Air conditioner, ventilation control method, computer program and storage medium

Abstract

To provide an air conditioner, a ventilation control method, a computer program and a storage medium capable of appropriately performing ventilation control in consideration of a user's blood oxygen concentration.SOLUTION: An air conditioner capable of ventilation operation comprises a ventilation unit that ventilates indoor air and a control unit that controls the ventilation unit. The control unit acquires a first time when a user's blood oxygen concentration is predicted to be equal to or less than a first concentration threshold, acquires a first adjustment time related to the time from when the ventilation operation begins until the user's blood oxygen concentration starts to increase, and starts the ventilation operation the first adjustment time before the first time.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

[Technical Field]

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

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses an air conditioner capable of ventilation operation. This air conditioner acquires the carbon dioxide concentration (blood oxygen saturation, SpO2) in the control space and performs ventilation control based on the acquired carbon dioxide concentration. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2005-233484 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] However, ventilation control based on the carbon dioxide concentration in the controlled space has room for improvement in terms of performing appropriate ventilation operation.

[0005] An object of the present disclosure is to provide an air conditioner, a ventilation control method, a computer program, and a storage medium that perform appropriate ventilation control in consideration of the user's blood oxygen concentration. [Means for solving the problem]

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

[0007] An air conditioner according to one aspect of the present disclosure is capable of ventilation operation. The air conditioner includes a ventilation unit that ventilates indoor air and a control unit that controls the ventilation unit. The control unit acquires a first time when a user's blood oxygen concentration is predicted to fall below a first concentration threshold, acquires a first adjustment time relating to the time from when the ventilation operation begins until the user's blood oxygen concentration starts to increase, and starts the ventilation operation the first adjustment time before the first time.

[0008] Another aspect of the present disclosure provides a ventilation control method for controlling an air conditioner capable of ventilation operation. The ventilation control method includes the steps of acquiring a first time when a user's blood oxygen concentration is predicted to be equal to or lower than a first concentration threshold and a first adjustment time related to the time from when the ventilation operation starts until the user's blood oxygen concentration starts to increase, and starting the ventilation operation the first adjustment time before the first time.

[0009] Furthermore, a computer program according to another aspect of the present disclosure is a computer program for causing an air conditioner to execute the ventilation control method described above.

[0010] Another aspect of the non-transitory computer-readable storage medium of the present disclosure is a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium having a computer program stored therein, which, when executed by a processor, realizes the ventilation control method described above. [Effects of the Invention]

[0011] According to the air conditioner, ventilation control method, computer program, and storage medium disclosed herein, ventilation control can be performed appropriately in consideration of the user's blood oxygen concentration. [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] Flowchart of ventilation control method according to embodiment 1 [Figure 3A] Timing diagram of ventilation sequence CS1 when ventilation advance control is not performed [Figure 3B] Timing diagram of ventilation sequence CS2 when ventilation is controlled ahead of schedule [Figure 3C] Timing diagram of ventilation sequence CS3 when ventilation is controlled ahead of schedule [Figure 4A] A schematic diagram showing the relationship between the ventilation sequence CS1 without advanced ventilation control, the user's blood oxygen concentration, and the carbon dioxide concentration in the control space. [Figure 4B] 1 is a schematic diagram showing the relationship between the ventilation sequence CS2 according to the first embodiment, the blood oxygen concentration of the user, and the carbon dioxide concentration in the control space. [Figure 5] Flowchart of ventilation control method according to embodiment 2 [Figure 6A] Flowchart of ventilation control method according to embodiment 3 [Figure 6B] Flowchart of ventilation control method according to embodiment 3 [Figure 7] Flowchart of ventilation control method according to embodiment 4 [Figure 8A] Flowchart of ventilation control method according to embodiment 4 [Figure 8B] Flowchart of ventilation control method according to embodiment 4 [Figure 9A] Flowchart of ventilation control method according to embodiment 4 [Figure 9B] Flowchart of ventilation control method according to embodiment 4 [Figure 10] Flowchart of ventilation control method according to embodiment 5 [Figure 11A] 10 is a schematic diagram showing the relationship between the ventilation sequence CS2 according to the fifth embodiment, the air conditioning sequence CS4 when the air conditioning advance control is not performed, and the indoor temperature. [Figure 11B] 10 is a schematic diagram showing the relationship between the ventilation sequence CS2 according to the fifth embodiment, the air conditioning sequence CS5 when air conditioning is controlled ahead of schedule, and the indoor temperature. [Figure 12] Flowchart of ventilation control method according to embodiment 6 DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0013] 《Technical concept》 Before describing specific embodiments of the air conditioner, ventilation control method, computer 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] The air conditioner, ventilation control method, computer program, and storage medium of the present example are capable of appropriately controlling ventilation while taking into account the user's blood oxygen level. The air conditioner includes a ventilation unit that ventilates indoor air and a control unit that controls the ventilation unit. The control unit of the air conditioner is capable of controlling the timing of starting ventilation operation while maintaining the user's blood oxygen level within a normal range.

[0015] Without ventilation, the carbon dioxide concentration in a space gradually increases, causing a gradual decrease in the blood oxygen concentration of the people in the space. Generally, the normal range for carbon dioxide concentration is considered to be below 1000 ppm, and the normal range for blood oxygen concentration is considered to be 96-99%. A decrease in blood oxygen concentration can cause drowsiness, headaches, fatigue, and various other adverse effects on the human body. Air conditioners can automatically ventilate regularly to reduce carbon dioxide concentration. However, even with ventilation, decreased blood oxygen concentration cannot be immediately restored, and the timing of the increase in blood oxygen concentration is not consistent with the start of ventilation. Therefore, infrequent or delayed ventilation can cause blood oxygen concentration to decrease and fall outside the normal range. On the other hand, increasing the frequency or duration of ventilation increases power consumption.

[0016] The air conditioner of this example aims to maintain the user's blood oxygen concentration within a normal range and advances the start time of ventilation operation taking into account the user's blood oxygen concentration. This control of executing operation earlier than the original start time is sometimes referred to as "advancement control" in this disclosure. For advancement control, the control unit of the air conditioner acquires a first time when the user's blood oxygen concentration is predicted to fall below a first concentration threshold, and a first adjustment time, which is the time from the start of ventilation operation until the user's blood oxygen concentration begins to increase. The control unit then starts ventilation operation the first adjustment time before the first time. In other words, the control unit aims to maintain the blood oxygen concentration within a normal range by starting ventilation operation earlier, taking into account the time it takes for the blood oxygen concentration to recover.

[0017] Furthermore, while the air conditioner is performing ventilation operation, it can learn the first adjustment time and the first on-time, which indicates the operating time of the ventilation operation, while monitoring the user's blood oxygen concentration. Through this learning, it is possible to adjust the first adjustment time and the first on-time to better meet the needs of the user of the air conditioner.

[0018] Furthermore, the air conditioner can save a history of changes in blood oxygen concentration and, based on this history, learn the first adjustment time, the first on time, or the first off time, which indicates the non-operating time of ventilation operation. For example, if the air conditioner learns the first adjustment time based on the history for a certain period after installation, it can use the first adjustment time to perform advanced control in subsequent ventilation operations.

[0019] 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.

[0020] 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.

[0021] 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.

[0022] First Embodiment Hereinafter, a first embodiment of an air conditioner, a ventilation control method, a computer program, and a storage medium according to the present disclosure will be described in detail with appropriate reference to the drawings.

[0023] 1 is a block diagram of an example of an air conditioner according to Embodiment 1. The air conditioner 10 includes a ventilation unit 11, a memory unit 12, a communication unit 13, and a control unit 14. The air conditioner 10 may further include a presentation unit 15 and a sensor 16. The air conditioner 10 is connectable via the communication unit 13 to at least one of a remote controller, a wearable device 20, a server 30, and an external information source.

[0024] Below, an overview of each component will be explained.

[0025] <Air conditioner 10> The air conditioner 10 has, for example, an indoor space in a home or office, which is a controlled space that is the target of air conditioning control, and has an indoor unit installed on a wall or ceiling of the controlled space, and an outdoor unit installed outdoors, such as in a central air-conditioning room other than the controlled space. The air conditioner 10 has a ventilation function in addition to a cooling function and a heating function. The air conditioner 10 has a deodorizing function, a dehumidifying function, a humidifying function, and / or an air purifying function. These functions and operating modes can be freely combined (for example, cooling ventilation function, heating and humidifying mode, sleep mode, etc.).

[0026] <Ventilation Section 11> The ventilation unit 11 is configured to perform at least one of exhaust ventilation and supply ventilation. For example, the ventilation unit 11 may be installed outdoors together with the outdoor unit of the air conditioner 10 so as to perform supply ventilation, supplying outdoor air to the controlled space, and may include a motor, a ventilation fan, and a ventilation hose. Below, the ventilation control method of the present disclosure will be described using exhaust ventilation as an example, but supply ventilation is also applicable to the ventilation control method of the present disclosure.

[0027] <Storage section 12> The storage unit 12 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 14. The storage unit 12 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 12 stores a ventilation sequence, which is a control sequence for ventilation operation. The memory unit 12 may also store various parameters and thresholds for ventilation operation. For example, the memory unit 12 stores at least one of a first concentration threshold to a sixth concentration threshold, a first time, a first adjustment time, and a ventilation sequence, which will be described later. The memory unit 12 may also store information acquired from the wearable device 20 or the server 30 via the communication unit 13. This information may be read by the control unit 14 when the ventilation control method is performed.

[0029] The storage unit 12 may also store a computer program for causing the control unit 14 to execute the ventilation control method of the present disclosure. The storage unit 12 may be a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium in which the computer program is stored.

[0030] <Communications Department 13> The communication unit 13 can also communicate with the user's wearable device 20 and the server 30 via a network, and can, for example, send and receive internet packets. As described above, the control unit 14 may cooperate with the wearable device 20 and / or the server 30 via the communication unit 13. The communication unit 13 may communicate and send and receive data between the air conditioner 10, the wearable device 20, and the server 30 in accordance with standards such as Wi-Fi (registered trademark), IEEE802.2, IEEE802.3, 3G, and LTE. The communication unit 13 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).

[0031] <Control unit 14> The control unit 14 is a controller that controls at least some of the functions of the air conditioner 10. The control unit 14 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 14 can implement various controls in the air conditioner 10 by calling and executing control programs stored in the storage unit 12. The control unit 14 can also work in cooperation with the storage unit 12 to read and write data stored in the storage unit 12. The control unit 14 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.

[0032] The control unit 14 can communicate with the wearable device 20 via the communication unit 13. The control unit 14 can receive various commands and setting values ​​from the user (e.g., a command to start the cooling operation of the air conditioner 10, a command to set the temperature) from a remote controller via the communication unit 13. In embodiments 2 to 4 and 6 described below, the control unit 14 can control ventilation operation based on user information received from the wearable device 20. The control unit 14 can also control each component of the air conditioner 10 to perform the cooling function or heating function of the air conditioner 10 based on detection values ​​received from other sensors (e.g., whether or not a user is present in the controlled space, the indoor temperature, the outdoor temperature), etc.

[0033] In order to perform its functions, the air conditioner 10 may further include sensors for acquiring various information from outside the air conditioner 10. However, the air conditioner 10 and ventilation control method disclosed herein can be implemented even if there are no sensors attached to the air conditioner 10.

[0034] <Presentation part 15> The air conditioner 10 may include a presentation unit 15 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 also include a display for presenting a graphical user interface (GUI). For example, if the air conditioner 10 detects an abnormality during ventilation operation, the air conditioner 10 may present a ventilation abnormality notification to the user via the presentation unit 15 or the wearable device 20.

[0035] <Wearable Device 20> The wearable device 20 is a device that can be attached or worn on the user's body, and is also called a wearable device or a wearable terminal. The wearable device 20 may be in the form of a watch, wristband, glasses, ring, earphone, pocket, pendant, clothing, or shoe. That is, the wearable device 20 can be attached to a part of the user's limbs or body. For example, the wearable device 20 may be a smart watch, an activity meter, or a wearable sensor worn by the user.

[0036] The wearable device 20 is capable of acquiring user information relating to the user's blood oxygen level and transmitting the information to the air conditioner 10. In the embodiment of FIG.

[0037] The communication unit 22 can also communicate with the air conditioner 10 and the server 30 via a network. For example, the communication unit 22 communicates using at least one of Wi-Fi (registered trademark), IEEE802.2, IEEE802.3, 3G, LTE, an intranet, an extranet, a LAN, ISDN, VAN, a CATV communication network, a virtual private network, a telephone line network, a mobile communication network, a satellite communication network, infrared light, and Bluetooth (registered trademark). The wearable device 20 transmits user information directly to the air conditioner 10, or indirectly to the air conditioner 10 via the server 30 or another device.

[0038] The blood oxygen level sensor 24 is a sensor for detecting the blood oxygen level of the user. The blood oxygen level sensor 24 may include, for example, a pulse oximeter, and can measure the blood oxygen level non-invasively using an optical sensor.

[0039] <Server 30> The server 30 may be a server for managing at least one air conditioner 10 or at least one wearable device 20. Alternatively, the server 30 may be a management server or application server of a manufacturer of the air conditioner 10 or the wearable device 20 for collecting data. The server 30 can transfer user information received from the wearable device 20 to the air conditioner 10. In addition, for ventilation control or air conditioning control of the air conditioner 10, the server 30 can receive past, present, or future weather information from an external information source and transfer it to the air conditioner 10.

[0040] <Ventilation control method> The ventilation control method of the present disclosure is executed by the air conditioner 10. In one embodiment, the air conditioner 10 executes the ventilation control method periodically during operation, for example, every five minutes. The air conditioner 10 may also execute the ventilation control method when changing operation modes in response to a received command or in automatic operation.

[0041] 2 is a flowchart of the ventilation control method according to Embodiment 1, and the ventilation control method includes steps S110 and S120. First, the control unit 14 of the air conditioner 10 acquires a first time and a first adjustment time related to ventilation control (step S110). The first time and the first adjustment time can be acquired from the storage unit 12, the wearable device 20, the server 30, or a terminal device related to the air conditioner 10.

[0042] The first time is the time at which the user's blood oxygen concentration is predicted to fall below the first concentration threshold when early adjustment control is not performed. The first concentration threshold is a threshold for determining whether the blood oxygen concentration is within a normal range, and may be, for example, 95%. That is, the first time is the time set to maintain the carbon dioxide concentration in the controlled space within a normal range when early adjustment control is not performed. As described above, the memory unit 12 stores a ventilation sequence for ventilation operation. The ventilation sequence includes a first on-time indicating the operating time of the ventilation operation and a first off-time indicating the non-operating time of the ventilation operation. The control unit 14 performs the ventilation operation according to the ventilation sequence that alternates between the first on-time and the first off-time. That is, the first time is the start time of the first on-time of the ventilation sequence when early adjustment control of ventilation is not performed.

[0043] In one embodiment, a ventilation sequence that alternates between fixed first on-times and first off-times is expressed as a percentage of the total time of the first on-time and first off-time.

[0044] As described above, even when ventilation starts, a decreased blood oxygen concentration cannot be immediately restored; it takes time for the blood oxygen concentration to recover. Therefore, in step S110, the control unit 14 also acquires a first adjustment time, which is the time from the start of ventilation operation until the user's blood oxygen concentration begins to increase. The first adjustment time, first on time, and first off time may be predetermined values ​​determined through experiments, etc., or may be values ​​set based on the operating history of the air conditioner 10, or may be values ​​specified by the user. The first adjustment time, first on time, and first off time can be set based on the required ventilation volume of the controlled space, the size of the controlled space, the airtightness of the controlled space, the number of users in the controlled space, the activity level of the users in the controlled space, etc. The first adjustment time may be, for example, 5 minutes, 10 minutes, 15 minutes, 20 minutes, or 30 minutes. The average required ventilation volume for one person is 30 m 3 / h, but the required ventilation volume varies depending on the user's gender and age.

[0045] The controller 14 starts the ventilation operation the first adjustment time before the first time (step S120). That is, the controller 14 starts the ventilation operation when the user's blood oxygen concentration has not yet decreased to the first concentration threshold. The ventilation control method may execute advance control for at least the first on-time in the ventilation sequence. For example, only the start time of the first first on-time may be advanced, only the start time of the second first on-time may be advanced, or the start times of all first on-times may be advanced.

[0046] In one embodiment, the ventilation operation is started by the first adjustment time earlier, and then the ventilation operation is operated for the first on-time and then terminated. Figure 3A is a timing diagram of a ventilation sequence CS1 when ventilation advance control is not performed, and Figure 3B is a timing diagram of a ventilation sequence CS2 when ventilation advance control is performed.

[0047] 3A, when ventilation advance control is not performed, in the ventilation sequence CS1, the ventilation operation starts at time t2, is performed for the first on-time, and ends at time t3. When the first off-time has elapsed from time t3 (time t4), the ventilation operation is again performed for the first on-time. That is, in the ventilation sequence CS1, times t2 and t4 are the start times of the first on-time and are the first time.

[0048] On the other hand, in the example of FIG. 3B, the controller 14 executes advance control, starting the ventilation operation at time t1 the first adjustment time before the first time t2. The ventilation operation starts at time t1, is performed for the first on-time, and ends at time t7. When the first off-time has elapsed from time t7 (time t8), the ventilation operation is again performed for the first on-time. In the example of FIG. 3B, the controller 14 does not change the first on-time, but advances the start times of all the first on-times by the first adjustment time.

[0049] 4A is a schematic diagram showing the relationship between the ventilation sequence CS1 and the user's blood oxygen concentration and the carbon dioxide concentration in the control space when ventilation advance control is not performed. As shown in FIG. 4A, at time t2, the blood oxygen concentration is predicted to fall below the first concentration threshold, and ventilation operation is initiated. During the first on-time, ventilation is initiated, but the carbon dioxide concentration in the control space continues to rise for a while, and the user's blood oxygen concentration continues to fall for a while. After a certain amount of time has passed since ventilation started, the carbon dioxide concentration and blood oxygen concentration return to their normal ranges.

[0050] 4B is a schematic diagram showing the relationship between the ventilation sequence CS2 when ventilation is advanced and the user's blood oxygen concentration and the carbon dioxide concentration in the control space. According to the ventilation sequence CS2 also shown in FIG. 3B, ventilation is performed before the carbon dioxide concentration and blood oxygen concentration fall outside the normal range and before the first adjustment time, which is considered to be the time required for the blood oxygen concentration to increase. This allows the blood oxygen concentration to be maintained within the normal range at all times.

[0051] In one embodiment, the ventilation operation is started by the first adjustment time earlier, and then the ventilation operation is performed for the total time of the first adjustment time and the first on-time, and then the ventilation operation is terminated. FIG. 3C is a timing diagram of a ventilation sequence CS3 when ventilation advance control is performed. In the embodiment of FIG. 3C, the controller 14 advances the start time (t2) of the first first on-time, starting the ventilation operation at time t1 the first adjustment time before the first time t2. The ventilation operation starts at time t1 and is performed for the total time of the first adjustment time and the first on-time. Thereafter, the first first on-time of FIG. 3C ends at time t3, similar to the first first on-time of FIG. 3A. In the embodiment of FIG. 3C, the controller 14 lengthens the first first on-time, and thereafter performs the ventilation operation according to the original ventilation sequence CS1 (FIG. 3A). In another example, the controller 14 lengthens at least one or all of the second and subsequent first on-times by the first adjustment time.

[0052] According to the ventilation sequence CS3 of Fig. 3C, similar to the embodiment of Fig. 4B, the ventilation operation is performed before the carbon dioxide concentration and blood oxygen concentration deviate from the normal range and before the first adjustment time, thereby making it possible to always maintain the blood oxygen concentration within the normal range.

[0053] In one embodiment, the control unit 14 may adjust the start time or end time of the second or subsequent first on-times based on a change in the number of people in the control space, or may execute an advance control for any first on-time. For example, when the control unit 14 determines that the number of people has increased, the control unit 14 may execute the next first on-time earlier by at least the first adjustment time, or may lengthen the next or subsequent first on-times.

[0054] This completes the advanced ventilation control process in the air conditioner 10. The ventilation control method and air conditioner 10 described above make it possible to appropriately perform ventilation control in consideration of the user's blood oxygen concentration. Furthermore, by performing advanced ventilation control based on the first adjustment time related to the time from when ventilation operation begins to when the user's blood oxygen concentration begins to increase, it is possible to maintain the user's blood oxygen concentration within a normal range.

[0055] In one embodiment, the air conditioner 10 has a program used to execute the ventilation control method as described above. The program causes the control unit 14 of the air conditioner 10 to execute the ventilation control method.

[0056] In one embodiment, the air conditioner 10 has a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium on which a computer program is stored. The control method of the present disclosure is realized when the computer program is executed by the processor (control unit 14). The storage medium may be the same as the storage unit 12 of the air conditioner 10, may be included in the storage unit 12, or may be a component separate from the storage unit 12.

[0057] Below, we will introduce an air conditioner 10 and a ventilation control method with further features. The ventilation control methods described in Embodiments 2 to 4 and 6 control ventilation operation while monitoring the user's blood oxygen level. Therefore, in Embodiments 2 to 4 and 6, the air conditioner 10 includes a communication unit 13 that can communicate with a wearable device 20 worn by the user. The wearable device 20 detects the user's blood oxygen level via a blood oxygen level sensor 24 and transmits it to the communication unit 13 of the air conditioner 10.

[0058] Second Embodiment <Learning to update the first adjustment time> In the second embodiment, the air conditioner 10 and the ventilation control method can monitor the blood oxygen concentration of the user while performing ventilation operation, and update the first adjustment time based on changes in the blood oxygen concentration.

[0059] FIG. 5 is a flowchart of a ventilation control method according to the second embodiment, in which the first adjustment time can be updated. In the example of FIG. 5, the ventilation control method includes steps S110 to S170. After starting ventilation control the first adjustment time in advance (step S120), the controller 14 acquires user information related to the user's blood oxygen concentration from the wearable device 20 via the communication unit 13 (step S130). Then, while performing ventilation operation, the controller 14 determines, based on the user information, whether the user's blood oxygen concentration has become equal to or lower than a second concentration threshold (step S140). The second concentration threshold may be the same as or different from the first concentration threshold. The second concentration threshold may be, for example, 94%, 95%, or 96%.

[0060] When it is determined that the blood oxygen concentration has become equal to or lower than the second concentration threshold, the control unit 14 updates the first adjustment time so as to lengthen the first adjustment time (step S150). The fact that the blood oxygen concentration has become equal to or lower than the second concentration threshold despite the start of ventilation operation the first adjustment time earlier indicates that the first adjustment time was insufficient for the blood oxygen concentration to recover. Therefore, the control unit 14 lengthens the first adjustment time to maintain the blood oxygen concentration within the normal range. The control unit 14 stores the updated first adjustment time in the memory unit 12. The next time step S110 is executed, the control unit 14 reads the updated first adjustment time from the memory unit 12 and performs advance control using the updated first adjustment time.

[0061] In one example, the control unit 14 lengthens the first adjustment time by the same adjustment value each time in step S150. For example, the adjustment value may be 3 seconds, 5 seconds, 10 seconds, 20 seconds, or 30 seconds.

[0062] In another example, the adjustment value is increased each time step S150 is executed. In step S150, the control unit 14 increases the first adjustment time at the current adjustment value and also increases the adjustment value. For example, the control unit 14 may gradually increase the adjustment value in increments of 3 seconds, 4 seconds, 5 seconds, 6 seconds, and 10 seconds.

[0063] In another example, the control unit 14 lengthens the first adjustment time or the adjustment value depending on the difference between the blood oxygen concentration and the second concentration threshold. For example, the control unit 14 lengthens the first adjustment time or the adjustment value as the blood oxygen concentration is lower than the second concentration threshold.

[0064] The first adjustment time suitable for the control space is affected by the size and airtightness of the control space, etc. By updating the first adjustment time in this way, it is possible to learn the first adjustment time suitable for the control space in which the air conditioner 10 is installed.

[0065] Next, the control unit 14 determines whether or not the ventilation operation should be terminated (step S160). For example, when the first on-time has elapsed, or when the total time of the first adjustment time and the first on-time has elapsed, the control unit 14 determines that the ventilation operation should be terminated. In this case, the control unit 14 terminates the ventilation operation (step S170). On the other hand, if the first on-time or the total time of the first adjustment time and the first on-time has not yet elapsed, the process returns to step S130, and the control unit 14 continues to monitor the blood oxygen concentration while performing the ventilation operation.

[0066] In one embodiment, to prevent the first adjustment time from becoming too long, the memory unit 12 stores an initial value of the first adjustment time, and the control unit 14 periodically resets the first adjustment time to the initial value. For example, the control unit 14 may reset the first adjustment time to the initial value every three months, every six months, every year, or every two years.

[0067] The adjustment value for the first adjustment time may be reset, for example, when the ventilation operation ends in step S170. Alternatively, this adjustment value may be reset at regular intervals such as one week, two weeks, or one month.

[0068] This completes the learning process for updating the first adjustment time in the air conditioner 10. In this way, it is possible to learn a first adjustment time that is suitable for the control space.

[0069] Third Embodiment <Learning to update the first on-time> In the third embodiment, the air conditioner 10 and the ventilation control method can monitor the user's blood oxygen level while performing ventilation operation during a predetermined first period, and update the first on-time based on changes in the blood oxygen level.

[0070] 6A and 6B are flowcharts of a ventilation control method in which the first on-time is updatable according to embodiment 3. In the example of FIGS. 6A and 6B, the ventilation control method includes steps S110 to S130 and steps S160 to S220. The contents of steps S110 to S130, S160, and S170 in FIGS. 6A and 6B are the same as the contents of the steps having the same reference numbers in FIG. 5, and detailed description thereof will be omitted here.

[0071] To learn the first on-time, the control unit 14 monitors changes in the user's blood oxygen level within a predetermined first period. The first period may be, for example, 3 days, 5 days, 7 days, 10 days, 14 days, 15 days, or 30 days. In one example, throughout the first period, regardless of whether the air conditioner 10 is operating, the wearable device 20 transmits the detected blood oxygen level to the air conditioner 10, and the control unit 14 monitors the blood oxygen level.

[0072] In the example of Figures 6A and 6B, the control unit 14 acquires user information regarding the user's blood oxygen concentration during ventilation operation (step S130), and then determines whether the blood oxygen concentration has become equal to or lower than a third concentration threshold based on the user information (step S180). The third concentration threshold may be the same as or different from the first concentration threshold and the second concentration threshold. The second concentration threshold may be, for example, 93%, 94%, 95%, or 96%.

[0073] When it is determined that the blood oxygen concentration has become equal to or lower than the third concentration threshold, the control unit 14 lengthens the first on-time (step S190). One of the reasons why the blood oxygen concentration has become equal to or lower than the third concentration threshold even when ventilation operation is performed is thought to be an insufficient ventilation volume. Therefore, the control unit 14 lengthens the first on-time to maintain the blood oxygen concentration within the normal range. The control unit 14 stores the updated first adjustment time in the memory unit 12.

[0074] Similar to the learning of the first adjustment time in the second embodiment, the control unit 14 may lengthen the first on-time by the same adjustment value, by a gradually increasing adjustment value, or according to the difference between the blood oxygen concentration and the third concentration threshold value each time step S190 is executed.

[0075] Next, the control unit 14 determines whether or not the ventilation operation should be terminated (step S160), and if it is determined that the ventilation operation should be terminated, it terminates the ventilation operation (step S170). On the other hand, if it is determined that the ventilation operation should not be terminated, the process returns to step S130, and the control unit 14 continues to monitor the blood oxygen concentration while performing the ventilation operation.

[0076] The adjustment value for the first on-time may be reset, for example, when the first period has elapsed, or may be reset at a fixed period different from the first period, such as every week, every two weeks, or every month.

[0077] After the ventilation operation is terminated, the control unit 14 determines whether a first period has elapsed (step S200). Once the first period has elapsed, the control unit 14 determines whether the user's blood oxygen concentration has been equal to or lower than the third concentration threshold over the first period. The control unit 14 determines whether the blood oxygen concentration has been equal to or lower than the third concentration threshold over the first period (step S210). If it is determined that the blood oxygen concentration has never been equal to or lower than the third concentration threshold over the first period, the first on-time may be too long, so the control unit 14 shortens the first on-time (step S220). On the other hand, if it is determined that the blood oxygen concentration has been equal to or lower than the third concentration threshold over the first period and the first on-time has been extended, the control unit 14 terminates the ventilation operation without further adjusting the first on-time.

[0078] This completes the learning process for updating the first on-time in the air conditioner 10. In this way, it is possible to learn a first on-time that is suitable for the control space.

[0079] Fourth Embodiment <Initial learning to determine the initial value of the first on time, first off time, or first adjustment time> In the fourth embodiment, the air conditioner 10 and ventilation control method save a history of changes in blood oxygen concentration during a predetermined second period. Based on this history, the air conditioner 10 and ventilation control method can determine an initial value for at least one of the first adjustment time, the first on time, and the first off time. In other words, the air conditioner 10 and ventilation control method can perform initial learning for the first adjustment time, the first on time, and the first off time.

[0080] Once the air conditioner 10 has performed this initial learning, it can later execute the ventilation control method described in embodiments 1 to 3, 5, and 6 using the learned first adjustment time, first on time, or first off time. In one example, initial learning can be performed after the air conditioner 10 is installed or after the user moves into a room (controlled space) in which the air conditioner 10 is installed. In another example, the air conditioner 10 performs initial learning if an initial value for at least one of the first adjustment time, first on time, and first off time cannot be found in the memory unit 12. In yet another example, the memory unit 12 stores various parameters corresponding to each user of the air conditioner 10. The air conditioner 10 performs initial learning if an initial value for the first adjustment time, first on time, or first off time corresponding to the user currently in the controlled space cannot be found in the memory unit 12.

[0081] Hereinafter, the initial learning of the first on-time and the first off-time will be described with reference to FIGS. 7, 8A, and 8B.

[0082] 7 is an example flowchart of a ventilation control method according to embodiment 4, in which initial values ​​for the first on time and the first off time can be determined. In the example of FIG. 7, the ventilation control method includes steps S310, S320a, S320b, S110, and S120. After determining at least one of the first on time and the first off time, the air conditioner 10 can perform ventilation operation using the determined values.

[0083] 7, the control unit 14 of the air conditioner 10 acquires user information regarding the user's blood oxygen level via the communication unit 13 and the wearable device 20 over a second period of time (step S310). The second period may be, for example, 7 days, 10 days, 14 days, 15 days, 30 days, or 60 days. In one example, over the second period of time, regardless of whether the air conditioner 10 is operating, the wearable device 20 transmits the detected blood oxygen level to the air conditioner 10, and the control unit 14 monitors the blood oxygen level and accumulates a history of changes in the blood oxygen level.

[0084] Next, the controller 14 learns a first on-time based on the user information and a fourth concentration threshold (step S320a) over a second period, and learns a first off-time based on the user information and a fifth concentration threshold (step S320b). The fourth concentration threshold indicates the lower limit of the normal range of blood oxygen concentration and may be, for example, 95%. The fifth concentration threshold is higher than the fourth concentration threshold and may be, for example, 96%, 97%, or 98%.

[0085] The initial learning of the first on-time and the first off-time will be described in more detail below with reference to FIGS. 8A and 8B. FIGS. 8A and 8B are another example flowcharts of a ventilation control method. In the embodiment of FIGS. 8A and 8B, the ventilation control method includes steps S310, S330 to S390, S110, and S120. Steps S330 to S390 in FIGS. 8A and 8B correspond to steps S320a and S320b in FIG. 7.

[0086] 8A and 8B, the control unit 14 acquires user information (step S310) and determines whether the user's blood oxygen concentration has become equal to or lower than the fourth concentration threshold (step S330). When it determines that the user's blood oxygen concentration has become equal to or lower than the fourth concentration threshold, the control unit 14 starts ventilation operation and accumulates the start time of the ventilation operation (step S340).

[0087] When the ventilation operation is performed, the carbon dioxide concentration in the controlled space gradually decreases, and the decrease in the user's blood oxygen concentration stops and gradually recovers. While the ventilation operation is being performed, the control unit 14 determines whether the user's blood oxygen concentration has become higher than the fifth concentration threshold (step S350). When it determines that the user's blood oxygen concentration has become higher than the fifth concentration threshold, the control unit 14 ends the ventilation operation and accumulates the end time of the ventilation operation (step S360).

[0088] The control unit 14 calculates the second on time and the second off time of the ventilation operation (step S370). More specifically, the control unit 14 calculates the second on time of the ventilation operation based on the time from the start time to the end time of the ventilation operation that was terminated in step S360. For example, the second on time is the result of subtracting the start time of the ventilation operation that was terminated in step S360 from the end time of the ventilation operation.

[0089] Then, the control unit 14 calculates the second ON time of the ventilation operation based on the time from the end time to the start time of the previous ventilation operation. For example, the second OFF time is the result of subtracting the end time of the previous ventilation operation that ended in step S360 from the start time of the ventilation operation that ended in step S360. The control unit 14 stores the calculated second ON time and second OFF time in the memory unit 12.

[0090] The control unit 14 may calculate the second on time and the second off time each time the ventilation operation is completed, or may calculate the second on time and the second off time multiple times at once based on the history of the start time and the end time. Also, the second on time and the second off time can be calculated separately in different steps.

[0091] After the ventilation operation, the control unit 14 determines whether the second period has elapsed (step S380). If the second period has not yet elapsed, the process returns to step S310, and the control unit 14 continues to monitor the blood oxygen concentration while performing the ventilation operation.

[0092] On the other hand, when it is determined that the second period has elapsed, the control unit 14 determines the first on-time and the first off-time based on the second on-time and the second off-time during the second period (step S390). For example, the control unit 14 sets the average, weighted average, or median of the second on-times accumulated over the second period as the first on-time. Also, the control unit 14 sets the average, weighted average, or median of the second off-times accumulated over the second period as the first off-time.

[0093] When determining the first on-time and the first off-time, the control unit 14 may exclude second on-times and second off-times that have outliers or abnormal values. In one embodiment, in step S390, the control unit 14 excludes second on-times that are shorter than the on-reference value and second off-times that are shorter than the off-reference value. Second on-times or second off-times that are shorter than the reference values ​​are excluded here because they are considered to be due to user error or the like. The on-reference value may be, for example, 20 seconds, 30 seconds, 45 seconds, 60 seconds, or 120 seconds. The off-reference value may be 3 minutes, 5 minutes, 10 minutes, 15 minutes, or 30 minutes.

[0094] In this way, the first on-time can be determined based on the operating time of the ventilation operation required for the user's blood oxygen concentration to recover from the fourth concentration threshold to the fifth concentration threshold, and the first off-time can be determined based on the non-operating time required for the blood oxygen concentration to decrease to the fourth concentration threshold after the end of the ventilation operation.

[0095] The initial learning of the first adjustment time will be described below with reference to Figures 9A and 9B. The control unit 14 learns the first adjustment time based on the user information and the fourth concentration threshold value over the second period.

[0096] 9A and 9B are flowcharts of a ventilation control method according to embodiment 4, in which an initial value of the first adjustment time can be determined. In the example of FIGS. 9A and 9B, the ventilation control method can determine an initial value of the first adjustment time and includes steps S310, S330, S340, S380, S400 to S430, S110, and S120. After determining at least one of the first adjustment times, the air conditioner 10 can perform ventilation operation using the determined value.

[0097] 9A and 9B, similar to the embodiment of FIGS. 8A and 8B, the controller 14 acquires user information over a second period (step S310). When the controller 14 determines that the blood oxygen concentration has become equal to or lower than the fourth concentration threshold, the controller 14 starts the ventilation operation and accumulates the start time (steps S330 and S340). While the ventilation operation is being performed, the controller 14 determines whether the decrease in the user's blood oxygen concentration has stopped and started to increase (step S400). When the controller 14 determines that the user's blood oxygen concentration has started to increase, the controller 14 accumulates the increase time (step S410).

[0098] Next, the control unit 14 calculates the required rise time based on the time from the start time to the rise time (step S420). For example, the required rise time is the result of subtracting the start time of the ventilation operation started in step S340 from the rise time of the ventilation operation. The control unit 14 stores the calculated required rise time in the memory unit 12. The control unit 14 may calculate the required rise time each time the ventilation operation ends or each time it determines that the blood oxygen concentration has started to rise, or may calculate the required rise time multiple times collectively based on the history of the start times and rise times.

[0099] When determining that the second period has elapsed, the control unit 14 determines the first adjustment time based on the required rise time during the second period (step S430). For example, the control unit 14 sets the first adjustment time to the average, weighted average, or median of the required rise times accumulated over the second period. Note that the control unit 14 may exclude required rise times that have outliers or abnormal values ​​when determining the first adjustment time.

[0100] In this way, the first adjustment time can be determined based on the operation time of the ventilation operation that takes from the start of the ventilation operation until the blood oxygen concentration of the user starts to increase.

[0101] This completes the initial learning process for the initial values ​​of the first on time, the first off time, and the first adjustment time. In this way, it is possible to learn at least one of the first on time, the first off time, and the first adjustment time that is suitable for the control space.

[0102] Fifth Embodiment <Air conditioning control in line with ventilation operation> In the fifth embodiment, the air conditioner 10 and the ventilation control method can perform advance control of air conditioning operation (for example, heating operation or cooling operation) in accordance with ventilation operation.

[0103] When ventilation operation is performed, outside air is introduced into the controlled space, so the indoor temperature is affected by the outside air temperature. For example, ventilation in summer increases the indoor temperature, while ventilation in winter decreases the indoor temperature. The control unit 14 performs cooling or heating operation in conjunction with the ventilation operation to suppress changes in the indoor temperature. In one example, the control unit 14 starts air conditioning operation in advance before the start of ventilation operation or during ventilation operation. In another example, the control unit 14 performs early control of air conditioning operation when it determines that the first on-time is longer than a predetermined time (e.g., 5 or 10 minutes).

[0104] Fig. 10 is a flowchart of a ventilation control method according to embodiment 5. In the example of Fig. 10, the ventilation control method includes steps S510 to S540. The content of step S510 in Fig. 10 is the same as the content of step S110 in Fig. 2, and detailed description thereof will be omitted here.

[0105] The control unit 14 acquires the first time and the first adjustment time (step S510), and further acquires the second adjustment time (step S520). The second adjustment time relates to a change in indoor temperature due to ventilation operation, and can be acquired from the storage unit 12, the wearable device 20, the server 30, or a terminal device related to the air conditioner 10.

[0106] The second adjustment time may be a predetermined value determined by experiment or the like, may be a numerical value set based on the operation history of the air conditioner 10, or may be a numerical value specified by the user. The second adjustment time can also be set based on the indoor temperature, the set temperature, the first adjustment time, the size of the controlled space, the insulation of the controlled space, the number of users in the controlled space, the activity level of the users in the controlled space, etc. The second adjustment time may be, for example, 2 minutes, 3 minutes, 5 minutes, 10 minutes, 15 minutes, or 30 minutes.

[0107] The second adjustment time can be set based on the type of air conditioning operation. Generally, it takes longer to raise the indoor temperature than to lower it. Therefore, the second adjustment time for heating operation can be set to be longer than the second adjustment time for cooling operation. For example, the second adjustment time for cooling operation may be 2 minutes, 3 minutes, 5 minutes, or 10 minutes, and the second adjustment time for heating operation may be 5 minutes, 10 minutes, 15 minutes, or 30 minutes.

[0108] The second adjustment time can be set depending on the degree to which changes in the indoor temperature are to be suppressed. For example, to maintain the indoor temperature within a relatively narrow room temperature range, it is possible to operate the air conditioning for a relatively long time, with relatively strong heating or cooling, or with a relatively strong airflow. In one example, the second adjustment time for maintaining the indoor temperature within a first room temperature range of ±0.5°C from the set temperature is set longer than the second adjustment time for maintaining the indoor temperature within a second room temperature range of ±1°C from the set temperature.

[0109] Compared to maintaining the room temperature within the first room temperature range, maintaining the room temperature within the second room temperature range requires relatively less power consumption, at the cost of allowing for more room temperature fluctuations. To reduce power consumption, the startup power for air conditioning operation may be set relatively low. The user may be allowed to select whether to prioritize maintaining the room temperature or saving power consumption via the wearable device 20 or another terminal device.

[0110] Next, the control unit 14 determines the start time of the air conditioning operation based on the ventilation sequence, the first adjustment time, and the second adjustment time (step S530), and starts the air conditioning operation and the ventilation operation according to the determined start time (step S540). As described above, the control unit 14 can determine the start time and end time of the ventilation operation based on the ventilation sequence and the first adjustment time. Here, the control unit 14 determines the start time of the air conditioning operation based on the start time or end time of the ventilation operation and the second adjustment time.

[0111] In one example, the start time of the air conditioning operation is a time that is the second adjustment time before the start time of the ventilation operation. In another example, the start time of the air conditioning operation is a time that is the second adjustment time before the end time of the ventilation operation. In yet another example, the start time of the air conditioning operation is a time that is the second adjustment time after the start time of the ventilation operation.

[0112] After starting the air conditioning operation, the control unit 14 may continue the air conditioning operation so as to maintain the room temperature within a predetermined room temperature range. In one example, the control unit 14 performs the air conditioning operation so as to maintain the room temperature within the predetermined room temperature range over the first on-time. In another example, the control unit 14 performs the air conditioning operation so as to maintain the room temperature from the start time of the first on-time until a certain time after the end time of the first on-time.

[0113] As described above, the control unit 14 can determine the start time and end time of the air conditioning operation based on the ventilation sequence, the first adjustment time, and the second adjustment time. The air conditioning sequence, which is a control sequence for the air conditioning operation, can be determined based on the start time and end time of the air conditioning operation. The air conditioning sequence can be stored in the memory unit 12.

[0114] FIG. 11A is a schematic diagram showing the relationship between the ventilation sequence CS2 according to the fifth embodiment, the air conditioning sequence CS4 when air conditioning advance control is not performed, and the room temperature. FIG. 11A shows an example in which the air conditioning operation is heating operation in winter. In the example of FIG. 11A, advance control of ventilation operation is performed. For example, the control unit 14 performs ventilation operation during the first on-time from time t1 to time t12 and from time t15 to time t16. On the other hand, advance control of air conditioning is not performed. For example, the control unit 14 starts air conditioning operation when it is determined that the room temperature has fallen below a predetermined room temperature threshold (times t12 and t15).

[0115] The room temperature gradually decreases during the first on-time due to ventilation operation. The room temperature rises again due to heating operation. While neither ventilation nor heating operation is being performed, the room temperature gradually decreases.

[0116] 11B is a schematic diagram showing the relationship between the ventilation sequence CS2 according to embodiment 5, the air conditioning sequence CS5 when air conditioning is advanced, and the room temperature. In the example of FIG. 11A, both ventilation operation advanced control and air conditioning operation advanced control are executed.

[0117] In one example, the control unit 14 starts the air conditioning operation at the same start time as the ventilation operation. For example, the control unit 14 starts the air conditioning operation at time t11, which is before time t12, so as to maintain the indoor temperature within a constant room temperature range over the first on-time of the first ventilation operation shown in FIG. 11B. That is, the second adjustment time is the result of subtracting time t11 from time t12, and has the same length as the first on-time. By using such a second adjustment time, the indoor temperature is maintained approximately constant between time t11 and time t12, and decreases gradually without a sudden drop after the end time t12 of the air conditioning operation. That is, by controlling the air conditioning operation to start earlier, changes in the indoor temperature are suppressed.

[0118] In another example, the control unit 14 starts the air conditioning operation before the start time of the ventilation operation. For example, the control unit 14 starts the air conditioning operation at time t18, which is before the start time t14 of the first on-time of the second ventilation operation shown in FIG. 11B. That is, the second adjustment time is the result of subtracting time t18 from time t15. The second air conditioning operation ends at time t19, which is before the end time t15 of the second ventilation operation. The second air conditioning operation restores the indoor temperature to the warm level it was before the ventilation operation. Although the indoor temperature drops after the end time t19 of the air conditioning operation, the drop is relatively gradual compared to the indoor temperature between time 16 and time 17 in the example of FIG. 11A. That is, by controlling the air conditioning operation to start earlier, changes in the indoor temperature are suppressed.

[0119] In another example, the control unit 14 starts an air conditioning operation before the start time of a ventilation operation and ends the air conditioning operation before the start time of the ventilation operation, as in the third air conditioning operation shown in Figure 11B. The third air conditioning operation restores the indoor temperature to the warm level it was before the ventilation operation. Therefore, even if the third ventilation operation starts at time t17 and the indoor temperature drops, the indoor temperature can be maintained relatively warmer and changes in the indoor temperature can be suppressed compared to when the earlier third air conditioning operation is not performed.

[0120] Furthermore, even in the summer, the air conditioner 10 can suppress changes in the room temperature by controlling the cooling operation to be earlier in accordance with the ventilation operation based on the same principle as in the embodiment shown in FIG. 11B.

[0121] In one embodiment, the control unit 14 can update the second adjustment time based on changes in the indoor temperature. For example, in winter, the control unit 14 monitors changes in the indoor temperature and determines whether the indoor temperature has fallen below the winter room temperature threshold between the start time of the air conditioning operation and the start time of the next air conditioning operation. When it is determined that the indoor temperature has fallen below the winter room temperature threshold, the control unit 14 updates the second adjustment time to lengthen the second adjustment time. On the other hand, when it is determined that the indoor temperature has never fallen below the winter room temperature threshold over a predetermined third period, the second adjustment time may be too long, and the control unit 14 shortens the second adjustment time.

[0122] Similarly, in the summer, the control unit 14 monitors changes in the indoor temperature, determines whether the indoor temperature has become abnormal to the summer room temperature threshold between the start time of the air conditioning operation and the start time of the next air conditioning operation, and updates the second adjustment time based on the determination result.

[0123] Similar to the learning of the first adjustment time in the second embodiment, when updating the second adjustment time, the control unit 14 may lengthen the second adjustment time by the same adjustment value or by gradually increasing adjustment values. In one example, the adjustment value of the second adjustment time is set to 1% of the current second adjustment time to prevent overlearning.

[0124] The room temperature threshold for learning the second adjustment time can be set for each type of air conditioning operation, each season, or each month. For example, different room temperature thresholds may be set for cooling operation and heating operation.

[0125] In one example, the initial value of the second adjustment time can be learned based on a history over the second period, similar to learning the initial value of the first adjustment time in embodiment 4. For example, the control unit 14 can learn the initial value of the second adjustment time over the second period based on a change in the indoor temperature within the required temperature rise time.

[0126] This completes the air conditioning control process in accordance with ventilation operation. The air conditioner 10 and ventilation control method can control air conditioning operation to be advanced in accordance with ventilation operation so as to suppress changes in the indoor temperature. In addition, it is possible to learn the second adjustment time for the advanced control of air conditioning operation and the initial value of the second adjustment time.

[0127] Sixth Embodiment <Ventilation abnormality notification> In the sixth embodiment, the air conditioner 10 and the ventilation control method can determine whether or not an abnormality has occurred in ventilation operation (hereinafter sometimes abbreviated as ventilation abnormality), such as a malfunction of the ventilation unit 11. If the air conditioner 10 and the ventilation control method detect a ventilation abnormality, they can present a ventilation abnormality notification to the user.

[0128] Fig. 12 is a flowchart of a ventilation control method according to embodiment 6. In the example of Fig. 12, the ventilation control method includes steps S710 to S760. The contents of steps S710 to S730 in Fig. 12 are the same as the contents of steps S110 to S130 in Fig. 5, and detailed description thereof will be omitted here.

[0129] 12, the control unit 14 starts ventilation operation and acquires user information related to the user's blood oxygen concentration (steps S710 to S730). Then, the control unit 14 determines whether the user's blood oxygen concentration exceeds a sixth concentration threshold (step S740). The sixth concentration threshold is a threshold for determining whether the user's blood oxygen concentration has recovered. In one embodiment, the sixth concentration threshold is equal to or less than the first concentration threshold, and may be, for example, 95%, 94.5%, 94%, or 93%.

[0130] When it is determined that the blood oxygen concentration has exceeded the sixth concentration threshold, the control unit 14 does not issue a ventilation abnormality notification because it is considered that the ventilation operation is being performed normally. In this case, the control unit 14 continues the ventilation operation according to the ventilation sequence.

[0131] On the other hand, if it is determined that the user's blood oxygen concentration has not exceeded the sixth concentration threshold since the start of ventilation operation and that the monitoring time has elapsed since the start of ventilation operation ("YES" in step S750), the control unit 14 presents a ventilation abnormality notification (step S760). The control unit 14 presents the ventilation abnormality notification to the user via the communication unit 13 or the presentation unit 15 of the air conditioner. The ventilation abnormality notification can be presented, for example, by text, an image, a sound, a buzzer, or a flashing LED.

[0132] If the blood oxygen concentration does not exceed the sixth concentration threshold before the monitoring time has elapsed despite the start of ventilation operation, this indicates that an abnormality has occurred in the default ventilation operation.

[0133] As an example, a ventilation abnormality may occur in which ventilation is not possible or the actual ventilation volume is lower than the expected ventilation volume due to a malfunction or defect of the ventilation unit 11. In this case, the control unit 14 may present a ventilation abnormality notification prompting the user to check the operation of the ventilation unit 11 or the operation of other components related to ventilation operation.

[0134] In another example, an abnormal situation may occur in which the blood oxygen level cannot be detected due to malfunction or failure of the blood oxygen level sensor 24 or other components of the wearable device 20. In this case, the control unit 14 may perform ventilation operation according to the ventilation sequence and may also present a ventilation abnormality notification including a notification that the blood oxygen level cannot be detected, or a ventilation abnormality notification indicated by a buzzer sounding to urge ventilation. Note that when the user wearing the wearable device 20 leaves the controlled space, it is not appropriate to control ventilation operation for the controlled space based on the user's blood oxygen level. In this case, the control unit 14 stops ventilation control based on the user's blood oxygen level and, for example, does not update the first adjustment time based on the user's blood oxygen level.

[0135] In addition, there may be situations where the user frequently performs ventilation operation because the blood oxygen concentration drops immediately after recovery due to exercise or an illness that affects the ventilation volume. In such cases, the control unit 14 may present a ventilation abnormality notification that prompts the user to check their condition or reset the ventilation operation. In such cases, the control unit 14 may temporarily lengthen at least one of the first adjustment time and the first off time.

[0136] The monitoring time for determining ventilation abnormality may be the same as the first on-time, or may be shorter than the first on-time.

[0137] As a result, the air conditioner 10 and the ventilation control method can detect various abnormal situations related to ventilation operation, and can present the user with a ventilation abnormality notification corresponding to the abnormal situation.

[0138] The configurations of the above-described first to sixth embodiments and the techniques of ventilation control and air conditioning control can be combined.

[0139] (Other embodiments) (Addendum) The above description of the embodiments discloses the following techniques.

[0140] (Technology 1) An air conditioner capable of ventilation operation, comprising a ventilation unit that ventilates indoor air, and a control unit that controls the ventilation unit, wherein the control unit acquires a first time when a user's blood oxygen concentration is predicted to fall below a first concentration threshold, acquires a first adjustment time relating to the time from when ventilation operation begins until the user's blood oxygen concentration starts to increase, and starts ventilation operation the first adjustment time before the first time.

[0141] With this air conditioner, ventilation control can be performed appropriately taking into account the user's blood oxygen concentration. Furthermore, by performing advanced ventilation control based on the first adjustment time related to the time from when ventilation operation starts until the user's blood oxygen concentration begins to increase, it is possible to maintain the user's blood oxygen concentration within a normal range.

[0142] (Technology 2) The air conditioner according to Technology 1 further includes a communication unit capable of communicating with a wearable device worn by the user, and the control unit acquires user information regarding the user's blood oxygen concentration from the wearable device via the communication unit, and when the control unit determines that the user's blood oxygen concentration has become equal to or lower than a second concentration threshold based on the user information while the ventilation operation is being performed after starting the ventilation operation just before the first adjustment time, the control unit extends the first adjustment time.

[0143] According to this air conditioner, it is possible to learn a first adjustment time that is suitable for the space.

[0144] (Technology 3) An air conditioner described in Technology 1 or 2, in which the control unit performs ventilation operation according to a ventilation sequence that alternates between a first on time indicating the operating time of ventilation operation and a first off time indicating the non-operating time of ventilation operation.

[0145] According to such an air conditioner, air conditioning operation can be performed in accordance with a ventilation sequence.

[0146] (Technology 4) The air conditioner according to Technology 3 further includes a communication unit capable of communicating with a wearable device worn by the user, and the control unit acquires user information regarding the user's blood oxygen concentration from the wearable device via the communication unit, and when the control unit determines that the user's blood oxygen concentration has become equal to or lower than a third concentration threshold based on the user information while the ventilation operation is being performed after starting the ventilation operation only before the first adjustment time, the control unit extends the first on-time.

[0147] According to such an air conditioner, the first on-time can be updated based on changes in the user's blood oxygen concentration, and the first on-time suitable for the controlled space can be learned.

[0148] (Technical 5) The air conditioner according to Technical 4, wherein the control unit shortens the first on-time when determining, based on the user information, that the user's blood oxygen concentration has never been equal to or lower than the third concentration threshold over a first period.

[0149] According to such an air conditioner, the first on-time can be updated based on changes in the user's blood oxygen concentration, and the first on-time suitable for the controlled space can be learned.

[0150] (Technology 6) The air conditioner described in any one of Technologies 3 to 5, further including a communication unit capable of communicating with a wearable device worn by the user, and the control unit acquires user information regarding the user's blood oxygen concentration from the wearable device via the communication unit, and learns the first on-time over a second period based on the user information and a fourth concentration threshold indicating the lower limit of the normal range of blood oxygen concentration.

[0151] According to such an air conditioner, it is possible to learn an initial value for the first on-time that is suitable for the control space based on the history of changes in blood oxygen concentration.

[0152] (Technology 7) The air conditioner according to Technology 6, wherein the control unit learns the first off time over the second period based on the user information and a fifth concentration threshold higher than the fourth concentration threshold.

[0153] According to such an air conditioner, it is possible to learn an initial value for the first off time that is suitable for the control space based on the history of changes in blood oxygen concentration.

[0154] (Technology 8) The air conditioner described in Technology 7, wherein the control unit starts ventilation operation when it determines that the user's blood oxygen concentration has become lower than the fourth concentration threshold over the second period, and accumulates the start time when the ventilation operation started; when it determines that the user's blood oxygen concentration has become higher than the fifth concentration threshold after starting ventilation operation, it terminates ventilation operation and accumulates the end time when the ventilation operation ended; calculates a second on time of ventilation operation based on the time from the start time to the end time; calculates a second off time of ventilation operation based on the time from the end time to the start time; and determines the first on time and the first off time based on the second on time and the second off time during the second period.

[0155] According to such an air conditioner, it is possible to learn initial values ​​for the first on time and the first off time that are suitable for the control space based on the history of changes in blood oxygen concentration.

[0156] (Technology 9) The air conditioner described in Technology 8, wherein the control unit sets the average value, weighted average value, or median value of the second on-time during the second period to the first on-time, and sets the average value, weighted average value, or median value of the second off-time during the second period to the first off-time.

[0157] According to this air conditioner, it is possible to learn initial values ​​for the first on time and the first off time that are more suitable for the control space.

[0158] (Technology 10) An air conditioner according to Technology 8 or 9, wherein the control unit, when determining the first on time and the first off time, excludes a second on time that is shorter than an on reference value and a second off time that is shorter than an off reference value.

[0159] According to this air conditioner, it is possible to learn initial values ​​for the first on time and the first off time that are more suitable for the control space.

[0160] (Technology 11) The air conditioner according to any one of Techniques 6 to 10, wherein the control unit learns the first adjustment time based on the user information and the fourth concentration threshold value over the second period.

[0161] According to such an air conditioner, it is possible to learn an initial value of the first adjustment time that is suitable for the control space based on the history of changes in blood oxygen concentration.

[0162] (Technology 12) The air conditioner described in Technology 11, wherein the control unit starts ventilation operation when it determines that the user's blood oxygen concentration has become equal to or lower than the fourth concentration threshold over the second period, accumulates the start time of ventilation operation, accumulates the rise time when it determines that the user's blood oxygen concentration has started to rise after ventilation operation started, calculates a required rise time based on the time from the start time to the rise time, and determines the first adjustment time based on the required rise time during the second period.

[0163] According to this air conditioner, it is possible to learn an initial value for the first adjustment time that is more suitable for the control space.

[0164] (Technical Aspect 13) The air conditioner according to Technical Aspect 12, wherein the control unit sets the first adjustment time to an average value, a weighted average value, or a median value of the required rise time in the second period.

[0165] According to this air conditioner, it is possible to learn an initial value for the first adjustment time that is more suitable for the control space.

[0166] (Technology 14) An air conditioner described in any one of Technologies 3 to 13, wherein the control unit acquires a second adjustment time related to indoor temperature changes due to ventilation operation, and determines a start time of air conditioning operation based on the ventilation sequence, the first adjustment time, and the second adjustment time, and the determined start time of air conditioning operation is earlier than the start time of ventilation operation.

[0167] According to such an air conditioner, it is possible to control the air conditioning operation to be brought forward in accordance with the ventilation operation so as to suppress changes in the indoor temperature.

[0168] (Technology 15) The air conditioner according to Technology 14, wherein the air conditioner is capable of performing air conditioning operations including cooling operation and heating operation, and the second adjustment time is set based on the type of air conditioning operation.

[0169] According to such an air conditioner, it is possible to more appropriately perform air conditioning operation so as to suppress changes in the indoor temperature.

[0170] (Technical Aspect 16) The air conditioner according to Technical Aspect 15, wherein the second adjustment time for the heating operation is longer than the second adjustment time for the cooling operation.

[0171] According to such an air conditioner, it is possible to more appropriately perform air conditioning operation so as to suppress changes in the indoor temperature.

[0172] (Technology 17) The air conditioner described in any one of Technologies 1 to 16, further including a communication unit capable of communicating with a wearable device worn by the user, and the control unit acquires user information regarding the user's blood oxygen concentration from the wearable device via the communication unit, and when it determines that the user's blood oxygen concentration has not exceeded a sixth concentration threshold between the start of ventilation operation and the elapse of the monitoring time, presents a ventilation abnormality notification to the user via the communication unit or a presentation unit of the air conditioner.

[0173] According to such an air conditioner, it is possible to detect a ventilation abnormality due to malfunction of the ventilation unit or the like, and to present a ventilation abnormality notification to the user.

[0174] (Technology 18) A ventilation control method for an air conditioner capable of ventilation operation, comprising the steps of acquiring a first time when a user's blood oxygen concentration is predicted to fall below a first concentration threshold, and a first adjustment time related to the time from when ventilation operation begins until the user's blood oxygen concentration begins to rise, and starting ventilation operation the first adjustment time before the first time.

[0175] (Technology 19) A computer program for causing an air conditioner to execute the ventilation control method described in Technology 18.

[0176] (Technology 20) A non-transitory computer-readable storage medium on which a computer program is stored, the non-transitory computer-readable storage medium realizing the ventilation control method described in Technology 18 when the computer program is executed by a processor.

[0177] According to the ventilation control method, computer program, and storage medium, it is possible to appropriately perform ventilation control in consideration of the user's blood oxygen concentration. Furthermore, by performing advanced ventilation control based on the first adjustment time related to the time from the start of ventilation operation to the time when the user's blood oxygen concentration begins to increase, it is possible to maintain the user's blood oxygen concentration within a normal range.

[0178] 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]

[0179] 10 Air conditioner 11 Ventilation section 12 Storage section 13 Communications Department 14 Control Unit 15 Presentation section 20 Wearable Devices 22 Communications Department 24 Blood oxygen level sensor 30 servers CS1~CS3 ventilation sequence CS4, CS5 Air Conditioning Sequence t1~t15 time

Claims

1. An air conditioner capable of ventilation operation, a ventilation section for ventilating indoor air; A control unit that controls the ventilation unit; Including, The control unit acquiring a first time when the blood oxygen concentration of the user is predicted to be equal to or lower than a first concentration threshold; A first adjustment time is acquired regarding the time from when the ventilation operation starts until the blood oxygen concentration of the user starts to increase; starting the ventilation operation the first adjustment time before the first time; Air conditioner.

2. The air conditioner comprises: The wearable device further includes a communication unit capable of communicating with the wearable device worn by the user, The control unit acquiring user information relating to the blood oxygen concentration of the user from the wearable device via the communication unit; lengthening the first adjustment time when it is determined that the blood oxygen concentration of the user has become equal to or lower than a second concentration threshold based on the user information while the ventilation operation is being performed after being started by the first adjustment time before the start of the ventilation operation; The air conditioner according to claim 1.

3. the control unit performs the ventilation operation according to a ventilation sequence in which a first on-time indicating an operation time of the ventilation operation and a first off-time indicating a non-operation time of the ventilation operation are alternately repeated. The air conditioner according to claim 1.

4. The air conditioner comprises: The wearable device further includes a communication unit capable of communicating with the wearable device worn by the user, The control unit acquiring user information relating to the blood oxygen concentration of the user from the wearable device via the communication unit; while the ventilation operation is being started by the first adjustment time before the start of the ventilation operation and is being performed, when it is determined that the blood oxygen concentration of the user has become equal to or lower than a third concentration threshold based on the user information, the first on-time is lengthened. The air conditioner according to claim 3.

5. The control unit shortening the first on-time when it is determined that the blood oxygen concentration of the user has not become equal to or lower than the third concentration threshold value over a first period based on the user information; The air conditioner according to claim 4.

6. The air conditioner comprises: The wearable device further includes a communication unit capable of communicating with the wearable device worn by the user, The control unit acquiring user information relating to the blood oxygen concentration of the user from the wearable device via the communication unit; learning the first on-time based on the user information and a fourth concentration threshold indicating a lower limit of a normal range of blood oxygen concentration over a second period; The air conditioner according to claim 3.

7. the control unit learns the first off-time based on the user information and a fifth concentration threshold higher than the fourth concentration threshold over the second period. The air conditioner according to claim 6.

8. The control unit Over the second period of time, When it is determined that the blood oxygen concentration of the user has become equal to or lower than the fourth concentration threshold, a ventilation operation is started, and a start time of the ventilation operation is accumulated; when it is determined that the blood oxygen concentration of the user has become higher than the fifth concentration threshold after starting the ventilation operation, the ventilation operation is terminated and an end time of the ventilation operation is accumulated; calculate a second on-time of the ventilation operation based on the time from the start time to the end time; calculate a second off time of the ventilation operation based on the time from the end time to the start time; determining the first on-time and the first off-time based on the second on-time and the second off-time in the second period; The air conditioner according to claim 7.

9. The control unit the average, weighted average, or median value of the second on-time in the second period is set as the first on-time; the first off-time is set to an average value, a weighted average value, or a median value of the second off-time in the second period; The air conditioner according to claim 8.

10. the control unit excludes a second on-time that is shorter than an on-reference value and a second off-time that is shorter than an off-reference value when determining the first on-time and the first off-time. The air conditioner according to claim 8.

11. the control unit learns the first adjustment time based on the user information and the fourth concentration threshold value over the second period. The air conditioner according to claim 6.

12. The control unit Over the second period of time, When it is determined that the blood oxygen concentration of the user has become equal to or lower than the fourth concentration threshold, a ventilation operation is started, and a start time of the ventilation operation is accumulated; When it is determined that the blood oxygen concentration of the user has started to increase after the start of ventilation operation, the time when the blood oxygen concentration started to increase is accumulated; Calculating a required ascent time based on the time from the start time to the ascent time; determining the first adjustment time based on the required rise time in the second period; The air conditioner according to claim 11.

13. the control unit sets the first adjustment time to an average value, a weighted average value, or a median value of the required rise time in the second period. The air conditioner according to claim 12.

14. The control unit Acquire a second adjustment time for the indoor temperature change due to ventilation operation; determining a start time of the air conditioning operation based on the ventilation sequence, the first adjustment time, and the second adjustment time; The determined start time of the air conditioning operation is earlier than the start time of the ventilation operation. The air conditioner according to claim 3.

15. The air conditioner is capable of performing air conditioning operations including cooling operation and heating operation, The second adjustment time can be set based on the type of air conditioning operation. The air conditioner according to claim 14.

16. The second adjustment time for the heating operation is longer than the second adjustment time for the cooling operation. The air conditioner according to claim 15.

17. The air conditioner comprises: The wearable device further includes a communication unit capable of communicating with the wearable device worn by the user, The control unit acquiring user information relating to the blood oxygen concentration of the user from the wearable device via the communication unit; When it is determined that the blood oxygen concentration of the user does not exceed a sixth concentration threshold value until a monitoring time has elapsed since the start of ventilation operation, a ventilation abnormality notification is presented to the user via the communication unit or the presentation unit of the air conditioner. The air conditioner according to claim 1.

18. A ventilation control method for an air conditioner capable of ventilation operation, comprising: acquiring a first time when the blood oxygen concentration of the user is predicted to be equal to or lower than a first concentration threshold, and a first adjustment time related to the time from the start of ventilation operation to the time when the blood oxygen concentration of the user starts to increase; starting a ventilation operation the first adjustment time before the first time; Including, Ventilation control methods.

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

20. A non-transitory computer-readable storage medium on which a computer program is stored, The computer program, when executed by a processor, implements the ventilation control method of claim 18. A non-transitory computer-readable storage medium.

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