Air conditioning control system

Abstract

To provide an air conditioning control system that can easily guide residents to a comfortable awakening. [Solution] The air conditioning control system comprises an air conditioning device (2) for adjusting the temperature of a bedroom, a storage means (12) for storing the predicted wake-up time of the resident, a measuring means (3) for measuring the skin temperature of the resident while they are sleeping in the bedroom, and a control means (11) for controlling the operation of the air conditioning device from a predetermined time before the predicted wake-up time stored in the storage means until the predicted wake-up time, so that the skin temperature measured by the measuring means becomes above a certain temperature.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an air conditioning control system, and particularly to an air conditioning control system for a bedroom.

Background Art

[0002] Air conditioning systems that create an optimal environment during sleep have been proposed conventionally. For example, Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication No. 2023-75723 (Patent Document 1) discloses an air conditioning system that performs air conditioning control according to an individual's sleep cycle at bedtime without the user manually operating it.

[0003] In addition, Japanese Patent No. 6067065 (Patent Document 2) discloses a sound sleep environment control system that determines the skin temperature at a stage before going to bed and controls the indoor environment to an optimal environment inside the bedding according to the skin temperature, enabling the user to fall asleep quickly.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Patent Document 2

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] As shown in FIG. 5, it is known that normally (when not air-conditioned), as a person falls asleep after going to bed, their core body temperature continues to drop and returns (rises) to near the original body temperature by the time of waking up. In summer, if the air conditioner is left on all night to reduce discomfort during sleep, many people cannot wake up refreshed because their body temperature does not rise. From this, it is considered necessary for a person to have a body temperature that has risen above a certain level at the time of waking up in order to wake up comfortably.

[0006] In Patent Document 1, air conditioning is controlled according to the sleep cycle, but since sleep duration varies from person to person, it is not guaranteed that one will wake up comfortably at the scheduled wake-up time. In Patent Document 2, when the skin temperature gradually rises as wake-up time approaches, it is determined that it is time to wake up and air conditioning control suitable for waking up is performed. However, if the air conditioner is run continuously all night, the skin temperature may not rise even in the morning, and air conditioning control suitable for waking up may not function.

[0007] This invention was made to solve the above-mentioned problems, and its objective is to provide an air conditioning control system that can easily induce a comfortable awakening for residents. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] An air conditioning control system according to a certain aspect of this invention comprises an air conditioning device for adjusting the temperature of a bedroom, a storage means for storing the predicted wake-up time of an occupant, a measuring means for measuring the skin temperature of an occupant sleeping in the bedroom, and a control means for controlling the operation of the air conditioning device from a predetermined time before the predicted wake-up time stored in the storage means to the predicted wake-up time, so that the skin temperature measured by the measuring means becomes above a certain temperature.

[0009] Preferably, the memory means stores the predicted wake-up time for each day of the week, and the control means controls the air conditioning equipment from a predetermined time before the predicted wake-up time corresponding to the day of the week.

[0010] Preferably, the air conditioning control system further includes a historical data storage means for storing past wake-up times of residents. In this case, a predicted wake-up time can be estimated (calculated) based on past wake-up times stored in the historical data storage means.

[0011] More preferably, the air conditioning control system further includes wake-up detection means for detecting when an occupant wakes up. In this case, the time at which the occupant wakes up based on the detection signal from the wake-up detection means can be stored as the wake-up time in the history data storage means.

[0012] Preferably, the memory means further stores control parameters for each day of the week, including the time preceding the predicted wake-up time, the airflow level of the air conditioner, and the temperature. In this case, it is desirable that the control means controls the air conditioner based on the control parameters corresponding to the day of the week.

[0013] The air conditioning control system may further include an operating means for receiving feedback information regarding comfort upon waking, and an updating means for updating and changing control parameters based on the feedback information. [Effects of the Invention]

[0014] According to the present invention, it is possible to induce a comfortable awakening for residents in a simple manner. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0015] [Figure 1] This is a floor plan showing a specific example of a house to which the air conditioning control system according to an embodiment of the present invention is applied. [Figure 2] This is a block diagram showing the configuration of an air conditioning control system according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 3] (A) is a diagram showing an example of a time table, and (B) is a diagram showing an example of a control table. [Figure 4] This flowchart shows the operation of the air conditioning control system according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 5] This graph shows the changes in body temperature and skin surface temperature during sleep. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0016] Embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. In the drawings, the same or corresponding parts are denoted by the same reference numerals, and their descriptions will not be repeated.

[0017] (Regarding the structure) Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, the configuration of the air conditioning control system according to the present embodiment will be described. FIG. 1 is a plan view showing a specific example of a house (for example, an apartment house) 100 to which the air conditioning control system according to the present embodiment is applied. FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the air conditioning control system according to the present embodiment.

[0018] The house 100 shown in FIG. 1 includes a plurality of rooms such as a living room 110 and a bedroom (private room) 130. In the present embodiment, the air conditioning control system according to the present embodiment controls the air conditioning equipment 2 installed in the bedroom 130. It is assumed that there is one occupant (user) who uses the bedroom 130. In the present embodiment, the "bedroom" may be any room used for sleeping, and may be a room that also serves as a living room. Further, it is not limited to a room surrounded by the walls of the house, and may be a partial space.

[0019] As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the air conditioning control system according to the present embodiment includes a control device 1 that controls the entire system, an air conditioning device 2, a skin temperature sensor 3, a wake-up sensor 4, and an operation terminal 5. The air conditioning device 2 includes at least an air conditioner (indoor unit) that adjusts the temperature of the bedroom 130.

[0020] The skin temperature sensor 3 is a measuring means for measuring the skin temperature of the occupant sleeping in the bedroom 130. The skin temperature sensor 3 may be, for example, a non-contact temperature sensor provided near the bed, or a contact-type temperature sensor attached to a part of the occupant's body (such as a fingertip). Alternatively, it may be a thermographic camera.

[0021] The wake-up sensor 4 is a wake-up detection means for detecting the wake-up of the occupant. The wake-up sensor 4 may be provided, for example, at the entrance and exit of the bedroom 130 to detect the presence or absence of leaving the bedroom 130.

[0022] The operating terminal 5 includes an operating unit that receives input from the user (resident) and a display unit that displays various information. The operating terminal 5 may be implemented, for example, by a dedicated display panel mounted on the wall of the bedroom 130, or by a mobile device (such as a smartphone) owned by the resident.

[0023] The control device 1 is an information processing device including a processor 11 and memory 12, and is connected by wire or wireless means to the air conditioning equipment 2, skin temperature sensor 3, wake-up sensor 4, and operating terminal 5. The processor 11 functions as a control means for controlling the operation of the air conditioning equipment 2.

[0024] The control device 1 includes a history database (history data storage means) 13 that stores the past wake-up times of residents. The resident's wake-up time can be determined based on the detection signal from the wake-up sensor 4. For example, the time when the resident leaves the bedroom 130 may be determined as the wake-up time. When the processor 11 determines the wake-up time, it records it in the history database 13 along with the measurement date.

[0025] Memory 12 stores a time table recording the predicted wake-up time for each day of the week, and a control table recording the control parameters for each day of the week. An example of the time table is shown in Figure 3(A), and an example of the control table is shown in Figure 3(B).

[0026] The time table includes columns for the day of the week and the predicted wake-up time, with the predicted wake-up time recorded for each day of the week. The predicted wake-up time is estimated (calculated) through learning, based on past wake-up times stored in the history database 13. It is desirable that the time table be updated regularly to accommodate changes in lifestyle.

[0027] The control table includes columns for the day of the week, the control start time, and the airflow level. For each day of the week, the control start time and airflow level (one of levels 1 through 5, for example) are recorded. The control start time represents the time counted back from the predicted wake-up time and corresponds to "ΔT" in Figure 5. Figure 3(B) shows an example where the default control start time (2 hours) and airflow level (level 2) are stored. The control start time can be set, for example, within a range of 1 hour to 2.5 hours.

[0028] After the resident goes to sleep, the processor 11 identifies the predicted wake-up time and control start time for the day of the week based on the predicted wake-up time stored in the time table and the control parameters stored in the control table. Then, from a predetermined time before the identified predicted wake-up time (control start time) until the predicted wake-up time, it controls the operation of the air conditioning equipment 2 at a identified airflow level. Specifically, at a time (i.e., the control start time) that is two hours prior to the predicted wake-up time corresponding to the day of the week (i.e., the control start time), it starts air conditioning control at a identified airflow level. At this time, the processor 11 controls the operation of the air conditioning equipment 2 so that the resident's skin temperature, as measured by the skin temperature sensor 3, remains above a certain temperature (e.g., 35.5°C) from the control start time until the predicted wake-up time.

[0029] The air conditioning control system according to this embodiment includes an operation terminal 5 as an operating means for receiving feedback information regarding comfort upon waking. It is desirable that the processor 11 has a function to update and change control parameters based on the feedback information obtained via the operation terminal 5.

[0030] (Regarding operation) The operation of the air conditioning control system will be explained with reference to Figure 4. Figure 4 is a flowchart showing the operation of the air conditioning control system according to this embodiment. The process shown in Figure 4 is executed by the processor 11 of the control device 1 at a predetermined time (e.g., 2 a.m.). The air conditioning unit 2 in the bedroom 130 is assumed to be in normal operation and not set to a timer. For ease of understanding, it is assumed that the airflow level during normal operation is "level 4". It is also assumed that past wake-up time data is recorded in the history database 13 and that the control parameters shown in Figure 3(B) are stored in the control table. At the start of this process, the predicted wake-up time does not need to be stored in the time table.

[0031] The control device 1 first learns past wake-up time data stored in the history database 13 for each day of the week (step S1), and determines the predicted wake-up time for each day of the week (step S2). For example, it learns using the most recent predetermined period of history data and calculates the predicted wake-up time using a known method. Specifically, the "predicted wake-up time" may be the average value of the wake-up times for each day of the week during the predetermined period, or the mode value during the predetermined period may be used as the "predicted wake-up time". Once the predicted wake-up time is determined, it is recorded (or updated) in the time table stored in the memory 12. As a result, the time table records the predicted wake-up times for each day of the week as shown in Figure 3(A). It is desirable that the determination of the predicted wake-up time for each day of the week be performed at regular intervals (for example, every month) and updated periodically.

[0032] Assuming the current day of the week is Monday, the processor 11 waits until a predetermined time (2 hours) before the predicted wake-up time (7 AM) on Monday (NO in step S3), based on the time table and control table. Then, when the control start time (5 AM) arrives (YES in step S3), it begins measuring the skin temperature of the sleeping resident in bedroom 130.

[0033] If the skin temperature detected by the skin temperature sensor 3 is below a certain temperature (for example, 35.5°C) (YES in step S4), the air conditioning unit 2 is controlled to raise the skin temperature (step S5). Specifically, based on the control table, the airflow level of the air conditioning unit 2 is changed to a level lower than the level during normal operation (level 4) (level 2). Alternatively, as another example, it may be changed to a temperature higher than the set temperature during normal operation. Thus, the control parameters stored in the control table only need to include the time (ΔT) preceding the predicted wake-up time, the airflow level of the air conditioning unit, and at least one of the temperature parameters.

[0034] If the skin temperature reaches a certain temperature (for example, 35.5°C) or higher due to the control of the air conditioning unit 2 (YES in step S6), the control of the air conditioning unit 2 is terminated (step S7).

[0035] In this way, by gradually reducing the air conditioning in bedroom 130 a predetermined time before the predicted wake-up time, the skin temperature can be slowly raised towards the predicted wake-up time. As a result, the body does not get too cold when waking up, allowing residents to wake up comfortably.

[0036] Subsequently, when the wake-up sensor 4 detects that the resident has woken up, the processor 11 records the current time as the wake-up time in the history database 13 (step S8).

[0037] Furthermore, the processor 11 controls the operation terminal 5 to display multiple options regarding the feeling upon waking, such as "comfortable," "uncomfortable / hot," and "uncomfortable / cold." When feedback information is received from the resident via the operation terminal 5 (YES in step S9), the processor 11 updates the control parameters accordingly (step S10). For example, if the feedback is "I felt hot," the processor 11 may adjust the control start time on the corresponding day of the week or increase the airflow level by one level.

[0038] As explained above, according to this embodiment, a predicted wake-up time is determined in accordance with the resident's lifestyle, and air conditioning control is performed based on the predicted wake-up time. Therefore, compared to air conditioning control that takes into account a typical sleep cycle, the resident's comfort can be improved. Furthermore, since the temperature environment of the bedroom 130 is set so that the resident's body temperature rises gradually, compared to typical timer control (which automatically turns off the air conditioning), discomfort due to a sudden rise in temperature in the bedroom 130 is avoided, leading to a comfortable awakening. In short, a comfortable awakening for the resident can be achieved in a simple manner.

[0039] Furthermore, since the days off vary depending on lifestyle (work style), by setting a predicted wake-up time for each day of the week and controlling the air conditioning accordingly, it is possible to provide comfortable air conditioning that is tailored to each individual's lifestyle.

[0040] (modified version) In this embodiment, a predicted wake-up time is set and stored for each day of the week, but a single predicted wake-up time common to all days of the week may also be set.

[0041] Furthermore, although the example shown shows that air conditioning equipment 2 is an air conditioner, it may also include other devices such as fans and dehumidifiers. In this case, for example, even if the airflow level in the control table shown in Figure 3(B) is set to the lowest level, if the user provides feedback indicating discomfort (feeling cold), the control parameter for the airflow level may be rewritten to indicate that the air conditioner should be turned off and the fan turned on.

[0042] Furthermore, although this embodiment describes an example of cooling bedroom 130 in the summer, the air conditioning control method according to this embodiment can also be applied to heating bedroom 130 in the winter. Even in winter, by controlling the air conditioning so that body temperature gradually rises towards the predicted wake-up time, residents can wake up comfortably throughout the year.

[0043] Furthermore, although this embodiment shows an example where the bedroom 130 is a living room in a residence (apartment building), it is not limited to such an example, and may also be a private room in a facility used by an individual for a long period of time.

[0044] The embodiments disclosed herein should be considered in all respects to be illustrative and not restrictive. The scope of the present invention is indicated by the claims rather than by the foregoing description, and all modifications within the meaning and scope equivalent to the claims are intended to be included. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0045] 1: Control device, 2: Air conditioning equipment, 3: Skin temperature sensor, 4: Wake-up sensor, 5: Operating terminal, 11: Processor, 12: Memory, 13: History database, 100: House, 130: Bedroom.

Claims

1. Air conditioning equipment to adjust the temperature in the bedroom, A memory device for storing the predicted wake-up time of residents, A measuring means for measuring the skin temperature of a resident sleeping in the aforementioned bedroom, An air conditioning control system comprising: a control means for controlling the operation of the air conditioning equipment so that the skin temperature measured by the measurement means becomes above a certain temperature from a predetermined time before the predicted wake-up time stored in the storage means to the predicted wake-up time.

2. The aforementioned storage means stores the predicted wake-up time for each day of the week. The air conditioning control system according to claim 1, wherein the control means controls the air conditioning equipment from a predetermined time before the predicted wake-up time according to the day of the week.

3. It further includes a historical data storage means that stores the past wake-up times of residents, The air conditioning control system according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the predicted wake-up time stored in the storage means is a time estimated based on past wake-up times stored in the history data storage means.

4. It further includes a wake-up detection means for detecting when a resident wakes up, The air conditioning control system according to claim 3, wherein the time at which waking is detected based on the detection signal from the wake-up detection means is stored as the wake-up time in the history data storage means.

5. The storage means further stores control parameters for each day of the week, including the time preceding the predicted wake-up time, the airflow level of the air conditioning equipment, and the temperature. The air conditioning control system according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the control means controls the air conditioning equipment based on the control parameters corresponding to the day of the week.

6. An operating means for receiving feedback information regarding comfort upon waking, The air conditioning control system according to claim 5, further comprising update means for updating and changing the control parameters based on the feedback information.

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