Control system and learning device

Abstract

To provide a control system and a learning device capable of providing a user with ventilation and an air-conditioning environment suitable in each space.SOLUTION: A control system includes: first air supply means capable of adjusting an air supply amount from outside air to a first space; second air supply means capable of adjusting an air supply amount from outside air to a second space; air discharge means capable of adjusting an air discharge amount from a third space to outside air; first air-conditioning means for air-conditioning the first space; second air-conditioning means for air-conditioning the second space; first measurement means for measuring an environment physical amount including a temperature of the first space; second measurement means for measuring an environment physical amount including a temperature of the second space; third measurement means for measuring an environment physical amount including a temperature of the third space; and control means for controlling the first air supply means, the second air supply means, the air discharge means, the first air-conditioning means and the second air-conditioning means in a cooperative manner on the basis of measurement results obtained by the first measurement means, the second measurement means and the third measurement means.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a control system and a learning device. [Background technology]

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses an air conditioning system. In this air conditioning system, the air conditioners installed in each space operate based on the detection results of air quality sensors installed in each space. This allows appropriate air conditioning to be performed for each space. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] International Publication No. 2020 / 208823 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] However, the air conditioning system described in Patent Document 1 does not take into consideration the effects of air coming in and out due to ventilation, and there is a possibility that an appropriate air-conditioned environment cannot be achieved.

[0005] The present disclosure has been made to solve the above-mentioned problems, and an object of the present disclosure is to provide a control system and a learning device that can provide a user with a ventilation and air conditioning environment that is appropriate for each space. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] The control system according to the present disclosure is a control system applicable to a residence having a first space, a second space, a third space, and a fourth space, with the fourth space communicating with each of the first space, the second space, and the third space, and includes a first air supply means provided in the first space and capable of adjusting the amount of air supplied from outside air to the first space, a second air supply means provided in the second space and capable of adjusting the amount of air supplied from outside air to the second space, an exhaust means provided in the third space and capable of adjusting the amount of air exhausted from the third space to the outside air, and an exhaust means provided in the first space and capable of adjusting the amount of air exhausted from the third space to the outside air. The air conditioning system includes a first air conditioning means for conditioning the air in the second space, a second air conditioning means provided in the second space for conditioning the air in the second space, a first measurement means for measuring environmental physical quantities including the temperature of the first space, a second measurement means for measuring environmental physical quantities including the temperature of the second space, a third measurement means for measuring environmental physical quantities including the temperature of a third space, and a control means for controlling the first air supply means, the second air supply means, the exhaust means, the first air conditioning means, and the second air conditioning means in conjunction with each other based on the measurement results of the first measurement means, the second measurement means, and the third measurement means.

[0007] The learning device according to the present disclosure is applicable to a residence having a first space, a second space, a third space, and a fourth space, with the fourth space communicating with each of the first space, the second space, and the third space, and includes a first air supply means provided in the first space and capable of adjusting the amount of air supplied from outside to the first space, a second air supply means provided in the second space and capable of adjusting the amount of air supplied from outside to the second space, an exhaust means provided in the third space and capable of adjusting the amount of air exhausted from the third space to outside air, a first air conditioning means provided in the first space and conditioning the first space, a second air conditioning means provided in the second space and conditioning the second space, a first measurement means for measuring environmental physical quantities including the temperature and CO2 concentration of the first space, a second measurement means for measuring environmental physical quantities including the temperature and CO2 concentration of the second space, and an exhaust means for measuring environmental physical quantities including the temperature and CO2 concentration of the third space. and a third measurement means, the learning device comprising: a data acquisition unit that acquires learning data including an occupancy state including the number of people present in each of the first space, the second space, the third space, and the fourth space, measurement results of CO2 concentration by the first measurement means, the second measurement means, and the third measurement means, and the operating states of the first air supply means, the second air supply means, the exhaust means, the first air conditioning means, and the second air conditioning means in the occupancy state and the measurement results of CO2 concentration; and a generation unit that uses the learning data to generate an operating model for inferring an operating schedule including setting values ​​for the operation of each of the first air supply means, the second air supply means, the exhaust means, the first air conditioning means, and the second air conditioning means and the time periods when those setting values ​​are applied, from the occupancy state and the measurement results of CO2 concentration. [Effects of the Invention]

[0008] According to the present disclosure, the air supply means, the exhaust means, and the air conditioning means are controlled to operate in conjunction with each other. Alternatively, an operation model is generated that allows the air supply means, the exhaust means, and the air conditioning means to operate appropriately. This makes it possible to provide users with a ventilation and air-conditioning environment that is appropriate for each space. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0009] [Figure 1]1 is a plan view of a residence to which the control system according to the first embodiment is applied. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a functional block diagram of the control system according to the first embodiment. [Figure 3] 4 is a flowchart showing an example of control by the control system according to the first embodiment. [Figure 4] 4 is a flowchart showing an example of air conditioning control by the control system according to the first embodiment. [Figure 5] FIG. 2 is a hardware configuration diagram of a processing device of the control system according to the first embodiment. [Figure 6] FIG. 10 is a plan view of a residence to which a control system according to a second embodiment is applied. [Figure 7] FIG. 10 is a functional block diagram of a control system according to a second embodiment. [Figure 8] FIG. 11 is a functional block diagram of a control system according to a third embodiment. [Figure 9] FIG. 11 is a functional block diagram of a learning device according to a third embodiment. [Figure 10] FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an overview of a neural network model. [Figure 11] FIG. 11 is a functional block diagram of a control means of a control system according to a third embodiment. [Figure 12] 11 is a flowchart of a learning process of the learning device according to the third embodiment. [Figure 13] 11 is a flowchart of an inference process performed by a control means of a control system according to a third embodiment. [Figure 14] FIG. 10 is a functional block diagram of a learning device according to a fourth embodiment. [Figure 15] 13 is a flowchart showing an example of a learning process of the learning device in the fourth embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0010] The embodiments of the present disclosure will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. In each drawing, the same or corresponding parts are designated by the same reference numerals. Duplicate descriptions of these parts will be appropriately simplified or omitted.

[0011] Embodiment 1 Fig. 1 is a floor plan of a residence to which a control system according to embodiment 1 is applied. Fig. 2 is a functional block diagram of the control system according to embodiment 1. Fig. 3 is a flowchart showing an example of control by the control system according to embodiment 1. Fig. 4 is a flowchart showing an example of air conditioning control by the control system according to embodiment 1.

[0012] As shown in FIG. 1 , the control system 1 is applied to, for example, a residence 200. As an example, the residence 200 includes a first space 201, a second space 202, a third space 203, and a fourth space 204. The first space 201 and the second space 202 are each rooms in the residence 200 and are used as living rooms. The third space 203 is a room in the residence 200 and is used as a non-living room. For example, the third space 203 is a bathroom or toilet in the residence 200. That is, the third space 203 is a room that is generally often set as an exhaust position in a residence. The fourth space 204 is a continuous shared space such as a hallway or entrance of the residence 200.

[0013] The fourth space 204 is adjacent to each of the first space 201, the second space 202, and the third space 203 via doors. The fourth space 204 is in communication with each of the first space 201, the second space 202, and the third space 203. Here, "communicating" two spaces means that air flow can occur between the two spaces not only when the door between the two spaces is open, but also when the door is closed, through a gap near the door or a vent hole provided in the wall between the two spaces. In other words, the first space 201, the second space 202, and the third space 203 are in communication with each other via the fourth space 204.

[0014] Note that the residence 200 does not have to be arranged as shown in FIG. 1 as long as it includes a first space 201, a second space 202, a third space 203, and a fourth space 204 and the spaces are connected to each other.

[0015] The control system 1 controls the air environment of each space inside the residence 200. Specifically, the control system 1 individually performs ventilation and air conditioning for each space in the residence 200. The control system 1 includes a first air supply device 2, a second air supply device 3, an exhaust device 4, a first air conditioner 5, a second air conditioner 6, a first environment sensor 7, a second environment sensor 8, and a third environment sensor 9.

[0016] The first air supply device 2 is provided in the first space 201 as the first air supply means 30 of the control system 1 in the first embodiment. The first air supply device 2 connects the interior of the first space 201 with the outside air via an air path. The first air supply device 2 can adjust the amount of air supplied from the outside air to the first space 201. For example, the first air supply device 2 adjusts the amount of air supplied by changing the opening area using at least one of a damper and a shutter. For example, the first air supply device 2 may be provided with a fan, and the first air supply device 2 may adjust the amount of air supplied by changing the rotation speed of the fan. In this way, the first air supply device 2 is equipped with at least one of a damper, a shutter, and a fan that can adjust the amount of air supplied.

[0017] The second air supply device 3 is provided in the second space 202 as the second air supply means 31 of the control system 1 in embodiment 1. The second air supply device 3 connects the inside of the second space 202 with the outside air via an air path. The second air supply device 3 has a mechanism similar to that of the first air supply device 2 and is capable of adjusting the amount of air supplied from the outside air to the second space 202.

[0018] The exhaust device 4 is provided in the third space 203 as the exhaust means 32 of the control system 1 in the first embodiment. The exhaust device 4 connects the inside of the third space 203 with the outside air via an air path. The exhaust device 4 is provided with a fan, and the exhaust device 4 can adjust the amount of air exhausted from the third space 203 to the outside air by changing the rotation speed of the fan.

[0019] The first air conditioner 5 is provided in the first space 201 as the first air conditioning means 33 of the control system 1. The first air conditioner 5 conditions the air inside the first space 201. The second air conditioner 6 is provided in the second space 202 as the second air conditioning means 34 of the control system 1. The second air conditioner 6 conditions the air inside the second space 202.

[0020] The first environmental sensor 7 is installed in the first space 201 as the first measuring means 35 of the control system 1. The second environmental sensor 8 is installed in the second space 202 as the second measuring means 36 of the control system 1. The third environmental sensor 9 is installed in the third space 203 as the third measuring means 37 of the control system 1. The first environmental sensor 7, the second environmental sensor 8, and the third environmental sensor 9 each measure an environmental physical quantity in the space in which they are installed. The measured environmental physical quantities include temperature. The measured environmental physical quantities may further include air pollution level, humidity, etc. The air pollution level may include CO2 concentration, particle concentration such as dust, etc. Below, an example will be described in which each environmental sensor measures temperature, CO2 concentration, and humidity as environmental physical quantities.

[0021] Human detection sensors 10, 11, 12, and 13 are provided in each room of the residence 200 as human detection means 38. Specifically, human detection sensor 10 is provided in the first space 201. Human detection sensor 11 is provided in the second space 202. Human detection sensor 12 is provided in the third space 203. Human detection sensor 13 is provided in the fourth space 204. Human detection sensors 10, 11, 12, and 13 can detect the number of people present in the spaces in which they are installed. For example, human detection sensors 10, 11, 12, and 13 may be a human presence sensor, a sensor capable of detecting biometric information, a thermal image sensor, a camera, or a sensor that combines these.

[0022] Ventilation of the residence 200 is carried out by ventilation means, which are the first air supply means 30, the second air supply means 31, and the exhaust means 32. Ventilation of the residence 200 is basically carried out 24 hours a day. Basically, the total ventilation volume of the residence 200 is controlled to be a specified standard ventilation volume. For example, the standard ventilation volume is 0.5 times / hour. n times / hour is a unit of ventilation volume, and means that the amount of air exchanged per hour is the total air volume of the space multiplied by n. 0.5 times / hour means that the amount of air exchanged per hour is equivalent to half of the total air volume of the residence 200.

[0023] For example, the exhaust means 32 may normally operate so that its exhaust volume is equal to the reference ventilation volume. The first air supply means 30 and the second air supply means 31 may each operate so that their respective supply volumes are equal to the reference ventilation volume, or so that the combined value of the two supply volumes is equal to the reference ventilation volume.

[0024] As shown in Fig. 2, the control system 1 further includes a remote control device 14, a mobile terminal 15, an external device 16, a control device 17, a processing device 18, a server device 19, and a relay device 20. Note that Fig. 2 omits illustration of a residence 200. Each device included in the control system 1 is capable of communicating with other devices. Through communication within the control system 1, the status of each device is shared within the control system 1. The status of each device includes the operation ON / OFF state, operation mode, operating air volume, air blow direction, measurement values ​​of physical quantities measured by the device, etc.

[0025] The remote control device 14 is provided inside the residence 200 as an input means 39 of the control system 1. The remote control device 14 receives control inputs from a person regarding ventilation or air conditioning of the control system 1. For example, the mobile terminal 15 is owned by a person living in the residence 200. A dedicated application is installed on the mobile terminal 15. The functions of the mobile terminal 15 described below are realized by processing the dedicated application. The mobile terminal 15 receives control inputs from a person regarding ventilation or air conditioning of the control system 1 as an input means 39 of the control system 1.

[0026] The external device 16 is provided as an external information means 40 at a location separate from the residence 200. For example, the external device 16 is a server that transmits meteorological information. The external device 16 transmits general meteorological information such as information about the weather and the atmospheric environment. Note that the external device 16 may also be an environmental sensor installed outside the residence 200 as the external information means 40.

[0027] The control device 17, the processing device 18, the server device 19, and the relay device 20 function as a control means 41 of the control system 1. That is, the function of the control means 41 is realized by at least one of the control device 17, the processing device 18, the server device 19, and the relay device 20. Hereinafter, as an example, the operation of each device for realizing the control means 41 will be described.

[0028] The control device 17 is provided in the residence 200. The communication unit 17a of the control device 17 can communicate with each device provided in the residence 200. For example, the communication unit 17a acquires operation information and sensor detection results from each device at a specified period, such as every few minutes. The operation control unit 17b of the control device 17 controls the operation of each device provided in the residence 200 by transmitting specific control commands, such as starting operation, stopping operation, changing the operation mode, changing the air volume setting during operation, and changing the temperature setting during operation, to each device provided in the residence 200. The processing device 18 may be provided in the residence 200 or in a location separate from the residence 200. The processing device 18 receives information about various devices from the control device 17 and performs calculations to determine the control content of each device. The server device 19 is a cloud server provided in a location separate from the residence 200. The server device 19 receives information from an input means 39, an external information means 40, etc. The relay device 20 is an interface that relays communications between the devices included in the control means 41.

[0029] The first environmental sensor 7, the second environmental sensor 8, and the third environmental sensor 9 may be capable of communicating with the server device 19. In this case, the measurement results of the first environmental sensor 7, the second environmental sensor 8, and the third environmental sensor 9 are transmitted to the processing device 18 and the control device 17 via the server device 19.

[0030] The control means 41 has preset information about the space in the residence 200 in which each device included in the control system 1 is installed. For example, the installation location may be registered in advance by the user of the control system 1 via a dedicated application stored in the mobile terminal 15.

[0031] The control means 41 not only operates the first air conditioning means 33 and the second air conditioning means 34 based on the measurement results of the first measurement means 35, the second measurement means 36, and the third measurement means 37, but also controls the first air supply means 30, the second air supply means 31, the exhaust means 32, the first air conditioning means 33, and the second air conditioning means 34 in a linked manner. In this case, the control means 41 may further utilize the detection results of each of the multiple human detection means 38.

[0032] The flowchart shown in FIG. 3 starts at any timing, such as when the control system 1 is started or when a specified time arrives.

[0033] In S001, the control system 1 acquires the measurement results of each measurement means, the operation data of each device, etc. The control means 41 of the control system 1 may ascertain the number of people present in each space based on the acquired information.

[0034] In step S002, the control means 41 determines whether or not any of the first space 201, the second space 202, and the third space 203 contains a person.

[0035] When determining whether or not there is a space where a person is present, the control means 41 may use the detection results of the person detection means 38 provided in the first space 201, the second space 202, and the third space 203, or may use the measurement results of the first measurement means 35, the second measurement means 36, and the third measurement means 37.

[0036] In step S002, when the detection results of the human detection means 38 are used, the control means 41 determines whether or not a person is present in each of the first space 201, the second space 202, and the third space 203 based on the detection results of the human detection sensors 10, 11, and 12.

[0037] In step S002, when the measurement result of the measurement means is used, the control means 41 determines that a person is present in a space where the CO2 concentration is equal to or greater than a specified first concentration threshold. The first concentration threshold may be set to an absolute value of 600 ppm. Alternatively, the first concentration threshold may be set to a value obtained by adding 100 ppm to the CO2 concentration in the outside air. Alternatively, the first concentration threshold may be set to any arbitrary value.

[0038] If it is determined in step S002 that there is a space in which a person is present, in step S003, the control means 41 sets the space in which a person is present among the spaces of the residence 200 as a presence space. The control means 41 sets the space in which no person is present among the spaces of the residence 200 as an absence space.

[0039] Thereafter, in step S004, the control means 41 determines whether or not a plurality of people are present in the occupied space, that is, whether or not the number of people present in the occupied space is two or more.

[0040] When determining whether the number of people present in the occupancy space is two or more, the control means 41 may use the detection results of the person detection means 38 provided in the first space 201, the second space 202, and the third space 203, or may use the measurement results of the first measurement means 35, the second measurement means 36, and the third measurement means 37.

[0041] In step S004, when the detection results of the human detection means 38 are used, the control means 41 obtains the number of people present in the occupancy space based on the detection results of the human detection sensors 10, 11, and 12 that are installed in the occupancy space, and makes a judgment.

[0042] In step S004, when the measurement result of the measurement means is used, the control means 41 determines that two or more people are present in the occupied space when the CO2 concentration in the occupied space is greater than a specified second concentration threshold. The second concentration threshold may be set to an absolute value of 800 ppm. Alternatively, the second concentration threshold may be set to a value obtained by adding 300 ppm to the CO2 concentration in the outside air. Furthermore, the second concentration threshold may be set to any value greater than the first concentration threshold.

[0043] If step S004 finds that there is an occupied space where two or more people are present, step S005 is performed to control that occupied space. For example, when the measurement results of the measurement means are used, step S005 is performed if there is a space in residence 200 where the CO2 concentration therein is higher than the second concentration. In step S005, the supply air volume or exhaust air volume of the ventilation means, which are first air supply means 30, second air supply means 31, and exhaust means 32 and are provided in the occupied space where two or more people are present, is controlled to increase by a specified increase amount. The increase amount is preset to an amount equivalent to at least 0.5 times the current supply air volume or exhaust air volume. In other words, by increasing by the increase amount, the supply air volume or exhaust air volume becomes at least 1.5 times the volume before the increase.

[0044] Then, in step S006, the supply air volume or exhaust air volume of the ventilation means, which are the first air supply means 30, the second air supply means 31, and the exhaust means 32, that are provided in the unoccupied space is controlled to decrease by a specified decrease amount. For example, when the measurement results of the measurement means are used in step S002, the supply air volume or exhaust air volume of the ventilation means that is provided in the unoccupied space where the CO2 concentration is lower than the first concentration threshold is controlled to decrease by the decrease amount. The decrease amount is preset to an amount equivalent to at least 0.25 times the current supply air volume or exhaust air volume. In other words, by decreasing by the decrease amount, the supply air volume or exhaust air volume becomes 0.75 times or less of the volume before the decrease.

[0045] Thereafter, in step S007, the control means 41 carries out the air conditioning control flow. In the air conditioning control flow, the first air conditioning means 33 and the second air conditioning means 34 are operated in conjunction with the operation of the ventilation means.

[0046] Thereafter, in step S008, the control means 41 waits for a specified waiting time. That is, each ventilation means and air conditioning means of the control system 1 maintains its current setting. Thereafter, the operations from step S001 onwards are repeated.

[0047] If there is no space where a person is present in step S002, the operation of step S009 is performed. In step S009, the ventilation devices provided in the spaces where no person is present, i.e., the first space 201, the second space 202, and the third space 203, maintain their current supply air volume or exhaust air volume. The ventilation volume of the fourth space 204 is also maintained unchanged. Note that in step S009, the ventilation devices provided in the first space 201, the second space 202, and the third space 203 may each reduce their supply air volume or exhaust air volume by the corresponding reduction amount. After step S009, the operation from step S008 onwards is performed.

[0048] In step S004, the operation of step S010 is performed as control for an occupied space where two or more people are not present, i.e., a space where only one person is present. For example, when the detection result of the measurement means is used in both steps S002 and S004, the operation of step S010 is performed for an occupied space where the CO2 concentration is equal to or greater than the first concentration threshold and equal to or less than the second concentration threshold. For example, when the detection result of the measurement means is used in step S002 and the detection result of the human detection means 38 is used in step S004, the operation of step S010 is performed for an occupied space where the CO2 concentration is equal to or greater than the first concentration threshold and where the number of people detected by the human detection means 38 is one. For example, when the detection result of the human detection means 38 is used in step S004 and the detection result of the measurement means is used in step S004, the operation of step S010 is performed for an occupied space where the number of people detected by the human detection means 38 is one and where the CO2 concentration is equal to or less than the second concentration threshold.

[0049] In step S010, the control means 41 determines whether the duration of time that one person has been present in the occupied space is equal to or longer than a predetermined determination time. That is, if the CO2 concentration in the occupied space remains equal to or greater than the first concentration threshold and equal to or less than the second concentration threshold for equal to or longer than the determination time, and if the state in which one person is detected by the human detection means 38 in the occupied space continues for equal to or longer than the determination time, it is determined that the duration of time that one person has been present in the occupied space is equal to or longer than the predetermined determination time. The determination time can be set to any time, such as one hour.

[0050] In step S010, if the duration of time that one person is present in the occupied space is shorter than the specified determination time, the operations from step S006 onwards are carried out.

[0051] In step S010, if the duration of time that one person has been present in the space is equal to or longer than the predetermined threshold time, in step S011, the supply air volume or exhaust air volume of the ventilation means, which is the first air supply means 30, the second air supply means 31, and the exhaust means 32, that is provided in the space where one person has been present for equal to or longer than the threshold time, is controlled to increase by a predetermined increment. Then, the operations from step S006 onwards are performed.

[0052] In this way, control system 1 controls the supply air volume or exhaust air volume to increase in occupied spaces where multiple people are present or occupied spaces where one person is staying for a predetermined time or longer. The supply air volume or exhaust air volume in unoccupied spaces can be controlled to decrease. In particular, when other occupied spaces exist, the supply air volume or exhaust air volume in unoccupied spaces is controlled to decrease. Furthermore, the supply air volume or exhaust air volume in occupied spaces where one person is staying for a time shorter than the predetermined time is controlled not to change.

[0053] Next, the flow of air conditioning control will be described using Fig. 4. The flowchart in Fig. 4 corresponds to step S007 in the flowchart in Fig. 3. In the flowchart in Fig. 4, the operation of the first air conditioning means 33 and the second air conditioning means 34 is controlled based on the results of control of the amount of air supplied to the first space 201 and the second space 202 in the operations from step S001 to step S006 in Fig. 3, i.e., the most recent operation after the last standby time has elapsed.

[0054] In step S101, the control means 41 acquires information such as the operating state of each device in the control system 1 and the measurement results of each measurement means.

[0055] Thereafter, in step S102, the control means 41 determines whether or not the amount of air supplied to the first space 201 has increased in the most recent operation.

[0056] In step S102, if it is determined that the amount of air supplied to the first space 201 is increasing, the operation of step S103 is performed. In step S103, the control means 41 determines whether the first air conditioning means 33 is operating.

[0057] If the first air conditioning means 33 is operating in step S103, the operation of step S104 is performed. That is, the operation of step S104 is performed if the amount of air supplied to the first space 201 increased when the first air conditioning means 33 was operating in the most recent operation. In step S104, the control means 41 increases the operation amount of the first air conditioning means 33. Here, control to increase the operation amount of the air conditioning means means control to strengthen the direction of the current operation. For example, when the air conditioning means is operating in cooling mode, the control means 41 controls to increase the operation amount by lowering the set temperature by a specified decrease amount, such as 1°C. For example, when the air conditioning means is operating in heating mode, the control means 41 controls to increase the operation amount by raising the set temperature by a specified increase amount, such as 1°C. Note that the control means 41 may change the setting to increase the air volume as control to increase the operation amount.

[0058] If the first air conditioning means 33 is not operating and is stopped in step S103, the operation of step S105 is performed. That is, the operation of step S105 is performed if, in the most recent operation, the amount of air supplied to the first space 201 increased while the first air conditioning means 33 was stopped. In step S105, the control means 41 starts the operation of the first air conditioning means 33.

[0059] In step S105, as control to start operation of the air conditioning means, the control means 41 causes the air conditioning means to start either cooling operation or heating operation depending on the outside air temperature. Specifically, for example, when the outside air temperature is 28°C or higher, the control means 41 sets the reference temperature to 27°C as a set value and causes the air conditioning means to start cooling operation. For example, when the outside air temperature is 20°C or lower, the control means 41 sets the reference temperature to 22°C as a set value and causes the air conditioning means to start heating operation. Note that the reference temperature for cooling operation and the reference temperature for heating operation may be set to any value by the user.

[0060] If it is not determined in step S102 that the amount of air supplied to the first space 201 has increased, the operation of step S106 is performed after the operation of step S104 or after the operation of step S105. From step S106 onwards, the same control as that performed on the first air conditioning means 33 in steps S102 to S105 is performed on the second air conditioning means 34. That is, in step S106, the control means 41 determines whether the amount of air supplied to the second space 202 has increased in the most recent operation.

[0061] If it is determined in step S106 that the amount of air supplied to the second space 202 is increasing, the operation of step S107 is performed. In step S107, the control means 41 determines whether the second air conditioning means 34 is operating.

[0062] If the second air conditioning means 34 is operating in step S107, the operation of step S108 is performed. That is, the operation of step S108 is performed if, in the most recent operation, the amount of air supplied to the second space 202 increased while the second air conditioning means 34 was operating. In step S108, the control means 41 increases the operation amount of the second air conditioning means 34.

[0063] If the second air conditioning means 34 is not operating and is stopped in step S107, the operation of step S109 is performed. That is, the operation of step S109 is performed if, in the most recent operation, the amount of air supplied to the second space 202 increased while the second air conditioning means 34 was stopped. In step S109, the control means 41 starts the operation of the second air conditioning means 34.

[0064] If it is not determined in step S106 that the amount of air supplied to the second space 202 is increasing, the air conditioning control flow, which is the operation of the flowchart, ends after the operation of step S108 or after the operation of step S109.

[0065] If there are three or more air conditioning means, the operations from S102 to S105 in the flowchart are executed in accordance with the number of the air conditioning means.

[0066] The input means 39 may accept, at any timing, input from the user to change the set value, operation mode, operation state, etc. of each device in the control system 1. In this case, the content input by the user may be executed with priority over the control content determined by the control means 41. In other words, each device in the control system 1 may operate at the input set temperature, etc. The input means 39 may also display the current operation state, set value, measured value, etc. of each device in the control system 1.

[0067] According to the embodiment 1 described above, the control system 1 includes a first air supply means 30, a second air supply means 31, an exhaust means 32, a first air conditioning means 33, a second air conditioning means 34, a first measurement means 35, a second measurement means 36, a third measurement means 37, and a control means 41.

[0068] In recent years, due to factors such as the general public's increasing awareness of improving air quality in living spaces and the recommendation of ventilation as a measure against infectious diseases, there has been a growing awareness of ensuring ventilation in living spaces. Mechanical ventilation using extractor fans and other devices is commonly used to ensure ventilation. Ventilation methods include exhausting air from the living space to the outdoors, supplying air from the outdoors to the living space, or both exhaust and supply. While actively incorporating outside air through such ventilation can remove indoor air pollutants, it also results in the exhausting of temperature-controlled conditioned air to the outdoors. This deteriorates the thermal environment and increases the air-conditioning load. In conventional technologies, air conditioning and ventilation were controlled separately in each space, resulting in the occurrence of the above-mentioned issues and making it difficult to provide users with more comfortable spaces at a lower cost.

[0069] In the control system 1 of the first embodiment, the control means 41 not only operates the first air conditioning means 33 and the second air conditioning means 34 based on the measurement results of the first measurement means 35, the second measurement means 36, and the third measurement means 37, but also controls the first air supply means 30, the second air supply means 31, the exhaust means 32, the first air conditioning means 33, and the second air conditioning means 34 in a linked manner. This makes it possible to provide users with a ventilation and air-conditioning environment that is appropriate for each space.

[0070] Furthermore, by performing more specific control, it is possible to improve the accuracy of automatically providing users with ventilation and air-conditioning environments appropriate for each space. For example, by controlling the ventilation volume according to the number of people in a room, it is possible to ensure sufficient ventilation in rooms with many people. Furthermore, by reducing the ventilation volume in rooms where no one is present, energy savings can be improved. For example, by increasing the operation volume of an air-conditioning unit installed in a space where the ventilation volume has increased, it is possible to perform control that does not impair thermal comfort for users.

[0071] The outside air may refer not only to the air outside the residence 200 but also to the air in a space inside the residence 200 that is not subject to air conditioning control, such as a parking lot.

[0072] The control means 41 may control each device of the control system 1 using not only the outside air temperature and the CO2 concentration of the outside air, but also other information acquired from the external device 16. For example, the control means 41 may change the operation mode of the first air conditioning means 33 and the second air conditioning means 34 depending on the weather, such as rainy, cloudy, sunny, etc. For example, when it is raining, the control means 41 may execute a dehumidification mode instead of performing an air conditioning operation.

[0073] The input means 39 may receive an operation schedule corresponding to each device of the control system 1 from the user. The operation schedule includes the operation mode, setting values, and time periods during which the setting values ​​are applied for a certain device. The device may operate based on the corresponding operation schedule. Alternatively, a certain device may operate based on the operation schedule during a specific time period, and may operate based on control by the control means 41 as shown in FIGS. 3 and 4 during another time period. This allows the control system 1 to operate with more flexible control content to improve user comfort.

[0074] Next, an example of hardware constituting the processing device 18 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 5 is a hardware configuration diagram of a processing device of the control system according to the first embodiment.

[0075] Each function of the processing unit 18 may be realized by a processing circuit, for example, including at least one processor 100a and at least one memory 100b, or at least one dedicated hardware 100c.

[0076] When the processing circuit includes at least one processor 100a and at least one memory 100b, the functions of the processing device 18 are implemented by software, firmware, or a combination of software and firmware. At least one of the software and firmware is written as a program. At least one of the software and firmware is stored in the at least one memory 100b. The at least one processor 100a implements the functions of the processing device 18 by reading and executing the program stored in the at least one memory 100b. The at least one processor 100a is also referred to as a central processing unit, processing device, arithmetic unit, microprocessor, microcomputer, or DSP. For example, the at least one memory 100b may be a non-volatile or volatile semiconductor memory such as RAM, ROM, flash memory, EPROM, or EEPROM, a magnetic disk, a flexible disk, an optical disk, a compact disk, a minidisk, a DVD, or the like.

[0077] When the processing circuit includes at least one dedicated hardware 100c, the processing circuit may be implemented, for example, as a single circuit, a composite circuit, a programmed processor, a parallel programmed processor, an ASIC, an FPGA, or a combination thereof. For example, each function of the processing unit 18 may be implemented by a processing circuit. For example, each function of the processing unit 18 may be implemented collectively by a processing circuit.

[0078] Some of the functions of the processing device 18 may be implemented by dedicated hardware 100c, and the remaining functions may be implemented by software or firmware. For example, the function of controlling the first air conditioning means 33 and the second air conditioning means 34 may be implemented by a processing circuit as dedicated hardware 100c, and functions other than the function of controlling the first air conditioning means 33 and the second air conditioning means 34 may be implemented by at least one processor 100a reading and executing programs stored in at least one memory 100b.

[0079] Thus, the processing circuitry implements the functions of the processing unit 18 in hardware 100c, software, firmware, or a combination thereof.

[0080] Although not shown, the functions of the mobile terminal 15, the control device 17, and the server device 19 are also realized by processing circuits equivalent to the processing circuits that realize the functions of the processing device 18.

[0081] At least some of the functions of the processing device 18 may be realized on a cloud server. Furthermore, the functions of the control means 41 may be realized integrally by the control device 17, the processing device 18, and the server device 19. In this case, the processing circuit is composed of multiple partial circuits. The multiple partial processing circuits are provided in each of the multiple devices that make up the cloud server, or in the control device 17, the processing device 18, and the server device 19. The multiple devices that make up the cloud server may each be provided in a different building. In this case, the functions of the control means 41 that are realized on the cloud server communicate with the control device 17 via a network, and are involved in the control of the control device 17.

[0082] Embodiment 2 Fig. 6 is a floor plan of a residence to which the control system of the second embodiment is applied. Fig. 7 is a functional block diagram of the control system of the second embodiment. Note that the same or corresponding parts as those of the first embodiment are designated by the same reference numerals, and the description of these parts will be omitted.

[0083] 6, in the second embodiment, the control system 1 includes a central ventilation device 60. The central ventilation device 60 supplies air to the interior space of the dwelling 200 and exhausts air from the interior space of the dwelling 200.

[0084] Central ventilation device 60 includes a main body 61, a first air intake port 62, a second air intake port 63, an exhaust port 64, a first air intake duct 65, a second air intake duct 66, and an exhaust duct 67. Main body 61 is provided in the attic of residence 200. First air intake port 62 is provided on the ceiling, wall, or floor of first space 201. Second air intake port 63 is provided on the ceiling, wall, or floor of second space 202. Exhaust port 64 is provided on the ceiling, wall, or floor of third space 203.

[0085] The first air intake duct 65 is a pipe that forms an air passage inside. The first air intake duct 65 connects from the first air intake port 62 to the outside air via the main body 61. The second air intake duct 66 is a pipe that forms an air passage inside. The second air intake duct 66 connects from the second air intake port 63 to the outside air via the main body 61. The exhaust duct 67 is a pipe that forms an air passage inside. The exhaust duct 67 connects from the exhaust port 64 to the outside air via the main body 61.

[0086] The first air intake port 62 and the first air intake duct 65 constitute the first air supply means 30 that supplies air from outdoors to the first space 201. For example, a mechanism that can adjust the amount of air supplied to the first space 201, such as a fan with a variable rotational speed, is provided midway between the first air intake port 62 and the first air intake duct 65.

[0087] The second air intake port 63 and the second air intake duct 66 constitute the second air supply means 31 that supplies air from outdoors to the second space 202. For example, a mechanism that can adjust the amount of air supplied to the second space 202, such as a fan with a variable rotational speed, is provided midway between the second air intake port 63 and the second air intake duct 66. As shown in Figure 6, the second air intake duct 66 may merge with the first air intake duct 65 midway.

[0088] The exhaust port 64 and the exhaust duct 67 constitute exhaust means 32 that exhausts air from the third space 203 to the outdoors. For example, a mechanism that can adjust the amount of air exhausted from the third space 203, such as a fan with a variable rotational speed, is provided midway between the exhaust port 64 and the exhaust duct 67.

[0089] The main body 61 is provided with a heat exchange element 68 as heat exchange means. The first air intake duct 65 and the exhaust duct 67 are adjacent to each other near the heat exchange element 68. The second air intake duct 66 and the exhaust duct 67 are adjacent to each other near the heat exchange element 68. That is, the heat exchange element 68 is provided midway along the air path from the outside air to the first air intake port 62 of the first air intake means 30. The heat exchange element 68 is provided midway along the air path from the outside air to the second air intake port 63 of the second air intake means 31. The heat exchange element 68 is provided midway along the air path from the exhaust port 64 of the exhaust means 32 to the outside air. The heat exchange element 68 exchanges heat between air flowing from the outside air toward the first air intake port 62 and air flowing from the exhaust port 64 to the outside air. The heat exchange element 68 exchanges heat between air flowing from the outside toward the second air intake port 63 and air flowing toward the outside from the exhaust port 64. The heat exchange element 68 exchanges heat by either sensible heat exchange or total heat exchange.

[0090] 7, the amount of air supplied to or exhausted from a space by the central ventilation device 60 is controlled by control means 41. The first air supply means 30, the second air supply means 31, and the exhaust means 32 are individually controlled in the same manner as in the first embodiment.

[0091] According to the second embodiment described above, the control system 1 further includes a heat exchanger. For example, by increasing the ventilation volume of the space where the air conditioning unit is operating and decreasing the volume of the space where the air conditioning unit is not operating, the conditioned air is ultimately actively sent to the heat exchanger. The heat exchanger allows for more efficient heat exchange between the conditioned air and the outside air. Furthermore, by introducing the outside air into the interior space of the residence 200, the increased air conditioning load can be reduced, resulting in energy savings.

[0092] Each duct may be passed through the ceiling, inside the wall, under the floor, etc. Heat exchange element 68 may be provided inside a housing separate from main body 61, such as in the middle of the duct.

[0093] The first air supply means 30, the second air supply means 31, and the exhaust means 32 may be provided with at least one of a damper and a shutter, as in the first embodiment.

[0094] Embodiment 3 FIG. 8 is a functional block diagram of a control system in embodiment 3. FIG. 9 is a functional block diagram of a learning device in embodiment 3. FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an overview of a neural network model. FIG. 11 is a functional block diagram of control means of a control system in embodiment 3. FIG. 12 is a flowchart of learning processing of a learning device in embodiment 3. FIG. 13 is a flowchart of inference processing performed by control means of a control system in embodiment 3. Note that parts that are the same as or equivalent to parts in embodiment 1 or 2 are given the same reference numerals. Explanation of these parts will be omitted.

[0095] 8, in the third embodiment, the control system 1 further includes a learning device 70 as a learning means. The learning device 70 uses the history of time transitions related to the past operation of the equipment performed in the first or second embodiment as training data and generates an operation model using a machine learning technique. The control means 41 infers an operation schedule using the operation model and controls each equipment based on the inferred operation schedule.

[0096] The inferred operation schedule includes the operation start time and operation end time for each device in the control system 1. Furthermore, the operation schedule includes the air supply volume of the air supply means, the exhaust volume of the exhaust means 32, the operating air volume of the air conditioning means, and the set temperature of the air conditioning means at each time.

[0097] 9, the learning device 70 has, as its functions, a data acquisition unit 71, a generation unit 72, and a model storage unit 73. The hardware configuration of the learning device 70 is similar to that of the processing device 18. Note that the model storage unit 73 may be provided in a device separate from the learning device 70.

[0098] The data acquisition unit 71 acquires learning data from past history. The learning data includes occupancy information indicating the presence or absence of people in each of the first space 201, the second space 202, the third space 203, and the fourth space 204 and the change over time in the number of people present. The learning data includes the occupancy information and the change over time in the operating state of each device in the control system 1 at the same time as the change over time in the occupancy information, in association with each other. The learning data may further include the change over time in the CO2 concentration in the first space 201, the CO2 concentration in the second space 202, and the CO2 concentration in the third space 203, in association with the occupancy information, in association with each other.

[0099] The generation unit 72 generates an operation model by performing machine learning using the learning data acquired by the data acquisition unit 71. The operation model is a model for outputting an operation schedule for that day based on the current occupancy status in each space. The operation model may be a model for outputting an operation schedule using not only the occupancy status but also the current CO2 concentration in each space. For example, the generation unit 72 performs machine learning using a supervised learning method.

[0100] The generation unit 72 stores the generated driving model in the model storage unit 73. Alternatively, the generation unit 72 updates the driving model stored in the model storage unit 73 to the newly generated driving model.

[0101] Figure 10 shows a three-layer neural network as an overview of a neural network model. The neural network is composed of input layers X1-X3 consisting of multiple neurons, intermediate layers Y1-Y2 consisting of multiple neurons, and output layers Z1-Z3 consisting of multiple neurons. The intermediate layers are also called hidden layers and may have one or more layers. In a three-layer neural network with one intermediate layer, when multiple inputs are input to the input layer X1-X3, the values ​​are multiplied by weights W1 (w11-w16) and then input to the intermediate layers Y1-Y2. The outputs from the intermediate layers Y1-Y2 resulting from these inputs are multiplied by weights W2 (w21-w26) and output from the output layers Z1-Z3. The final output result depends on the values ​​of the weights W1 and W2.

[0102] The neural network in the generation unit 72 learns the "operation schedule" by so-called supervised learning in accordance with the learning data acquired by the data acquisition unit 71 and created based on a combination of the "occupancy information" and the "operation schedule." That is, the neural network learns by inputting the "occupancy information" into the input layer and adjusting the weights W1 and W2 so that the result output from the output layer approaches the "operation schedule," which is the correct data (result). Note that the learning data may further be associated with the "CO2 concentration in each space." In this case, the "CO2 concentration in each space" is further input to the input layer. The generation unit 72 generates and outputs a learned operation model by executing the above learning.

[0103] In this example, supervised learning is applied to the learning algorithm in the generation unit 72, but the learning algorithm is not limited to this. For example, techniques such as reinforcement learning, unsupervised learning, and semi-supervised learning may be applied to the learning algorithm. Furthermore, deep learning, which learns to extract features themselves, may be applied as the learning algorithm. Furthermore, the generation unit 72 may perform machine learning according to other known techniques, such as a genetic algorithm (GA), particle swarm optimization (PSO), constrained optimization, and simulated annealing.

[0104] As shown in FIG. 11, the control means 41 includes, as functions, an acquisition unit 41a for performing inference, a model storage unit 41b, and an inference unit 41c.

[0105] When performing inference, the acquisition unit 41a acquires the current occupancy status of each space as inference data. The occupancy status includes information similar to the occupancy information at a certain time. The inference data may also include occupancy information from a base time today to the present. The inference data may further include the current CO2 concentration in each space.

[0106] The model storage unit 41b stores the latest driving model. For example, when the driving model is updated by a learning device 70 (not shown in Fig. 12), the latest driving model is also stored in the model storage unit 41b.

[0107] The inference unit 41c infers today's operation schedule based on the inference data and outputs the inference result.

[0108] The flowchart shown in FIG. 12 starts at an arbitrary timing, such as when a specified period of time has passed since the previous learning, or when a command to perform learning is given.

[0109] In step S201, the data acquisition unit 71 collects learning data from the history of a certain residence 200. Then, in step S202, the generation unit 72 generates a driving model. Then, in step S203, the generation unit 72 updates the driving model stored in the model storage unit 23 to the latest driving model generated in step S202. Then, the operation of the flowchart ends.

[0110] In step S201, learning data may be collected based on history information accumulated in another residence that has a similar floor plan to residence 200.

[0111] The flowchart shown in FIG. 13 may start, for example, when an operation to start driving that day is received from the user, or when a specified time arrives.

[0112] In step S301, the acquisition unit 41a acquires inference data. Then, in step S302, the inference unit 41c infers and outputs a driving schedule for that day from the acquired inference data using a driving model. Then, in step S303, the control means 41 controls each device of the control system 1 based on the output driving schedule. Then, the operation of the flowchart ends.

[0113] The time transition of the operating state of each appliance controlled in this manner may be newly accumulated in the control means 41 as history information related to the residence 200. The history information also includes individual control by the user, separate from the operation schedule. By performing supervised learning using the history information, an operation schedule more suitable for the user of the residence 200 can be inferred and executed.

[0114] According to the third embodiment described above, the control system 1 further includes a learning device 70, which is a learning means. The learning device 70 performs learning by associating past operation patterns and control tendencies in the residence 200 with the occupancy status. Based on this learning, the learning device 70 generates an operation model. As a result, an operation schedule can be generated that reflects the operation tendencies of the devices for each specific time period and space. As a result, it is possible to provide the user with a ventilation and air-conditioning environment that is appropriate for each space.

[0115] It is also possible to apply an operation model that has been learned for another residence to the control system 1 in the residence 200, and re-learn and update the operation model using historical information related to the residence 200.

[0116] Embodiment 4 Fig. 14 is a functional block diagram of a learning device according to embodiment 4. Fig. 15 is a flowchart showing an example of learning processing by the learning device according to embodiment 4. Note that parts that are the same as or equivalent to parts according to embodiments 1 to 3 are given the same reference numerals, and descriptions of these parts will be omitted.

[0117] In the fourth embodiment, the learning device 70 performs learning using a so-called reinforcement learning technique to generate an operation schedule. As shown in Fig. 14, the learning device 70 further includes a reward calculation unit 74 and a function update unit 75. In the fourth embodiment, the generation unit 72 stores a simulation model related to CO2 concentration.

[0118] The simulation model for CO2 concentration is a model that can calculate a predicted value of CO2 concentration at a time unit later by inputting the occupancy status, internal CO2 concentration, and operating status of each device in the first space 201, second space 202, third space 203, and fourth space 204 at a certain time. The simulation model allows settings such as conditions under which the occupancy status changes.

[0119] The data acquisition unit 71 can set any room occupancy status, CO2 concentration, and equipment operating status as initial values. The data acquisition unit 71 acquires the room occupancy status, CO2 concentration, and equipment operating status output from the simulation model as the next input values.

[0120] The generator 72 generates a trained driving model using a reinforcement learning technique. For example, the driving model may be a model defined by one or more functions.

[0121] The reward calculation unit 74 calculates the reward for each state during the reinforcement learning process. The function update unit 75 updates the function that becomes the driving model when a condition is met during the reinforcement learning process.

[0122] The learning process performed by the learning device 70 will be described below. In the fourth embodiment, reinforcement learning is applied. Generally, in reinforcement learning, an agent, which is the subject of action in a certain environment, observes the current state and decides on the action to be taken. The current state is also defined as the parameters of the environment. The environment changes dynamically depending on the actions of the agent, resulting in a different environment. Depending on this change in the environment, the agent may or may not be given a reward. The agent repeats such actions to learn a course of action. The course of action is a course of action that allows the agent to obtain the greatest reward through a series of actions.

[0123] Q-learning, TD-learning, etc. are known as representative methods of reinforcement learning. Below, we will explain an example of Q-learning. In Q-learning, learning is performed to optimize the value of the action value function Q(s, a). The general update formula for the action value function Q(s, a) is expressed as the following formula (1).

[0124]

number

[0125] In equation (1), s t represents the state of the environment at time t. t corresponds to the CO2 concentration in each space at time t. t represents the behavior at time t. t corresponds to the operating state of each device.

[0126] action a t Therefore, the state at the next unit time t+1 is s t+1 It changes to r t+1 represents the reward generated by such a change in state. The reward is calculated by the reward calculation unit 74.

[0127] The constant γ represents the discount rate. γ is set arbitrarily in the range of 0<γ≦1. The constant α represents the learning coefficient. α is set arbitrarily in the range of 0<α≦1.

[0128] In the update formula (1), the difference between the action value Q of action a with the largest Q value at time t+1 and the action value Q when action a is executed at time t is calculated. If this difference is positive, i.e., the action value Q of action a at time t+1 is larger, the function is updated to increase the action value Q. If this difference is negative, i.e., the action value Q of action a at time t+1 is smaller, the function is updated to decrease the action value Q. In other words, the action value function Q(s, a) is updated so that the action value Q of action a at time t approaches the best action value Q at time t+1. This update corresponds to reinforcement learning. By repeating this operation, the best action value in a certain environment is propagated to the action value in the previous environment.

[0129] The reward calculation unit 74 calculates a reward based on the operating status of the equipment and the occupancy status including the CO2 concentration of each space. The reward calculation unit 74 calculates a reward r based on a reward standard. For example, the reward calculation unit 74 may calculate the reward r so that the greater the number of spaces whose CO2 concentrations fall within a specified appropriate range as the reward standard, the greater the reward. For example, the reward calculation unit 74 may increase the reward r when the CO2 concentration of each room is equal to or lower than a standard value as a reward increase condition. In this case, the reward r is, for example, 1. The reward calculation unit 74 may decrease the reward r when the CO2 concentration of each room is greater than the standard value as a reward decrease condition. In this case, the reward r is, for example, -1.

[0130] As the function update unit 75 updates the action value function Q, an action value function Q that can obtain a higher reward is generated. The action value function Q is a function that outputs an operation schedule that can obtain a higher reward based on the occupancy status and CO2 concentration. The generation unit 72 generates an operation model that includes the action value function Q. In this way, the reward calculation unit 74, the function update unit 75, and the generation unit 72 work together to generate the operation model through learning.

[0131] The learning process flowchart shown in FIG. 15 starts at any timing.

[0132] In step S401, the data acquisition unit 71 acquires the operating status of the equipment and the occupancy status including the CO2 concentration in each space at a certain time as learning data.

[0133] In step S402, the learning device 70 calculates a reward. Specifically, the generation unit 72 calculates a new action value function Q, action a, and state s through simulation. The reward calculation unit 74 compares the state s with a reward standard and determines whether the new state s satisfies a reward increase condition, a reward decrease condition, or the like. In this example, the reward calculation unit 74 determines whether the new state s satisfies the reward increase condition or the reward decrease condition.

[0134] If the reward increase condition is met in step S402, the reward calculation unit 74 increases the reward in step S403. If the reward decrease condition is met in step S402, the reward calculation unit 74 decreases the reward in step S404.

[0135] After step S403 or step S404, in step S405, the function update unit 75 updates the new action value function Q based on the increased or decreased reward.

[0136] Thereafter, if the termination condition is not satisfied, the operations from step S401 onwards are repeated, whereas if the termination condition is satisfied, the operations of the flowchart end.

[0137] The learning device 70 generates the action-value function Q(s t ,a t ) is stored as a trained operation model. This operation model is used to infer the operation schedule for each device for that day from the occupancy status, including the CO2 concentration, in each space.

[0138] The control means 41, as an inference means, uses an operation model to infer the operation schedule of each device for that day. At this time, the control means 41 acquires the current occupancy status, including the CO2 concentration, of each space as input. Thereafter, the control means 41 infers and outputs the operation schedule. The control means 41 controls each device of the control system 1 using the operation schedule. Such inference processing may be performed at a set time or at regular intervals.

[0139] According to the fourth embodiment described above, the learning device 70 has functions capable of generating an operation model through reinforcement learning. Through reinforcement learning, an operation model capable of inferring an operation schedule suitable for the residence 200 can be generated even in the absence of past history information. As a result, it is possible to provide the user with a ventilation and air-conditioning environment suitable for each space.

[0140] As the action value function Q at the time of initial setting, an action value function Q that has been learned to adapt to other residences may be used.

[0141] To summarize the above explanation, possible configurations of the technology according to the present disclosure include the configurations listed below as appendices. (Appendix 1) A control system applicable to a residence having a first space, a second space, a third space, and a fourth space, the fourth space being in communication with the first space, the second space, and the third space, a first air supply means provided in the first space and capable of adjusting the amount of air supplied from outside air to the first space; a second air supply means provided in the second space and capable of adjusting the amount of air supplied from outside air to the second space; an exhaust means provided in the third space and capable of adjusting an amount of exhaust from the third space to the outside air; a first air conditioning means provided in the first space for conditioning the air in the first space; a second air conditioning means provided in the second space for conditioning the air in the second space; a first measuring means for measuring an environmental physical quantity including a temperature of the first space; a second measuring means for measuring an environmental physical quantity including a temperature of the second space; a third measuring means for measuring an environmental physical quantity including a temperature of the third space; a control means for controlling the first air supply means, the second air supply means, the exhaust means, the first air conditioning means, and the second air conditioning means in an interlocking manner based on the measurement results of the first measurement means, the second measurement means, and the third measurement means; A control system with (Appendix 2) a person detection means for detecting the number of people present in at least one of the first space, the second space, the third space, and the fourth space; Further provided with the control means controls the first air supply means, the second air supply means, the exhaust means, the first air conditioning means, and the second air conditioning means in an interlocking manner based on the detection result of the human detection means. 10. The control system of claim 1. (Appendix 3) When the human detection means detects that one person is present in any one of the first space, the second space, and the third space for a specified determination time or longer, the supply air volume or exhaust air volume of the means provided in the occupied space among the first air supply means, the second air supply means, and the exhaust means is controlled to increase by an increase width. 10. The control system of claim 2. (Appendix 4) The determination time is 1 hour. 10. The control system of claim 3. (Appendix 5) When the person detection means detects that a plurality of people are present in any of the first space, the second space, and the third space, the supply air volume or the exhaust air volume of the ventilation means provided in the occupancy space, among the first air supply means, the second air supply means, and the exhaust means, is controlled to increase by an increase width. 5. The control system of any one of claims 2 to 4. (Appendix 6) When there is an unoccupied space among the first space, the second space, and the third space in which the human detection means detects that no human is present, the supply air volume or exhaust air volume of the ventilation means among the first air supply means, the second air supply means, and the exhaust means provided in the unoccupied space is controlled to decrease by a decrease width. 6. The control system of any one of claims 2 to 5. (Appendix 7) the first measuring means, the second measuring means, and the third measuring means measure the air pollution level inside the space; 7. The control system of any one of claims 1 to 6. (Appendix 8) The first measurement means, the second measurement means, and the third measurement means measure the CO2 concentration inside the space as the air pollution level. 8. The control system of claim 7. (Appendix 9) When the CO2 concentration in an occupied space among the first space, the second space, and the third space is equal to or greater than a first concentration threshold and equal to or less than a second concentration threshold, and the state in which the CO2 concentration in the occupied space is equal to or greater than the first concentration threshold continues for a determination time or longer, The supply air amount or exhaust air amount of the ventilation means provided in the occupancy space among the first air supply means, the second air supply means, and the exhaust means is controlled so as to increase by an increase width. 9. The control system of claim 8. (Appendix 10) When the CO2 concentration in the occupancy space is greater than the second concentration threshold, The supply air amount or exhaust air amount of the ventilation means provided in the occupancy space among the first air supply means, the second air supply means, and the exhaust means is controlled so as to increase by an increase width. 10. The control system of claim 9. (Appendix 11) If there is an absent space among the first space, the second space, and the third space in which the measured CO2 concentration is lower than the first concentration threshold, The ventilation volume of the ventilation means provided in the unoccupied space among the first air supply means, the second air supply means, and the exhaust means is controlled to decrease by a decrease width. 11. The control system of claim 9 or 10. (Appendix 12) a person detection means for detecting the number of people present in at least one of the first space, the second space, the third space, and the fourth space; Further provided with When the person detection means detects that one person is present in the occupied space, and when the state in which the CO2 concentration in the occupied space is equal to or higher than the first concentration threshold continues for the determination time or longer, The supply air amount or exhaust air amount of the ventilation means provided in the occupancy space among the first air supply means, the second air supply means, and the exhaust means is controlled so as to increase by an increase width. 12. The control system of any one of claims 9 to 11. (Appendix 13) a person detection means for detecting the number of people present in at least one of the first space, the second space, the third space, and the fourth space; Further provided with When the CO2 concentration in an occupied space among the first space, the second space, and the third space is equal to or greater than a first concentration threshold and equal to or less than a second concentration threshold, and when the human detection means detects that one person is present in the occupied space for a determination time or longer, The supply air amount or exhaust air amount of the ventilation means provided in the occupancy space among the first air supply means, the second air supply means, and the exhaust means is controlled so as to increase by an increase width. 13. The control system of any one of claims 8 to 12. (Appendix 14) The first concentration threshold is 600 ppm or a concentration of CO2 in the outside air plus 100 ppm. 14. The control system of any one of claims 9 to 13. (Appendix 15) The second concentration threshold is 800 ppm or a concentration of CO2 in the outside air plus 300 ppm. 15. The control system of claim 14. (Appendix 16) The increase is an amount equivalent to 0.5 times or more of the current intake or exhaust volume. 14. The control system of any one of claims 3 to 5 and 9 to 13. (Appendix 17) The reduction amount is an amount equivalent to 0.25 times or more of the current intake or exhaust volume. 12. The control system of claim 6 or 11. (Appendix 18) At least one of the first air supply means and the second air supply means is The air conditioner is provided with at least one of a damper that changes the opening area so that the amount of air supplied can be adjusted, a shutter that changes the opening area so that the amount of air supplied can be adjusted, and a fan that adjusts the rotation amount so that the amount of air supplied can be adjusted. 18. The control system of any one of claims 1 to 17. (Appendix 19) The first air supply means, the second air supply means, and the exhaust means are always operated so that the ventilation rate inside the residence is 0.5 times / hour as a standard ventilation rate. 19. The control system of any one of claims 1 to 18. (Appendix 20) The control means controlling at least one of the first air supply means, the second air supply means, and the exhaust means based on the measurement results of the first measurement means and the second measurement means, thereby controlling the amount of air supplied to at least one of the first space and the second space; controlling the operation of the first air conditioning means or the second air conditioning means based on the control results of the amounts of air supplied to the first space and the second space; 19. The control system of claim 1. (Appendix 21) The control means When the amount of air supplied to the first space increases while the first air conditioning means is stopped, the first air conditioning means is started to operate with a reference temperature as a set value; When the amount of air supplied to the first space increases while the first air conditioning means is operating, the operation amount of the first air conditioning means is increased. 21. The control system of claim 20. (Appendix 22) The control means When the amount of air supplied to the second space increases while the second air conditioning means is stopped, the second air conditioning means is started to operate with a reference temperature as a set value; When the amount of air supplied to the second space increases while the second air conditioning means is operating, the operation amount of the second air conditioning means is increased. 22. The control system of claim 21. (Appendix 23) When the amount of air supplied to the first space increases while the first air conditioning means is stopped, the first air conditioning means starts either a cooling operation or a heating operation depending on the outside air temperature. 23. The control system of claim 21 or 22. (Appendix 24) The first air conditioning means starts cooling operation when the outside temperature is 28°C or higher, and starts cooling operation when the outside temperature is 20°C or lower. 24. The control system of claim 23. (Appendix 25) When the first air conditioning means starts cooling operation, the reference temperature is set to 27°C, When the first air conditioning means starts a heating operation, the reference temperature is set to 22°C. 25. The control system of any one of claims 21 to 24. (Appendix 26) The control means When the first air conditioning means is performing cooling operation, the set temperature is lowered by 1°C as a control to increase the operation amount, When the first air conditioning means is performing heating operation, the set temperature is increased by 1°C as a control to increase the operation amount. 26. The control system of any one of claims 21 to 25. (Appendix 27) heat exchange means that are provided midway along the air passage from the outside air to the first air supply means, midway along the air passage from the outside air to the second air supply means, and midway along the air passage from the exhaust means to the outside air, and that perform heat exchange between air flowing from the outside air to the first air supply means and air flowing from the exhaust means to the outside air, and between air flowing from the outside air to the second air supply means and air flowing from the exhaust means to the outside air; 27. The control system of any one of claims 1 to 26, further comprising: (Appendix 28) the control means receives setting of an operation schedule including setting values ​​related to the operation of each of the first air supply means, the second air supply means, the exhaust means, the first air conditioning means, and the second air conditioning means and time periods during which the setting values ​​are applied; each of the first air supply means, the second air supply means, the exhaust means, the first air conditioning means, and the second air conditioning means operates based on the operation schedule; 28. The control system of any one of claims 1 to 27. (Appendix 29) the control means infers the operation schedule for that day from the current occupancy information, using a trained operation model for outputting an operation schedule including setting values ​​for operation of the first air supply means, the second air supply means, the exhaust means, the first air conditioning means, and the second air conditioning means, and time periods during which the setting values ​​are applied, from occupancy information indicating the number of people present in each of the first space, the second space, the third space, and the fourth space; each of the first air supply means, the second air supply means, the exhaust means, the first air conditioning means, and the second air conditioning means operates based on the operation schedule inferred by the control means; 29. The control system of any one of claims 1 to 28. (Appendix 30) a learning device that generates the operation model using learning data that includes the occupancy information and the operation schedule in association with each other; 30. The control system of claim 29, further comprising: (Appendix 31) the learning device generates the driving model using the learning data further including the CO2 concentration in the first space, the CO2 concentration in the second space, and the CO2 concentration in the third space measured by the first measurement means, the second measurement means, and the third measurement means, respectively, in association with each other. 31. The control system of claim 30. (Appendix 32) The present invention is applicable to a residence having a first space, a second space, a third space, and a fourth space, the fourth space being in communication with the first space, the second space, and the third space, respectively; a first air supply means provided in the first space and capable of adjusting an amount of air supplied from outside air to the first space; a second air supply means provided in the second space and capable of adjusting an amount of air supplied from outside air to the second space; an exhaust means provided in the third space and capable of adjusting an amount of air exhausted from the third space to outside air; a first air conditioning means provided in the first space and performing air conditioning of the first space; a second air conditioning means provided in the second space and performing air conditioning of the second space; a first measurement means for measuring environmental physical quantities including a temperature and a CO2 concentration in the first space; a second measurement means for measuring environmental physical quantities including a temperature and a CO2 concentration in the second space; and a third measurement means for measuring environmental physical quantities including a temperature and a CO2 concentration in the third space, a data acquisition unit that acquires learning data including an occupancy status including the number of people present in each of the first space, the second space, the third space, and the fourth space, measurement results of CO2 concentrations by the first measurement means, the second measurement means, and the third measurement means, and operating states of the first air supply means, the second air supply means, the exhaust means, the first air conditioning means, and the second air conditioning means in the occupancy status and the measurement results of CO2 concentrations; a generation unit that generates an operation model for inferring setting values ​​for operation of each of the first air supply means, the second air supply means, the exhaust means, the first air conditioning means, and the second air conditioning means, and an operation schedule including time periods during which the setting values ​​are applied, from the measurement results of the occupancy state and the CO2 concentration using the learning data; A learning device equipped with (Appendix 33) the generation unit generates the operation model for inferring the operation schedule that reduces the CO2 concentration in at least one space among the first space, the second space, the third space, and the fourth space. 33. The learning device of claim 32. [Explanation of symbols]

[0142] 1 control system, 2 first air supply device, 3 second air supply device, 4 exhaust device, 5 first air conditioner, 6 second air conditioner, 7 first environmental sensor, 8 second environmental sensor, 9 third environmental sensor, 10, 11, 12, 13 person detection sensor, 14 remote control device, 15 mobile terminal, 16 external device, 17 control device, 17a communication unit, 17b operation control unit, 18 processing device, 19 server device, 20 relay device, 23 model storage unit, 30 first air supply means, 31 second air supply means, 32 exhaust means, 33 first air conditioning means, 34 second air conditioning means, 35 first measurement means, 36 second measurement means, 37 third measurement means, 38 person detection means, 39 input means, 40 external information means, 41 control means, 41a Acquisition unit, 41b Model storage unit, 41c Inference unit, 60 Central ventilation device, 61 Main body, 62 First air intake port, 63 Second air intake port, 64 Exhaust port, 65 First air intake duct, 66 Second air intake duct, 67 Exhaust duct, 68 Heat exchange element, 70 Learning device, 71 Data acquisition unit, 72 Generation unit, 73 Model storage unit, 74 Reward calculation unit, 75 Function update unit, 100a Processor, 100b Memory, 100c Hardware, 200 Residence, 201 First space, 202 Second space, 203 Third space, 204 Fourth space

Claims

1. A control system applicable to a residence having a first space, a second space, a third space, and a fourth space, the fourth space being in communication with each of the first space, the second space, and the third space, a first air supply means provided in the first space and capable of adjusting the amount of air supplied from outside air to the first space; a second air supply means provided in the second space and capable of adjusting the amount of air supplied from outside air to the second space; an exhaust means provided in the third space and capable of adjusting an amount of exhaust from the third space to the outside air; a first air conditioning unit provided in the first space for conditioning the air in the first space; a second air conditioning means provided in the second space for conditioning the air in the second space; a first measuring means for measuring an environmental physical quantity including a temperature of the first space; a second measuring means for measuring an environmental physical quantity including a temperature of the second space; a third measuring means for measuring an environmental physical quantity including a temperature of the third space; a control means for controlling the first air supply means, the second air supply means, the exhaust means, the first air conditioning means, and the second air conditioning means in an interlocking manner based on the measurement results of the first measurement means, the second measurement means, and the third measurement means; A control system with

2. a person detection means for detecting the number of people present in at least one of the first space, the second space, the third space, and the fourth space; Further provided with the control means controls the first air supply means, the second air supply means, the exhaust means, the first air conditioning means, and the second air conditioning means in an interlocking manner based on the detection result of the human detection means. The control system of claim 1 .

3. When the human detection means detects that one person is present in any one of the first space, the second space, and the third space for a specified determination time or longer, the supply air volume or exhaust air volume of the means provided in the occupied space among the first air supply means, the second air supply means, and the exhaust means is controlled to increase by an increase width. The control system of claim 2 .

4. The determination time is 1 hour. The control system of claim 3 .

5. When the presence of multiple people is detected by the person detection means in any of the occupied spaces among the first space, the second space, and the third space, the supply air volume or the exhaust air volume of the ventilation means among the first air supply means, the second air supply means, and the exhaust means provided in the occupied space is controlled to increase by an increase width. The control system of claim 2 .

6. When there is an unoccupied space among the first space, the second space, and the third space in which the presence of a person is detected by the person detection means, the supply air volume or the exhaust air volume of the ventilation means among the first air supply means, the second air supply means, and the exhaust means provided in the unoccupied space is controlled to be reduced by a reduction width. The control system of claim 2 .

7. the first measuring means, the second measuring means, and the third measuring means measure the degree of air pollution inside the space; The control system of claim 1 .

8. the first measuring means, the second measuring means, and the third measuring means measure a CO2 concentration inside the space as the air pollution level; The control system of claim 7.

9. When the CO2 concentration in the occupied space among the first space, the second space, and the third space is equal to or greater than a first concentration threshold and equal to or less than a second concentration threshold, and when the state in which the CO2 concentration in the occupied space is equal to or greater than the first concentration threshold continues for a determination time or longer, an air supply amount or an air exhaust amount of a ventilation means provided in the occupancy space among the first air supply means, the second air supply means, and the air exhaust means is controlled so as to increase by an increase width; The control system of claim 8.

10. When the CO2 concentration in the occupancy space is greater than the second concentration threshold, an air supply amount or an air exhaust amount of a ventilation means provided in the occupancy space among the first air supply means, the second air supply means, and the air exhaust means is controlled so as to increase by an increase width; 10. The control system of claim 9.

11. If there is an absent space among the first space, the second space, and the third space in which the measured CO2 concentration is lower than the first concentration threshold, The ventilation volume of the ventilation means provided in the unoccupied space among the first air supply means, the second air supply means, and the exhaust means is controlled so as to decrease by a decrease width.

10. The control system of claim 9.

12. a person detection means for detecting the number of people present in at least one of the first space, the second space, the third space, and the fourth space; Further provided with When the person detection means detects that one person is present in the occupancy space, and when the state in which the CO2 concentration in the occupancy space is equal to or higher than the first concentration threshold continues for the determination time or longer, an air supply amount or an air exhaust amount of a ventilation means provided in the occupancy space among the first air supply means, the second air supply means, and the air exhaust means is controlled so as to increase by an increase width; 10. The control system of claim 9.

13. a person detection means for detecting the number of people present in at least one of the first space, the second space, the third space, and the fourth space; Further provided with When the CO2 concentration in an occupied space among the first space, the second space, and the third space is equal to or greater than a first concentration threshold and equal to or less than a second concentration threshold, and the person detection means detects that one person is present in the occupied space for a determination time or longer, an air supply amount or an air exhaust amount of a ventilation means provided in the occupancy space among the first air supply means, the second air supply means, and the air exhaust means is controlled so as to increase by an increase width; The control system of claim 8.

14. The first concentration threshold is 600 ppm or a concentration obtained by adding 100 ppm to the CO2 concentration in outside air. A control system according to any one of claims 9 to 13.

15. The second concentration threshold is 800 ppm or a concentration obtained by adding 300 ppm to the CO2 concentration in the outside air.

15. The control system of claim 14.

16. The increase amount is an amount equivalent to 0.5 times or more of the current intake air volume or exhaust air volume. A control system according to any one of claims 3 to 5 and claims 9 to 13.

17. The amount of decrease is an amount equivalent to 0.25 times or more of the current intake air volume or exhaust air volume. A control system according to claim 6 or claim 11.

18. At least one of the first air supply means and the second air supply means is The air conditioner is provided with at least one of a damper that changes the opening area so as to adjust the amount of air supplied, a shutter that changes the opening area so as to adjust the amount of air supplied, and a fan that adjusts the rotation amount so as to adjust the amount of air supplied. A control system according to any one of claims 1 to 13.

19. The first air supply means, the second air supply means, and the exhaust means are always operated so that the ventilation rate inside the residence is 0.5 times / hour as a standard ventilation rate. A control system according to any one of claims 1 to 13.

20. The control means controlling at least one of the first air supply means, the second air supply means, and the exhaust means based on the measurement results of the first measurement means and the second measurement means, thereby controlling the amount of air supplied to at least one of the first space and the second space; controlling the operation of the first air conditioning means or the second air conditioning means based on the control results of the amounts of air supplied to the first space and the second space; A control system according to any one of claims 1 to 13.

21. The control means when the amount of air supplied to the first space increases while the first air conditioning means is stopped, the first air conditioning means is started to operate with a reference temperature as a set value; When the amount of air supplied to the first space increases while the first air conditioning means is operating, the operation amount of the first air conditioning means is increased.

21. The control system of claim 20.

22. The control means when the amount of air supplied to the second space increases while the second air conditioning means is stopped, the second air conditioning means is started to operate with a reference temperature as a set value; When the amount of air supplied to the second space increases while the second air conditioning means is operating, the operation amount of the second air conditioning means is increased.

22. The control system of claim 21.

23. When the amount of air supplied to the first space increases while the first air conditioning unit is stopped, the first air conditioning unit starts either a cooling operation or a heating operation depending on an outside air temperature.

22. The control system of claim 21.

24. The first air conditioning means starts cooling operation when the outside temperature is 28°C or higher, and starts cooling operation when the outside temperature is 20°C or lower.

24. The control system of claim 23.

25. When the first air conditioning means starts cooling operation, the reference temperature is set to 27°C, When the first air conditioning means starts the heating operation, the reference temperature is set to 22°C.

22. The control system of claim 21.

26. The control means When the first air conditioning means is performing cooling operation, the set temperature is lowered by 1°C as a control to increase the operation amount, When the first air conditioning means is performing heating operation, the set temperature is increased by 1°C as a control to increase the operation amount.

22. The control system of claim 21.

27. heat exchange means that are provided midway along the air passage from the outside air to the first air supply means, midway along the air passage from the outside air to the second air supply means, and midway along the air passage from the exhaust means to the outside air, and that perform heat exchange between air flowing from the outside air to the first air supply means and air flowing from the exhaust means to the outside air, and between air flowing from the outside air to the second air supply means and air flowing from the exhaust means to the outside air; 14. The control system of any one of claims 1 to 13, further comprising:

28. the control means receives setting of an operation schedule including setting values ​​related to the operation of each of the first air supply means, the second air supply means, the exhaust means, the first air conditioning means, and the second air conditioning means, and time periods during which the setting values ​​are applied; each of the first air supply means, the second air supply means, the exhaust means, the first air conditioning means, and the second air conditioning means operates based on the operation schedule; A control system according to any one of claims 1 to 13.

29. the control means infers the operation schedule for that day from the current occupancy information, using a trained operation model for outputting an operation schedule including setting values ​​for operation of the first air supply means, the second air supply means, the exhaust means, the first air conditioning means, and the second air conditioning means, and time periods during which the setting values ​​are applied, from occupancy information indicating the number of people present in each of the first space, the second space, the third space, and the fourth space; each of the first air supply means, the second air supply means, the exhaust means, the first air conditioning means, and the second air conditioning means operates based on the operation schedule inferred by the control means; A control system according to any one of claims 1 to 13.

30. a learning device that generates the operation model using learning data that includes the occupancy information and the operation schedule in association with each other; 30. The control system of claim 29, further comprising:

31. the learning device generates the driving model using the learning data further including the CO2 concentration in the first space, the CO2 concentration in the second space, and the CO2 concentration in the third space measured by the first measurement means, the second measurement means, and the third measurement means, respectively, in association with each other.

31. The control system of claim 30.

32. The present invention is applicable to a residence having a first space, a second space, a third space, and a fourth space, the fourth space being in communication with the first space, the second space, and the third space, respectively; a first air supply means provided in the first space and capable of adjusting an amount of air supplied from outside air to the first space; a second air supply means provided in the second space and capable of adjusting an amount of air supplied from outside air to the second space; an exhaust means provided in the third space and capable of adjusting an amount of air exhausted from the third space to outside air; a first air conditioning means provided in the first space and conditioning the first space; a second air conditioning means provided in the second space and conditioning the second space; a first measurement means for measuring environmental physical quantities including a temperature and a CO2 concentration in the first space; a second measurement means for measuring environmental physical quantities including a temperature and a CO2 concentration in the second space; and a third measurement means for measuring environmental physical quantities including a temperature and a CO2 concentration in the third space, a data acquisition unit that acquires learning data including an occupancy status including the number of people present in each of the first space, the second space, the third space, and the fourth space, measurement results of CO2 concentrations by the first measurement means, the second measurement means, and the third measurement means, and operating states of the first air supply means, the second air supply means, the exhaust means, the first air conditioning means, and the second air conditioning means in the occupancy status and the measurement results of CO2 concentrations; a generation unit that generates an operation model for inferring setting values ​​for the operation of each of the first air supply means, the second air supply means, the exhaust means, the first air conditioning means, and the second air conditioning means, and an operation schedule including time periods during which the setting values ​​are applied, from the measurement results of the occupancy state and the CO2 concentration using the learning data; A learning device equipped with

33. the generation unit generates the operation model for inferring the operation schedule in which a CO2 concentration in at least one space among the first space, the second space, the third space, and the fourth space is reduced.

33. The learning device of claim 32.

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