Air conditioning control device, air conditioning system, information processing method, and program

Abstract

To provide a user with determination materials for appropriately determining a behavior that the user should perform about air conditioning.SOLUTION: An air condition control part 101 controls an air conditioner 200 according to a setting temperature that can be set by each user existing in an individual area within an air conditioning object space. A desired temperature acquisition part 105 acquires desired temperature information showing a desired temperature being a temperature desired as a room temperature of the individual area by the user from each terminal device 300 used by each user. A ratio calculation part 107 calculates a desired temperature ratio being a ratio of a user number of each desired temperature on the basis of the desired temperature information acquired by the desired temperature acquisition part 105. An information transmission part 108 transmits ratio information showing the desired temperature ratio calculated by the ratio calculation part 107 to a display device.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

Technical Field

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

Background Art

[0002] Currently, a work style of working at a free address is becoming established. At a free address, a user can use any available seat in the office instead of a fixed seat in the office. By the way, when a user works in such an office, there are individual differences in the temperature at which the user feels comfortable. For this reason, in air conditioning in such an office, it is preferable to consider the feelings, preferences, etc. of each user.

[0003] Currently, a technology for performing air conditioning of each individual area in an air conditioning target space based on information collected from users is known. For example, Patent Document 1 describes an air conditioning system that determines the average value of the desired temperatures of a plurality of users existing in a living room as the set temperature of the living room, and performs air conditioning of the living room based on the determined set temperature. Also in such an air conditioning system, a user may feel that the current room temperature in the living room is not a comfortable room temperature and may want to change the current set temperature of the living room.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] However, even in such a case, users often hesitate to change the set temperature of the current living room out of consideration for other users. In this case, the user has to move to another room or endure the current room temperature. Patent Document 1 describes a technique of presenting map information indicating the desired temperature of each user present in the room. However, it is considered difficult for the user to immediately determine whether it is okay to change the set temperature of the current room, whether to move to another room, etc. just by referring to such map information. That is, it is hard to say that the technique described in Patent Document 1 can provide the user with a basis for appropriately judging the actions to be taken by the user regarding air conditioning. For this reason, a technique that provides the user with a basis for appropriately judging the actions to be taken by the user regarding air conditioning is desired.

[0006] The present disclosure has been made in view of the above problems, and an object thereof is to provide an air conditioning control device, an air conditioning system, an information processing method, and a program that provide a basis for appropriately judging the actions to be taken by a user regarding air conditioning.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0007] In order to achieve the above object, the air conditioning control device according to the present disclosure includes: air conditioning control means for controlling an air conditioner according to a set temperature that can be specified by each user existing in an individual area within the air conditioning target space; desired temperature acquisition means for acquiring, from each terminal device used by each user, desired temperature information indicating a desired temperature that is the temperature desired by the user as the room temperature of the individual area; ratio calculation means for calculating a desired temperature ratio, which is the ratio of the number of users for each desired temperature, based on the desired temperature information acquired by the desired temperature acquisition means; information transmission means for transmitting ratio information indicating the desired temperature ratio calculated by the ratio calculation means to a display device.

Effects of the Invention

[0008] In the present disclosure, ratio information indicating a desired temperature ratio, which is the ratio of the number of users for each desired temperature, is transmitted to a display device. Therefore, according to the present disclosure, it is possible to provide a user with a basis for appropriately determining the actions to be taken by the user regarding air conditioning.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0009]

Figure 1

Figure 2

Figure 3

Figure 4

Figure 5

Figure 6

Figure 7

Figure 8

Figure 9

Figure 10

Figure 11

Modes for Carrying Out the Invention

[0010] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. In the drawings, the same or corresponding parts are denoted by the same reference numerals.

[0011] (Embodiment 1) FIG. 1 is a diagram showing the configuration of an air conditioning system 1000 according to Embodiment 1. The air conditioning system 1000 is a system that harmonizes the air in the air-conditioned target space for each individual area. The air-conditioned target space is, for example, the space inside an office used in a free address. The individual area is, for example, a living room inside the above office. The air conditioning system 1000 includes an air conditioning control device 100, a plurality of air conditioners 200, and a plurality of terminal devices 300. The air conditioning control device 100, the plurality of air conditioners 200, and the plurality of terminal devices 300 are interconnected by a communication network 700. The communication network 700 is, for example, a LAN (Local Area Network) constructed inside the office. The communication network 700 is a wireless communication network compatible with Wi-Fi (registered trademark), a wired communication network compatible with Ethernet (registered trademark), or the like.

[0012] The air conditioning control device 100 is a device that controls the operation of the entire air conditioning system 1000. The air conditioning control device 100 controls and monitors a plurality of air conditioners 200 via the communication network 700. For example, the air conditioning control device 100 controls the air conditioner 200 by transmitting a control command indicating the control content for the air conditioner 200. Further, the air conditioning control device 100 receives state information indicating the state of the air conditioner 200 from the air conditioner 200 and monitors the air conditioner 200. The state information is information including, for example, set values set in the air conditioner 200, sensor values detected by various sensors provided in the air conditioner 200, and the like. The air conditioning control device 100 includes a control unit 11, a storage unit 12, a display unit 13, an operation reception unit 14, and a first communication unit 15.

[0013] The control unit 11 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit), a ROM (Read Only Memory), a RAM (Random Access Memory), an RTC (Real Time Clock), etc. The CPU is also called a central processing unit, a central arithmetic unit, a processor, a microprocessor, a microcomputer, a DSP (Digital Signal Processor), etc., and functions as a central arithmetic processing unit that executes processes and operations related to the control of the air conditioner control device 100. In the control unit 11, the CPU reads the programs and data stored in the ROM, and uses the RAM as a work area to comprehensively control the air conditioner control device 100. The RTC is, for example, an integrated circuit having a timekeeping function. Note that the CPU can specify the current date and time from the time information read from the RTC.

[0014] The storage unit 12 includes a non-volatile semiconductor memory such as a flash memory, an EPROM (Erasable Programmable ROM), an EEPROM (Electrically Erasable Programmable ROM), etc., and plays the role of a so-called auxiliary storage device. The storage unit 12 stores the programs and data used by the control unit 11 to execute various processes. In addition, the storage unit 12 stores the data generated or acquired when the control unit 11 executes various processes.

[0015] The display unit 13 displays various images according to the control by the control unit 11. For example, the display unit 13 displays a screen for receiving various operations from the user. The display unit 13 includes a touch screen, a liquid crystal display, etc. The operation reception unit 14 receives various operations from the user, and supplies information indicating the content of the received operation to the control unit 11. The operation reception unit 14 includes a touch screen, buttons, levers, etc.

[0016] The first communication unit 15 communicates with devices connected to the communication network 700 in accordance with the control by the control unit 11. The first communication unit 15 has a function of connecting to the communication network 700 and communicates with devices connected to the communication network 700. The first communication unit 15 is provided with a communication interface compliant with various communication standards adopted in the communication network 700.

[0017] The air conditioner 200 is a device that harmonizes the air in the air-conditioning target space in accordance with the control by the air-conditioning control device 100. The air conditioner 200 is controlled by the air-conditioning control device 100 via the communication network 700. In the present embodiment, one air conditioner 200 is provided for one individual area in the air-conditioning target space. That is, each of the plurality of air conditioners 200 harmonizes the air in the individual area for which it is responsible in the air-conditioning target space. As shown in FIG. 2, the air conditioner 200 includes an indoor unit 210 and an outdoor unit 220. The indoor unit 210 and the outdoor unit 220 are interconnected by a communication cable 230. The communication cable 230 is a shielded cable such as an MVVS cable or a CVVS cable.

[0018] The indoor unit 210 is a facility device installed indoors among the facility devices that harmonize the indoor air. The indoor unit 210 blows out air for heating, cooling, dehumidifying, blowing, etc. into the room. The indoor unit 210 communicates with the air-conditioning control device 100 via the communication network 700. The indoor unit 210 communicates with surrounding terminal devices 300 by wireless communication. The indoor unit 210 communicates with the outdoor unit 220 via the communication cable 230. The indoor unit 210 includes a control unit 21, a storage unit 22, a display unit 23, an operation reception unit 24, a first communication unit 25, a second communication unit 26, a third communication unit 27, and a temperature sensor 28.

[0019] The control unit 21 includes a CPU, a ROM, a RAM, an RTC, etc. In the control unit 21, the CPU reads the programs and data stored in the ROM, and uses the RAM as a work area to comprehensively control the indoor unit 210. The storage unit 22 includes non-volatile semiconductor memories such as flash memories, EPROMs, and EEPROMs, and serves as a so-called auxiliary storage device. The storage unit 22 stores the programs and data used by the control unit 21 to execute various processes. Further, the storage unit 22 stores the data generated or acquired when the control unit 21 executes various processes.

[0020] The display unit 23 displays various images according to the control by the control unit 21. The display unit 23 includes a liquid crystal display, a touch screen, etc. The operation reception unit 24 receives various operations from the user, and supplies information indicating the content of the received operations to the control unit 21. The operation reception unit 24 includes a touch screen, buttons, levers, etc.

[0021] The first communication unit 25 communicates with the devices connected to the communication network 700 according to the control by the control unit 21. The first communication unit 25 has a function of connecting to the communication network 700 and communicates with the devices connected to the communication network 700. The first communication unit 25 includes a communication interface compliant with various communication standards adopted in the communication network 700.

[0022] The second communication unit 26 wirelessly communicates with the devices arranged near the indoor unit 210 according to the control by the control unit 21. The second communication unit 26 communicates with the terminal device 300 by short-range wireless communication. The second communication unit 26 periodically transmits a beacon signal for specifying the position of the terminal device 300. The second communication unit 26 includes, for example, a communication interface corresponding to BLE (Bluetooth Low Energy).

[0023] The third communication unit 27 communicates with the outdoor unit 220 via the communication cable 230 according to the control by the control unit 21. The third communication unit 27 includes a communication interface compliant with various communication standards.

[0024] The temperature sensor 28 is a sensor that detects the room temperature. Specifically, the temperature sensor 28 is a sensor that detects the temperature of the air around the indoor unit 210. The temperature sensor 28 supplies room temperature information indicating the detected room temperature to the control unit 21.

[0025] The outdoor unit 220 is equipment installed outdoors among the equipment for conditioning indoor air. The outdoor unit 220 circulates refrigerant with the indoor unit 210 via a refrigerant pipe (not shown). The outdoor unit 220 communicates with the indoor unit 210 via a communication cable 230.

[0026] The terminal device 300 is a terminal device used by the user. In this embodiment, all users carry one terminal device 300. The terminal device 300 is a smartphone, a tablet terminal, a notebook computer, etc. The terminal device 300 includes a control unit 31, a storage unit 32, a display unit 33, an operation reception unit 34, a first communication unit 35, and a second communication unit 36.

[0027] The control unit 31 includes a CPU, a ROM, a RAM, an RTC, etc. In the control unit 31, the CPU reads programs and data stored in the ROM and uses the RAM as a work area to overall control the terminal device 300. The storage unit 32 includes non-volatile semiconductor memories such as flash memory, EPROM, and EEPROM, and serves as a so-called auxiliary storage device. The storage unit 32 stores programs and data used for the control unit 31 to execute various processes. Further, the storage unit 32 stores data generated or acquired when the control unit 31 executes various processes.

[0028] The display unit 33 displays various images according to the control by the control unit 31. The display unit 33 includes a touch screen, a liquid crystal display, etc. The operation reception unit 34 receives various operations from the user and supplies information indicating the content of the received operation to the control unit 31. The operation reception unit 34 includes a touch screen, buttons, levers, etc.

[0029] The first communication unit 35 communicates with devices connected to the communication network 700 according to the control by the control unit 31. The first communication unit 35 has a function of connecting to the communication network 700 and communicates with devices connected to the communication network 700. The first communication unit 35 is provided with a communication interface compliant with various communication standards adopted in the communication network 700.

[0030] The second communication unit 36 wirelessly communicates with devices arranged near the terminal device 300 according to the control by the control unit 31. The second communication unit 36 communicates with the indoor unit 210 by short-range wireless communication. The second communication unit 36 receives a beacon signal transmitted from the indoor unit 210. The second communication unit 36 measures the radio wave intensity when the beacon signal is received. This radio wave intensity is the received signal strength. The second communication unit 36 supplies radio wave intensity information indicating the radio wave intensity to the control unit 31. The second communication unit 36 is provided with a communication interface corresponding to, for example, BLE.

[0031] Next, with reference to FIG. 3, the functions of the air conditioning system 1000 will be described. Functionally, the air conditioning control device 100 includes an air conditioning control unit 101, a room temperature information acquisition unit 102, a set temperature acquisition unit 103, a control content determination unit 104, a desired temperature acquisition unit 105, an existence area acquisition unit 106, a ratio calculation unit 107, an information transmission unit 108, an evaluation information acquisition unit 109, and a recommended area selection unit 110. Functionally, the air conditioner 200 includes an air conditioning unit 201 and a room temperature information transmission unit 202. Functionally, the terminal device 300 includes a set temperature transmission unit 301, a desired temperature transmission unit 302, an existence area specifying unit 303, an existence area transmission unit 304, a display control unit 305, and an evaluation information transmission unit 306.

[0032] Each of these functions is realized by software, firmware, or a combination of software and firmware. The software and firmware are described as programs and stored in a ROM, storage unit 12, storage unit 22, or storage unit 32. Then, the CPU realizes each of these functions by executing the programs stored in the ROM, storage unit 12, storage unit 22, or storage unit 32.

[0033] The air-conditioning control unit 101 controls each air conditioner 200 arranged in each individual area within the air-conditioned target space according to the control content determined by the control content determination unit 104. The individual areas may be physically partitioned by walls, partitions, etc., or may not be physically partitioned. The control content for each individual area is determined, for example, according to the set temperature that can be specified by each user present in the individual area.

[0034] Therefore, the air-conditioning control unit 101 controls the air conditioner 200 according to the set temperature that can be specified by each user present in the individual area within the air-conditioned target space. More specifically, the air-conditioning control unit 101 controls each air conditioner 200 provided in each individual area according to the set temperature specified for each of the plurality of individual areas within the air-conditioned target space. Note that setting the set temperature for the air conditioner 200 corresponds to setting the set temperature for the individual area in which this air conditioner 200 is arranged. The control of the air conditioner 200 can be executed by transmitting a control command. Examples of the control command include a command to stop the air-conditioning operation and a command to start the air-conditioning operation. The command to start the air-conditioning operation is, for example, a command indicating the set temperature, air volume, and air direction. The air-conditioning control unit 101 is an example of air-conditioning control means.

[0035] The room temperature information acquisition unit 102 acquires room temperature information indicating the room temperature of the individual area from each air conditioner 200. The room temperature information acquisition unit 102 acquires the room temperature information from each air conditioner 200, for example, at a predetermined cycle. The room temperature information acquired by the room temperature information acquisition unit 102 is used for determining the control content, presenting it to the user, etc. The room temperature information acquisition unit 102 is an example of room temperature information acquisition means.

[0036] The set temperature acquisition unit 103 acquires set temperature information indicating the set temperature of the individual area from each terminal device 300. The set temperature acquisition unit 103 acquires the set temperature information from each terminal device 300, for example, according to a request by the user. That is, the user can freely set the set temperature of the individual area using the terminal device 300. The set temperature is the target temperature of the room temperature. Therefore, the room temperature of the individual area is basically equal to the set temperature set for the individual area.

[0037] The control content determination unit 104 determines the control content for each air conditioner 200. The control content determination unit 104 can determine the control content according to an instruction by the user. For example, when the terminal device 300 receives a set temperature setting operation for an individual area from the user, the control content determination unit 104 determines the control content based on the set temperature information received from the terminal device 300. That is, when the set temperature is manually set for an individual area, the air conditioner 200 arranged in this individual area is controlled so that the set temperature of this individual area is reached.

[0038] In addition, the control content determination unit 104 can also automatically determine the control content. For example, when the control content determination unit 104 detects that there is no user in a certain individual area, it can determine the control content so that the air conditioning operation in this individual area is stopped. Also, when the control content determination unit 104 detects that there is a user in a certain individual area, it can determine the control content so that the air conditioning operation in this individual area is started.

[0039] In addition, the control content determination unit 104 can determine the set temperature based on, for example, the desired temperature ratio calculated by the ratio calculation unit 107. The desired temperature ratio is the ratio of the number of users for each desired temperature. For example, in a certain individual area, there are 3 users who desire a room temperature of 24°C, 4 users who desire a room temperature of 26°C, and 3 users who desire a room temperature of 28°C. In this case, the desired temperature ratio of this individual area is 30%:40%:30%. Note that the desired temperature ratio may be expressed as a percentage such that the sum of the ratios is 100%, may be expressed as a decimal such that the sum of the ratios is 1, or may be expressed as a normalized integer such that the ratios do not have a common divisor. In the above example, 30%:40%:30% may be expressed as 0.3:0.4:0.3 or as 3:4:3.

[0040] The method by which the control content determination unit 104 determines the set temperature based on the desired temperature ratio can be adjusted as appropriate. For example, the control content determination unit 104 can determine the average value, the mode value, or the median value of the desired temperatures of all users as the set temperature. In the above example, in any case, the set temperature is determined to be 26°C. Note that when the set temperature is automatically determined, the set temperature set manually may become invalid. Therefore, the control content determination unit 104 may automatically determine the set temperature, for example, when a certain period of time has elapsed since the user's operation of setting the set temperature. The control content determination unit 104 is an example of the set temperature determination means.

[0041] The desired temperature acquisition unit 105 acquires desired temperature information from each terminal device 300 used by each user. The desired temperature information is information indicating the desired temperature, which is the temperature that the user desires as the room temperature of the individual area. The desired temperature information is managed as user management information. The user management information is information for managing users. The user management information is information in which a user ID (Identification), a user name, the desired temperature information, and the presence area information are associated with each other.

[0042] The user ID is an identifier assigned to the user. The user ID is assigned at the time of user registration to the air conditioning control device 100. The user name is the display name of the user. The user can change the user name using the terminal device 300. The user can change the desired temperature using the terminal device 300. The presence area information is information indicating the individual area where the user is present. The presence area information is periodically updated upon receiving a notification from the terminal device 300. In the present embodiment, the individual area where the user is present basically corresponds to the user's position. The user management information is stored, for example, in the storage unit 12. The desired temperature acquisition unit 105 is an example of a desired temperature acquisition means.

[0043] The presence area acquisition unit 106 acquires presence area information indicating the individual area where each user is present among a plurality of individual areas. For example, the presence area acquisition unit 106 periodically acquires from the terminal device 300 of this user the presence area information indicating the individual area where the user is present. The acquisition period of the presence area information is, for example, 10 minutes.

[0044] Note that in the present embodiment, the individual areas are managed by area management information. The area management information is information for managing the individual areas. The area management information is information in which an area ID, an area name, area coordinates, and an air conditioning address are associated. The area ID is an identifier assigned to the individual area. The area name is the display name of the individual area. The area coordinates are coordinates indicating the position of the individual area. In the present embodiment, in the floor plan showing the layout within the office, the individual area is rectangular. Therefore, the individual area is represented by the coordinates of the upper left vertex and the coordinates of the lower right vertex of the individual area with the upper left of the floor plan as the origin. The air conditioning address is the address of the air conditioner 200 arranged in the individual area. The area management information is stored, for example, in the storage unit 12. The presence area acquisition unit 106 is an example of a presence area acquisition means.

[0045] The ratio calculation unit 107 calculates a desired temperature ratio for each individual area based on the desired temperature information acquired by the desired temperature acquisition unit 105 and the presence area information acquired by the presence area acquisition unit 106. As described above, the desired temperature ratio is the ratio of the number of users for each desired temperature. For example, when calculating the desired temperature ratio of a certain individual area, the ratio calculation unit 107 identifies the users present in this individual area and specifies the desired temperatures of the identified users. The ratio calculation unit 107 obtains the number of users for each desired temperature and calculates the ratio of the number of users for each desired temperature, thereby obtaining the desired temperature ratio. The ratio calculation unit 107 is an example of ratio calculation means.

[0046] The information transmission unit 108 transmits various types of information to the display device. For example, the information transmission unit 108 transmits ratio information indicating the desired temperature ratio calculated by the ratio calculation unit 107 for each individual area to the display device. Also, the information transmission unit 108 transmits the room temperature information acquired by the room temperature information acquisition unit 102 to the display device. Note that the information transmission unit 108 transmits screen information including the ratio information and the room temperature information to the display device. The screen information is information for generating the screen to be displayed on the display device. The screen information may be image information indicating the image to be displayed on the screen, or may be information for generating the image to be displayed on the screen. In the present embodiment, the display device is the terminal device 300. The information transmission unit 108 is an example of information transmission means.

[0047] The evaluation information acquisition unit 109 acquires information indicating the evaluation by a user of the room temperature from the terminal device 300 of a user in an individual area of the room temperature different from the desired temperature. Specifically, when the temperature difference between the desired temperature of the first user present in the first individual area among the plurality of individual areas and the room temperature of the first individual area is equal to or greater than the first threshold value, the evaluation information acquisition unit 109 acquires evaluation information from the first terminal device used by the first user. The evaluation information is information indicating the evaluation by the first user of the room temperature of the first individual area. That is, the evaluation information is information indicating whether the first user feels that the room temperature of the first individual area is an appropriate temperature. The evaluation information is, for example, information indicating "cold", "hot", "just right", etc. Note that "cold" or "hot" indicates that the first user feels that the room temperature is not an appropriate temperature, and "just right" indicates that the first user feels that the room temperature is an appropriate temperature. The first threshold value is, for example, a value of 2°C or more. The evaluation information acquisition unit 109 is an example of an evaluation information acquisition means.

[0048] The information transmission unit 108 transmits proposal information for proposing an action according to the content of the evaluation information to the first terminal device. For example, when the evaluation information indicates that the room temperature of the first individual area is an appropriate temperature for the first user, the information transmission unit 108 transmits temperature change proposal information for proposing a change in the desired temperature to the first terminal device. If the room temperature of the first individual area is an appropriate temperature for the first user despite the large difference between the desired temperature of the first user and the room temperature of the individual area where the first user is located, it is highly likely that the setting of the desired temperature of the first user is inappropriate.

[0049] As a case where the setting of the desired temperature is inappropriate, for example, in addition to the case where the desired temperature is erroneously set due to an operation error, a difference is assumed between the desired temperature recognized by the user at the time of setting the desired temperature and the room temperature that the user actually feels as an appropriate temperature. If the state where the setting of the desired temperature is inappropriate continues, an inappropriate desired temperature ratio is presented to other users, so it is preferable to eliminate such a state. Therefore, in such a case, the air conditioning control device 100 prompts the first user to change the desired temperature and attempts to correct the desired temperature.

[0050] Further, when the information transmission unit 108 is shown by the evaluation information that the room temperature in the first individual area is not a suitable temperature for the first user, the information transmission unit 108 transmits area movement proposal information for proposing to the first user to move to an individual area other than the first individual area to the first terminal device. When the desired temperature of the first user and the room temperature in the individual area where the first user is located are far apart and the room temperature in the first individual area is not a suitable temperature for the first user, the first user is considered to be in an individual area that is not preferable from the perspective of air conditioning. Therefore, in such a case, the air conditioning control device 100 encourages the first user to move to another individual area and attempts to improve the comfort of the first user.

[0051] When the evaluation information indicates that the room temperature in the first individual area is not a suitable temperature for the first user, the recommended area selection unit 110 selects a recommended area from among a plurality of individual areas based on at least one of the room temperature in each individual area and the desired temperature ratio in each individual area and the desired temperature of the first user. The recommended area is an individual area recommended as the destination for the first user to move to. The information transmission unit 108 transmits recommended area information indicating the recommended area selected by the recommended area selection unit 110 to the first terminal device.

[0052] The method by which the recommended area selection unit 110 selects a recommended area can be adjusted as appropriate. For example, the recommended area selection unit 110 may select, as the recommended area, the individual area in which the ratio of the number of users with the desired temperature of the first user in the desired temperature ratio is the highest among a plurality of individual areas. This recommended area is an individual area in which the proportion of users having the same temperature sensation as the first user is large. Therefore, in this recommended area, it is considered likely that a room temperature close to the desired temperature of the first user will be maintained at least in the future.

[0053] For example, even if the room temperature in this recommended area currently differs from the desired temperature of the first user, it is highly likely that the room temperature in this recommended area will be set to a temperature closer to the desired temperature of the first user by other users in the future. Also, if the room temperature in this recommended area currently differs from the desired temperature of the first user, and the first user sets the room temperature in the recommended area to the desired temperature of the first user, it is considered that other users will not suffer any particular disadvantage. On the other hand, if the room temperature in this recommended area is close to the desired temperature of the first user at the current time, it is highly likely that the room temperature in this recommended area will be maintained in the future.

[0054] The recommended area selection unit 110 may select, as the recommended area, the individual area with the smallest temperature difference between the room temperature of the individual area and the desired temperature of the first user among the plurality of individual areas. Since this recommended area has a room temperature close to the desired temperature of the first user at least at the current time, it is considered to be a preferred individual area for the first user.

[0055] The recommended area selection unit 110 may select, as the recommended area, the individual area with the highest ratio of the number of users of the desired temperature of the first user in the desired temperature ratio among the individual areas where the temperature difference between the room temperature of the individual area and the desired temperature of the first user is equal to or less than the second threshold value. The second threshold value is, for example, a value of 2°C or less. The individual areas where the temperature difference is equal to or less than the second threshold value have a room temperature close to the desired temperature of the first user at least at the current time. And the recommended area selected from among the individual areas where the temperature difference is equal to or less than the second threshold value is an individual area with a large proportion of users having the same temperature sensation as the first user. Therefore, it is considered that in this recommended area, it is highly likely that a room temperature close to the desired temperature of the first user will be maintained after the current time. The recommended area selection unit 110 is an example of the recommended area selection means.

[0056] The air conditioning unit 201 performs air conditioning on the space to be air - conditioned according to the control by the air - conditioning control device 100. For example, the air conditioning unit 201 controls the air conditioning of the individual area that the indoor unit 210 equipped with the air conditioning unit 201 is in charge of according to the control command received from the air - conditioning control unit 101. For example, the air conditioning unit 201 controls a refrigeration cycle (not shown) so as to reach the set temperature indicated by the control command, controls the rotation speed of an indoor fan (not shown) so as to reach the air volume indicated by the control command, and controls the angle of a flap (not shown) so as to reach the air direction indicated by the control command. The air conditioning unit 201 is an example of an air - conditioning means.

[0057] The room - temperature information transmission unit 202 transmits room - temperature information to the air - conditioning control device 100. The room - temperature information transmission unit 202 regularly executes a process of acquiring, from the temperature sensor 28 provided in the indoor unit 210, room - temperature information indicating the room temperature of the individual area where the indoor unit 210 is installed, and transmitting the acquired room - temperature information to the air - conditioning control device 100.

[0058] The set - temperature transmission unit 301 transmits set - temperature information to the air - conditioning control device 100. For example, when a user operation for setting the set temperature of an individual area is received by the operation reception unit 34, the set - temperature transmission unit 301 transmits set - temperature information indicating the set temperature set by the user to the air - conditioning control device 100.

[0059] The desired - temperature transmission unit 302 transmits desired - temperature information to the air - conditioning control device 100. For example, when a user operation for setting the desired temperature of the user is received by the operation reception unit 34, the desired - temperature transmission unit 302 transmits desired - temperature information indicating the desired temperature set by the user to the air - conditioning control device 100. Note that it is desirable for the user to set the desired temperature to the air - conditioning control device 100 at least once. Also, when the terminal device 300 receives temperature - change proposal information from the air - conditioning control device 100, it is desirable for the user to set a new desired temperature via the terminal device 300 in response to the presentation of the temperature - change proposal information by the terminal device 300.

[0060] The presence area specifying unit 303 specifies the individual area where the user is present among a plurality of individual areas. For example, in the short-range wireless communication between the indoor unit 210 and the terminal device 300, the presence area specifying unit 303 specifies the individual area where the user is present based on the radio wave intensity when the terminal device 300 receives a beacon signal from the indoor unit 210. Since the radio wave intensity is inversely proportional to the square of the distance between devices, the higher the radio wave intensity, the shorter the distance between devices. Here, in the present embodiment, one indoor unit 210 is installed in one individual area. Therefore, the presence area specifying unit 303 can specify, as the individual area where the user is present, the individual area in which the indoor unit 210 with the highest radio wave intensity at the time of receiving the beacon signal is installed.

[0061] The presence area transmitting unit 304 transmits presence area information indicating the individual area specified by the presence area specifying unit 303 to the air-conditioning control device 100. The presence area information may be any information as long as it can specify the individual area where the user using the terminal device 300 is present. For example, the presence area information may be information indicating a region ID indicating the individual area, or may be information indicating the device ID of the indoor unit 210 installed in the individual area.

[0062] The display control unit 305 causes the display unit 33 to display various screens. For example, the display control unit 305 causes the display unit 33 to display a screen for accepting setting of a set temperature, a screen for accepting setting of a desired temperature, a floor plan including a room temperature and a desired temperature ratio, a screen for accepting evaluation information, a screen for proposing a change in the desired temperature, a screen for proposing movement of an individual area, etc. The display unit 33 is an example of a display device. The display control unit 305 is an example of display control means.

[0063] The evaluation information transmitting unit 306 transmits evaluation information to the air-conditioning control device 100. For example, when the terminal device 300 displays a screen for accepting the user's evaluation of the room temperature in accordance with a request from the air-conditioning control device 100, the operation accepting unit 34 accepts the user's evaluation of the room temperature. The evaluation information transmitting unit 306 transmits evaluation information indicating this evaluation to the air-conditioning control device 100.

[0064] Next, with reference to FIG. 4, the office 500, which is the space to be air-conditioned, will be described. FIG. 4 shows the interior of the office 500. As shown in FIG. 4, the office 500, which is the space to be air-conditioned, includes six rooms 510, namely, room 510A, room 510B, room 510C, room 510D, room 510E, and room 510F. The room 510 is a general term for room 510A, room 510B, room 510C, room 510D, room 510E, and room 510F.

[0065] One indoor unit 210 is installed in each room 510. Specifically, an indoor unit 210A is installed in room 510A, an indoor unit 210B is installed in room 510B, an indoor unit 210C is installed in room 510C, an indoor unit 210D is installed in room 510D, an indoor unit 210E is installed in room 510E, and an indoor unit 210F is installed in room 510F. An independent set temperature is set for each room 510, and each indoor unit 210 performs an independent air-conditioning operation. The indoor unit 210 is a general term for indoor unit 210A, indoor unit 210B, indoor unit 210C, indoor unit 210D, indoor unit 210E, and indoor unit 210F.

[0066] Furniture 520 is appropriately installed in each room 510. Specifically, furniture 520A is installed in room 510A, furniture 520B is installed in room 510B, furniture 520CF is installed across room 510C and room 510F, furniture 520D is installed in room 510D, and furniture 520E is installed in room 510E. The furniture 520 is a general term for furniture 520A, furniture 520B, furniture 520CF, furniture 520D, and furniture 520E.

[0067] When there is a user carrying the terminal device 300 in each living room 510, the living room 510 where the terminal device 300 is located is identified by short-range wireless communication between the indoor unit 210 and the terminal device 300. In the present embodiment, the living room 510 where the terminal device 300 is located is regarded as the living room 510 where the user carrying the terminal device 300 is located. In the example shown in FIG. 4, the radio wave intensity in the short-range wireless communication between the indoor unit 210A and the terminal device 300A is extremely high, and it is detected that the terminal device 300A is in the living room 510A where the indoor unit 210A is installed. Also, the radio wave intensity in the short-range wireless communication between the indoor unit 210B and the terminal device 300B is extremely high, and it is detected that the terminal device 300B is in the living room 510B where the indoor unit 210B is installed.

[0068] Next, referring to FIG. 5, a screen 600 which is a ratio presentation screen displayed by the terminal device 300 will be described. The screen 600 is a screen showing the room temperature and the desired temperature ratio of each living room 510 in addition to the floor plan of the office 500. The floor plan is a diagram showing the layout, arrangement, etc. of the floor. For example, it is a diagram in which the arrangement of the furniture 520 is added to the floor plan of the floor. On the screen 600, an icon 610 representing the living room 510, an icon 620 representing the furniture 520, and a pie chart 630 representing the desired temperature ratio of the living room 510 are displayed.

[0069] The icon 610 is an icon that represents the layout, size, etc. of the living room 510, and is an icon with a translucent color. The color of the icon 610 represents the room temperature of the living room 510. The icon 610A representing the living room 510A indicates that the room temperature of the living room 510A is 24°C. The icon 610B representing the living room 510B indicates that the room temperature of the living room 510B is 28°C. The icon 610C representing the living room 510C indicates that the room temperature of the living room 510C is 26°C. The icon 610D representing the living room 510D indicates that the room temperature of the living room 510D is 28°C. The icon 610E representing the living room 510E indicates that the room temperature of the living room 510E is 24°C. The icon 610F representing the living room 510F indicates that the room temperature of the living room 510F is 26°C. The icon 610 is a general term for the icons 610A, 610B, 610C, 610D, 610E, and 610F.

[0070] The icon 620 is an icon that represents the furniture 520. The icon 620A is an icon that represents the furniture 520A. The icon 620B is an icon that represents the furniture 520B. The icon 620CF is an icon that represents the furniture 520CF. The icon 620D is an icon that represents the furniture 520D. The icon 620E is an icon that represents the furniture 520E. The icon 620 is a general term for the icons 620A, 620B, 620CF, 620D, and 620E. For example, the user can identify the living room 510 by referring to the position, shape, etc. of the icon 620.

[0071] The circular graph 630 is a circular graph representing the desired temperature ratio of the living room 510 based on the area occupied by the color corresponding to the desired temperature. The circular graph 630A indicates that the desired temperature ratio of the living room 510A is 100% (24°C): 0% (26°C): 0% (28°C), that is, all users in the living room 510A desire a room temperature of 24°C. The circular graph 630B indicates that the desired temperature ratio of the living room 510B is 0% (24°C): 50% (26°C): 50% (28°C), that is, half of the users in the living room 510A desire a room temperature of 26°C and the other half desire a room temperature of 28°C. The circular graph 630C indicates that the desired temperature ratio of the living room 510C is 0% (24°C): 100% (26°C): 0% (28°C), that is, all users in the living room 510A desire a room temperature of 26°C.

[0072] The circular graph 630D indicates that the desired temperature ratio of the living room 510D is 0% (24°C): 0% (26°C): 100% (28°C), that is, all users in the living room 510D desire a room temperature of 28°C. The circular graph 630E indicates that the desired temperature ratio of the living room 510E is 0% (24°C): 100% (26°C): 0% (28°C), that is, all users in the living room 510E desire a room temperature of 26°C. The circular graph 630F indicates that the desired temperature ratio of the living room 510F is 100% (24°C): 0% (26°C): 0% (28°C), that is, all users in the living room 510F desire a room temperature of 24°C. The circular graph 630 is a general term for the circular graphs 630A, 630B, 630C, 630D, 630E, and 630F.

[0073] The user can obtain various information by referring to the room temperature and the desired temperature ratio. For example, the user can estimate that the room 510 where the difference between the desired temperature with a high ratio of the number of users in the room temperature and the desired temperature is large is likely to have its room temperature changed by other users. For example, the room temperature of room 510E is 24°C, but all the users in room 510E desire a room temperature of 26°C. Therefore, it is estimated that the room temperature of room 510E is likely to be changed to 26°C by the users in room 510E. Also, when the users in room 510E desire a room temperature of 26°C, it is estimated that there will be no particular problem even if the room temperature of room 510E is changed to 26°C.

[0074] Also, the room temperatures of both room 510B and room 510D are 28°C, but half of the users in room 510B desire a room temperature of 26°C, and all the users in room 510D desire a room temperature of 28°C. Therefore, it is estimated that room 510D is more likely to have its room temperature maintained at 28°C than room 510B. For this reason, if a user desires a room temperature of 28°C, it is more preferable to be in room 510D than in room 510B.

[0075] Next, with reference to the flowchart of FIG. 6, the air-conditioning control process executed by the air-conditioning control device 100 will be described. The air-conditioning control process is executed, for example, when the power of the air-conditioning control device 100 is turned on.

[0076] First, the control unit 11 provided in the air-conditioning control device 100 acquires desired temperature information from each terminal device 300 (step S101). For example, the control unit 11 transmits a request for transmitting desired temperature information to each terminal device 300. Each terminal device 300 accepts the specification of the desired temperature from the user according to this transmission request, and transmits desired temperature information indicating the desired temperature specified by the user to the air-conditioning control device 100. Note that when the control unit 11 has already acquired the desired temperature information of each user, the process of step S101 can be omitted.

[0077] When the control unit 11 completes the process of step S101, it acquires room temperature information from each indoor unit 210 (step S102). For example, the control unit 11 transmits a request for transmitting room temperature information to each indoor unit 210. Each indoor unit 210 transmits the room temperature information acquired from the temperature sensor 28 to the air conditioning control device 100 according to this transmission request.

[0078] When the control unit 11 completes the process of step S102, it determines whether it is the update timing of the screen information (step S103). The update timing of the screen information arrives, for example, at a 10-minute cycle. When the control unit 11 determines that it is the update timing of the screen information (step S103: YES), it executes the screen information update process (step S104). Hereinafter, the screen information update process will be described with reference to FIG. 7.

[0079] First, the control unit 11 acquires presence area information from each terminal device 300 (step S201). For example, the control unit 11 transmits a request for transmitting presence area information to each terminal device 300. Each terminal device 300 transmits the presence area information acquired by short-range wireless communication to the air conditioning control device 100 according to this transmission request.

[0080] When the control unit 11 completes the process of step S201, it calculates a desired temperature ratio for each living room 510 (step S202). For example, the control unit 11 calculates a desired temperature ratio for each living room 510 based on the desired temperature of each user indicated by the desired temperature information and the living room 510 where each user is located indicated by the presence area information.

[0081] When the control unit 11 completes the process of step S202, it updates the screen information (step S203). For example, the control unit 11 updates the room temperature and the desired temperature ratio of each living room 510 included in the screen information based on the newly acquired room temperature information and ratio information.

[0082] When the control unit 11 finishes the process of step S203, it determines whether there is a terminal device 300 that requires notification (step S204). For example, the control unit 11 determines that the terminal device 300 of the user whose difference between the desired temperature of the user and the room temperature of the living room 510 where the user is located is equal to or greater than the first threshold value is the terminal device 300 that requires notification.

[0083] When the control unit 11 determines that there is a terminal device 300 that requires notification (step S204: YES), it acquires evaluation information from the target terminal device 300 (step S205). The target terminal device 300 is the terminal device 300 that requires notification. For example, the control unit 11 sends a transmission request for evaluation information to the target terminal device 300. In response to this transmission request, the target terminal device 300 accepts the user's evaluation of the room temperature from the user. The target terminal device 300 transmits evaluation information indicating the evaluation received from the user to the air-conditioning control device 100.

[0084] When the control unit 11 finishes the process of step S205, it determines whether the user of the target terminal device 300 feels that the room temperature is appropriate (step S206). For example, the control unit 11 determines whether this user feels that the room temperature is appropriate based on the acquired evaluation information.

[0085] When the control unit 11 determines that the user of the target terminal device 300 feels that the room temperature is appropriate (step S206: YES), it transmits temperature change proposal information to the target terminal device 300 (step S207). The target terminal device 300 presents a screen for proposing a change in the desired temperature and appropriately accepts a new desired temperature specified by the user. The target terminal device 300 transmits desired temperature information indicating the desired temperature specified by the user to the air-conditioning control device 100. When the control unit 11 finishes the process of step S207, it acquires the desired temperature information from the target terminal device 300 (step S208).

[0086] When the control unit 11 determines that the user of the target terminal device 300 does not feel that the room temperature is the appropriate temperature (step S206: NO), it selects a recommended area (step S209). For example, the control unit 11 selects a recommended area based on the room temperature of each living room 510, the desired temperature ratio of each living room 510, the desired temperature of the user of the target terminal device 300, and the like. When the control unit 11 completes the process of step S209, it transmits area movement proposal information to the target terminal device 300 (step S210). This area movement proposal information includes recommended area information indicating the recommended area.

[0087] When the target terminal device 300 receives the area movement proposal information from the air conditioning control device 100, it generates and displays an area movement proposal screen based on the area movement proposal information. FIG. 8 shows a screen 601 which is an area movement proposal screen. The area movement proposal screen is a screen that proposes to the user of the target terminal device 300 to move to another individual area. The screen 601 is a screen in which a message box 641, an icon 642, and an icon 643 are added to the screen 600.

[0088] The message box 641 is an object on which a message proposing to move to another individual area is displayed. In the present embodiment, the message box 641 displays a message prompting the user to move to the living room 510D. Note that "Living room A" is the name of the living room 510A, and "Living room D" is the name of the living room 510D. The icon 642 is an icon indicating the position of the user of the target terminal device 300. The icon 642 is displayed superimposed on the icon 610A corresponding to the living room 510A where this user is located. The icon 643 is an arrow icon indicating the individual area to which the user of the target terminal device 300 should move.

[0089] In addition, in the present embodiment, when the first threshold is 3°C and the second threshold is 1°C, and the desired temperature is 28°C and the room temperature is 24°C, an example is shown in which the living room 510D is selected as the recommended area for the user in the living room 510A. The method for selecting the recommended area is as follows. First, the air-conditioning control device 100 selects the living rooms 510B and 510D as the living rooms 510 in which the temperature difference between the desired temperature of the user and the room temperature is equal to or less than the second threshold.

[0090] Then, the air-conditioning control device 100 selects, as the recommended area, the individual area in which the ratio of the number of users of the desired temperature of the user in the desired temperature ratio is the highest among the living rooms 510 in which the temperature difference is equal to or less than the second threshold. Here, in the desired temperature ratio of the living room 510B, the ratio of the number of users with a desired temperature of 28°C is 50%. On the other hand, in the desired temperature ratio of the living room 510D, the ratio of the number of users with a desired temperature of 28°C is 100%. Therefore, the air-conditioning control device 100 selects the living room 510D as the recommended area.

[0091] When the control unit 11 determines that there is no terminal device 300 that requires notification (step S204: NO), when the process of step S208 is completed, or when the process of step S210 is completed, the control unit 11 completes the screen information update process. When the control unit 11 completes the screen information update process in step S104, the control unit 11 determines whether there is a terminal device 300 that requests transmission of screen information (step S105).

[0092] When the control unit 11 determines that there is a terminal device 300 that requests transmission of screen information (step S105: YES), the control unit 11 transmits the screen information to the target terminal device 300 (step S106). The target terminal device 300 is the terminal device 300 that requests transmission of screen information. When the target terminal device 300 receives the screen information from the air-conditioning control device 100, the target terminal device 300 displays a screen 600, which is a ratio presentation screen based on the screen information.

[0093] When the control unit 11 determines that there is no terminal device 300 that requests the transmission of screen information (step S105: NO), or when the process of step S106 is completed, the control content update process is executed (step S107). Hereinafter, the control content update process will be described with reference to FIG. 9.

[0094] First, the control unit 11 determines whether there is a living room 510 for which a change instruction for the set temperature has been given (step S301). The living room 510 for which a change instruction for the set temperature has been given is the living room 510 for which the user has instructed a change in the set temperature. Typically, the living room 510 for which a change instruction for the set temperature has been given is the living room 510 in which the user who instructed the change in the set temperature is present. When the control unit 11 determines that there is a living room 510 for which a change instruction for the set temperature has been given (step S301: YES), the set temperature of the target living room 510 is changed (step S302). The target living room 510 is the living room 510 for which a change instruction for the set temperature has been given.

[0095] When the control unit 11 determines that there is no living room 510 for which a change instruction for the set temperature has been given (step S301: NO), or when the process of step S302 is completed, it determines whether there is a living room 510 for which a certain period of time has elapsed since the change instruction for the set temperature (step S303). Such a living room 510 can be regarded as a living room 510 in which no particular problem occurs even if the set temperature is automatically updated based on the desired temperature ratio.

[0096] When the control unit 11 determines that there is a living room 510 for which a certain period of time has elapsed since the change instruction for the set temperature (step S303: YES), the set temperature of the target living room 510 is updated based on the desired temperature ratio (step S304). The target living room 510 is the living room 510 for which a certain period of time has elapsed since the change instruction for the set temperature. The control unit 11 updates the set temperature so as to approach the desired temperatures of as many users as possible.

[0097] When the control unit 11 determines that there is no living room 510 after a certain period has elapsed since the instruction to change the set temperature (step S303: NO), or when the process of step S304 is completed, the control unit 11 determines the control content for each living room 510 based on the set temperature (step S305). When the process of step S305 is completed, the control unit 11 controls each air conditioner 200 with the determined control content (step S306). When the process of step S306 is completed, the control unit 11 completes the control content update process. When the control content update process of step S107 is completed, the control unit 11 returns the process to step S102.

[0098] In this embodiment, ratio information indicating a desired temperature ratio, which is the ratio of the number of users for each desired temperature, is transmitted to the display device. The display device can display the desired temperature ratio indicated by the ratio information. By referring to the desired temperature ratio, the user can grasp in which individual area users with what kind of temperature sensation exist at what ratio. Then, the user can move to an individual area where there are many users with a temperature sensation similar to their own. Thus, this desired temperature ratio is useful information for determining the actions that the user should take regarding air conditioning. According to this embodiment, it is possible to provide the user with a judgment material for appropriately determining the actions that the user should take regarding air conditioning.

[0099] Also, in this embodiment, ratio information indicating the desired temperature ratio calculated for each individual area is transmitted to the display device. Therefore, according to this embodiment, it is possible to provide the user with a judgment material suitable for determining the destination individual area.

[0100] Also, in this embodiment, room temperature information indicating the room temperature of each individual area is transmitted to the display device. Therefore, according to this embodiment, it is possible to provide the user with a further judgment material suitable for determining the destination individual area.

[0101] In addition, in the present embodiment, for a user considered to have set an inappropriate desired temperature, a change in the desired temperature is proposed. Therefore, according to the present embodiment, it is possible to provide the user with a highly accurate judgment material for appropriately judging the actions to be taken by the user regarding air conditioning.

[0102] In addition, in the present embodiment, for a user in an individual area where the room temperature is significantly different from the desired temperature, movement to another individual area is proposed. Therefore, according to the present embodiment, it is possible to reduce the number of users who feel that the room temperature is uncomfortable.

[0103] In addition, in the present embodiment, for a user in an individual area where the room temperature is significantly different from the desired temperature, a recommended area recommended as a destination is presented. Therefore, according to the present embodiment, it is possible to reduce the trouble for the user to judge an appropriate individual area as the destination.

[0104] In addition, in the present embodiment, an individual area where the proportion of other users who desire the same desired temperature as the user is large is selected as the recommended area. Therefore, according to the present embodiment, it is possible to present to the user a recommended area where there is a high possibility of maintaining a room temperature close to the desired temperature desired by the user.

[0105] In addition, in the present embodiment, an individual area where the room temperature is close to the desired temperature of the user is selected as the recommended area. Therefore, according to the present embodiment, it is possible to present to the user a recommended area where the room temperature is set close to the desired temperature desired by the user.

[0106] In addition, in the present embodiment, among the individual areas where the room temperature is close to the desired temperature of the user, an individual area where the proportion of other users who desire the same desired temperature as the user is large is selected as the recommended area. Therefore, according to the present embodiment, it is possible to present to the user a recommended area where the room temperature is set close to the desired temperature desired by the user and where there is a high possibility of maintaining the room temperature at the desired temperature desired by the user.

[0107] In addition, in the present embodiment, the set temperature is determined based on the desired temperature ratio, and the air conditioner 200 is controlled according to the determined set temperature. Therefore, according to the present embodiment, the room temperature in the individual area can be automatically brought closer to the room temperature that many users are likely to desire.

[0108] (Embodiment 2) In Embodiment 1, an example in which the display device is not included in the air conditioning system 1000 has been described. In the present embodiment, an example in which the display device 400 is included in the air conditioning system 1002 will be described. Note that descriptions of configurations and functions similar to those in Embodiment 1 will be omitted or simplified as appropriate.

[0109] With reference to FIG. 10, the configuration of the air conditioning system 1002 according to the present embodiment will be described. The air conditioning system 1002 includes an air conditioning control device 100, a plurality of air conditioners 200, a plurality of terminal devices 300, and a display device 400. The air conditioning control device 100, the plurality of air conditioners 200, the plurality of terminal devices 300, and the display device 400 are interconnected by a communication network 700.

[0110] The display device 400 is a device that displays various types of information. The display device 400 is controlled by the air conditioning control device 100 via the communication network 700. The display device 400 displays a screen based on the information received from the air conditioning control device 100. The display device 400 includes a control unit 41, a storage unit 42, a display unit 43, an operation reception unit 44, and a first communication unit 45.

[0111] The control unit 41 includes a CPU, a ROM, a RAM, an RTC, etc. In the control unit 41, the CPU reads the programs and data stored in the ROM, and uses the RAM as a work area to comprehensively control the display device 400. The storage unit 42 includes a non-volatile semiconductor memory such as a flash memory, an EPROM, and an EEPROM, and serves as a so-called auxiliary storage device. The storage unit 42 stores the programs and data used by the control unit 41 to execute various processes. In addition, the storage unit 42 stores the data generated or acquired when the control unit 41 executes various processes.

[0112] The display unit 43 displays various images according to the control by the control unit 41. For example, the display unit 43 displays a screen that presents the information received by the display device 400 from the air-conditioning control device 100. The display unit 43 includes a liquid crystal display, an LED (Light Emitting Diode) display, a plasma display, etc. The operation reception unit 44 receives various operations from the user and supplies information indicating the content of the received operations to the control unit 41. The operation reception unit 44 includes a touch screen, buttons, levers, etc.

[0113] The first communication unit 45 communicates with devices connected to the communication network 700 according to the control by the control unit 41. The first communication unit 45 has a function of connecting to the communication network 700 and communicates with devices connected to the communication network 700. The first communication unit 45 includes a communication interface compliant with various communication standards adopted in the communication network 700.

[0114] The display device 400 displays a screen that can be referred to by a plurality of users. The display device 400 may be installed for each living room 510 in the office 500, or one display device 400 may be installed in the office 500. The display device 400 displays a ratio presentation screen based on the screen information received from the air-conditioning control device 100.

[0115] Referring to FIG. 11, a screen 602 which is a ratio presentation screen displayed by the display device 400 will be described. The screen 602 is a screen that shows the desired temperature ratio of each living room 510 in addition to the floor plan of the office 500. The screen 602 is different from the screen 600 in that the room temperature of each living room 510 is not shown. On the screen 602, an icon 611 representing the living room 510, an icon 620 representing the furniture 520, and a pie chart 630 representing the desired temperature ratio of the living room 510 are displayed.

[0116] Icon 611 represents the layout, size, etc. of the living room 510. Different from icon 610, icon 611 does not represent the room temperature of the living room 510. Icon 611A represents the layout, size, etc. of the living room 510A. Icon 611B represents the layout, size, etc. of the living room 510B. Icon 611C represents the layout, size, etc. of the living room 510C. Icon 611D represents the layout, size, etc. of the living room 510D. Icon 611E represents the layout, size, etc. of the living room 510E. Icon 611F represents the layout, size, etc. of the living room 510F.

[0117] In this embodiment, the room temperature of each living room 510 is not presented, but the desired temperature ratio of each living room 510 is presented. The user can obtain various information by referring to the desired temperature ratio. For example, the user can estimate that the current room temperature is likely to be close to the desired temperature with a high ratio of the number of users indicated by the desired temperature ratio. For example, the desired temperature ratio of the living room 510A indicates that all users in the living room 510A hope for a room temperature of 24°C. Therefore, the user can estimate that the current room temperature of the living room 510A is likely to be 24°C.

[0118] In addition, the user can estimate that at least in the future, the room temperature is likely to approach the desired temperature with a high ratio of the number of users indicated by the desired temperature ratio. For example, the desired temperature ratio of the living room 510A indicates that all users in the living room 510A hope for a room temperature of 24°C. Therefore, if the current room temperature of the living room 510A is 24°C, the user can estimate that the room temperature of the living room 510A is likely to be maintained at 24°C in the future. Also, even if the current room temperature of the living room 510A is not 24°C, the user can estimate that the room temperature of the living room 510A will approach 24°C in the future through manual setting of the set temperature by the users in the living room 510A or automatic setting of the set temperature by the air conditioning control device 100.

[0119] The user can refer to the desired temperature ratio of each living room 510 to determine whether to change the set temperature of the current living room 510, whether to move to another living room 510, and which living room 510 to move to, etc.

[0120] In this embodiment, the display device 400 presents the desired temperature ratio of each living room 510. Therefore, according to this embodiment, it is possible to provide the user with a basis for judgment for appropriately determining the actions to be taken by the user regarding air conditioning.

[0121] (Modification example) Although the embodiments have been described above, modifications and applications in various forms are possible. It is optional which part of the configuration, function, and operation described in the above embodiments is adopted. Also, in addition to the configuration, function, and operation described above, further configuration, function, and operation may be adopted. Also, the configuration, function, and operation described in the above embodiments can be freely combined.

[0122] In Embodiment 1, an example in which the temperature sensor 28 that detects the room temperature is attached to the indoor unit 210 has been described. The temperature sensor 28 does not necessarily have to be attached to the indoor unit 210. In Embodiment 1, an example in which the second communication unit 26 that periodically transmits a beacon signal is attached to the indoor unit 210 has been described. The second communication unit 26 does not necessarily have to be attached to the indoor unit 210.

[0123] In Embodiment 1, an example in which the terminal device 300 identifies the individual area to which the terminal device 300 belongs based on the radio wave intensity acquired by short-range wireless communication has been described. The air conditioning control device 100 may identify the individual area to which the terminal device 300 belongs based on the above radio wave intensity. In this case, for example, the terminal device 300 transmits radio wave intensity information indicating the above radio wave intensity to the air conditioning control device 100, and the air conditioning control device 100 identifies the individual area to which the terminal device 300 belongs based on the radio wave intensity information.

[0124] In Embodiment 1, an example in which the automatic update of the set temperature by the air conditioning control device 100 is executed when there is no change operation of the set temperature manually by the user for a certain period has been described. The automatic update of the set temperature by the air conditioning control device 100 does not necessarily have to be executed.

[0125] In Embodiment 1, an example in which a plurality of individual areas are included in the air-conditioned space has been described. The air-conditioned space may include only one individual area. In this case, for example, the user can use the desired temperature ratio of this presented individual area as a factor for determining whether to change the set temperature.

[0126] In Embodiment 1, an example in which the desired temperature ratio of each individual area is presented by a pie chart has been described. The method of presenting the desired temperature ratio of each individual area is not limited to this example. For example, the desired temperature ratio of each individual area may be presented by a bar graph or by a numerical value.

[0127] In Embodiment 1, an example in which the air-conditioning control device 100 is a device installed in an office has been described. The air-conditioning control device 100 may be a device installed outside the office, for example, a cloud server. In this case, the air-conditioning control device 100 is connected to the communication network 700 constructed in the office via a communication network constructed outside the office. In Embodiment 1, an example in which the indoor unit 210 is connected to the communication network 700 has been described. The outdoor unit 220 may be connected to the communication network 700. In this case, the indoor unit 210 is connected to the communication network 700 via the outdoor unit 220.

[0128] In Embodiment 1, an example in which the terminal device 300 is included in the air-conditioning system 1000 has been described, and in Embodiment 2, an example in which the terminal device 300 and the display device 400 are included in the air-conditioning system 1002 has been described. The terminal device 300 and the display device 400 may not be included in the air-conditioning system 1000 or the air-conditioning system 1002.

[0129] In the above-described embodiment, in the control unit 11, control unit 21, or control unit 31, the CPU executed the program stored in the ROM, storage unit 12, storage unit 22, or storage unit 32, thereby functioning as each unit shown in FIG. 3. However, in the present disclosure, the control unit 11, control unit 21, or control unit 31 may be dedicated hardware. Dedicated hardware is, for example, a single circuit, a composite circuit, a programmed processor, an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit), an FPGA (Field-Programmable Gate Array), or a combination thereof. When the control unit 11, control unit 21, or control unit 31 is dedicated hardware, each unit's function may be realized by individual hardware, or the functions of each unit may be realized together by a single hardware. Also, among the functions of each unit, a part may be realized by dedicated hardware and another part may be realized by software or firmware. Thus, the control unit 11, control unit 21, or control unit 31 can realize the above-described respective functions by hardware, software, firmware, or a combination thereof.

[0130] By applying an operation program that defines the operation of the air-conditioning control device, air conditioner, or terminal device according to the present disclosure to a computer such as an existing personal computer or information terminal device, it is also possible to cause the computer to function as the air-conditioning control device, air conditioner, or terminal device according to the present disclosure. Also, the distribution method of such a program is arbitrary. For example, it may be stored and distributed in a computer-readable recording medium such as a CD-ROM (Compact Disk ROM), DVD (Digital Versatile Disk), MO (Magneto Optical Disk), or memory card, or it may be distributed via a communication network such as the Internet.

[0131] The present disclosure can be implemented in various embodiments and variations without departing from the broad spirit and scope of the present disclosure. Also, the above-described embodiments are for explaining the present disclosure and do not limit the scope of the present disclosure. That is, the scope of the present disclosure is indicated by the claims rather than the embodiments. And various modifications made within the scope of the claims and within the scope of the meaning of the disclosure equivalent thereto are considered to be within the scope of the present disclosure.

[0132] Hereinafter, aspects of the present disclosure will be collectively described as appendices.

[0133] (Appendix 1) Air conditioning control means for controlling an air conditioner according to a set temperature that can be specified by each user existing in an individual area within the air-conditioned space, Desired temperature acquisition means for acquiring desired temperature information indicating a desired temperature, which is the temperature that the user desires as the room temperature of the individual area, from each terminal device used by each user, Ratio calculation means for calculating a desired temperature ratio, which is the ratio of the number of users for each desired temperature, based on the desired temperature information acquired by the desired temperature acquisition means, Information transmission means for transmitting ratio information indicating the desired temperature ratio calculated by the ratio calculation means to a display device, An air conditioning control device. (Appendix 2) The air conditioning control means controls each air conditioner provided in each of a plurality of individual areas within the air-conditioned space according to a set temperature specified for each air conditioner, The air conditioning control device includes presence area acquisition means for acquiring presence area information indicating an individual area where each user exists among the plurality of individual areas, The ratio calculation means calculates the desired temperature ratio for each individual area based on the desired temperature information acquired by the desired temperature acquisition means and the presence area information acquired by the presence area acquisition means, The information transmission means transmits ratio information indicating the desired temperature ratio calculated by the ratio calculation means for each individual area to the display device, The air conditioning control device according to Appendix 1. (Appendix 3) It is provided with room temperature information acquisition means for acquiring room temperature information indicating the room temperature of each individual area, The information transmission means transmits the room temperature information acquired by the room temperature information acquisition means to the display device, The air-conditioning control device according to Addendum 2. (Addendum 4) When the temperature difference between the desired temperature of the first user present in the first individual area among the plurality of individual areas and the room temperature of the first individual area is equal to or greater than a first threshold value, evaluation information acquisition means for acquiring evaluation information indicating the evaluation by the first user of the room temperature of the first individual area from the first terminal device used by the first user is provided, When it is shown by the evaluation information that the room temperature of the first individual area is an appropriate temperature for the first user, the information transmission means transmits temperature change proposal information for proposing a change in the desired temperature to the first user to the first terminal device, The air-conditioning control device according to Addendum 3. (Addendum 5) When the temperature difference between the desired temperature of the first user present in the first individual area among the plurality of individual areas and the room temperature of the first individual area is equal to or greater than a first threshold value, evaluation information acquisition means for acquiring evaluation information indicating the evaluation by the first user of the room temperature of the first individual area from the first terminal device used by the first user is provided, When it is shown by the evaluation information that the room temperature of the first individual area is not an appropriate temperature for the first user, the information transmission means transmits area movement proposal information for proposing movement to an individual area other than the first individual area to the first user to the first terminal device, The air-conditioning control device according to Addendum 3 or 4. (Addendum 6) When it is shown by the evaluation information that the room temperature of the first individual area is not an appropriate temperature for the first user, based on at least one of the room temperature of each individual area and the desired temperature ratio of each individual area and the desired temperature of the first user, recommended area selection means for selecting a recommended area that is an individual area recommended as the moving destination of the first user from among the plurality of individual areas is provided, The information transmission means transmits recommended area information indicating the recommended area selected by the recommended area selection means to the first terminal device. The air-conditioning control device according to Supplementary Note 5. (Supplementary Note 7) The recommended area selection means selects, as the recommended area, the individual area among the plurality of individual areas in which the ratio of the number of users of the desired temperature of the first user in the desired temperature ratio is the highest. The air-conditioning control device according to Supplementary Note 6. (Supplementary Note 8) The recommended area selection means selects, as the recommended area, the individual area among the plurality of individual areas in which the temperature difference between the room temperature of the individual area and the desired temperature of the first user is the smallest. The air-conditioning control device according to Supplementary Note 6. (Supplementary Note 9) Among the plurality of individual areas, the recommended area selection means selects, as the recommended area, the individual area in which the temperature difference between the room temperature of the individual area and the desired temperature of the first user is equal to or less than a second threshold value and in which the ratio of the number of users of the desired temperature of the first user in the desired temperature ratio is the highest. The air-conditioning control device according to Supplementary Note 6. (Supplementary Note 10) It includes setting temperature determination means for determining the set temperature based on the desired temperature ratio calculated by the ratio calculation means. The air-conditioning control means controls the air conditioner according to the set temperature determined by the set temperature determination means. The air-conditioning control device according to any one of Supplementary Notes 1 to 9. (Supplementary Note 11) Air-conditioning means for performing air-conditioning on individual areas within the air-conditioned space, Air-conditioning control means for controlling the air-conditioning means according to the set temperature that can be specified by each user existing in the individual area, Desired temperature acquisition means for acquiring, from each terminal device used by each user, desired temperature information indicating the desired temperature that the user desires as the room temperature of the individual area, Ratio calculation means for calculating a desired temperature ratio, which is the ratio of the number of users for each desired temperature, based on the desired temperature information acquired by the desired temperature acquisition means. display control means for causing a display device to display the desired temperature ratio calculated by the ratio calculation means; An air conditioning system. (Appendix 12) Obtain desired temperature information indicating the desired temperature, which is the temperature desired by each user using each terminal device existing in an individual area within the air-conditioned space, as the room temperature of the individual area, Based on the obtained desired temperature information, calculate a desired temperature ratio, which is the ratio of the number of users for each desired temperature, Transmit ratio information indicating the calculated desired temperature ratio to a display device. An information processing method. (Appendix 13) A computer, air conditioning control means for controlling an air conditioner according to a set temperature that can be specified by each user existing in an individual area within the air-conditioned space, desired temperature acquisition means for acquiring desired temperature information indicating the desired temperature, which is the temperature desired by each user, from each terminal device used by each user, as the room temperature of the individual area, ratio calculation means for calculating a desired temperature ratio, which is the ratio of the number of users for each desired temperature, based on the desired temperature information acquired by the desired temperature acquisition means, function as information transmission means for transmitting ratio information indicating the desired temperature ratio calculated by the ratio calculation means to a display device. A program.

Industrial Applicability

[0134] The present disclosure is applicable to an air conditioning system.

Explanation of Signs

[0135] Control units 11, 21, 31, 41, memory units 12, 22, 32, 42, display units 13, 23, 33, 43, operation reception units 14, 24, 34, 44, first communication units 15, 25, 35, 45, second communication units 26, 36, third communication unit 27, temperature sensor 28, air conditioner control device 100, air conditioner control unit 101, room temperature information acquisition unit 102, set temperature acquisition unit 103, control content determination unit 104, desired temperature acquisition unit 105, occupancy area acquisition unit 106, ratio calculation unit 107, information transmission unit 108, evaluation information acquisition unit 109, recommended area selection unit 110, air conditioner 200, air conditioning unit 201, room temperature information transmission unit 202, indoor units 210, 210A, 210B, 210C, 210D, 210E, 210F, outdoor unit 220, communication cable 230, terminal devices 300, 300A, 300B, set temperature transmission unit 301, desired temperature transmission unit 302, occupancy area specification unit 303, occupancy area transmission unit 304, display control unit 305, evaluation information transmission unit 306, display device 400, office 500, rooms 510, 510A, 510B, 510C, 510D, 510E, 510F, furniture 520, 520A, 520B, 520CF, 520D, 520E, screens 600, 602, icons 610, 610A, 610B, 610C, 610D, 610E, 610F, 611, 611A, 611B, 611C, 611D, 611E, 611F, 620, 620A, 620B, 620C, 620D, 620E, 620F, 642, 643, pie charts 630, 630A, 630B, 630C, 630D, 630E, 630F, message box 641, communication network 700, air conditioning systems 1000, 1002

Claims

1. Air conditioning control means for controlling an air conditioner according to a set temperature that can be specified by each user existing in an individual area within the air-conditioned space, Desired temperature acquisition means for acquiring desired temperature information indicating a desired temperature, which is the temperature that the user desires as the room temperature of the individual area, from each terminal device used by each user, Ratio calculation means for calculating a desired temperature ratio, which is the ratio of the number of users for each desired temperature, based on the desired temperature information acquired by the desired temperature acquisition means, Information transmission means for transmitting ratio information indicating the desired temperature ratio calculated by the ratio calculation means to a display device, An air conditioning control device.

2. The air conditioning control means controls each air conditioner provided in each of a plurality of individual areas within the air-conditioned space according to a set temperature specified for each air conditioner, Comprises presence area acquisition means for acquiring presence area information indicating the individual area where each user exists among the plurality of individual areas, The ratio calculation means calculates the desired temperature ratio for each individual area based on the desired temperature information acquired by the desired temperature acquisition means and the presence area information acquired by the presence area acquisition means, The information transmission means transmits ratio information indicating the desired temperature ratio calculated by the ratio calculation means for each individual area to the display device, The air conditioning control device according to claim 1.

3. Comprises room temperature information acquisition means for acquiring room temperature information indicating the room temperature of each individual area, The information transmission means transmits the room temperature information acquired by the room temperature information acquisition means to the display device, The air conditioning control device according to claim 2.

4. When the temperature difference between the desired temperature of the first user existing in the first individual area among the plurality of individual areas and the room temperature of the first individual area is equal to or greater than a first threshold value, evaluation information acquisition means for acquiring evaluation information indicating the evaluation by the first user of the room temperature of the first individual area from the first terminal device used by the first user is provided, When the evaluation information indicates that the room temperature of the first individual area is an appropriate temperature for the first user, the information transmission means transmits temperature change proposal information for proposing a change in the desired temperature to the first terminal device to the first user, The air conditioning control device according to claim 3.

5. When the temperature difference between the desired temperature of the first user present in the first individual area among the plurality of individual areas and the room temperature of the first individual area is equal to or greater than a first threshold value, evaluation information acquisition means for acquiring evaluation information indicating the evaluation by the first user of the room temperature of the first individual area from the first terminal device used by the first user is provided. When the evaluation information indicates that the room temperature of the first individual area is not an appropriate temperature for the first user, the information transmission means transmits area movement proposal information for proposing to the first user to move to an individual area other than the first individual area to the first terminal device. The air-conditioning control device according to claim 3 or 4.

6. When the evaluation information indicates that the room temperature of the first individual area is not an appropriate temperature for the first user, based on at least one of the room temperature of each individual area and the desired temperature ratio of each individual area and the desired temperature of the first user, recommendation area selection means for selecting a recommended area, which is an individual area recommended as the movement destination of the first user, from among the plurality of individual areas is provided. The information transmission means transmits recommended area information indicating the recommended area selected by the recommended area selection means to the first terminal device. The air-conditioning control device according to claim 5.

7. The recommended area selection means selects, as the recommended area, the individual area in which the ratio of the number of users of the desired temperature of the first user in the desired temperature ratio is the highest among the plurality of individual areas. The air-conditioning control device according to claim 6.

8. The recommended area selection means selects, as the recommended area, the individual area in which the temperature difference between the room temperature of the individual area and the desired temperature of the first user is the smallest among the plurality of individual areas. The air-conditioning control device according to claim 6.

9. The recommended area selection means selects, as the recommended area, the individual area in which the ratio of the number of users of the desired temperature of the first user in the desired temperature ratio is the highest among the individual areas in which the temperature difference between the room temperature of the individual area and the desired temperature of the first user is equal to or less than a second threshold value among the plurality of individual areas. The air-conditioning control device according to claim 6.

10. Setting temperature determination means for determining the setting temperature based on the desired temperature ratio calculated by the ratio calculation means is provided. The air-conditioning control means controls the air conditioner according to the setting temperature determined by the setting temperature determination means. The air-conditioning control device according to any one of claims 1 to 4.

11. Air conditioning means for performing air conditioning on individual areas within the air-conditioned space, Air conditioning control means for controlling the air conditioning means according to the set temperature that each user existing in the individual area can specify, Desired temperature acquisition means for acquiring, from each terminal device used by each user, desired temperature information indicating the temperature that the user desires as the room temperature of the individual area, Ratio calculation means for calculating a desired temperature ratio, which is the ratio of the number of users for each desired temperature, based on the desired temperature information acquired by the desired temperature acquisition means, Display control means for causing the display device to display the desired temperature ratio calculated by the ratio calculation means, comprising An air conditioning system.

12. Acquire desired temperature information indicating the temperature that the user desires as the room temperature of the individual area from each terminal device used by each user existing in the individual area within the air-conditioned space, Based on the acquired desired temperature information, calculate a desired temperature ratio, which is the ratio of the number of users for each desired temperature, Transmit ratio information indicating the calculated desired temperature ratio to a display device, An information processing method.

13. A computer, Air conditioning control means for controlling an air conditioner according to the set temperature that each user existing in the individual area within the air-conditioned space can specify, Desired temperature acquisition means for acquiring, from each terminal device used by each user, desired temperature information indicating the temperature that the user desires as the room temperature of the individual area, Ratio calculation means for calculating a desired temperature ratio, which is the ratio of the number of users for each desired temperature, based on the desired temperature information acquired by the desired temperature acquisition means, Information transmission means for transmitting ratio information indicating the desired temperature ratio calculated by the ratio calculation means to a display device, functioning as A program.

Images