Air conditioning control system

Abstract

This system provides an air conditioning control system that can create a comfortable environment for sleeping, even if one's lifestyle is not yet established. [Solution] The air conditioning control system comprises an air conditioning device (2) that adjusts the temperature of the bedroom, an action detection means (30, 31-35) that detects the actions of the resident after they return home, and a control means (11) that starts controlling the air conditioning device when it is determined that the resident has transitioned to a sleep preparation state based on a combination of multiple actions detected by the action detection means. For example, the control means can determine that the resident has transitioned to a sleep preparation state when the total score of the actions detected by the action detection means exceeds a predetermined value.

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] In summer, residents can cool the bedroom by starting the air conditioning equipment (such as an air conditioner) themselves in advance, and in winter, they can warm the bedroom by using the air conditioning equipment themselves in advance. Also, by using the timer function of the air conditioning equipment, it is possible to cool or warm the room before going to bed.

[0003] It is generally difficult for residents to go to bed immediately after returning home, and multiple actions such as cooking and taking a bath are performed between returning home and going to bed. From the perspective of determining the actions of residents, a post-return action determination system is disclosed in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2020-201773 (Patent Document 1).

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] People's lives vary from day to day, and the bedtime is often not constant due to early or late return times, or days when one wants to go to bed early. Therefore, when controlling the air conditioning equipment using the timer function, a comfortable bedroom environment can only be constructed at a specific time. Specifically, if the resident goes to bed earlier than the set time, it may not be possible to construct a comfortable environment, so it is necessary to change the timer function to construct a comfortable environment at bedtime. Also, the technology of Patent Document 1 is aimed at determining the actions of the person being monitored, and it is not disclosed to perform air conditioning control using the action determination result.

[0006] The present invention was made to solve the above-mentioned problems, and its purpose is to provide an air conditioning control system that can create a comfortable environment for sleeping, even when a person's lifestyle is not yet established. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] 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, an action detection means for detecting the actions of an occupant after returning home, and a control means for initiating control of the air conditioning device when it is determined that the occupant has transitioned to a sleep preparation state based on a combination of multiple actions detected by the action detection means.

[0008] Preferably, the air conditioning control system further includes a history data storage means that stores past bedtimes and transition times when the user transitioned to a bedtime preparation state in association with each other. In this case, it is desirable that the control means, when it determines that the user has transitioned to a bedtime preparation state, predicts the bedtime based on the past data stored in the history data storage means, and determines the control start time for the day from the predicted bedtime.

[0009] Preferably, the control means selects the operating mode of the air conditioning equipment based on the outdoor temperature.

[0010] Preferably, the air conditioning control system further includes a storage means that stores in advance the association between the types of actions performed after returning home and their scores. In this case, it is desirable that the control means include a determination means that determines that the person has transitioned to a sleep preparation state when the total score of the actions detected by the action detection means exceeds a predetermined value.

[0011] For example, the types of activities include three or more of the following: bathing, dimming lights, cooking, drinking alcohol, and brushing teeth.

[0012] More preferably, the determination means determines that the person has entered a sleep preparation state even if the change in the total score of the behaviors detected by the behavior detection means is greater than or equal to a predetermined value that is less than a predetermined value.

[0013] The historical data storage means may further store the type of behavior detected for each measurement day. In this case, when the control means determines that the user has transitioned to a sleep preparation state, it can predict the bedtime based on historical data where the type of behavior matches or is similar. [Effects of the Invention]

[0014] According to the present invention, it is possible to create a comfortable environment for sleeping, even if one's lifestyle is not yet established. [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 score table, (B) is a diagram showing an example of a control table, and (C) is a diagram showing a specific example of historical data. [Figure 4] This flowchart shows the operation of the air conditioning control system according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 5] (A) is a graph showing the progression of the total score when taking actions toward going to bed gradually after returning home, and (B) is a graph showing the progression of the total score when taking actions toward going to bed in a short time after returning home. [Figure 6] This figure shows a specific example of historical data in Modification 1 of the embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 7] (A) is a diagram showing a specific example of a database that stores the first historical data, and (B) is a diagram showing a specific example of a database that stores the second historical data. [Figure 8] This flowchart shows the operation of an air conditioning control system according to a modified example 1 of the present invention. [Figure 9](A) is a specific example of a database with a migration time after 22:00, and (B) is a specific example of a database with a migration time before 22:00.

Embodiments 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 description will not be repeated.

[0017] (Regarding the configuration) 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 living rooms such as a living-dining room 110, a kitchen 120, and bedrooms (private rooms) 130, and non-living rooms including a bathroom 141 and a washroom 142. 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 or the like. Also, 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, an action detection means 30 including a plurality of types of sensors 31 to 35, a bedtime sensor 41, an outside air temperature sensor 42, 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 behavior detection means 30 includes a bathing sensor 31 for detecting bathing, an illuminance sensor 32 for detecting the illuminance of the lighting in the living and dining room 110, a cooking sensor 33 for detecting that cooking has been done, a drinking sensor 34 for detecting that alcohol has been consumed, and a toothbrushing sensor 35 for detecting that teeth have been brushed. In the following description, each of the sensors 31 to 35 included in the behavior detection means 30 will also be referred to as a behavior sensor.

[0021] As shown in Figure 1, the bathing sensor 31 is installed, for example, near the entrance to the bathroom 141 to detect whether or not someone has entered the bathroom 141. The illuminance sensor 32 detects the illuminance (brightness) of the lighting installed on the ceiling of the living / dining room 110. The cooking sensor 33 may detect whether or not someone is staying in the kitchen 120, or it may detect the amount of power consumed by kitchen equipment (such as a stove or microwave oven). In the former case, if the time spent in the kitchen 120 exceeds a certain period of time, it is possible to detect that cooking has taken place.

[0022] The alcohol sensor 34 consists of, for example, an alcohol sensor installed on a table in the living / dining room 110. The toothbrushing sensor 35 detects, for example, whether or not the person is staying in front of the sink in the bathroom 142. In this case as well, if the time spent in front of the sink exceeds a certain period of time, it is possible to detect that the person has brushed their teeth.

[0023] The sleep sensor 41 is a sleep detection means for detecting when an occupant is asleep. The sleep sensor 41 may be installed, for example, near the entrance to the bedroom 130 to detect whether or not someone has entered the bedroom 130. The outside air temperature sensor 42 is installed outdoors to detect the outside air temperature.

[0024] 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.

[0025] The control device 1 is an information processing device including a processor 11 and a memory 12, and is connected by wire or wireless means to the air conditioning equipment 2, behavior sensors 31-35, sleep sensor 41, outside air temperature sensor 42, and operation terminal 5. The processor 11 functions as a control means for controlling the operation of the air conditioning equipment 2. The processor 11 determines whether or not the system has transitioned to a "sleep preparation state" based on a combination of multiple behaviors detected by the behavior detection means 30, and if it determines that the system has transitioned to this state, it starts controlling the air conditioning equipment 2.

[0026] "Preparation for bedtime" refers to a state in which several types of actions that can be taken between returning home and going to bed have been performed, and preparation for going to bed has progressed (to a certain extent). In this embodiment, each action is scored, and if the total score of the actions taken by the resident after returning home exceeds a predetermined value, it is determined that the resident has entered the preparation for bedtime. By scoring in this way, it is possible to easily determine whether or not the resident has entered the preparation for bedtime.

[0027] Memory 12 stores a score table that pre-associates the types of actions that may be taken after returning home with their corresponding scores, and a control table that pre-associates the outside temperature with the operating mode. An example of the score table is shown in Figure 3(A), and an example of the control table is shown in Figure 3(B).

[0028] The score table includes columns for activity content and score, with a score recorded for each activity content (type of activity). For example, the score is represented by a number from 1 to 5, with "bathing," "dimming (adjusting lighting)," and "drinking alcohol" recorded as "5," "cooking" as "3," and "brushing teeth" as "2." The scores for activity content are determined based on the resident's behavioral patterns before going to bed. Before the system is operational, the user (resident) may be allowed to input the score for each activity content themselves via the operation terminal 5. Furthermore, the score may be made updatable to accommodate changes in lifestyle.

[0029] The decision to transition to a sleep-ready state is made based on the total score. The threshold score for determining whether to transition to a sleep-ready state is set so that it cannot be reached by a single action alone; in the example above, for example, "7" is set. In other words, the threshold is set so that it can be reached by two or more actions. Furthermore, if the threshold is not reached just before going to sleep, it will not be possible to air-condition bedroom 130 at the appropriate time, so it is desirable that each score be set so that the threshold can be reached by four or fewer actions.

[0030] The control table includes columns for outside temperature, operating mode, and target temperature (the target temperature of the bedroom), and records the operating mode and target temperature according to the outside temperature. Although the indoor temperature can be detected by the temperature sensor installed in the air conditioning unit 2, an indoor temperature sensor may also be installed separately in the bedroom 130 (not shown).

[0031] The control device 1 is equipped with a history database (history data storage means) 13 that stores the past bedtimes of residents. Figure 3(C) shows a specific example of history data stored in the history database 13.

[0032] As shown in Figure 3(C), the history database 13 stores the bedtime and the transition time when the resident enters the bedtime preparation state (the time when the total score becomes 7 or higher) in association. The resident's bedtime is identified as the time of entry into the bedroom 130, which is obtained based on the detection signal from the bedtime sensor 41. Once the processor 11 identifies the bedtime, it records the transition time and bedtime, along with the measurement date, in the history database 13.

[0033] The processor 11 has a function to predict the bedtime based on past data stored in the history database 13 when it determines that the user has entered a bedtime preparation state. Based on the predicted bedtime, the processor 11 determines the control start time for the day, and when the control start time arrives, it starts operating the air conditioning equipment 2 in an operating mode corresponding to the outside air temperature. The control start time for the day can typically be determined as a predetermined time before the predicted bedtime. This predetermined time can be set, for example, between 20 and 60 minutes.

[0034] (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 started when a resident returns home. The resident's return home can be detected, for example, by a motion sensor (not shown) installed at the entrance. At the start of this process, it is assumed that past sleep data is recorded in the history database 13.

[0035] The processor 11 detects the behavior after returning home based on the signals obtained from each behavior sensor 31-35 (step S1). When any behavior is detected, it identifies the score of that behavior based on the control table and records it in internal memory.

[0036] If the total score of the detected actions is less than 7, action detection continues (NO in step S2). For example, if cooking is detected based on a signal from the cooking sensor 33 after returning home, a score of "3" corresponding to that action is recorded, and if drinking alcohol is detected based on a signal from the drinking sensor 34, a score of "5" corresponding to that action is recorded.

[0037] At the point when cooking is detected, the predetermined score has not been reached, and it is determined that the person has not yet entered the bedtime preparation state. Subsequently, when alcohol consumption is detected and the predetermined score is reached, it is determined that the person has entered the bedtime preparation state (YES in step S2). In this way, the transition to the bedtime preparation state is determined based on the condition that two or more actions have been taken after returning home.

[0038] When it determines that the user has transitioned to the sleep preparation state, the processor 11 predicts the bedtime for the day (step S3). Specifically, it predicts the bedtime based on the transition time to the sleep preparation state and the historical data stored in the history database 13. For example, the average time taken from past transition times to bedtime may be calculated (learned) for each time period of transition time, and the obtained time taken may be added to the transition time for the day to determine the bedtime for the day. The average time taken can be calculated using the average value or mode of past time taken. Alternatively, it may be calculated using machine learning.

[0039] When the bedtime is predicted, a predetermined time (for example, 30 minutes) before the predicted bedtime is determined as the control start time (step S4). The time (determined time) preceding the predicted bedtime may be fixed or may be defined for each transition time period.

[0040] Subsequently, when the current time becomes the control start time (Yes in step S5), control of the air conditioning unit 2 is started (step S6). This adjusts the temperature of the bedroom 130 before the predicted bedtime. At this time, the processor 11 selects the operating mode of the air conditioning unit 2 according to the current outdoor temperature obtained from the outdoor temperature sensor 42, and instructs the air conditioning unit 2 to operate in the selected operating mode.

[0041] Specifically, as shown in the control table in Figure 3(B), if the outside temperature is 25 degrees or higher, the air conditioner 2 is instructed to perform cooling operation at a set temperature corresponding to the outside temperature. If the outside temperature is 18 degrees or lower, the air conditioner 2 is instructed to perform heating operation at a predetermined set temperature. Similarly, a set temperature corresponding to the outside temperature may be set during heating operation. If the outside temperature is between 19 and 24 degrees, temperature adjustment in the bedroom 130 may be unnecessary.

[0042] In this way, a comfortable sleep environment can be created by air conditioning the bedroom 130 a predetermined time before the predicted bedtime. However, if the transition time is relatively late (for example, 11 PM), the control of the air conditioning unit 2 may be exceptionally started immediately (at the transition time). Furthermore, the time to go back can be predetermined for each combination of behaviors that triggered the transition to the bedtime preparation state.

[0043] When the sleep sensor 41 detects that an resident has gone to sleep (YES in step S7), the processor 11 records the current time as the bedtime in the history database 13 (step S8). At this time, the bedtime is recorded together with the time when the total score becomes 7 or more, i.e., the transition time. This allows the bedtime data for each day to be used to predict the bedtime for the next time and beyond.

[0044] As explained above, according to this embodiment, actions taken in preparation for going to sleep are scored, and when multiple actions taken by the resident in preparation for going to sleep are detected and the sum of the scores reaches a certain level (i.e., when the resident has entered the sleep preparation state), the air conditioning unit 2 is controlled. This makes it possible to control the air conditioning earlier even if the resident wants to go to sleep earlier than their usual bedtime, and to create a comfortable sleep environment even in cases where timer control may not be able to create a comfortable sleep environment. In this way, it is possible to create a comfortable environment at bedtime even if the resident's lifestyle is not yet established.

[0045] Furthermore, by recording the time when the total score exceeds a certain level and the actual bedtime together in the history database 13, it becomes possible to create an environment that works without problems even for people who habitually start their bedtime routine earlier after returning home. As a result, the system can accurately predict bedtime even when the user is taking steps toward going to bed, thus eliminating the need to cool or heat the bedroom 130 unnecessarily early, which can lead to savings on electricity bills.

[0046] (Variation 1) As mentioned above, in cases where the bedtime preparation state is determined solely based on the total score, there is a possibility that the temperature adjustment in bedroom 130 may not be completed in time, for example, on days when the resident returns home late and the time between returning home and going to bed is short. The graph in Figure 5(A) shows an image of the progression of the total score when the resident gradually takes actions toward going to bed after returning home, and the graph in Figure 5(B) shows an image of the progression of the total score when the resident takes actions toward going to bed in a short time after returning home. In the latter case, since the resident may enter bedroom 130 (go to bed) as soon as the total score reaches a predetermined value (for example, 7), there is a risk that sufficient time will not be secured for temperature control by the air conditioning unit 2.

[0047] Therefore, it is desirable to determine the bedtime preparation state by taking into account the rate of score increase (the amount of change in the total score per certain period of time). The method for determining this state is explained below. The rate of score increase is represented in the graph of Figure 5 as the "slope" of a straight line connecting the total score values ​​at regular intervals (for example, every hour) after returning home. In this modified example, the bedtime preparation state is determined not only when the total score exceeds a predetermined value, but also when the amount of change in the total score (slope) exceeds a specified value (a number less than the predetermined value). If the predetermined value is 7, the specified value can be, for example, 6.

[0048] A specific example of the historical data in this modified example is shown in Figure 6. The historical data includes the maximum slope, the time when the total score becomes 7 or higher, the time when the slope becomes 6 or higher (only on days when the slope becomes 6 or higher), the actual bedtime, and the total score, all recorded for each measurement day. If the maximum slope is less than a specified value, the bedtime is predicted using the time when the total score becomes 7 or higher and the actual bedtime (hereinafter referred to as "first historical data"), similar to the embodiment described above. However, if the maximum slope is equal to or greater than a specified value, the bedtime is predicted using the time when the slope becomes 6 or higher and the actual bedtime (hereinafter referred to as "second historical data"). For this reason, as shown in Figures 7(A) and (B), the database that stores the first historical data and the database that stores the second historical data may be separated. In other words, the historical database 13 (Figure 2) may be divided into multiple databases.

[0049] Figure 8 is a flowchart showing the operation of the air conditioning control system in Modification 1 of this embodiment. Note that for processes shown in Figure 8 that are the same as those shown in Figure 4, the same step numbers are used, and the explanation is not repeated.

[0050] In this modified version, if, after returning home, the total score is less than 7 (NO in step S2A) and the slope is less than 6 (NO in step S2B), behavior detection continues. If the total score becomes 7 or greater (YES in step S2A), it is determined that the person has entered a sleep preparation state, and the bedtime for the day is predicted using the first historical data (step S3A). Even if the total score is less than 7, if the slope of the total score becomes 6 or greater (YES in step S2B), it is determined that the person has entered a sleep preparation state, and the bedtime for the day is predicted using the second historical data (step S3B).

[0051] When predicting bedtime for the day using the second historical data, it is desirable to make the prediction based on the time period when the slope is 6 or higher (i.e., the time of transition to the bedtime preparation state). This is because the time required from the transition time to bedtime can differ significantly depending on whether the transition to bedtime preparation state occurs more than two hours before the usual bedtime or immediately before the usual bedtime.

[0052] For example, if the usual bedtime is around midnight, one could select the historical data to use for predicting the bedtime for the day based on whether the transition time is before or after 10 PM. Figure 9 shows an example of this second historical data segmentation. Figure 9(A) is a specific example of a database where the transition time is after 10 PM, and Figure 9(B) is a specific example of a database where the transition time is before 10 PM. In either case, the bedtime for the day can be predicted by adding the average time taken from past transition times to the current day's transition time. It is preferable to obtain the median average time taken.

[0053] This modified version makes it possible to more reliably create a comfortable environment for sleeping.

[0054] (Other variations) In this embodiment, the transition to a sleep-ready state is determined using a score assigned to each action. However, the transition to a sleep-ready state may also be determined if the detected combination of two or more actions falls within a predetermined combination pattern (for example, a pattern including bathing and brushing teeth). Alternatively, the transition to a sleep-ready state may be determined based on both the score and the type of action.

[0055] Furthermore, even when determining the transition to a bedtime preparation state using scores (total score, score slope), the type of detected behavior may be included in each historical data stored in the history database 13. In other words, the history database 13 may further store the type of detected behavior for each measurement day. By doing so, bedtime can be predicted based on historical data where the type of behavior matches or is similar, thus enabling accurate prediction of bedtime in accordance with the resident's behavioral patterns. Note that "similar types of behavior" means, for example, if three or more behaviors are detected, at least two of the behaviors, though not all, will match.

[0056] Furthermore, the system may also store the sequence of detected actions in each historical data entry and predict bedtime based on historical data where the sequence of actions matches or is similar. "Similar sequence of actions" means, for example, if three or more actions are detected, that at least two, if not all, of the actions match in sequence.

[0057] Furthermore, while it is desirable that the types of activities include three or more of the following: bathing, dimming lights, cooking, drinking alcohol, and brushing teeth, other types may also be included. The types of activities used to determine the state of readiness for sleep can also be entered in advance by the resident.

[0058] Furthermore, the processor 11 may have a function to update and change control parameters recorded in the control table based on feedback information obtained via the operation terminal 5. Specifically, it may display multiple options on the operation terminal 5 as the user's physical sensations while sleeping, such as "comfortable," "uncomfortable / hot," and "uncomfortable / cold," and receive feedback information from the occupant via the operation terminal 5. For example, if the feedback is "I felt hot," the set temperature corresponding to the outside temperature measured that day may be lowered by 1 degree.

[0059] Furthermore, although the example shown shows air conditioning equipment 2 as an air conditioner, it may also include other devices such as fans, heaters, dehumidifiers, and humidifiers. In this case, for example, the control table shown in Figure 3(B) can be pre-set to operate according to the outside air temperature.

[0060] 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.

[0061] 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]

[0062] 1: Control device, 2: Air conditioning equipment, 5: Operating terminal, 11: Processor, 12: Memory, 13: History database, 30 (31-35): Behavior detection means, 41: Sleeping sensor, 42: Outdoor temperature sensor, 100: House, 110: Living / dining room, 120: Kitchen, 130: Bedroom, 141: Bathroom, 142: Washroom.

Claims

1. Air conditioning equipment to adjust the temperature in the bedroom, A behavior detection means for detecting the actions of residents after they return home, An air conditioning control system comprising: a control means that starts controlling the air conditioning equipment when it is determined that the user has transitioned to a sleep preparation state based on a combination of multiple actions detected by the action detection means.

2. The system further includes a history data storage means that stores past bedtimes in association with transition times when the user entered the bedtime preparation state. The air conditioning control system according to claim 1, wherein the control means, when it determines that the state has transitioned to the bedtime preparation state, predicts the bedtime based on past data stored in the history data storage means, and determines the control start time for the day from the predicted bedtime.

3. The air conditioning control system according to claim 1, wherein the control means selects an operating mode for the air conditioning equipment based on the outdoor temperature.

4. Furthermore, it is equipped with a memory device that pre-associates and stores the types of actions performed after returning home with their corresponding scores. The air conditioning control system according to claim 1, wherein the control means includes a determination means that determines that the state has transitioned to the bedtime preparation state when the total score of the actions detected by the action detection means exceeds a predetermined value.

5. The air conditioning control system according to claim 4, wherein the types of actions include three or more of the following: bathing, adjusting the dimming of lights, cooking, drinking alcohol, and brushing teeth.

6. The air conditioning control system according to claim 4 or 5, wherein the determination means determines that the state has transitioned to the sleep preparation state even when the change in the total score of the actions detected by the action detection means becomes greater than or equal to a predetermined value less than the predetermined value.

7. The historical data storage means further stores the type of behavior detected for each measurement day. The air conditioning control system according to claim 2, wherein the control means determines that the person has entered the sleep preparation state and predicts the time to go to sleep based on historical data of matching or similar types of behavior.

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