal device 20 to acquire the necessary information.

[0058] Up to this point, we have given an overview of the configuration of the air conditioner 10 according to this embodiment. From here on, we will explain the features of the target temperature determination method, program, and storage medium executed by the air conditioner 10 according to this embodiment.

[0059] <Target temperature determination method> The air conditioning control unit 12 executes the air conditioning control and target temperature determination method for the air conditioner 10. According to the target temperature determination method, it is possible to automatically determine an appropriate target temperature for a controlled space that is the subject of air conditioning control.

[0060] FIG. 2 is a flowchart of an example of a target temperature determination method according to the first embodiment. In this example, the target temperature determination method includes steps S100 to S500.

[0061] In one embodiment, the air conditioning control unit 12 may determine the target temperature by executing steps S100 to S500 when the air conditioner 10 starts automatic operation in response to a command from the user.

[0062] In the target temperature determination method, first, the air conditioning control unit 12 acquires the outdoor air temperature of the controlled space (step S100). For example, the air conditioning control unit 12 causes the outdoor air temperature sensor 14b to detect the outdoor air temperature of the controlled space and acquires the detection result from the outdoor air temperature sensor. The air conditioning control unit 12 may also acquire the outdoor air temperature from the server 30 or an external information source 40 via the Internet.

[0063] The air conditioning control unit 12 also acquires the temperature range and the temperature determination criterion (step S200). The air conditioning control unit 12 can acquire the temperature range and the temperature determination criterion by reading the temperature range and the temperature determination criterion from the air conditioning storage unit 11 or by receiving the temperature range and the temperature determination criterion from the server 30.

[0064] The temperature range is a range relative to the outdoor air temperature, and is divided into a heating range, an intermediate range, and a cooling range. Basically, during automatic operation, the air conditioning control unit 12 determines the heating mode as the operation mode when the outdoor air temperature is within the heating range, and determines the cooling mode as the operation mode when the outdoor air temperature is within the cooling range. When the outdoor air temperature is within the intermediate range, the air conditioning control unit 12 determines the heating mode or the cooling mode as the operation mode, as described below.

[0065] The temperature decision criteria are criteria for determining a target temperature, and include a heating decision criterion and a cooling decision criterion. The heating decision criterion is a criterion for determining a target temperature when the operation mode is a heating mode, and the cooling decision criterion is a criterion for determining a target temperature when the operation mode is a cooling mode. Therefore, it can be said that the heating mode corresponds to the heating decision criterion, and the cooling mode corresponds to the cooling decision criterion. The temperature decision criterion specifies the relationship between the outdoor air temperature and the first tentative target temperature. The heating decision criterion corresponds to at least the heating range and the intermediate range, and the cooling decision criterion corresponds to at least the cooling range and the intermediate range. The first tentative target temperature refers to a temperature that is temporarily targeted.

[0066] Fig. 3 is an example of a temperature determination criterion in the first embodiment. In the example of Fig. 3, two outdoor temperature thresholds, X°C and Y°C, are defined for the outdoor temperature. The heating range is defined as a range below X°C, the intermediate range is defined as a range higher than X°C and below Y°C, and the cooling range is defined as a range above Y°C.

[0067] In one embodiment, the heating decision criterion corresponds to a heating range and an intermediate range, and the cooling decision criterion corresponds to a cooling range and an intermediate range. The heating decision criterion defines a first relationship between an outdoor temperature included in the heating range and the intermediate range and a first tentative target temperature. The cooling decision criterion defines a second relationship between an outdoor temperature included in the cooling range and the intermediate range and a first tentative target temperature. When an outdoor temperature included in the heating range or the intermediate range is matched with the heating decision criterion (first relationship), a first tentative target temperature corresponding to the outdoor temperature is obtained. When an outdoor temperature included in the cooling range or the intermediate range is matched with the cooling decision criterion (second relationship), a first tentative target temperature corresponding to the outdoor temperature is obtained. Since the heating decision criterion and the cooling decision criterion are different, basically, when the same outdoor temperature is matched with each of the heating decision criterion and the cooling decision criterion, different first tentative target temperatures are obtained.

[0068] In one embodiment, as shown in Fig. 3, both the heating decision criterion and the cooling decision criterion correspond to all of the heating range, the intermediate range, and the cooling range, in which case the heating decision criterion and the cooling decision criterion each define a first relationship and a second relationship between the outside air temperature and the first tentative target temperature included in all the temperature ranges.

[0069] In the embodiment of FIG. 3, the heating decision criterion prescribes a first relationship as follows: when the outdoor air temperature is equal to or lower than the outdoor air temperature threshold A1° C., the first tentative target temperature is temperature B1° C.; when the outdoor air temperature is higher than the outdoor air temperature threshold A1° C. and equal to or lower than the outdoor air temperature threshold A2° C., the first tentative target temperature is a temperature that depends on the outdoor air temperature with a constant gradient between temperatures B1° C. and B2° C.; when the outdoor air temperature is higher than the outdoor air temperature threshold A2° C., the first tentative target temperature is temperature B2° C. Similarly, in the embodiment of FIG. 3, the cooling decision criterion prescribes a first relationship as follows: when the outdoor air temperature is equal to or lower than the outdoor air temperature threshold A3° C., the first tentative target temperature is temperature B3° C.; when the outdoor air temperature is higher than the outdoor air temperature threshold A3° C. and equal to or lower than the outdoor air temperature threshold A4° C., the first tentative target temperature is a temperature that depends on the outdoor air temperature with a constant gradient between temperatures B3° C. and B4° C. When the outside air temperature is higher than the outside air temperature threshold value A4°C, the first tentative target temperature is a temperature B4°C.

[0070] In the temperature determination criteria, the outside air temperature threshold Y is higher than the outside air temperature threshold X, the outside air temperature threshold A3 is higher than the outside air temperature threshold A1, the outside air temperature threshold A4 is higher than the outside air temperature threshold A2, the temperature B3 is higher than the temperature B1, and the temperature B4 is higher than the temperature B2. For example, X may be a temperature between 5°C and 15°C, and Y may be a temperature between 20°C and 30°C. In addition, the outside air temperature threshold A1 may be a temperature between 0°C and 12°C, the outside air temperature threshold A2 may be a temperature between 13°C and 18°C, the outside air temperature threshold A3 may be a temperature between 19°C and 24°C, and the outside air temperature threshold A4 may be a temperature between 26°C and 35°C. The shape of the line of the temperature determination criteria and the number of outside air temperature thresholds are not limited to these.

[0071] In one embodiment, the temperature determination criterion is generated based on a feedback history when the user feels comfortable in the controlled space. The feedback history includes the set temperature (user set temperature) and the outdoor temperature when the user feels comfortable. For example, the user can communicate to the air conditioner 10 or the server 30 that he or she feels comfortable via the related application 25 of the terminal device 20a. At that time, the terminal device 20a also transmits the set temperature at that time to the air conditioner 10 or the server 30. The air conditioner 10 or the server 30 acquires the outdoor temperature at that time and writes it in the feedback history together with the received set temperature and the acquired outdoor temperature. The feedback history may include other information such as the operation mode at that time, the blown air volume at that time, the indoor humidity at that time, and the model of the air conditioner 10.

[0072] In one embodiment, the air conditioner 10 or the server 30 generates a temperature determination criterion based on a plot diagram in which the most frequent value of the set temperature is plotted against the outdoor temperature when the user feels comfortable. Instead of the most frequent value, the temperature determination criterion may be generated using the average value, weighted average value, or median value of the set temperature. The air conditioner 10 or the server 30 may generate a temperature determination criterion that can be applied all year round, or may generate a temperature determination criterion appropriate for each season or month based on the feedback history for a specific period. The temperature determination criterion can be realized in the form of a lookup table or a formula.

[0073] After acquiring the outdoor air temperature, the air conditioning control unit 12 determines whether the outdoor air temperature is included in the heating range, the intermediate range, or the cooling range of the temperature range (step S300). For example, the air conditioning control unit 12 compares the acquired outdoor air temperature with outdoor air temperature thresholds X and Y to determine the temperature range in which the outdoor air temperature is included.

[0074] Next, the air conditioning control unit 12 determines a first tentative target temperature based on the outside air temperature and a temperature determination criterion corresponding to the determined temperature range (step S400). More specifically, the air conditioning control unit 12 determines an operation mode based on the outside air temperature, and then determines the first tentative target temperature.

[0075] 4 is a flowchart of an example of step S400 in the case of the heating range in the first embodiment. When the outdoor air temperature is included in the heating range, the air conditioning control unit 12 determines the heating mode as the operation mode (step S410). Then, the air conditioning control unit 12 determines a first tentative target temperature based on the outdoor air temperature and the heating decision criterion (step S411). For example, the air conditioning control unit 12 determines the first tentative target temperature by checking the outdoor air temperature against the heating decision criterion (first relationship).

[0076] 5 is a flowchart of an example of step S400 in the case of the cooling range in the first embodiment. When the outdoor air temperature is included in the cooling range, the air conditioning control unit 12 determines the cooling mode as the operation mode (step S420). Then, the air conditioning control unit 12 determines a first tentative target temperature based on the outdoor air temperature and the cooling decision criterion (step S421). For example, the air conditioning control unit 12 determines the first tentative target temperature by checking the outdoor air temperature against the cooling decision criterion (second relationship).

[0077] 6 is a flowchart of an example of step S400 in the case of the intermediate range in the first embodiment. When the outdoor air temperature is included in the intermediate range, the air conditioning control unit 12 determines a second tentative target temperature based on the outdoor air temperature, the heating decision criterion, and the cooling decision criterion (step S430). The second tentative target temperature refers to a temporary target temperature for determining an operation mode when the outdoor air temperature is included in the intermediate range.

[0078] In one embodiment, the air conditioning control unit 12 may determine, as the second tentative target temperature, the average value of the first tentative target temperature to which the outdoor air temperature corresponds in the heating decision criterion and the first tentative target temperature to which the outdoor air temperature corresponds in the cooling decision criterion. As described above, since the heating decision criterion and the cooling decision criterion are different, when the same outdoor air temperature is compared with each of the heating decision criterion and the cooling decision criterion, different first tentative target temperatures are obtained. The air conditioning control unit 12 sets the average value of the two first tentative target temperatures obtained based on each of the heating decision criterion and the cooling decision criterion as the second tentative target temperature. Also, instead of the average value, the weighted average value, maximum value, or minimum value of these two first tentative target temperatures may be determined as the second tentative target temperature.

[0079] Next, the air conditioning control unit 12 determines the heating mode or the cooling mode as the operation mode based on the outside air temperature and the second tentative target temperature (step S431).Then, the air conditioning control unit 12 determines the final first tentative target temperature based on the outside air temperature and the temperature determination criterion corresponding to the determined operation mode (step S432).In step S432, the air conditioning control unit 12 determines the final first tentative target temperature based on the outside air temperature and the heating determination criterion or the cooling determination criterion in the same manner as in step S411 or step S421.

[0080] That is, in step S400, the air conditioning control unit 12 temporarily acquires two first tentative target temperatures based on the heating decision criterion and the cooling decision criterion in step S430. After that, the air conditioning control unit 12 determines a second tentative target temperature using the two first tentative target temperatures, and further determines a final first tentative target temperature based on the second tentative target temperature.

[0081] In step S431, the air conditioning control unit 12 determines the operation mode based on the outside air temperature and the second tentative target temperature. More specifically, the air conditioning control unit 12 determines the operation mode based on the outside air temperature and the temperature difference between the room temperature and the second tentative target temperature (i.e., the result of subtracting the second tentative target temperature from the room temperature). A method for determining the operation mode will be described in more detail below. FIG. 7 is a flowchart of an example of step S431 in the first embodiment.

[0082] The air conditioning control unit 12 acquires the indoor temperature using the indoor temperature sensor 14a (step S4311), and acquires the mode determination criterion (step S4312). The air conditioning control unit 12 can acquire the mode determination criterion by reading the mode determination criterion from the air conditioning storage unit 11, or by receiving the mode determination criterion from the server 30. The air conditioning control unit 12 then determines the heating mode or the cooling mode as the operation mode based on the outdoor temperature, the second tentative target temperature, the indoor temperature, and the mode determination criterion (step S4313).

[0083] The mode determination criterion is a criterion for determining the operation mode, and is a combination of at least one outdoor temperature threshold and at least one temperature difference threshold. The outdoor temperature threshold is related to the outdoor temperature, and the temperature difference threshold is related to the temperature difference between the indoor temperature and the second tentative target temperature.

[0084] FIG. 8A is an example of a mode determination criterion in the first embodiment. In FIG. 8A, the horizontal axis represents the outside air temperature (unit: ° C.), and the vertical axis represents the temperature difference (unit: ° C.). From the horizontal axis, the mode determination criterion in FIG. 8A includes a first outside air temperature threshold T1 and a second outside air temperature threshold T2. Three temperature ranges RT1 to RT3 are defined by the first outside air temperature threshold T1, the second outside air temperature threshold T2, and appropriate upper and lower limit values ​​(for example, a lower limit value of -50° C. and an upper limit value of the upper limit of the numerical expression, but are not limited to these). More specifically, the first temperature range RT1 is defined as a range higher than the lower limit value and equal to or lower than the first outside air temperature threshold T1, the second temperature range RT2 is defined as a range higher than the first outside air temperature threshold T1 and equal to or lower than the second outside air temperature threshold T2, and the third temperature range RT3 is defined as a range higher than the second outside air temperature threshold T2 and equal to or lower than the upper limit value. 8A includes a first temperature difference threshold D1. The first temperature difference threshold D1 and suitable upper and lower limits (e.g., but not limited to, a lower limit of -50°C and an upper limit of +50°C) define a first temperature difference range RD1 higher than the lower limit and equal to or lower than the first temperature difference threshold D1, and a second temperature difference range RD2 higher than the first temperature difference threshold D1 and equal to or lower than the upper limit. The mode determination criteria can be stored in the air conditioning storage unit 11 or the server 30 in the form of a lookup table or the like including all thresholds.

[0085] In the mode determination criterion, an operation mode can be set for each combination of the temperature range RT and each temperature difference range. For example, in the mode determination criterion of Fig. 8A, the combination of the temperature range RT2 and the first temperature difference range RD1 corresponds to the heating mode, and the combination of the second temperature range RT2 and the second temperature difference range RD2 corresponds to the cooling mode. The operation modes corresponding to the combinations of the temperature ranges RT and the temperature difference ranges can also be stored in the air conditioning storage unit 11 or the server 30 in the form of a lookup table or the like.

[0086] The air conditioning control unit 12 can determine the operation mode using the mode determination criterion of FIG. 8A. For example, when the outdoor air temperature is included in the first temperature range RT1, that is, when the outdoor air temperature is equal to or lower than the first outdoor air temperature threshold T1, the air conditioning control unit 12 determines the heating mode as the operation mode. When the outdoor air temperature is included in the third temperature range RT3, that is, when the outdoor air temperature is higher than the second outdoor air temperature threshold T2, the air conditioning control unit 12 determines the cooling mode as the operation mode. Also, when the outdoor air temperature is included in the second temperature range RT2, that is, when the outdoor air temperature is higher than the first outdoor air temperature threshold T1 and equal to or lower than the second outdoor air temperature threshold T2, the air conditioning control unit 12 determines the operation mode based on the calculated temperature difference as well. When the outdoor air temperature is included in the second temperature range RT2 and the temperature difference is equal to or lower than the first temperature difference threshold D1, the air conditioning control unit 12 determines the heating mode as the operation mode. On the other hand, when the outside air temperature is included in the second temperature range RT2 and the temperature difference is greater than the first temperature difference threshold D1, the air conditioning control unit 12 determines the cooling mode as the operation mode.

[0087] Fig. 8B is an example of a mode determination criterion in embodiment 1. In the mode determination criterion shown in Fig. 8B, the horizontal axis defines a first temperature range RT1 to a fourth temperature range RT4 by the first outside air temperature threshold T1 to the third outside air temperature threshold T3. The vertical axis defines a first temperature difference range RD1 to a fourth temperature difference range RD4 by the first temperature difference threshold D1 to the third temperature difference threshold D3.

[0088] For example, the outdoor air temperature threshold T1 may be a temperature within 12°C to 14°C, the outdoor air temperature threshold T2 may be a temperature within 14°C to 22°C, and the outdoor air temperature threshold T3 may be a temperature within 26°C to 30°C. In particular, the outdoor air temperature threshold T2 can be defined for each season or month. Also, the temperature difference threshold D1 may be a temperature difference within -6°C to -3°C, the temperature difference threshold D2 may be a temperature difference within -2°C to 2°C, and the temperature difference threshold D3 may be a temperature difference within 36°C to 40°C.

[0089] Thereby, one mode determination criterion can be said to be a combination of a plurality of outdoor temperature thresholds T and a plurality of temperature difference thresholds D. Also, one mode determination criterion can be said to be a set of combinations of any one of a plurality of temperature ranges RT and any one of a plurality of temperature difference ranges RD. Each of these combinations of ranges may correspond to a heating mode or a cooling mode. For example, in the mode determination criterion of FIG. 8B, the combination of the first temperature range RT1 and the first temperature difference range RD1 corresponds to the heating mode, the combination of the second temperature range RT2 and the second temperature difference range RD2 corresponds to the heating mode, the combination of the fourth temperature range RT4 and the first temperature difference range RD1 corresponds to the cooling mode, and the combination of the third temperature range RT3 and the third temperature difference range RD2 corresponds to the cooling mode. Such a correspondence relationship between the combination and the operation mode can be stored in the air conditioning storage unit 11 or the server 30 in the form of a lookup table.

[0090] The air conditioning control unit 12 can determine the operation mode using the mode determination criterion of FIG. 8B or other mode determination criteria, just as it determines the operation mode using the mode determination criterion of FIG. 8A. In steps S430 and S431, by using the second tentative target temperature and such mode determination criterion, an appropriate operation mode can be determined even in an intermediate season that is neither winter nor summer. When mode determination criteria are prepared for each season or month, the operation mode can be determined more appropriately by selecting the corresponding mode determination criterion according to the current season or month. In addition, in step S400, the first tentative target temperature is determined based on the appropriate temperature determination criterion for each temperature range, so that an appropriate first tentative target temperature can be automatically determined in any season.

[0091] After determining the first tentative target temperature based on a temperature determination criterion suitable for the operation mode and the outside air temperature, the air conditioning control unit 12 determines the target temperature based on the first tentative target temperature (step S500). In one embodiment, the air conditioning control unit 12 determines the first tentative target temperature as the target temperature as is. In one embodiment, the air conditioning control unit 12 may determine the target temperature as a result of adjusting the first tentative target temperature based on the environmental state of the controlled space, the state of the user, or the user's preference. In one embodiment, the air conditioning control unit 12 may determine the target temperature as a result of adjusting the first tentative target temperature so that it falls within a predetermined range.

[0092] Fig. 9 is a flowchart of an example of step S500 in embodiment 1. In the example of Fig. 9, the air conditioning control unit 12 adjusts the first tentative target temperature so that it falls within a predetermined range.

[0093] In step S500, the air conditioning control unit 12 determines whether the first tentative target temperature is within a predetermined settable range (step S510). The settable range is generally a range in which the user does not feel uncomfortable, and may be, for example, 14°C to 32°C, 16°C to 30°C, or 18°C ​​to 28°C.

[0094] If the first tentative target temperature is within the settable range, the air conditioning control unit 12 determines the first tentative target temperature as the target temperature (step S511). On the other hand, if the first tentative target temperature is not within the settable range, the air conditioning control unit 12 determines the maximum or minimum value of the settable range as the target temperature (step S512). For example, if the first tentative target temperature is higher than the maximum value of the settable range, the air conditioning control unit 12 determines the maximum value of the settable range as the target temperature. If the first tentative target temperature is equal to or lower than the minimum value of the settable range, the air conditioning control unit 12 determines the minimum value of the settable range as the target temperature.

[0095] In this way, it is possible to ensure that the target temperature is automatically determined within a range in which the user does not feel uncomfortable.

[0096] The air conditioning control unit 12 completes the process of automatically determining the target temperature by executing step S500 at least once. By using an appropriate temperature determination criterion, it is possible to automatically determine a target temperature that is comfortable for the user in winter, summer, or an intermediate season that is neither winter nor summer.

[0097] In the automatic operation, the air conditioning control unit 12 may repeatedly execute steps S100 to S500. The air conditioning control unit 12 can maintain the comfort of the controlled space by executing steps S100 to S500 at regular time intervals (for example, every 10 minutes, every 20 minutes, every 30 minutes, every 60 minutes, or every 90 minutes).

[0098] In one embodiment, the air conditioning control unit 12 has a program used to execute the target temperature determination method described above. The program causes the air conditioning control unit 12 of the air conditioner 10 to execute the target temperature determination method.

[0099] In one embodiment, the air conditioner 10 has a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium in which a computer program is stored. When the computer program is executed by a processor (air conditioning control unit 12), the target temperature determination method of the present disclosure is realized. The storage medium may be the same as the air conditioning storage unit 11 of the air conditioner 10, may be included in the air conditioning storage unit 11, or may be a component different from the air conditioning storage unit 11.

[0100] Second Embodiment In the second embodiment, in step S500, the air conditioning control unit 12 determines the result of adjusting (shifting) the first tentative target temperature based on the environmental state of the controlled space, the state of the user, or the user's preference as the target temperature. For example, the air conditioning control unit 12 can shift the first tentative target temperature based on monthly information about the current calendar month, user feedback, the amount of solar radiation received by the controlled space, or the amount of activity of the user in the controlled space.

[0101] Similarly, in step S430, the air conditioning control unit 12 can determine the second tentative target temperature in consideration of the environmental state of the controlled space, etc. By using the second tentative target temperature adjusted (shifted) based on the environmental state of the controlled space, etc., it is possible to more appropriately determine the operation mode when the outside air temperature is included in the intermediate range.

[0102] <Determining the target temperature taking into account the shift value> 10 is a flowchart of an example of step S500 in the second embodiment. The air conditioning control unit 12 acquires a shift value related to at least one of monthly information related to the current calendar month, user feedback, the amount of solar radiation received by the controlled space, and the amount of activity of the user in the controlled space (step S520). That is, the shift value includes at least one of a monthly shift based on monthly information related to the current calendar month, a feedback shift based on user feedback, a solar radiation shift based on the amount of solar radiation received by the controlled space, and an activity amount shift based on the amount of activity of the user in the controlled space. These shift values ​​will be described in detail later.

[0103] In one embodiment, the air conditioning control unit 12 determines the sum of the first tentative target temperature and the acquired shift value as the target temperature (step S521). That is, the target temperature is a result of adding the shift value to the first tentative target temperature. Instead of the sum of the first tentative target temperature and the shift value, a weighted sum or product of the first tentative target temperature and the shift value may be determined as the target temperature.

[0104] <<Monthly Information Shift>> The shift value may include a month information shift. The month information is related to the current calendar month. The air conditioning control unit 12 may, for example, obtain the current date and use the "month" portion of the date as month information. Note that although information regarding the calendar year and day is not necessary in the month information, it may be present. The air conditioning control unit 12 may obtain the month information directly from the air conditioning storage unit 11, the terminal device 20, or the server 30, or may extract the month information after obtaining data such as the current date from which month information can be extracted.

[0105] When the monthly information shift is used, the air conditioning storage unit 11 further stores a first lookup table of monthly information and monthly information shift. The first lookup table may include a shift value corresponding to each month or each season. Furthermore, when a year is divided into a plurality of periods and each period includes one or more months, the first lookup table may include a shift value corresponding to each period. In one example, the first lookup table indicates that the monthly information shift for the period from June to September is +0.5°C, the monthly information shift for the period from November to March is -0.5°C, and the monthly information shift for the periods of April, May, and October is 0°C. The range of the monthly information shift may be, for example, -2°C to +2°C. The contents of the first lookup table may differ depending on the location (for example, city, country, or region) of the controlled space of the air conditioner 10. The air conditioning control unit 12 can acquire the monthly information shift by matching the acquired monthly information with the first lookup table.

[0106] <<Feedback Shift>> The shift value may include a feedback shift. The feedback shift is based on feedback input by the user regarding the comfort of the controlled space via the terminal device 20 associated with the air conditioner 10, and can be considered an adjustment value that reflects the user's preferences.

[0107] In one embodiment, the air conditioning control unit 12 displays three feedback options, "Just right," "Cold," or "Hot," on the terminal device 20a, which is a user's smartphone, via a user interface of the terminal device 20a, and prompts the user to make a selection. The terminal device 20a transmits the feedback selected by the user via the user interface to the air conditioning control unit 12.

[0108] In one embodiment, the terminal device 20b serving as a remote controller for the air conditioner 10 is provided with buttons or other input elements corresponding to three feedbacks, namely, "just right," "cold," and "hot." When these buttons are pressed by the user, the terminal device 20a transmits the corresponding feedback to the air conditioning control unit 12.

[0109] The air conditioning control unit 12 obtains a feedback shift by obtaining feedback from the terminal device 20. For example, when feedback of "cold" is received via the terminal device 20, the air conditioning control unit 12 adds 0.5°C to the feedback shift. When feedback of "hot" is received, the air conditioning control unit 12 subtracts 0.5°C from the feedback shift, and when feedback of "just right" is received, the air conditioning control unit 12 does not change the current feedback shift. The feedback shift can be accumulated according to multiple feedbacks, and can be accumulated within a range of -8°C to +8°C, for example.

[0110] <<Solar radiation shift>> The shift value may include a solar radiation shift. When a solar radiation shift is used, the air conditioner 10 further includes a solar radiation sensor 14c that detects the amount of solar radiation received by the controlled space. The solar radiation sensor 14c is installed in a location where it can detect the amount of solar radiation received by the controlled space, and may be installed, for example, on the outer surface of the indoor unit or outdoor unit of the air conditioner 10. The air conditioning control unit 12 obtains the amount of solar radiation by the solar radiation sensor 14c.

[0111] When the solar radiation shift is used, the air conditioning storage unit 11 further stores a second lookup table of solar radiation amounts and solar radiation shifts. The second lookup table includes shift values ​​corresponding to the solar radiation amounts. In one embodiment, the solar radiation amounts are divided into a plurality of intervals by at least one solar radiation threshold value, and the second lookup table includes shift values ​​corresponding to the solar radiation amounts of each interval.

[0112] Generally, the higher the amount of solar radiation, the hotter the user in the controlled space is likely to feel. In one embodiment, the solar radiation shift may be set lower as the amount of solar radiation increases to mitigate the hotness felt by the high amount of solar radiation. For example, the second lookup table shows that the solar radiation information shift corresponding to the amount of solar radiation equal to or lower than the solar radiation threshold is +1°C, and the solar radiation information shift corresponding to the amount of solar radiation higher than the solar radiation threshold is -1°C.

[0113] The range of the solar radiation shift may be, for example, −3° C. to +3° C. The air conditioning control unit 12 can acquire the solar radiation shift by checking the acquired solar radiation amount against the second lookup table.

[0114] <<Activity shift>> The shift value may include an activity amount shift. When the activity amount shift is used, the air conditioner 10 further includes an activity amount sensor 14d that detects the activity amount of the user in the control space. The activity amount refers to the intensity of the user's physical activity (exercise) in kinematics. The activity amount sensor 14d may be, for example, a human sensor, a camera, an infrared thermography camera, or a distance sensor. The activity amount sensor 14d may be provided in the air conditioner 10, the terminal device 20, the control space, or a wearable terminal or a smart watch worn by the user. The air conditioning control unit 12 may obtain the activity amount of the user in the control space by directly receiving it from the activity amount sensor 14d, or may obtain it by processing data received from the activity amount sensor 14d. When there are multiple users in the control space, the air conditioning control unit 12 may determine the activity amount shift using the average or maximum value of the activity amounts of the multiple users, or the activity amount of the user closest to the air conditioner 10.

[0115] When the activity amount shift is used, the air conditioning storage unit 11 further stores a third lookup table of the activity amount and the activity amount shift. The third lookup table includes a shift value corresponding to the activity amount. In one embodiment, the activity amount is divided into a plurality of sections by at least one activity amount threshold, and the third lookup table includes a shift value corresponding to the activity amount of each section.

[0116] Generally, a user feels hotter as the activity level increases. In one embodiment, the activity level shift may be set lower as the activity level increases to reduce the heat felt by the high activity level. For example, the third lookup table shows that the activity level information shift corresponding to an activity level equal to or less than the activity level threshold is +1°C, and the activity level information shift corresponding to an amount of solar radiation higher than the activity level threshold is -1°C.

[0117] The range of the activity amount shift may be, for example, −2° C. to +2° C. The air conditioning control unit 12 can obtain the activity amount shift by checking the amount of activity acquired by the activity amount sensor 14d against the third check table.

[0118] As described above, the air conditioning control unit 12 can determine the target temperature by adding at least one of the above-mentioned shift values ​​to the first tentative target temperature. By taking into account the shift value depending on the environmental condition of the controlled space, etc., the target temperature can be determined more appropriately, and the comfort in the controlled space can be increased.

[0119] <Determination of the second tentative target temperature taking into account the shift value> The air conditioning control unit 12 can determine the second temporary target temperature in step S430 as well, taking into consideration the above-mentioned shift value.

[0120] 11 is a flowchart of an example of step S430 in embodiment 2. In step S430, the air conditioning control unit 12 first calculates the average value of the first tentative target temperature to which the outside air temperature corresponds in the heating decision criterion and the first tentative target temperature to which the outside air temperature corresponds in the cooling decision criterion, as in embodiment 1 (step S4301).

[0121] Next, the air conditioning control unit 12 acquires a shift value related to at least one of the above-mentioned monthly information, user feedback, solar radiation in the control space, and user activity (step S4302). The air conditioning control unit 12 determines the sum of the average value calculated in step S4301 and the shift value acquired in step S4302 as the second tentative target temperature (step S4303).

[0122] Instead of the sum of the average value and the shift value calculated in step S4301, a weighted sum or product of the average value and the shift value calculated in step S4301 may be determined as the second temporary target temperature.

[0123] In step S4301, instead of the average value, a weighted average value, a maximum value, or a minimum value of the two first tentative target temperatures obtained by the heating decision criterion and the cooling decision criterion may be taken. In this case, the air conditioning control unit 12 determines the second tentative target temperature based on the weighted average value, the maximum value, or the minimum value and the shift value described above.

[0124] As described above, the air conditioning control unit 12 determines the second tentative target temperature based on at least one shift value among the month shift, the feedback shift, the solar radiation shift, and the activity amount shift. By taking into account the shift value due to the environmental state of the controlled space, etc., it is possible to more appropriately determine the second tentative target temperature, and furthermore, to more appropriately determine the target temperature.

[0125] The shift value acquired in step S4302 and the shift value acquired in step S520 may be the same or different.

[0126] The target temperature determination techniques described in the first and second embodiments can be combined. FIG. 12 is a flowchart of an example of a target temperature determination method in the second embodiment, showing an example in which the first and second embodiments are combined. Steps S100 to S300, S410 to S432, and S510 to S521 in FIG. 12 have the same contents as the steps given the same reference numbers in FIG. 2, FIG. 4 to FIG. 6, FIG. 9, and FIG. 10, and the details are omitted here. Note that step S430 may include steps S4301 to S4303 in FIG. 11, and step S431 may include steps S4311 to S4313 in FIG. 7.

[0127] The air conditioning control unit 12 first acquires the outdoor air temperature, the temperature range, and the temperature determination criterion, and determines which of the temperature ranges the outdoor air temperature falls within (steps S100 to S300). If the outdoor air temperature falls within the heating range, the air conditioning control unit 12 executes steps S410 and S411 to determine the first tentative target temperature. If the outdoor air temperature falls within the cooling range, the air conditioning control unit 12 executes steps S420 and S421 to determine the first tentative target temperature. If the outdoor air temperature falls within the intermediate range, the air conditioning control unit 12 executes steps S430 to S432 to determine the first tentative target temperature. Note that in step S430, the air conditioning control unit 12 may determine the second tentative target temperature taking into account the shift value.

[0128] After finally determining the first tentative target temperature, the air conditioning control unit 12 adds the shift value to the first tentative target temperature (steps S520, S521) and determines whether the result of the addition is within a predetermined settable range (step S510). If it is within the settable range, the first tentative target temperature is determined as the target temperature (step S511), and if it is not within the settable range, the maximum or minimum value of the settable range is determined as the target temperature (step S512).

[0129] The air conditioning control unit 12 may execute steps S100 to S512 at regular time intervals (for example, every 10 minutes, every 20 minutes, every 30 minutes, every 60 minutes, or every 90 minutes). By periodically reviewing the target temperature, the comfort of the controlled space can be maintained.

[0130] Third Embodiment <Indication of target temperature> In the third embodiment, the air conditioning control unit 12 notifies the terminal device 20 of the automatically determined target temperature, and can cause the terminal device 20 to present the target temperature to the user. Presenting the target temperature determined by the air conditioning control unit 12 via the terminal device 20 can increase the user's trust in automatic control.

[0131] The terminal device 20 is associated with the air conditioner 10 that performs air conditioning control so as to bring the indoor temperature of the controlled space closer to a target temperature. As described in the first embodiment, the air conditioner 10 is connected to the terminal device 20 via the air conditioning communication unit 13 and can cooperate with the terminal device 20. The terminal device 20 may be a terminal device 20a that is an information terminal such as a smartphone incorporating a dedicated associated application 25, or a terminal device 20b that is a remote controller for the air conditioner 10, or the like.

[0132] Fig. 13A is a block diagram of an example of a terminal device 20a in the third embodiment, and Fig. 13B is a block diagram of an example of a terminal device 20b in the third embodiment. The terminal device 20a includes a terminal storage unit 21, a terminal control unit 22, a terminal communication unit 23, a terminal presentation unit 24, and an associated application 25. The terminal device 20a includes the terminal storage unit 21, the terminal control unit 22, the terminal communication unit 23, and the terminal presentation unit 24.

[0133] The terminal communication unit 23 of the terminal device 20a can also send and receive Internet packets, and can communicate with the air conditioning communication unit 13 of the air conditioner 10 and the server 30. The terminal communication unit 23 may communicate between the air conditioner 10 and the server 30 in accordance with standards such as Wi-Fi (registered trademark), IEEE802.2, IEEE802.3, 3G, LTE, and the fifth generation mobile communication system (5G), and may send and receive data. In addition to the Internet, the terminal communication unit 23 may communicate with an intranet, an extranet, a LAN, ISDN, a VAN, a CATV communication network, a virtual private network, a telephone line network, a mobile communication network, a satellite communication network, or the like, infrared rays, or Bluetooth (registered trademark).

[0134] The terminal communication unit 23 of the terminal device 20b basically communicates with the air conditioning communication unit 13 via infrared rays, but may also communicate with the air conditioning communication unit 13 or the terminal device 20a via Bluetooth (registered trademark) or Wi-Fi (registered trademark). Furthermore, like the terminal communication unit 23 of the terminal device 20a, the terminal communication unit 23 of the terminal device 20b may also communicate with the terminal device 20a or the server 30 via the Internet using the above-mentioned communication technology.

[0135] The terminal presentation unit 24 of the terminal device 20a and the terminal device 20b may present information in at least one of numerical values, characters, images, and voice. The terminal presentation unit 24 may include a display for presenting a graphical user interface (GUI). The terminal presentation unit 24 may include a speaker for presenting information such as the target temperature to the user by voice, or a voice user interface (VUI) for interacting with the user.

[0136] The performance of the terminal presentation unit 24 of the terminal device 20b may be lower than that of the terminal presentation unit 24 of the terminal device 20a. For example, the terminal presentation unit 24 of the terminal device 20b may include a buzzer that emits a simple electronic sound instead of a speaker that produces voice output. Also, the terminal presentation unit 24 of the terminal device 20b may include a liquid crystal screen with limited displayable content instead of a high-resolution display.

[0137] The terminal communication unit 23 receives from the air conditioner 10 the target temperature that the air conditioner 10 automatically determined based on the outdoor air temperature of the controlled space and a temperature determination criterion related to the outdoor air temperature. The terminal control unit 22 causes the terminal presentation unit 24 to present the target temperature received by the terminal communication unit 23.

[0138] The following describes the features of the notification method executed by the air conditioner 10, the presentation method executed by the terminal device 20, the program, and the storage medium according to the third embodiment.

[0139] Fig. 14 is a flowchart of an example of a notification method in the third embodiment. The air conditioning control unit 12 acquires the outdoor air temperature of the controlled space (step S100). Then, the air conditioning control unit 12 determines a target temperature for the controlled space based on the outdoor air temperature and a temperature determination criterion related to the outdoor air temperature (step S600). Step S600 includes the above-mentioned steps S200 to S500, and details will be omitted here. The air conditioning control unit 12 notifies the terminal device 20 related to the air conditioner 10 of the determined target temperature (step S700).

[0140] In the present disclosure, notifying the terminal device 20 of the target temperature may include transmitting the target temperature to the terminal device 20, or may include transmitting the target temperature to the terminal device 20 and causing the terminal device 20 to present the target temperature. In other words, the air conditioning control unit 12 may cause the terminal device 20 to present the determined target temperature using at least one of a numerical value, a character, an image, and a sound.

[0141] The air conditioning control unit 12 may further notify the terminal device 20 of at least one of the outdoor temperature, the indoor temperature, the operation mode of the air conditioner 10, and the temperature difference between the target temperature and the indoor temperature. The air conditioning control unit 12 may also calculate the temperature difference between the target temperature and the indoor temperature at regular intervals and notify the terminal device 20 of the temperature difference.

[0142] When the air conditioning control unit 12 updates the target temperature or the shift value, it can also notify the updated target temperature or shift value to the terminal device 20 at any time to cause the terminal device 20 to present it.

[0143] The user's understanding of and trust in the automatic control increases because the target temperature automatically determined by the air conditioner 10 is presented. In addition, when the outside temperature, indoor temperature, operation mode, or the temperature difference between the target temperature and the indoor temperature is presented, the user can better understand the status of air conditioning control for the controlled space.

[0144] FIG. 15A is an example of a target temperature presented by the terminal device 20a as a user's smartphone in the third embodiment. The terminal device 20a executes the associated application 25 and can control the air conditioner 10 via the associated application 25. A screen SC1 in FIG. 15A is a screen presented by the terminal presentation unit 24 and the associated application 25. It is assumed that it is currently December, the outdoor temperature is 12°C, the indoor temperature is 16.5°C, the operation mode determined by the air conditioning control unit 12 is the heating mode, and the target temperature determined by the air conditioning control unit 12 is 22°C. The air conditioning control unit 12 transmits information including the target temperature to the terminal device 20a and causes it to be presented as in the screen SC1. The screen SC1 also presents, with an "AI" icon, that the automatic operation is currently in progress and that the indoor humidity is 50%.

[0145] FIG. 15B is an example of a target temperature presented by the terminal device 20a as a user's smartphone in the third embodiment. On the screen SC2 in FIG. 15B, the target temperature is presented as an image including a flag instead of a numerical value. By arranging the images representing the room temperature and the target temperature together on the temperature axis, the user can intuitively understand the temperature difference between the target temperature and the room temperature. Furthermore, the terminal presentation unit 24 may present the target temperature by voice instead of or in addition to presenting a numerical value or an image.

[0146] Fig. 15C is an example of a target temperature presented by the terminal device 20b as a remote controller in embodiment 3. The screen SC3 in Fig. 15C presents, with the words "AI Comfortable Auto", that the automatic operation is currently in progress and that the target temperature is 22°C.

[0147] In addition to the target temperature and environmental information related to the controlled space, the air conditioning control unit 12 may cause the terminal device 20 to present a user interface for receiving user feedback regarding the target temperature.

[0148] For example, a GUI for receiving user feedback is presented in area R1 of screen SC1 in FIG. 15A and area R3 of screen SC2 in FIG. 15B. In one embodiment, feedback can be provided in 0.5°C increments via the GUI. For example, when the "-" sign on the left side of the GUI is pressed, the terminal device 20a transmits feedback of "-0.5°C" to the air conditioning control unit 12. When the air conditioning control unit 12 receives the feedback from the terminal device 20a, it subtracts 0.5°C from the feedback shift. Conversely, when the "+" sign on the left side of the GUI is pressed, the terminal device 20a transmits feedback of "+0.5°C" to the air conditioning control unit 12. When the air conditioning control unit 12 receives the feedback from the terminal device 20a, it adds 0.5°C to the feedback shift. The current feedback shift value is presented in area R2 of screen SC1 in FIG. 15A and area R4 of screen SC2 in FIG. 15B.

[0149] When the terminal device 20 is a remote controller, physical buttons may be provided as a user interface. For example, a plurality of physical buttons are provided in the lower half of the terminal device 20b shown in FIG. 15C, including a temperature button. A user can input feedback to the terminal device 20b by operating this temperature button. For example, when the upper part of the temperature button is pressed once, the terminal device 20a transmits the feedback "+0.5°C" to the air conditioning control unit 12. The current feedback shift value is presented in the area R5 in the terminal presentation unit 24 in FIG. 15C.

[0150] As described above, the air conditioner 10 cooperates with the terminal device 20 to notify and present the automatically determined target temperature to the terminal device 20. In other words, the terminal device 20 can present the target temperature determined by the air conditioner 10 to the user by executing the presentation method of the present disclosure.

[0151] Fig. 16 is a flowchart of an example of a presentation method in embodiment 3. The terminal control unit 22 receives from the air conditioner 10 the target temperature that the air conditioner 10 automatically determined based on the outdoor air temperature of the control space of the air conditioner 10 and a temperature determination criterion related to the outdoor air temperature (step S800). Then, the terminal control unit 22 causes the terminal presentation unit 24 to present the received target temperature (step S900), as shown in Figs. 15A to 15C.

[0152] Furthermore, as described above, the terminal device 20 may further present information such as the indoor temperature to the user, and may transmit feedback input by the user to the air conditioner 10.

[0153] In one embodiment, the air conditioning control unit 12 has a program used to execute the notification method described above. The program causes the air conditioning control unit 12 of the air conditioner 10 to execute the notification method.

[0154] In one embodiment, the terminal control unit 22 includes a program used to execute the presentation method described above. The program causes the terminal control unit 22 of the terminal device 20 to execute the presentation method.

[0155] In one embodiment, the air conditioner 10 has a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium in which a computer program is stored. When the computer program is executed by a processor (air conditioning control unit 12), the notification method of the present disclosure is realized. The storage medium may be the same as the air conditioning storage unit 11 of the air conditioner 10, may be included in the air conditioning storage unit 11, or may be a component different from the air conditioning storage unit 11.

[0156] In one embodiment, the terminal device 20 has a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium in which a computer program is stored. When the computer program is executed by a processor (terminal control unit 22), the presentation method of the present disclosure is realized. The storage medium may be the same as the terminal storage unit 21 of the terminal device 20, may be included in the terminal storage unit 21, or may be a component different from the terminal storage unit 21.

[0157] The above are merely specific embodiments of the present disclosure, and the scope of protection of the present disclosure is not limited thereto. The present disclosure includes the contents described above in the drawings and the specific embodiments described above, but the present disclosure is not limited thereto. Various disclosed embodiments or examples can be combined without departing from the scope or spirit of the present disclosure. Modifications that do not depart from the functional and structural principles of the present disclosure are within the scope of the claims. [Explanation of symbols]

[0158] 10. Air conditioners 11 Air conditioning memory unit 12 Air conditioning control unit 13 Air Conditioning Communication Section 14 Sensors 14a Indoor temperature sensor 14b Outside air temperature sensor 14c Solar radiation sensor 14d Activity sensor 20a Terminal equipment 20b Terminal equipment 21 Terminal memory section 22 Terminal control unit 23 Terminal communication unit 24 Terminal presentation unit 25 Related Applications 30 Servers 40 External information sources SC1~SC3 screen R1~R5 area

Claims

1. An air conditioner that determines an appropriate target temperature for a control space that is a target of air conditioning control, an air conditioning storage unit that stores a temperature range including a heating range, an intermediate range, and a cooling range, and further stores a temperature decision criterion including a heating decision criterion and a cooling decision criterion, the heating decision criterion defining a first relationship between an outdoor air temperature included in the heating range and the intermediate range and a first tentative target temperature, and the cooling decision criterion defining a second relationship between an outdoor air temperature included in the cooling range and the intermediate range and a first tentative target temperature; An air conditioning control unit, Obtaining an outside air temperature of the control space; obtaining said temperature range and said temperature determination criteria; determining whether the outside temperature is within the heating range, the intermediate range, or the cooling range of the temperature range; determining a first tentative target temperature based on the outside air temperature and the temperature determination criterion corresponding to the determined temperature range; A target temperature is determined based on the first tentative target temperature. The air conditioning control unit; Including, Air conditioner.

2. The temperature determination criterion is generated based on a feedback history of when a user feels comfortable in the controlled space. The air conditioner according to claim 1.

3. The feedback history includes a user-set temperature and an outside temperature when the user feels comfortable. The air conditioner according to claim 2.

4. When the determined temperature range is the heating range, the air conditioning control unit: Determine the heating mode as the operation mode, determining the first tentative target temperature based on the outside air temperature and the heating decision criterion; The air conditioner according to claim 1.

5. When the determined temperature range is the cooling range, the air conditioning control unit The cooling mode is determined as the operation mode, determining the first tentative target temperature based on the outside air temperature and the cooling decision criterion; The air conditioner according to claim 1.

6. When the determined temperature range is the intermediate range, the air conditioning control unit: determining a second tentative target temperature based on the outside air temperature, the heating decision criterion, and the cooling decision criterion; determining a heating mode or a cooling mode as an operation mode based on the outside air temperature and the second temporary target temperature; determining the first tentative target temperature based on the outside air temperature and the temperature determination criterion corresponding to the determined operation mode; The air conditioner according to claim 1.

7. When the determined temperature range is the intermediate range, the air conditioning control unit: determining, as the second tentative target temperature, an average value between a first tentative target temperature to which the outdoor air temperature corresponds in the heating decision criterion and a first tentative target temperature to which the outdoor air temperature corresponds in the cooling decision criterion; The air conditioner according to claim 6.

8. When the determined temperature range is the intermediate range, the air conditioning control unit: Calculating an average value between a first tentative target temperature to which the outdoor air temperature corresponds in the heating decision criterion and a first tentative target temperature to which the outdoor air temperature corresponds in the cooling decision criterion; obtaining a shift value associated with at least one of: lunar information for a current calendar month, user feedback, an amount of solar radiation received by the control space, and an amount of user activity in the control space; determining a sum of the average value and the shift value as the second tentative target temperature; The air conditioner according to claim 6.

9. The air conditioner further includes an indoor temperature sensor for detecting an indoor temperature of the control space, When determining the heating mode or the cooling mode as the operation mode based on the outside air temperature and the second temporary target temperature, the air conditioning control unit: The indoor temperature is acquired by the indoor temperature sensor; Obtain the mode decision criteria, determining a heating mode or a cooling mode as an operation mode based on the outside air temperature, the second temporary target temperature, the indoor temperature, and the mode determination criterion; the mode determination criterion is a combination of at least one outside temperature threshold and at least one temperature difference threshold; The outside temperature threshold is related to an outside temperature; The temperature difference threshold is related to a temperature difference between an indoor temperature and a second temporary target temperature. The air conditioner according to claim 6.

10. When determining the target temperature based on the first tentative target temperature, the air conditioning control unit: obtaining a shift value associated with at least one of: lunar information for a current calendar month, user feedback, an amount of solar radiation received by the control space, and an amount of user activity in the control space; determining a sum of the first tentative target temperature and the shift value as the target temperature; The air conditioner according to claim 1.

11. The shift value includes a lunar information shift, The air conditioning storage unit further stores a first lookup table between the monthly information and the monthly information shift, The air conditioning control unit is Acquire the month information; obtaining the month information shift by comparing the month information with the first lookup table; 11. The air conditioner according to claim 8 or 10.

12. The shift value includes a feedback shift, The feedback shift is input by a user regarding the comfort of the controlled space via a terminal device associated with the air conditioner, The air conditioning control unit is obtaining the feedback shift from the terminal device; 11. The air conditioner according to claim 8 or 10.

13. The shift value includes a solar radiation shift, The air conditioner further includes a solar radiation sensor that detects an amount of solar radiation received by the control space, The air conditioning storage unit further stores a second lookup table of the amount of solar radiation and the solar radiation shift, The air conditioning control unit is The solar radiation sensor acquires the amount of solar radiation; obtaining the solar radiation shift by comparing the solar radiation with the second lookup table; 11. The air conditioner according to claim 8 or 10.

14. The shift value includes an activity amount shift, The air conditioner further includes an activity amount sensor that detects an activity amount of a user in the control space, The air conditioning storage unit further stores a third lookup table of the activity amount and the activity amount shift, The air conditioning control unit is acquiring the amount of activity by the activity amount sensor; The activity amount is compared with the third comparison table to obtain the activity amount shift.

11. The air conditioner according to claim 8 or 10.

15. When determining the target temperature based on the first tentative target temperature, the air conditioning control unit: determining whether the first tentative target temperature is within a predetermined settable range; When the first tentative target temperature is included in the settable range, the first tentative target temperature is determined as the target temperature; When the first tentative target temperature is not included in the settable range, a maximum value or a minimum value of the settable range is determined as the target temperature. The air conditioner according to claim 1.

16. A method for determining an appropriate target temperature for a control space that is a target of air conditioning control, comprising: The method for determining the target temperature includes: obtaining an outside air temperature of the controlled space; obtaining a temperature range including a heating range, an intermediate range, and a cooling range, and obtaining a temperature decision criterion including a heating decision criterion and a cooling decision criterion, the heating decision criterion defining a first relationship between an outdoor air temperature included in the heating range and the intermediate range and a first tentative target temperature, and the cooling decision criterion defining a second relationship between an outdoor air temperature included in the cooling range and the intermediate range and a first tentative target temperature; determining whether the outside temperature is within the heating range, the intermediate range, or the cooling range of the temperature range; determining a first tentative target temperature based on the outside air temperature and the temperature determination criterion corresponding to the determined temperature range; determining a target temperature based on the first tentative target temperature; Including, Target temperature determination method.

17. The step of determining the first temporary target temperature includes: determining a second temporary target temperature based on the outside air temperature, the heating decision criterion, and the cooling decision criterion; determining a heating mode or a cooling mode as an operation mode based on the outside air temperature and the second temporary target temperature; determining the first tentative target temperature based on the outside air temperature and the temperature determination criterion corresponding to the determined operation mode; Including, 17. The method of claim 16.

18. The step of determining the target temperature comprises: obtaining a shift value associated with at least one of: lunar information for a current calendar month, user feedback, an amount of solar radiation received by the controlled space, and an amount of user activity in the controlled space; determining a sum of the first tentative target temperature and the shift value as the target temperature; Including, 17. The method of claim 16.

19. A program for causing an air conditioner to execute the target temperature determination method according to any one of claims 16 to 18.

20. A non-transitory computer-readable storage medium having a computer program stored thereon, When the computer program is executed by a processor, the target temperature determination method according to any one of claims 16 to 18 is realized. A non-transitory computer-readable storage medium.

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