Air conditioner and air conditioning system

Abstract

To provide an air conditioner and an air conditioning system capable of controlling air-conditioning according to a current situation of a sleeper.SOLUTION: An air conditioner comprises air conditioning means that conditions air in a bedroom where a sleeper sleeps and operates to change a temperature of the bedroom, and a control device that controls the air conditioning means. The control device has: an acquisition unit that acquires information on a measured temperature in the bedroom, and acquires biometric information including the sleeper's pulse wave; an index calculation unit that calculates a sleep discomfort index of the sleeper based on at least one of the number of body movements and brain activity value of the sleeper detected based on the pulse wave of the biometric information; and a control unit that operates the air conditioning means to change the temperature of the bedroom when the sleep discomfort index becomes larger than a specified index threshold.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to an air conditioner and an air conditioning system. [Background technology]

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses an air conditioning system. According to this air conditioning system, a correspondence relationship between the temperature of a bedroom during one night and the state of the parasympathetic nerves of a sleeper is acquired. In this air conditioning system, the temperature of the bedroom the next day is controlled to a temperature suitable for sleeping based on the acquired correspondence relationship. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Patent Publication No. 2022-057744 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] However, in the air conditioning system described in Patent Document 1, the timing at which the temperature control is changed based on the relationship between the acquired parasympathetic state of the sleeper and the room temperature is when the sleeper goes to bed the next day, making it difficult to perform control according to the sleeper's current situation.

[0005] The present disclosure has been made to solve the above-mentioned problems. An object of the present disclosure is to provide an air conditioner and an air conditioning system that can perform air conditioning control according to the current state of a sleeper. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] The air conditioner of the present disclosure comprises an air conditioning means that operates to air-condition a bedroom in which a sleeper sleeps and change the temperature of the bedroom, and a control device that controls the air conditioning means, and the control device has an acquisition unit that acquires information on the measured temperature in the bedroom and acquires bio-information including the sleeper's pulse wave, an index calculation unit that calculates a sleeping discomfort index of the sleeper based on at least one of the sleeper's body movement count and brain activity value detected on the basis of the pulse wave of the bio-information, and a control unit that operates the air conditioning means to change the temperature of the bedroom when the sleeping discomfort index becomes greater than a specified index threshold.

[0007] The air conditioning system of the present disclosure includes a temperature sensor that measures the temperature of a bedroom where a sleeper is sleeping, a biosensor that measures bioinformation including the pulse wave of the sleeper, an air conditioning means that operates to air-condition the bedroom and change the temperature of the bedroom, and a control device that controls the air conditioning means, wherein the control device has an acquisition unit that acquires information of the measured temperature of the bedroom from the temperature sensor and acquires the bioinformation from the biosensor, an index calculation unit that calculates a sleeping discomfort index of the sleeper based on at least one of a body movement count and a brain activity value of the sleeper detected based on the pulse wave of the bioinformation, and a control unit that operates the air conditioning means to change the temperature of the bedroom when the sleeping discomfort index becomes greater than a specified index threshold. Effect of the Invention

[0008] According to the present disclosure, the control unit operates the air conditioning means to change the temperature in the bedroom when the discomfort index becomes greater than the index threshold value, thereby enabling air conditioning control to be performed according to the current state of the sleeper. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0009] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of a bedroom to which the air conditioning system in the first embodiment is applied. [Diagram 2] 1 is a cross-sectional view of a part of an air-conditioning means of an air-conditioning system in accordance with a first embodiment. [Diagram 3] FIG. 1 is a functional block diagram of an air conditioning system according to a first embodiment. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a diagram showing a transition of sleep stages of a sleeping person detected by the air conditioning system in the first embodiment. [Diagram 5] FIG. 4 is a diagram showing values ​​relating to a sleeping discomfort index calculated for each sleep stage by the air conditioning system in the first embodiment. [Figure 6] FIG. 13 shows the results of a questionnaire collected regarding feelings during sleep. [Figure 7] 5 is a diagram showing a transition of a sleep stage of a sleeping person detected by the air conditioning system in the first embodiment and a transition of the measured temperature. FIG. [Figure 8] FIG. 4 is a diagram showing a transition of a value related to an uncomfortable sleeping index calculated by the air-conditioning system in the first embodiment. [Figure 9] FIG. 4 is a diagram showing index threshold values ​​generated in the air conditioning system in the first embodiment. [Figure 10] FIG. 4 is a diagram showing a transition of a set temperature in the air conditioning system in the first embodiment. [Figure 11] 4 is a flowchart illustrating an example of control performed by the air conditioning system in the first embodiment. [Figure 12] 5 is a flowchart showing an example of control performed by the control device of the air conditioning system in the first embodiment. [Figure 13] FIG. 11 is a functional block diagram of an air conditioning system according to a second embodiment. [Figure 14] 10 is a flowchart illustrating an example of control performed by the air conditioning system in the second embodiment. [Figure 15] FIG. 2 is a hardware configuration diagram of a control device of an air conditioning system in the first or second embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0010] The embodiments for carrying out the present disclosure will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. In each drawing, the same or corresponding parts are denoted by the same reference numerals. The duplicated description of the parts will be appropriately simplified or omitted.

[0011] Embodiment 1 Fig. 1 is a schematic diagram of a bedroom to which the air conditioning system in the first embodiment is applied. Fig. 1A is a side view including a person sleeping in a bed. Fig. 1B is a top view including the person sleeping in the bed.

[0012] The air conditioning system 1 in Fig. 1 conditions the air in a bedroom where a person sleeps. Fig. 1 shows a state in which a sleeper H is sleeping in a bed. The air conditioning system 1 operates to collect biological information including the pulse wave of the sleeper, and to control the temperature of the bedroom, etc. based on the biological information. The air conditioning system 1 includes an operating means 2, a measuring means 3, and an air conditioner 4.

[0013] The operation means 2 is a device capable of operating each device included in the air conditioning system 1. For example, the operation means 2 is a remote control, a mobile terminal such as a smartphone on which a dedicated application is installed, a smart speaker, etc. The operation means 2 is capable of communicating with each device included in the air conditioning system 1. A user can change the operation settings of each device in the air conditioning system 1 by pressing a button provided on the operation means 2, performing a non-contact input operation such as voice input to the operation means 2, etc.

[0014] The measuring means 3 is a means for detecting information by various sensors. The measuring means 3 includes at least a temperature sensor and a biological sensor. In FIG. 1, one measuring means 3 is shown inside the bedroom and near the sleeper, but multiple sensors may be present inside the bedroom as the measuring means 3. In addition, at least a part of the measuring means 3 may be provided inside the air conditioner 4.

[0015] The temperature sensor of the measuring means 3 can measure the air temperature inside the bedroom as the measured temperature. The temperature sensor is installed near the sleeper and can measure the temperature in the bedroom near the sleeper. The temperature sensor transmits a signal indicating the measured temperature at a specified period.

[0016] The biosensor of the measuring means 3 detects the person's movement as a pulse wave by irradiating the person with electromagnetic waves and analyzing the reflected waves. For example, the biosensor irradiates a sleeping person with quasi-millimeter waves. The biosensor samples the signal at regular intervals to measure bioinformation such as pulse waves. The biosensor can generate and transmit a signal indicating bioinformation including the detected pulse wave. The biosensor may be mounted on a wearable device, a stationary device, etc.

[0017] The air conditioner 4 comprises air conditioning means 5 and a control device 10. The air conditioning means 5 conditions the air in the bedroom by sucking in air inside the bedroom and blowing it out as conditioned air with changed temperature and humidity. Of the air conditioning means 5, a device equivalent to an outdoor unit is not shown in the figure. The control device 10 controls the operation of the air conditioning means 5. At least some of the functions of the control device 10 may be realized by a device separate from the housing of the air conditioner 4.

[0018] Next, the air conditioning means 5 and the control device 10 will be described with reference to Figs. 2 and 3, respectively. Fig. 2 is a cross-sectional view of a part of an air conditioning means of the air conditioning system in accordance with embodiment 1. Fig. 3 is a functional block diagram of the air conditioning system in accordance with embodiment 1.

[0019] 2 shows the inside of the indoor unit of the air conditioner 4, and a part of the air conditioning means 5. Note that the outdoor unit of the air conditioning means 5 is not shown. The air conditioning means 5 draws air from the bedroom into the inside of the housing 5a through the suction port 5b, and blows out conditioned air from the outlet 5c. A heat exchanger 5d and a blower fan 5e are arranged in the air passage between the suction port 5b and the outlet 5c.

[0020] The heat exchanger 5d heats or cools the air flowing through the air passage to adjust the temperature, humidity, etc. of the air and generate conditioned air. The blower fan 5e is disposed on the downwind side of the heat exchanger 5d. The blower fan 5e generates an airflow from the intake port 5b to the exhaust port 5c.

[0021] The vertical airflow direction vane 5f and the horizontal airflow direction vane 5g are provided at the air outlet 5c. The vertical airflow direction vane 5f changes the vertical direction of the airflow blown out from the air outlet 5c. The horizontal airflow direction vane 5g changes the horizontal direction of the airflow blown out from the air outlet 5c.

[0022] The air conditioning means 5 heats or cools the air in the bedroom and blows it out so that the temperature in the bedroom reaches the set temperature.

[0023] 3 shows a remote control 2a and a mobile terminal 2b as examples of the operation means 2. As examples of the measurement means 3, a temperature sensor 3a and a biosensor 3b are shown.

[0024] The control device 10 has, as its functions, a memory unit 11, an acquisition unit 12, an air conditioning control unit 13, a stage detection unit 14, an index calculation unit 15, a first accumulation unit 16, a first generation unit 17, a first judgment unit 18, a detection unit 19, a second generation unit 20, a second accumulation unit 21, a second judgment unit 22, and a control change unit 23.

[0025] The storage unit 11 stores various information related to control. For example, the storage unit 11 stores sleep information, which is various information related to the sleep of a sleeper acquired every night or every day. The storage unit 11 stores sleep information for multiple days, i.e., multiple pieces of sleep information. For example, the storage unit 11 may store sleep information for the most recent seven days as a storage period, or may store sleep information for all days measured without a storage period.

[0026] The acquisition unit 12 acquires information related to the operation from the operation means 2. As an example, the acquisition unit 12 acquires an operation signal from the remote control 2a of the operation means 2 and operation information from the mobile terminal 2b. The acquisition unit 12 acquires measured information from the measurement means 3. As an example, the acquisition unit 12 acquires measured temperature information from the temperature sensor 3a. In addition, the acquisition unit 12 acquires bio-information measured by the bio-sensor 3b from the bio-sensor 3b.

[0027] The air conditioning control unit 13 controls the overall operation of the air conditioning means 5. For example, the air conditioning control unit 13 turns on the power supply of the air conditioning means 5 to start operation. The air conditioning control unit 13 operates the air conditioning means 5 so that the measured temperature follows the set temperature based on the measured temperature acquired from the temperature sensor. In the present embodiment, as an example, the air conditioning control unit 13 controls the sleep mode in summer. In the sleep mode in summer, the temperature at the start of sleep and the temperature at the time of waking up are set. The temperature at the time of waking up is higher than the temperature at the start of sleep. In the sleep mode, the set temperature is first set to the temperature at the start of sleep. When a condition such as a specified time is met, the set temperature gradually changes toward the temperature at the time of waking up. In this way, the air conditioning control unit 13 controls the sleep mode so that the set temperature during sleep gradually changes.

[0028] The stage detection unit 14 estimates, i.e. detects, which sleep stage the sleeper is in based on the acquired biometric information. The sleep stage is an index that indicates the depth of a person's sleep. Any method may be adopted to estimate the sleep stage. In this embodiment, the sleep stage is estimated based on at least the pulse wave included in the biometric information. Specifically, the stage detection unit 14 detects the heart rate, respiratory rate, and body movement rate of the sleeper from the pulse wave information. The stage detection unit 14 detects which sleep stage the sleeper is currently in based on information such as the heart rate, respiratory rate, and body movement rate.

[0029] In this embodiment, at least four sleep stages are detected. Specifically, the multiple sleep stages include, in order from the deepest sleep stage, a deep sleep stage of non-REM sleep, a light sleep stage of non-REM sleep, a REM sleep stage, and an awakening stage. Non-REM sleep is a deep sleep stage in which the brain is considered to be resting. In this embodiment, non-REM sleep is further divided into a deep sleep stage and a shallow sleep stage. REM sleep is a sleep that is lighter than non-REM sleep, and is a sleep stage in which the brain is awake to some extent and the body is resting. The awakening stage is a sleep stage in which the brain and the body are awake to some extent. A person is fully awakened from the awakening stage by some trigger.

[0030] The stage detection unit 14 may detect, based on the biological information, that a person has transitioned from an awake state to a state that can be considered as asleep, that is, a sleep onset latency, which is the time point at which a person falls asleep. The stage detection unit 14 may also detect, based on the biological information, that a person has transitioned from a sleeping state, such as an awakening stage, to a wakefulness state. Note that the stage detection unit 14 or any function of the control device 10 may detect the sleep onset latency or wakeup time of the sleeper using other information, such as the sleeper's schedule set in advance, the time of the alarm clock set by the sleeper, etc.

[0031] The index calculation unit 15 calculates a sleep discomfort index, which is an index value of the sleeper's sleep discomfort, in association with the sleeper's current sleep stage based on the biological information. The sleep discomfort index is an index that is strongly correlated with the sleep stage. The sleep discomfort index has a larger value as the sleeper's sleep stage becomes lighter. For example, it is known that the number of body movements and brain activity value of the sleeper are strongly correlated with the sleep stage. The number of body movements is the number of times the sleeper's body moves per specified time. For example, the unit of the number of body movements is times / min. The brain activity value is an index value that indicates the activity level of the sleeper's brain. For example, when the sleeper's sleep stage transitions from a deep sleep stage to a light sleep stage and then transitions back to a deep sleep stage, the index calculation unit 15 calculates the sleep discomfort index calculated during the light sleep stage as the sleep discomfort index for one light sleep stage.

[0032] The index calculation unit 15 may calculate the uncomfortableness index of the sleeper based on either the number of body movements or the brain activity value of the sleeper, or may calculate the uncomfortableness index based on the number of body movements and the brain activity value. For example, the uncomfortableness index may be the numerical value of the number of body movements or the numerical value of the brain activity value. For example, the uncomfortableness index may be the output value of a function that uses the number of body movements and the brain activity value as input values. For example, the uncomfortableness index may be the weighted sum of the number of body movements and the brain activity value.

[0033] The first accumulation unit 16 stores information associating the sleep discomfort index calculated by the index calculation unit 15 with the sleep stage in the memory unit 11 as bedtime information. Specifically, after the sleeper wakes up, the first accumulation unit 16 calculates the average of the sleep discomfort index calculated in one day for each of the four sleep stages. For example, if the sleeper is detected to be in a light sleep stage four times in one night, the sleep discomfort index will be present for four light sleep stages. In this case, the first accumulation unit 16 associates the average of the sleep discomfort indexes of the four light sleep stages with the light sleep stage as the sleep discomfort index of the light sleep stage of the day. Then, the first accumulation unit 16 stores the sleep discomfort index of the light sleep stage of the day in the memory unit 11, including the sleep discomfort index of the light sleep stage of the day in the bedtime information.

[0034] The first generating unit 17 generates an index threshold value for the sleep discomfort index. Specifically, the first generating unit 17 first extracts a sleep discomfort index during REM sleep, which is a sleep discomfort index when the sleeper is in the REM sleep stage, from each of the multiple pieces of sleep information stored in the storage unit 11. The first generating unit 17 calculates an average value of the extracted multiple REM sleep discomfort indexes to obtain a general average value of the REM sleep discomfort index. The first generating unit 17 extracts an awake sleep discomfort index, which is a sleep discomfort index when the sleeper is in the awake stage, from each of the multiple pieces of sleep information stored in the storage unit 11. The first generating unit 17 calculates an average value of the extracted multiple awake sleep discomfort indexes to obtain a general average value of the awake sleep discomfort index. The first generating unit 17 generates a value that is larger than the general average value of the REM sleep sleep discomfort index and smaller than the general average value of the awake sleep discomfort index as the index threshold value.

[0035] The operation of calculating each overall average value may be performed when the first accumulation unit 16 stores the latest sleep information in the memory unit 11. In this case, the first generation unit 17 calculates an overall average value reflecting the sleep discomfort index included in the latest sleep information. That is, the memory unit 11 may store the overall average value of the latest REM sleep sleep discomfort index and the overall average value of the latest wakefulness sleep discomfort index.

[0036] The storage unit 11 may store a representative REM sleep discomfort index and a representative wakefulness discomfort index. The first generator 17 may generate an index threshold value that is greater than the representative REM sleep discomfort index and smaller than the representative wakefulness discomfort index. The representative sleep discomfort index may be a general average value of the sleep discomfort indexes.

[0037] The first determination unit 18 determines whether or not the latest uncomfortable sleeping index calculated by the index calculation unit 15 is greater than the index threshold value. For example, the first determination unit 18 performs this determination at regular intervals.

[0038] The detection unit 19 detects a transition time when the sleeper moves from a deep sleep state mainly in non-REM sleep to waking up. Specifically, the detection unit 19 acquires the time when the sleeper falls asleep from the stage detection unit 14 or the like. When the stage detection unit 14 detects two deep sleep stages after the sleeper falls asleep, the detection unit 19 detects the time as a transition time. In general, after two deep sleep stages, a person moves to a lighter sleep stage toward waking up. However, depending on the person or the day, after the deep sleep stage appears zero or one time after falling asleep, the person may move to a lighter sleep stage toward waking up. In order to be able to handle such a case, the detection unit 19 may detect the time when a specified transition time has passed since the sleeper fell asleep as a transition time.

[0039] The second generating unit 20 calculates the average value of the temperatures measured when the sleeper is in a deep sleep stage or a light sleep stage after the transition point is detected by the detecting unit 19 as the NREM temperature. The second generating unit 20 generates a temperature threshold value based on the NREM temperature. For example, the second generating unit 20 generates a temperature threshold value equal to the NREM temperature of the current day or the previous day.

[0040] The second accumulation unit 21 stores the non-REM temperature calculated on each day as sleeping information in the memory unit 11. After storing the latest sleeping information, the second accumulation unit 21 may extract a non-REM temperature from each of the multiple sleeping information stored in the memory unit 11. In this case, the second accumulation unit 21 may calculate a general average value of the non-REM temperature by averaging the multiple extracted non-REM temperatures, and store the calculated value in the memory unit 11.

[0041] Then, the second generator 20 may generate a temperature threshold value equal to the overall average value of the non-REM temperatures. Also, the second generator 20 may calculate the overall average value of the non-REM temperatures using a similar process, instead of the second storage unit 21. In this case, the second generator 20 may generate the calculated overall average value of the non-REM temperatures as the temperature threshold value.

[0042] When the first determination unit 18 determines that the latest uncomfortable sleeping index is greater than the index threshold, the second determination unit 22 determines whether or not the latest measured temperature is lower than the temperature threshold.

[0043] The control change unit 23 changes the settings of the control contents performed by the air conditioning control unit 13. In this way, the air conditioning control unit 13 and the control change unit 23 function as a control unit that controls the operation of the air conditioning means 5. Specifically, when the first determination unit 18 determines that the latest uncomfortable sleeping index is greater than the index threshold value, the control change unit 23 compares the latest measured temperature with the temperature threshold value and changes the settings of the air conditioning control unit 13 so that the temperature in the bedroom changes. When comparing the temperatures, the control change unit 23 may use the determination result of the second determination unit 22. When the settings have been changed, the air conditioning control unit 13 operates the air conditioning means 5 so that the temperature in the bedroom changes. There may be several patterns of control contents caused by the change in settings, as follows.

[0044] In a first example of control, the control change unit 23 changes the set temperature of the air conditioning means 5 by a specified temperature change value. As an example, the temperature change value is a positive number and is equal to the temperature resolution that can be set by the air conditioning means 5. For example, the temperature change value is 0.5°C of the temperature resolution. The temperature change value may be any positive value. When the uncomfortableness index is greater than the index threshold and the measured temperature is equal to or greater than the temperature threshold, the control change unit 23 lowers the set temperature by the temperature change value. When the uncomfortableness index is greater than the index threshold and the measured temperature is lower than the temperature threshold, the control change unit 23 raises the set temperature by the temperature change value. The temperature change value when raising the set temperature may be different from the temperature change value when lowering the set temperature.

[0045] In the second example of control, a plurality of candidate ranges are preset in the control change unit 23. The plurality of candidate ranges are respectively associated with a plurality of value ranges. When the uncomfortableness index is greater than the index threshold, the control change unit 23 calculates the absolute value of the difference between the measured temperature and the temperature threshold. The control change unit 23 determines which of the plurality of value ranges the absolute value of the difference belongs to. The control change unit 23 determines which of the plurality of candidate ranges the candidate range corresponding to the value range to which the absolute value of the difference belongs as the temperature change value to be used. Thereafter, the control change unit 23 uses the determined temperature change value to perform the same process as in the first example of control.

[0046] In the third example of control, a specified lower limit temperature is set in the control change unit 23. When the uncomfortableness index is greater than the index threshold and the measured temperature is equal to or greater than the temperature threshold, the control change unit 23 changes the set temperature to a value lower than the measured temperature and equal to or greater than the lower limit temperature. When the uncomfortableness index is greater than the index threshold and the measured temperature is lower than the temperature threshold, the control change unit 23 increases the set temperature by a temperature change value. Note that when the uncomfortableness index is greater than the index threshold and the measured temperature is equal to or greater than the temperature threshold, the control change unit 23 may change the set temperature to a value lower than the final set temperature in the sleep mode and equal to or greater than the lower limit temperature.

[0047] In the third example of control, a specified upper limit temperature may be set in the control change unit 23. When the uncomfortableness index is greater than the index threshold and the measured temperature is lower than the temperature threshold, the control change unit 23 may change the set temperature to a value higher than the measured temperature and equal to or lower than the upper limit temperature.

[0048] In the fourth example of control, a specified change ratio is set in the control change unit 23. The change ratio may be any value such as 0.5, 0.1, etc. The control change unit 23 calculates the difference between the current measured temperature and the temperature threshold. The control change unit 23 sets the temperature change value as the absolute value of the difference between the measured temperature and the temperature threshold multiplied by the change ratio. The control change unit 23 changes the set temperature of the air conditioning means 5 by the temperature change value. That is, when the uncomfortableness index is greater than the index threshold, if the measured temperature is equal to or greater than the temperature threshold, the control change unit 23 lowers the set temperature by the value obtained by multiplying the absolute value of the difference between the measured temperature and the temperature threshold by the change ratio. When the uncomfortableness index is greater than the index threshold, if the measured temperature is lower than the temperature threshold, the control change unit 23 raises the set temperature by the value obtained by multiplying the absolute value of the difference between the measured temperature and the temperature threshold by the change ratio.

[0049] Specifically, in the fourth example of control, when the change ratio is 0.5 and the difference between the measured temperature and the temperature threshold is 3.0, the control change unit 23 increases or decreases the set temperature by 1.5. If the value obtained by multiplying the difference between the measured temperature and the temperature threshold by the change ratio does not match the multiple of the temperature resolution that can be set by the air conditioning means 5, the control change unit 23 may determine a value that is a multiple of the temperature resolution of the air conditioning means 5 and is closest to the value obtained by multiplying the difference by the change ratio as the temperature change value. For example, when the change ratio is 0.2, the difference between the measured temperature and the temperature threshold is 2.6, and the temperature resolution is 0.25, the product of the difference and the change ratio is 0.52. 0.50, which is twice the temperature resolution, is the value closest to the product. In this case, the control change unit 23 may determine 0.50 as the temperature change value.

[0050] In a fifth example of control, the control change unit 23 may turn on the power of the air conditioning means 5 if it is not on. That is, when the latest uncomfortable sleeping index is greater than the index threshold, and the absolute value of the difference between the latest measured temperature and the temperature threshold exceeds the specified operation threshold, the control change unit 23 may turn on the power of the air conditioning means 5. In this case, the air conditioning means 5 operates to change the temperature of the bedroom. Note that when the latest uncomfortable sleeping index is greater than the index threshold, the control change unit 23 may turn on the power of the air conditioning means 5 without comparing the temperatures.

[0051] Next, a specific example of the process performed by the control device 10 will be described with reference to FIGS. FIG. 4 is a diagram showing the transition of a sleep stage of a sleeper detected by the air conditioning system in the first embodiment. FIG. 5 is a diagram showing values ​​relating to an uncomfortableness index calculated by the air conditioning system in the first embodiment for each sleep stage. FIG. 6 is a diagram showing the results of a questionnaire collected regarding feelings while sleeping. FIG. 7 is a diagram showing the transition of a sleep stage of a sleeper detected by the air conditioning system in the first embodiment and the transition of a measured temperature. FIG. 8 is a diagram showing the transition of a value relating to an uncomfortableness index calculated by the air conditioning system in the first embodiment. FIG. 9 is a diagram showing an index threshold value generated by the air conditioning system in the first embodiment. FIG. 10 is a diagram showing the transition of a set temperature by the air conditioning system in the first embodiment.

[0052] FIG. 4 shows the transition of the sleep stages of the sleeper detected by the stage detection unit 14 in one night in this example. The horizontal axis is time. The vertical axis is sleep stage. The smaller the value on the vertical axis, the deeper the sleep stage of the sleeper is. According to the figure, the sleeper falls asleep at time t0. Generally, deep sleep often occurs multiple times during the first half of sleep, between 2 and 3 hours after falling asleep.

[0053] FIG. 5A shows the average value of brain activity per day calculated for each sleep stage. FIG. 5B shows the average value of body movement per day calculated for each sleep stage. Both brain activity and body movement tend to increase as the sleep stage becomes shallower. For a given individual, the absolute values ​​of brain activity and body movement per sleep stage vary from day to day. On the other hand, for a given individual, the ratio of brain activity per sleep stage and the ratio of body movement per sleep stage are often roughly the same.

[0054] Figure 6 shows the results of a questionnaire about going to bed conducted by multiple people. The questionnaire included the following options for "when did you feel hot or cold while sleeping": "just starting to fall asleep" X1, "middle of the night" X2, "early morning" X3, and "doesn't bother me" X4. The survey results showed that, excluding "doesn't bother me" X4, the most common time people were concerned about the room temperature was "early morning" X3. The second most common time people were concerned about the room temperature was "middle of the night" X2. Being concerned about the room temperature can be interpreted as meaning that it caused you to wake up because of the room temperature.

[0055] On the other hand, it can be interpreted from the questionnaire results that people can have a relatively good sleep at the room temperature at "falling asleep" X1, when non-REM sleep is occurring. As shown in Fig. 7, the control device 10 determines the preferred room temperature for each individual by defining the measured temperature corresponding to "falling asleep" X1 to "midnight" X2 as the non-REM temperature and collecting it.

[0056] Specifically, the detection unit 19 first detects the time t1 at which the end of the second deep sleep stage is detected as the transition time point. The detection unit 19 may determine the time at which the deep sleep stage is detected twice as the start time of the second deep sleep stage or the end time of the second deep sleep stage. In the example of FIG. 7, the measured temperature changes in the non-REM time when the sleeper is in the deep sleep stage or light sleep stage of non-REM sleep after the transition time t1. The second generation unit 20 calculates the average value of the measured temperature Tn in the non-REM time as the non-REM temperature.

[0057] It is desirable for the air conditioning means 5 to operate to change the temperature in the bedroom while the sleeper is asleep, before the sleeper reaches the "awake" state where he or she may feel uncomfortable sleeping. Therefore, as shown in Fig. 8, the control device 10 sets the index threshold Th of the uncomfortableness index to a value that is greater than the uncomfortableness index during REM sleep and smaller than the uncomfortableness index during wakefulness. Fig. 8A shows the index threshold Th that is set when the uncomfortableness index is equal to the brain activity value. Fig. 8B shows the index threshold Th that is set when the uncomfortableness index is equal to the number of body movements.

[0058] The upper part of FIG. 9 shows the time transition of the sleep stage. The middle part of FIG. 9 shows the time transition of the brain activity value corresponding to the upper part of FIG. 9. The middle part of FIG. 9 shows the exponent threshold Th when the sleep discomfort index is equal to the brain activity value. The lower part of FIG. 9 shows the time transition of the body movement number corresponding to the upper part of FIG. 9. The lower part of FIG. 9 shows the exponent threshold Th when the sleep discomfort index is equal to the body movement number. As shown in the middle part or the lower part of FIG. 9, in the time period when the sleep discomfort index exceeds the exponent threshold Th, it is estimated that the sleeper feels sleep discomfort. For example, when the exponent threshold Th exceeds the brain activity value or the body movement number, which is the sleep discomfort index, at time t2, the sleep stage is a light sleep stage and has not yet reached the awake stage. Immediately after time t2, the sleep stage transitions to the awake stage. In this way, the exponent threshold Th can be set to a stage before waking up.

[0059] Fig. 10 shows the change over time of the measured temperature when control corresponding to the third example of control is performed. The horizontal axis is time. The vertical axis is the measured temperature T. In this example, the control device 10 performs control based on the sleep mode. The temperature Tf1 is the final set temperature at the time of waking up in the sleep mode. The measured temperature T shown by the solid line changes up and down due to temperature control in the sleep mode, and then maintains the temperature Tf1.

[0060] In the example of Fig. 10, the lower limit temperature Tf2 is preset. When the uncomfortableness index becomes larger than the index threshold at time t2, the measured temperature T is larger than the threshold temperature Tn0. That is, the sleeper may feel uncomfortable because of the heat. In this case, the control change unit 23 changes the set temperature to the lower limit temperature Tf2.

[0061] Next, an example of the operation performed in the air conditioning system 1 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 11 is a flowchart illustrating an example of control performed by the air conditioning system in the first embodiment.

[0062] In Fig. 11, a case where the second or fourth example of control is performed is described. During the operation of the flowchart, the measurement means 3 performs various measurements and periodically sends a signal indicating the measurement results to the control device 10. For example, the operation of this flowchart starts when the air conditioner 4 in the bedroom is started in the sleep mode. The power supply to the air conditioning means 5 may be stopped by a timer or the like before step S005 starts.

[0063] In step S001, the control device 10 reads various set values ​​and thresholds from the storage unit 11, etc. Specifically, the control device 10 reads at least an index threshold and a temperature threshold. Note that the control device 10 may read information included in a plurality of pieces of sleeping information for generating the index threshold or the temperature threshold from the storage unit 11 instead of the thresholds. In addition, when the index threshold, the temperature threshold, a sufficient amount of sleeping information required to generate each threshold, etc. are not stored in the storage unit 11, the control device 10 may read a preset initial value.

[0064] After that, in step S 002 , the acquisition unit 12 acquires various types of measured information from the measurement means 3 .

[0065] After that, in step S003, the stage detection unit 14 detects the sleep stage of the sleeper based on the biological information etc. The index calculation unit 15 calculates the uncomfortableness index based on the biological information.

[0066] The operations of steps S002 and S003 are constantly performed at a specified cycle until it is detected that the sleeper has woken up.

[0067] After step S003, in step S004, the first judgment unit 18 judges whether or not the discomfort index is greater than the index threshold value. If the discomfort index is equal to or less than the index threshold value, the operation of step S004 is repeated.

[0068] When the uncomfortable sleeping index is greater than the index threshold in step S004, the operation of step S005 is performed. In step S005, the control change unit 23 determines whether the power supply of the air conditioning means 5 is on or not.

[0069] If the power supply to the air conditioning means 5 is not on, i.e., it is off, in step S005, the operation of step S006 is performed. In step S006, the control change unit 23 creates a command to turn on the power supply to the air conditioning means 5. Based on the command, the air conditioning control unit 13 turns on the power supply to the air conditioning means 5 and starts the operation of the air conditioning means 5.

[0070] If the power supply of the air conditioning means 5 is on in step S005, or after the operation of step S006 is performed, the operation of step S007 is performed. In step S007, the second determination unit 22 determines whether or not the most recently measured temperature is lower than the temperature threshold value.

[0071] In step S007, if the measured temperature is lower than the temperature threshold value, the operation of step S008 is performed. In step S008, the control change unit 23 determines a temperature change value. The method of determining the temperature change value may be the method of the second or fourth example of control.

[0072] Thereafter, in step S009, the control change unit 23 increases the set temperature of the air conditioning means 5 by the temperature change value.

[0073] In step S007, if the measured temperature is equal to or greater than the temperature threshold, the operation of step S010 is performed. In step S010, the control change unit 23 determines a temperature change value. As in step S008, the method of determining the temperature change value may be the second or fourth example of control.

[0074] Thereafter, in step S011, the control change unit 23 lowers the set temperature of the air conditioning means 5 by the temperature change value.

[0075] After the operation of step S009 or step S011 is performed, the operation of step S012 is performed. In step S012, control change unit 23 waits for a specified waiting time. The waiting time may be set in advance to any time. The waiting time is set to the time from when the temperature in the bedroom changes due to a change in the set temperature to when the sleeper is affected by the temperature change. For example, the waiting time is 15 minutes.

[0076] After that, in step S013, the stage detection unit 14 judges whether or not the sleeper has woken up. If it is determined in step S013 that the sleeper has not woken up, the operations in and after step S004 are performed.

[0077] In step S013, if the sleeper wakes up, the repeated operations of steps S002 and S003 are terminated, and the operation of step S014 is performed. In step S014, the first accumulation unit 16 adds the one-day sleeping discomfort index corresponding to each sleep stage to new sleeping information and stores it in the memory unit 11. The second accumulation unit 21 adds the one-day NREM temperature to the same new sleeping information as the sleeping information added by the first accumulation unit 16, and stores it in the memory unit 11.

[0078] Then, the operation of the flowchart ends.

[0079] As a first example of control, at least one of the operations in step S008 and step S010 may be omitted. In this case, a preset value may be used as the temperature change value in step S009 or step S011.

[0080] As a third example of the control, a set temperature change operation using an upper limit temperature may be performed instead of the operations in steps S008 and S009. Also, as a third example of the control, a set temperature change operation using a lower limit temperature may be performed instead of the operations in steps S010 and S011.

[0081] As a fifth example of control, the operations of steps S005 and S006 may be performed between steps S007 and S008 or between steps S007 and S010, instead of between steps S004 and S007.

[0082] In step S013, an exponent threshold value or a temperature threshold value may be further generated.

[0083] Next, the operations performed in parallel by the control device 10 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing an example of control performed by the control device of the air conditioning system in the first embodiment.

[0084] The operation of this flowchart begins when the air conditioner 4 starts operating in a sleep mode or the like.

[0085] In step S101, the acquisition unit 12 acquires information indicating various measurement results from the measurement means 3.

[0086] After that, in step S102, the stage detection unit 14 detects the sleep stage of the sleeper. The index calculation unit 15 calculates a discomfort index of sleep based on the biological information.

[0087] The operations in steps S101 and S102 are the same as those in steps S002 and S003 in the flowchart of FIG.

[0088] Then, in step S103, the detection unit 19 determines whether or not a condition for detecting a transition point is satisfied. Specifically, the detection unit 19 determines that the condition is satisfied when a deep sleep stage has been detected twice since the sleeper fell asleep or when a transition time has elapsed since the sleeper fell asleep.

[0089] If the condition is satisfied in step S103, the operation of step S104 is performed. In step S104, the second generating unit 20 determines whether the sleeper is in a deep sleep stage or a light sleep stage, which are stages of non-REM sleep.

[0090] If it is determined in step S104 that the sleeper is in a non-REM sleep stage, the operation of step S105 is performed. In step S105, the second generator 20 records the temperature measured at that time point as the non-REM temperature.

[0091] If the condition is not satisfied in step S103, if the sleeper is not in the non-REM sleep stage in step S104, or if the operation of step S105 is performed, the operation of step S106 is performed. In step S106, the stage detection unit 14 determines whether the sleeper has woken up.

[0092] If the sleeper wakes up in step S106, the operation of the flowchart ends. If the sleeper does not wake up in step S106, the operation from step S101 onwards is carried out.

[0093] According to the above-described first embodiment, the temperature of the bedroom is controlled by the air conditioning system 1. The air conditioning system 1 includes the temperature sensor 3a, the biosensor 3b, and the air conditioner 4. The air conditioner 4 includes the air conditioning means 5 and the control device 10. The control device 10 includes the functions of the acquisition unit 12, the index calculation unit 15, and the control unit. The control unit functions include the functions of the air conditioning control unit 13 and the control change unit 23. When the discomfort index becomes larger than the index threshold, the control unit operates the air conditioning means 5 so that the temperature of the bedroom changes. That is, when the control device 10 detects that the sleeper is having difficulty sleeping, it estimates that the discomfort is caused by a temperature that is not suitable for the sleeper, and controls the temperature of the bedroom to change. This makes it possible to perform air conditioning control according to the current situation of the sleeper. As a result, a more comfortable sleeping environment can be provided.

[0094] The control device 10 further includes as functions a storage unit 11, a stage detection unit 14, and a first generation unit 17. The first generation unit 17 may generate an index threshold value that is greater than the uncomfortableness index during REM sleep stored in the storage unit 11 and less than the uncomfortableness index during wakefulness. This allows the temperature in the bedroom to be controlled without causing the sleeper to wake up.

[0095] The first generating unit 17 may generate an index threshold value that is greater than the overall average value of the discomfort index during REM sleep and smaller than the overall average value of the discomfort index during wakefulness. The overall average value is the average value of the discomfort index of each sleep stage included in the sleep information for multiple days. The absolute value of the relationship between the sleep stage and the discomfort index varies from day to day. Meanwhile, the tendency of the relationship between the sleep stage and the discomfort index differs from person to person. Since the index threshold value is generated by the overall average value, the index threshold value becomes a value more suitable for each individual sleeper. As a result, an environment in which the sleeper can sleep comfortably can be provided.

[0096] The control device 10 further includes a stage detection unit 14, a detection unit 19, and a second generation unit 20 as functions. The detection unit 19 detects the point in time when the number of times the deep sleep stage is detected becomes two as the transition point. The second generation unit 20 acquires the non-REM temperature after the transition point. The second generation unit 20 may generate a temperature threshold based on the acquired non-REM temperature. The temperature at which non-REM sleep is occurring after the transition point can be estimated to be a temperature at which the sleeper can sleep comfortably. By setting the non-REM temperature as the temperature threshold and controlling the bedroom temperature based on the temperature threshold, a more comfortable bedroom temperature can be provided.

[0097] In particular, a person's sensitivity to the thermal environment in which they are placed can generally change during a night's sleep. For example, the technology described in Patent Document 1 may not be able to accommodate such changes in sensitivity. In the air conditioning system 1, the temperature measured during non-REM sleep after the transition point can be used as the non-REM temperature, so that such changes in sensitivity can also be accommodated.

[0098] The detection unit 19 may also detect the time when a specified transition time has elapsed since the sleeper fell asleep as the transition time. Depending on the day or person, the sleeper may wake up without experiencing two deep sleep stages. Even in such a case, the sleep stage in which the sleeper is heading to wake up can be appropriately detected.

[0099] The second generator 20 may also calculate a general average value of the non-REM temperatures. In this case, the second generator 20 sets the general average value of the non-REM temperatures as the temperature threshold value. Although the non-REM temperatures tend to vary from person to person, they also vary from day to day. By using the general average value, control can be performed using a threshold value that is more suitable for each individual sleeper.

[0100] Furthermore, the control change unit 23, which is the control unit, changes the set temperature when the uncomfortableness index is greater than the index threshold. At this time, if the most recently measured temperature is greater than the temperature threshold, the control change unit 23 lowers the set temperature by the temperature change value. If the most recently measured temperature is lower than the temperature threshold, the control change unit 23 raises the set temperature by the temperature change value. If the measured temperature is greater than the temperature threshold, the sleeper may feel uncomfortable sleeping due to the high temperature. If the measured temperature is less than the temperature threshold, the sleeper may feel uncomfortable sleeping due to the low temperature. The air conditioning system 1 can change the temperature in the bedroom to approach a comfortable temperature.

[0101] In addition, the control change unit 23 may select a candidate range corresponding to the absolute value of the difference between the measured temperature and the temperature threshold value from among a plurality of candidate ranges, and set the selected candidate range as the temperature change value. This makes it possible to set the temperature change value according to various situations.

[0102] The control change unit 23 may also set the temperature change value to a value obtained by multiplying the absolute value of the difference between the measured temperature and the temperature threshold by the change ratio. This allows the temperature change value to be set according to various situations. For example, even if the desired temperature threshold is far from the measured temperature, the set temperature can be changed greatly according to the difference.

[0103] Furthermore, the control change unit 23 may change the set temperature so that it is between the measured temperature and a specified lower limit temperature. This makes it possible to prevent the set temperature from falling below the lower limit temperature.

[0104] Furthermore, if the air conditioning means 5 is not powered on when the uncomfortable sleeping index is greater than the index threshold, the control change unit 23 turns on the power of the air conditioning means 5 so that the temperature in the bedroom changes. For example, an off timer or the like may be set so that the air conditioner 4 operates only when the user falls asleep. Even in such a case, the air conditioning system 1 can cause the air conditioner 4 to start operating at an appropriate timing.

[0105] The biosensor may detect the number of body movements, brain activity, and sleep stage of the sleeper based on the pulse wave. In this case, the control device 10 may obtain bioinformation including the number of body movements, brain activity, and sleep stage of the sleeper and use it for control.

[0106] The measuring means 3 may include a pressure sensor provided on the bed. The pressure sensor may measure the number of body movements of the sleeper. The control device 10 may use the measurement result of the pressure sensor as the number of body movements of the sleeper.

[0107] The measuring means 3 may include a temperature image sensor. For example, the temperature image sensor can detect the surface temperature of an object. The control device 10 may further use the distribution of the surface temperature of a person's face when detecting the sleep stage, etc.

[0108] The measuring means 3 may include a camera. For example, the camera may identify the color of the face of the sleeper. The control device 10 may further use information indicating the color of the face of the sleeper when detecting the sleep stage.

[0109] Note that the sleep stages, particularly the sleep stages in non-REM sleep, may be set more finely than in the example shown in this embodiment.

[0110] Embodiment 2 13 is a functional block diagram of an air conditioning system according to embodiment 2. Note that the same reference numerals are used to designate parts that are the same as or correspond to parts in embodiment 1. Explanation of these parts will be omitted.

[0111] 13, the measurement means 3 includes a humidity sensor 3c. The humidity sensor 3c measures the humidity of the air inside the bedroom.

[0112] In the second embodiment, the control device 10 controls the sensible temperature of the sleeper as a setting item instead of the temperature of the bedroom. As an example, in the present embodiment, the sensible temperature of the sleeper is calculated from the measured values ​​of temperature and humidity. The method by which the control device 10 calculates the sensible temperature of the person is not limited. For example, the sensible temperature of the person can be calculated by inputting the measured temperature and measured humidity into a model formula such as the Misnar's formula. The control device 10 operates to control the sensible temperature of the sleeper by changing at least one of the temperature and humidity of the bedroom.

[0113] The acquisition unit 12 of the control device 10 calculates the sensible temperature in the bedroom based on the acquired measured temperature and measured humidity at a specified cycle or as necessary. For example, the second generation unit 20 records the non-REM sensible temperature instead of the non-REM temperature. The second generation unit 20 generates a sensible temperature threshold instead of the temperature threshold. In this way, the second generation unit 20, the second determination unit 22, the control change unit 23, and the second accumulation unit 21 use the sensible temperature instead of the temperature to perform the same operation as in the first embodiment. That is, at least one of the first to fifth examples of control is performed to change the sensible temperature instead of the temperature.

[0114] It should be noted that which of the temperature and the humidity is to be changed preferentially when each function of the control device 10, such as the control change unit 23, controls the sensible temperature may be set in advance. In addition, a condition for determining which of the temperature and the humidity is to be changed preferentially may be set in advance.

[0115] An example of the operation of the air conditioning system 1 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 14 is a flowchart illustrating an example of control performed by the air conditioning system in the second embodiment.

[0116] For example, the operation of this flowchart starts when the air conditioner 4 in the bedroom is started up in the sleep mode. In step S201, the control device 10 reads various set values ​​and threshold values ​​from the storage unit 11 and the like.

[0117] After that, in step S202, the acquisition unit 12 acquires various measured information from the measurement means 3. Furthermore, the acquisition unit 12 calculates the sensible temperature. Note that the acquisition unit 12 may calculate the sensible temperature every time it acquires the measured temperature and the measured humidity.

[0118] The operations performed thereafter from step S203 to step S206 are similar to the operations performed from step S003 to step S006 in the flowchart of the first embodiment.

[0119] If the power supply of the air conditioning means 5 is on in step S205, or after the operation of step S206 is performed, the operation of step S207 is performed. In step S207, the second determination unit 22 determines whether or not the latest sensible temperature is lower than the sensible temperature threshold value.

[0120] In step S207, if the latest sensible temperature is lower than the sensible temperature threshold, the operation of step S208 is performed. In step S208, the control change unit 23 determines a sensible temperature change value. The method of determining the sensible temperature change value may be the same as the method of the second or fourth control example.

[0121] Thereafter, in step S209, the control change unit 23 increases the set sensible temperature of the air conditioning means 5 by the sensible temperature change value.

[0122] In step S207, if the sensible temperature is equal to or greater than the sensible temperature threshold, the operation of step S210 is performed. In step S210, the control change unit 23 determines a sensible temperature change value. As in step S008, the method of determining the sensible temperature change value may be the same as in the second or fourth example of control.

[0123] Thereafter, in step S211, the control change unit 23 lowers the set sensible temperature of the air conditioning means 5 by the sensible temperature change value.

[0124] After the operation of step S209 or step S211 is performed, the operations from step S212 onwards are performed. The operations performed from step S212 to step S214 are similar to the operations performed from step S012 to step S014 in the flowchart of embodiment 1. Here, in step S214, the non-REM sensible temperature of one day is stored as sleep information instead of the non-REM temperature of one day.

[0125] After step S214, the operation of the flowchart ends.

[0126] As a first example of control, at least one of the operations in step S208 and step S210 may be omitted. In this case, a preset value may be used as the sensible temperature change value in step S209 or step S211.

[0127] As a third example of control, an operation of changing the set sensible temperature using the upper limit sensible temperature may be performed instead of the operations in steps S208 and S209. Also, as a third example of control, an operation of changing the set sensible temperature using the lower limit sensible temperature may be performed instead of the operations in steps S210 and S211.

[0128] According to the second embodiment described above, the acquisition unit 12 of the control device 10 calculates the sensible temperature in the bedroom based on the measured temperature and humidity. When the discomfort index becomes larger than the index threshold, the control change unit 23, which is a control unit, operates the air conditioning means 5 so as to change the sensible temperature. In the sleeping environment of a sleeper, the sensible temperature may be more important than the temperature. Since the air conditioning system 1 is controlled so as to change the sensible temperature, a more comfortable environment can be provided for the sleeper.

[0129] Moreover, the second generator 20 generates the sensible temperature threshold value based on the non-REM sensible temperature instead of the non-REM temperature. Therefore, the sensible temperature of the sleeper can be controlled more effectively than when the control is performed based on the non-REM temperature.

[0130] Next, an example of hardware constituting the control device 10 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 15 is a hardware configuration diagram of the control device of the air conditioning system in the first or second embodiment.

[0131] Each function of the control device 10 may be realized by a processing circuit. For example, the processing circuit may include at least one processor 100a and at least one memory 100b. For example, the processing circuit may include at least one dedicated hardware 200.

[0132] When the processing circuit includes at least one processor 100a and at least one memory 100b, each function of the control device 10 is realized by software, firmware, or a combination of software and firmware. At least one of the software and firmware is written as a program. At least one of the software and firmware is stored in the at least one memory 100b. The at least one processor 100a realizes each function of the control device 10 as an air conditioning method by reading and executing the program stored in the at least one memory 100b. The at least one processor 100a is also called a central processing unit, processing unit, arithmetic unit, microprocessor, microcomputer, or DSP. For example, the at least one memory 100b is a non-volatile or volatile semiconductor memory such as a RAM, a ROM, a flash memory, an EPROM, or an EEPROM, a magnetic disk, a flexible disk, an optical disk, a compact disk, a mini disk, a DVD, or the like.

[0133] When the processing circuit includes at least one dedicated hardware 200, the processing circuit is realized, for example, by a single circuit, a composite circuit, a programmed processor, a parallel programmed processor, an ASIC, an FPGA, or a combination thereof. For example, each function of the control device 10 is realized by a processing circuit. For example, each function of the control device 10 is realized collectively by a processing circuit.

[0134] Some of the functions of the control device 10 may be realized by dedicated hardware 200, and the remaining parts may be realized by software or firmware. For example, the function of detecting the sleep stage may be realized by a processing circuit as the dedicated hardware 200, and the functions other than the function of detecting the sleep stage may be realized by at least one processor 100a reading and executing a program stored in at least one memory 100b.

[0135] Thus, the processing circuitry implements each function of the control device 10 in hardware 200, software, firmware, or a combination thereof.

[0136] At least some of the functions of the control device 10 may be realized on a cloud server. In this case, the processing circuit is composed of multiple partial circuits. The multiple partial processing circuits are provided in each of the multiple devices that make up the cloud server. The multiple devices that make up the cloud server may each be provided in a different building. In this case, the functions of the control device 10 that are realized on the cloud server are involved in the control of the air conditioning means 5 by communicating with the air conditioner 4 through a network.

[0137] To summarize the above explanation, possible configurations of the technology according to the present disclosure include the configurations listed below as appendices. (Appendix 1) an air conditioning means that operates to condition the air in a bedroom in which a sleeper sleeps, so as to change the temperature of the bedroom; A control device for controlling the air conditioning means; Equipped with The control device includes: an acquisition unit that acquires information on the measured temperature in the bedroom and acquires biological information including a pulse wave of the sleeper; an index calculation unit that calculates a sleep discomfort index of the sleeper based on at least one of a number of body movements of the sleeper and a brain activity value detected based on a pulse wave of the biological information; a control unit that operates the air conditioning means to change the temperature of the bedroom when the uncomfortable sleeping index becomes greater than a specified index threshold value; An air conditioner having the above structure. (Appendix 2) The control device includes: A storage unit for storing sleep information related to the sleeper's sleep in one day; a stage detection unit that detects which of a plurality of sleep stages the sleeper is in based on the biological information; A first generating unit that generates the exponent threshold value; and The plurality of sleep stages includes at least four stages, in order from deepest to deepest, of a deep non-REM sleep stage, a light non-REM sleep stage, a REM sleep stage, and a wakefulness stage; The sleeping information includes a REM sleep discomfort index calculated when the sleeper is in the REM sleep stage and a wakefulness discomfort index calculated when the sleeper is in the wakefulness stage, The first generating unit generates, as the index threshold, a value that is greater than the sleep discomfort index during REM sleep included in the sleeping information and smaller than the sleep discomfort index during awakening included in the sleeping information. Attachment 1, an air conditioner. (Appendix 3) The control device includes: a first storage unit that stores the sleep information including the calculated sleep discomfort index for each of the sleep stages in the storage unit on a daily basis; and The storage unit stores the sleeping information for a plurality of days, The first generation unit is extracting a sleep discomfort index during REM sleep from each of the plurality of pieces of sleep-initiating information stored in the storage unit, and calculating a general average value during REM sleep by averaging the extracted sleep discomfort indexes during the plurality of REM sleeps; extracting the sleep discomfort index during wakefulness from each of the plurality of pieces of sleep information stored in the storage unit, and calculating a general average value during wakefulness by averaging the extracted plurality of sleep discomfort indices during wakefulness; A value that is greater than the overall average value of the sleep discomfort index during REM sleep and smaller than the overall average value of the sleep discomfort index during wakefulness is generated as the index threshold value. Attachment 2. An air conditioner according to claim 2. (Appendix 4) The control device includes: a stage detection unit that detects which of a plurality of sleep stages the sleeper is in based on the biological information; A detection unit that detects a transition point from non-REM sleep to wake-up of the sleeper; A second generating unit that generates a temperature threshold value; and The plurality of sleep stages includes at least four stages, in order from deepest to deepest, of a deep non-REM sleep stage, a light non-REM sleep stage, a REM sleep stage, and a wakefulness stage; The detection unit detects, as the transition time, a time when the number of times that the sleeper has been detected to be in the deep sleep stage since the time when the sleeper fell asleep has reached two, The second generating unit calculates an average value of the measured temperatures measured when the sleeper is in the deep sleep stage or the light sleep stage after the conversion time point as a non-REM temperature, and generates the temperature threshold value equal to the non-REM temperature; When the discomfort index becomes greater than the index threshold, the control unit compares the latest measured temperature with the temperature threshold and operates the air conditioning means to change the temperature in the bedroom. An air conditioner according to any one of Supplementary Note 1 to Supplementary Note 3. (Appendix 5) The control device includes: a stage detection unit that detects which of a plurality of sleep stages the sleeper is in based on the biological information; A detection unit that detects a transition point from non-REM sleep to wake-up of the sleeper; A second generating unit that generates a temperature threshold value; and The plurality of sleep stages includes at least four stages, in order from deepest to deepest, of a deep non-REM sleep stage, a light non-REM sleep stage, a REM sleep stage, and a wakefulness stage; The detection unit detects, as the transition time, a time when a specified transition time has elapsed since the time when the sleeper fell asleep, The second generating unit calculates an average value of the measured temperatures measured when the sleeper is in the deep sleep stage or the light sleep stage after the conversion time point as a non-REM temperature, and generates the temperature threshold value equal to the non-REM temperature; When the discomfort index becomes greater than the index threshold, the control unit compares the latest measured temperature with the temperature threshold and operates the air conditioning means to change the temperature in the bedroom. An air conditioner according to any one of Supplementary Note 1 to Supplementary Note 3. (Appendix 6) The control device includes: A storage unit that stores information about the sleeper's sleep in one day, the information including the non-REM temperature; a second accumulation unit that causes the non-REM temperature calculated by the second generation unit to be stored in the storage unit on a daily basis; and The second generation unit sets an overall average value of the plurality of non-REM temperatures stored in the storage unit as the temperature threshold value. 6. The air conditioner according to claim 4 or 5. (Appendix 7) The control unit is When the uncomfortable sleeping index becomes larger than the index threshold, if the latest measured temperature is equal to or larger than the temperature threshold, the set temperature of the air conditioning means is lowered by a specified temperature change value; If the latest measured temperature is lower than the temperature threshold when the uncomfortable sleeping index becomes larger than the index threshold, the set temperature of the air conditioning means is increased by the temperature change value. An air conditioner according to any one of Supplementary Note 4 to Supplementary Note 6. (Appendix 8) the control unit determines one candidate range from among a plurality of candidate ranges based on an absolute value of a difference between the latest measured temperature and the temperature threshold value, and sets the candidate range as the temperature change value. 8. An air conditioner as described in appended claim 7. (Appendix 9) the control unit sets a value obtained by multiplying an absolute value of a difference between the latest measured temperature and the temperature threshold value by a specified change ratio as the temperature change value. 8. An air conditioner as described in appended claim 7. (Appendix 10) The control unit is When the uncomfortable sleeping index becomes larger than the index threshold, if the latest measured temperature is equal to or higher than the temperature threshold, the set temperature of the air conditioning means is changed to a temperature between the latest measured temperature and a specified lower limit temperature. An air conditioner according to any one of Supplementary Note 4 to Supplementary Note 6. (Appendix 11) the control unit turns on the power of the air conditioning means if the power of the air conditioning means is not on when the uncomfortable sleeping index becomes greater than the index threshold value; An air conditioner according to any one of claims 1 to 10. (Appendix 12) The air conditioning means operates to change at least one of the temperature and humidity of the bedroom; The acquisition unit acquires information about the measured humidity in the bedroom, and calculates a sensible temperature in the bedroom from the measured temperature and the measured humidity. the control unit operates the air conditioning means to change at least one of the temperature and humidity of the bedroom when the uncomfortable sleeping index becomes greater than the index threshold value, thereby changing the sensible temperature in the bedroom. An air conditioner according to any one of Supplementary Note 1 to Supplementary Note 3. (Appendix 13) The control device includes: a stage detection unit that detects which of a plurality of sleep stages the sleeper is in based on the biological information; A detection unit that detects a transition point from non-REM sleep to wake-up of the sleeper; A second generating unit that generates a sensible temperature threshold value; and The plurality of sleep stages includes at least four stages, in order from deepest to deepest, of a deep non-REM sleep stage, a light non-REM sleep stage, a REM sleep stage, and a wakefulness stage; The detection unit detects, as the transition time, a time when the number of times that the sleeper has been detected to be in the deep sleep stage since the time when the sleeper fell asleep has reached two, or a time when a specified transition time has elapsed since the time when the sleeper fell asleep, the second generation unit calculates an average value of the sensible temperature in the bedroom calculated when the sleeper is in the deep sleep stage or the light sleep stage after the conversion time point as a non-REM sensible temperature, and generates the sensible temperature threshold value equal to the non-REM sensible temperature; When the discomfort index becomes larger than the index threshold, the control unit compares the latest sensible temperature with the sensible temperature threshold, and operates the air conditioning means so as to change the sensible temperature in the bedroom. Attachment 13. The air conditioner according to claim 12. (Appendix 14) A temperature sensor for measuring the temperature in a bedroom where a sleeper sleeps; A biosensor for measuring bioinformation including a pulse wave of the sleeper; an air conditioning means operable to condition the bedroom so as to vary the temperature of the bedroom; A control device for controlling the air conditioning means; Equipped with The control device includes: an acquisition unit that acquires information on the measured temperature in the bedroom from the temperature sensor and acquires the biological information from the biological sensor; an index calculation unit that calculates a sleep discomfort index of the sleeper based on at least one of a number of body movements of the sleeper and a brain activity value detected based on a pulse wave of the biological information; a control unit that operates the air conditioning means to change the temperature of the bedroom when the uncomfortable sleeping index becomes greater than a specified index threshold value; An air conditioning system with (Appendix 15) a humidity sensor for measuring the humidity in the bedroom; Further comprising: The air conditioning means operates to change at least one of the temperature and humidity of the bedroom; The acquisition unit acquires information on the measured humidity in the bedroom from the humidity sensor, and calculates a sensible temperature in the bedroom from the measured temperature and the measured humidity. the control unit operates the air conditioning means to change at least one of the temperature and humidity of the bedroom when the uncomfortable sleeping index becomes greater than the index threshold value, thereby changing the sensible temperature in the bedroom. 15. An air conditioning system as described in claim 14. [Explanation of symbols]

[0138] 1 air conditioning system, 2 operation means, 2a remote control, 2b mobile terminal, 3 measurement means, 3a temperature sensor, 3b biosensor, 3c humidity sensor, 4 air conditioner, 5 air conditioning means, 5a housing, 5b intake port, 5c exhaust port, 5d heat exchanger, 5e blower fan, 5f up and down air deflectors, 5g left and right air deflectors, 10 control device, 11 storage unit, 12 acquisition unit, 13 air conditioning control unit, 14 stage detection unit, 15 index calculation unit, 16 first accumulation unit, 17 first generation unit, 18 first judgment unit, 19 detection unit, 20 second generation unit, 21 second accumulation unit, 22 second judgment unit, 23 control change unit, 100a processor, 100b memory, 200 Hardware, H Bedside

Claims

1. an air conditioning means that operates to condition the air in a bedroom in which a sleeper sleeps, so as to change the temperature of the bedroom; A control device for controlling the air conditioning means; Equipped with The control device includes: an acquisition unit that acquires information on the measured temperature in the bedroom and acquires biological information including a pulse wave of the sleeper; an index calculation unit that calculates a sleep discomfort index of the sleeper based on at least one of a number of body movements of the sleeper and a brain activity value detected based on a pulse wave of the biological information; a control unit that operates the air conditioning means to change the temperature of the bedroom when the uncomfortable sleeping index becomes greater than a specified index threshold value; An air conditioner having the following:

2. The control device includes: A storage unit for storing sleep information related to the sleeper's sleep in one day; a stage detection unit that detects which of a plurality of sleep stages the sleeper is in based on the biological information; A first generator for generating the exponent threshold value; Further comprising: The plurality of sleep stages include at least four stages, in order from deepest to deepest, of a deep non-REM sleep stage, a light non-REM sleep stage, a REM sleep stage, and a wakefulness stage; The sleeping information includes a REM sleep discomfort index calculated when the sleeper is in the REM sleep stage and a wakefulness discomfort index calculated when the sleeper is in the wakefulness stage, The first generating unit generates, as the index threshold value, a value that is greater than a sleep discomfort index during REM sleep included in the sleeping information and is smaller than a sleep discomfort index during awakening included in the sleeping information. The air conditioner according to claim 1.

3. The control device includes: a first storage unit that stores the sleep information including the calculated sleep discomfort index for each of the sleep stages in the storage unit on a daily basis; Further comprising: The storage unit stores the sleeping information for a plurality of days, The first generation unit is extracting a sleep discomfort index during REM sleep from each of the plurality of pieces of sleep-initiating information stored in the storage unit, and calculating a general average value during REM sleep by averaging the extracted sleep discomfort indexes during the plurality of REM sleeps; extracting the sleep discomfort index during awakening from each of the plurality of pieces of sleeping information stored in the storage unit, and calculating a general average value during awakening by averaging the extracted plurality of sleep discomfort indices during awakening; A value that is greater than the overall average value of the sleep discomfort index during REM sleep and smaller than the overall average value of the sleep discomfort index during wakefulness is generated as the index threshold value. The air conditioner according to claim 2.

4. The control device includes: a stage detection unit that detects which of a plurality of sleep stages the sleeper is in based on the biological information; A detection unit that detects a transition point from non-REM sleep to wake-up of the sleeper; A second generating unit that generates a temperature threshold value; Further comprising: The plurality of sleep stages include at least four stages, in order from deepest to deepest, of a deep non-REM sleep stage, a light non-REM sleep stage, a REM sleep stage, and a wakefulness stage; The detection unit detects, as the transition time, a time when the number of times that the sleeper has been detected to be in the deep sleep stage since the time when the sleeper fell asleep has reached two, The second generation unit calculates an average value of the measured temperatures measured when the sleeper is in the deep sleep stage or the light sleep stage after the conversion time point as a non-REM temperature, and generates the temperature threshold value equal to the non-REM temperature; When the discomfort index becomes greater than the index threshold, the control unit compares the latest measured temperature with the temperature threshold and operates the air conditioning means to change the temperature in the bedroom. The air conditioner according to claim 1.

5. The control device includes: a stage detection unit that detects which of a plurality of sleep stages the sleeper is in based on the biological information; A detection unit that detects a transition point from non-REM sleep to wake-up of the sleeper; A second generating unit that generates a temperature threshold value; Further comprising: The plurality of sleep stages include at least four stages, in order from deepest to deepest, of a deep non-REM sleep stage, a light non-REM sleep stage, a REM sleep stage, and a wakefulness stage; The detection unit detects, as the transition time, a time when a specified transition time has elapsed since the time when the sleeper fell asleep, The second generation unit calculates an average value of the measured temperatures measured when the sleeper is in the deep sleep stage or the light sleep stage after the conversion time point as a non-REM temperature, and generates the temperature threshold value equal to the non-REM temperature; When the discomfort index becomes greater than the index threshold, the control unit compares the latest measured temperature with the temperature threshold and operates the air conditioning means to change the temperature in the bedroom. The air conditioner according to claim 1.

6. The control device includes: a storage unit that stores information about the sleeper's sleep in one day, the information including the non-REM temperature; a second accumulation unit that causes the non-REM temperature calculated by the second generation unit to be stored in the storage unit on a daily basis; Further comprising: The second generation unit sets an overall average value of the plurality of non-REM temperatures stored in the storage unit as the temperature threshold value. The air conditioner according to claim 4.

7. The control unit is When the uncomfortable sleeping index becomes larger than the index threshold, if the latest measured temperature is equal to or larger than the temperature threshold, the set temperature of the air conditioning means is lowered by a specified temperature change value; If the latest measured temperature is lower than the temperature threshold when the uncomfortable sleeping index becomes larger than the index threshold, the set temperature of the air conditioning means is increased by the temperature change value. The air conditioner according to any one of claims 4 to 6.

8. the control unit determines one candidate range from among a plurality of candidate ranges based on an absolute value of a difference between the latest measured temperature and the temperature threshold value, and sets the candidate range as the temperature change value. The air conditioner according to claim 7.

9. the control unit sets a value obtained by multiplying an absolute value of a difference between the latest measured temperature and the temperature threshold value by a specified change ratio as the temperature change value. The air conditioner according to claim 7.

10. The control unit is When the uncomfortable sleeping index becomes larger than the index threshold, if the latest measured temperature is equal to or higher than the temperature threshold, the set temperature of the air conditioning means is changed to a temperature between the latest measured temperature and a specified lower limit temperature. The air conditioner according to any one of claims 4 to 6.

11. the control unit turns on the power of the air conditioning means if the power of the air conditioning means is not on when the uncomfortable sleeping index becomes greater than the index threshold value; The air conditioner according to any one of claims 1 to 6.

12. The air conditioning means operates to change at least one of the temperature and humidity of the bedroom; The acquisition unit acquires information about the measured humidity in the bedroom, and calculates a sensible temperature in the bedroom from the measured temperature and the measured humidity. the control unit operates the air conditioning means to change at least one of the temperature and humidity of the bedroom when the uncomfortableness index becomes greater than the index threshold value, thereby changing the sensible temperature in the bedroom. The air conditioner according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

13. The control device includes: a stage detection unit that detects which of a plurality of sleep stages the sleeper is in based on the biological information; A detection unit that detects a transition point from non-REM sleep to wake-up of the sleeper; A second generating unit that generates a sensible temperature threshold value; Further comprising: The plurality of sleep stages include at least four stages, in order from deepest to deepest, of a deep non-REM sleep stage, a light non-REM sleep stage, a REM sleep stage, and a wakefulness stage; The detection unit detects, as the transition time, a time when the number of times that the sleeper has been detected to be in the deep sleep stage since the time when the sleeper fell asleep has reached two, or a time when a specified transition time has elapsed since the time when the sleeper fell asleep, the second generation unit calculates an average value of the sensible temperature in the bedroom calculated when the sleeper is in the deep sleep stage or the light sleep stage after the conversion time point as a non-REM sensible temperature, and generates the sensible temperature threshold value equal to the non-REM sensible temperature; When the discomfort index becomes larger than the index threshold, the control unit compares the latest sensible temperature with the sensible temperature threshold, and operates the air conditioning means so as to change the sensible temperature in the bedroom. The air conditioner according to claim 12.

14. A temperature sensor for measuring the temperature in a bedroom where a sleeper sleeps; A biosensor for measuring bioinformation including a pulse wave of the sleeper; an air conditioning means operable to condition the bedroom so as to vary the temperature of the bedroom; A control device for controlling the air conditioning means; Equipped with The control device includes: an acquisition unit that acquires information on the measured temperature in the bedroom from the temperature sensor and acquires the biological information from the biological sensor; an index calculation unit that calculates a sleep discomfort index of the sleeper based on at least one of a number of body movements of the sleeper and a brain activity value detected based on a pulse wave of the biological information; a control unit that operates the air conditioning means to change the temperature of the bedroom when the uncomfortable sleeping index becomes greater than a specified index threshold value; An air conditioning system with

15. a humidity sensor for measuring the humidity in the bedroom; Further comprising: The air conditioning means operates to change at least one of the temperature and humidity of the bedroom; The acquisition unit acquires information on the measured humidity in the bedroom from the humidity sensor, and calculates a sensible temperature in the bedroom from the measured temperature and the measured humidity. the control unit operates the air conditioning means to change at least one of the temperature and humidity of the bedroom when the uncomfortableness index becomes greater than the index threshold value, thereby changing the sensible temperature in the bedroom.

15. An air conditioning system according to claim 14.

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