Air conditioner, air conditioning control method, program and storage medium

Abstract

To provide an air conditioner, an air conditioning control method, a program and a storage medium capable of appropriately determining a control parameter relative to a control space.SOLUTION: An air conditioner includes a first sensor for acquiring positional information on a position of a user in a control space and a control section that performs air-conditioning control. The control section acquires the positional information via the first sensor, acquires first physical constitution information on a physical constitution of the user, and determines a control parameter including at least one of a set temperature, set humidity, a wind speed and a wind direction on the basis of the positional information and the first physical constitution information.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

[Technical Field]

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

[0002] An air conditioner can perform air conditioning control for a controlled space by blowing cool or warm air into the controlled space. Conventionally, as described in Patent Document 1, air conditioning control based on the position of a user within the controlled space has been studied. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 07-103551 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] However, the air conditioner described in Patent Document 1 does not fully consider the comfort of the user, and there is room for improvement in terms of appropriately determining control parameters so that the user feels comfortable.

[0005] An object of the present disclosure is to provide an air conditioner, an air conditioning control method, a program, and a storage medium that can appropriately determine control parameters for a control space that is the target of air conditioning control. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] In order to solve the above-mentioned problems, the present disclosure provides an air conditioner, an air conditioning control method, a program, and a storage medium.

[0007] An air conditioner according to one aspect of the present disclosure includes a first sensor for acquiring position information relating to a user's position in a controlled space, and a controller for controlling air conditioning. The controller acquires the position information via the first sensor, acquires first physique information relating to the user's physique, and determines control parameters including at least one of a set temperature, a set humidity, a wind speed, and a wind direction based on the position information and the first physique information.

[0008] Another aspect of the air conditioning control method according to the present disclosure is an air conditioning control method for an air conditioner, which includes the steps of acquiring position information relating to a position of a user in a control space and first physique information relating to a physique of the user, and determining control parameters including at least one of a set temperature, a set humidity, a wind speed, and a wind direction based on the position information and the first physique information.

[0009] Furthermore, a program according to another aspect of the present disclosure is a program that causes an air conditioner to execute the air conditioning control method described above.

[0010] Another aspect of the present disclosure relates to a storage medium that is a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium having a computer program stored therein, the computer program being executed by a processor to implement the air conditioning control method described above. [Effects of the Invention]

[0011] According to the air conditioner, air conditioning control method, program, and storage medium disclosed herein, control parameters can be appropriately determined for a control space that is the target of air conditioning control. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0012] [Figure 1] 1 is a block diagram of an example of an air conditioner according to a first embodiment; [Figure 2] 1 is a flowchart illustrating an example of an air conditioning control method according to the first embodiment. [Figure 3] 10 is a flowchart illustrating an example of an air conditioning control method according to a second embodiment. [Figure 4A] An example of second physique information expressed as volume [Figure 4B] An example of secondary physique information expressed as area when viewed from the front [Figure 4C] Schematic diagram showing the area from above [Figure 4D] An example of second physique information expressed as area viewed from above [Figure 5] 10 is a flowchart illustrating an example of an air conditioning control method according to a third embodiment. [Figure 6] Example of an area [Figure 7] An example of a user in multiple areas [Figure 8A] An example of dividing the occupied volume to fit the region [Figure 8B] An example of dividing the occupied area as viewed from the front into regions [Figure 8C] Schematic diagram showing the division of occupied areas from above [Figure 8D] An example of dividing the occupied area according to the area viewed from above [Figure 8E] The first distribution corresponding to the division example in Figure 8A [Figure 9] Example of division for multiple users [Figure 10] The split ratios shown in Figure 9 [Figure 11] The first distribution corresponding to the division example in Figure 10 [Figure 12] 10 is a flowchart illustrating an example of an air conditioning control method according to the fourth embodiment. [Figure 13] An example of the user's size division and third physique information [Figure 14] An example of the second distribution [Figure 15] 10 is a flowchart illustrating an example of an air conditioning control method according to a fifth embodiment. [Figure 16A] An example of the third distribution [Figure 16B] 16B is a schematic diagram showing the third distribution shown in FIG. 16A; [Figure 17] An example of control parameters using the third distribution [Figure 18]10 is a flowchart illustrating an example of an air conditioning control method according to a sixth embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0013] 《Technical concept》 Before describing specific embodiments of the air conditioner, air conditioning control method, program, and storage medium according to the present disclosure, the technical concept described in the present disclosure will first be described using an example.

[0014] In this example, an air conditioner is installed in a controlled space and performs air conditioning control for the controlled space. The air conditioner includes a first sensor for acquiring position information regarding a user's position in the controlled space and a control unit for performing air conditioning control. The control unit acquires the position information via the first sensor. Furthermore, the control unit acquires first physique information regarding the user's physique from the first sensor or from input data previously entered by the user. The control unit determines control parameters such as the set temperature, set humidity, wind speed, and wind direction based on the position information and the first physique information.

[0015] For example, the control unit may further acquire information useful for air conditioning control based on the first physique information and determine control parameters based on the further acquired information. If the first physique information includes the user's height and width, the control unit may estimate the dimensions of the control space occupied by the user based on the first physique information and determine control parameters based on the user's size. If the first physique information includes the user's weight or if the weight can be estimated from the first physique information, the control unit may determine control parameters based on the user's weight.

[0016] The control unit may obtain a distribution of users in the control space associated with their physiques based on the location information and the first physique information, and determine control parameters based on this distribution. For example, the control unit may determine different set temperatures for areas around users with different physiques. If the user's body mass index (BMI) can be obtained based on the first physique information, the control unit may create a distribution of the user's BMI based on the user's BMI and location information, and determine control parameters based on this distribution.

[0017] It is believed that the user's physical characteristics are related to the user's preference for thermal sensation. Therefore, based on the user's physical characteristics information such as height, width, sitting height, volume, weight, BMI, etc., the air conditioner can control the temperature, humidity, or airflow in the controlled space in consideration of the user's preferences.

[0018] Each of the embodiments described below represents an example of the present disclosure. The numerical values, shapes, configurations, steps, and step orders shown in each of the following embodiments are examples and do not limit the present disclosure. Among the components in the following embodiment 1, components that are not described in the independent claims that represent the highest concept are described as optional components.

[0019] In each of the embodiments described below, certain elements may be modified, and other elements may be appropriately combined with any configuration, and the combined configurations will provide the respective effects. In the embodiments, the respective combinations of the respective modified configurations will provide the respective effects of the respective modified configurations.

[0020] In the following detailed description, terms such as "first," "second," etc. are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be understood as expressing or implying the relative importance or ranking of technical features. Features qualified as "first" and "second" expressly or imply the inclusion of one or more of that feature.

[0021] First Embodiment Hereinafter, a first embodiment of an air conditioner, an air conditioning control method for an air conditioner, a program, and a storage medium according to the present disclosure will be described in detail with appropriate reference to the drawings.

[0022] First, an example of the configuration of an air conditioner will be described. Fig. 1 is a block diagram of an example of an air conditioner according to a first embodiment.

[0023] In the embodiment of Fig. 1, the air conditioner 10 includes a memory unit 11, a control unit 12, and a sensor 13. The air conditioner 10 may further include a communication unit 14 for communicating with a terminal device 20 and / or a server 30. The air conditioner 10 may further include an input unit for acquiring input data from a user, and may include a presentation unit for presenting information related to air conditioning control to the user.

[0024] As will be described later, the air conditioner 10 can be connected via the internet to a terminal device 20 such as a smartphone of a user of the air conditioner 10, a server 30, or an external information source 40. The air conditioner 10 can also be connected to the terminal device 20, which is a remote controller for the air conditioner 10, via infrared or Wi-Fi (registered trademark).

[0025] Below, an overview of each component will be explained.

[0026] <Air conditioner 10> The air conditioner 10 controls the air conditioning of a controlled space, for example, the interior space of a room in a home or office. The controlled space is the target of air conditioning control. The air conditioner 10 has, for example, at least one of a cooling function, a heating function, and an air cleaning function. The air conditioner 10 may include a ventilation device that introduces outdoor air from outside the controlled space into the controlled space. The operating modes of the air conditioning function include at least a cooling mode and a heating mode. Furthermore, the air conditioner 10 may have operating modes such as a dehumidification mode, a humidification mode, a fan mode, and a ventilation mode, and these functions and operating modes can be freely combined (for example, a heating and humidification function, a cooling and ventilation mode, etc.).

[0027] <Storage section 11> The storage unit 11 is a recording medium that records various information and control programs, and may be a memory that functions as a work area for the control unit 12. The storage unit 11 is realized, for example, by a flash memory, a RAM (Random Access Memory), a ROM (Read Only Memory), other storage devices, or an appropriate combination of these.

[0028] The memory unit 11 may store criteria, thresholds, mathematical formulas, and lookup tables for air conditioning control. For example, the memory unit 11 may store mathematical formulas and lookup tables for determining control parameters for air conditioning control. The memory unit 11 may store information acquired from each sensor 13. Information acquired from the server 30 or an external information source 40 may also be stored in the memory unit 11. This information may be read by the control unit 12 when an air conditioning control method or a notification method for notifying the terminal device 20 of a target temperature is executed.

[0029] The storage unit 11 may also store a program for causing the control unit 12 to execute an air conditioning control method.

[0030] <Control unit 12> The control unit 12 is a controller that controls at least some of the functions of the air conditioner 10. The control unit 12 includes a general-purpose processor such as a CPU, MPU, MCU, FPGA, DSP, or ASIC that executes programs to achieve predetermined functions. The control unit 12 can implement various controls in the air conditioner 10 by calling and executing control programs stored in the storage unit 11. The control unit 12 can also work in cooperation with the storage unit 11 to read and write data stored in the storage unit 11. The control unit 12 is not limited to a unit that implements predetermined functions through cooperation between hardware and software, and may be a hardware circuit designed specifically to implement the predetermined functions.

[0031] The control unit 12 can communicate with the server 30 via the communication unit 14. Similarly, the control unit 12 can receive various commands from the user, setting values, information about the user's physique, or information about the controlled space from the terminal device 20 via the communication unit 14. Based on this information and detection results received from the various sensors 13 (e.g., user position information), the control unit 12 controls each component of the air conditioner 10 so that the air conditioner 10 performs its cooling function or heating function.

[0032] <Sensor 13> The sensor 13 is used to acquire various information from outside the air conditioner 10 in order to perform functions such as air conditioning control. However, it is not necessary to acquire all of the information used for air conditioning control from the sensor 13; at least some of the information can be acquired from the memory unit 11, the communication unit 14, or the input unit 15.

[0033] The sensor 13 includes a first sensor 13a for acquiring position information regarding the position of the user in the control space. The first sensor 13a may be, for example, a radar sensor, an image sensor, an infrared sensor, an ultrasonic sensor, or a distance sensor. The image sensor may be a camera, and the infrared sensor may be an infrared thermography camera. In one example, the position information acquireable via the first sensor 13a includes the absolute coordinates or relative coordinates of the user in the control space. If the control space can be divided into multiple regions as described below, the position information includes information identifying which region the user is in. The distribution of users in the control space can be obtained from the position information.

[0034] The sensor 13 may further include a second sensor for acquiring first physique information related to the user's physique. The second sensor 13b may be, for example, a radar sensor, an image sensor, an infrared sensor, or an ultrasonic sensor. The radar sensor may be, for example, a microwave radar sensor, a quasi-millimeter wave radar sensor, or a millimeter wave radar sensor. The radar sensor outputs shape data as its detection result, and the shape data includes information representing the user's shape. The first physique information acquireable via the second sensor 13b includes at least one of the user's height, width, and sitting height. For example, the user can be identified and the user's height and width can be obtained based on the shape data acquired from the radar sensor or based on an image including the user acquired from the image sensor.

[0035] In one example, the first sensor 13a and the second sensor 13b are the same radar sensor. In another example, the first sensor 13a and the second sensor 13b are the same image sensor, infrared sensor, or ultrasonic sensor. In yet another example, at least one of the first sensor and the second sensor includes at least one of a radar sensor, an image sensor, an infrared sensor, and an ultrasonic sensor.

[0036] The air conditioner 10 may have other sensors 13 to perform various functions. For example, the air conditioner 10 may include an indoor temperature sensor 13c that detects the temperature inside the controlled space and an outdoor air temperature sensor 13d that detects the outdoor air temperature outside the controlled space. Information detected by the sensor 13 may be input and stored in the memory unit 12. The information may be used by the control unit 12, or may be transmitted to the terminal device 30 or the server 20.

[0037] The sensor 13 may be mounted on the main body of the air conditioner 10, on another home appliance, or at any location inside or outside the smart home, or may be an independent sensor device. When executing the air conditioning control method, the control unit 12 can acquire information used for control from these sensors 13, regardless of where the sensors 13 are mounted.

[0038] <Communications Department 14> The communication unit 14 can also communicate with the server 30, the terminal device 20, etc., and can also send and receive internet packets, for example. As described above, the control unit 12 may cooperate with the server 30 and / or the terminal device 20 via the communication unit 14. The communication unit 14 may communicate and send and receive data between the server 30, the air conditioner 10, and the terminal device 20 in accordance with standards such as Wi-Fi (registered trademark), IEEE802.2, IEEE802.3, 3G, and LTE. The communication unit 14 may communicate via the internet, an intranet, an extranet, a LAN, ISDN, a VAN, a CATV communication network, a virtual private network, a telephone line network, a mobile communication network, a satellite communication network, infrared rays, or Bluetooth (registered trademark).

[0039] <Input section 15> The input unit 15 is a device for acquiring input data from a user, and the user can input the input data to the air conditioner 10 via the input unit 15. The input unit 15 may include at least one of a button, a keyboard, a touch panel, an RFID reader, a QR Code (registered trademark) reader, a barcode reader, an IC card reader, a magnetic card scanner, and an optical scanner.

[0040] <Presentation part 16> The air conditioner 10 may include a presentation unit 16 for displaying visual or audio information to the user. The presentation unit 16 may present information in the form of at least one of numerical values, text, images, and sound. The air conditioner 10 may include a display for presenting a graphical user interface (GUI). The terminal presentation unit 24 may include a speaker for presenting information such as the target temperature to the user by sound, or a voice user interface (VUI) for interacting with the user. The air conditioner 10 can present information regarding the control parameters of the air conditioning control to the user via the presentation unit 16 or the communication unit 14.

[0041] <Terminal device 20> The terminal device 20 is a device related to the air conditioner 10 or a user of the air conditioner 10. In one embodiment, the terminal device 20 is an information terminal connected to the air conditioner 10 via the Internet or a server 30. For example, an associated application 25 for providing services related to the air conditioner 10 can be incorporated into the terminal device 20. The terminal device 20 may be a smartphone, mobile phone, tablet, wearable device, computer, or the like, incorporating the associated application 25. In one embodiment, the terminal device 20 is a remote controller connected to the air conditioner 10 via infrared or Bluetooth (registered trademark). For example, the terminal device 20 may be a remote controller that manages and controls only the air conditioner 10, or may be a remote controller that can manage and control multiple types of home appliances simultaneously.

[0042] The terminal device 20 can acquire information, settings, or commands input by the user and transfer the acquired information as input data to the air conditioner 10 or the server 30. On the other hand, the terminal device 20 can acquire information such as control parameters from the air conditioner 10 or the server 30 and present the acquired information to the user.

[0043] <Server 30> The server 30 may be, for example, a management server of a manufacturer of the air conditioner 10 for managing at least one air conditioner 10 or for collecting data. The server 30 may also be an application server. The server 30 can obtain the outdoor air temperature of the controlled space of a specific air conditioner 10 from an external information source 40 via the Internet, and notify the specific air conditioner 10 of the obtained outdoor air temperature. The server 30 can also receive information regarding control parameters determined by a specific air conditioner 10, and transfer the received control parameters to a terminal device 20 associated with this specific air conditioner 10.

[0044] <External information source 40> The external information source 40 is an information source that provides information about services not directly related to the air conditioner 10, such as weather information or information about the air quality of a specific region. For example, the external information source 40 may be the website of the Japan Meteorological Agency. The server 30 may transfer information obtained from the external information source 40 to the air conditioner 10 or the terminal device 20. The air conditioner 10 may directly connect to the external information source 40 and obtain some of the information necessary for air conditioning control from the external information source 40, or may indirectly connect to the external information source 40 via the server 30 or the terminal device 20 to obtain the necessary information. The air conditioner 10 can control air conditioning based on information such as the outside air temperature obtained from the external information source 40.

[0045] Up to this point, we have provided an overview of the configuration of the air conditioner 10 according to this embodiment. From here on, we will explain the features of the air conditioning control method, program, and storage medium executed by the air conditioner 10 according to this embodiment.

[0046] <Air conditioning control method> The control unit 12 executes an air conditioning control method for the air conditioner 10. According to this air conditioning control method, it is possible to automatically determine appropriate control parameters for a control space that is the target of air conditioning control.

[0047] FIG. 2 is a flowchart of an example of an air-conditioning control method according to the first embodiment, and in this example, the air-conditioning control method includes steps S100 and S110.

[0048] In one embodiment, the control unit 12 may determine the control parameters by executing steps S100 and S110 when the air conditioner 10 starts cooling operation or heating operation in response to a command from the user.

[0049] In the air conditioning control method, first, the control unit 12 acquires position information related to the position of the user in the controlled space and first physique information related to the physique of the user (step S100). The control unit 12 causes the first sensor 13a to detect the position of the user and acquires the position information from the detection result of the first sensor 13a. The control unit 12 then acquires the first physique information from the detection result of the second sensor 13b, input data stored in the memory unit 11, or input data acquired by the communication unit 14 or the input unit 15.

[0050] The input data may include information about the user's physique, information about the user's preference for thermal sensation, or other information about the user. For example, the input data may include at least one of the user's height, weight, BMI, sex, age, whether or not the user is sensitive to heat, and whether or not the user is sensitive to cold. The input data may also include information about the size of the control space or information about the shape of the control space input by the user to the terminal device 20.

[0051] Next, the control unit 12 determines control parameters for air conditioning control based on the acquired location information and first physical information (step S110). The control parameters may include at least one of a set temperature, a set humidity, a wind speed, and a wind direction.

[0052] This type of air conditioning control not only uses the user's location information, but also first physique information related to the user's physique. In this way, control parameters can be appropriately determined so that the user feels comfortable. It is also believed that a person's physique is related to the user's preference for thermal sensation. If air conditioning can be controlled in this way, control parameters can be appropriately determined in accordance with the user's preference.

[0053] In one embodiment, the control unit 12 estimates the user's body size, weight, and other physical information based on the first physique information, and determines control parameters based on the estimated information. In one example, the control unit 12 estimates the user's body size and determines control parameters so that airflow is blown toward the user's location at a wind speed that increases in proportion to the body size. In one example, the control unit 12 estimates the user's BMI and determines control parameters so that the set temperature around the user is lowered in proportion to the BMI. In one example, the control unit 12 generates a first distribution, a second distribution, or a third distribution (described below) based on the location information and the first physique information, and determines control parameters based on the generated distribution.

[0054] Hereinafter, how to determine the control parameters in step S110 will be described in more detail using several embodiments and examples.

[0055] Second Embodiment <Second physique information> In the second embodiment, the control unit 12 calculates second physique information that indicates the size of the control space occupied by the user, and determines the control parameters based on the second physique information.

[0056] FIG. 3 is a flowchart of an example of an air conditioning control method according to the second embodiment. In the example of FIG. 3, step S110 shown in FIG. 2 includes steps S120 and S130. After acquiring the first physique information in step S110, the control unit 12 calculates second physique information representing the size of the control space occupied by the user based on the first physique information (step S120). Then, the control unit 12 determines control parameters based on the position information and the second physique information (step S130).

[0057] The dimension that a user occupies in the control space refers to the volume of the three-dimensional space occupied by the user (also called the occupied volume), or the area of ​​the planar region occupied by the user in a plane viewed from above the control space, a plane viewed from the front of the control space, or an image that includes the user (also called the occupied area).

[0058] 4A is an example of the second physique information expressed as a volume. In the example of FIG. 4A, the second physique information is the volume of the control space R1 occupied by the user U1, calculated based on shape data acquired via the second sensor 13b of the radar sensor. In one example, to simplify the calculation, the volume of a rectangular parallelepiped area R2 containing the user U1 is calculated as the second physique information, instead of the volume actually occupied by the user U1.

[0059] When user U1 is standing or walking, area R2 may be a rectangular parallelepiped defined by the height, width, and thickness of user U1. In this case, the height, width, and depth of area R2 may be the same as or different from the height, width, and thickness of user U1. When user U1 is sitting, area R2 may be a rectangular parallelepiped defined by the sitting height of user U1 or the sum of the sitting height and the chair height, width, and thickness.

[0060] When the second physique information is expressed as a volume, the unit of the second physique information may be cubic centimeters or cubic meters.When the second physique information is expressed as a percentage of the volume of the control space R1, the unit of the second physique information is %.

[0061] FIG. 4B shows an example of second physique information expressed as the area of ​​the control space R1 as viewed from the front. In the example of FIG. 4B, the second physique information is the area of ​​the control space R1 occupied by the user U1 in an image, calculated based on an image acquired via an image sensor or an infrared sensor. Similarly, to simplify the calculation, the control unit 12 may calculate the area of ​​a rectangular area R3 containing the user U1 as the second physique information, instead of the area actually occupied by the user U1. Also, as in the example of FIG. 4A, the area R3 may be a rectangle defined by the height, sitting height, or width of the user U1, or a rectangle circumscribing the user U1.

[0062] In another embodiment, the control unit 12 calculates the area occupied by the user U1 in the control space R1 in a plane viewed from above the control space R1 as the second physique information based on an image acquired by an image sensor or the like. FIG. 4C is a schematic diagram showing the area of ​​the control space R1 viewed from above, and FIG. 4D is an example of the second physique information represented by the area of ​​the control space R1 viewed from above. As shown in FIG. 4D, when the user U1 is standing, the user U1's head and shoulders are visible from above the control space R1, and a rectangular area R3 includes an image of the user U1's head and shoulders. In this case, the second physique information is the area occupied by the user U1 in the control space R1 in the image calculated based on the image acquired from above the control space R1. To simplify the calculation, the control unit 12 may calculate the area of ​​the rectangular area R3 including the user U1 in the plane viewed from above the control space R1 as the second physique information.

[0063] When the second physique information is expressed by area, the unit of the second physique information may be the number of pixels, square centimeters, or square meters. When the second physique information is expressed by a percentage of the area of ​​the control space R1, the unit of the second physique information is %.

[0064] As described above, in step S120, the control unit 12 calculates second physique information representing the size of the user. The control unit 12 determines control parameters based on the position information and the second physique information. For example, the amount of heat produced by a user increases depending on the user's volume or area, and the user tends to feel hotter even at the same room temperature. Therefore, in cooling operation, the control unit 12 sets a relatively low set temperature or a relatively high airflow speed depending on the user's size.

[0065] Third Embodiment <1st distribution> In the third embodiment, the control unit 12 divides the control space into a plurality of regions, creates a first distribution relating to the division ratio of the portion where the user is present in each region, and determines the control parameters based on the first distribution.

[0066] Fig. 5 is a flowchart of an example of an air conditioning control method according to embodiment 3. In the example of Fig. 5, step S130 shown in Fig. 3 includes steps S140 to S170. After calculating the second physique information, the control unit 12 divides the control space into a plurality of regions (step S140).

[0067] Note that step S140 may be executed before step S130, and may be executed first even if the air conditioning control method is executed repeatedly. For example, the control unit 12 may execute step S140 before step S100 when executing the air conditioning control method for the first time.

[0068] FIG. 6 shows an example of regions divided from a control space. In the embodiment of FIG. 6, the control space R1 is divided into nine regions, region A to region I, on a plane viewed from above. Each region can be defined by a range of distance from the air conditioner 10 and a range of directions (angles) viewed from the air conditioner 10. Note that the number, shape, or size of the divided regions is not limited to that shown in FIG. 6, and the divided regions may have different shapes or sizes. In one example, the control unit 12 divides the control space R1 into predetermined rectangular or sector-shaped regions. In one example, the control unit 12 obtains information regarding the shape and size of the control space R1 from input data and divides the control space R1 according to the shape and size.

[0069] In one embodiment, the control unit 12 can determine different control parameters for each region and perform different air conditioning control. For example, the set temperature for a specific region can be determined to be higher than for other regions, and different air speeds can be determined for multiple regions that are the same distance from the air conditioner 10.

[0070] A user may be entirely in one zone or may be in multiple zones simultaneously. Figure 7 shows an example of user U1 in multiple zones. In Figure 7, when viewed from above the control space R1, user U1 is simultaneously in zones B, C, E, and F.

[0071] Next, the control unit 12 divides the size occupied by the user based on the second physique information and the position information according to the area the user is in (step S150). For example, in the example of Fig. 7, the size (occupied volume or occupied area) occupied by user U1 can be divided into four parts corresponding to areas B, C, E, and F, respectively.

[0072] 8A shows an example of dividing the occupied volume of a user into regions. As shown in FIG. 8A, the rectangular parallelepiped area R2 containing the user U1 is divided into four parts: a portion P1 in region B, a portion P2 in region C, a portion P3 in region E, and a portion P4 in region F.

[0073] 8B shows an example of dividing the occupied area of ​​a user into regions. As shown in FIG. 8B, the rectangular area R3 including user U1 is divided into four parts: a portion P1 in region B, a portion P2 in region C, a portion P3 in region E, and a portion P4 in region F.

[0074] In another embodiment, the control unit 12 divides the occupied area of ​​the control space R1 as viewed from above into regions. Fig. 8C is a schematic diagram showing the division of the occupied area of ​​the control space R1 as viewed from above, and Fig. 8D is an example of dividing the occupied area of ​​the control space R1 as viewed from above into regions. As shown in Fig. 8D, a rectangular area R3 including the head and shoulders of the user U1 is divided into four parts: a part P1 that falls within region B, a part P2 that falls within region C, a part P3 that falls within region E, and a part P4 that falls within region F.

[0075] In one embodiment, the control unit 12 calculates the ratio of the size of the portion of the user that is included in each region to the size of the entire user as a division ratio, and creates a first distribution of the division ratios (step S160). That is, the division ratio represents, for each region, how much of the user's size is included in the region. The first distribution includes the division ratio of each user for each region.

[0076] In the example of FIG. 8A, the control unit 12 calculates the division ratio of each of the portions P1 to P4 to the entire volume occupied by the user U1, and stores the calculated division ratio. That is, the control unit 12 calculates the ratio of the size of the portion of the user U1 that is included in a specific region to the entire size of the user U1 as the division ratio. For example, the division result for the user U1 shown in FIG. 8A is "region B: 20%, region C: 40%, region E: 15%, region F: 25%." In other words, the division ratios for the regions B, C, E, and F are 20%, 40%, 15%, and 25%, respectively, relative to the entire volume of the user U1.

[0077] 8B, the control unit 12 calculates the division ratio of each of the portions P1 to P4 with respect to the entire occupied area of ​​the user U1, and stores the division results. As described above, it is possible to calculate the division ratio of the portion occupied by each user in each region with respect to the entire user.

[0078] In one embodiment, in step S160, the control unit 12 calculates a division ratio for each area, which is the ratio of the size of the portion occupied by the user to the size of the area, and creates a first distribution related to this division ratio. In other words, this division ratio represents the extent to which each area is occupied by the user. The control unit 12 creates a first distribution related to this division ratio and determines control parameters based on this first distribution.

[0079] Based on the results of the division, the control unit 12 creates a first distribution of the user division ratios. The first distribution can also be considered a distribution of the occupied volume or area in the control space. In the example of FIG. 8A, assuming that only user U1 exists in the control space, the division results are as described above. Based on the results of this division, the first distribution shown in FIG. 8E is obtained. That is, 20% of user U1 is in area B, 40% of user U1 is in area C, 15% of user U1 is in area E, and 25% of user U1 is in area F. No users are in areas A, D, G, H, or I.

[0080] The control unit 12 determines control parameters based on the first distribution (step S170). For example, in cooling operation, the control unit 12 sets the set temperatures of areas A, D, G, H, and I where the user U1 is not present based on the first distribution so that they are higher than the set temperatures of areas B, C, E, and F where the user U1 is present. For example, the control unit 12 sets a higher air speed for area C, where a relatively large portion of the user U1 is present, than the air speed for areas B, E, and F.

[0081] The air conditioning control method of the present disclosure can appropriately determine control parameters even when multiple users are present in the controlled space.

[0082] FIG. 9 shows an example of dividing multiple users. In the example of FIG. 9, user U1 is in areas A, B, D, and E, user U2 is in areas B, C, E, and F, and user U3 is in areas D, E, G, and H. FIG. 10 shows the division ratios of each user resulting from dividing users U1, U2, and U3 shown in FIG. 9 into areas. Based on the division ratios, the control unit 12 creates a first distribution shown in FIG. 11. According to the first distribution, it is possible to obtain which users are in each area and at what ratio.

[0083] In one example, based on the first distribution, the control unit 12 determines control parameters to operate the cooling or heating strongly in an area where many users are present. In another example, for an area where only one user is present, the control unit 12 can control the air conditioning according to the user's preference for thermal sensation. For example, the control unit 12 sets the set temperature slightly higher than the standard value for a user who is sensitive to the cold.

[0084] For an area where multiple users are present at the same time, the control unit 12 may determine the control parameters so as to reflect the average preferences of these users for thermal sensation. The control unit 12 may determine the control parameters so as to reflect the division ratio of each user and the preferences of the users for thermal sensation. Furthermore, the control unit 12 may tentatively determine the control parameters, and then weight the tentatively determined control parameters by the division ratio of each user to calculate the final control parameters.

[0085] By creating a first distribution for multiple occupants in a controlled space, air conditioning control can be performed centered on the area where the occupants are present. Air conditioning control in this manner can reduce power consumption while providing comfort to occupants, resulting in energy savings. Furthermore, the first distribution related to the size of occupants can be used to appropriately determine control parameters so that multiple occupants can feel comfortable.

[0086] Fourth Embodiment <Second distribution> In the fourth embodiment, the control unit 12 divides the control space into a plurality of regions, further creates a second distribution related to scores that represent the user's preference for thermal sensation, and determines the control parameters based on the second distribution.

[0087] Fig. 12 is a flowchart of an example of an air conditioning control method according to embodiment 4. In the example of Fig. 12, step S170 shown in Fig. 5 includes steps S180 to S200.

[0088] After creating the first distribution, the control unit 12 calculates third physique information related to the user's thermal sensation based on the first physique information (step S180). The third physique information may be the user's BMI, Rohrer index, or obesity level. Generally, as the BMI, Rohrer index, or obesity level increases, the user tends to be more sensitive to heat and less sensitive to cold. Therefore, the third physique information better reflects the user's preference for thermal sensation than the first physique information and the second physique information.

[0089] BMI is calculated by dividing weight (in kilograms) by the square of height (in meters), with a range of 18.5 to 25 generally considered to be within the normal range. The Rohrer Index, for people from school age through 18, is calculated by dividing weight (in kilograms) by the cube of height (in meters) and then multiplying the result by 10, with a range of 115 to 145 generally considered to be within the normal range. Therefore, BMI and Rohrer Index are calculated based on the user's height and weight. Obesity is calculated based on the user's weight and the standard weight for the user's gender, age, etc., with a range of ±15% of the standard weight generally considered to be within the normal range.

[0090] As described above, the control unit 12 can acquire the user's weight from the input data or estimate the weight from the first physique information. For example, the weight may be estimated by multiplying the user's height, occupied volume, or occupied area by a predetermined unit amount. The predetermined unit amount may take into account at least one of the user's age and gender, or may be a standard value. In step 180, the control unit 12 calculates the third physique information using the acquired or estimated weight.

[0091] The control unit 12 may store the division ratio of each user together with the third physique information of each user in the storage unit 11. For example, as shown in Fig. 13, the division ratio corresponding to the area in which each user falls and the BMI as the third physique information are stored in the storage unit 11 for each user. Note that the division ratio in Fig. 13 corresponds to the examples shown in Figs. 9 to 11.

[0092] Next, the control unit 12 creates a second distribution of scores representing the user's preference for thermal sensation (step S190). The second distribution includes a score corresponding to each region. The score is calculated for each region based on the first distribution and the third physique information. When multiple users are included in one region, the control unit 12 calculates the score based on the division ratio of each user included in that region. More specifically, the control unit 12 calculates the score for each region according to the division ratio of the users included in that region and the third physique information of the users included in that region.

[0093] In one example, the control unit 12 weights the third physique information of each user in each area based on the division ratio of the user in that area, as shown in the following equation 1. Then, the control unit 12 calculates the sum of the weighted third physique information as a score.

[0094]

number

[0095] Equation 1 is a formula for calculating the score of a specific area (hereinafter, area X) in which a user exists. In Equation 1, "m" is the number of users in the control space. The "division ratio of Ui" is the ratio at which a specific user Ui corresponds to area X, and the division ratio at which a user not in area X corresponds to area X is 0. In other words, in Equation 1, the numerator of the weight attached to the user's third physique information is the division ratio at which the user corresponds to area X, and the denominator of the weight is the sum of the division ratios at which all users correspond to area X.

[0096] FIG. 14 is an example of a second distribution of scores calculated based on Equation 1 and the example of FIG. 13. Therefore, the distribution of users corresponding to the example of FIG. 14 is shown in FIG. 9, and the first distribution corresponding to the example of FIG. 14 is shown in FIG. 11. In the examples of FIGS. 9 to 11, 13, and 14, user U1 is included in area A, and the score of area A is 20×(35% / 35%)=20. User U1 and user U2 are included in area B, and the score of area B is 20×(15% / 15%+20%)+28×(20% / 15%+20%)≈24.6.

[0097] Areas where no users exist will be scored as 0.

[0098] In one embodiment, in step S160, the control unit 12 calculates, for each region, the ratio of the size of the portion where the user is located to the size of the entire region as a division ratio, and creates a first distribution related to this division ratio. That is, the first distribution is generated based on the ratio representing the extent to which each region is occupied by a user. In this embodiment, the control unit 12 weights the third physique information for each region where a user is present based on the proportion of that region occupied by each user, as shown in the following equation 2. Then, the control unit 12 calculates the sum of the weighted third physique information as a score.

[0099]

number

[0100] Equation 2 is a formula for calculating the score of a specific area (hereinafter referred to as area X) in which a user exists. In Equation 2, "m" is the number of users present in the control space. The "division ratio of Uj" is the ratio of area X occupied by a specific user Uj to the total size of area X, and the division ratio corresponding to area X for users not in area X is 0.

[0101] The control unit 12 may calculate the score of each region according to Equation 1 or Equation 2 to create the 12th distribution.

[0102] The control unit 12 determines the control parameters based on the second distribution of scores (step S200). As described above, as the score increases, the user tends to be more sensitive to heat and less sensitive to cold. In cooling operation, if a relatively low set temperature or a relatively high airflow speed is set for an area with a high score, the comfort felt by the user in that area can be improved. On the other hand, in heating operation, if a relatively high set temperature or a relatively low airflow speed is set for an area with a low score, the comfort felt by the user in that area can be improved.

[0103] In one example, a formula for calculating each type of control parameter is stored in the storage unit 11. For example, a formula for the set temperature in cooling mode and a formula for the set humidity in heating mode can be stored in the storage unit 11. The control unit 12 determines the control parameter for each region by substituting the score of each region into the formula.

[0104] In another example, a correspondence table between operation modes, scores, and at least one control parameter is stored in the memory unit 11. The control unit 12 determines the control parameter for each region by checking the correspondence table with the score of each region.

[0105] By creating a second distribution of scores in this way and determining the control parameters, it is possible to further improve the comfort of each area. The control parameters can be appropriately determined to suit the user's preference for thermal sensation, not only when there is one user in the control space, but also when there are multiple users.

[0106] Fifth Embodiment <Third distribution> In the fifth embodiment, the control unit 12 divides the control space into a plurality of regions, creates a third distribution related to the comfort index that indicates the comfort of each region, and determines the control parameters based on the third distribution.

[0107] Fig. 15 is a flowchart of an example of an air conditioning control method according to embodiment 5. In the example of Fig. 15, step S200 shown in Fig. 12 includes step S210 and step S220.

[0108] After creating the second distribution of scores, the control unit 12 calculates a comfort index for each region based on the score of the region, and creates a third distribution of comfort indexes (step S210). The third distribution includes comfort indexes corresponding to each region.

[0109] The comfort index refers to an index that indicates how a user evaluates the comfort of a controlled space. For example, the comfort index may be an index such as a predicted mean vote (PMV), a predicted percentage of dissatisfied (PPD), a standard new effective temperature (SET*), or a physiological equivalent temperature (PET).

[0110] In one example, the memory unit 11 stores a correspondence table between scores and correction values ​​of the comfort index. The control unit 12 obtains the correction value of the comfort index corresponding to each area by comparing the score of each area with the correspondence table. The control unit 12 then corrects the comfort index calculated based on the indoor temperature and the like with the obtained correction value, and sets the result as the final comfort index.

[0111] When the comfort index is PMV, a range of ±0.5 of PMV is generally considered to be the comfortable range. A PMV of 0 is a state in which the user feels neither hot nor cold and is considered to be comfortable. The higher the PMV, the hotter the user feels, and the lower the PMV, the colder the user feels. As the score increases, the user's tendency to be more sensitive to heat increases, so the correction value can be set to a larger value as the score increases.

[0112] In another example, the control unit 12 corrects parameters for calculating the comfort index, such as the indoor temperature, heat production, amount of clothing worn, and average radiant temperature, based on the score of each area, and then calculates the comfort index using the corrected parameters.

[0113] FIG. 16A is an example of a third distribution, and FIG. 16B is a schematic diagram illustrating the third distribution shown in FIG. 16A. The third distribution shown in FIGS. 16A and 16B was generated based on the second distribution shown in FIG. 14. FIG. 16A shows the final comfort index (PMV) calculated based on the scores of each region. For example, as shown in FIG. 14, the scores of regions C and F are relatively high compared to the other regions, and therefore the PMVs of regions C and F are also relatively high. As can be seen from FIG. 16B, the scores and comfort indexes of regions C and F are high because a large portion of the body of user U2, who has a relatively large occupancy volume or area, is located in regions C and F.

[0114] The control unit 12 determines the control parameters based on the third distribution (step S220). The control unit 12 may determine the control parameters based on the type and value of the comfort index.

[0115] In one embodiment, the comfort index is PMV. The control unit 12 determines the control parameters for each region so that the PMV in the third distribution approaches 0. According to the PMV calculation formula, the PMV increases with an increase in indoor temperature or indoor humidity (relative humidity), and decreases with an increase in wind speed.

[0116] Fig. 17 shows an example of control parameters according to the third distribution shown in Fig. 16A. For regions C and F where the score and PMV are relatively high, the control unit 12 determines a relatively low set temperature, while for regions A and I where the score and PMV are relatively low, the control unit 12 determines a relatively high set temperature.

[0117] In one embodiment, the memory unit 11 stores a comfort index and a comfort range corresponding to each type of control parameter. The comfort range corresponding to the control parameter is calculated based on a calculation formula for the comfort index and a comfort range for the comfort index (for example, a range within ±0.5 of PMV). The control unit 12 determines the control parameter for each region so that the control parameter falls within or approaches the comfort range.

[0118] When the control unit 12 determines multiple control parameters, the control parameters may be determined in parallel or sequentially. For example, the control unit 12 may determine the set temperature based on the input data or the user's setting, and then determine the air speed and set humidity based on the determined set temperature, the third distribution, and a formula related to the comfort index.

[0119] By creating a third distribution of the comfort index and determining the control parameters in this way, the comfort of each area can be further improved. Also, by taking the comfort range into consideration, the control parameters can be appropriately determined so that the user feels comfortable.

[0120] In the above-described first to fifth embodiments, the control unit 12 completes the process of determining the control parameters for air conditioning control by executing step S110 (FIG. 2), step S130 (FIG. 3), step S170 (FIG. 5), step S200 (FIG. 12), or step S220 (FIG. 15) at least once.

[0121] During air conditioning operation, the control unit 12 may repeatedly execute the air conditioning control method according to any one of the first to fifth embodiments. The control unit 12 can maintain the comfort of the controlled space by executing the air conditioning control method at regular intervals (for example, every 10 minutes, every 20 minutes, every 30 minutes, every 60 minutes, or every 90 minutes).

[0122] In one embodiment, the control unit 12 has a program used to execute the air conditioning control method described above. The program causes the control unit 12 of the air conditioner 10 to execute the air conditioning control method.

[0123] In one embodiment, the air conditioner 10 has a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium on which a computer program is stored. The air conditioning control method of the present disclosure is realized when the computer program is executed by the processor (controller 12). The storage medium may be the same as the storage unit 11 of the air conditioner 10, may be included in the storage unit 11, or may be a component separate from the storage unit 11.

[0124] Sixth Embodiment Distribution updates and related controls As described above, the control unit 12 can repeatedly execute the air conditioning control method during air conditioning operation. In the sixth embodiment, the control unit 12 updates at least one of the first distribution, the second distribution, and the third distribution during repeated execution. Then, when the control unit 12 determines that there is a significant change in the distribution before and after the update, it can perform air conditioning control in accordance with the change.

[0125] An example of updating the first distribution and the second distribution will be described below. Fig. 18 is a flowchart of an example of an air conditioning control method according to the sixth embodiment. In the example of Fig. 18, the air conditioning control method includes steps S100, S110, S300, and S310.

[0126] The control unit 12 periodically updates the position information and re-divides the user's occupied volume or occupied area according to the updated area the user is in. The control unit 12 calculates a division ratio corresponding to each updated area and updates the first distribution, calculates a score corresponding to each updated area and updates the second distribution, and determines control parameters based on the updated second distribution.

[0127] In the sixth embodiment, when the first distribution, the second distribution, and the third distribution are updated, both the distributions before and after the update are stored in the storage unit 11. The control unit 12 compares the updated second distribution with the previous second distribution, and determines whether or not the updated second distribution includes a region where the increase in score is greater than the first threshold (step S310). If it is determined that such a region exists, the control unit 12 determines control parameters so as to direct the blown airflow toward the user in the determined region (step S320).

[0128] For example, when a user who was not present in the control space enters the control space or when the user moves within the control space, the score of the area to which the user moved increases. To save energy, the control unit 12 may not maintain a sufficiently comfortable environment in the area where the user was not present. If the user moves to such an area, the user's perceived comfort is expected to decrease. To quickly restore comfort, the control unit 12 determines the wind direction and wind speed so that cool air in cooling operation or warm air in heating operation (i.e., blown airflow) is directed at the user who has moved.

[0129] Note that the control of directing the blown airflow at the user may be a temporary measure that is maintained for a predetermined period of time, or may continue until the score drops, or until the comfort index or control pattern falls within the comfort range.

[0130] In one embodiment, the control unit 12 compares the updated second distribution with the previous second distribution to determine whether there is an area in the updated second distribution where the score decrease value is greater than the second threshold. For example, when the user leaves the control space or moves within the control space, the score of the area from which the user moved decreases. The control unit 12 may determine new control parameters for the area from which the user moved based on the updated second distribution, or may maintain the previous control parameters to maintain comfort for a while.

[0131] In one embodiment, if there is no change in the updated second distribution or the change is less than the first or second threshold, the control unit 12 normally determines the control parameters based on the updated second distribution.

[0132] By comparing the second distribution before and after updating in this way and controlling the air conditioning according to the comparison results, it is possible to maintain comfort in each area even when a user enters or moves within the controlled space.

[0133] Although the above description exemplifies updating the second distribution and related control, it is also possible to similarly handle cases where only the first distribution is updated, or where all of the first through third distributions are updated, etc. For example, the control unit 12 can update all of the first through third distributions, compare the third distribution before and after the update, and control the air conditioning according to the comparison result.

[0134] The configurations and air conditioning control techniques of the above-described first to sixth embodiments can be combined.

[0135] (Other embodiments) (Addendum) The above description of the embodiments discloses the following techniques.

[0136] (Technology 1) An air conditioner includes a first sensor for acquiring position information related to a user's position in a controlled space, and a control unit for controlling air conditioning. The control unit acquires the position information via the first sensor, acquires first physique information related to the user's physique, and determines control parameters including at least one of a set temperature, a set humidity, a wind speed, and a wind direction based on the position information and the first physique information.

[0137] Such an air conditioner controls air conditioning not only by using the user's location information, but also by using first physique information related to the user's physique. In this way, control parameters can be appropriately determined so that the user feels comfortable. Furthermore, it is believed that a person's physique is related to the user's preference for thermal sensation. If air conditioning can be controlled in this way, control parameters can be appropriately determined in accordance with the user's preference.

[0138] (Technology 2) The air conditioner according to Technology 1, wherein the first physical information includes at least one of the height, width, and sitting height of the user.

[0139] The first physique information, such as the user's height, width, and sitting height, is thought to be related to the user's preference for thermal sensation. Therefore, by using the first physique information, it is possible to more appropriately determine the control parameters.

[0140] (Technology 3) The air conditioner described in Technology 1 or 2, wherein the control unit calculates second physique information representing the size of the control space occupied by the user based on the first physique information, and determines the control parameters based on the position information and the second physique information.

[0141] The second physique information, i.e., the user's physique size, is thought to be more closely related to the user's preference for thermal sensation than the first physique information. Therefore, by using the second physique information, it is possible to more appropriately determine the control parameters.

[0142] (Technology 4) The air conditioner according to Technology 3, further including a radar sensor for acquiring the first physical information, and the second physical information being the volume occupied by the user in the control space, calculated based on shape data acquired via the radar sensor.

[0143] By using a radar sensor, it is possible to obtain first physique information regarding the physique of the user. Furthermore, a radar sensor is a sensor that is not easily affected by the environment, and can obtain the status and movement of the user quickly and with high accuracy. Therefore, by using a radar sensor, it is possible to quickly and accurately obtain the volume that the user occupies in the control space.

[0144] (Technology 5) The air conditioner described in Technology 3 or 4, further including an image sensor or an infrared sensor for acquiring the first physical information, and the second physical information is the area of ​​the control space occupied by the user in the image calculated based on the image acquired via the image sensor or infrared sensor.

[0145] By using an image sensor or an infrared sensor, it is possible to obtain first physique information relating to the physique of the user. Furthermore, even if an air conditioner of an existing model is equipped with an image sensor or an infrared sensor, the air conditioning control method of the present disclosure can be applied.

[0146] (Technology 6) An air conditioner described in any one of Technologies 3 to 5, wherein the control unit divides the control space into a plurality of regions, and divides the size occupied by the user according to the size of the plurality of regions based on the second physique information and the position information, calculates the division ratio of the size of the part where the user is located to the entire size of the user for each region, creates a first distribution relating to the division ratio, and determines the control parameters based on the first distribution.

[0147] Dividing the control space into multiple regions enables more accurate air conditioning control. Furthermore, by determining the control parameters based on the first distribution relating to the division ratio corresponding to each region, even when multiple users are present in the control space, the control parameters can be appropriately determined for each region.

[0148] (Technology 7) The air conditioner described in Technology 6, wherein the control unit calculates third physique information related to the user's thermal sensation based on the first physique information, creates a second distribution of scores representing the user's preferences for thermal sensation for each region based on the first distribution and the third physique information, and determines the control parameters based on the second distribution.

[0149] By determining the control parameters based on the second distribution of scores that take the third physique information into consideration, the comfort of each area can be further improved. Furthermore, even when there are multiple users, the control parameters can be appropriately determined so as to meet the users' preferences for thermal sensation.

[0150] (Technical Aspect 8) The air conditioner according to Technical Aspect 7, wherein the third physical information is a body mass index (BMI), a Rohrer index, or an obesity level.

[0151] This third physique information is thought to be more closely related to the user's preference for thermal sensation than the first and second physique information. Therefore, using the third physique information such as BMI can more appropriately determine the control parameters.

[0152] (Technology 9) An air conditioner as described in Technology 7 or 8, wherein the score for each area is calculated based on the division ratio of the size of the part of the user that is within that area and the third physique information of the user that is within that area.

[0153] The user can calculate the score using the division ratio corresponding to each region, thereby determining the appropriate control parameters for each region.

[0154] (Technology 10) In an air conditioner described in Technology 9, when multiple users are present in one area, the control unit calculates the score by weighting based on the respective division ratios of the users present in the area.

[0155] By calculating the score by weighting each user's area with the division ratio corresponding to each area, it is possible to appropriately determine the control parameters even if there are multiple users in one area.

[0156] (Technology 11) An air conditioner as described in Technology 9 or 10, wherein the control unit calculates a comfort index for each area based on the score for that area, creates a third distribution for the comfort index, and determines the control parameters based on the third distribution.

[0157] By creating a third distribution that takes the comfort index into consideration, the comfort of each area can be further improved. Also, by considering the comfort range, the control parameters can be appropriately determined so that the user feels comfortable.

[0158] (Technology 12) An air conditioner as described in Technology 11, wherein the comfort index is a predicted thermal sensation declaration index (PMV), and the control unit determines the control parameters for each region so that the PMV in the third distribution approaches 0.

[0159] A PMV of 0 is a state in which the user feels comfortable, neither hot nor cold. By determining the control parameters in this way, it is possible to improve the comfort of each area.

[0160] (Technology 13) The air conditioner described in Technology 11 or 12, further including a memory unit that stores the comfort index and a comfort range corresponding to the control parameter, and the control unit determines the control parameter for each region so that the control parameter approaches the comfort range.

[0161] By determining the control parameters in this way, the comfort of each area can be improved.

[0162] (Technology 14) The control unit periodically updates the first distribution and the second distribution and determines the control parameters. The control unit further compares the updated second distribution with the previous second distribution, and when it determines that there is a region in the updated second distribution where the increase in score is greater than a first threshold, determines the control parameters so as to direct the blown airflow toward users in the determined region.

[0163] The comfort of the controlled space can be maintained by periodically updating the first and second distributions and determining the control parameters based on the updated second distribution. Furthermore, if the score of a specific area suddenly increases, comfort in that area can be quickly restored by directing the blown airflow at the occupant in that area.

[0164] (Technology 15) The air conditioner according to any one of Technologies 1 to 14, wherein the first sensor is a radar sensor for acquiring the position information and the first physical information.

[0165] In this way, it is possible to obtain both the position information and the first physique information with one radar sensor.

[0166] (Technology 16) The air conditioner described in any one of Technologies 1 to 14, further including a second sensor for acquiring the first physical information, and at least one of the first sensor and the second sensor including at least one of a radar sensor, an image sensor, an infrared sensor, and an ultrasonic sensor.

[0167] When multiple sensors are used, different types of detection results can be referenced during air conditioning control, making it possible to obtain position information or first physical information more accurately.

[0168] (Technology 17) An air conditioning control method for an air conditioner, comprising the steps of acquiring position information relating to a user's position in a control space and first physique information relating to the user's physique, and determining control parameters including at least one of a set temperature, a set humidity, wind speed, and wind direction based on the position information and the first physique information.

[0169] (Technology 18) A computer program for causing an air conditioner to execute the air conditioning control method described in Technology 17.

[0170] (Technology 19) A non-transitory computer-readable storage medium on which a computer program is stored, the non-transitory computer-readable storage medium realizing the air conditioning control method described in Technology 17 when the computer program is executed by a processor.

[0171] According to this air conditioning control method, computer program, or storage medium, air conditioning control is performed not only using the user's location information but also using first physique information related to the user's physique. In this way, control parameters are appropriately determined so that the user feels comfortable. Furthermore, it is believed that a person's physique is related to the user's preference for thermal sensation. If air conditioning control can be performed in this way, control parameters can be appropriately determined in accordance with the user's preference.

[0172] The above are merely specific embodiments of the present disclosure, and the scope of protection of the present disclosure is not limited thereto. The present disclosure includes the contents described above in the drawings and the specific embodiments described above, but the present disclosure is not limited thereto. Various disclosed embodiments or examples can be combined without departing from the scope or spirit of the present disclosure. Modifications that do not depart from the functional and structural principles of the present disclosure are within the scope of the claims. [Explanation of symbols]

[0173] 10 Air conditioner 11 Storage section 12 Control Unit 13 Sensors 13a First sensor 13b Second sensor 13c Indoor temperature sensor 13d Outside air temperature sensor 14 Communications Department 15 Input section 16 Presentation section 20 Terminal equipment 25 Related Applications 30 servers 40 External information sources R1 Control Space R2~R3 area U1~U3 User P1~P4 part

Claims

1. An air conditioner, a first sensor for acquiring position information regarding a position of a user in a control space; a control unit that controls air conditioning; Including, The control unit acquiring the position information via the first sensor; acquire first physique information relating to the physique of the user; determining control parameters including at least one of a set temperature, a set humidity, a wind speed, and a wind direction based on the position information and the first physical information; Air conditioner.

2. The first physical information includes at least one of the user's height, width, and sitting height. The air conditioner according to claim 1.

3. The control unit calculating second physique information representing the size of the control space occupied by the user based on the first physique information; determining the control parameters based on the position information and the second physique information; The air conditioner according to claim 1.

4. The air conditioner further includes a radar sensor for acquiring the first physique information, The second physique information is a volume of the control space occupied by the user calculated based on shape data acquired via the radar sensor. The air conditioner according to claim 3.

5. The air conditioner further includes an image sensor or an infrared sensor for acquiring the first physique information, The second physique information is an area of ​​the control space occupied by the user in an image calculated based on an image acquired via the image sensor or the infrared sensor. The air conditioner according to claim 3.

6. The control unit Dividing the control space into a plurality of regions; Dividing the area occupied by the user into the plurality of areas based on the second physique information and the position information; For each region, a division ratio of the size of the portion where the user is located to the entire size of the user is calculated, and a first distribution regarding the division ratio is created; determining the control parameter based on the first distribution; The air conditioner according to claim 3.

7. The control unit calculating third physique information related to a thermal sensation of the user based on the first physique information; creating a second distribution of scores representing the user's preference for thermal sensations based on the first distribution and the third physique information for each region; determining the control parameter based on the second distribution; The air conditioner according to claim 6.

8. The third physical information is a body mass index (BMI), a Rohrer index, or an obesity index. The air conditioner according to claim 7.

9. The score of each area is calculated according to a division ratio of the size of the part of the user that is in the area and the third physique information of the user that is in the area. The air conditioner according to claim 7.

10. When a plurality of users are included in one area, the control unit calculates the score by weighting based on the respective division ratios of the users included in the area. The air conditioner according to claim 9.

11. The control unit For each region, calculate a comfort index for the region based on the score for the region, and create a third distribution for the comfort index; determining the control parameter based on the third distribution; The air conditioner according to claim 9.

12. The comfort index is a predicted mean vote (PMV), the control unit determines the control parameters for each region so that the predicted thermal sensation declaration index in the third distribution approaches 0. The air conditioner according to claim 11.

13. The air conditioner further includes a storage unit that stores the comfort index and a comfort range corresponding to the control parameter, The control unit determining the control parameters for each region such that the control parameters approach the comfort range; The air conditioner according to claim 11.

14. the control unit periodically updates the first distribution and the second distribution to determine the control parameters; The control unit further comparing the updated second distribution with the previous second distribution, and when it is determined that there is a region in the updated second distribution where the increase in score is greater than the first threshold, determining the control parameters so that the blown airflow is directed at the user in the determined region; The air conditioner according to claim 7.

15. the first sensor is a radar sensor for acquiring the position information and the first physique information; The air conditioner according to claim 1.

16. The air conditioner further includes a second sensor for acquiring the first physique information, At least one of the first sensor and the second sensor includes at least one of a radar sensor, an image sensor, an infrared sensor, and an ultrasonic sensor. The air conditioner according to claim 1.

17. An air conditioning control method for an air conditioner, comprising: acquiring position information relating to a position of a user in a control space and first physique information relating to a physique of the user; determining control parameters including at least one of a set temperature, a set humidity, a wind speed, and a wind direction based on the position information and the first physical information; Including, Air conditioning control method.

18. A computer program for causing an air conditioner to execute the air conditioning control method according to claim 17.

19. A non-transitory computer-readable storage medium on which a computer program is stored, The computer program, when executed by a processor, realizes the air conditioning control method according to claim 17. A non-transitory computer-readable storage medium.

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