Air conditioning control device and air conditioning control method

Abstract

To provide an air conditioning control device and an air conditioning control method capable of controlling an air conditioner based on an air temperature closer to a typical indoor air temperature compared to conventional arts.SOLUTION: An air conditioning control device (100) comprises: a propagation time calculation unit (103) that calculates a propagation time of ultrasonic waves from when the ultrasonic waves are transmitted by transmitting units (30, 31, 32) that are arranged in a room (K1) and transmit the ultrasonic waves until when the ultrasonic waves are received by receiving units (30, 31, 32) that is arranged in the room (K1) and receives the ultrasonic waves; a room temperature calculation unit that calculates an air temperature in a propagation path of the ultrasonic waves in the room (K1) based on the propagation time of the ultrasonic waves calculated by the propagation time calculation unit; and an air conditioning control unit that controls the air conditioner based on the air temperature calculated by the room temperature calculation unit.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to an air conditioning control device and an air conditioning control method. [Background technology]

[0002] Conventionally, an air conditioning system has been disclosed that uses a single air conditioner to condition multiple rooms in a building (see, for example, Patent Document 1). This air conditioning system acquires the temperature of each room based on detection signals from room temperature sensors installed in each of the multiple rooms, calculates a temperature difference parameter for each of the multiple rooms, which is the difference between the room temperature and a target temperature, and controls the air conditioner based on the average of the temperature difference parameters, thereby improving energy conservation and providing optimal air conditioning for the multiple rooms. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2024-000256 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] However, since the distribution of indoor temperatures is generally uneven, when controlling an air conditioner based on the results of measuring the temperature at a specific location in the room using a temperature sensor, as in the air conditioning system described in Patent Document 1, there is a problem that, depending on the distribution of indoor temperatures, the air conditioner may be controlled based on a temperature that deviates from the typical indoor temperature.

[0005] The present disclosure was made in response to the recognition of the above-mentioned problems, and aims to provide an air conditioning control device and an air conditioning control method that can control an air conditioner based on an air temperature that is closer to a typical indoor temperature than conventional methods. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] The air conditioning control device according to the present disclosure is characterized by including a propagation time calculation unit that calculates the propagation time of ultrasonic waves from when the ultrasonic waves are transmitted by a transmitting unit that is located in the room and transmits the ultrasonic waves until when the ultrasonic waves are received by a receiving unit that is also located in the room and receives the ultrasonic waves, a room temperature calculation unit that calculates the air temperature in the propagation path of the ultrasonic waves in the room based on the propagation time of the ultrasonic waves calculated by the propagation time calculation unit, and an air conditioning control unit that controls the air conditioner based on the air temperature calculated by the room temperature calculation unit. [Effects of the Invention]

[0007] According to the present disclosure, it is possible to control an air conditioner based on an air temperature that is closer to a typical indoor air temperature than conventionally. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0008] [Figure 1] 1 is a schematic diagram showing an air conditioning system according to a first embodiment. [Figure 2] 1 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of an air conditioning system according to a first embodiment. [Figure 3] 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of a hardware configuration of an air conditioning control device according to a first embodiment. [Figure 4] 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of a hardware configuration of an air conditioning control device according to a first embodiment. [Figure 5] 4 is a flowchart showing processing performed by the air conditioning control device according to the first embodiment. [Figure 6] FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram showing an air conditioning system according to a second embodiment. [Figure 7] FIG. 10 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of an air conditioning system according to a second embodiment. [Figure 8] 6 is a flowchart showing processing performed by an air conditioning control device according to a second embodiment. [Figure 9] FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram showing an air conditioning system according to a third embodiment. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram showing an air conditioning system according to a fourth embodiment. [Figure 11]10 is a flowchart showing the processing performed by an air conditioning control device according to a fourth embodiment. [Figure 12] FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram showing an air conditioning system according to a fifth embodiment. [Figure 13] FIG. 10 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of an air conditioning system according to a fifth embodiment. [Figure 14] 10 is a flowchart showing the processing performed by an air conditioning control device according to a fifth embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0009] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. Embodiment 1 First, the configuration of an air conditioning system 1 according to embodiment 1 will be described with reference to Fig. 1. Fig. 1 is a schematic diagram showing the air conditioning system 1 according to embodiment 1. As shown in Fig. 1, the air conditioning system 1 according to embodiment 1 includes an air conditioner 10, a temperature sensor 20, a transceiver 30, and an air conditioning control device 100, and is configured such that the air conditioning control device 100, the air conditioner 10, the temperature sensor 20, and the transceiver 30 are electrically connected by wire or wirelessly so as to be able to communicate with each other.

[0010] The air conditioner 10 conditions the room K1. For example, the air conditioner 10 includes an indoor unit 11, a duct 12, an air outlet 13, and an outdoor unit (not shown). The indoor unit 11 includes, for example, a heat exchanger (not shown) and a fan (not shown) that blows air to the heat exchanger. The outdoor unit includes, for example, a heat exchanger (not shown), a compressor (not shown) that compresses refrigerant in the heat exchanger of the outdoor unit, and a fan (not shown) that blows air to the heat exchanger of the outdoor unit. The duct 12 guides air blown from the fan of the indoor unit 11 toward the air outlet 13. The air outlet 13 is located, for example, on the ceiling S1 of the room K1 and sends the air guided by the duct 12 toward the room K1 in the direction D1. With this configuration, the air conditioner 10 adjusts the temperature by sending cool or warm air from the air outlet 13 into the room K1 as the refrigerant circulates between the heat exchanger of the indoor unit 11 and the heat exchanger of the outdoor unit. The air outlet of the air conditioner is not limited to being located on the ceiling S1, but may be located on a wall surface of the room or in another location. Also, the indoor unit of the air conditioner may be configured integrally with the air outlet without using a duct.

[0011] The temperature sensor 20 is a sensor placed in the room K1 for measuring the air temperature in the room K1, and outputs information corresponding to the air temperature at a specific position in the room K1 to the air conditioning control device 100. For example, the temperature sensor 20 is composed of a thermistor, and outputs information corresponding to the air temperature at the position in the room K1 where the temperature sensor 20 is placed to the air conditioning control device 100. For example, the temperature sensor 20 is placed on a wall surface W1 of the room K1. Note that the temperature sensor may be configured to be able to output information corresponding to the air temperature in the room K1, and may be configured by a sensor other than a thermistor, such as a resistance thermometer or an infrared sensor.

[0012] The transceiver 30 is disposed in the room K1 and transmits and receives ultrasonic waves toward the room K1. In other words, the transceiver 30 is disposed in the room K1 and functions as a transmitter that transmits ultrasonic waves toward the room K1 and a receiver that receives ultrasonic waves from the room K1. For example, the transceiver 30 is configured as an ultrasonic sensor having a piezoelectric element (not shown) that transmits and receives ultrasonic waves. For example, the transceiver 30 is disposed on a wall W1 of the room K1 near the temperature sensor 20. The transceiver 30 transmits ultrasonic waves horizontally toward a wall W2 facing the wall W1. The transmitted ultrasonic waves propagate horizontally along a propagation path A11 shown in FIG. 1, reach the wall W2, are reflected by the wall W2, and receive the reflected ultrasonic waves propagating horizontally along a propagation path A12 shown in FIG. 1. Furthermore, for example, the transceiver 30 receives ultrasonic waves to vibrate a piezoelectric element to generate a signal corresponding to the received ultrasonic waves, and outputs the generated signal to the air conditioning control device 100.

[0013] Next, the configuration of the air conditioning control device 100 will be described with reference to Fig. 2. Fig. 2 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of the air conditioning system 1 according to embodiment 1. As shown in Fig. 2, the air conditioning control device 100 includes an ultrasonic wave transmitting unit 101, an ultrasonic wave receiving unit 102, a propagation time calculating unit 103, a temperature measurement information acquiring unit 105, a room temperature calculating unit 106, an air conditioning control unit 107, and a memory unit 108.

[0014] The ultrasonic wave transmitting unit 101 transmits ultrasonic waves by supplying power to the transceiver unit 30. For example, the ultrasonic wave transmitting unit 101 generates a voltage in a piezoelectric element of the transceiver unit 30 by supplying power to the transceiver unit 30, and vibrates the piezoelectric element, causing the transceiver unit 30 to transmit ultrasonic waves. The ultrasonic wave receiving unit 102 receives a signal generated by the transceiver unit 30 based on the ultrasonic waves received by the transceiver unit 30.

[0015] The propagation time calculation unit 103 calculates the propagation time of the ultrasonic waves from when the ultrasonic waves are transmitted by the transmission / reception unit 30 until the ultrasonic waves are received by the transmission / reception unit 30. In other words, the propagation time calculation unit 103 calculates the propagation time of the ultrasonic waves from when the ultrasonic waves are transmitted by the transmission / reception unit 30 until the transmitted ultrasonic waves are reflected by the room K1 and received by the transmission / reception unit 30. For example, the propagation time calculation unit 103 calculates the propagation time of the ultrasonic waves from when the ultrasonic waves are transmitted horizontally by the transmission / reception unit 30 until the transmitted ultrasonic waves propagate horizontally along the propagation path A11 shown in FIG. 1, the waves reflected by the wall surface W2 of the propagated ultrasonic waves propagate horizontally along the propagation path A12 shown in FIG. 1, and the reflected waves are received by the transmission / reception unit 30. The propagation time calculation unit 103 stores the calculated propagation time of the ultrasonic waves in the storage unit 108.

[0016] The temperature information acquisition unit 105 acquires information from the temperature sensor 20. For example, the temperature information acquisition unit 105 acquires information from the temperature sensor 20 when ultrasonic waves transmitted by the transceiver unit 30 are received by the transceiver unit 30 while the air conditioner 10 is not operating. In other words, the temperature information acquisition unit 105 acquires information from the temperature sensor 20 when ultrasonic waves transmitted by the transceiver unit 30 are received by the transceiver unit 30 while the air conditioner 10 is not conditioning the room K1. The temperature information acquisition unit 105 stores the acquired information in the storage unit 108.

[0017] The room temperature calculation unit 106 calculates the air temperature along the propagation path of the ultrasonic waves in the room K1 based on the propagation time of the ultrasonic waves calculated by the propagation time calculation unit 103. The speed of sound waves propagating through air (sound speed) is proportional to the square root of the air temperature. Therefore, based on the propagation time of the ultrasonic waves along a specific propagation path in the room K1 where the air temperature is known and the propagation time of the new ultrasonic waves along the same propagation path, it is possible to calculate the air temperature along the propagation path at the time when the new ultrasonic waves are transmitted and received.

[0018] For example, the room temperature calculation unit 106 calculates the air temperature in the propagation path of the ultrasound at the time when the new ultrasound is received by the transceiver unit 30, based on the information acquired from the temperature sensor 20 by the temperature information acquisition unit 105, the propagation time of the ultrasound received by the transceiver unit 30 at the time when the information from the temperature sensor 20 is acquired by the temperature information acquisition unit 105, and the propagation time of the new ultrasound received by the transceiver unit 30. In other words, the room temperature calculation unit 106 sets the air temperature indicated by the information acquired by the temperature information acquisition unit 105 as a reference temperature, and calculates the air temperature in the propagation path of the ultrasound at the time when the new ultrasound is received by the transceiver unit 30, based on the set reference temperature, the propagation time of the ultrasound received by the transceiver unit 30 at the time when the information from the temperature sensor 20 related to the reference temperature is acquired by the temperature information acquisition unit 105, and the propagation time of the new ultrasound received by the transceiver unit 30.

[0019] Specifically, the temperature T1 at the time when the transmitting / receiving unit 30 receives a new ultrasonic wave is calculated by the following formula (1). T1=(t0 2 / t1 2 )×T0···(1) In addition, in formula (1), t0 indicates the propagation time of the ultrasonic waves received by the transmitting / receiving unit 30 at the time when information from the temperature sensor 20 relating to the reference temperature is acquired by the temperature information acquisition unit 105, t1 indicates the propagation time of new ultrasonic waves received by the transmitting / receiving unit 30, and T0 indicates the reference temperature.

[0020] The air conditioning control unit 107 controls the air conditioner 10 based on the air temperature calculated by the room temperature calculation unit 106. For example, the air conditioning control unit 107 controls the temperature of air sent from the air conditioner 10 to the room K1 based on the air temperature calculated by the room temperature calculation unit 106 so that the air temperature in the room K1 becomes a preset target temperature. Furthermore, for example, the air conditioning control unit 107 controls the direction of air sent from the air conditioner 10 to the room K1 based on the air temperature calculated by the room temperature calculation unit 106 so that the air temperature in the room K1 becomes a preset target temperature. For example, the target temperature of the air conditioner 10 is set in the air conditioner 10 based on an input operation by an operator via an input device (not shown). The air conditioning control unit 107 may be configured to control the volume of air sent from the air conditioner 10 to the room K1 based on the air temperature calculated by the room temperature calculation unit 106, or may be configured to control two or more of the temperature, direction, and volume of air simultaneously or individually.

[0021] The memory unit 108 stores information used when the air conditioning control device 100 performs each process, and information indicating the results of each process. The memory unit 108 stores, for example, the reference temperature set by the room temperature calculation unit 106. The memory unit 108 also stores, for example, the propagation time of the ultrasonic waves received by the transmitter / receiver 30 at the time when information related to the reference temperature is acquired from the temperature sensor 20. Each component of the air conditioning control device 100 references the information stored in the memory unit 108 as necessary, acquires the information stored in the memory unit 108, and performs each process.

[0022] Next, the hardware configuration of the air conditioning control device 100 will be described with reference to FIGS. 3 and 4. FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of the air conditioning control device 100 according to the first embodiment, and FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing an example of a hardware configuration of the air conditioning control device 100 according to the first embodiment, which is different from that shown in FIG. 3. For example, as shown in FIG. 3, the air conditioning control device 100 has a processor 100a, a memory 100b, and an I / O port 100c, and is configured so that the processor 100a reads and executes a program stored in the memory 100b. The memory 100b is configured, for example, by a non-volatile or volatile semiconductor memory such as RAM, ROM, flash memory, EPROM, or EEPROM, or a combination of these. The memory 100b may also be a magnetic disk, a flexible disk, an optical disk, a compact disk, a minidisk, a DVD, or the like. The memory 100b may also be an HDD or an SSD.

[0023] 4, the air conditioning control device 100 has a processing circuit 100d and an I / O port 100c, which are dedicated hardware. The processing circuit 100d is configured, for example, by a single circuit, a composite circuit, a programmed processor, a parallel programmed processor, a system LSI (Large-Scale Integration), an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit), an FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array), or a combination of these. Each function of the air conditioning control device 100 is realized by the processor 100a or the processing circuit 100d, which is dedicated hardware, executing a program, which is software, firmware, or a combination of software and firmware. The air conditioning control device 100 may also have hardware other than those described above, such as a hardware timer.

[0024] Next, the processing performed by the air conditioning control device 100 will be described with reference to Figs. 1, 2, and 5. Fig. 5 is a flowchart showing the processing performed by the air conditioning control device 100 according to the first embodiment. When the air conditioning control device 100 starts the processing, it first measures the air temperature to be used as the reference temperature (step ST01). In this processing, the air conditioning control device 100 measures the air temperature at a specific position in the room K1 based on information from the temperature sensor 20, and sets the measured air temperature as the reference temperature. For example, the air conditioning control device 100 acquires information from the temperature sensor 20 when the air conditioner 10 is not operating, measures the air temperature at the specific position in the room K1 based on the information from the temperature sensor 20, and sets the air temperature at the specific position in the room K1 when the air conditioner 10 is not operating as the reference temperature.

[0025] After performing the process of step ST01, the air conditioning control device 100 causes the transmitter / receiver 30 to transmit ultrasonic waves (step ST02). In this process, the air conditioning control device 100 causes the transmitter / receiver 30 to transmit ultrasonic waves horizontally along the propagation path A11 in order to calculate the propagation time of the ultrasonic waves in the room K1 at the time when information related to the reference temperature is acquired from the temperature sensor 20, for example, when the air conditioner 10 is not operating.

[0026] After performing the process of step ST02, the air conditioning control device 100 causes the transmitter / receiver 30 to receive ultrasonic waves (step ST03). In this process, for example, the ultrasonic waves transmitted horizontally from the transmitter / receiver 30 along propagation path A11 in the process of step ST02 are reflected by wall surface W2, and the reflected waves propagate horizontally along propagation path A12 and are received by the transmitter / receiver 30. Note that the air conditioning control device 100 may be configured to perform either the process of step ST01 or the processes of steps ST02 and ST03 first, but it is preferable to configure the respective processes to be performed at times close to each other so that any change in the air temperature in the room K1 between the time when information from the temperature sensor 20 is acquired and the time when the transmitter / receiver 30 receives the ultrasonic waves transmitted from the transmitter / receiver 30 is negligible.

[0027] After performing the processing of step ST03, the air conditioning control device 100 calculates the propagation time of the ultrasonic waves from when the ultrasonic waves are transmitted by the transmitting and receiving unit 30 until the ultrasonic waves are received by the transmitting and receiving unit 30 (step ST04). In this processing, the air conditioning control device 100 calculates the total time of the propagation time of the ultrasonic waves transmitted from the transmitting and receiving unit 30 in the processing of step ST02 along the propagation path A11 and the propagation time of the reflected waves of the ultrasonic waves transmitted from the transmitting and receiving unit 30 in the processing of step ST02 by the wall surface W2 along the propagation path A12.

[0028] After performing the processing of step ST04, the air conditioning control device 100 stores the propagation time of the ultrasonic waves at the reference temperature (step ST05). In this processing, the air conditioning control device 100 stores in the storage unit 108 the propagation time when the ultrasonic waves propagate through the propagation paths A11 and A12 at the reference temperature, which is the air temperature at a specific position in the room K1. For example, in this processing, the air conditioning control device 100 stores in the storage unit 108 the propagation time when the ultrasonic waves propagate through the propagation paths A11 and A12 at the reference temperature, which is the air temperature at a specific position in the room K1 when the air conditioner 10 is not operating.

[0029] After performing the processing of step ST05, the air conditioning control device 100 causes the transmitter / receiver 30 to transmit ultrasonic waves (step ST06). In this processing, the air conditioning control device 100 causes the transmitter / receiver 30 to transmit new ultrasonic waves in order to calculate the temperature of the room K1 at a time later than the processing of step ST02. For example, the air conditioning control device 100 causes the transmitter / receiver 30 to transmit new ultrasonic waves in the horizontal direction along the propagation path A11 in order to calculate the temperature of the room K1 when the air conditioner 10 is operating and performing air conditioning by the air conditioner 10.

[0030] After performing the process of step ST06, the air conditioning control device 100 causes the transmitter / receiver 30 to receive ultrasonic waves (step ST07). In this process, for example, the air conditioning control device 100 receives ultrasonic waves transmitted horizontally from the transmitter / receiver 30 along propagation path A11 in the process of step ST06, reflected by wall surface W2, and transmitted horizontally along propagation path A12, and the reflected waves are received by the transmitter / receiver 30.

[0031] After performing the processing of step ST07, the air conditioning control device 100 calculates the propagation time of the ultrasonic waves from when the ultrasonic waves are transmitted by the transceiver 30 until they are received by the transceiver 30 (step ST08). In this processing, the air conditioning control device 100 calculates the total time of the propagation of the new ultrasonic waves transmitted from the transceiver 30 in the processing of step ST06 along the propagation path A11 and the propagation time of the waves reflected by the wall surface W2 of the new ultrasonic waves transmitted from the transceiver 30 in the processing of step ST06 along the propagation path A12.

[0032] After performing the process of step ST08, the air conditioning control device 100 calculates the air temperature in the room K1 based on the propagation time at the reference temperature and the newly calculated propagation time (step ST09). In this process, the air conditioning control device 100 calculates the air temperatures on the propagation paths A11 and A12 in the room K1 using, for example, the above-mentioned formula (1). As a result, the air conditioning control device 100 calculates the average value of the air temperatures on the propagation paths A11 and A12 in the room K1 using the room temperature calculation unit 106.

[0033] After performing the processing of step ST09, the air conditioning control device 100 controls the air conditioner based on the air temperature calculated in the processing of step ST09 (step ST10). For example, in this processing, the air conditioning control device 100 controls the outdoor unit based on the air temperature of the room K1 calculated in the processing of step ST09 so that the air temperature of the room K1 approaches a preset target temperature, thereby controlling the temperature of the air blown out from the air outlet 13 into the room K1. For example, in this processing, the air conditioning control device 100 controls the outdoor unit based on the air temperature of the room K1 calculated in the processing of step ST09 so that the air temperature of the room K1 approaches a preset target temperature, thereby controlling the temperature of the air blown out from the air outlet 13 into the room K1.

[0034] After completing the process of step ST10, the air conditioning control device 100 returns the process to step ST06 and causes the transmitter / receiver 30 to transmit ultrasound again. In this way, the air conditioning control device 100 repeats the processes of steps ST06 to ST10, thereby enabling feedback control based on the calculated temperature of the room K1. For example, the air conditioning control device 100 performs air conditioning of the room K1 by controlling the air conditioner using PID (Proportional-Integral-Differential) control based on the temperature of the room K1 calculated in the process of step ST09 and a preset target temperature, so that the temperature of the room K1 becomes the target temperature.

[0035] As described above, the air conditioning control device 100 according to the first embodiment includes a propagation time calculation unit 103 that calculates the propagation time of ultrasonic waves from when the ultrasonic waves are transmitted by the transmission / reception unit 30 arranged in the room K1 that transmits the ultrasonic waves until when the ultrasonic waves are received by the transmission / reception unit 30 arranged in the room K1 that receives the ultrasonic waves, a room temperature calculation unit 106 that calculates the air temperature along the propagation path of the ultrasonic waves in the room K1 based on the propagation time of the ultrasonic waves calculated by the propagation time calculation unit 103, and an air conditioning control unit 107 that controls the air conditioner 10 based on the air temperature calculated by the room temperature calculation unit 106. With this configuration, the air conditioning control device 100 can control the air conditioner 10 based on the average value of the air temperature along the propagation path of the ultrasonic waves, and therefore can control the air conditioner 10 based on a representative temperature of the room K1, for example, a temperature that is closer to the average temperature of the entire room K1, compared to when the air conditioner is controlled only based on the result of measuring the temperature at a specific position in the room using a temperature sensor or the like.

[0036] Furthermore, the air conditioning control device 100 according to the first embodiment is configured to calculate the propagation time of ultrasonic waves from when ultrasonic waves are transmitted by the transceiver 30 arranged in the room K1 and transmitting the ultrasonic waves in the horizontal direction until they are received by the transceiver 30 arranged in the room K1 and receiving the ultrasonic waves propagated in the horizontal direction. With this configuration, the air conditioning control device 100 calculates the air temperature in the room K1 based on the propagation time of ultrasonic waves in the horizontal direction, where there is relatively little temperature difference in the room K1, and therefore it is possible to suppress variation in the calculation results of the air temperature.

[0037] In addition, the air conditioning control device 100 of embodiment 1 is equipped with a temperature information acquisition unit 105 that acquires information from a temperature sensor 20 for measuring the air temperature in the room K1, and is configured to calculate the air temperature in the propagation path at the time when the new ultrasonic wave is received by the transceiver unit 30 based on the information acquired from the temperature sensor 20 by the temperature information acquisition unit 105, the propagation time of the ultrasonic wave received by the transceiver unit 30 at the time when the information from the temperature sensor 20 is acquired by the temperature information acquisition unit 105, and the propagation time of the new ultrasonic wave received by the transceiver unit 30.

[0038] With this configuration, the air conditioning control device 100 can calculate the temperature of the room K1 based on the new ultrasonic propagation time, even if the length of the ultrasonic propagation path is unknown, by calculating the ultrasonic propagation time in advance in the room K1, which is the reference temperature. Furthermore, since the air conditioning control device 100 does not need to measure the temperature of the room K1 using a temperature sensor every time it performs feedback control of the air conditioner 10, it is possible to reduce the processing load on the air conditioning control device 100 and improve the processing speed. Furthermore, for example, the air conditioning control device 100 sets the air temperature measured by the temperature sensor 20 when the room K1 is not being air-conditioned by the air conditioner 10 as a reference temperature, and calculates the air temperature in the room K1 at the time when new ultrasonic waves are transmitted and received based on the propagation time of ultrasonic waves when the air temperature in the room K1 is being air-conditioned by the air conditioner 10 and the temperature distribution in the room K1 is relatively uniform at the time the reference temperature is measured, and the propagation time of new ultrasonic waves when the room K1 is being air-conditioned by the air conditioner 10.This makes it possible to improve the accuracy of calculating the air temperature in the room K1 when the air conditioner 10 is air-conditioning the room K1 and the temperature distribution in the room K1 is uneven compared to conventional methods.

[0039] In the first embodiment, the air conditioning control device 100 is configured to calculate the air temperature along the propagation path at the time when new ultrasonic waves are received by the transceiver unit 30 based on the information acquired from the temperature sensor 20 by the temperature information acquisition unit 105, the propagation time of the ultrasonic waves received by the transceiver unit 30 at the time when the information from the temperature sensor 20 was acquired by the temperature information acquisition unit 105, and the propagation time of the new ultrasonic waves received by the transceiver unit 30. However, this is not limiting. The air conditioning control device may be configured to calculate the propagation time of the ultrasonic waves from when the ultrasonic waves are transmitted by a transmitter located in a room and transmitting the ultrasonic waves to when they are received by a receiver located in the room and receiving the ultrasonic waves. For example, the transmitter that transmits the ultrasonic waves and the receiver that receives the ultrasonic waves may be located at a distance from each other, and if the length of the ultrasonic propagation path is known, the air conditioning control device may be configured to calculate the air temperature along the propagation path based on the propagation time of the ultrasonic waves and the length of the propagation path without measuring the indoor air temperature using a temperature sensor.

[0040] Furthermore, in the first embodiment, the air conditioning control device 100 is configured to calculate the temperatures along the propagation paths A11 and A12 in the room K1 using the above-described mathematical formula (1), but is not limited thereto. The air conditioning control device may be configured to calculate the propagation time of the ultrasonic waves from when the ultrasonic waves are transmitted by a transmitter located in the room that transmits the ultrasonic waves until when the ultrasonic waves are received by a receiver located in the room that receives the ultrasonic waves. For example, the air conditioning control device may be configured to calculate the length of the ultrasonic wave propagation path based on information acquired from the temperature sensor 20 by the temperature information acquisition unit 105 and the propagation time of the ultrasonic waves received by the transceiver unit 30 at the time the temperature information acquisition unit 105 acquired the information from the temperature sensor 20, and to calculate the temperature along the propagation path at the time the new ultrasonic waves are received by the transceiver unit 30 based on the calculated propagation path length and the propagation time of the new ultrasonic waves received by the transceiver unit 30. Various formulas are conceivable as the formula for calculating the temperature along the propagation path at the time the new ultrasonic waves are received.

[0041] Embodiment 2 Next, an air conditioning system 2 according to a second embodiment will be described with reference to Figures 6 to 8. The air conditioning system 2 according to the second embodiment is different from the air conditioning system 1 according to the first embodiment in that it is provided with two transmitter / receiver units that transmit and receive ultrasonic waves and has a configuration for calculating the air temperature using these two transmitter / receiver units, but other configurations are similar, and the same reference numerals and names are used for configurations similar to those of the first embodiment, and descriptions thereof will be omitted.

[0042] Fig. 6 is a schematic diagram showing an air conditioning system 2 according to embodiment 2. As shown in Fig. 6, the air conditioning system 2 according to embodiment 2 includes an air conditioner 10, a temperature sensor 20, a first transmitting / receiving unit 31, a second transmitting / receiving unit 32, and an air conditioning control device 200, and is configured such that the air conditioner 10, the temperature sensor 20, the first transmitting / receiving unit 31, and the second transmitting / receiving unit 32 are electrically connected to each other by wire or wirelessly so as to be able to communicate with each other.

[0043] The first transceiver 31 and the second transceiver 32 are each disposed in the room K1, and transmit and receive ultrasonic waves toward the room K1. In other words, the first transceiver 31 and the second transceiver 32 function as a transmitter that transmits ultrasonic waves toward the room K1, and a receiver that receives ultrasonic waves from the room K1, respectively. The configurations of the first transceiver 31 and the second transceiver 32 are similar to those of the transceiver 30 according to the first embodiment, and therefore description thereof will be omitted.

[0044] More specifically, the first transceiver 31 and the second transceiver 32 are disposed opposite each other in the room K1, with the first transceiver 31 receiving ultrasonic waves transmitted from the second transceiver 32, and the second transceiver 32 receiving ultrasonic waves transmitted from the first transceiver 31. For example, the first transceiver 31 is disposed on the wall W1 near the temperature sensor 20, and the second transceiver 32 is disposed on the wall W2 on an imaginary horizontal line that is perpendicular to the wall W1 and passes through the first transceiver 31. The first transceiver 31 and the second transceiver 32 each generate signals in response to the received ultrasonic waves and output the generated signals to the air conditioning control device 200.

[0045] Next, the configuration of the air conditioning control device 200 will be described with reference to Fig. 7. Fig. 7 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of the air conditioning system 2 according to embodiment 2. As shown in Fig. 7, the air conditioning control device 200 includes an ultrasonic wave transmitting unit 201, an ultrasonic wave receiving unit 202, a propagation time calculating unit 203, a temperature measurement information acquiring unit 105, a room temperature calculating unit 206, an air conditioning control unit 107, and a memory unit 108.

[0046] The ultrasonic transmission unit 201 supplies power to the first transceiver 31 to cause it to transmit ultrasonic waves toward the second transceiver 32, and supplies power to the second transceiver 32 to cause it to transmit ultrasonic waves toward the first transceiver 31. For example, the ultrasonic transmission unit 201 supplies power to the first transceiver 31 and the second transceiver 32 to generate voltages in the piezoelectric elements of the first transceiver 31 and the second transceiver 32, causing the piezoelectric elements to vibrate and causing the first transceiver 31 and the second transceiver 32 to transmit ultrasonic waves. The ultrasonic reception unit 202 receives a signal generated by the first transceiver 31 based on the ultrasonic waves received by the first transceiver 31, and receives a signal generated by the second transceiver 32 based on the ultrasonic waves received by the second transceiver 32.

[0047] The propagation time calculation unit 203 calculates the propagation time of the ultrasonic waves from when the ultrasonic waves are transmitted by the first transmission / reception unit 31 to when they are received by the second transmission / reception unit 32, and the propagation time of the ultrasonic waves from when the ultrasonic waves are transmitted by the second transmission / reception unit 32 to when they are received by the first transmission / reception unit 31. For example, the propagation time calculation unit 203 calculates the propagation time of the ultrasonic waves from when the ultrasonic waves are transmitted in the horizontal direction by the first transmission / reception unit 31, until the transmitted ultrasonic waves propagate in the horizontal direction along propagation path A21 shown in Fig. 6 and are received by the second transmission / reception unit 32, and the propagation time of the ultrasonic waves from when the ultrasonic waves are transmitted in the horizontal direction by the second transmission / reception unit 32, until the transmitted ultrasonic waves propagate in the horizontal direction along propagation path A212 shown in Fig. 6 and are received by the first transmission / reception unit 31. In the second embodiment, the propagation time of the ultrasonic waves from when the ultrasonic waves are transmitted by the first transmitting / receiving unit 31 until when the ultrasonic waves are received by the second transmitting / receiving unit 32 is also referred to as the first propagation time, and the propagation time of the ultrasonic waves from when the ultrasonic waves are transmitted by the second transmitting / receiving unit 32 until when the ultrasonic waves are received by the first transmitting / receiving unit 31 is also referred to as the second propagation time. The propagation time calculation unit 203 stores the calculated propagation time of the ultrasonic waves in the storage unit 108.

[0048] The room temperature calculation unit 206 calculates the air temperature in the propagation path of the ultrasonic waves in the room K1 based on the propagation time of the ultrasonic waves calculated by the propagation time calculation unit 203. For example, the room temperature calculation unit 206 calculates the air temperature in the propagation path of the ultrasonic waves at the time when the new ultrasonic waves are received by the first transceiver 31 and the second transceiver 32 based on the information acquired from the temperature sensor 20 by the temperature information acquisition unit 105, the propagation time of the ultrasonic waves received by the first transceiver 31 and the second transceiver 32 at the time when the information is acquired from the temperature sensor 20 by the temperature information acquisition unit 105, and the propagation time of the new ultrasonic waves received by the first transceiver 31 and the second transceiver 32. In other words, the room temperature calculation unit 206 sets the air temperature indicated by the information acquired by the temperature measurement information acquisition unit 105 as the reference temperature, and calculates the air temperature in the propagation path of the ultrasound at the time the new ultrasound is received by the first transmission / reception unit 31 and the second transmission / reception unit 32 based on the set reference temperature, the propagation time of the ultrasound received by the first transmission / reception unit 31 and the second transmission / reception unit 32 at the time the information from the temperature sensor 20 relating to the reference temperature is acquired by the temperature measurement information acquisition unit 105, and the propagation time of the new ultrasound received by the first transmission / reception unit 31 and the second transmission / reception unit 32.

[0049] Specifically, the room temperature calculation unit 206 first sets the air temperature indicated by the information acquired by the temperature information acquisition unit 105 as a reference temperature, and calculates the average value of the first propagation time and the second propagation time at the time when the temperature information acquisition unit 105 acquires information from the temperature sensor 20 related to the reference temperature. Next, the room temperature calculation unit 206 calculates the average value of the first propagation time and the second propagation time of the new ultrasonic wave. Furthermore, the room temperature calculation unit 206 calculates the air temperature along the propagation path of the ultrasonic wave at the time when the new ultrasonic wave is received by the first transceiver 31 and the second transceiver 32 based on the set reference temperature, the average value of the first propagation time and the second propagation time at the time when the temperature information acquisition unit 105 acquires information from the temperature sensor 20 related to the reference temperature, and the average value of the first propagation time and the second propagation time of the new ultrasonic wave. The calculation formula used by the room temperature calculation unit 206 to calculate the air temperature is the same as that in the first embodiment, and therefore description thereof will be omitted.

[0050] The hardware configuration of the air conditioning control device 200 according to the second embodiment is similar to the hardware configuration of the air conditioning control device 100 according to the first embodiment, and therefore a description thereof will be omitted.

[0051] Next, the processing performed by the air conditioning control device 200 will be described with reference to Figs. 6 to 8. Fig. 8 is a flowchart showing the processing performed by the air conditioning control device 200 according to embodiment 2. Note that part of the processing performed by the air conditioning control device 200 according to embodiment 2 is similar to that performed by the air conditioning control device 100 according to embodiment 1, and therefore the same processes as those in embodiment 1 are denoted by the same reference numerals and will not be described again. After performing the processing of step ST01, the air conditioning control device 200 causes the first transmitting / receiving unit 31 to transmit ultrasonic waves (step ST21). In this processing, the air conditioning control device 200 causes the first transmitting / receiving unit 31 to transmit ultrasonic waves horizontally along the propagation path A21 in order to calculate the propagation time of ultrasonic waves in the room K1 at the time when, for example, the air conditioner 10 is not operating and information related to the reference temperature is acquired from the temperature sensor 20.

[0052] After performing the process of step ST21, the air conditioning control device 200 causes the second transceiver 32 to receive ultrasonic waves (step ST22). In this process, the air conditioning control device 200 receives, for example, the ultrasonic waves transmitted from the first transceiver 31 in the process of step ST21 and propagating horizontally along the propagation path A21 with the second transceiver 32.

[0053] After performing the processing of step ST22, the air conditioning control device 200 calculates a first propagation time of the ultrasonic waves from when the ultrasonic waves are transmitted by the first transmission / reception unit 31 until the ultrasonic waves are received by the second transmission / reception unit 32 (step ST23). In this processing, the air conditioning control device 200 calculates the time it takes for the ultrasonic waves transmitted from the first transmission / reception unit 31 in the processing of step ST21 to propagate to the second transmission / reception unit 32 along the propagation path A21.

[0054] After performing the process of step ST23, the air conditioning control device 200 causes the second transceiver 32 to transmit ultrasonic waves (step ST24). In this process, the air conditioning control device 200 causes the second transceiver 32 to transmit ultrasonic waves horizontally along the propagation path A22 in order to calculate the propagation time of the ultrasonic waves in the room K1 at the time when information related to the reference temperature is acquired from the temperature sensor 20, for example, when the air conditioner 10 is not operating.

[0055] After performing the process of step ST24, the air conditioning control device 200 causes the first transceiver 31 to receive the ultrasonic waves (step ST25). In this process, the air conditioning control device 200 receives, for example, the ultrasonic waves transmitted from the second transceiver 32 in the process of step ST24 and propagating horizontally along the propagation path A22 by the first transceiver 31.

[0056] After performing the processing of step ST25, the air conditioning control device 200 calculates a second ultrasonic propagation time from when the ultrasonic waves are transmitted by the second transceiver 32 to when the ultrasonic waves are received by the first transceiver 31 (step ST26). In this processing, the air conditioning control device 200 calculates the time it takes for the ultrasonic waves transmitted from the second transceiver 32 in the processing of step ST24 to propagate along the propagation path A22 to the first transceiver 31. Note that the air conditioning control device 200 may be configured to perform the processing of step ST01, the processing of steps ST21 and ST22, and the processing of steps ST24 and ST25 in any order. However, it is desirable to perform each processing at times close to each other so that changes in the temperature of the room K1 and changes in the air flow in the room K1 can be negligible between the time when information from the temperature sensor 20 is acquired, the time when the ultrasonic waves transmitted from the first transceiver 31 are received by the second transceiver 32, and the time when the ultrasonic waves transmitted from the second transceiver 32 are received by the first transceiver 31.

[0057] After performing the process of step ST26, the air conditioning control device 200 calculates the average value of the first propagation time and the second propagation time (step ST27). In this process, by calculating the average value of the first propagation time and the second propagation time, the air conditioning control device 200 suppresses the influence of the air flow in the direction along the first propagation path and the second propagation path in the room K1 on the calculation result of the propagation time.

[0058] After performing the process of step ST27, the air conditioning control device 200 stores the propagation time at the reference temperature (step ST05). In this process, the air conditioning control device 200 stores in the storage unit 108 the propagation time when the ultrasonic wave propagates through the propagation path A21 and the propagation path A22 at the reference temperature, which is the air temperature at a specific position in the room K1.

[0059] After performing the processing of step ST05, the air conditioning control device 200 causes the first transmission / reception unit 31 to transmit ultrasonic waves (step ST31). In this processing, the air conditioning control device 200 causes the first transmission / reception unit 31 to transmit new ultrasonic waves in order to calculate the temperature of the room K1 at a time later than the processing of step ST21. For example, the air conditioning control device 200 causes the first transmission / reception unit 31 to transmit new ultrasonic waves in the horizontal direction along the propagation path A21 in order to calculate the temperature of the room K1 when the air conditioner 10 is operating and performing air conditioning by the air conditioner 10.

[0060] After performing the process of step ST31, the air conditioning control device 200 causes the second transceiver 32 to receive ultrasonic waves (step ST32). In this process, the air conditioning control device 200 receives, for example, ultrasonic waves transmitted from the first transceiver 31 in the process of step ST31 that propagate horizontally along the propagation path A21 using the second transceiver 32.

[0061] After performing the process of step ST32, the air conditioning control device 200 calculates a first propagation time (step ST33). In this process, the air conditioning control device 200 calculates the time it takes for the new ultrasonic wave transmitted from the first transceiver 31 in the process of step ST31 to propagate along the propagation path A21.

[0062] After performing the processing of step ST33, the air conditioning control device 200 causes the second transceiver 32 to transmit ultrasonic waves (step ST34). In this processing, the air conditioning control device 200 causes the second transceiver 32 to transmit new ultrasonic waves in order to calculate the temperature of the room K1 at a time later than the processing of step ST24. For example, the air conditioning control device 200 causes the second transceiver 32 to transmit new ultrasonic waves in the horizontal direction along the propagation path A22 in order to calculate the temperature of the room K1 when the air conditioner 10 is operating and performing air conditioning by the air conditioner 10.

[0063] After performing the process of step ST34, the air conditioning control device 200 causes the first transceiver 31 to receive ultrasonic waves (step ST35). In this process, the air conditioning control device 200 receives, for example, ultrasonic waves transmitted from the second transceiver 32 in the process of step ST34 and propagating horizontally along the propagation path A22, by the first transceiver 31.

[0064] After performing the process of step ST35, the air conditioning control device 200 calculates a second propagation time (step ST36). In this process, the air conditioning control device 200 calculates the time it takes for the new ultrasonic wave transmitted from the second transceiver 32 in the process of step ST34 to propagate along the propagation path A22.

[0065] After performing the process of step ST36, the air conditioning control device 200 calculates the average value of the first propagation time and the second propagation time (step ST37). In this process, the air conditioning control device 200 calculates the average value of the first propagation time and the second propagation time of the new ultrasonic wave, thereby suppressing the influence on the calculation result of the propagation time caused by the air flow in the direction along the first propagation path and the second propagation path in the room K1 at the time of transmitting and receiving the new ultrasonic wave.

[0066] After performing the processing of step ST37, the air conditioning control device 200 calculates the air temperature of the room K1 based on the average value of the first propagation time and the second propagation time at the reference temperature and the newly calculated average value of the first propagation time and the second propagation time (step ST09). After performing the processing of step ST09, the air conditioning control device 200 controls the air conditioner based on the calculated air temperature (step ST10). After performing the processing of step ST10, the air conditioning control device 200 returns the processing to step ST31 and causes the first transceiver 31 to transmit ultrasonic waves again.

[0067] As described above, the air conditioning control device 200 according to the second embodiment is configured to calculate the air temperature along the propagation path based on the average value of the propagation time along propagation path A21 from when an ultrasonic wave transmitted by a first transmitting / receiving unit 31, which is disposed on a first wall surface W1 of the room K1 and transmits and receives ultrasonic waves, is received by a second transmitting / receiving unit 32, which is disposed on a second wall surface W2 opposite the first wall surface W1 of the room K1 and transmits and receives ultrasonic waves, and the propagation time along propagation path A22 from when the ultrasonic wave transmitted by the second transmitting / receiving unit 32 is received by the first transmitting / receiving unit 31. Configured in this way, the air conditioning control device 200 uses the average value of the propagation time along propagation path A21 and the propagation time along propagation path A22 to reduce the effect of air flow on the ultrasonic wave propagation time, thereby enabling the air conditioning control device 200 to calculate the air temperature in the room K1 with greater accuracy than ever before.

[0068] The first transceiver and the second transceiver are not limited to those arranged on the opposing wall surfaces W1 and W2, but may be arranged so as to be capable of transmitting and receiving ultrasonic waves to and from each other.

[0069] Embodiment 3 Next, an air conditioning system 3 according to a third embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 9. The air conditioning system 3 according to the third embodiment differs from the air conditioning system 1 according to the first embodiment in the arrangement of the temperature sensor 20 and the transceiver 30, but other configurations are the same, and the same components as those in the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals and names, and description thereof will be omitted.

[0070] Fig. 9 is a schematic diagram showing an air conditioning system 3 according to embodiment 3. As shown in Fig. 9, the air conditioning system 3 according to embodiment 3 includes an air conditioner 10, a temperature sensor 20, a transceiver 30, and an air conditioning control device 100, and is configured such that the air conditioning control device 100, the air conditioner 10, the temperature sensor 20, and the transceiver 30 are electrically connected by wire or wirelessly so as to be able to communicate with each other.

[0071] The temperature sensor 20 and the transmitter / receiver 30 are disposed on the ceiling S1 of the room K1. For example, the temperature sensor 20 and the transmitter / receiver 30 are held in an air outlet 13 disposed on the ceiling S1. The transmitter / receiver 30 transmits ultrasonic waves horizontally toward a wall surface W1 of the room K1, and the transmitted ultrasonic waves propagate along a propagation path A31 shown in Fig. 9 to reach the wall surface W1, are reflected by the wall surface W1, and then propagate along a propagation path A32 shown in Fig. 9 to reach the transmitter / receiver 30, receiving the reflected ultrasonic waves.

[0072] As described above, the air conditioning control device 100 according to the third embodiment is configured to calculate the temperature along the propagation path based on the time it takes for ultrasonic waves transmitted horizontally by the transceiver 30 located on the ceiling S1 of the room K1 to be received by the transceiver 30 located on the ceiling S1 of the room K1. Configured in this way, the air conditioning control device 100 according to the third embodiment calculates the temperature of the room K1 based on the propagation time when ultrasonic waves are transmitted and received near the ceiling S1, where there are relatively few obstacles that block the ultrasonic waves. This improves the accuracy of calculating the temperature of the room K1 compared to when the temperature of the room K1 is calculated based on the propagation time when ultrasonic waves are transmitted and received at a position other than near the ceiling.

[0073] Embodiment 4 Next, an air conditioning system 4 according to a fourth embodiment will be described with reference to Figures 7, 10, and 11. The air conditioning system 4 according to the fourth embodiment differs from the air conditioning system 2 according to the second embodiment in the arrangement of the temperature sensor 20, the first transceiver 31, and the second transceiver 32, the configuration of the propagation time calculation unit, and the temperature measurement information acquisition unit, but the other configurations are similar, and the same components as those in the second embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals and names, and description thereof will be omitted.

[0074] Fig. 10 is a schematic diagram showing an air conditioning system 4 according to embodiment 4. As shown in Fig. 10, the air conditioning system 4 according to embodiment 4 includes an air conditioner 10, a temperature sensor 20, a first transceiver 31, a second transceiver 32, and an air conditioning control device 400, and is configured such that the air conditioner 10, the temperature sensor 20, the first transceiver 31, and the second transceiver 32 are electrically connected to each other by wire or wirelessly so as to be able to communicate with each other.

[0075] The temperature sensor 20 is a sensor placed in the room K1 for measuring the air temperature in the room K1, and outputs information corresponding to the air temperature at a specific position in the room K1 to the air conditioning control device 400. For example, the temperature sensor 20 is placed on the ceiling S1. Specifically, the temperature sensor 20 is held in the air outlet 13 placed on the ceiling S1.

[0076] The first transceiver 31 and the second transceiver 32 are each disposed in the room K1, and transmit and receive ultrasonic waves toward the room K1. In other words, the first transceiver 31 and the second transceiver 32 function as a transmitter that transmits ultrasonic waves toward the room K1, and a receiver that receives ultrasonic waves from the room K1, respectively. The configurations of the first transceiver 31 and the second transceiver 32 are similar to those of the transceiver 30 according to the first embodiment, and therefore description thereof will be omitted.

[0077] For example, the first transceiver 31 is disposed in the room K1 near the temperature sensor 20, transmits ultrasonic waves horizontally toward the wall W1, the transmitted ultrasonic waves propagate horizontally along a propagation path A41 shown in FIG. 10, reach the wall W1, are reflected by the wall W1, and receive the reflected ultrasonic waves that propagate horizontally along a propagation path A42 shown in FIG. 10. Furthermore, for example, the second transceiver 32 is disposed in the room K1 near the temperature sensor 20, transmits ultrasonic waves horizontally toward the wall W2, the transmitted ultrasonic waves propagate horizontally along a propagation path A43 shown in FIG. 10, reach the wall W2, are reflected by the wall W2, and receive the reflected ultrasonic waves that propagate horizontally along a propagation path A44 shown in FIG. 10. Specifically, the first transceiver 31 and the second transceiver 32 are disposed on the ceiling S1. More specifically, the first transceiver 31 and the second transceiver 32 are held in the air outlet 13 disposed on the ceiling S1.

[0078] Next, the configuration of the air conditioning control device 400 will be described with reference to Fig. 7. As shown in Fig. 7, the air conditioning control device 400 includes an ultrasonic wave transmitting unit 201, an ultrasonic wave receiving unit 202, a propagation time calculating unit 403, a temperature measurement information acquiring unit 105, a room temperature calculating unit 406, an air conditioning control unit 107, and a memory unit 108.

[0079] The propagation time calculation unit 403 calculates the propagation time of the ultrasonic waves from when the ultrasonic waves are transmitted by the first transmission / reception unit 31 until the ultrasonic waves are received by the first transmission / reception unit 31. In other words, the propagation time calculation unit 403 calculates the propagation time of the ultrasonic waves from when the ultrasonic waves are transmitted by the first transmission / reception unit 31 until the reflected waves of the transmitted ultrasonic waves from the room K1 are received by the first transmission / reception unit 31. For example, the propagation time calculation unit 403 calculates the propagation time of the ultrasonic waves from when the ultrasonic waves are transmitted in the horizontal direction by the first transmission / reception unit 31, until the transmitted ultrasonic waves propagate in the horizontal direction along the propagation path A41 shown in FIG. 10, until the reflected waves of the propagated ultrasonic waves from the wall surface W1 propagate in the horizontal direction along the propagation path A42 shown in FIG. 10, until the reflected waves of the ultrasonic waves are received by the first transmission / reception unit 31.

[0080] Furthermore, the propagation time calculation unit 403 calculates the propagation time of the ultrasonic waves from when the ultrasonic waves are transmitted by the second transmission / reception unit 32 until the ultrasonic waves are received by the second transmission / reception unit 32. In other words, the propagation time calculation unit 403 calculates the propagation time of the ultrasonic waves from when the ultrasonic waves are transmitted by the second transmission / reception unit 32 until the reflected waves of the transmitted ultrasonic waves from the room K1 are received by the second transmission / reception unit 32. For example, the propagation time calculation unit 403 calculates the propagation time of the ultrasonic waves from when the ultrasonic waves are transmitted in the horizontal direction by the second transmission / reception unit 32, until the transmitted ultrasonic waves propagate in the horizontal direction along the propagation path A43 shown in FIG. 10, until the reflected waves of the propagated ultrasonic waves from the wall surface W2 propagate in the horizontal direction along the propagation path A44 shown in FIG. 10, until the reflected waves of the ultrasonic waves are received by the second transmission / reception unit 32. In the fourth embodiment, the propagation time of the ultrasonic waves from when the ultrasonic waves are transmitted by the first transmitting / receiving unit 31 until when they are received by the first transmitting / receiving unit 31 is also referred to as the first propagation time, and the propagation time of the ultrasonic waves from when the ultrasonic waves are transmitted by the second transmitting / receiving unit 32 until when they are received by the second transmitting / receiving unit 32 is also referred to as the second propagation time. The propagation time calculation unit 403 stores the calculated propagation time of the ultrasonic waves in the storage unit 108.

[0081] The room temperature calculation unit 406 calculates the air temperature in the propagation path of the ultrasonic waves in the room K1 based on the propagation time of the ultrasonic waves calculated by the propagation time calculation unit 403. For example, the room temperature calculation unit 406 calculates the air temperature in the propagation path of the ultrasonic waves at the time when the new ultrasonic waves are received by the first transceiver 31 and the second transceiver 32 based on the information acquired from the temperature sensor 20 by the temperature information acquisition unit 105, the propagation time of the ultrasonic waves received by the first transceiver 31 and the second transceiver 32 at the time when the information is acquired from the temperature sensor 20 by the temperature information acquisition unit 105, and the propagation time of the new ultrasonic waves received by the first transceiver 31 and the second transceiver 32. In other words, the room temperature calculation unit 406 sets the air temperature indicated by the information acquired by the temperature measurement information acquisition unit 105 as the reference temperature, and calculates the air temperature in the propagation path of the ultrasound at the time the new ultrasound is received by the first transmission / reception unit 31 and the second transmission / reception unit 32 based on the set reference temperature, the propagation time of the ultrasound received by the first transmission / reception unit 31 and the second transmission / reception unit 32 at the time the information from the temperature sensor 20 relating to the reference temperature is acquired by the temperature measurement information acquisition unit 105, and the propagation time of the new ultrasound received by the first transmission / reception unit 31 and the second transmission / reception unit 32.

[0082] Specifically, the room temperature calculation unit 406 first sets the air temperature indicated by the information acquired by the temperature information acquisition unit 105 as a reference temperature, and calculates the average value of the first propagation time and the second propagation time at the time when the temperature information acquisition unit 105 acquires information from the temperature sensor 20 related to the reference temperature. Next, the room temperature calculation unit 406 calculates the average value of the first propagation time and the second propagation time of the new ultrasonic wave. Furthermore, the room temperature calculation unit 406 calculates the air temperature along the propagation path of the ultrasonic wave at the time when the new ultrasonic wave is received by the first transceiver 31 and the second transceiver 32 based on the set reference temperature, the average value of the first propagation time and the second propagation time at the time when the temperature information acquisition unit 105 acquires information from the temperature sensor 20 related to the reference temperature, and the average value of the first propagation time and the second propagation time of the new ultrasonic wave. The calculation formula used by the room temperature calculation unit 406 to calculate the air temperature is the same as that in the first embodiment, and therefore description thereof will be omitted.

[0083] The hardware configuration of the air conditioning control device 400 according to the fourth embodiment is similar to the hardware configuration of the air conditioning control device 100 according to the first embodiment, and therefore a description thereof will be omitted.

[0084] Next, the processing performed by the air conditioning control device 400 will be described with reference to Figs. 7, 10, and 11. Fig. 11 is a flowchart showing the processing performed by the air conditioning control device 400 according to embodiment 4. Note that part of the processing performed by the air conditioning control device 400 according to embodiment 4 is similar to the processing performed by the air conditioning control device 200 according to embodiment 2, and therefore the same processing as in embodiment 2 is denoted by the same reference numerals and description thereof will be omitted. After performing the processing of step ST21, the air conditioning control device 400 causes the first transceiver 31 to receive ultrasonic waves (step ST42). In this processing, for example, the air conditioning control device 400 receives ultrasonic waves transmitted horizontally from the first transceiver 31 along propagation path A41 in the processing of step ST21, reflected by wall surface W1, and the reflected waves propagated horizontally along propagation path A42 by the first transceiver 31.

[0085] After performing the process of step ST42, the air conditioning control device 400 calculates a first propagation time (step ST43). In this process, the air conditioning control device 400 calculates the first propagation time, which is the total time of the propagation of the ultrasonic waves transmitted from the first transmitting / receiving unit 31 in the process of step ST21 along the propagation path A41 and the propagation time of the reflected waves of the ultrasonic waves transmitted from the first transmitting / receiving unit 31 in the process of step ST21 by the wall surface W1 along the propagation path A42.

[0086] After performing the process of step ST43, the air conditioning control device 400 causes the second transmitting / receiving unit 32 to transmit ultrasonic waves (step ST24).

[0087] After performing the process of step ST24, the air conditioning control device 400 causes the second transceiver 32 to receive ultrasonic waves (step ST45). In this process, for example, the air conditioning control device 400 receives ultrasonic waves transmitted horizontally from the second transceiver 32 along propagation path A43 in the process of step ST24, reflected by wall surface W2, and the reflected waves propagated horizontally along propagation path A44 by the second transceiver 32.

[0088] After performing the process of step ST45, the air conditioning control device 400 calculates a second propagation time (step ST46). In this process, the air conditioning control device 400 calculates the second propagation time, which is the total time of the propagation of the ultrasonic waves transmitted from the second transmitting / receiving unit 32 in the process of step ST24 along the propagation path A43 and the propagation time of the ultrasonic waves transmitted from the second transmitting / receiving unit 32 in the process of step ST24 and reflected by the wall surface W2 along the propagation path A44.

[0089] After performing the process of step ST46, the air conditioning control device 400 calculates the average value of the first propagation time and the second propagation time (step ST47). In this process, the air conditioning control device 400 calculates the average value of the propagation times of the ultrasonic waves along multiple different paths in the room K1.

[0090] After performing the process of step ST47, the air conditioning control device 400 stores the propagation time at the reference temperature (step ST05). After performing the process of step ST05, the air conditioning control device 400 performs the process of step ST31. In this process, the air conditioning control device 400 causes the first transceiver 31 to transmit new ultrasonic waves in order to calculate the temperature in the room K1 at a time later than the process of step ST21.

[0091] After performing the process of step ST31, the air conditioning control device 400 causes the first transceiver 31 to receive ultrasonic waves (step ST52). In this process, for example, the air conditioning control device 400 receives, by the first transceiver 31, the reflected waves that are transmitted horizontally from the first transceiver 31 along propagation path A41 in the process of step ST31 and are reflected by the wall surface W1 and propagate horizontally along propagation path A42.

[0092] After performing the process of step ST52, the air conditioning control device 400 calculates a first propagation time (step ST53). In this process, the air conditioning control device 400 calculates the total time of the propagation of the new ultrasonic wave transmitted from the first transmitting / receiving unit 31 in the process of step ST31 along the propagation path A41 and the propagation time of the wave reflected by the wall surface W1 of the new ultrasonic wave transmitted from the first transmitting / receiving unit 31 in the process of step ST31 along the propagation path A42.

[0093] After performing the process of step ST53, the air conditioning control device 400 causes the second transceiver 32 to transmit ultrasonic waves (step ST34). In this process, the air conditioning control device 400 causes the second transceiver 32 to transmit new ultrasonic waves in order to calculate the air temperature in the room K1 at a time later than the process of step ST24.

[0094] After performing the process of step ST34, the air conditioning control device 400 causes the second transceiver 32 to receive ultrasonic waves (step ST55). In this process, for example, the air conditioning control device 400 receives, by the second transceiver 32, the reflected waves that are transmitted horizontally from the second transceiver 32 along propagation path A43 in the process of step ST34 and are reflected by wall surface W2 and propagate horizontally along propagation path A44.

[0095] After performing the process of step ST55, the air conditioning control device 400 calculates a second propagation time (step ST56). In this process, the air conditioning control device 400 calculates the total time of the propagation of the new ultrasonic wave transmitted from the second transmitting / receiving unit 32 in the process of step ST34 along the propagation path A43 and the propagation time of the wave reflected by the wall surface W2 of the new ultrasonic wave transmitted from the second transmitting / receiving unit 32 in the process of step ST34 along the propagation path A44.

[0096] After performing the process of step ST56, the air conditioning control device 400 calculates the average value of the first propagation time and the second propagation time (step ST57). In this process, the air conditioning control device 400 calculates the average value of the first propagation time and the second propagation time of the new ultrasonic wave, thereby suppressing the influence on the calculation result of the propagation time caused by the air flow in the direction along the first propagation path and the second propagation path in the room K1 at the time of transmitting and receiving the new ultrasonic wave.

[0097] After performing the process of step ST57, the air conditioning control device 400 calculates the temperature of the room K1 based on the propagation time at the reference temperature and the newly calculated propagation time (step ST09), and controls the air conditioner based on the calculated temperature (step ST10). After performing the process of step ST10, the air conditioning control device 400 returns the process to step ST31 and causes the first transceiver 31 to transmit ultrasonic waves again.

[0098] As described above, the air conditioning control device 400 according to the fourth embodiment is configured such that the first transceiver 31 and the second transceiver 32 are capable of transmitting ultrasonic waves in a first direction and a second direction different from the first direction, the first transceiver 31 and the second transceiver 32 are capable of receiving ultrasonic waves transmitted from the first transceiver 31 in the first direction and ultrasonic waves transmitted from the second transceiver 32 in the second direction, the air temperature in the first propagation path of the ultrasonic waves transmitted in the first direction is calculated based on a first time until the first transceiver 31 receives the reflected wave of the ultrasonic waves transmitted in the first direction by the first transceiver 31, the air temperature in the second propagation path of the ultrasonic waves transmitted in the second direction is calculated based on a second time until the second transceiver 32 receives the reflected wave of the ultrasonic waves transmitted in the second direction by the second transceiver 32, and the air conditioner 10 is controlled based on the air temperature in the first propagation path and the air temperature in the second propagation path calculated by the room temperature calculation unit 406. Configured in this way, the air conditioning control device 400 according to the fourth embodiment calculates the temperatures along a plurality of different propagation paths and controls the air conditioner 10 based on the calculated results, so that even if the temperature distribution in the room K1 is uneven, it is possible to control the air conditioner 10 taking the temperature distribution into consideration. For example, the air conditioning control device 400 calculates the average value of the temperatures along a plurality of different propagation paths and controls the air conditioner 10 based on the calculated results.

[0099] 10, for example, in ultrasonic propagation paths A43 and A44 near a window M1, the temperature distribution in the room K1 may become uneven due to the influence of the outside air temperature transmitted through the window M and the influence of sunlight entering the room K1 through the window M. In such cases, the air conditioning control device 400 according to the fourth embodiment can control the direction of air sent out from the air conditioner 10 so that the temperature distribution in the room K1 becomes uniform, based on the calculation results of the temperatures in the multiple different propagation paths.

[0100] The first and second directions in which the ultrasonic waves are transmitted from the first transmitting / receiving unit and the second receiving unit are not limited to being parallel to each other, but may be different from each other, for example, the first and second directions may intersect each other.

[0101] Embodiment 5. Next, an air conditioning system 5 according to a fifth embodiment will be described with reference to Figures 12 to 14. The air conditioning system 5 according to the fifth embodiment is different from the air conditioning system according to the third embodiment in the configuration for enabling the direction in which ultrasonic waves are transmitted from the transmitting and receiving unit 30 to be changed and the configuration related to processing of the ultrasonic waves transmitted from the transmitting and receiving unit 30, but the other configurations are similar, and the same reference numerals and names are used for the same configurations as those in the third embodiment, and the description thereof will be omitted.

[0102] Fig. 12 is a schematic diagram showing an air conditioning system 5 according to embodiment 5. As shown in Fig. 12, the air conditioning system 5 according to embodiment 5 includes an air conditioner 10, a temperature sensor 20, a transmitting / receiving unit 30, an ultrasonic direction changer 50, and an air conditioning control device 500, and is configured such that the air conditioner 10, the temperature sensor 20, the transmitting / receiving unit 30, and the ultrasonic direction changer 50 are electrically connected to each other by wire or wirelessly so that they can communicate with each other.

[0103] The ultrasound direction changer 50 changes the direction of ultrasound waves transmitted from the transceiver 30. For example, when the transceiver 30 is rotatably supported around a specific imaginary axis, the ultrasound direction changer 50 has a drive source (not shown) that rotates the transceiver 30 around the imaginary axis, and changes the direction of ultrasound waves transmitted from the transceiver 30 by rotating the transceiver 30 using the drive source. Specifically, when the transceiver 30 is rotatably supported around an imaginary axis extending in the vertical direction, the ultrasound direction changer 50 changes the rotational position of the transceiver 30 by rotating the transceiver 30 around the imaginary axis using the drive source, thereby changing the direction of ultrasound waves transmitted from the transceiver 30 between a first direction toward wall surface W1 and a second direction toward wall surface W2.

[0104] Next, the configuration of the air conditioning control device 500 will be described with reference to Fig. 13. Fig. 13 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of an air conditioning system 5 according to embodiment 5. As shown in Fig. 13, the air conditioning control device 500 includes an ultrasonic wave transmitting unit 101, an ultrasonic wave receiving unit 102, a propagation time calculating unit 103, an ultrasonic wave direction control unit 504, a temperature measurement information acquiring unit 105, a room temperature calculating unit 506, an air conditioning control unit 107, and a memory unit 108.

[0105] The ultrasonic direction control unit 504 controls the direction of ultrasonic waves transmitted from the transceiver unit 30 by controlling the ultrasonic direction change unit 50. For example, the ultrasonic direction control unit 504 controls the direction of ultrasonic waves transmitted from the transceiver unit 30 by supplying power to the drive source of the ultrasonic direction change unit 50, transmitting a control signal to the ultrasonic direction change unit 50, or both. Specifically, the ultrasonic direction control unit 504 controls the direction of ultrasonic waves transmitted from the transceiver unit 30 so as to change the direction of ultrasonic waves transmitted from the transceiver unit 30 between a first direction toward the wall surface W1 and a second direction toward the wall surface W2 by controlling the ultrasonic direction change unit 50. Note that in the fifth embodiment, the propagation time of ultrasonic waves from when the ultrasonic waves are transmitted in the first direction by the transceiver unit 30 to when they are received by the transceiver unit 30 is also referred to as the first propagation time, and the propagation time of ultrasonic waves from when the ultrasonic waves are transmitted in the second direction by the transceiver unit 30 to when they are received by the transceiver unit 30 is also referred to as the second propagation time.

[0106] The room temperature calculation unit 506 calculates the air temperature in the propagation path of the ultrasonic waves in the room K1 based on the propagation time of the ultrasonic waves calculated by the propagation time calculation unit 103. For example, the room temperature calculation unit 506 calculates the air temperature in the propagation path of the ultrasonic waves at the time when the new ultrasonic waves are received from multiple directions by the transceiver unit 30 based on the information acquired from the temperature sensor 20 by the temperature information acquisition unit 105, the propagation times of the ultrasonic waves received from multiple directions by the transceiver unit 30 at the time when the information is acquired from the temperature sensor 20 by the temperature information acquisition unit 105, and the propagation times of the new ultrasonic waves received from multiple directions by the transceiver unit 30. In other words, the room temperature calculation unit 506 sets the air temperature indicated by the information acquired by the temperature measurement information acquisition unit 105 as the reference temperature, and calculates the air temperature in the propagation path of the ultrasound at the time when new ultrasound is received from multiple directions by the transmission / reception unit 30 based on the set reference temperature, the propagation time of the ultrasound received from multiple directions by the transmission / reception unit 30 at the time when information related to the reference temperature from the temperature sensor 20 is acquired by the temperature measurement information acquisition unit 105, and the propagation time of the new ultrasound received from multiple directions by the transmission / reception unit 30.

[0107] Specifically, the room temperature calculation unit 506 first sets the air temperature indicated by the information acquired by the temperature information acquisition unit 105 as a reference temperature, and calculates the average value of the first propagation time and the second propagation time at the time when the temperature information acquisition unit 105 acquires information from the temperature sensor 20 related to the reference temperature. Next, the room temperature calculation unit 506 calculates the average value of the first propagation time and the second propagation time of the new ultrasonic wave. Furthermore, the room temperature calculation unit 506 calculates the air temperature along the propagation path of the ultrasonic wave at the time when the new ultrasonic wave is received by the transmitter / receiver 30 from the direction opposite to the first direction and the direction opposite to the second direction, based on the set reference temperature, the average value of the first propagation time and the second propagation time at the time when the temperature information acquisition unit 105 acquires information from the temperature sensor 20 related to the reference temperature, and the average value of the first propagation time and the second propagation time of the new ultrasonic wave. The calculation formula used by the room temperature calculation unit 506 to calculate the air temperature is the same as that in the first embodiment, and therefore description thereof will be omitted.

[0108] The hardware configuration of the air conditioning control device 500 according to the fifth embodiment is similar to the hardware configuration of the air conditioning control device 100 according to the first embodiment, and therefore a description thereof will be omitted.

[0109] Next, the processing performed by the air conditioning control device 500 will be described with reference to Figs. 12 to 14. Fig. 14 is a flowchart showing the processing performed by the air conditioning control device 500 according to embodiment 5. Note that part of the processing performed by the air conditioning control device 500 according to embodiment 5 is similar to that performed by the air conditioning control device 100 according to embodiment 1, and therefore the same processes as those in embodiment 1 are denoted by the same reference numerals and will not be described again. After performing the processing of step ST01, the air conditioning control device 500 causes the transmitter / receiver 30 to transmit ultrasonic waves in a first direction (step ST61). For example, in order to calculate the propagation time of ultrasonic waves in the room K1 at the time when information related to the reference temperature is acquired from the temperature sensor 20, the transmitter / receiver 30 causes ultrasonic waves to be transmitted in the first direction along the propagation path A51.

[0110] After performing the process of step ST61, the air conditioning control device 500 causes the transmitter / receiver 30 to receive ultrasonic waves (step ST62). In this process, for example, the air conditioning control device 500 receives, by the transmitter / receiver 30, the reflected waves that are transmitted from the transmitter / receiver 30 in the first direction along the propagation path A51 in the process of step ST61 and are reflected by the wall surface W1 and propagated in the direction opposite to the first direction along the propagation path A52.

[0111] After performing the process of step ST62, the air conditioning control device 500 calculates a first propagation time (step ST63). In this process, the air conditioning control device 500 calculates the first propagation time, which is the total time of the propagation of the ultrasonic waves transmitted from the transmitting / receiving unit 30 in the process of step ST61 along the propagation path A51 and the propagation time of the reflected waves of the ultrasonic waves transmitted from the transmitting / receiving unit 30 in the process of step ST61 by the wall surface W1 along the propagation path A52.

[0112] After performing the process of step ST63, the air conditioning control device 500 causes the transmitter / receiver 30 to transmit ultrasonic waves in the second direction (step ST64). In this process, the air conditioning control device 500 causes the transmitter / receiver 30 to transmit ultrasonic waves in the second direction along the propagation path A53 in order to calculate the propagation time of the ultrasonic waves in the room K1 at the time when information related to the reference temperature is acquired from the temperature sensor 20, for example.

[0113] After performing the process of step ST64, the air conditioning control device 500 causes the transmitter / receiver 30 to receive ultrasonic waves (step ST65). In this process, for example, the air conditioning control device 500 receives, by the transmitter / receiver 30, the reflected waves that are transmitted from the transmitter / receiver 30 in the second direction along the propagation path A53 in the process of step ST64 and are reflected by the wall surface W2 and propagated in the direction opposite to the second direction along the propagation path A54.

[0114] After performing the processing of step ST65, the air conditioning control device 500 calculates a second propagation time (step ST66). In this processing, the air conditioning control device 500 calculates the second propagation time, which is the sum of the time it takes for the ultrasonic waves transmitted from the transceiver 30 in the processing of step ST64 to propagate along propagation path A53 and the propagation time it takes for the ultrasonic waves transmitted from the transceiver 30 in the processing of step ST64 to propagate along propagation path A54 after being reflected by wall surface W2. Note that the air conditioning control device 500 may be configured to perform the processing of step ST01, the processing of steps ST61 and ST62, and the processing of steps ST64 and ST65 in any order. However, it is desirable to perform each processing at times close to each other so that changes in the temperature of the room K1 and changes in the air flow in the room K1 can be negligible between the time when information from the temperature sensor 20 is acquired and the time when the ultrasonic waves transmitted from the transceiver 30 are received by the transceiver 30.

[0115] After performing the process of step ST66, the air conditioning control device 500 calculates the average value of the first propagation time and the second propagation time (step ST67). In this process, the air conditioning control device 500 calculates the average value of the propagation times of the ultrasonic waves along multiple different paths in the room K1.

[0116] After performing the process of step ST67, the air conditioning control device 500 stores the propagation time at the reference temperature (step ST05).

[0117] After performing the process of step ST05, the air conditioning control device 500 causes the transmitter / receiver 30 to transmit ultrasonic waves in a first direction (step ST71). In this process, the air conditioning control device 500 causes the transmitter / receiver 30 to transmit new ultrasonic waves in the first direction in order to calculate the air temperature in the room K1 at a time later than the process of step ST61.

[0118] After performing the process of step ST71, the air conditioning control device 500 causes the transmitter / receiver 30 to receive ultrasonic waves (step ST72). In this process, for example, the air conditioning control device 500 receives, by the transmitter / receiver 30, the reflected waves that are transmitted from the transmitter / receiver 30 in the first direction along the propagation path A51 in the process of step ST71 and are reflected by the wall surface W1 and propagate in the direction opposite to the first direction along the propagation path A52.

[0119] After performing the process of step ST72, the air conditioning control device 500 calculates a first propagation time (step ST73). In this process, the air conditioning control device 500 calculates the total time of the propagation of the new ultrasonic wave transmitted from the transmitting / receiving unit 30 in the process of step ST71 along the propagation path A51 and the propagation time of the wave reflected by the wall surface W1 of the new ultrasonic wave transmitted from the transmitting / receiving unit 30 in the process of step ST71 along the propagation path A52.

[0120] After performing the process of step ST73, the air conditioning control device 500 causes the transmitter / receiver 30 to transmit ultrasonic waves in the second direction (step ST74). In this process, the air conditioning control device 500 causes the transmitter / receiver 30 to transmit new ultrasonic waves in the second direction in order to calculate the air temperature in the room K1 at a time later than the process of step ST64.

[0121] After performing the processing of step ST74, the air conditioning control device 500 causes the transmitter / receiver 30 to receive ultrasonic waves (step ST75). In this processing, for example, the air conditioning control device 500 receives, by the transmitter / receiver 30, the reflected waves that are transmitted from the transmitter / receiver 30 in the second direction along the propagation path A53 in the processing of step ST74 and are reflected by the wall surface W2 and propagated in the direction opposite to the second direction along the propagation path A54.

[0122] After performing the process of step ST75, the air conditioning control device 500 calculates a second propagation time (step ST76). In this process, the air conditioning control device 500 calculates the total time of the propagation of the new ultrasonic wave transmitted from the transmitting / receiving unit 30 in the process of step ST74 along the propagation path A53 and the propagation time of the wave reflected by the wall surface W2 of the new ultrasonic wave transmitted from the transmitting / receiving unit 30 in the process of step ST74 along the propagation path A54.

[0123] After performing the process of step ST76, the air conditioning control device 500 calculates the average value of the first propagation time and the second propagation time (step ST77). In this process, the air conditioning control device 500 calculates the average value of the propagation times of new ultrasonic waves along multiple different paths in the room K1.

[0124] After performing the process of step ST77, the air conditioning control device 500 calculates the temperature of the room K1 based on the propagation time at the reference temperature and the newly calculated propagation time (step ST09), and controls the air conditioner based on the calculated temperature (step ST10). After performing the process of step ST10, the air conditioning control device 500 returns the process to step ST71 and causes the transmitter / receiver 30 to transmit ultrasonic waves again.

[0125] As described above, the air conditioning control device 500 according to the fifth embodiment is configured such that the transceiver 30 is capable of transmitting ultrasonic waves in a first direction and a second direction different from the first direction, and the transceiver 30 is capable of receiving ultrasonic waves transmitted in the first direction and ultrasonic waves transmitted in the second direction, and calculates the air temperature in the first propagation path of the ultrasonic waves transmitted in the first direction based on a first time until the transceiver 30 receives the reflected wave of the ultrasonic waves transmitted in the first direction by the transceiver 30, calculates the air temperature in the second propagation path of the ultrasonic waves transmitted in the second direction based on a second time until the transceiver 30 receives the reflected wave of the ultrasonic waves transmitted in the second direction by the transceiver 30, and controls the air conditioner 10 based on the air temperature in the first propagation path and the air temperature in the second propagation path calculated by the room temperature calculation unit 506. Configured in this manner, the air conditioning control device 500 of embodiment 5 calculates the air temperatures along multiple different propagation paths and controls the air conditioner 10 based on the calculated results, so that even if the air temperature distribution in the room K1 is uneven, it is possible to control the air conditioner 10 taking the air temperature distribution into consideration.

[0126] In addition, the present disclosure allows for free combination of the respective embodiments, modification of any of the components of the respective embodiments, or omission of any of the components of the respective embodiments. [Explanation of symbols]

[0127] 1, 2, 3, 4, 5: Air conditioning system 10:Air conditioner 11: Indoor unit 12: Duct 13:Air outlet 20: Temperature sensor 30: Transmitter / receiver 31: First transmitter / receiver 32: Second transmitter / receiver 50: Ultrasonic direction change unit 100, 200, 400, 500: Air conditioning control device 101, 201: Ultrasonic transmitter 102, 202: ultrasonic receiver 103, 203, 403: Propagation time calculation unit 105: Temperature measurement information acquisition unit 106, 206, 406, 506: Room temperature calculation section 107: Air conditioning control unit 108: Storage section 504: Ultrasonic direction control unit K1: Indoor S1: Ceiling W1, W2: Wall

Claims

1. a propagation time calculation unit that calculates a propagation time of an ultrasonic wave from when the ultrasonic wave is transmitted by a transmitting unit that is arranged in a room and transmits the ultrasonic wave until when the ultrasonic wave is received by a receiving unit that is also arranged in the room and receives the ultrasonic wave; a room temperature calculation unit that calculates the air temperature along the propagation path of the ultrasonic waves in the room based on the propagation time of the ultrasonic waves calculated by the propagation time calculation unit; an air conditioning control unit that controls an air conditioner based on the air temperature calculated by the room temperature calculation unit; An air conditioning control device characterized by:

2. The propagation time calculation unit calculates a propagation time of the ultrasonic wave from when the ultrasonic wave is transmitted by the transmitting unit, which is arranged in the room and transmits the ultrasonic wave in the horizontal direction, until when the ultrasonic wave is received by the receiving unit, which is also arranged in the room and receives the ultrasonic wave from the transmitting unit that has propagated in the horizontal direction.

2. The air conditioning control device according to claim 1.

3. the transmitting unit is a first transmitting / receiving unit that is arranged on a first wall surface of the room and transmits and receives ultrasonic waves, the receiving unit is a second transmitting / receiving unit that is disposed on a second wall surface that faces the first wall surface in the room and transmits and receives ultrasonic waves, The room temperature calculation unit calculates the air temperature in the propagation path based on an average value of a time from when the ultrasonic waves transmitted by the first transceiver unit are received by the second transceiver unit and a time from when the ultrasonic waves transmitted by the second transceiver unit are received by the first transceiver unit.

2. The air conditioning control device according to claim 1.

4. The room temperature calculation unit calculates the air temperature in the propagation path based on the time it takes for the ultrasonic waves transmitted in the horizontal direction by the transmitting unit arranged on the ceiling of the room to be received by the receiving unit arranged on the ceiling of the room.

2. The air conditioning control device according to claim 1.

5. the transmitter is capable of transmitting ultrasonic waves in a first direction and a second direction different from the first direction; the receiving unit is capable of receiving ultrasonic waves transmitted from the transmitting unit in the first direction and ultrasonic waves transmitted from the transmitting unit in the second direction, the room temperature calculation unit calculates the air temperature in a first propagation path of the ultrasonic waves transmitted in the first direction based on a first time until the receiving unit receives a reflected wave of the ultrasonic waves transmitted in the first direction by the transmitting unit, and calculates the air temperature in a second propagation path of the ultrasonic waves transmitted in the second direction based on a second time until the receiving unit receives a reflected wave of the ultrasonic waves transmitted in the second direction by the transmitting unit; The air conditioning control unit controls an air conditioner based on the air temperature in the first propagation path and the air temperature in the second propagation path calculated by the room temperature calculation unit.

2. The air conditioning control device according to claim 1.

6. a temperature information acquisition unit that acquires information from a temperature sensor that measures the indoor air temperature; The room temperature calculation unit calculates the air temperature on the propagation path at the time when the new ultrasonic wave is received by the receiving unit based on the information acquired from the temperature sensor by the temperature information acquisition unit, the propagation time of the ultrasonic wave received by the receiving unit at the time when the information is acquired from the temperature sensor by the temperature information acquisition unit, and the propagation time of the new ultrasonic wave received by the receiving unit.

2. The air conditioning control device according to claim 1.

7. The air conditioning control unit controls the temperature of air sent from the air conditioner into the room based on the air temperature calculated by the room temperature calculation unit.

7. The air conditioning control device according to claim 1, wherein the air conditioning control device is a control device for controlling an air conditioner.

8. The air conditioning control unit controls the direction of air blown from the air conditioner into the room based on the air temperature calculated by the room temperature calculation unit.

7. The air conditioning control device according to claim 1, wherein the air conditioning control device is a control device for controlling an air conditioner.

9. An air conditioning control method performed by an apparatus including a propagation time calculation unit, a room temperature calculation unit, and an air conditioning control unit, a step in which the propagation time calculation unit calculates a propagation time of an ultrasonic wave from when the ultrasonic wave is transmitted by a transmitting unit that is arranged in a room and transmits the ultrasonic wave until when the ultrasonic wave is received by a receiving unit that is arranged in the room and receives the ultrasonic wave; a step in which the room temperature calculation unit calculates the air temperature in the room along the propagation path of the ultrasonic wave based on the propagation time of the ultrasonic wave calculated by the propagation time calculation unit; the air conditioning control unit controls the air conditioner based on the air temperature calculated by the room temperature calculation unit. An air conditioning control method comprising:

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