Air conditioning system using temperature sensor tag
The air conditioning system uses wireless tags for accurate temperature measurement and control, addressing the challenges of conventional systems by providing cost-effective and easily installable solution for temperature control based on human body sensation.
Patent Information
- Application Number
- JP2023198289
- Authority / Receiving Office
- JP · JP
- Patent Type
- Applications
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Filing Date
- 2023-11-22
- Publication Date
- 2025-06-03
AI Technical Summary
Conventional air conditioning systems face challenges in accurately controlling temperature based on human body sensation, especially when operation devices are distant or not provided in all spaces, and existing techniques require costly equipment like thermopiles and cameras.
The air conditioning system employs wireless tags powered by wireless communication for temperature measurement and communication, allowing for accurate temperature control by adjusting the room temperature based on the temperature measured by tags placed on objects where people sit or lie.
This solution enables high-accuracy temperature control, is cost-effective compared to traditional methods, and can be easily installed on various objects, such as chairs and beds, without the need for complex equipment.
Smart Images

Figure 2025084406000001_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] The present disclosure relates to an air conditioning system using a temperature sensor tag.
Background Art
[0002] In a conventional air conditioning system, there is a technique for controlling air conditioning based on the temperature near a person in order to set a comfortable temperature for the person. For example, in the technique of Patent Document 1, when a person last executes the setting of the air conditioner using the remote control of the air conditioner, the temperature measured by the temperature sensor of the remote control is treated as the temperature near the person. The technique of Patent Document 2 detects the temperature near a person based on the temperature distribution image and the captured image obtained by a thermopile and a camera.
Prior Art Documents
Patent Documents
[0003]
Patent Document 1
Patent Document 2
Summary of the Invention
Problems to be Solved by the Invention
[0004] However, operation devices of air conditioners such as remote controls are often located away from people. For example, there are cases where the operation device is shared by a plurality of people or the operation device is installed in a room. In addition, in an air conditioning system that controls the air conditioning of a plurality of spaces, there are cases where operation devices of air conditioners are not provided in all spaces. For this reason, it is not easy to control the air conditioning according to the human body sensation based on the operation device of the air conditioner.
[0005] When detecting the temperature near a person using the temperature distribution image or the captured image of the room, the temperature near the person can be detected accurately. However, such a technique requires the introduction of a thermopile, a camera, etc., and becomes less easy as the scale of the air conditioning system becomes larger.
[0006] Therefore, in an air conditioning system, there has been a demand for a technology that can accurately detect the temperature in the vicinity of a user and is easy to introduce a detection means.
Means for Solving the Problem
[0007] The present disclosure can be realized in the following forms.
[0008] (1) According to one aspect of the present disclosure, an air conditioning system is provided. The air conditioning system includes an air conditioner that adjusts the room temperature of a predetermined space, a tag communication unit that performs wireless communication, one or more wireless tags that perform the wireless communication and temperature measurement and are powered by the wireless communication, and a control unit that controls the air conditioning system. Each of the one or more wireless tags is arranged at least one on an object on which at least one of sitting and lying down by a person is performed in the space. When at least one of the communication strength or response time of the wireless communication received by the tag communication unit from at least one first wireless tag among the one or more wireless tags arranged on the object changes with respect to the wireless communication, the control unit adjusts the room temperature by the air conditioner based on a first temperature measured by at least one second wireless tag arranged on the object on which the first wireless tag is arranged among the one or more wireless tags arranged on the object. In such a configuration, for example, wireless communication by the first wireless tag arranged on the chair is likely to be obstructed by the human body when a person is seated. When a human body intrudes between the tag communication unit and the wireless tag, the obstructed wireless communication causes a decrease in communication intensity. At this time, the second wireless tag arranged on the same object as the first wireless tag is likely to be able to detect the temperature near the person. Therefore, the air conditioning system of the present disclosure can control the air conditioning with high accuracy by adjusting the room temperature to a temperature at which a person feels comfortable based on the temperature of the second wireless tag arranged near the first wireless tag. The wireless tag is less expensive than, for example, a camera or a thermopile. Furthermore, since the wireless tag performs non-contact power supply, it can be easily installed on a chair, a bed, or the like. Therefore, the air conditioning system of the present disclosure can easily detect the temperature near a person and introduce a detection means. (2) In the air conditioning system of the above-described configuration, when the control unit detects a first communication intensity included in a first range predetermined for the communication intensity, the control unit may adjust the room temperature based on the first temperature, and when detecting a second communication intensity included in a second range larger than the first range, the control unit may adjust the room temperature based on a second temperature at a predetermined position away from the object. By adopting such a configuration, the air conditioning system of the present disclosure only needs to adjust the room temperature based on the first temperature when the communication intensity is included in the first range. The air conditioning system of the present disclosure does not require high accuracy in detecting the communication intensity as compared with, for example, the case of adjusting the room temperature based on the change amount of the communication intensity. Therefore, the air conditioning system of the present disclosure can easily adjust the room temperature. (3) In the air conditioning system of the above-described configuration, the object may be a chair, and the first wireless tag may be arranged on the seat surface of the chair. By adopting such a configuration, in the air conditioning system of the present disclosure, since the communication intensity of the wireless communication is likely to decrease, a person can be accurately detected. (4) In the air conditioning system of the above-described configuration, the plurality of wireless tags arranged on the chair may be composed of at least one first wireless tag and at least one second wireless tag, and the second wireless tag may be arranged at a position other than the seat surface. By adopting such a configuration, the second wireless tag provided at a position other than the seat surface is less likely to be affected by body temperature. Since the communication strength of wireless communication in the air conditioning system of the present disclosure is likely to decrease, a person can be accurately detected. (5) In the air conditioning system of the above configuration, one or more of the wireless tags arranged on the chair may be constituted by one of the first wireless tags, and the second wireless tag may be the first wireless tag. By adopting such a configuration, it becomes easier to introduce the detection means than in the configuration constituted by a plurality of wireless tags. (6) In the air conditioning system of the above configuration, the first wireless tag may be arranged in the first region on the seat surface and the first region may be arranged in the first region among the second regions surrounding the first region and arranged along the contour of the seat surface. By adopting such a configuration, the wireless tag is highly likely to be covered by the human body. Therefore, the air conditioning system of the present disclosure can more easily detect a person. (7) In the air conditioning system of the above configuration, further, a temperature sensor connected to the control unit and measuring the room temperature is provided, and when the control unit does not detect a change in the wireless communication, the control unit may adjust the room temperature based on a third temperature measured by the temperature sensor.
Brief Description of the Drawings
[0009]
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Embodiments for Carrying Out the Invention
[0010] A. First Embodiment: A-1. Configuration of the Air Conditioning System: FIG. 1 is an explanatory diagram showing the configuration of the air conditioning system 10 of the first embodiment. The air conditioning system 10 adjusts the temperature inside the building B. For example, the air conditioning system 10 adjusts the room temperature in a house, such as in a living room, bedroom, dining room, etc. That is, the air conditioning system 10 is a system for performing air conditioning throughout the building. In this specification, the objects of air conditioning by the air conditioning system 10 are the first space R1 to the fourth space R4. The first space R1 to the fourth space R4 are collectively also called the space R.
[0011] The air conditioning system 10 includes an air conditioner 110, a tag communication unit 130, a wireless tag 140, a temperature sensor 150, and a control unit 120. In the first embodiment, the tag communication unit 130, the temperature sensor 150, and the control unit 120 are units connected by wire. For ease of understanding of the technology, the tag communication unit 130, the temperature sensor 150, and the control unit 120 are collectively also called the air conditioning controller 11. Therefore, in FIG. 1, the air conditioning controller 11 is shown, and the tag communication unit 130, the temperature sensor 150, and the control unit 120 are not shown. In FIG. 3, which will be described later, the tag communication unit 130, the temperature sensor 150, and the control unit 120 are shown.
[0012] The air conditioner 110 adjusts the room temperature of the predetermined space R. The air conditioner 110 includes a heat exchange device 111, a duct 112, and an on-off valve. The heat exchange device 111 adjusts the room temperature of the space R by performing heat exchange between the inside of the space R and the outside of the building B, for example, by means of a heat pump.
[0013] The air conditioner 110 receives commands for air conditioning from the control unit 120 connected by wire. The air conditioner 110 opens and closes the valves of the ducts 112 connected to the space R for which air conditioning is to be performed among the plurality of spaces R. The air conditioner 110 performs heat exchange between the inside of the space R and the outside of the building B through the ducts 112 with the opening valves opened.
[0014] As shown in FIG. 1, the ducts 112 are connected to the respective spaces R of the first space R1 to the fourth space R4. The opening and closing valves open and close the respective ducts 112 of the plurality of ducts 112. However, in FIG. 1, for ease of understanding of the technology, the illustration of the opening and closing valves is omitted.
[0015] FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram showing the first space R1. The duct 112 is provided with an opening 112a in the space R. In FIG. 2, the opening 112a of the duct 112 used for air conditioning in the first space R1 is shown. The air to be heat-exchanged by the air conditioner 110 flows between the duct 112 and the space R through the opening 112a.
[0016] The air conditioning controllers 11 are provided in the respective spaces R of the first space R1 to the fourth space R4. In FIG. 1, the first air conditioning controller 11r1 to the fourth air conditioning controller 11r4 are provided in the order of the first space R1 to the fourth space R4.
[0017] FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing the functional configuration of the air conditioning system 10 of the first embodiment. Hereinafter, the tag communication unit 130, the control unit 120, and the temperature sensor 150 in the air conditioning controller 11 will be described. In the block diagram, the connection by a solid line represents a wired connection. The connection by a broken line represents a wireless connection. However, in other figures other than the block diagram, the relationship of the wireless connection is not shown.
[0018] The temperature sensor 150 measures the room temperature in the space R. The temperature sensor 150 is provided in each of the spaces R of the first space R1 to the fourth space R4. The temperature sensor 150 is provided at the same position as the control unit 120 in the space R. That is, the temperature sensor 150 measures the temperature in the vicinity of the control unit 120.
[0019] The temperature sensor 150 is connected to the control unit 120 by wire. The temperature sensor 150 measures the temperature of the installed space R by the control unit 120 and transmits the measured third temperature to the control unit 120. The third temperature will be described later.
[0020] The tag communication unit 130 performs wireless communication with the wireless tag 140. For example, the tag communication unit 130 is a hardware module capable of wireless communication with the wireless tag 140 by Bluetooth (registered trademark). Furthermore, the tag communication unit 130 performs wireless power supply to the wireless tag 140 by corresponding to the Bluetooth (registered trademark) core specification 5.0. In addition, the tag communication unit 130 receives the temperature and the identification information for identifying the wireless tag 140 from the wireless tag 140.
[0021] The tag communication unit 130 is connected to the control unit 120 by wire. The tag communication unit 130 performs wireless communication with the wireless tag 140 according to the command of the control unit 120. Furthermore, the tag communication unit 130 transmits the information received from the wireless tag 140 to the control unit 120.
[0022] The tag communication unit 130 is installed in the space R. More specifically, one tag communication unit 130 is installed in each of the spaces R of the first space R1 to the fourth space R4. Furthermore, the tag communication unit 130 is installed at a position other than the floor in the space R. Thereby, when the wireless tag 140 described later is arranged on the object Ob, it becomes easier for the human body to enter between the tag communication unit 130 and the wireless tag 140 due to sitting or lying down by the person H on the object Ob.
[0023] The wireless tag 140 performs wireless communication and temperature measurement. Further, the wireless tag 140 is powered by wireless communication. For example, the wireless tag 140 is a Wiliot IoT Pixel manufactured by Wiliot. The wireless tag 140 includes a temperature sensor and a communication unit capable of wireless communication via Bluetooth (registered trademark). Note that in FIG. 3, the illustration of the configuration of the wireless tag 140 is omitted. Similar to the tag communication unit 130, the wireless tag 140 receives wireless power supply from the tag communication unit 130 by conforming to the Bluetooth (registered trademark) Core Specification 5.0. The wireless tag 140 performs temperature measurement by the temperature sensor of the wireless tag 140 by receiving power supply. Further, the wireless tag 140 transmits the acquired temperature and the identification information for identifying the wireless tag 140 to the tag communication unit 130. In this specification, the wireless tag 140 is also referred to as a temperature sensor tag.
[0024] Note that the tag communication unit 130 and the wireless tag 140 perform wireless communication by radio waves. The radio waves of the tag communication unit 130 and the wireless tag 140 are attenuated when shielded by the human body. For this reason, the communication strength by wireless communication between the tag communication unit 130 and the wireless tag 140 may decrease when a human body intrudes between the tag communication unit 130 and the wireless tag 140. More specifically, when the wireless tag 140 is covered in contact with the human body, the communication strength by wireless communication between the tag communication unit 130 and the wireless tag 140 decreases. Note that the state where the wireless tag 140 is in contact with the human body also includes a state where the human body and the wireless tag 140 are covered with clothing or a cover that does not shield radio waves. Further, specifically, the communication strength is measured by the RSSI (Received Signal Strength Indicator) value.
[0025] In this specification, the communication strength by wireless communication performed in a state where there is no intrusion of the human body between the tag communication unit 130 and the wireless tag 140 is referred to as the communication strength in the absence.
[0026] Furthermore, when a human body intrudes between the tag communication unit 130 and the wireless tag 140, the processing of the control unit 120 is delayed. More specifically, the response time from when the control unit 120 executes wireless communication via the tag communication unit 130 until the control unit 120 receives the information transmitted from the wireless tag 140 becomes longer. This is because when a human body intrudes between the tag communication unit 130 and the wireless tag 140, the information is sent by radio waves that propagate while avoiding the human body. That is, the moving distance of the radio waves between the tag communication unit 130 and the wireless tag 140 becomes longer than when no human body intrudes between the tag communication unit 130 and the wireless tag 140. Therefore, the response time of the wireless communication becomes longer.
[0027] FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram showing the wireless tag 140 of the first embodiment. The wireless tag 140 has a rectangular sheet-like shape. The wireless tag 140 is arranged with its front or back facing the object Ob. In FIG. 4, a first wireless tag 141 and a second wireless tag 142, which will be described later, are arranged with their front or back facing the chair Ob as the object Ob. In FIG. 4, for ease of understanding of the technology, the second wireless tag 142 is illustrated thickly. However, the side surface of the second wireless tag 142 faces the paper surface.
[0028] Two wireless tags 140 are arranged on an object Ob on which at least one of sitting and lying down by a person H is performed in the space R. The object Ob is specifically a chair, a sofa, a bed, or the like. In this specification, as shown in FIG. 4, the chair Ob will be described as an example of the object Ob.
[0029] The chair Ob includes a seat surface Obs and a backrest Obb. The dashed line in FIG. 4 represents the outline of a person H sitting on the seat surface Obs with the backrest Obb behind the back. In the first embodiment, the plurality of wireless tags 140 arranged on the object Ob are composed of a first wireless tag 141 and a second wireless tag 142.
[0030] Note that the first wireless tag 141 and the second wireless tag 142 are wireless tags 140 of the same specification. Therefore, the first wireless tag 141 and the second wireless tag 142 perform temperature measurement in the same way by receiving power supply from the tag communication unit 130. The measured temperature of the first wireless tag 141 and the measured temperature of the second wireless tag 142 are distinguished by the control unit 120, which will be described later.
[0031] The first wireless tag 141 is arranged at a position on the object Ob that is covered by the human body. More specifically, the first wireless tag 141 is arranged at a position where the side of the tag communication unit 130 is covered by the human body, either on the back surface or the front surface. That is, when the object Ob is a chair Ob, the first wireless tag 141 is arranged on the seat surface Obs of the chair Ob.
[0032] The first wireless tag 141 is further arranged in the first region Obs1 on the seat surface Obs, and among the second region Obs2 that surrounds the first region Obs1 and is arranged along the contour of the seat surface Obs, the first wireless tag 141 is arranged in the first region Obs1. That is, the first wireless tag 141 is arranged inside the seat surface Obs. Note that when the seat surface Obs is covered with a cover for decoration or anti-fouling, it includes the inside and outside of the cover.
[0033] When the first wireless tag 141 is arranged on the seat surface Obs of the chair Ob, the communication strength of the wireless communication is likely to decrease. As described above, the tag communication unit 130 is installed at a position other than the floor in the space R. The tag communication unit 130 is likely to be installed at a position higher than the seat surface Obs of the chair Ob. That is, when the person H sits on the seat surface Obs, it becomes easier for the human body to intrude between the tag communication unit 130 and the wireless tag 140. Furthermore, when arranged on the seat surface Obs of the chair Ob, the wireless tag 140 is likely to come into contact with and be covered by the human body. Therefore, when the first wireless tag 141 is arranged on the seat surface Obs of the chair Ob, the communication strength of the wireless communication is likely to decrease.
[0034] The second wireless tag 142 is arranged at a position on the object Ob where the first wireless tag 141 is arranged and where the human body of the person H who performs at least one of sitting and lying does not come into contact. That is, the second wireless tag 142 is arranged at a position on the chair Ob that does not face the human body of the person H sitting on it. More specifically, the second wireless tag 142 is arranged at a position other than the seat surface Obs of the chair Ob. For example, the second wireless tag 142 is arranged on the side surface of the backrest Obb.
[0035] Note that the assignment of the first wireless tag 141 and the second wireless tag 142 is stored in the control unit 120 in advance. More specifically, before starting the air conditioning using the wireless tag 140, the wireless tag 140 is assigned to the first wireless tag 141 or the second wireless tag 142. The identification information of the wireless tag 140 assigned as the first wireless tag 141 or the second wireless tag 142 is stored in the control unit 120.
[0036] Furthermore, information about the pair of the first wireless tag 141 and the second wireless tag 142 arranged on the same object Ob is also stored in the control unit 120 in advance, similar to the assignment of the first wireless tag 141 and the second wireless tag 142. The operation of assigning the first wireless tag 141 or the second wireless tag 142 and the operation of determining the pair of the first wireless tag 141 and the second wireless tag 142 are performed, for example, during the manufacture of the control unit 120.
[0037] The functions of the first wireless tag 141 and the second wireless tag 142 will be described in detail later.
[0038] The control unit 120 controls the air conditioning system 10. The control unit 120 includes a processor 121, a ROM 122, and a RAM 123. The control unit 120 is, for example, a microcomputer.
[0039] The ROM 122 is a read-only semiconductor memory and stores in advance a control program for controlling the air conditioning system 10. The RAM 123 is a semiconductor memory that can be read and written and stores information necessary for controlling the air conditioning system 10.
[0040] The processor 121 realizes various functions by loading the control program stored in the ROM 122 into the RAM 123 and executing it. The processor 121 includes an air-conditioning control unit 121a, a communication control unit 121b, and a determination unit 121c. The control of the control unit 120 will be described below.
[0041] A-2. Control method of the air-conditioning system: FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing the control of the air-conditioning system 10 of the first embodiment. The control of the air-conditioning system 10 starts when the air-conditioning system 10 is activated.
[0042] In step S110 of FIG. 5, the processor 121 of the control unit 120 powers the wireless tag 140 through the tag communication unit 130. More specifically, in the space R, the processor 121 irradiates radio waves for wireless communication with the wireless tag 140 from the tag communication unit 130. The wireless tag 140 powered by the radio waves from the tag communication unit 130 starts temperature measurement. Further, the wireless tag 140 transmits the measured temperature and identification information by wireless communication. Note that the processor 121 executes wireless communication at a period shorter than 1 second. The functional unit of the processor 121 that processes step S110 is the communication control unit 121b shown in FIG. 3.
[0043] In step S120 of FIG. 5, the processor 121 determines whether there is a change in the communication strength regarding the wireless communication by the first wireless tag 141. More specifically, the processor 121 acquires the identification information of the wireless tag 140 via the tag communication unit 130. The processor 121 identifies the first wireless tag 141 based on the identification information among the wireless tags 140 for which the identification information has been acquired. Therefore, the processor 121 determines whether there is a change in the communication strength as follows by acquiring the communication strength of the wireless communication by the first wireless tag 141.
[0044] When the processor 121 detects a first communication strength included in a predetermined first range, the process proceeds to step S130. When the processor 121 detects a second communication strength included in a second range larger than the first range, the process proceeds to step S150. The functional part of the processor 121 that processes step S120 is the determination part 121c shown in FIG. 3.
[0045] The first range is a range of communication strength smaller than the range of communication strength in the absence as the second range. When the communication strength at the time of receiving the identification information is smaller than the range of communication strength in the absence, the processor 121 treats the communication strength at the time of receiving the identification information as the first communication strength.
[0046] Note that the range of communication strength in the absence is a range based on the communication strength in a state where there is no intrusion of a human body between the tag communication unit 130 and the wireless tag 140. Therefore, the communication strength in a state where there is an intrusion of a human body between the tag communication unit 130 and the wireless tag 140 is smaller than the range of communication strength in the absence. The range of communication strength in the absence is stored in advance in the control unit 120 before the start of this flow. For example, since the air conditioner controller 11 further includes an operation unit, the user causes the control unit 120 to measure the communication strength in a state where there is no intrusion of a human body between the tag communication unit 130 and the wireless tag 140 a plurality of times. The control unit 120 determines and stores the range of communication strength in the absence based on the plurality of communication strengths.
[0047] The second range is the range of communication strength in the absence. When the communication strength at the time of receiving the identification information is within the range of communication strength in the absence, the processor 121 treats the communication strength at the time of receiving the identification information as the second communication strength.
[0048] In step S130 of FIG. 5, the processor 121 adjusts the room temperature by the air conditioner 110 based on the measured first temperature of the second wireless tag 142. More specifically, the processor 121 acquires the identification information of the wireless tag 140 via the tag communication unit 130. The processor 121 identifies the second wireless tag 142 from the wireless tag 140 that performs wireless communication based on the identification information. The processor 121 treats the temperature measured by the second wireless tag 142 as the first temperature.
[0049] The processor 121 adjusts the room temperature by controlling the air conditioner 110 based on the difference between the first temperature and a predetermined set temperature. The set temperature is, for example, the room temperature that the user sets through the operation of the operation unit provided by the air conditioner controller 11, which is the room temperature that person H desires as a physical sensation. As the room temperature sensed by person H approaches the set temperature, person H feels the room temperature more comfortably. The first temperature is measured on the object Ob, so there is little difference from the room temperature felt by person H. Therefore, by adjusting the room temperature by the air conditioner 110 based on the first temperature, the room temperature is adjusted to a temperature at which person H feels comfortable. Note that the functional unit of the processor 121 that processes step S130 is the air-conditioning control unit 121a shown in FIG. 3.
[0050] In step S140 of FIG. 5, the processor 121 determines whether to stop the air-conditioning system 10. If the processor 121 does not receive a command to stop the air-conditioning system 10, the process returns to step S110. If the processor 121 receives a command to stop the air-conditioning system 10, the process ends. The command to stop the air-conditioning system 10 is issued, for example, by the user's operation through the operation unit provided by the air conditioner controller 11.
[0051] In step S150 of FIG. 5, the processor 121 adjusts the room temperature based on a second temperature at a predetermined position away from the object. More specifically, when the processor 121 does not detect a change in wireless communication, the processor 121 treats the third temperature measured by the temperature sensor 150 provided at the same position as the control unit 120 as the second temperature. That is, the processor 121 adjusts the room temperature by controlling the air conditioner 110 based on the third temperature at a position away from the object Ob. The functional unit of the processor 121 that processes step S150 is the air conditioner control unit 121a shown in FIG. 3.
[0052] That is, the control unit 120 determines whether there is a change in the communication intensity of the wireless communication received by the tag communication unit 130 from the first wireless tag 141 among the plurality of wireless tags 140 arranged on the object Ob with respect to the wireless communication. When the communication intensity changes, the control unit 120 adjusts the room temperature by the air conditioner 110 based on the first temperature measured by the second wireless tag 142 arranged on the object Ob on which the first wireless tag 141 is arranged among the plurality of wireless tags 140 arranged on the object Ob. Further, when the control unit 120 does not detect a change in the wireless communication, the control unit 120 adjusts the room temperature based on the second temperature at a predetermined position away from the object Ob.
[0053] In such a configuration, for example, wireless communication by the first wireless tag 141 disposed on the chair Ob is likely to be obstructed by the human body when the person H is seated. When a human body intrudes between the tag communication unit 130 and the wireless tag 140, the obstructed wireless communication causes a decrease in communication intensity. At this time, the second wireless tag 142 disposed on the same object Ob as the first wireless tag 141 is likely to be able to detect the temperature near the person H. Therefore, the air conditioning system 10 of the present disclosure can control the air conditioning with high accuracy by adjusting the room temperature to a temperature at which the person H feels comfortable based on the temperature of the second wireless tag 142 disposed near the first wireless tag 141. The wireless tag 140 is less expensive than a camera or a thermopile. Furthermore, since the wireless tag 140 performs non-contact power supply, it can be easily installed on a chair Ob or a bed. Therefore, the air conditioning system 10 of the present disclosure can easily detect the temperature near the person H and introduce a detection means.
[0054] For example, as shown in FIG. 2, when the person H is seated on the chair Ob near the window W, the temperature near the person H is likely to change. However, since the position where the temperature sensor 150 is installed is away from the window W, it does not change compared to the temperature near the person H. Therefore, the air conditioning system 10 of the present disclosure can control the air conditioning with high accuracy to a temperature at which the person H feels comfortable by adjusting the room temperature based on the first temperature of the second wireless tag 142 disposed on the chair Ob.
[0055] Furthermore, by adopting such a configuration, the air conditioning system 10 of the present disclosure only needs to adjust the room temperature based on the first temperature when the communication intensity is included in the first range. The air conditioning system 10 of the present disclosure does not require accuracy in detecting the communication intensity compared to the case of adjusting the room temperature based on the change amount of the communication intensity, for example. Therefore, the air conditioning system 10 of the present disclosure can easily adjust the room temperature.
[0056] In addition, since the first wireless tag 141 is disposed on the seat surface Obs of the chair Ob, the air conditioning system 10 of the present disclosure can accurately detect the person H because the communication intensity of the wireless communication is likely to decrease.
[0057] Furthermore, since the second wireless tag 142 is arranged at a position other than the seating surface Obs, the second wireless tag 142 arranged at a position other than the seating surface is less affected by body temperature. Therefore, the air conditioning system 10 of the present disclosure can be accurately adjusted to a temperature at which the person H feels comfortable.
[0058] In addition, since the first wireless tag 141 is arranged in the first area Obs1, the first wireless tag 141 is likely to be covered by the human body. Therefore, the air conditioning system 10 of the present disclosure can more easily detect the person H.
[0059] Furthermore, unlike the form using a camera, the air conditioning system 10 does not infringe on the privacy of the person H in the space R.
[0060] B. Second Embodiment: FIG. 6 is an explanatory diagram showing the configuration of the air conditioning system 10a according to the second embodiment. The air conditioning system 10a according to the first embodiment includes a plurality of control units 120. However, the number of control units 120 may be one. In the air conditioning system 10a according to the second embodiment, among the first space R1 to the fourth space R4, the air conditioning controller 11a according to the second embodiment is provided only in the first space R1. The configuration of the air conditioning system 10a according to the second embodiment is the same as that of the air conditioning system 10 according to the first embodiment, except for the configuration mentioned below. Regarding the configuration of the air conditioning system 10a according to the second embodiment, for the configuration different from that of the air conditioning system 10 according to the first embodiment, an "a" is added to the end of the reference numeral.
[0061] The air conditioning system 10a according to the second embodiment further includes a repeater 160. In addition, the control unit 120a according to the second embodiment includes a first communication unit 124.
[0062] FIG. 7 is a block diagram showing the functional configuration of the air conditioning system 10a of the second embodiment. The repeater 160 performs wireless communication with the first communication unit 124 of the control unit 120a and the wireless tag 140. The repeater 160 includes a second communication unit 164, a tag communication unit 130, a temperature sensor 150, a processor 161, a RAM 163, and a ROM 162. The processor 161, the RAM 163, and the ROM 162 have the same configuration as the processor 121, the ROM 122, and the RAM 123 in the control unit 120a. However, in the following description, the processor 161 will be described in a mode that does not include an air conditioning control unit 121a, a communication control unit 121b, and a determination unit 121c. However, the repeater 160 may include the determination unit 121c. In this case, the determination unit 121c may send the result of the determination from the second communication unit 164 to the first communication unit 124.
[0063] The repeater 160 is installed at the position of the air conditioning controller 11 in the first embodiment in the space R.
[0064] The tag communication unit 130 and the temperature sensor 150 in the repeater 160 are the same as the tag communication unit 130 and the temperature sensor 150 in the air conditioning controller 11a. However, the tag communication unit 130 of the repeater 160 performs wireless communication with the wireless tag 140 arranged in the space R where the repeater 160 is installed. The temperature sensor 150 of the repeater 160 measures the temperature at the position where the repeater 160 is installed in the space R where the repeater 160 is installed.
[0065] The second communication unit 164 performs wireless communication with the first communication unit 124 of the control unit 120. The second communication unit 164 is a hardware module capable of wireless communication with the first communication unit 124 by Bluetooth (registered trademark). The second communication unit 164 receives a command from the control unit 120 via the first communication unit 124. The second communication unit 164 transmits the temperature and identification information acquired by the wireless tag 140 to the first communication unit 124 via the tag communication unit 130 of the repeater 160.
[0066] The processor 161 controls the second communication unit 164 and the tag communication unit 130. More specifically, the processor 161 receives commands from the control unit 120 via the second communication unit 164. Further, the processor 161 performs wireless communication with the wireless tag 140 via the tag communication unit 130 of the repeater 160.
[0067] The first communication unit 124 performs wireless communication with the second communication unit 164 of the repeater 160. The configuration of the first communication unit 124 is the same as that of the second communication unit 164. The first communication unit 124 transmits commands from the control unit 120 to the repeater 160 via the second communication unit 164. Further, the first communication unit 124 receives the temperature and identification information acquired by the wireless tag 140 via the second communication unit 164.
[0068] The control unit 120a of the second embodiment executes control in the same manner as the control unit 120 of the first embodiment. By adopting such a form, the control of the air conditioner becomes easier than in the form including a plurality of control units 120.
[0069] C. Third Embodiment: FIG. 8 is an explanatory diagram showing the configuration of the air conditioning system 10b of the third embodiment. In the above embodiment, the control unit 120 is installed inside the space R. However, the control unit 120 may be installed outside the space R as shown in FIG. 8.
[0070] FIG. 9 is a block diagram showing the functional configuration of the air conditioning system 10b of the third embodiment. The air conditioning system 10b of the third embodiment does not have a configuration as the air conditioning controller 11. More specifically, the temperature sensor 150 and the tag communication unit 130 in the air conditioning controller 11 of the second embodiment do not exist. That is, in the third embodiment, the temperature sensor 150 and the tag communication unit 130 are provided only in the repeater 160. As shown in FIG. 8, the repeater 160 is installed in all the spaces R. Other configurations of the third embodiment are the same as those of the second embodiment.
[0071] By adopting such a configuration, it is not necessary to install the control unit 120 inside the space R. Therefore, it becomes easier to install the control unit 120 that is wired-connected to the air conditioner 110.
[0072] D. Fourth Embodiment: In the first embodiment, the air conditioner controller 11 and the wireless tag 140 are provided in all the spaces R of the first space R1 to the fourth space R4. However, the air conditioner controller 11 and the wireless tag 140 may be provided in only one space R. For example, when the air conditioner controller 11 and the wireless tag 140 are provided only in the first space R1, the control unit 120 may control the air conditioning of all the spaces R of the first space R1 to the fourth space R4 based on the first temperature acquired in the first space R1.
[0073] E. Fifth Embodiment: In the above embodiment, the wireless tag 140 arranged on the object Ob is composed of two wireless tags 140. However, the wireless tag 140 arranged on the object Ob may be composed of one wireless tag 140. More specifically, the wireless tag 140 arranged on the object Ob may be only the second wireless tag 142. That is, in the fifth embodiment, the second wireless tag 142 is the first wireless tag 141. When the object Ob is the chair Ob, the wireless tag 140 arranged on the chair Ob is arranged only on the seat surface Obs as the second wireless tag 142.
[0074] In addition, when comparing the first temperature measured by the second wireless tag 142 in a state where the human body is in contact with it with the room temperature, there is a high possibility of an error due to the influence of body temperature. For this reason, the control unit 120 corrects the measured first temperature with a correction value that is the difference between the first temperature in a state where the human body is not in contact with the second wireless tag 142 and the first temperature in a state where the human body is in contact with the second wireless tag 142.
[0075] The first temperature when the human body is not in contact with the second wireless tag 142 is, for example, arranged on another object Ob and is measured by the second wireless tag 142 not in contact with the human body. Therefore, the control unit 120 can correct the error between the room temperature due to the contact of the human body by correcting the first temperature measured by the second wireless tag 142 when the human body is in contact with it using a correction value.
[0076] As another example, for instance, as the first temperature when the human body is not in contact with the second wireless tag 142, the first temperature measured before the human body comes into contact with the second wireless tag 142 may be used. More specifically, the control unit 120 stores the first temperature when detecting the second communication strength included in the second range. The control unit 120 may determine a correction value based on the difference between the stored first temperature and the first temperature when the human body is not in contact with the second wireless tag 142.
[0077] With such a configuration, the introduction of the detection means becomes easier than in the configuration composed of a plurality of wireless tags 140.
[0078] F. Sixth Embodiment: In the above embodiment, the wireless tag 140 arranged on the object Ob is composed of two wireless tags 140 or one wireless tag 140. However, the wireless tag 140 arranged on the object Ob may be composed of three or more wireless tags 140. For example, when the object Ob is a chair Ob, the wireless tag 140 arranged on the chair Ob may be composed of one first wireless tag 141 arranged only on the seat surface Obs and two second wireless tags 142 arranged other than the seat surface Obs. The two second wireless tags 142 are arranged on the backrest Obb and the legs, for example.
[0079] With such a configuration, the air conditioning system of this modification example can adjust the room temperature more accurately than based on one first temperature.
[0080] G. Seventh Embodiment: In the above embodiment, when the communication strength by the wireless communication of the wireless tag 140 changes, the control unit 120 adjusts the room temperature by the air conditioner 110 based on the first temperature. However, when the response time by the wireless communication of the wireless tag 140 changes, the control unit 120 may adjust the room temperature by the air conditioner 110 based on the first temperature. More specifically, when the average value of the response time per unit time is greater than a predetermined response time, the control unit 120 adjusts the room temperature by the air conditioner 110 based on the first temperature. When the average value of the response time per unit time is smaller than the predetermined response time, the control unit 120 adjusts the room temperature by the air conditioner 110 based on the third temperature. The predetermined response time is stored in the control unit 120 by the user of the air conditioning system 10 in a state where there is no intrusion of the human body between the tag communication unit 130 and the wireless tag 140, for example, when the air conditioner controller 11 includes an operation unit.
[0081] H. Eighth Embodiment: In the above embodiment, the wireless tag 140 is arranged on the chair Ob. However, the wireless tag 140 may be arranged on the bed. When the wireless tag 140 is arranged on the bed, the first wireless tag 141 is arranged on the upper surface where the person H lies down in the mattress or futon. The second wireless tag 142 is arranged at a position other than the upper surface where the person H lies down. For example, the second wireless tag 142 is arranged on the side surface of the mattress or the headboard.
[0082] I. Modification Example: (1) In the above embodiment, the object of air conditioning by the air conditioning system 10 is the four spaces R. However, the object of air conditioning by the air conditioning system 10 is not limited to the four spaces R, and may be one space R or three spaces R. (2) In the above embodiment, the air conditioning system 10 exemplifies living rooms such as living rooms, bedrooms, and dining rooms as the spaces R to be air-conditioned. However, the air conditioning system 10 may use spaces other than living rooms such as corridors, bathrooms, and toilets as the spaces R to be air-conditioned. (3) In the above embodiment, the air conditioning system 10 is exemplified as a system for performing air conditioning for the entire building. However, the air conditioning system 10 is not limited to a system for performing air conditioning for the entire building. The air conditioning system 10 may be configured such that an air conditioner is installed for each space R. (4) In the above embodiment, the object Ob is exemplified by a chair, a sofa, or a bed. However, the object Ob may be any object on which at least one of sitting and lying down by the person H is performed. For example, the object Ob may be a handrail or a step assuming the sitting of the person H, or a mat assuming the person H lying down. (5) In the above embodiment, the wireless tag 140 has a rectangular sheet shape. However, the shape of the wireless tag 140 may be other shapes. For example, the wireless tag 140 may be circular or triangular, or may be configured in a non-deformable card shape or chip shape. (6) In the above embodiment, the first wireless tag 141 is arranged in the first region Obs1 on the seating surface Obs and in the second region Obs2 that surrounds the first region Obs1 and is arranged along the contour of the seating surface Obs. However, the first wireless tag 141 may be provided in the second region Obs2. That is, the first wireless tag 141 may be arranged outside the seating surface Obs. The first wireless tag 141 may be provided on the seating surface Obs. (7) In the first embodiment, the second wireless tag 142 is provided on the side surface of the backrest Obb. However, the second wireless tag 142 may be provided at a location that does not face the body of the sitting person H. For example, the second wireless tag 142 may be provided on the back side of the backrest Obb or on the leg portion of the chair Ob. (8) In the above embodiment, it is exemplified that the operation of assigning the first wireless tag 141 or the second wireless tag 142 and the operation of determining the pair of the first wireless tag 141 and the second wireless tag 142 are performed during the manufacture of the control unit 120. However, these operations may also be performed after the air conditioning system 10 is introduced into the building B. For example, since the air conditioning system 10 includes an operation unit that operates the control unit 120, the user may assign the wireless tag 140. By adopting such a configuration, the user can freely add or replace the wireless tag 140. (9) In the first embodiment, the change in the communication strength of the wireless communication is determined based on the magnitude of the communication strength. However, the change in the communication strength of the wireless communication may be determined by other methods. For example, the change in the communication strength of the wireless communication may be determined based on the magnitude of the amount of change in the communication strength. (10) In the above embodiment, the second temperature is the third temperature measured by the temperature sensor 150. However, the second temperature may be the temperature measured by the wireless tag 140 arranged on the object Ob where the person H is not sitting or lying down. (11) In the above embodiment, the air-conditioning control unit 121a, the communication control unit 121b, and the determination unit 121c are functional units in one processor 121. However, the air-conditioning control unit 121a, the communication control unit 121b, and the determination unit 121c may be functional units of other processors 121. For example, the processor 161 of the repeater 160 in the third embodiment may include the communication control unit 121b and the determination unit 121c. That is, the control unit 120 does not necessarily have to be constituted by one microcomputer. (12) In the above embodiment, the air conditioner 110 receives a command for air conditioning from the wired-connected control unit 120. However, the air conditioner 110 may receive a command for air conditioning from the control unit 120 by wireless communication. (13) In the above embodiment, the wireless communication is performed by Bluetooth (registered trademark). However, the wireless communication may be other than Bluetooth (registered trademark). For example, the wireless communication may be WiFi. More specifically, the tag communication unit 130 may perform power supply and information transmission and reception to the wireless tag 140 by wireless communication using WiFi. (14) In the above embodiment, examples of the method for setting the set temperature and the command to stop the air-conditioning system are based on the user's operation. However, the method for setting the set temperature and the command to stop the air-conditioning system are not limited to this method. For example, the control unit 120 may set a predetermined set temperature according to the outside air temperature, or may stop the air-conditioning system on the condition that there is no difference between the set temperature and the first temperature.
[0083] The present disclosure is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and can be implemented in various configurations without departing from the gist thereof. For example, the technical features of the embodiments corresponding to the technical features in each form described in the summary of the invention can be appropriately replaced or combined in order to solve some or all of the above problems, or to achieve some or all of the above effects. Further, if the technical feature is not described as essential in this specification, it can be appropriately deleted.
Description of Reference Numerals
[0084] 10, 10a, 10b... air conditioning systems, 11... air conditioning controller, 11r1 to 11r4... first to fourth air conditioning controllers, 110... air conditioner, 111... heat exchanger, 112... duct, 112a... opening, 120... control unit, 120a... control unit, 121... processor, 121a... air conditioning control unit, 121b... communication control unit, 121c... determination unit, 122... ROM, 123... RAM, 124... first communication unit, 130... tag communication unit, 140... wireless tag, 141... first wireless tag, 142... second wireless tag, 150... temperature sensor, 160... repeater, 161... processor, 162... ROM, 163... RAM, 164... second communication unit, B... building, H... person, Ob... chair, object, Obs... seat surface, Obs1... first area, Obs2... second area, R... space, R1 to R4... first to fourth spaces
Claims
1. An air conditioning system, comprising: an air conditioner that adjusts the room temperature of a predetermined space; a tag communication unit that performs wireless communication; one or more wireless tags that perform the wireless communication and temperature measurement and are powered by the wireless communication; a control unit that controls the air conditioning system; wherein each of the one or more wireless tags is disposed at least one on an object on which at least one of sitting and lying down by a person is performed in the space; when at least one of the communication strength or response time of the wireless communication received by the tag communication unit from at least one first wireless tag among the one or more wireless tags disposed on the object changes with respect to the wireless communication, the control unit adjusts the room temperature by the air conditioner based on a first temperature measured by at least one second wireless tag disposed on the object on which the first wireless tag is disposed among the one or more wireless tags disposed on the object. An air conditioning system.
2. The air conditioning system according to claim 1, wherein when the control unit detects a first communication strength included in a first range predetermined for the communication strength, the control unit adjusts the room temperature based on the first temperature; when the control unit detects a second communication strength included in a second range larger than the first range, the control unit adjusts the room temperature based on a second temperature at a predetermined position away from the object. An air conditioning system.
3. The air conditioning system according to claim 2, wherein the object is a chair, and the first wireless tag is disposed on the seat surface of the chair. An air conditioning system.
4. The air conditioning system according to claim 3, wherein the plurality of wireless tags disposed on the chair are composed of at least one first wireless tag and at least one second wireless tag, and the second wireless tag is disposed at a position other than the seat surface. An air conditioning system.
5. The air conditioning system according to claim 3, wherein the one or more wireless tags disposed on the chair are composed of one first wireless tag, and the second wireless tag is the first wireless tag. An air conditioning system.
6. The air conditioning system according to claim 4 or 5, wherein the first wireless tag is disposed in a first area on the seat surface and in a second area surrounding the first area and disposed along the contour of the seat surface, and is disposed in the first area. An air conditioning system.
7. The air conditioning system according to claim 1, further comprising: A temperature sensor connected to the control unit and configured to measure the room temperature. An air conditioning system, wherein when the control unit does not detect a change in the wireless communication, the control unit adjusts the room temperature based on a third temperature measured by the temperature sensor.
Citation Information
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