Airflow control system and airflow control method

Abstract

This invention provides a ventilation control system that allows people to experience wind using structural components. [Solution] The airflow control system includes a control device that controls the air blower 50 to generate an airflow directed from the air blower 50 toward the table 20 located below the air blower 50. When the airflow hits the table 20, wind is generated directed toward at least one of the chest and neck of a person located around the structural member. The control device controls the air blower 50 so that the wind speed is within a predetermined range.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a ventilation control system and a ventilation control method.

Background Art

[0002] Various technologies for improving human comfort by ventilation have been proposed. Patent Document 1 discloses a ventilation device that can reliably blow air to users sitting at dining or work tables installed outdoors, and can improve comfort during outdoor dining, work, etc.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] The present invention provides a ventilation control system and the like that can make a person feel wind using a structural member.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0005] A ventilation control system according to an aspect of the present invention includes a control device that generates an air current from the ventilation device toward a structural member located below the ventilation device by controlling the ventilation device. When the air current hits the structural member, wind is generated toward a part including at least one of a person's chest and neck located around the structural member, and the control device controls the ventilation device so that the wind speed of the wind is within a predetermined range.

[0006] A blower control method according to one aspect of the present invention comprises a control device that controls a blower to generate an airflow directed from the blower to a structural member located below the blower, and the structural member, wherein the airflow hitting the structural member generates wind directed towards at least one of the chest and neck of a person located around the structural member, the control device controls the blower so that the wind speed is within a predetermined range, and the height of the surface of the structural member that is struck by the airflow and at least one of the inclination of the surface are variable.

[0007] A program according to one aspect of the present invention is a computer-operated airflow control method, comprising the step of controlling an airflow device to generate an airflow directed from the airflow device to a structural member located below the airflow device, wherein the airflow strikes the structural member, generating wind directed towards a part of a person located around the structural member, including at least one of the chest and neck, and the airflow control method further comprises the step of controlling the airflow device so that the wind speed of the wind is within a predetermined range. [Effects of the Invention]

[0008] A fan control system, etc., according to one aspect of the present invention, can make a person feel the wind by utilizing structural members. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0009] [Figure 1] Figure 1 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the airflow control system according to an embodiment. [Figure 2] Figure 2 shows the positional relationship between the table, the blower, and the person in the blower control system according to the embodiment. [Figure 3A] Figure 3A shows a modified example of the table shape (modification 1). [Figure 3B] Figure 3B shows a modified example of the table shape, part 2. [Figure 3C] Figure 3C shows a third modified example of the table's shape. [Figure 4]Figure 4 shows an example of a table with a convex structure. [Figure 5] Figure 5 shows an example of a table equipped with a guide structure. [Figure 6] Figure 6 shows the relative positions of the table and the blower when the blower generates an airflow directed towards the table from diagonally above. [Figure 7] Figure 7 is a flowchart showing an example of changing the operating mode. [Figure 8] Figure 8 is a flowchart showing an example of airflow control based on environmental information. [Figure 9] Figure 9 is a flowchart showing an example of airflow control according to a comfort index. [Figure 10] Figure 10 is a flowchart showing an example of fan control based on seasonal information. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0010] The embodiments will be described in detail below with reference to the drawings. Note that the embodiments described below are all comprehensive or specific examples. The numerical values, shapes, materials, components, arrangement positions and connection configurations of components, steps, and the order of steps shown in the following embodiments are examples only and are not intended to limit the present invention. Furthermore, components in the following embodiments that are not described in an independent claim will be described as optional components.

[0011] Please note that each figure is a schematic diagram and not necessarily a strictly accurate representation. Furthermore, in each figure, substantially identical components are denoted by the same reference numerals, and redundant explanations may be omitted or simplified.

[0012] (Embodiment) [composition] First, the configuration of the air blowing control system according to the embodiment will be described. FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the air blowing control system according to the embodiment. FIG. 2 is a diagram showing the positional relationship among the table 20, the air blowing device 50, and a person in the air blowing control system according to the embodiment.

[0013] The air blowing control system 10 is a system that can relax a person by generating an air flow directed toward at least one of the chest and neck of a person located around the table 20 (from the chest to around the neck of the person). The table 20 is an example of a structural member and can be rephrased as furniture or the like. The space where the table 20 is installed is, for example, an indoor space, but it may also be an outdoor space.

[0014] Specifically, the air blowing control system 10 causes the air blowing device 50 to generate an air flow from the air blowing device 50 toward the table 20 located below the air blowing device 50. As a result, the air flow hits the top surface 21 of the table 20, and the air travels along the top surface 21 toward the periphery of the table 20. That is, the air travels toward a person sitting on the chair 22 installed around the table 20. The heights of the table 20 and the chair 22 are adjusted so that the air travels from the chest to around the neck of the person.

[0015] The air blowing control system 10 includes an environmental sensor 30, a control device 40, an air blowing device 50, and a UI (User Interface) device 60. Note that the air blowing control system 10 may further include the table 20.

[0016] The environmental sensor 30 is a sensor that senses the environment around the table 20 and outputs environmental information as the sensing result. The environmental sensor 30 is a temperature sensor that measures the temperature around the table 20, but may also be a humidity sensor that measures the humidity around the table 20. Further, the air blowing control system 10 may include both a temperature sensor and a humidity sensor as the environmental sensor 30. The environmental sensor 30 may be provided by other devices included in the air blowing control system 10, for example, may be provided by the air blowing device 50. Note that the temperature around the user is, for example, room temperature, but may also be the outside air temperature.

[0017] The control device 40 controls the air blowing device 50 by transmitting a control signal to the air blowing device 50. The control device 40 is a dedicated device for the air blowing control system 10 (air blowing device 50), but may also be realized by installing a predetermined application program in a general-purpose portable terminal such as a personal computer or a tablet terminal. The control device 40 includes a communication unit 41, a control unit 42, and a storage unit 43.

[0018] The communication unit 41 is a communication module (communication circuit) for the control device 40 to communicate with the environmental sensor 30, the air blowing device 50, and the UI device 60. The communication performed by the communication unit 41 is, for example, wired communication, but may also be wireless communication. The communication standard used for communication is not particularly limited either.

[0019] The control unit 42 is realized by a processor or a microcomputer. The function of the control unit 42 is realized by the processor or microcomputer constituting the control unit 42 executing a computer program stored in the storage unit 43.

[0020] The storage unit 43 is a storage device that stores various information used by the control unit 42, such as the computer program executed by the control unit 42. Specifically, the storage unit 43 is realized by a semiconductor memory or the like.

[0021] The blower 50 generates a highly directional airflow from above the table 20 toward the table 20 based on a control signal received from the control device 40. The blower 50 is realized by a motor and a blower fan. More specifically, the blower 50 is a circulator or ceiling fan, and is installed on the ceiling or upper part of the wall in the space where the table 20 is installed.

[0022] The UI device 60 receives input from the user regarding setting the operating mode of the blower 50 and outputs sensory information indicating the desired sensory experience. The UI device 60 is a dedicated device having a touch panel or push buttons, but it may also be implemented by installing a predetermined application program on a general-purpose mobile terminal such as a personal computer or tablet terminal. The UI device 60 may also be implemented as part of the control device 40 (UI section).

[0023] [Features of the airflow control system] In the airflow control system 10, an airflow is generated from the blower 50, which is installed directly above the table 20, toward the center of the top surface 21 of the table 20. The direction of this airflow is, for example, perpendicular to the top surface 21 of the table 20. The top surface 21 is a plane that follows the horizontal plane, and in other words, the direction of the airflow is downward in the vertical direction. When the airflow hits the center of the top surface 21, a wind is generated that flows in all directions around the table 20 from the center (wind that follows the top surface 21).

[0024] This allows the airflow control system 10 to direct wind of roughly the same strength towards multiple people around the table 20. In other words, the airflow control system 10 can efficiently generate wind directed towards multiple people using a single air blower 50. In short, the airflow control system 10 can use the table 20 (structural member) to allow people to experience wind.

[0025] Furthermore, if the blower 50 were to generate an airflow directed directly at a person, it could potentially cause the person's eyes to dry out due to the airflow hitting their face, or result in uneven airflow between the chest and neck.

[0026] In contrast, the airflow control system 10 uses the top surface 21 of the table 20 as an airflow guide to narrow down the area of ​​the person being blown by the wind and to equalize the strength of the wind.

[0027] The heights of the table 20 and chair 22 are adjusted so that the airflow is directed towards a person's chest and neck. Specifically, the heights of the table 20 and chair 22 are adjusted so that a person's chest is approximately 20 cm above the top surface 21 of the table 20. Furthermore, since the chest and neck area is a part of the body that is easily affected by wind regardless of the season (clothing), airflow directed towards the chest and neck is considered suitable for relaxation during breaks. In other words, the airflow control system 10 can direct airflow to a person that is suitable for relaxation.

[0028] Furthermore, the wind speed directed towards a person must be within a predetermined range, neither too strong nor too weak. According to the inventors' research, this predetermined range is, for example, 0.2 m / s to 0.5 m / s. If the wind speed directed towards a person is within this predetermined range, a more relaxing breeze can be directed at the person. The wind speed directed towards a person is set (adjusted) to fall within the above predetermined range, for example, when the table 20 and the blower 50 are installed.

[0029] [Variations in table shape] The shape of the table 20 (top surface 21) in plan view is, for example, a circular shape close to a perfect circle, but is not limited to this shape. Figures 3A to 3C show modified shapes of the table 20.

[0030] Table 20a shown in Figure 3A has a rectangular shape in plan view, table 20b shown in Figure 3B has an elliptical shape in plan view, and table 20c shown in Figure 3C has a bean-shaped shape in plan view. Table 20 may employ shapes such as these, which have a longitudinal direction and a transverse direction in plan view.

[0031] For example, if the blower 50 generates an airflow directed from directly above toward the center C of the table 20a, the distance La1 from the center C to position a1 is longer than the distance La2 from the center C to position a2. Therefore, the wind speed at position a1 is considered to be weaker than the wind speed at position a2. In other words, it is possible to vary the wind speed.

[0032] Furthermore, when the blower 50 generates an airflow directed from directly above toward the center C of the table 20b, the distance Lb1 from the center C to position b1 is longer than the distance Lb2 from the center C to position b2. Therefore, the wind speed at position b1 is considered to be weaker than the wind speed at position b2. In other words, it is possible to vary the wind speed.

[0033] When the blower 50 generates an airflow directed from directly above toward the center C of the table 20c, the wind speed at each of the positions c1, c2, c3, and c4 can be varied because the distances Lc1, Lc2, Lc3, and Lc4 from the center C to positions c1, c2, c3, and c4 are different.

[0034] It is not essential that the blower 50 generates an airflow directed towards the center C in a plan view of the table 20; the blower 50 may generate an airflow directed from directly above a position other than the center C towards that position.

[0035] [Convex structure] Furthermore, the table 20 may have a convex structure. Figure 4 shows an example of a table having a convex structure, where Figure 4(a) is a plan view of the table 20d, and Figure 4(b) is a cross-sectional view of the table 20d along line BB in Figure 4(a).

[0036] As shown in Figure 4, the table 20d comprises a table body 23d and a plurality of convex structures 24d. In the example in Figure 4, the total number of convex structures 24d is three.

[0037] The convex structure 24d is a structure that protrudes upward from the top surface 21d of the table body 23d. Multiple convex structures 24d are arranged at intervals along the circumference of the table body 23d, which has a circular shape in plan view, and no convex structures 24d are provided in the area including the center C of the table body 23d.

[0038] As shown by the white arrow in Figure 4(a), when the blower 50 generates an airflow directed toward the center C in a plan view of the table 20d, the wind is directed toward the periphery of the table 20d from the areas where the convex structure 24d is not provided. In other words, the convex structure 24d functions as a windbreak.

[0039] With a table like this 20d, people who don't want to be exposed to the wind can sit in front of the convex structure 24d, and people who do want to be exposed to the wind can sit in front of the area where the convex structure 24d is not provided. Thus, people can choose whether or not to be exposed to the wind. In other words, people who do not want to be exposed to the wind and people who do want to be exposed to the wind can sit at the table 20d at the same time.

[0040] [Guide structure] Furthermore, the table 20 may also be equipped with a guide structure. Figure 5 shows an example of a table equipped with a guide structure. As shown in Figure 5, the table 20e comprises a table body 23e and a plurality of guide structures 25e.

[0041] The guide structure 25e is inclined at the periphery of the table body 23e in a direction that is upward relative to the top surface 21e, allowing air to be blown upward. With such a guide structure 25e, even with low-height tables 20e installed in hotel lobbies and lounges, air can be blown towards a person's chest and neck.

[0042] The guide structure 25e is provided in multiple locations at circumferential intervals around the periphery of the table body 23e, but it may also be provided around the entire periphery of the table body 23e. In other words, the table body 23e itself may be dish-shaped.

[0043] [Airflow from diagonally above towards the table] In the above embodiment, the direction of the airflow from the blower 50 toward each of the tables (hereinafter simply referred to as "table 20") was described as being perpendicular to the top surface 21 of the table 20, but it may also intersect the top surface 21 at an angle. Figure 6 shows the positional relationship between the table 20 and the blower 50 when the blower 50 generates an airflow toward the table 20 from diagonally above.

[0044] As shown in Figure 6, by intersecting the top surface 21 at an angle, it is possible to create areas (seats) with strong winds and areas with weak winds around the table 20. This allows people to choose their seats according to their preferences.

[0045] [Change operation mode] The blower 50 may perform steady-state blowing by generating a steady airflow, intermittent blowing by generating an intermittent airflow, or it may change the wind speed periodically or randomly. For example, the blower control system 10 is provided with a steady-state blowing mode, an intermittent blowing mode, and a fluctuation mode, and the user may switch between these operating modes by operating the UI device 60. Figure 7 is a flowchart showing an example of changing the operating mode.

[0046] The user performs an operation to select an operating mode on the UI device 60. Upon receiving the selection operation, the UI device 60 transmits operating mode information to the control device 40 to set the operating mode indicated by the selection operation.

[0047] The communication unit 41 of the control device 40 receives operating mode information, and the control unit 42 acquires the operating mode information (S11). The control unit 42 determines the operating mode indicated by the acquired operating mode information (S12). When the control unit 42 determines that the operating mode information indicates the steady-state airflow mode (steady-state airflow mode in S12), it uses the communication unit 41 to send a control signal to the air blower 50, thereby controlling the air blower 50 to the steady-state airflow mode (S13). In the steady-state airflow mode, the control unit 42 controls the air blower 50 so that the wind speed directed towards the person remains constant.

[0048] Furthermore, when the control unit 42 determines that the operating mode information indicates intermittent blowing mode (intermittent blowing mode in S12), it transmits a control signal to the blower 50 using the communication unit 41, thereby controlling the blower 50 to operate in intermittent blowing mode (S14). In intermittent blowing mode, the control unit 42 intermittently repeats the control to keep the wind speed directed towards the person constant, with periods of wind stopping in between. In other words, the control unit 42 intermittently stops the blowing by the blower 50.

[0049] When the control unit 42 determines that the operating mode information indicates a fluctuation mode (fluctuation mode in S12), it transmits a control signal to the blower 50 using the communication unit 41, thereby controlling the blower 50 in the fluctuation mode (S15). In the fluctuation mode, the control unit 42 controls the blower 50 so that the wind speed changes periodically or randomly. Note that the mode in which the wind speed changes periodically and the mode in which the wind speed changes randomly may be distinguished and selected as separate modes.

[0050] Thus, the blower 50 can perform steady-state ventilation by generating a steady airflow, intermittent ventilation by generating an intermittent airflow, or by periodically or randomly changing the wind speed. In any of these control methods, the relaxation effect is enhanced by controlling the wind speed directed towards the person to be between 0.2 m / s and 0.5 m / s.

[0051] [Airflow control based on environmental information] The control device 40 may acquire environmental information about the area around the table 20 and change the wind speed directed towards the person based on the acquired environmental information. Figure 8 is a flowchart showing an example of airflow control according to environmental information.

[0052] The communication unit 41 of the control device 40 receives environmental information from the environmental sensor 30, and the control unit 42 acquires the environmental information (S21). Based on the acquired environmental information, the control unit 42 controls the blower 50 by transmitting a control signal to the blower 50 using the communication unit 41 (S22). For example, if the environmental information is temperature information, the control unit 42 controls the blower 50 so that the wind speed increases as the temperature indicated by the acquired temperature information increases. Also, for example, if the environmental information is humidity information, the control unit 42 controls the blower 50 so that the wind speed increases as the humidity indicated by the acquired humidity information increases.

[0053] In this way, the fan control system 10 can improve comfort by changing the wind speed directed towards people based on environmental information. Furthermore, an environmental mode may be provided as one of the operating modes, which controls the wind speed based on environmental information.

[0054] [Airflow control based on comfort index] The control device 40 may acquire environmental information about the area around the table 20, calculate a comfort index based on the acquired environmental information, and change the wind speed directed towards the person based on the calculated comfort index. Figure 9 is a flowchart showing an example of airflow control according to the comfort index.

[0055] The communication unit 41 of the control device 40 receives environmental information from the environmental sensor 30, and the control unit 42 acquires the environmental information (S31). The control unit 42 calculates a comfort index based on the acquired environmental information (S32). The comfort index is, for example, PMV (Predicted Mean Vote).

[0056] The formula for calculating PMV is stored in the memory unit 43 in advance. In order to calculate PMV based on this formula, temperature, radiant temperature, humidity, wind speed, amount of clothing worn, activity level, metabolic rate, and external work are required. Of these, temperature and humidity are indicated by the environmental information acquired in step S31, and the radiant temperature is calculated from the temperature included in the environmental information based on a predetermined formula.

[0057] The wind speed can be determined by the control unit 42 managing (storing) the current wind speed of the blower 50 in the memory unit 43. Clothing amount, activity level, metabolic rate, and external work are pre-set as configuration information in the memory unit 43, for example.

[0058] Next, the control unit 42 controls the blower 50 by transmitting a control signal to the blower 50 using the communication unit 41 based on the calculated comfort index (S33). For example, if the comfort index value is within a predetermined range, the control unit 42 maintains the current wind speed. If the comfort index value is outside the predetermined range, the control unit 42 identifies the wind speed at which the comfort index value will be within the predetermined range from the above calculation formula, and controls the blower 50 so that the wind speed directed towards the person becomes the identified wind speed.

[0059] In this way, the fan control system 10 can improve comfort by changing the wind speed directed towards people based on a comfort index. Furthermore, one of the operating modes may be a comfort index mode in which the wind speed is controlled based on a comfort index.

[0060] [Airflow control according to the season] The control device 40 may acquire seasonal information and change the wind speed directed towards people based on the acquired seasonal information. Figure 10 is a flowchart showing an example of wind blowing control according to seasonal information.

[0061] The control unit 42 of the control device 40 acquires the current date information as seasonal information from the RTC (Real Time Clock) or other device provided by the control device 40 (S41). For example, if the current date is between December and February, it is determined to be winter; if it is between March and May, it is spring; if it is between June and August, it is summer; and if it is between September and November, it is autumn.

[0062] The control unit 42 controls the blower 50 by transmitting a control signal to the blower 50 using the communication unit 41 based on the acquired seasonal information (S42). For example, if the seasonal information indicates that the current season is spring or autumn, the control unit 42 causes the blower 50 to blow air at the standard wind speed. Also, if the seasonal information indicates that the current season is summer, the control unit 42 causes the blower 50 to blow air at a stronger wind speed than the standard. If the seasonal information indicates that the current season is winter, the control unit 42 causes the blower 50 to blow air at a weaker wind speed than the standard.

[0063] In this way, the fan control system 10 can improve comfort by changing the wind speed directed towards people based on seasonal information. Furthermore, a seasonal mode may be provided as one of the operating modes, which controls the wind speed based on seasonal information.

[0064] Furthermore, the control unit 42 may identify the season from the environmental information and change the wind speed based on the identified season. For example, if table information for identifying the season from the environmental information (information for converting environmental information into a season) is stored in the storage unit 43, the control unit 42 can identify the season based on the table information.

[0065] [Differentiation] In the above embodiment, the people positioned around the table 20 were seated in chairs 22, but the table 20 is a standing table, and the people positioned around the table 20 may be standing. In this case, the height of the table 20 is adjusted so that the wind blows on the chest and neck area of ​​the standing people.

[0066] Furthermore, in this specification, Table 20 may be read as Table 20a, Table 20b, Table 20c, Table 20d, or Table 20e.

[0067] Furthermore, each of tables 20, 20a, 20b, 20c, 20d, and 20e may have a variable tilt of its top surface and at least one of the height of its top surface from the ground.

[0068] For example, each of the above tables may be equipped with a mechanism for manually adjusting at least one of the tilt and height of the top surface. This allows the height of the top surface to be adjusted to suit the physique or posture of the person being exposed to the airflow, or the top surface to be tilted to adjust the airflow.

[0069] Furthermore, the table may change at least one of the tilt of its top surface and the height of its top surface from the ground based on control signals transmitted by the control device 40 or a control device dedicated to the table. In other words, the control device 40 or a control device dedicated to the table may control at least one of the tilt of its top surface and the height of its top surface from the ground.

[0070] In this case, at least one of the tilt of the top surface and the height of the top surface from the ground is controlled statically, but may also be controlled dynamically. For example, the table can generate fluctuations in airflow by changing (varying) at least one of the tilt of the top surface and the height of the top surface from the ground over time, based on control signals transmitted by the control device 40 or a control device dedicated to the table.

[0071] Furthermore, the airflow control system 10 may use structural members other than the table 20 to blow air toward people located around the structure. The airflow control system 10 may, for example, use dedicated structural members to blow air toward people located around the structure.

[0072] [Effects, etc.] The inventions derived from the disclosures in this specification include, for example, the following. The inventions derived from the disclosures in this specification will be described below, along with the effects obtained by such inventions.

[0073] Invention 1 is a fan control system 10 that includes a control device 40 that controls a fan 50 to generate an airflow from the fan 50 toward a structural member located below the fan 50, and when the airflow hits the structural member, wind is generated toward a part of a person located around the structural member, including at least one of the chest and neck, and the control device 40 controls the fan 50 so that the wind speed is within a predetermined range. Table 20 in the above embodiment is an example of a structural member.

[0074] Such a fan control system 10 can use structural members to allow people to experience wind.

[0075] Invention 2 is a ventilation control system 10 of Invention 1, wherein the structural member has a plane that aligns with the horizontal plane, the airflow is directed from the blower 50 toward the plane, and the wind is directed toward the parts of the person along the plane.

[0076] Such a ventilation control system 10 can make people feel the wind by utilizing the plane of the structural member.

[0077] Invention 3 is the airflow control system 10 of Invention 2, wherein the direction of the airflow is perpendicular to the plane.

[0078] Such a ventilation control system 10 can allow multiple people around a structural member to experience the feeling of wind.

[0079] Invention 4 is the airflow control system 10 of Invention 2, wherein the direction of the airflow intersects the plane at an angle.

[0080] Such a ventilation control system 10 can create areas with strong wind speeds and areas with weak wind speeds around the structural members. This allows people to choose a location according to their preference.

[0081] Invention 5 is a fan control system 10 according to any of Inventions 2 to 4, wherein the structural member has a convex structure that protrudes upward from a plane, and the wind is directed from the area where the convex structure is not provided towards the part of the person.

[0082] Such a ventilation control system 10 can provide areas (seats) around a structural member where wind blows out and areas where no wind blows out. This allows people to choose a place according to their preference.

[0083] Invention 6 is a fan control system 10 according to any of Inventions 2 to 5, wherein the structural member has a guide structure on the peripheral edge of the plane that is inclined in a direction upward from the plane, and the wind is directed along the guide structure towards the part of the person.

[0084] This type of airflow control system 10 can direct airflow from a person's chest to their neck by providing a guide structure on a low-height table 20.

[0085] Invention 7 is a blower control system 10 comprising a control device 40 that controls a blower 50 to generate an airflow directed from the blower 50 to a structural member located below the blower 50, and a structural member, wherein when the airflow hits the structural member, wind is generated directed toward at least one of the chest and neck of a person located around the structural member, the control device 40 controls the blower 50 so that the wind speed is within a predetermined range, and the structural member has a variable height and at least one of the inclination of the surface to which the airflow hits.

[0086] Such a blower control system 10 can change at least one of the height of the surface of the structural member that is struck by the airflow, and the inclination of the surface.

[0087] Invention 8 is a fan control system 10 according to any of Inventions 1 to 7, wherein the predetermined range is 0.2 m / s or more and 0.5 m / s or less.

[0088] Such a fan control system 10 can provide a person with a breeze that is suitable for relaxation.

[0089] Invention 9 is a fan control system 10 according to any of Inventions 1 to 8, wherein the control device 40 intermittently stops the airflow.

[0090] Such a fan control system 10 can intermittently stop the airflow.

[0091] Invention 10 is a fan control system 10 according to any of Inventions 1 to 9, wherein the control device 40 periodically changes the wind speed.

[0092] Such a fan control system 10 can periodically change the wind speed.

[0093] Invention 11 is a fan control system 10 according to any of Inventions 1 to 10, in which the control device 40 randomly changes the wind speed.

[0094] Such a fan control system 10 can randomly change the wind speed.

[0095] Invention 12 is a fan control system 10 according to any of Inventions 1-7 or 9-11, wherein the control device 40 acquires environmental information around the structural member and changes the wind speed based on the acquired environmental information.

[0096] Such a fan control system 10 can improve comfort by changing the wind speed directed towards people based on environmental information.

[0097] Invention 13 is a fan control system 10 of Invention 12, wherein the control device 40 calculates a comfort index based on acquired environmental information and changes the wind speed based on the calculated comfort index.

[0098] Such a fan control system 10 can improve comfort by changing the wind speed directed towards a person based on a comfort index.

[0099] Invention 14 is a fan control system 10 according to any of Invention 12, wherein the control device 40 identifies the season based on acquired environmental information and changes the wind speed based on the identified season.

[0100] Such a ventilation control system 10 can improve comfort by changing the wind speed directed towards people based on the season.

[0101] Invention 15 is a blower control system 10 according to any of Inventions 1 to 6 or 8 to 14, further comprising a blower 50 and structural members.

[0102] Such a blower control system 10 can be realized as a system comprising a control device 40, a blower 50, and structural members.

[0103] Invention 16 is a computer-operated airflow control method, comprising the step of controlling a blower 50 to generate an airflow directed from the blower 50 to a structural member located below the blower 50, wherein the airflow hitting the structural member generates wind directed towards a part of a person located around the structural member, including at least one of the chest and neck, and the airflow control method further comprises the step of controlling the blower 50 so that the wind speed is within a predetermined range.

[0104] This type of airflow control method utilizes structural components to allow people to experience the sensation of wind.

[0105] (Other embodiments) Although embodiments have been described above, the present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above.

[0106] For example, in the above embodiment, the airflow control system was implemented by multiple devices. When the airflow control system is implemented by multiple devices in this way, the components of the airflow control system (especially the functional components) may be distributed among the multiple devices in any manner.

[0107] Furthermore, the airflow control system may be implemented as a single device. For example, the airflow control system may be implemented as a single device equivalent to a control device.

[0108] Furthermore, the method of communication between devices in the above embodiment is not particularly limited. In addition, relay devices (such as gateway devices), which are not shown, may be involved in the communication between devices.

[0109] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, the processing performed by a specific processing unit may be performed by another processing unit. Also, the order of multiple processing units may be changed, or multiple processing units may be executed in parallel.

[0110] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, each component may be realized by executing a software program suitable for each component. Each component may also be realized by a program execution unit such as a CPU or processor reading and executing a software program recorded on a recording medium such as a hard disk or semiconductor memory.

[0111] Furthermore, each component may be implemented by hardware. For example, each component may be a circuit (or integrated circuit). These circuits may form a single circuit as a whole, or they may be separate circuits. Also, each of these circuits may be a general-purpose circuit or a dedicated circuit.

[0112] Furthermore, general or specific embodiments of the present invention may be implemented as a system, apparatus, method, integrated circuit, computer program, or recording medium such as a computer-readable CD-ROM. Alternatively, they may be implemented as any combination of a system, apparatus, method, integrated circuit, computer program, and recording medium.

[0113] For example, the present invention may be implemented as a control device as described in the above embodiment, or as a blower control method executed by a computer such as the blower control system (control device) as described in the above embodiment, or as a program (in other words, a computer program product) for causing a computer to execute a blower control method. Furthermore, the present invention may be implemented as a computer-readable non-temporary recording medium on which such a program is recorded.

[0114] Furthermore, the present invention also includes forms obtained by applying various modifications to each embodiment that a person skilled in the art could conceive, or forms realized by arbitrarily combining the components and functions of each embodiment without departing from the spirit of the present invention. [Explanation of symbols]

[0115] 10. Airflow control system 20, 20a~20e Table (structural component) 21, 21d, 21e Top surface 22 chairs 23d, 23e Table body 24d convex structure 25e Guide Structure 30 Environmental Sensors 40 Control device 41 Communications Department 42 Control Unit 43 Storage section 50 Blower 60 UI equipment

Claims

1. The system includes a control device that controls the blower to generate an airflow directed from the blower to a structural member located below the blower, When the aforementioned airflow strikes the structural member, it generates wind directed towards a part of a person located around the structural member, including at least one of the chest and neck. The control device controls the blower so that the wind speed is within a predetermined range. Airflow control system.

2. The structural member has a plane that aligns with the horizontal plane, The aforementioned airflow is directed from the blower toward the plane, The wind is directed along the plane towards the part of the person. The airflow control system according to claim 1.

3. The direction of the airflow is perpendicular to the plane. The airflow control system according to claim 2.

4. The direction of the airflow intersects the plane at an oblique angle. The airflow control system according to claim 2.

5. The structural member has a convex structure that protrudes upward from the plane, The wind is directed from the area where the convex structure is not provided towards the part of the person. The airflow control system according to claim 2.

6. The structural member is provided with a guide structure at the peripheral edge of the plane that is inclined in a direction upward from the plane, The wind is directed towards the part of the person along the guide structure. The airflow control system according to claim 2.

7. A control device that controls a blower to generate an airflow from the blower toward a structural member located below the blower, The structural member comprises, When the aforementioned airflow strikes the structural member, it generates wind directed towards a part of a person located around the structural member, including at least one of the chest and neck. The control device controls the blower so that the wind speed is within a predetermined range. The structural member is such that at least one of the height of the surface to which the airflow strikes and the inclination of the surface is variable. Airflow control system.

8. The predetermined range is 0.2 m / s or more and 0.5 m / s or less. A fan control system according to any one of claims 1 to 7.

9. The control device intermittently stops the wind. A fan control system according to any one of claims 1 to 7.

10. The control device periodically changes the wind speed. A fan control system according to any one of claims 1 to 7.

11. The control device randomly changes the wind speed. A fan control system according to any one of claims 1 to 7.

12. The control device acquires environmental information about the surroundings of the structural member and changes the wind speed based on the acquired environmental information. A fan control system according to any one of claims 1 to 7.

13. The control device calculates a comfort index based on the acquired environmental information and changes the wind speed based on the calculated comfort index. The airflow control system according to claim 12.

14. The control device identifies the season based on the acquired environmental information and changes the wind speed based on the identified season. The airflow control system according to claim 12.

15. moreover, The aforementioned blower and, The structural member comprises the aforementioned structural member A fan control system according to any one of claims 1 to 6.

16. A method of controlling airflow performed by a computer, The process includes the step of controlling a blower to generate an airflow from the blower toward a structural member located below the blower, When the aforementioned airflow strikes the structural member, it generates wind directed towards a part of a person located around the structural member, including at least one of the chest and neck. The aforementioned airflow control method further includes the step of controlling the air blower so that the wind speed of the air is within a predetermined range. Airflow control method.

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